KQED's Perspectives

Many people put on extra pounds during the pandemic and Dr. Baldeep Singh wishes there was more he could do for his vulnerable patients. When Javier came to see me, he had gained 10 pounds. It was a surprise but since staying at home during COVID, he had stopped exercising and had started eating more. The result was the “Quarantine 15”, the weight gained due to pandemic stressors, such as losing j...

Simi Monheit's recent trip to the Sierra brings fond memories and dread for the future.

Mediator Richard Friedlander says the words he hears the least are the words most likely to encourage conflict resolution.

While human lives are upended, life is normal for the plants and creatures of Peggy Hansen's farm.

At every stage of life, someone wants a piece of Luke Pease's wallet.

Michael Ellis has this Perspective on a Bay Area tree with an ancient history. Millions of years ago a tropical forest flourished throughout California. Rainfall exceeded 80 inches per year and both temperature and humidity were high. Large broad-leaved evergreen trees dominated a landscape interspersed with conifers. Slowly the climate became drier and cooler and … Continue reading Michael Ellis:...

It’s 3:30 in the morning, and I’m sitting in my favorite chair: a crinkled and worn, brown leather recliner. One of our cats has discovered I’m up, and he’s come to say hello. Miles, our 11 year-old springer spaniel, is curled up on his bed beside me, snoring. Otherwise, it’s quiet, except for the distant humming of an appliance, the wind outside and the creaking of the house. When I find myself u...

When Maxine Rose Schur needs to clear her mind she heads straight for the foggiest part of San Francisco – the Sunset District.

Jim McClelland turns to an ancient Japanese art for hope that a broken country can be repaired, and better for it.

Marilyn Englander says backpacking will teach you the value of every drop of water.

Paul Staley says the Declaration of Independence asserts the right to pursue happiness, not attain it.

Victor Schachter suggests the Declaration of Independence could use an update to reflect modern realities.

Celeste Dubois says that sometimes it's the teachers who learn from their students.

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau carves up the notion that eating meat is manly.

Debbie Duncan says acknowledging three good things a day keeps the blues away.

Dr. Marcelle Taylor Dougan struggles to protect her children from racism.

It’s the time of year when highly informed lovers of forest fungi forage for their favorites, and Peggy Hansen is one of them.

YR Media's Valeria Araujo is rethinking her future at Mills College in Oakland.

Pedro Hernandez-Ramos reminds us that the global pandemic is still raging around the world.

Rev. Barbara Foltin's church hands out Pride flags to LGBTQ+ people, their families and neighbors.

Like many, Nicolle Plescia and her family had a lot of free time during the pandemic lockdown. Did they waste it?

The life of Steven Saum's father is only slightly captured in a handful of small mementos.

Susan Dix Lyons shares a special day in the city with her daughter, and a lifetime of memories.

Dr. Thomas Plante says a toxic mix of frustration and stress is making too many people behave very badly.

Sheltering at home, Michael Ellis focuses his love for natural wonders on his own back yard.