KQED's Forum

Larry Levitt, an expert in U.S. health policy, joins Jessica Altman, Executive Director of Covered California, to discuss the looming expiration of enhanced ACA premium tax credits. They break down how these credits work and the significant consequences for Californians if subsidies end. Premiums could skyrocket for millions, especially those most vulnerable. They explore the implications for the uninsured population and the broader healthcare system, emphasizing the crucial role of insurance in preventative care and chronic disease management.

William Gould IV, Professor emeritus at Stanford Law School and former chair of the National Labor Relations Board, shares insights on the current challenges facing federal workers. He discusses the impact of recent layoffs and the political attacks on labor rights, stressing the importance of grassroots organizing. Gould reflects on his career as the first Black professor at Stanford Law and offers thoughts on racism in unions, legal battles, and necessary reforms. His new memoir reveals personal anecdotes that shaped his journey in labor law.

Cory Doctorow coined a word to describe how what we once loved about the internet, and relied on, has become exploitative, corrosive, and anti-user. And now he’s written a book about it, “Enshittification: Why Everything Got Worse and What to Do About It.” He analyzes how TikTok, Google Search, email, music streaming and other services and platforms  – technology that we expect to always improve – have declined so fast. But the tech activist and science fiction writer insists it can be fixed. “This era, the Enshittocene, is the result of specific policy decisions, made by named individuals,” he writes, and those policies can be reversed and the individuals can be held accountable. We talk to him about what’s gone wrong and how we can make a new, good internet.  Guests: Cory Doctorow, science fiction writer, technology activist and journalist. Author, "Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Glynn Washington, host of KQED and Snap Judgment’s “Spooked,” joins us to talk about the podcast’s new season called The Crossroads. It takes stories about encounters with the unknown to new levels by exploring what happens when desperation drives us to bargain with dark forces. As “Spooked” tours the West Coast — with shows on Oct. 23 in Los Angeles and Oct. 25 in Oakland – we’ll talk about why we crave frights, scares and ghosts this month, and what they can teach us about our world year-round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do we leave our homelands? That is the central question which animates the newest work of San Francisco poet laureate Genny Lim and the Bay Area-based Del Sol Quartet. Together, Lim and the musicians explore the implications of migration and the search for a new home in their work, “Facing the Moon: Songs of the Diaspora.” They join us live in the studio for a performance and conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omar Wasow, a political science expert at UC Berkeley, discusses the surge of the No Kings protests, touching on the dynamics of social movements and effective protest tactics. Vox correspondent Allie Volpe and UCLA's Jaimie Arona Krems dive into friendship research, highlighting the emotional benefits of naming a best friend and how it combats loneliness. They also explore the complexities of friendship dynamics, including risks and the societal roles of best friendships in adulthood.

Mychal Threets, a librarian turned social media book-champion, is the new host of the revamped Reading Rainbow, celebrating childhood literacy and community engagement. He shares his love for reading and discusses how libraries serve as essential, inclusive spaces. Marisa Lagos, a KQED politics correspondent, dives into the controversial discussion about bringing the National Guard to San Francisco, analyzing tech leaders' motivations and potential political implications. The duo highlights the intersection of literacy advocacy and civic discourse.

Historian Jill Lepore delves into the complexities of amending the U.S. Constitution, arguing that a lack of amendments has led to undemocratic elements like the Electoral College. She discusses historical contexts that made amendment rarer and the implications of an 'unamendable' Constitution. Meanwhile, Rep. Pete Aguilar addresses the ongoing government shutdown, holding Republicans accountable while expressing commitment to federal workers. He emphasizes the potential impact of healthcare cuts on his constituents and outlines Democratic strategies for the upcoming elections.

Julian Brave NoiseCat, an author and filmmaker known for his memoir "We Survived the Night" and the Oscar-nominated documentary "Sugarcane," delves into his mixed heritage and childhood experiences. He shares how his father's charismatic presence influenced his identity and how he found community through cultural practices in Oakland. The conversation explores the significance of Indigenous myths like the trickster Coyote, and the role of language in reclaiming identity. Julian emphasizes the impact of family trauma while highlighting the importance of cultural connection and community resilience.

Patrick Wintour, the diplomatic editor of The Guardian, discusses the complex dynamics of the newly signed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Zack Beauchamp from Vox highlights Israeli public sentiment towards the war and the implications of the hostage recovery. Gershon Baskin, a peace activist, shares insights from his behind-the-scenes mediation efforts. The conversation delves into the future of Gaza, ongoing challenges to the ceasefire, and the strategic motivations of world leaders, including Trump, in pushing for peace.