KQED's Forum

Laila Lalami, celebrated author of 'The Dream Hotel' and five other novels, dives into a chilling future where AI surveils our dreams to predict criminal behavior. She discusses the unsettling implications of government monitoring and how technology reshapes personal privacy and identity. Through the story of a mother ensnared in a web of data collection, Lalami sheds light on societal fears around safety versus autonomy. The conversation also touches on the emotional toll of constant scrutiny, emphasizing resilience and the human spirit amid dystopian realities.

Jessica Battilana, a cookbook author and staff editor at King Arthur Baking, shares her baking wisdom with flair. She highlights common baking mistakes and essential tips for crafting perfect desserts, like chocolate chip cookies and pie crusts. Discover the science behind leavening agents and the art of dough relaxation. With personal connections to baking, Battilana emphasizes how it brings joy and comfort during challenging times. She also dives into egg substitutes and mastering brioche, making complex baking techniques accessible to all.

Robert Lewis, an investigative reporter for CalMatters, dives into his shocking findings on California's DMV policies that allow dangerous drivers to stay licensed. Leah Shahum, executive director of the Vision Zero Network, offers insights on the urgent need for road safety reforms. Together, they discuss the disturbing statistics: nearly 40% of drivers charged with vehicular manslaughter remain on the road. They highlight systemic flaws, tragic personal stories, and call for legislative changes to combat reckless driving and enhance safety for all.

In a lively discussion, Sarah Hotchkiss, Senior Associate Editor at KQED Arts and Culture, and artists Cheryl Derricotte, creator of a Harriet Tubman tribute, and Lynne Baer, a public art advisor, tackle the 45-foot nude sculpture at San Francisco's Embarcadero. They examine the mixed community reactions, the complexities of public art funding, and how such works can reflect and shape urban identity. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of artistic expression and the necessity for inclusive dialogue in public spaces.

Join Doan Bui, a writer and journalist exploring themes of exile, Thi Bui, an artist and author of "The Best We Could Do," and Isabelle Thuy Pelaud, director of the Diasporic Vietnamese Artists Network, as they reflect on 50 years since the Vietnam War's end. They discuss personal narratives of trauma and resilience within the Vietnamese diaspora, the significance of cultural identity amid displacement, and the importance of storytelling in healing generational wounds. Their insights highlight a vibrant community grappling with its past while looking toward the future.

Donald Trump has given Elon Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency far-reaching authority to fire federal workers without cause and gain access to the confidential information of millions of Americans. The effect has been a wide-scale bulldozing of the federal government. In looking back on the first 100 days of the second Trump administration, we talk with reporters from Wired magazine, who have broken some of the biggest stories on what DOGE is doing, about what is going on and why. Guests: Makena Kelly, politics reporter, WIRED Zoë Schiffer, director of business and industry, WIRED; She oversees coverage of business and Silicon Valley. author, "Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter." Vittoria Elliott, platforms and power reporter, Wired Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Marisa Lagos, KQED's politics correspondent, Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist at The Washington Post, and Dr. Jocelyn Sze, psychologist at UC Berkeley, as they dive into how Trump's first 100 days have reshaped daily life. They discuss community reactions, the emotional toll of political changes, and the impact on mental health. Hear personal stories about job loss anxiety, shifting finances, and the importance of community connections in navigating these turbulent times.

Christine Wu Nordahl, a UC Davis professor and autism expert, joins Mary HK Choi, an author who was diagnosed with autism in her 40s, and Holden Thorp, an editor who discovered his diagnosis at 53. They discuss the rising autism diagnosis rates and the often overlooked experiences of women and adults on the spectrum. The guests share insights on the complexity of neurodiversity, the impact of late diagnoses, and the importance of supportive environments. They also address societal narratives that often paint autism negatively, emphasizing thriving within the spectrum.

Kathy Ryan, the former director of photography at The New York Times Magazine for 37 years, shares her wealth of experience in visual storytelling. She discusses how photographs shape our understanding of history, including monumental events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ryan explores what makes a photograph impactful in today's image-saturated world, emphasizing emotional resonance and the role of captions. Personal anecdotes reveal the transformative power of images in collective memory, while she reflects on the challenges faced by modern photojournalists.

Clint Smith, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'How the Word is Passed,' joins Key Jo Lee, chief of curatorial affairs at the Museum of the African Diaspora. They dive into the political battle over American history narratives amid efforts to erase uncomfortable truths. Smith discusses the implications of whitewashing history and the importance of confronting racial injustices. Lee highlights the critical role of museums in preserving marginalized stories and the ongoing challenges they face due to funding cuts and ideological pressures.