KQED's Forum

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.

Abdallah Fayyad, a policy correspondent for Vox, discusses the ethical implications of President Trump's acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar, raising concerns about corruption and foreign influence. David Yaffe-Bellany, a tech reporter for The New York Times, dives into the controversial $Trump memecoin and its potential for personal gain intertwined with politics. Together, they explore the ramifications of these actions on public trust and democratic integrity, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability in government dealings.

Join Gregory Hodge, CEO of the Brotherhood of Elders Network, Carolyn "CJ" Johnson of the Black Cultural Zone, Selena Wilson from the East Oakland Youth Development Center, and Dr. Noha Aboelata of Roots Community Clinic as they discuss the transformative Rise East initiative. They explore how a $100 million investment aims to revitalize East Oakland’s Black community through education, health care, and economic development. The conversation highlights the resilience of local culture, the fight against gentrification, and the importance of community-driven solutions.

Vladimir Putin has removed tens of thousands of Ukrainian children to Russia since the start of his full scale invasion in February 2022. The deportations, often carried out under the pretense of “humanitarian evacuation,” have targeted vulnerable Ukrainian children including orphans, children with disabilities and children with parents in the military. Children who have escaped describe having been sent to re-education camps, prohibited from speaking Ukrainian and denied contact with their relatives at home. The International Criminal Court, which issued arrest warrants in 2023 for Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, defines the unlawful transfer of children to Russia as a war crime. We’ll talk to Kyiv-based child advocates about the status of efforts to bring the children back, and we’ll meet a U.S. congressman from California who wants to hold Russia accountable. The reporting for this episode was supported by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Women on the Ground: Reporting from Ukraine’s Unseen Frontlines Initiative in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Guests: Jimmy Panetta, member, U.S. House of Representatives (CA-19) Mykola Kulebra, founder, Save Ukraine; former Commissioner for Children’s Rights for the President of Ukraine (2014-2021) Lena Rozvadoska, co-founder, Voices of Children Azad Safarov, journalist, documentarian and producer; co-founder of Voices of Children Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a scrappy San Francisco literary journal launched in 1985 to champion West Coast writers, the dream was to make a lasting imprint. Now, 40 years later, we celebrate Zyzzyza’s anniversary with editor Oscar Villalón and writers Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) and Ingrid Rojas Contreras. We’ll talk about the literary journal’s vision, its stellar roster of writers and poets, and what makes the West Coast literary scene special. Guests: Oscar Villalon, editor, Zyzzyva Magazine - San Francisco based literary journal Daniel Handler, author of the children's book series "A Series of Unfortunate Events" under the pen name "Lemony Snicket" - contributor, "The End of the Golden Gate" Ingrid Rojas Contreras, Bay Area-based writer, author of the novel “Fruit of the Drunken Tree” and the memoir “The Man Who Could Move Clouds” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New research from UC San Francisco’s Memory and Aging Center suggests that a decline in one region of the brain can cause other regions to “step in to help” – unlocking surprising capacities like deeper empathy or creativity. We talk to two UCSF doctors about why this has implications for any neurodegenerative disorder, including dementia. They join us to share their dementia-related discoveries. Their new book is “Mysteries of the Social Brain.” Guests: Dr. Bruce Miller, A.W. and Mary Margaret Clausen Distinguished Professor in Neurology, UCSF; Director of the UCSF Memory and Aging Center; founding director of the Global Brain Health Institute Dr. Virginia Sturm, professor in the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a family tick? While parents spend lots of time and energy trying to shape their kids’ lives, studies show that siblings play as significant a role in who their brothers and sisters become. We talk to New York Times Magazine staff writer Susan Dominus about her new book, “Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success,” and we hear from you: how did a sibling shape who you are? Guests: Susan Dominus, author, "The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success;" staff writer, New York Times Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices