KQED's Forum

In her new book “When Trees Testify,” plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery examines the ways trees are intertwined with Black American history as well as her own life story. For example, the pecan tree was domesticated by an enslaved African and sycamores were both havens and signposts for those fleeing slavery. We talk to Montgomery and hear from you: What’s a tree with special significance to your history? Guests: Beronda L. Montgomery, author, "When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America's Black Botanical Legacy" Marian Johnson, former resident, Russell City, Alameda County Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gambling has crept into the news, with prediction markets offering betting odds on everything from Taylor Swift’s wedding date to the U.S. acquisition of Greenland. Political reporters now cite betting odds alongside traditional polls, and media companies like CNN and Yahoo have inked deals with popular betting platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. So what does it mean to put cold hard cash on the outcome of current events? Danny Funt has written about sports betting for The Washington Post and The New Yorker. He joins us to talk about how online gambling is reshaping the news, and his new book: “Everybody Loses.” Guests: Danny Funt, journalist covering sports betting and online gambling, The Washington Post and The New Yorker; author, "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At least 2,600 protesters have been killed in Iran’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Those protests now appear to have abated after nearly two weeks, but many outside Iran are still struggling to get information about loved ones because of the Islamic Republic’s communication blackout. Meanwhile, as President Trump gives mixed signals on intervention, the U.S. imposed additional sanctions on Thursday. We’ll hear from Iranians in California about how they’re processing the latest news, and from you: How do you want the U.S. to respond? Guests: Robin Wright, contributing writer, The New Yorker - her most recent piece for the magazine is "Iran’s Regime Is Unsustainable"; Wright is also the author of "Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East" among other books Hoda Katebi, labor attorney, Iranian-American writer and community organizer Sahar Razavi, associate professor, Department of Political Science; director, Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center, California State University, Sacramento Shani Moslehi, founder and chief executive officer, Orange County Iranian American Chamber of Commerce (OCIACC) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his second term as president, Donald Trump has dismantled programs that promote equality, fired Black officials from high ranking positions, and has empowered white nationalists. Social justice activists have long known that progress is uneven and often retracts, so what does the fight for civil rights look like today? On the day America commemorates Martin Luther King Jr., we reflect on his legacy and the state of our civil rights and social justice movements. Guests: Jelani Cobb, staff writer, The New Yorker; professor of journalism, Columbia University; his most recent book is, "Three or More Is a Riot: Notes on How We Got Here: 2012-2025" Eva Paterson, retired, former co-founder and president, Equal Justice Society; now runs a film production company called Joy and Magic Nicole Lee, executive director, Urban Peace Movement - a grassroots racial justice organization in Oakland focused on leadership development for young people to prevent violence and mass incarceration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cardiologist and genetic researcher Dr. Eric Topol wrote the book on “Super Agers,” distilling everything that modern medicine can teach us about boosting our immune systems and squeezing more life out of our years – not the other way around. We’ll hear Dr. Topol’s tips for boosting our immune systems and keeping our brains — and guts — running like the biological super-computers they are. And we want to hear from you: What steps are you taking to age well? Guests: Dr. Eric Topol, cardiologist, founder and director of the Scripps Research Institute. His book is "Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buttery notes. Hints of cherry. A wisp of chocolate. All are desirable tastes in wine. But what happens when the grapes have been exposed to wildfire smoke and the wine tastes more like BBQ or an ashtray? Wine makers and scientists are exploring how to create wines from grapes that may have been tainted by smoke. At a time when the wine industry is facing the headwinds of tariffs, decreasing interest in wine, and climate change, these efforts have taken on more importance. We’ll talk about what happens when smoke gets in your wine. Guests: Nicola Twilley, contributor, New Yorker Magazine. Her most recent piece for the magazine is titled "Can We Save Wine from Wildfires?" Sarah Doyle, wine reporter, The Press Democrat Ashley Egelhoff, winemaker, Honig Vineyard & Winery Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An ICE officer’s fatal shooting of Renee Macklin Good last week in Minneapolis—and the Trump administration’s response — have stirred both outrage and fear across the country. The shooting has renewed concerns in California about immigration agents’ aggressive tactics. And it’s raised questions about whether ICE officers are receiving proper training as the agency rapidly expands its ranks to carry out President Trump’s immigration crackdown. We analyze ICE’s tactics and hear about efforts to rein in the agency, and about what the future may hold as federal authorities set their sights on more American cities. Guests: Rep. Ro Khanna, Congressman for California's 17th Congressional District (Silicon Valley) Jill Cowan, reporter covering Southern California, New York Times Scott Savage, police training consultant; recently retired California law enforcement officer with 24 years of experience Ben Jones, assistant professor of ethics and public policy, Pennsylvania State University; author of the forthcoming book, "Protecting Life: The Ethics of Police Deadly Force" Noah Hurowitz, reporter covering federal law enforcement, The Intercept Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump has redefined the authority of the American presidency. In a recent interview with the New York Times, he said he is constrained only by his “own morality.” Trump has often exercised power in ways that have raised alarms including weaponizing the Department of Justice to go after political opponents, capturing the leader of Venezuela without Congressional approval, sending the National Guard into cities to squash protests and imposing tariffs. As we approach the one year anniversary of Trump’s inauguration, we’ll talk about the expansion of presidential power and what it means for democracy. Guests: Steven Levitsky, professor of government, Harvard, co-author of "Why Democracies Die" and "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point." Vikram Amar, professor of law, UC Davis School of Law Lara Brown, political scientist and author, Her lastest book is, "Amateur Hour: Presidential Character and the Question of Leadership." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, can cost upwards of $20,000 in California — for one cycle. For that reason, it’s put financial strain on many California families and been completely out of reach for others, including couples who have faced insurance denials because they are LGBTQ+. But a California law that went into effect this month, SB 729, requires large employer-sponsored health plans to cover up to three cycles of IVF, along with other infertility services, regardless of sexual orientation. We’ll hear what the new law means for family planning in California, and for you: Does this put IVF within reach for you? What’s been your experience with IVF? Guests: Caroline Menjivar, member of the California State Senate representing the 20th district (San Fernando Valley) Shefali Luthra, reproductive health reporter, The 19th Sarah Jolly, has been trying to conceive with her husband for five years Dr. Alexander Quaas, medical director Shady Grove Fertility San Diego; fertility specialist; wrote an article for the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology titled, “The California infertility insurance mandate: another step toward reproductive justice?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Californians have until January 31 to sign up for health insurance provided by Covered California, the state’s Obamacare plan. Because Congress let health care tax credits expire, the cost of insurance has radically increased for many customers, and some are opting out of health insurance altogether. We’ll hear how skyrocketing costs are affecting your healthcare decisions and take your questions. Guests: Jessica Altman, executive director, Covered California, the state health insurance exchange Cynthia Cox, senior vice-president, KFF, an independent source for health policy research, polls and news - Cox is also the director of KFF's Affordable Care Act Program Katelyn Jackson, executive director, Clinic by the Bay, a free medical clinic for uninsured patients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may know Mo Willems from his books about “The Pigeon” – who asks, pleads, even demands to do things like drive a school bus. Or from unlikely best friends “Elephant & Piggie,” who will soon have their own Paramount+ streaming series. We talk with the acclaimed children’s book author about his approach to involving and inspiring children with interactive stories, and his latest projects — including two upcoming stage performances at San Francisco’s comedy festival, Sketchfest. Mo Willems has two upcoming stage performances at San Francisco’s comedy festival, Sketchfest, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18. Tickets can be found here. Guests: Mo Willems, children's book author Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marin Country rang in the New Year with the worst flooding in decades. Heavy storms combined with king tides turned parts of Highway 101 into lakes, pushed water over levees, and caused damage to hundreds of homes and businesses. While many people were caught off guard, the floods were not a surprise to researchers and planners who study sea-level rise. The question now is how well cities and regional agencies will respond and make changes. We’ll talk about the floods and what it will take to adapt to rising sea levels in the Bay Area. Guests: Ezra David Romero, climate reporter, KQED Kristina Hill, director, Institute for Urban and Regional Development, College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley Bart Ney, acting deputy director of external affairs, Caltrans Michael Germeraad, resilience planner, Association of Bay Area Governments & Metropolitan Transportation Commission Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans are getting their clearest picture yet of how thoroughly Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is remaking federal public health policy. In a move that’s drawn widespread criticism, the health secretary announced a dramatic reduction in the number of vaccinations recommended for children. In a second initiative — one that’s drawn qualified praise from public health experts — Kennedy unveiled new dietary recommendations that emphasize meat, dairy products and so-called “healthy fats.” We look at these changes in policy and what they may mean for you … and for overall public health. Guests: Marcia Brown, food and agriculture reporter, POLITICO Grace Lee, associate chief medical officer for practice innovation and pediatric infectious diseases physician, Stanford Children’s Health; member, U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP); member, COVID-19 Vaccines Workgroup Maria Godoy, health correspondent, NPR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has sparked protests and anger in the Bay Area and across the country. We get the latest on the fallout from the shooting and the Trump Administration’s handling of it. And we talk about what it all might mean for the president’s immigration agenda and the future of ICE. Guests: Nick Miroff, staff writer, The Atlantic Matt Sepic, Correspondent, Minnesota Public Radio Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco District Attorney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Thursday, Governor Gavin Newsom delivered his final State of the State address laying out his vision for California – in contrast to what he calls a chaotic federal government under President Trump. He highlighted California’s work on homelessness, education and healthcare. And framed the state as taking a leadership role in these issues across the country. We take a closer look at what Governor Newsom is proposing for California in the new year, and how he aims to close a state budget shortfall of nearly $18 billion. Guests: Marisa Lagos, politics correspondent, KQED; co-host of KQED's Political Breakdown Lindsey Holden, California politics reporter, Politico Patrick Ahrens, state Assemblymember representing California's 26th district, including Santa Clara county Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From convenience store pork chops to a distinct take on Peking duck, KQED food editor Luke Tsai discovered a lot of great dishes over the year. He joins us to dish on the best things he ate in 2025 and recommend places you might want to try in the new year. Despite continued restaurant closures, the Bay Area continues to offer amazing culinary options from all over the world, so how do you decide? We’ll hear from Tsai and other local food writers, Lauren Saria of The SF Standard and freelancer Octavio Peña, on their picks for what you should nosh on in 2026. Guests: Luke Tsai, food editor, KQED Arts and Culture Lauren Saria, food editor, The SF Standard Octavio Peña, food writer and contributor, KQED Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get out your crystal ball, trust your spidey-senses and look back at 2025’s major takeaways, because it’s time to help us predict 2026. Whether you think Democrats will win big in the midterms, that an entirely AI-generated song will top the Billboard charts or that we’ll finally stop Venmo charging our friends for dinner, we want to hear your predictions. We speak with three journalists about what they expect — and what we’ve learned from 2025. And we hear from you: Whether it’s good, bad or neutral, what do you think will happen this year? Guests: Izzie Ramirez, deputy editor of Future Perfect, a section focused on the myriad challenges and efforts in making the world a better place, Vox Media Emma Goldberg, reporter covering political subcultures and the way we live now for the Styles section, The New York Times Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist, The Washington Post; she writes the nationally syndicated personal finance column "The Color of Money" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When writer Anna Holmes began to get forgetful, she wondered if it was middle age, menopause or dementia-inflected memory loss. The brain fog made her reflect on not just her health, but her mortality. Having watched her mother slip away from dementia, she wondered if it was now happening to her. We talk to a neurologist and Holmes about her recent piece in the New Yorker, “My Mother’s Memory Loss, and Mine.” Guests: Anna Holmes, writer and editor; her latest piece in the New Yorker is titled "My Mother's Memory Loss, and Mine" Dr. Niyatee Samudra, clinical assistant professor of adult neurology, Stanford University Medical School Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin has been sounding the alarm about creeping authoritarianism, warning of military forces on U.S. streets and extrajudicial killings on the high seas. Now, following a military raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, those warnings feel newly urgent. Slotkin joins us to discuss what the Maduro operation reveals about presidential power, and what Congressional oversight mechanisms are available. Furthermore, President Trump says the U.S. will now control Venezuela’s massive oil reserves — over 300 billion barrels of crude oil. Later in the hour, we talk about why the U.S. might keep Venezuela’s existing government in place, the real challenges of extracting Venezuela’s oil resources and how Trump’s use of the Monroe Doctrine is reshaping global politics. Guests: Elissa Slotkin, U.S. Senator representing Michigan; member of the Senate Committee on Armed Services Antonia Juhasz, investigative journalist covering energy and the environment for Rolling Stone and other outlets. She is the author of several books on the industry, including "The Tyranny of Oil." Kevin Whitaker, former U.S. ambassador to Colombia and deputy chief of mission in Venezuela. He is senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, a non-partisan think tank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A blackout that left one-third of San Francisco customers without power – some up to three days – was one of six outages that plagued PG&E throughout the holidays. Disabled Waymos blocked streets. The Nutcracker was cancelled. Restaurants and businesses were closed. Customers and politicians are demanding answers and calling for the end of PG&E’s monopoly. We’ll talk about the blackout and what it can tell us about the reliability of our power sources and Waymo’s vulnerabilities, and we’ll hear how it affected you. Guests: Joe Eskenazi, managing editor and columnist, Mission Local Jeffrey Tumlin, former Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Brad Templeton, entrepreneur, writer; Templeton is the chairman emeritus of the Electronic Frontier Foundation and previously worked at Waymo Bilal Mahmood, supervisor, District 5, Board of Supervisors San Francisco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices