KQED's Forum

April Dembosky, a health correspondent, discusses the contentious role of AI in mental health care with bioethics expert Jodi Halpern. They delve into Kaiser's refusal to guarantee that AI won't replace human therapists, raising concerns about job security. The conversation examines current uses of AI, from digital scribes to chatbots, and the ethical implications of empathy in AI therapies. Halpern warns of the potential emotional risks while advocating for regulations to ensure safety and efficacy in integrating AI into therapeutic settings.

In this discussion, Eric Deggans, a media critic at NPR, and Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a law professor at Vanderbilt, explore the whirlwind surrounding the potential sale of Warner Bros Discovery. They dive into WBD's substantial assets, including HBO and CNN, and the competitive bidding war with Netflix. The pair scrutinize antitrust implications, considering how a merger could concentrate market power and impact job security in Hollywood. They also address the socio-political ramifications of such a deal, forecasting a complex legal battleground ahead.

David Yaffe-Bellany, a New York Times reporter specializing in crypto, and Vicky Huang from the Wall Street Journal, delve into the tumultuous events of 2025 in the cryptocurrency world. They explore how regulatory victories clash with market downturns and describe Bitcoin's pivotal role in influencing other tokens. The discussion also touches on the intertwining of crypto with political interests, meme coins tied to the Trump family, and the broader implications of the proposed Clarity Act. Tune in for insights on the industry's future amidst growing scrutiny.

Samara Tricarico, co-founder of the Endurant Movement, shares her personal journey raising an autistic son while advocating for better mental health support. Corinne Purtill, a health reporter, highlights alarming statistics about suicide risk among autistic youth. Jessica Schwartzman discusses the need for autism-informed mental health strategies, emphasizing the emotional toll of masking. Together, they explore the gaps in conventional mental health care and propose innovative solutions for supporting autistic individuals at risk.

In this enlightening discussion, Richard Allen, director of the Berkeley Seismological Laboratory, and Annemarie Baltay, a research geophysicist from the USGS, tackle the recent surge of small earthquakes in the Bay Area. They clarify that these swarms don't signify an impending big quake and explain how earthquake swarms differ from mainshock-aftershock sequences. They delve into the complex fault systems like Calaveras and San Andreas, the unpredictability of quakes, and the advancements in early warning systems, urging residents to stay prepared.

In this reflective discussion, guests Chloe Veltman, a cultural correspondent known for her insightful obituaries, Meaghan Mitchell, a passionate arts journalist, and Dave Schilling, an engaging writer for the LA Times, remember influential figures lost in 2025. They celebrate the legacies of Brian Wilson's musical genius, David Lynch's cinematic impact, and Belva Davis's trailblazing journalism. The conversation explores how these icons shaped communities and the personal connection we feel when artists pass away, driving home the theme that art blurs the lines between personal loss and collective grief.

Nastia Voynovskaya, an editor and reporter for KQED Arts, talks about the vibrant Bay Area music scene along with Pendarvis 'Pen' Harshaw, a columnist who shares insights on local artists. They reveal the highlights from the Best Bay Area Albums of 2025, with Jamel Griot, a hip-hop and soul artist, performing live tracks from his deeply personal album, Sincerely Jamel. Discussions include trends in music, the impact of AI, and local anthems gaining fame, making for an engaging exploration of diverse musical influences.

Naftali Bendavid, a senior national political correspondent at The Washington Post, and Jessica Winninger, an anthropology professor at Northwestern University, dive into the opulent aesthetic of Trump's presidency. They discuss the planned gold ballroom and the changes in architectural norms, comparing Trump’s style to historical authoritarian aesthetics. Winninger explains how this spectacle appeals to supporters and serves as a political tool. They highlight the risks of cultivating a cult-like following through extravagant visuals and the potential legacy of these choices.

Annie Vainshtein, a San Francisco Chronicle reporter, and Cammie Chaumont Menendez, a CDC epidemiologist, delve into the tragic stabbing of social worker Alberto Rangel. They discuss the alarming rise of workplace violence in healthcare, highlighting security lapses at UCSF and the impact of pandemic stress. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll on colleagues, while Cammie offers evidence-based prevention strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for better safety measures and innovative non-police interventions in healthcare settings.

In this discussion, Julian Barnes, an intelligence and national security reporter for The New York Times, and Tess Bridgeman, co-editor-in-chief at Just Security and former legal adviser to the National Security Council, delve into the controversial U.S. boat strike that resulted in fatalities. They analyze accusations of war crimes, implications for the law of war, and the Pentagon's shift from law enforcement to military action. The duo also highlights concerns about political accountability and the potential erosion of safeguards in U.S. military operations.