KQED's Forum

Justin Barker, a local animal rights activist, discusses alarming findings about the San Francisco Zoo's outdated facilities, including flooding and inadequate water for the animals. Tara Duggan, a reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle, shares insights on the critical report that spurred calls for action. Former Oakland Zoo director Joel Parrott highlights ethical considerations in zoo management and the importance of prioritizing animal welfare over attractions. The conversation delves into the need for accountability and reform in animal care practices.

Gabriella Paul, a reporter for WUSF, provides on-the-ground insights into the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on Florida, especially in Pasco County. Gerard Albert III shares how these storms have affected rural communities in North Carolina like Asheville. Author Porter Fox discusses the science behind 'supercharged hurricanes' and their link to climate change. Together, they explore the emotional toll on residents, ongoing recovery challenges, and the urgent need for effective climate action in a world facing more frequent storms.

In this engaging discussion, science writer Josh Luke Davis, from the Natural History Museum in London and author of "A Little Queer Natural History," unveils the rich tapestry of queerness in nature. He shares intriguing examples, like male clownfish changing sexes and same-sex giraffe behavior. The conversation dives into the historical biases of scientific research on queer animal behaviors, the societal implications of these findings, and the remarkable parenting success of queer couples in the animal kingdom, prompting a re-evaluation of conventional beliefs about sex and gender.

Eric Deggans, TV critic for NPR, shares insights on Saturday Night Live's cultural impact, while Joanna Robinson from The Ringer discusses its influence on politics and satire. Stephen Tropiano, a screen studies professor, provides historical context. They delve into iconic sketches like 'Black Jeopardy' and analyze how SNL navigates a polarized landscape. The conversation highlights the show's ability to blend humor with serious issues, reflecting on its lasting relevance as it marks 50 years of comedy and commentary.

Daniel Lurie, founder of Tipping Point Community and a mayoral candidate, dives into his vision for San Francisco. He reflects on his upbringing influenced by his father's legacy as a rabbi, emphasizing public service. Lurie tackles chronic homelessness, advocating for innovative solutions and systemic reforms. He highlights the need for accountability in nonprofits amid crises like fentanyl addiction. Passionate about revitalizing the city, he discusses grassroots fundraising and the importance of community representation to drive transformative change.

Much has been written about Ronald Reagan, but historian Max Boot’s new biography, which draws on new archival sources and interviews with nearly a hundred people who knew Reagan best, is being hailed as definitive. Boot says Reagan was possessed of “myriad contradictions and inconsistencies:” a skeptic of government who presided over vast spending increases; a gun rights advocate who supported tough gun laws; a man of strong convictions but little intellectual depth. We talk to Boot about why he did not want to write either a “hagiography or a hit job” of the former president and California governor, and both the contrasts and connections he sees between Reagan and Donald Trump. Boot’s new book is “Reagan: His Life and Legend.” What policy, event or moment do you most associate with Ronald Reagan?Guests:Max Boot, senior fellow for national security studies, Council on Foreign Relations - columnist, Washington Post; author, "Reagan: His Life and Legend" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Ahsha Safaí applied to MIT for his masters degree in urban planning, he wrote that one day he hoped to be a city mayor. Since getting his degree, he’s moved to San Francisco, worked as a labor organizer, as well as at the Housing Authority and at Public Works, and served as a two-term board supervisor for District 11, on the south side of the city. Now he’s running to make his mayoral dream a reality. Competing in a crowded field, Safaí recently announced a ranked choice voting alliance with fellow candidate Mark Farrell – a move that he hopes will boost his chances. In the latest of our series of interviews with the major candidates in the San Francisco mayor’s race, we talk to Safaí about his campaign, his career and his hopes for San Francisco.Guests:Ahsha Safai, member, San Francisco Board of Supervisors - represents District 11, which includes the Excelsior and Ingleside neighborhoods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Rancaño, a housing affordability reporter at KQED, and Emily Schultheis, a California reporter for Politico, dive deep into Propositions 33 and 34 on California's November ballot. They discuss how Prop 33 could empower cities to implement rent control, significantly affecting housing affordability. Meanwhile, Prop 34's controversial funding restrictions raise questions about its impact on the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. The conversation also explores the heated debate surrounding these propositions and their potential implications for California residents.

Join Alexis Krivkovich, a McKinsey senior partner, and Tracy Clark-Flory, a journalist and author, as they dive deep into the impact of Sheryl Sandberg's 'Lean In' a decade later. They discuss the slow crawl toward gender equality in corporate leadership, particularly for women of color. Anna Dapelo Garcia sheds light on the Latina experience in the workplace, while Minda Harts emphasizes the need for systemic change. Together, they explore how personal ambition meets ingrained biases, posing vital questions about the path ahead for women in the workforce.

Join Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his keen analysis of U.S. politics, and Jared Malsin, a Middle East correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, as they dissect the complexities of U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East post-October 7. They discuss the challenges of hostage negotiations, the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the escalating conflict dynamics in Lebanon. Foer critiques the Biden administration's strategies while Malsin offers firsthand insights from the ground, illuminating the multifaceted nature of the ongoing strife.