KQED's Forum

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.

Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives deep into the complexities of inflation and its impact on Americans. She highlights how the pandemic reshaped consumer behavior and prices, especially in housing. Lowrey discusses the public's perception of economic distress influencing political views, particularly in an election year. With rising costs in essentials like housing and energy, she examines the tough choices families face. The conversation also touches on tariffs and their role in price fluctuations, revealing the intricate connections between policy and daily life.

Lauren Hepler, an investigative reporter for CalMatters, sheds light on California's struggling unemployment system, which is drowning in a $20 billion debt. Her insights reveal conflicting views between businesses and labor groups over necessary tax reforms. Kim Tanner, a Carlsbad resident, shares her harrowing experience with fraudulent activities linked to the California EDD, dramatizing the human cost of the bureaucratic failures. Together, they underline the urgent need for structural changes to ensure better support for Californians during crises.

Join experts Dave Snider, a Tsunami Warning Coordinator, and Lori Dengler, a geophysics professor, as they dive into the recent tsunami warning scare in Northern California. They discuss the complex protocols of tsunami alerts and the confusion that arose in different cities, like Berkeley. Dan Brekke sheds light on the effectiveness of local emergency responses, while Brian Garcia highlights the importance of timely and accurate information. Together, they stress the significance of preparedness and clear communication to better protect communities during such emergencies.

Nicholas Quah, a podcast critic at Vulture, shares his insights on the evolving podcast landscape in 2024. Ronald Young Jr., producer and host of 'Weight for It,' discusses the cultural impact of podcasts in politics and gender discourse. Wil Williams, CEO of Hug House Productions, highlights influential podcasts like 'Wait For It.' The trio examines how podcasts shape societal narratives and offer personal recommendations, while also addressing the ongoing challenges within the industry.