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The Books We Loved in 2024 Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

As the year ends, Forum looks back at some of our – and your – favorite books from 2024. What was the book you just couldn’t put down or that you’re still thinking about months later? Among this year’s top sellers were “James” by Percival Everett, a retelling of Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” as well as “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire that inspired a blockbuster musical and movie. Book critics and book lovers join us to talk about their favorites and what titles you might want to put on your to-read list.

Guests:

Brad Johnson, owner, East Bay Booksellers in Oakland

Anita Felicelli, editor, Alta Journal‘s California Book Club; Her most recent book is the short story collection "How We Know Our Time Travelers." She is also author of "Chimerica: A Novel" and the short story collection "Love Songs for a Lost Continent."

Ugur Dursu, arts engagement producer and reporter, KQED

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What’s your Best Defense of California? Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Half of Americans think California is in decline, and almost half of Republicans think it’s “not really America,” according to a poll this year from the Los Angeles Times. California has long been the place out of staters love to hate, and for decades it’s been a synonym for liberalism itself. But the bashing is getting even more political — led by a president-elect who blames the state’s progressivism for everything from wildfires to the cost of groceries. This hour of Forum, we’ll show the state a little love, and hear from you: What’s your best defense of California?

Guests:

Tessa McLean, California editor, SF Gate - Her recent article is "America's obsession with California failing"

Mark Barabak, political columnist - Los Angeles Times,

Gustavo Arellano, columnist, Los Angeles Times

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The Legacy of U.S. Navy Radiation Experiments in Hunters Point Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

On the site of what is poised to be a massive housing development in Hunters Point, the U.S. Navy conducted radiation experiments on troops, lab personnel, and civilians from 1946 to 1963. In a six-part investigative series, the San Francisco Public Press uncovered how researchers injected radiation into participants, had troops crawl through mud chemically engineered to resemble nuclear fallout, and applied lax standards of care towards human life in their experiments. We talk to investigative journalist Chris Roberts, and examine this troubled legacy and its impact on current residents.

Guests:

Chris Roberts, investigative reporter, Roberts' investigative series "Exposed: The Human Radiation Experiments at Hunters Point," was published by the San Francisco Public Press

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UC Davis Coffee Researchers on the Science Behind a Perfect Cup of Coffee Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

UC Davis is known as one of the best schools to study winemaking. And now it’s becoming a magnet for faculty and students drawn to the study of coffee. What started as a popular undergraduate class has turned into a full-fledged research center – the first of its kind in the U.S. We talk to the director of the UC Davis Coffee Center and its head roaster about the science of coffee, including how to brew that perfect cup. What coffee questions do you have brewing?

Guests:

Timothy Styczynski, Head Roaster, UC Davis Coffee Center

William Ristenpart, professor of chemical engineering, Director, UC Davis Coffee Center

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Wintersongs From the Vocal Ensemble Kitka, Live in Studio Dec 17, 2024

Show notes

For 45 years, the Bay Area’s vocal ensemble Kitka has entranced audiences with their complex harmonies, breathtaking vocal techniques and vast repertoire of traditional songs from Eastern Europe and Eurasia. The 10 members of Kitka join us in studio to share songs from their Wintersongs concerts, featuring music from the country of Georgia.

Guests:

Shira Cion, Executive Director, Kitka Women's Vocal Ensemble - members of the ensemble: Kelly Atkins, Kristine Barrett, Stacey Barnett, Charlotte Finegold, Erin Lashnits Herman, Janet Kutulas, Maclovia Quintana, Katya Schoenberg, Talia Young-Skeen

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What Pete Hegseth’s Resurrected Bid for Defense Secretary Signals Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

After president-elect Donald Trump announced his plans to nominate Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, Senate confirmation seemed unlikely. Other than serving in the military, Hegseth lacked experience — and reporting emerged alleging sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement and alcohol abuse. But Trump is galvanizing his base to protect Hegseth’s nomination. We’ll talk about the likelihood of Hegseth’s confirmation and what the department could look like under Hegseth.

Guests:

Tom Nichols, staff writer, The Atlantic; professor emeritus of national-security affairs, U.S. Naval War College; author, “Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault From Within on Modern Democracy”

Joe Gould, defense reporter, Politico

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Stephen Dubner on 20 years of Freakonomics Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Why are humans so bad at predicting the future? What exactly is college for? And does expensive wine really taste better? Those are among the many questions tackled by journalist Stephen Dubner and economist Steven Levitt over the years, since their bestselling book Freakonomics came out in 2005. We’ll talk with Dubner about the duo’s book and podcast empire which aims to reveal “the hidden side of everything” and about whether the field of behavioral economics has lived up to its promise. And we’ll dive into Freakonomics Radio’s recent series on the legal marijuana industry, and why it’s such a mess.

Guests:

Stephen Dubner, Freakonomics Radio host and best-selling author

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Want to Learn to Play a Musical Instrument? Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

Learning to play piano, saxophone or cello can be intimidating at any age, but adult learners face special challenges such as the time and financial commitment and possibly a fear of not being good enough. We talk about the joy and satisfaction learning an instrument can bring. Whether you’re picking up your old violin or sitting down at the piano for the first time, tell us, what makes you want to play?

Guests:

Mia Mercado, author, books include “Weird But Normal,” and “She’s Nice Though”

Amanda Schlegel, assistant professor of music education, University of South Carolina

Sarah Hotchkiss, senior associate editor, KQED Arts & Culture

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The Songs and Albums You Played On Repeat in 2024 Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

This past year, the Bay Area’s local music scene continued to cultivate artists as eclectic as our region. KQED Art’s list of the best Bay Area albums from 2024 included La Doña, LaRussell, Sam Reider and the Human Hands, and Naked Roommate. Spotify’s list of the top U.S. songs for this year included “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey and “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan. We’ll listen to some of the best music of 2024 from the Bay Area and beyond and hear your picks for best song or album. What did you play on repeat in 2024?

Guests:

Nastia Voynovskaya, editor and reporter, KQED Arts

Suzy Exposito, freelance music journalist

Pendarvis "Pen" Harshaw, columnist, KQED Arts

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California Offers Long-Awaited Cash Incentives for E-Bikes Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

Some California residents could soon be eligible for an e-bike voucher worth up to $2000. State officials say the program will cut pollution and help meet climate goals, while promoting transportation equity for low income Californians. E-bike popularity has soared, with U.S. sales rising from around 250,000 per year to more than a million between 2018 and 2022. But an increase in e-bike accidents has raised concerns about the boom in new riders. We’ll discuss the state’s program, get tips on safe riding and talk about what to consider if you’re shopping for a new e-bike.

Guests:

John Maa, trauma surgeon, MarinHealth Medical Center; former president of the San Francisco Marin Medical Society; Website URL: https://sfkidsvsbigtobacco.com

Kendra Ramsey, executive director, California Bicycle Coalition

Karen Wiener, co-owner, The New Wheel; An e-bike shop in San Francisco, Oakland, and Marin

Jesse Villegas, Fresno resident, He bought an e-bike as part of the soft launch of the state's e-bike incentive program.

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