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California’s Billionaire Tax (and the Efforts to Nullify It) Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

This November, Californians will vote on Proposition 40, a measure that would impose a one-time 5% tax on those whose net worth exceeded $1 billion at the beginning of 2026. While advocates argue it is time for the ultrawealthy to pay a larger share of taxes, opponents argue that Prop. 40 could drive billionaires out of the state and decrease future tax revenue. In this hour we’ll speak with KQED’s political correspondents about Prop. 40 — and the efforts to nullify it through propositions 41 and 42.

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Marion Nestle on the Powerful Forces Shaping What We Eat Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

For more than five decades, renowned nutritionist, molecular biologist and food activist Marion Nestle has worked to expose the connections between Americans’ health and the powerful agendas shaping what we eat. Her newest book, co-authored with Dr. Lisa Sutherland, “Sugar Coated: Unboxing the Hidden Forces Shaping America’s Favorite Breakfast Food” examines the politics of our morning meal. We talk with Nestle about the shifts in attitudes and regulations of what we eat — from soda taxes to the MAHA movement — and about what she believes it will take to build a healthier food system for all.

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Newsom Considers Commuting Death Row Sentences Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Amid the news of Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike and the Pentagon saying it will live-stream its execution of an army psychiatrist convicted of a mass shooting, Gov. Gavin Newsom is said to be considering commuting the sentences of the 563 people currently on death row in California. The state is home to a quarter of all American prisoners awaiting the death penalty, though a moratorium on executions has been in place since 2019. We’ll talk about what factors Newsom is weighing and hear how commuting death penalty sentences could affect Newsom’s national political profile and the broader conversation about capital punishment in the United States.

Guests:

Natasha Minsker, facilitator, California Anti Death Penalty Coalition
Maurice Chammah, staff writer, The Marshall Project
Alexa Hansen, founder,Victim Advocate Angels

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‘Oakland Faith Project’ Documents a Shifting Religious Landscape Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Oakland is home to dozens of houses of worship, and the “Oakland Faith Project,” aims to document these spaces and their leaders at a time when many are turning away from religion. Photographer and documentarian Nicolò Sertorio’s website includes stark black and white photography and interviews with religious leaders who represent various walks of life, identity and beliefs. We’ll talk with Sertorio, project partners and some of Oakland’s religious leaders about “de-churching” in the Bay Area and the future of organized religion.

Guests:

Nicolò Sertorio, founder, artist and photographer, Oakland Faith Project

James Campbell, Edgar E Robinson professor in United States History, Stanford University; partner, Oakland Faith Project

Jacqueline Mates-Muchin, senior rabbi, Temple Sinai

Sundiata Rashid, imam, Lighthouse Mosque; Muslim Chaplain, University of San Francisco

Michael Wallace, pastor, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church

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Novelist Min Jin Lee on Education, Sacrifice and ‘American Hagwon’ Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Much like her acclaimed novel “Pachinko,” author Min Jin Lee’s new book, “American Hagwon,” is a multi-generational story that spans decades and continents. This one, set in South Korea, Australia and Southern California, focuses on education — and the sacrifices families make for their children to succeed in a fast-changing and increasingly competitive global economy. We’ll talk to Lee about what her novel has to say about diaspora, education and how we prepare for an uncertain future.

Guest:

Min Jin Lee, author of the new novel “American Hagwon,” as well as the books “Pachinko” and “Free Food for Millionaires”

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Is It Time to Rethink Fraternities? Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Fraternities and sororities – but mostly fraternities – have faced decades of scandal nationwide: hazing deaths, binge drinking, sexual assault, among other problems. Colleges respond with suspensions, alcohol bans and reforms, yet problems keep resurfacing like the recent allegation of a gang rape by fraternity members at Cornell. Members and alumni argue that frats and sororities offer friendship and connection that are vital in an age of loneliness. But others contend colleges should just ban Greek life.

Guests:

Doug Belkin, higher education and national reporter, The Wall Street Journal
Jana Mathews, English professor, Rollins College, author, “The Benefits of Friends: Inside the Complicated World of Sororities and Fraternities”
Max Marshall, author, “Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story”
Nicholas Syrett, chair and professor, Gender & Women’s Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison; author, “The Company He Keeps: A History of White College Fraternities”

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The Youth Sports Affordability Crisis Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Youth sports once gave opportunities for all kids to play, but the rise of club teams — which come with higher costs and are often backed by private equity — are pricing out many participants. California families spend some $2,000 dollars a year for just one child to play a club sport, and nearly 60 percent of families nationwide say the costs have caused financial strain. What will it take to keep lower income kids on the field? We hear from reporters covering the issue across California, and a youth sports advocate who helped with the passage of California’s Youth Sports for All Act.

Guests:

Katie DeBenedetti, reporter, KQED

Alexander Nguyen, multimedia producer, KPBS

Tom Bùi, coach at City Heights Soccer League in San Diego

Renata Simril, ceo and president of the LA84 Foundation, president of the Play Equity Fund

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Michael Lewis on the Civil Servants Who Tried to Stop DOGE Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

In his new book, “Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State” author Michael Lewis profiles seven civil servants who tried to stop Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, as it took a chainsaw to the inner workings of the federal government. As Musk slashed departments and jobs claiming he could cut 2 trillion of the almost 7 trillion dollars of federal spending, Lewis found dedicated federal employees struggling to protect their work. We’ll talk to the Berkeley based author about the IRS employee who kept sensitive tax data from being exposed, the security guard who blocked DOGE from entering a federal building and taking over the US Institute of Peace and other acts of workplace resistance.

Guest:

Michael Lewis, author, most recent book is “Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State”, other books include “Moneyball” and “The Big Short”

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The Battle Over Voter ID in California Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

Californians in this fall’s election will consider Proposition 39, which asks whether voters should be required to show ID when they cast a ballot. Supporters argue the rules are common-sense safeguards essential for restoring public confidence in elections, while opponents contend they pose identity theft risks and disproportionately disenfranchise low-income, minority, and young voters. We’ll unpack the cases for and against Prop 39 with KQED’s Guy Marzorati and Marisa Lagos.

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Other Minds Festival Celebrates 30th Year of Highlighting Experimental Music Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

San Francisco’s Other Minds Festival turns 30 this weekend, with four days of music from world renowned experimental composers. There will be improvisation, chord repetition, electronic manipulation, 18th century Armenian music — and a grand piano surrounded by teddy bears. We’ll talk with co-founder and retiring executive and artistic director Charles Amirkhanian and with musicians about why the Bay Area is such a rich site for avant-garde music.

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