KQED's Forum

We often take our muscles for granted, rarely stopping to consider just how complex and essential they are. From the powerful beat of our hearts to the tiny fibers that raise goosebumps, our muscles do far more than we realize. They don’t just follow instructions from the brain — they send signals back and even hold their own kind of memory. In her new book “On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters,” journalist and author Bonnie Tsui offers a new way of looking at muscles, in terms of both their physicality and cultural significance. She joins us to discuss how reconsidering muscles can allow us to find deeper meaning in our understanding of strength, beauty and what it means to be human.Guests:Bonnie Tsui, author and journalist, her latest book is "On Muscle: The Stuff That Moves Us and Why It Matters" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s intensely polarized climate, political conversations can quickly devolve into heated arguments. But a process called deliberative democracy has found success convening people from across the political spectrum for informed, reasoned dialogue on contentious issues. As part of KQED’s Youth Takeover week, high school students Ryan Heshmati and Anaya Ertz bring together the head of Stanford’s Deliberative Democracy Lab with people who have brought deliberative techniques to local government to discuss how we can put dialogue and reason at the center of decision-making.Guests:Ryan Heshmati, senior, Saratoga High SchoolAnaya Ertz, junior, Marin AcademyJames Fishkin, professor of international communication, Stanford University; director, Deliberative Democracy LabClaudia Chwalisz, founder and CEO, DemocracyNextRahmin Sarabi, founder and director, American Public Trust Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David A. Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Project,' breaks down the alarming implications of Project 2025 on American democracy. He discusses how this blueprint outlines a vision for strict policies on abortion, gender roles, and education, potentially leading to increased executive power and a shift in the federal workforce. The conversation highlights the ideological conflicts arising from these changes, particularly regarding marginalized communities and the future of freedom of speech, all framed within the rising influence of right-wing movements.

In this engaging discussion, Aki Ito, Chief Correspondent at Business Insider, dives into workplace issues like burnout and hustle culture. Nicholas Bloom, Stanford economics professor, examines how the pandemic has reshaped our relationships with work, emphasizing changes in remote work dynamics. Joan Williams, a leader in work-life law, shares insights on evolving job roles and the impact on working parents. They explore the complexities of hybrid work, revealing personal stories of adaptation and the ongoing challenge of achieving work-life balance.

In this engaging discussion, Betty Clark, an 80-year-old African American chaplain, and Dr. Jessica Zitter, a palliative care physician, delve into the vital role of empathy and spirituality in healthcare. They reflect on their contrasting backgrounds and how they navigate end-of-life care, transforming initial tensions into a profound friendship. The guests emphasize the necessity of addressing emotional and spiritual needs, the impact of storytelling, and the importance of unconditional love in hospice care, as explored in their heartwarming documentary.

Danielle Venton, a climate change reporter for KQED News, and David Brancaccio, host of Marketplace Morning Report and a wildfire survivor, dive into the home insurance crisis plaguing California and Florida. They discuss how insurers are raising rates and denying coverage due to climate-related disasters. David shares his personal story of loss, while Danielle highlights community-driven solutions and innovative insurance strategies. The conversation reveals the urgent need for reform and resilience in the face of climate change.

In a riveting discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin, author of "AI Valley," shares insights from his year-long exploration of the AI landscape in Silicon Valley. He dives into AI's rich history, tracing its evolution from the Eisenhower era to the rise of ChatGPT. Rivlin contrasts varying perspectives from tech titans like Elon Musk and Sam Altman while emphasizing AI's potential to augment rather than replace human roles, particularly in healthcare and law. He urges a thoughtful approach to the ethical implications of AI's rapid advancement.

Votes are still being tallied for Oakland’s Special Election that will determine who will finish out the term left vacant after former mayor Sheng Thao was recalled last fall. As of Wednesday, former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor held a narrow lead over former U.S. representative Barbara Lee. Taylor campaigned as someone who knows the local issues and politics and can move the city forward. Lee represented Oakland in Congress for nearly 27 years and promised to bring more funding to address the city’s pressing needs. Final results could take several weeks using Oakland’s ranked-choice voting system. We’ll look at the latest results and talk about this unusual race and the future of Oakland.Guests:Darwin BondGraham, news editor, OaklandsideAlex Hall, enterprise and accountability reporter, KQEDShomik Mukherjee, Oakland reporter, Bay Area News Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join finance correspondent Maria Aspan, Congressman Mike Levin, democracy reporter Erin Mansfield, and ProPublica's Robert Faturechi as they dissect the chaos caused by President Trump’s fluctuating tariffs. They delve into allegations of insider trading among lawmakers, discuss the urgent need for transparency in congressional stock trades, and explore the ethical implications of power and wealth in politics. The panel calls for accountability amidst the turmoil, challenging the very intersection of finance and governance.

Ethan Elkind, a climate law expert from UC Berkeley, delves into Trump’s executive orders threatening California's environmental policies. Abigail Dillen of Earthjustice discusses legal battles against these rollbacks. Lisa Friedman from The New York Times sheds light on the repercussions of these actions, particularly on federal agencies and research funding. Sonia Aggarwal, former Biden climate advisor, highlights the economic implications for clean energy and electric vehicles. Together, they explore the balance of power between state and federal authorities in combating climate change.