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
Sep 4, 2025 • 44min
The World's Worst Bet: How America Gambled Dumbly on Globalization and Lost
David J Lynch, a Washington Post financial writer and author of The World’s Worst Bet, discusses how America foolishly gambled on globalization and lost. He highlights the devastating impact on displaced workers and the failure of political promises to support them. Lynch argues that both Trump’s tariffs and Biden’s policies address outdated issues while advocating for new labor market solutions like wage insurance and better safety nets. He explores how globalization fueled discontent, reshaping the political landscape and leaving communities in economic turmoil.
Sep 3, 2025 • 42min
Demystify Science and Humanize Scientists: How to Rebuild Scientific Trust in our Angry MAHA Times
Alan Lightman, an MIT physicist and acclaimed author, advocates for restoring trust in science by demystifying it and humanizing scientists. He highlights how Einstein’s 'naive' questioning propelled scientific breakthroughs and explores how current populist movements fuel mistrust in elite establishments. Lightman urges that critical scientific thinking should belong to everyone, not just experts, suggesting that wonder in inquiry is essential for scientific progress. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and public engagement in rebuilding trust.
Sep 3, 2025 • 46min
From Borges to Brain Scans: How our Minds Invent Reality
In this enlightening discussion, Daniel Yon, a British neuroscientist and psychologist at Birkbeck College, shares insights from his book, 'A Trick of the Mind'. He reveals how our brains act like scientists, actively constructing realities instead of merely recording them. The conversation explores the impact of biases on rationality, the meeting point of human cognition and AI, and how psychedelics can alter our perception. Yon also examines the spectrum of mental health, emphasizing the intricacies of how we experience reality.
Sep 2, 2025 • 40min
The Hypocrisy of Trump's War on Universities: How Wealthy Families Game the College Admission Process
Beverly Daniel Tatum, former president of Mount Holyoke and Spelman Colleges and author of 'Peril and Promise', exposes the hypocrisy in Trump’s stance on college admissions. She argues that wealthy families manipulate the system, benefiting far more than any diversity initiatives aimed at equity. Tatum shares her controversial shift from NCAA athletics to wellness programs at Spelman, critiques financial priorities in higher education, and discusses AI's potential to reshape college costs and teaching methods.
Sep 1, 2025 • 38min
Borders are Back, Baby: From Trump and Transylvania to Brexit and Bolivia's Navy
Jonn Elledge, author of A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders, dives into the resurgence of borders in today's political landscape. He argues that nationalism is on the rise, partly due to economic stagnation since 2016, which complicates migration and resource distribution. The discussion traverses odd borders, from Kaliningrad's complex history to Bolivia’s unique naval status despite being landlocked. Elledge reveals how maps influence leaders’ decisions and reflects on the challenges of global collaboration in a newly territorial world.
Aug 31, 2025 • 46min
Beware of another Silicon Valley Win-Win-Win: Can users, publishers and tech companies really all benefit from the AI revolution?
Keith Teare, a tech entrepreneur and investor known for his newsletter on technology and media, discusses the controversial narrative of a 'win-win-win' scenario among users, publishers, and tech companies in the AI revolution. He examines the ethics of AI access to publisher content, highlighting tensions between leaders like Garry Tan and Martin Casado. Teare remains optimistic about shared benefits amidst challenges, prompting debates on monetization strategies, trust in AI, and the dynamics of evolving publishing landscapes.
Aug 30, 2025 • 48min
Every Day, Computers are Making People Easier to Use: The Return of IN FORMATION
David Temkin, founder and editor of IN FORMATION magazine, dives deep into the evolving narrative of technology. He discusses how the power dynamic has shifted from empowering users to manipulating them, showcasing the addictive nature of modern tech. Temkin predicts AI will follow historical tech trends, likely facing crashes before mainstream adoption. He also reflects on the revival of print media in a digital age and the need for critical perspectives in tech discourse, questioning AI’s socio-economic implications and its potential risks.
Aug 30, 2025 • 33min
Is Roman Polanski really worth defending?
In this thought-provoking discussion, writer Charles Taylor, known for his insights in Liberties Quarterly, dives into the thorny issue of defending Roman Polanski's art despite his criminal past. He argues for evaluating Polanski’s work purely on its artistic merit, even as he grapples with how the filmmaker’s own narrative parallels the historical Dreyfus Affair. Taylor challenges the audience to consider the complicated relationship between personal misconduct and creative genius, raising essential questions about art, morality, and societal judgments.
Aug 29, 2025 • 48min
How Parents Have Become the Social Media in Their Kids' Lives: So Taking Away Phones Won't Alone Fix the Teen Mental Health Crisis
In a thought-provoking discussion, Matt Richtel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times writer and author of 'How We Grow Up', delves into the intricate relationship between parenting and social media. He asserts that parents have become the 'social media' in their kids' lives, fostering a surveillance state that contributes to teen anxiety. Richtel emphasizes the need for understanding adolescents amid evolving societal norms, arguing that the dynamics of adolescence and independence are more complex than ever, requiring a balanced approach to parenting in the digital age.
Aug 28, 2025 • 34min
From Solitary to Silicon Valley: Shaka Senghor on America's Hidden Prisons
Shaka Senghor, a best-selling writer and public speaker known for his powerful insights on individual freedom, shares his incredible journey from 19 years in a high-security prison to becoming a voice for healing and transformation. He discusses how mental prisons of trauma can be more limiting than physical ones. Literacy became his lifeline, sparking his internal freedom through journaling and meditation. Senghor emphasizes that true liberation starts from within, challenging us to redefine our understanding of the American dream and societal structures.
