KQED's Forum

Data centers are the server farms that power the internet. California has the third-most data centers of any state: over 320 sites, with more construction slated for next year. But energy experts are sounding alarms about their impacts on electric grids, water and climate; impacts that are worsening with the explosion of AI. We’ll talk about what data center growth means for the environment — and for ratepayers — and how lawmakers and communities are responding. Guests: Molly Taft, senior climate reporter, WIRED; their recent piece is "You're Thinking About AI and Water All Wrong" Aaron Cantú, staff writer, Capital and Main; his latest piece on this is "The Insatiable Energy Demands of Data Centers Could Increase Fossil Fuel Emissions in California" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a compelling discussion, Roxane Gay, a scholar and author known for her incisive commentary on gender, teams up with Irin Carmon, a senior correspondent revealing the intersection of law and misogyny, and Savala Nolan, an expert on social justice and gender issues. They tackle the alarming normalization of misogyny through media, political rhetoric, and legal structures. The panelists emphasize the need for grassroots activism and propose new frameworks for accountability, while critiquing the influence of the manosphere on young men and cultural narratives surrounding masculinity.

Sam A.A. Levine, a former FTC director and consumer protection expert, joins Stephanie Nguyen, former chief technologist at the FTC, to unveil the deceptive nature of loyalty programs. They discuss how these programs act as data-harvesting machines, manipulating consumers through enticing offers and personalized pricing. Insightful revelations include the negative impact of point devaluation and the difficulty in unsubscribing. With tips on navigating these pitfalls, they highlight the need for greater consumer awareness and legal protections against exploitative practices.

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.