KQED's Forum

Russell Galipeau, a former national park superintendent, Ashley Harrell, SFGATE’s National Parks Bureau Chief, and Neal Desai, Pacific Region Director at the National Parks Conservation Association, discuss the critical challenges facing California's national parks due to significant funding cuts. They highlight the resulting longer wait times, understaffed visitor centers, and threats to vital ecological research. Despite these obstacles, they emphasize the importance of community engagement and advocacy to preserve these natural treasures and encourage park visits.

Maxine Hong Kingston, a Chinese American literary pioneer and author of 'The Woman Warrior', discusses her groundbreaking approach to storytelling that intertwines reality and myth. She reflects on her childhood in California and the profound impact of her work on immigrant narratives and contemporary writers. Guests Vanessa Hua, Aimee Phan, and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni share insights on Kingston's legacy and its resonance in modern literature. The conversation also highlights the emotional ties to cultural identity and the transformative nature of storytelling.

Guy Marzorati and Marisa Lagos dive into California's pressing issues, examining public opinion on Governor Gavin Newsom's performance amidst a $12 billion budget shortfall. They explore controversial Medi-Cal cuts and how these decisions reflect on his priorities, especially regarding vulnerable populations. The discussion also touches on Newsom's potential presidential ambitions and his financial strategies, including a proposed payroll freeze for state workers. Listeners weigh in on the effectiveness of his leadership in navigating complex social and environmental challenges.

Joining the discussion are Amanda Mull, a Bloomberg columnist specializing in consumerism, Alex Ossola from The Wall Street Journal, and marketing expert Americus Reed II from Wharton. They dive into the significant impact of consumer boycotts, specifically Target's recent backlash over DEI rollbacks. The trio explores how consumer power shapes brand loyalty and influences corporate decisions. They also analyze the emotional connections consumers have with brands and the evolving expectations for corporate social responsibility in today's marketplace.

It has been a tough month for Bay Area transit. BART had two major meltdowns this month, stranding and frustrating commuters, all while the agency plans to raise fares. System wide, Bay Area transit agencies continue to struggle with funding challenges and luring back riders after the pandemic fundamentally altered our region’s commute patterns. And now, major cuts in state and federal funding are on the horizon. We’ll talk about how different transit agencies are bracing for cuts, the federal government’s check on California’s shift toward electric vehicles, and the critical ways our transportation system has changed. Guests: Dan Brekke, editor and reporter, KQED News Ted Lamm, associate director for the Center for Law, Energy & the Environment, UC Berkeley Law School Laura Tolkoff, transportation policy director, SPUR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perhaps you’ve been following Alison Bechdel’s work since her comic strip “Dykes to Watch Out For,” which invented the now ubiquitous Bechdel test (does a movie have two women who speak to each other about something other than a man?). Maybe you came to know her through her graphic memoir “Fun Home,” which was adapted into a Tony-award winning musical. Her latest comic novel, “Spent,” is a work of autofiction that grapples with and parodies Bechdel’s own popularity. We’ll talk with Bechdel about being famous in a world on fire— and the funny side of it, too. Guests: Alison Bechdel, graphic novelist and cartoonist, author of "Spent: A Comic Novel." Her previous books include "The Secret to Superhuman Strength" and "Fun Home," which was adapted into a Tony Award-winning musical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Hirsch, an award-winning radio producer and founder of Neon Hum, dives deep into the complexities of his childhood in a cult environment. He shares his journey of grappling with his father's dementia while intertwined with cult legacies. Hirsch reflects on the struggles of caregiving against the backdrop of estrangement and personal aspirations. He highlights the emotional toll on the 'sandwich generation' juggling aging parents and young children, advocating for improved support for families facing these unique challenges.

Michael Luo, the executive editor at The New Yorker and author of "Strangers in the Land," shares insights into the enduring struggles of Chinese Americans amid historical exclusion. He discusses the emotional complexities of belonging and identity shaped by personal and broader societal challenges. Luo explores the history of racism, from the Chinese Exclusion Act to contemporary issues, and highlights remarkable stories of resilience, like the Tape family's fight for equality, advocating for a narrative that honors diverse experiences in America's rich tapestry.

In this engaging discussion, Amanda Hess, a New York Times culture critic and author of 'Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age,' shares her personal journey into parenthood marked by anxiety and digital reliance. She explores how technology reshapes expectations around pregnancy, critiques the idealized portrayals of motherhood, and discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding prenatal testing. Hess humorously navigates the complexities of parenting in a digital world, emphasizing the need for community support amidst the pressures of tech-driven parenting.

Gabe Meline, a Senior Editor at KQED Arts and Culture, joins Luke Tsai, the Food Editor, and Sarah Hotchkiss, a Senior Associate Editor covering visual arts. They discuss an array of exciting summer events in the Bay Area, from jazz festivals to quilt shows. Listeners get insights into local culinary delights and unique cultural activities, encouraging community engagement. Personal anecdotes and vibrant plans for summer adventures highlight the joys of exploring art, food, and local traditions in the Bay.