KQED's Forum

Shira Cion, the Executive Director of Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble, leads this remarkable conversation. The ensemble shares their hauntingly beautiful renditions of Georgian folk songs, emphasizing themes of resilience and community. They explore the unique cultural significance of Georgian work songs and how music serves as a powerful form of healing. Through captivating performances, they illustrate music's ability to connect individuals and foster hope amidst challenges, showcasing their emotional ties to rich traditions and cultural heritage.

Miranda July, a celebrated filmmaker and author, dives into themes from her novel, All Fours, tackling the intricacies of identity and relationships. She shares insights on midlife transitions, focusing on the emotional and societal challenges surrounding menopause and self-discovery. The discussion highlights the power of open communication in personal relationships and the creative expressions that emerge from life's complexities. July's unique perspective invites listeners to embrace transformations and reflect on their own journeys through midlife.

In this engaging conversation, Stephen Dubner, a journalist and co-creator of Freakonomics, dives into the peculiarities of human decision-making. He reflects on why predicting the future is so challenging and questions the real purpose of college. Dubner shares insights from their vast exploration of behavioral economics and discusses the complexities surrounding the legal marijuana industry. With sharp wit, he critiques traditional economic theories and emphasizes the blend of data and storytelling that defines Freakonomics.

Mia Mercado, author of "Weird But Normal," shares her heartwarming journey of relearning the French horn as an adult. Amanda Schlegel, a music education professor, discusses the unique challenges adults face in music learning and the joy it can bring. Sarah Hotchkiss opens up about her experiences with piano and its transformative power. The conversation dives into overcoming fears of inadequacy, the emotional rewards of making music, and creating a supportive community that fosters adult learners on their musical paths.

Nastia Voynovskaya, an editor at KQED Arts with a keen eye for music journalism, joins Pendarvis Pen Harshaw, a cultural columnist, to explore the vibrant Bay Area music scene. They discuss the eclectic sounds of 2024, spotlighting artists like Kendrick Lamar and LaRussell. The duo dives into personal connections to impactful tracks and the cultural evolution of genres, highlighting the fusion of hip-hop and country music. Listeners share their favorites, celebrating both iconic and emerging musical voices that shaped the year.

Join Kendra Ramsey, executive director of the California Bicycle Coalition, and Karen Wiener, co-owner of The New Wheel, as they explore California's exciting new e-bike incentive program, offering up to $2,000 vouchers. Trauma surgeon John Maa sheds light on rising safety concerns amid booming e-bike usage, emphasizing the need for education and infrastructure. Fresno resident Jesse Villegas shares his firsthand experience with the program. Together, they discuss the balance between promoting sustainable transportation and ensuring safe riding practices.

MacKenzie Chung Fegan, lead restaurant critic at The San Francisco Chronicle, talks about unique food-related gifts. Ellen Lee from Wirecutter shares creative strategies for selecting gifts for kids and teens. Kathy Bailey, co-owner of Heath Ceramics, emphasizes the joy of handmade gifts and supporting local artisans. They discuss the evolution of gift ideas, highlighting memorable experiences over material items. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and the importance of meaningful connections through thoughtful gift-giving.

Syrians continue to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the dictator whose decades-long rule was marked by terror and violence against his own people. But the situation on the ground is fluid and complex. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, one of the key rebel groups controlling Damascus, has former ties to Al-Qaeda and is currently labeled a terrorist group by the United States government. Its leader, Mohammed al-Bashir, was appointed Syria’s caretaker prime minister and said Tuesday he’ll run a transitional government until March. Meanwhile, Israel launched dozens of airstrikes Tuesday targeting Syrian military installations and weapons stockpiled by the Assad regime. We’ll talk about what’s next for Syria and the alliances that kept Assad in power and get reactions from Syrians in California.Guests:Ruth Michaelson , journalist based in Istanbul, The GuardianNatasha Hall, senior fellow with the Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International StudiesSammy Hajomar, Los Angeles resident of Syrian descentMarwan Chehadeh, San Diego resident of Syrian descent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Kliff, an investigative healthcare reporter for The New York Times, delves into the uproar following the murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, highlighting the public's fury over insurance claim denials. Kliff discusses the alarming Gallup survey revealing a decline in Americans’ satisfaction with healthcare quality. She offers insights on navigating the broken system and emphasizes the need for patients to safeguard their interests. The conversation also contrasts different healthcare models, advocating for reforms that prioritize patient care.

Garrett Graff, a journalist and historian known for his work on national security, joins Josh Meyer, a domestic security correspondent at USA Today. They dive into Trump's controversial nominations of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel as FBI chief. The discussion reveals concerns about Gabbard's ties to authoritarian regimes and Patel's intent to dismantle the FBI. They analyze the potential implications for U.S. national security and the broader challenges these nominees might face in confirmation.