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 21, 2023 • 45min
Nothing will ever be the same again: Hugh Eakin remembers the year when the United States bumped into Pablo Picasso and modern art arrived in America
Hugh Eakin, author of PICASSO'S WAR, discusses the arrival of modern art in America in 1939. They explore the intersection of modern art and geopolitics, the history and reception of Picasso's famous artwork Gernica, the radical nature of Picasso's art, Alfred Barr's challenges in establishing the Museum of Modern Art, and the relationship between business and modern art in the 1920s and 1930s.
Sep 20, 2023 • 41min
How to ensure the survival of democracy: Josiah Ober on ancient Greece and Rome as models of self government by their citizens
Josiah Ober, an American historian of ancient Greece and classical political theorist, discusses how ancient Greece and Rome serve as models of self-government. They explore the evolution of democracy in classical Greece, the concept of self-interest in democracy, the role of Rome in the development of self-government, and the exclusion of women from politics in ancient Rome and Greece.
Sep 20, 2023 • 33min
There's No Them There, Only Us: Kerri Maher on the Jane Collective in the early 1970s and how to write fiction about an issue as divisive as abortion
Kerri Maher, USA Today bestselling author, discusses writing a novel about the Jane Collective and abortion in the late 60s and early 70s. The podcast highlights the political landscape and challenges women faced obtaining abortions. It explores parallels between past and present issues, including the ongoing abortion debate. The guest shares insights on previous novels and the influence of social realism and 'Big Little Lies' on her writing.
Sep 20, 2023 • 28min
On Power, Patriarchy and Privilege: Kemi Nekvapil offers a woman's guide to living and leading without apology
Kemi Nekvapil, author of POWER, discusses redefining power, building internal strength, the role of a coach, the value of asking questions, and the connection between money, power, and women.
4 snips
Sep 20, 2023 • 40min
Is the American Constitution undermining American Democracy? Daniel Ziblatt on how constitutional reform can strengthen democracy in America
Daniel Ziblatt, co-author of 'How Democracies Die', discusses how constitutional reform can strengthen democracy in America. Topics include the impact of an ethnocratic minority, the transformation of the Republican Party, lessons from European democracies, strategies for strengthening democracy, the problem of gerontocracy in the court system, and exploring constitutional reform.
Sep 19, 2023 • 48min
Blood in the Machine: Brian Merchant on what we can learn from the 19th century Luddites in our digital age of gig work and generative AI
Brian Merchant, technology columnist for the Los Angeles Times and author of The One Device, discusses the Luddite rebellion against Big Tech, exploring its origins, cultural influence, and parallels to gig work and generative AI. The podcast touches on the impact of automation, anxieties surrounding AI and job displacement, and the need for democratic technologies and individual involvement in decision-making about AI.
Sep 19, 2023 • 31min
Notes from the invisible underground: Kat Calvin on the 26 million American adults who have no government ID and, thus, in the eyes of the government, don't really exist
Kat Calvin, author and activist, discusses the overlooked crisis of 26 million American adults without government IDs, exploring the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations and potential solutions through digital infrastructure and proposed bills.
Sep 19, 2023 • 33min
How the quest for respect can heal our divided world: Michele Lamont on rebuilding dignity in our age of anxiety , inequality and isolation
Michele Lamont, an influential cultural sociologist, discusses rebuilding dignity in our age of anxiety, inequality, and isolation. They explore the concept of recognition chains, the impact of neoliberalism on society, treating people as individuals, healing social divisions through mental health and homelessness, and creating inclusive institutions.
Sep 19, 2023 • 53min
Why Justice is Coming to America: Cenk Uygur predicts that progressives are going to take over the country and how we are all going to love it
Cenk Ugyur, author of JUSTICE IS COMING, predicts the progressive takeover of America. They discuss corporate rule in politics, the influence of money, mainstream media, and the rise of progressivism. The problems in American politics, including corporate influence on both major parties and the unpopularity of Joe Biden, are also explored.
Sep 19, 2023 • 54min
Confronting Amazon, Google and his own powerful family: John Sargent on his adventures and misadventures as CEO of one of the world's largest publishing companies
John Sargent, former CEO of MacMillan Publishers, discusses his adventures and misadventures in the publishing industry, including confronting Amazon and Google. He explores the significance of books and the role of literary agents. He also shares the challenges of providing feedback to authors and reminisces about fun and memorable moments in the industry.
