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 17, 2025 • 57min
Nostalgia vs. Progress: The Left's Dilemma in Post-Industrial America
David Masciotra, a writer exploring the American dream, joins Soli Ozel, a leading Turkish intellectual. They dive into the left's dilemma between nostalgia and progress in post-industrial America. The conversation highlights Christopher Lasch's critique of elites and the romanticization of the working class. They dissect how Trump's coalition blurs class lines, emphasizing that delivering material benefits doesn't guarantee electoral support. Ultimately, they argue that redefining progress is essential in today's complex political landscape.
Aug 16, 2025 • 43min
When AI Breaks Your Heart: The Week Nothing Changed in Silicon Valley
Keith Teare, publisher of That Was The Week, shares insights on the emotional bonds users form with AI, highlighting how changes in ChatGPT’s personality left many users heartbroken. He critiques Silicon Valley's persistent structures, revealing that 40% of venture capital is still concentrated in just ten deals. The discussion touches on the vital role storytelling plays in navigating tech advancements, as well as the intriguing concept of integrating 'maternal instincts' into AI development, raising questions about innovation and safety in technology.
Aug 15, 2025 • 45min
From Brazilian Model to Nuclear Advocate: How one Woman's Radical Climate Anxiety is Generating a "Rad Future"
Isabelle Boemeke, a former Brazilian model and nuclear advocate, takes a deep dive into her journey from social media influencer to climate champion. She discusses the surprising bipartisan support for nuclear energy and the myths surrounding its safety. The emotional weight of climate anxiety among younger generations is a focal point, as is the need for accessible scientific discourse. Boemeke argues that nuclear energy is vital for combating climate change and emphasizes the complex dynamics surrounding traditional power sources, including the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant.
Aug 14, 2025 • 37min
Forget AI—How Bio-Threats and Network Collapse Are the Real Existential Threats to Humanity
Martin Rees, a renowned British cosmologist and co-founder of Cambridge’s Centre for Existential Risk, shares his insightful views on humanity's most pressing threats. He argues that bio-threats and network collapse are far more dangerous than AI, highlighting the risks posed by engineered pathogens and our fragile global infrastructure. Rees warns that complete dependence on interconnected systems could lead to catastrophic failures in mere days. Instead of fearing AI's superintelligence, he believes we should focus on these overlooked existential risks.
Aug 13, 2025 • 22min
AI Godfather Geoffrey Hinton warns that We're Creating 'Alien Beings that "Could Take Over"
Geoffrey Hinton, the godfather of AI and a 2024 Nobel laureate, voices his deep concerns about the potential risks of AI, including the alarming 10-20% chance that it could lead to human extinction. He discusses the short-term threats, like cyber attacks, versus long-term dangers of superintelligent AI. Hinton proposes creating 'AI mothers' with protective instincts towards humans as a solution. He grapples with the uncertainty surrounding AI's evolution, emphasizing the critical need for responsible development.
Aug 12, 2025 • 44min
A Black Moses: The Quest for a Promised African-American Land in Oklahoma
In this discussion, author Caleb Gayle delves into the life of Edward P. McCabe, a pioneering figure who sought to establish a promised land for African Americans in Oklahoma. McCabe's visionary quest parallels the biblical story of Moses, as he skillfully used American ideals to advocate for Black self-governance. The conversation also touches on the establishment of all-Black towns and the challenges posed by Jim Crow laws, while connecting McCabe’s legacy to contemporary issues of race and identity in America.
Aug 11, 2025 • 43min
America Never Was a Democracy—And That's Why It's Dying Now
Osita Nwanevu, a Nigerian-American journalist and author of 'The Right of the People', challenges the notion of American democracy, arguing it’s built on anti-democratic principles. He critiques institutions like the Electoral College for blocking the will of the majority and advocates for a radical reinvention of the political system. Nwanevu emphasizes the need for direct democracy in the workplace and calls for transformative reforms to empower everyday citizens, aiming to fulfill democracy's true promise.
Aug 11, 2025 • 43min
That Frog in the Boiling Water is Us: Why Progress Won't Save Us From Climate Catastrophe
Roy Scranton, Professor of English at the University of Notre Dame and author of 'Impasse', argues that humanity is like a frog in boiling water, gradually adapting to alarming climate changes without recognizing the danger. He critiques the myth of technological progress as a savior for our planet, suggesting instead that we embrace 'ethical pessimism'. Drawing from his experiences in war, Scranton emphasizes the importance of local community efforts and practical actions to navigate our current environmental crisis.
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.
