KQED's Forum

Join Jane Kim, California chair of the Working Families Party, Adena Ishii, the Mayor of Berkeley, and Noelia Corzo, San Mateo County's first Latina supervisor, as they discuss the often-overlooked voices in Bay Area politics. They explore the impact of grassroots outreach and the importance of representation for immigrant communities and caregivers. Adena shares her experience as a young leader, while Jane and Noelia emphasize the need for policies that prioritize tenant protections and community engagement. Together, they envision a more inclusive political landscape.

Tim Wu, a law professor at Columbia and former tech advisor to the Biden administration, sheds light on the dark side of the internet in his discussion on tech monopolies. He highlights how companies like Amazon and Google extract wealth and data while undermining democracy. Wu questions the government's role and suggests that younger generations are increasingly aware and critical of this extraction. He advocates for collective action and legislative reform, comparing tech platforms to utilities while warning about the political power imbalances they create.

Jose Formoso, a reporter for Oaklandside, dives into the city's persistent road safety issues exacerbated by deferred maintenance. Carla Short from San Francisco Public Works shares how strategic funding and capital planning have improved the city's pavement conditions. John Goodwin discusses the intricate mechanics of road deterioration and heavy vehicle impacts, while Doanh Nguyen addresses the complexities of maintaining state highways. The group debates innovative ways to enhance road quality and reduce commuter frustration.

Nick Ortega and Emma Maidenberg, the talented duo behind synth-pop band PRXZM, share insights on their dynamic collaboration that began in college. They dive into their unique Twitch live-streaming sessions, where fans actively participate in the creative process. Hear about their exciting venture of remixing the forum's theme song, the joy of community building online, and the challenges that accompany independent music careers. The duo also reflects on how they navigate feedback and maintain authenticity while producing fresh tracks.

Salman Rushdie, a renowned novelist and essayist, shares insights from his new short-story collection, The 11th Hour. He reflects on mortality and the transformative power of language after surviving a life-threatening attack. Rushdie discusses the challenge of placing personal stories against historical backdrops and explores intergenerational friendships. He also addresses the tension between freedom and communal goodness, the impact of religious nationalism, and the art of crafting diverse characters. His journey embodies resilience and the quest for deeper understanding in turbulent times.

Join U.S. Congressman Kevin Kiley, a key player in California politics, alongside Nicholas Wu from Politico and Russell Berman from The Atlantic, as they dissect the ongoing government shutdown saga. Kiley presents a bipartisan plan to extend ACA subsidies and protect SNAP benefits. Wu reveals the Senate's crucial role in negotiations, while Berman analyzes the political dynamics and public frustration. The conversation also delves into recent election impacts, potential executive actions, and the urgent need for a resolution before Thanksgiving.

Michael Silver, director of the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics, delves into how psychedelics interact with the brain, emphasizing gaps in understanding subjective experiences. Marlena Robbins, an Indigenous public health consultant, raises concerns about biopiracy and advocates for integrating Indigenous knowledge into modern science. Berra Yazar-Klosinski discusses the evolving landscape of clinical trials and the impact of political support on psychedelic research, highlighting both the potential benefits and regulatory hurdles facing this promising field.

Marisa Lagos is a politics correspondent for KQED and co-host of the Political Breakdown podcast. Guy Marzarotti is also a KQED correspondent focused on California's political landscape. Benjamin Oreskes is a New York Times reporter covering state politics. They discuss California's Proposition 50, highlighting its potential to reshape congressional districts and strengthen Democratic positions. The conversation includes insights into Governor Newsom's political strategy, impacts of voter turnout, and the surprising election victory of NYC's Zoran Mamdani.

In this discussion, tech journalist Brian Merchant and Atlantic staff writer Charlie Warzel dissect the potential of AI as the ultimate financial bubble. Merchant highlights soaring valuations and the danger of inflated expectations, while Warzel analyzes the staggering scale of investments and their concentration among major companies. They explore the cyclical investment dependencies within the industry and debate whether current AI tools truly deliver on their promises. The duo also addresses the societal impact of automation and the environmental concerns surrounding data centers.

Mike Rothschild, a journalist and expert on conspiracy theories, shares his firsthand experience during the Eaton Fire in Altadena. He discusses how trauma opens communities to disinformation, including peculiar claims about political motives and false narratives that compounded survivors' hardships. Rothschild emphasizes the urgent need for reliable information during crises and the rapid spread of conspiracy theories through the internet. He also explores the psychology behind belief, the social bonds formed through conspiracies, and the challenges of maintaining connections with those drawn to conspiratorial thinking.