KQED's Forum

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.

Join Evan White, Executive Director of the California Policy Lab, as he highlights alarming student loan delinquency rates in California. Julie Margetta Morgan, President of The Century Foundation, discusses the confusing landscape of loan forgiveness, while Mike Pierce from Protect Borrowers reveals the issues with private servicers. They tackle the impact of pandemic relief, recent legislative changes, and how unstable policies threaten borrower protections. Real-life experiences emphasize the urgent need for reform in the student loan system.

Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Foundation, delves into the building blocks of trust within the platform. He discusses how open editing and community moderation empower user confidence, countering modern distrust in institutions. Wales addresses attacks from figures like Elon Musk and emphasizes the importance of transparency and neutrality in controversial content. He also explores the exciting yet cautious role of AI in enhancing Wikipedia, while highlighting the ongoing need for diverse contributions to keep the platform thriving.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a proponent of practical solutions to homelessness and crime, discusses his ambitious plans to increase shelter beds and enhance partnerships with county services. He shares insights on the transition from temporary housing to permanent solutions, emphasizing the importance of consulting those with lived experience. Mahan also tackles the complexities of low-barrier shelters, collaborations with other Bay Area mayors on immigration issues, and the need for measurable outcomes in city governance.