Keen On America
Andrew Keen
Nobody asks sharper or more impertinent questions than Andrew Keen. In KEEN ON, Andrew cross-examines the world’s smartest people on politics, economics, history, the environment, and tech. If you want to make sense of our complex world, check out the daily questions and the answers on KEEN ON.
Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best-known technology and politics broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running show How To Fix Democracy and the author of four critically acclaimed books about the future, including the international bestselling CULT OF THE AMATEUR.
Keen On is free to listen to and will remain so. If you want to stay up-to-date on new episodes and support the show please subscribe to Andrew Keen’s Substack. Paid subscribers will soon be able to access exclusive content from our new series Keen On America. keenon.substack.com
Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best-known technology and politics broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running show How To Fix Democracy and the author of four critically acclaimed books about the future, including the international bestselling CULT OF THE AMATEUR.
Keen On is free to listen to and will remain so. If you want to stay up-to-date on new episodes and support the show please subscribe to Andrew Keen’s Substack. Paid subscribers will soon be able to access exclusive content from our new series Keen On America. keenon.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 9, 2025 • 30min
The Week AI Began to Act: The Dawn of an AI Stone Age in Which Machines Have Their Own Tools
In this chat with Keith Teare, a tech investor and publisher of That Was the Week, the discussion pivots around AI entering its 'Stone Age.' Teare argues that AI is no longer just a tool but has become an independent actor, capable of autonomously using databases and spreadsheets. He delves into OpenAI's staggering valuation surge, likening it to historical tech shifts. The conversation also touches on AI's impact on consulting firms, and its potential role in reshaping creativity and publishing, hinting at both promise and peril in this transformative landscape.
Aug 8, 2025 • 47min
Trump's Hot Summer of Disorder: How Short-Term Chaos is America's Long-Term Global Strategy
Jason Pack, host of the Disorder podcast and expert on global disarray, discusses Trump's chaotic yet seemingly strategic impact on international relations. He argues that while Trump's disruptions yield tactical successes—like influencing trade and military actions—they undermine essential global cooperation. Pack warns of the dangers posed by a disordered world where tech giants might outpace governments. He highlights the need for cohesive frameworks to tackle crises, such as AI regulation and climate change, before we spiral into an apocalyptic future.
5 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 47min
Why Julius Caesar was anything but Trumpian: How Rome's 'Dictator' Actually Saved Roman Democracy
David Potter, a renowned American classicist and historian, debunks the prevailing myth that Julius Caesar was a tyrant akin to Donald Trump. He argues that Caesar was actually a proponent of democracy, reminiscent of FDR, with his social reforms aimed at helping the Roman populace. Potter highlights that the real failure of Roman democracy stemmed from elite power concentration, rather than Caesar's rise. By reframing Caesar's legacy, he encourages modern politicians to learn from Rome's history to fortify democratic values in today's populist climate.
Aug 6, 2025 • 38min
The Resurrection of God: Why Europe's Bestselling Science Book Proves Materialism is Dead
Michel-Yves Bollore, co-author of the bestselling book 'God, the Science, the Evidence,' discusses the remarkable shift in science’s view of God. He argues that modern discoveries—from thermodynamics to quantum mechanics—reinforce the idea of a creator. Bollore outlines seven compelling lines of evidence suggesting the universe had an absolute beginning, challenging materialism's hold in the 21st century. The conversation also explores the philosophical implications of this evidence, urging a re-evaluation of the intersection between science and spirituality.
Aug 5, 2025 • 42min
Why Reports on the Death of the American Dream are Greatly Exaggerated
Join Mark Matson, CEO of Matson Money and author of Experiencing the American Dream, as he shares his inspiring journey from poverty to leading an $11.7 billion firm. He argues that the American Dream is alive and requires hard work and a mindset shift. Matson rejects victim mentality, emphasizing the importance of service over self-interest and viewing hard work as a virtue, not just a means to wealth. He also critiques entitlement culture and champions personal responsibility, proving that perseverance can lead to prosperity.
Aug 4, 2025 • 44min
Why Podcasts Are Ruining Our Lives: On the Insidious Charm of Chat
Liel Leibovitz, editor-at-large at Tablet magazine and a former podcaster, critiques the podcasting landscape, arguing it has devolved into shallow journalism. He discusses how podcasts create dangerous parasocial relationships, fostering faux intimacy without substance. Leibovitz laments the missed opportunities for meaningful discourse and calls for a revival of authentic conversations. He explores the transformative impact of AI on storytelling and the state of intellectual freedom in academia, urging a return to vibrant exchanges of ideas.
Aug 3, 2025 • 50min
The Chinese Communist School of Hard Knocks: How Xi Jinping's Father Shaped China's Current Tough Guy Leader
Joseph Torigian, a political science professor and Xi Jinping's father's biographer, reveals the harsh realities that shaped China’s current leader. He discusses Xi’s genuine toughness forged through adversity, contrasting it with more performative leadership styles. Torigian also examines how Xi’s upbringing affects his governance, the evolution of China's ethnic policies under Xi, and the dangerous leader-dependence of the political system. The interplay of loyalty, suffering, and historical legacy provides a deeper understanding of modern Chinese power dynamics.
Aug 2, 2025 • 36min
Going Soft on China: Is Xi Jinping really a Competitor, not an Enemy, of the United States?
In this engaging discussion, guest Diane Francis, a Toronto-based foreign affairs writer and author of 'Merger of the Century', argues why the U.S. should view Xi Jinping’s China as a competitor rather than an enemy, contrasting it sharply with Putin’s Russia, which she perceives as a malevolent threat. Francis highlights the implications of American isolationism, mentioning how past interventions have shaped current foreign policy. She paints an intriguing picture of geopolitical dynamics, raising questions about national identity and the evolving nature of global competition.
Aug 1, 2025 • 44min
Tech Insider Claims OpenAI Will Be Worth $10 Trillion: Has Silicon Valley Finally Gone Totally Bonkers?
Join Keith Teare, publisher of That Was The Week, as he boldly predicts OpenAI could reach a staggering $10 trillion valuation, with Anthropic close behind at $5 trillion. The discussion delves into the absurdity of these numbers in today's market, reminiscent of the 90s dot-com bubble. They also highlight the shift from traditional Google search to AI-driven alternatives, intensifying competition. Plus, explore how San Francisco's booming AI scene is reshaping the tech landscape and driving real estate prices sky high.
Jul 31, 2025 • 42min
Can Democrats Really Pull a Reagan? How the GOP's 1980 Playbook Could Work for Progressives in 2028
Peter Wehner, a writer and former speechwriter for President Bush, and Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, discuss how Democrats can reclaim the presidency in 2028. They emphasize the importance of moving away from anti-Trump rhetoric towards a positive agenda focused on prosperity. With the GOP's shift towards scarcity politics, Democrats have a chance to take ownership of the American Dream. The conversation also highlights the influence of outsider candidates and the need for a messaging genius akin to Reagan's to drive their revival.
