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 27, 2025 • 35min
Why Even Sam Altman Wants to be Gary Marcus: From Son of Sam to Son of Gary in a single ChatGPT Release
Gary Marcus, a notable AI skeptic and author of 'Taming Silicon Valley', shares his journey critiquing the hype around AGI and large language models. He reveals how the underwhelming launch of GPT-5 shifted the narrative from exponential growth to cautious realism, catching even Sam Altman’s attention. Marcus highlights OpenAI’s unsustainable financial model, the limitations of current AI technologies, and the urgent need for diverse approaches in AI development. His contrarian views are now gaining unexpected support in the tech industry.
Aug 26, 2025 • 35min
Dr Strangelove Returns: Palantir and the New Military-Industrial-Digital Complex
Ben Freeman, Director of Democratizing Foreign Policy at the Quincy Institute, uncovers the modern military-industrial-digital complex led by companies like Palantir. He argues that today's digital defense contractors pose a greater existential threat than ever, blurring the line between national security and civil liberties. From the outdated Pentagon procurement processes to dark money's influence on foreign policy, Freeman critiques how AI and automation risk civilian lives while enriching war profiteers, suggesting a need to remember the ideals of diplomacy over militarism.
Aug 25, 2025 • 41min
MAGA Voters Aren't Stupid: That's Why They Don't Care What Right-Wing Podcasters Think
Michael Lind, a contributor to Tablet magazine, challenges the stereotype of the uninformed MAGA voter. He argues they are making rational choices rooted in their material interests, not blindly following right-wing influencers like Tucker Carlson. Lind dissects the political dynamics of Trump's coalition, emphasizing reliable GOP supporters and pragmatic swing voters. He also explores evolving elite dynamics, the intersection of class and ideology, and how America’s political landscape reflects broader global trends.
Aug 24, 2025 • 41min
Getting Queerer Quicker: No, The Literary Man Isn't Disappearing—He's Just Not Longer White or Straight
Book critic Bethanne Patrick, known for her insightful reflections on men's literature, argues that the literary man isn't dead—he's simply transformed. She highlights how modern male writers defy traditional stereotypes, showcasing figures like Ocean Vuong and Kwame Alexander. Patrick introduces five essential books tackling today's male identity crisis, pushing for a shift away from rigid gender norms. With generational change empowering diverse narratives, she encourages men to embrace queer literature and rethink masculinity beyond outdated archetypes.
Aug 23, 2025 • 45min
Who Owns The Front Door? The Multi-Trillion Dollar Battle to Assemble the AI Jigsaw
Keith Teare, a veteran start-up entrepreneur, delves into the evolving AI landscape and the crucial battle for ownership in this new era. He describes our current phase as the 'AltaVista era,' where multiple players vie for dominance akin to the early search engine wars. Teare emphasizes that user attachment to AI interfaces creates significant switching costs, making loyal users a powerful asset. He notes that the winners in this multi-trillion dollar arena will be those who develop the most indispensable gateways to our AI-native future.
Aug 22, 2025 • 40min
From Mean Streets to Wall Street: How Trump, Koch, and the other Gods of New York Remade America
Jonathan Mahler, author of 'The Gods of New York' and a New York Times writer, discusses the chaotic transformation of New York City in the 1980s. He portrays pivotal figures like Trump and Giuliani as they transitioned from tabloid icons to powerful players. Mahler explores how this decade created a blueprint for modern America, driven by neoliberalism and rising inequalities. He also delves into race relations, the impact of Wall Street on urban revival, and what the future holds for a city grappling with its identity amidst socio-economic challenges.
Aug 21, 2025 • 44min
Move Fast and Fix the World: Here Comes the Sun in the Nick of Time
In this engaging conversation, Bill McKibben, environmental thinker and founder of Third Act, shares his insights from his new book, Here Comes the Sun. He highlights solar energy as the cheapest and most transformative solution for the climate crisis, urging immediate action before time runs out. McKibben discusses the rapid buildout of solar infrastructure, especially in China, and challenges the U.S. to rethink its energy policies. He also explores innovative ways solar can benefit agriculture, merging sustainability with food production for a viable future.
Aug 20, 2025 • 36min
The Redistricting Apocalypse: How Chief Justice Roberts Let All the Evil Spirits out of American Democracy
David Daley, author of 'Antidemocratic' and gerrymandering expert, discusses the alarming impact of Chief Justice Roberts' 2019 decision that effectively released partisan gerrymandering from judicial scrutiny. He likens this to a scene from 'Ghostbusters' where evil spirits escape. Daley reveals that this has resulted in a political landscape dominated by non-competitive districts, threatening the very essence of American democracy. He advocates for urgent reforms to restore fairness and representation in the electoral process amid rising concerns over voter suppression.
Aug 19, 2025 • 41min
Back to the Digital Future: Why the Future of AI Healthcare Might be a Return to the Gig Economy
In this discussion, Robert Pearl, former Kaiser Permanente Chief and Stanford professor, proposes that the future of AI healthcare might echo the gig economy, likening it to Uber and Airbnb. He predicts freelance doctors will guide patients in utilizing AI tools for chronic condition management. Pearl explores two healthcare models: expensive FDA-regulated tech vs. affordable clinician-led training. He expresses skepticism about current healthcare leadership, emphasizing the need for more empathetic AI integration and questioning if it will truly uplift patient and doctor experiences.
Aug 18, 2025 • 44min
From Scrubbing Toilets to Talking around the Water Cooler: Why AI Won't Kill the Jobs of Those Who Clean Up Our Mess
Mark Eltringham, publisher of Workplace Insight, delves into the often-overlooked dignity of essential workers, like those who clean our spaces. He critiques the solipsism in discussions about AI and its impact on jobs, emphasizing that many workers are left out of the conversation. Eltringham highlights the uneven effects of technology on job types and the need to recognize the value of all work, especially in our AI-centric world. He encourages listeners to acknowledge hidden labor that keeps society functioning, pushing for broader discourse on the future of work.
