KQED's Forum

Mark Bergen, a Bloomberg News reporter and author of "Like, Comment, Subscribe," teams up with Johnny Cole Dickson, a video creator and host of "No Lab Coat Required." They explore YouTube's evolution from a simple sharing site to a cultural powerhouse. The duo discusses the platform’s impact on content consumption, the challenges of misinformation, and its role in education. With anecdotes from creators, they dive into the creator economy's complexities, navigating monetization, authenticity, and YouTube’s community-driven spirit, particularly during the pandemic.

Harvard professor Rebecca Lemov, an expert on the history of science, dives into her new book about brainwashing and mind control. She reveals how soldiers were psychologically manipulated during the Korean War, shedding light on the stigma surrounding their trauma. Lemov also discusses the subtle ways brainwashing pervades our daily lives, especially through social media and misinformation. With intriguing historical examples and modern implications, she highlights the ongoing relevance of these coercive techniques in today's digital world.

Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent for Vox, and Vjosa Isai, a New York Times reporter from Toronto, delve into the rising tensions between Canada and the U.S. They discuss the outrage over Trump's tariffs and his provocative remarks, igniting a strong sense of unity among Canadians. The conversation reveals the emotional responses at Toronto's rallies and explores changes in cross-border relations, while also touching on Canada's search for new international alliances amidst this geopolitical turmoil.

Ed Yong, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science journalist and author, shares his insights from covering the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the stark contrast between public expectations and the harsh realities exposed during the health crisis. Topics include the U.S. perception of pandemic readiness, the misinformation that shaped public health responses, and the importance of transparent communication to rebuild trust in science. Yong also highlights the societal impact of long COVID and advocates for better understanding and support for affected individuals.

Maxwell Williams, an olfactory artist and assistant editor at the Los Angeles Times, joins Aashish Manglik, a UCSF professor specializing in the science of smell. They discuss how scents like sequoias and ocean spray evoke vivid memories of California. Personal stories highlight how diverse aromas can transport individuals back to significant life events. The conversation also covers the neurological links between smell and memory, including the challenges of scent loss post-COVID-19 and the artistry involved in perfume making.

Mac Barnett, a celebrated Bay Area children's author and the Library of Congress’s new National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, passionately reframes the importance of picture books. He discusses their vital role in nurturing a love for reading across generations and challenges the misconception that they're not real literature. Along with fellow authors Aida Salazar and Laura G. Lee, they explore the emotional depth and artistic innovation of picture books, and share personal anecdotes about the lasting impact of beloved stories.

Edward Fishman, a senior research scholar at Columbia University and former U.S. sanctions official, explores the current landscape of economic warfare. He discusses how sanctions, tariffs, and embargoes shape global relations, particularly in the context of U.S.-Russia dynamics. Fishman critiques the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia and highlights challenges in achieving political goals through economic means. He also examines the implications of emerging alliances and the role of cryptocurrencies in shifting power dynamics.

In this engaging conversation, Berkeley poet Rachel Richardson, known for her impactful works on motherhood and resilience, explores the challenges of raising children amid environmental crises. She discusses her collection 'Smother,' using fire and smoke as metaphors for the anxieties of modern parenting. Richardson reflects on the role of art in navigating grief and building community, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in confronting climate change. Her humorous yet poignant insights on motherhood showcase the intersection of creativity and chaos in today’s world.

Who is the Government? Dave Eggers and Sarah Vowell attempt to answer that question in essays about the scientists who discover new planets at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California and the archivists who safeguard the nation’s historical record. They’re both featured in the new anthology, “Who is Government: The Untold Story of Public Service.” We talk to Vowell and Eggers about the civil servants who make up what their editor Michael Lewis calls “the vast, complex system Americans pay for, rebel against, rely upon, dismiss and celebrate.” And we’ll get an update on the legal challenges to the Trump administration’s efforts to slash the federal workforce. What public servant in your life would you like to celebrate?Guests:Dave Eggers, founder, McSweeney's; co-founder, 826 Valencia; author, many books including “The Eyes and the Impossible” and “The Circle”Sarah Vowell, author, seven nonfiction books including “Lafayette in the Somewhat United States”, “Unfamiliar Fishes" and “Assassination Vacation"Stephen Fowler, political reporter covering the restructuring of the federal government, NPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump has called for the impeachment of the federal judge who ordered a halt on the administration’s deportation of hundreds of alleged Venezuelan gang members under a rarely used 18th-century wartime law. The administration went ahead with the deportations over the weekend despite the judge’s order. The clash comes a few weeks after the controversial arrest of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who is facing possible deportation for his role in Gaza protests. We’ll get the latest on Trump’s recent immigration actions and the legal battles surrounding them.Guests:Ted Hasson, immigration reporter, ReutersDeep Gulasekaram, professor of law and director of Byron White Center for the Study of Constitutional Law, University of Colorado Boulder Law School; co author, the leading immigration law textbook used in U.S. law schools Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices