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
May 6, 2024 • 44min
Episode 2055: Michael Ignatieff on a history of his privileges
Historian Michael Ignatieff discusses the privileges of his generation and their impact on today's polycrisis. He acknowledges their responsibility for societal imbalances and wealth accumulation. Reflects on generational wealth transfer, societal changes, and personal failures. Explores the legacy of his generation, including political activism and climate action, emphasizing the need for positive change.
May 5, 2024 • 34min
Episode 2054: Keith Teare follows the money of the online creative economy
Keith Teare talks about the challenges faced by online creatives in making money, highlighting the dominance of big tech players in the AI revolution. The podcast explores the potential of AI to create single-person billionaire companies and discusses the impact on the creative economy. The conversation also touches on the acquisition of HashiCorp by IBM, income generation disparaties, and the relationship between OpenAI, Microsoft, and Peloton.
May 4, 2024 • 42min
Episode 2053: Vince Houghton on how the Cold War transformed Miami into America's most Covert City
Vince Houghton, Cold War expert, discusses Miami's covert role in the Cold War. Highlights include Cuban Missile Crisis, Miami's espionage legacy, and its ties to historical events like Watergate. Reveals city's strategic value for military operations and as a hub for international intrigue.
May 3, 2024 • 38min
Episode 2052: Bryan Caplan on the economic and philosophical case for the radical deregulation of the housing industry
Libertarian economist Bryan Caplan discusses the need for radical deregulation in the housing industry, focusing on the housing crisis in cities like San Francisco. He argues for increased housing supply and critiques the impact of housing regulations on homelessness rates. Caplan emphasizes the importance of making complex economic topics engaging through visual storytelling, while also addressing the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in real estate development. The podcast delves into the adverse effects of rent control on the housing market and advocates for a more accessible and affordable housing industry.
May 2, 2024 • 38min
Episode 2051: Mohamed Amer Meziane offers an ecological and racial history of seculization
Mohamed Amer Meziane challenges the link between Western Christendom and imperialism in his book. He discusses the intersection of climate crisis, secularization, and racial dynamics in history, highlighting aspects of extractivism, capitalism, and the impact on global South countries. The conversation explores the ecological and racial history of secularization, drawing parallels between modern states in Europe and the disenchantment of the earth due to colonialism.
May 1, 2024 • 39min
Episode 250: Andrew J Scott on why we should care about old people
Andrew J Scott, an expert on longevity economics, discusses the importance of caring for old people and building a better society for longer, healthier lives. Topics include the intersection of social class and aging, malleability of aging, navigating generational shifts, shifting perceptions of aging, and promoting healthy aging and longevity.
May 1, 2024 • 51min
Episode 2049: KEEN ON AMERICA featuring Samyr Laine
Samyr Laine, a Haitian-American Olympian, entrepreneur, and investor, discusses his journey from competing in the London 2012 Olympics to his current roles in sports and entertainment. He shares insights on navigating dual identities, the immigrant experience, and the impact of discrimination. The conversation also touches on childhood curiosity, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the positives and negatives of celebrity culture.
Apr 30, 2024 • 45min
Episode 2048: Tobias Buck on the Holocaust on Trial in the 21st Century
Author Tobias Buck discusses his book on the Holocaust trials in the 21st century, highlighting the subtle and non-routine approach to the topic. The podcast explores the significance of portraying the Holocaust accurately, delves into personal family histories with Nazi connections, and discusses the roles of ordinary individuals in historical atrocities. It also analyzes motivations and psychological factors at Auschwitz, evolving discourse on Holocaust remembrance, and Germany's complex memory culture of the Holocaust.
Apr 29, 2024 • 40min
Episode 2047: Elisa New on Poetry in America
Elisa New, Harvard academic and host of Poetry in America, brings poetry into homes of millions through her PBS series featuring conversations with Joe Biden, Herbie Hancock, Gloria Estefan, and more. They discuss the significance of American poetry, diverse voices, energy in poems, and living poetically in daily life.
Apr 28, 2024 • 37min
Episode 2046: David Faris on why American kids are all left these days
David Faris, author of THE KIDS ARE ALL LEFT, discusses the generational divide in American politics, predicting a civil peace as young voters lean left. He explores the progressive activism of American kids, potential unity in the future, and challenges Biden faces in appealing to this demographic.
