KQED's Forum

Nisa Khan is a KQED reporter with a focus on digital hoarding and cultural experiences. Shanna Farrell, an oral historian at UC Berkeley, brings expertise in personal narratives, while Jackie Forsythe, an audiovisual archivist, specializes in home video preservation. Together, they dive into the emotional journey of creating family archives, providing practical tips for digitizing cherished memories. They discuss the importance of oral histories in keeping family stories alive and address concerns about cultural loss and accessibility in preserving personal histories.

José R. Torres-Ramos, an ethnomusicology professor and director of Mariachi San Jose, and Jorge Dovalina, a vihuela player from Piedras Negras, delve into the rich history and cultural significance of mariachi music. They discuss its roots in Jalisco and its emotional ties to major life events for many in the Mexican community. The conversation highlights the genre's evolution, educational value for Latino students, and the importance of local ensembles in keeping this beloved tradition alive, all while Mariachi San Jose performs live.

Hua Hsu, a staff writer for The New Yorker and literature professor at Bard College, discusses the profound impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on college writing. He highlights how students use AI for everything from organizing ideas to completing assignments, raising concerns about academic integrity and creativity. Professors are adjusting their teaching methods to cope with these changes, contemplating new approaches to assessments. Hsu emphasizes the vital balance between utilizing technology and preserving essential critical thinking skills in education.

Join Kent Blansett, an Indigenous studies professor and author, Michele Gee from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and Jolene Babyak, a former Alcatraz resident and author. They discuss the multifaceted legacy of Alcatraz, examining its transition from prison to national park. The conversation highlights its role in Native American activism, personal stories from life on the island, and the cultural significance of Alcatraz's history. They also reflect on the challenges of preserving its legacy while redefining its place in American society.

In this engaging discussion, Catherine Gudis, a history professor and author, explores the rich cultural history of billboards, while Wendy Liu, a critical tech writer, critiques their impact on community identity. Matt Stevens, a culture critic, sheds light on how billboards shape the entertainment landscape in Southern California. The trio dives into nostalgic memories of hand-painted signs, the tension between traditional and digital advertising, and how these visual markers reflect California's evolving values. They invite listeners to share their own billboard stories, highlighting their quirky charm.

Jill Tucker, a K-12 education reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, Noliwe Rooks, chair of Africana Studies at Brown University, and Michael J. Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, delve into the significant implications of budget cuts to the Department of Education. They discuss the historical context of these cuts, their impact on local schools, and the troubling future for civil rights oversight. The conversation also critiques the tension between federal and local control, emphasizing the need for a focus on educational equity and community-driven solutions.

Join Luke Broadwater, a seasoned White House reporter for The New York Times, alongside Ankush Khardori, a senior writer at POLITICO and former federal prosecutor, as they dive into the tumultuous waters of President Trump's connection to Jeffrey Epstein. They discuss the intense demands for transparency from Trump's base and the implications of ongoing investigations. The guests explore conspiracy theories swirling around the case, the political fallout for the GOP, and how narratives are shaped in the media landscape. Get ready for a thought-provoking analysis!

Brian Goldstone, a journalist and author, dives into the paradox of working homelessness through the stories of five families in Atlanta in his book, illuminating the unseen struggles of those employed yet unhoused. Dr. Margot Kushel, an expert in homelessness and housing, emphasizes the urgency for more inclusive definitions and systemic changes to address the crisis. They discuss societal misconceptions, the economic realities of full-time work without housing, and the pressing need for comprehensive solutions and public awareness to combat this growing issue.

Garrett Graff, a seasoned journalist and historian who specializes in law enforcement and democracy, dives into the recent tripling of ICE's budget, which now surpasses even the FBI's. He paints a stark picture of this funding surge, describing it as "turbo-charging" a lawless immigration enforcement regime. Graff addresses the dangerous implications for accountability and civil liberties, and the shift in ICE's focus from serious criminals to undocumented migrants. He also highlights the community's growing fears and calls for reform amidst this unprecedented expansion.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Jackson, the author of 'The Enduring Wild' and founder of the Forgotten Lands Project, dives into the hidden treasures of California's public lands. He discusses the overlooked Bureau of Land Management areas and their ecological significance. The conversation highlights the imminent threats these lands face from exploitation and proposed sell-offs. Personal narratives enrich the exploration of unique landscapes, urging listeners to advocate for the protection and mindful enjoyment of these shared spaces.