KQED's Forum

Joan C. Williams, a distinguished law professor emerita from UC Law San Francisco, explores the widening cultural and political divide between the left and working-class voters. She argues that the left's failure to connect stems from a lack of understanding of the working-class identity, exacerbated by economic instability. The conversation delves into how messaging can bridge this divide, the rise of far-right appeal, and the importance of inclusive communication strategies. Williams emphasizes authentic engagement and aligning policies with the concerns of these voters.

Rebecca Solnit, a celebrated writer, historian, and activist known for her powerful essays, emphasizes the importance of imagination and hope in today's turbulent political climate. She discusses her recent work, urging listeners to envision a brighter future rather than succumb to despair. The conversation touches on the vital role of grassroots movements and community care, particularly through 'aunties,' and explores themes like interconnectedness and feminist resilience. Solnit also highlights the ongoing fight for reproductive rights and the need for perseverance in activism.

Jordan Thomas, an anthropologist and former wildland firefighter, shares riveting tales from the firelines of California’s megafires. He discusses the harrowing realities of battling intensified wildfires fueled by climate change. The conversation dives into the rivalry between firefighting crews and the emotional challenges faced on the frontlines. Thomas emphasizes the need for political action and better support for firefighters, highlighting the historical relevance of indigenous fire management in confronting today’s wildfire crises.

In this conversation, Nate Houghteling, executive producer of 'Fault Lines', and Annie Fryman, urban planning expert, tackle the heart of San Francisco's housing crisis. They discuss impactful personal stories from the documentary, revealing the struggles of homeless families and the neighborhood battles over affordable housing. The duo also explores bureaucratic challenges, community resistance, and the importance of open dialogue amidst polarized views. Their insights offer a broader understanding of how cities nationwide can learn from San Francisco's ongoing housing issues.

Katherine Wu, a health and science writer for The Atlantic, and Lauren Weber, an accountability reporter at The Washington Post, dive into RFK Jr.'s controversial reshaping of the federal vaccine advisory panel. They discuss the potential repercussions of appointing vaccine skeptics and the associated public health risks. The conversation explores the misinformation around vaccination safety, especially concerning autism, and critiques proposed strategies affecting COVID-19 immunization for children. They highlight the broader implications for trust in public health and the importance of reliable health guidance.

David Goldman, executive editor at CNN Business, Kevin Truong, business editor at The San Francisco Standard, and Sid Malladi, CEO of logistics firm Nuvo, explore the implications of recent tariff deals. They discuss how the steep reduction from 145% to 55% tariffs on Chinese imports may not alleviate uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike. Local enterprises face tough choices amid fluctuating trade policies, while inflation and job markets hang in the balance, showcasing the tangled web of global trade dynamics.

Jahari Stampley, an award-winning jazz pianist, is joined by D-Erania Stampley and Ofri Nahemya in a live performance that melds funk, gospel, and rock. They share the inspiration behind Jahari's upcoming album, "What A Time”, exploring themes of late-night reflections, joy, and resilience. The trio discusses their unique family dynamics and collaborative journey, engaging with the audience about the transformative power of music. Their heartfelt performances and commitment to nurturing future generations through music shine brightly throughout the conversation.

John Birdsall, a celebrated food writer and author of 'What is Queer Food?: How We Served a Revolution', dives deep into the intersection of queer identity and culinary culture. He reflects on personal memories that reveal how food shapes cultural identity, highlights pioneering queer restaurants, and discusses meals that have challenged traditional norms. The conversation explores food as a source of resilience and community within the LGBTQ+ movement, showing how culinary expressions foster connection even amidst adversity.

Juliette Kayyem, a national security expert and former Department of Homeland Security official, teams up with David Graham, an Atlantic writer covering the Trump administration. They dissect the alarming deployment of Marines and National Guard troops to Los Angeles, citing it as a sign of growing authoritarianism. The duo explores the legal and civil liberties implications of such military involvement in domestic protests. With echoes of past civil movements, they warn about the dangers of normalizing military force and the urgent need for public scrutiny of government actions.

Omar Wasow, an assistant professor at UC Berkeley specializing in protest movements, and Andrew Couts, a cybersecurity editor at WIRED, delve into the dynamics of activism. They discuss the historical context of protests, emphasizing the lessons learned from past movements like the civil rights era. The conversation examines the emotional complexities of protests today, the impact of surveillance technology, and strategies for nonviolent demonstrations. They also explore how modern media shapes public perception and the importance of inclusivity in activism.