KQED's Forum
KQED
Forum tells remarkable and true stories about who we are and where we live. In the first hour, Alexis Madrigal convenes the diverse voices of the Bay Area, before turning to Mina Kim for the second hour to chronicle and center Californians’ experience. In an increasingly divided world, Mina and Alexis host conversations that inform, challenge and unify listeners with big ideas and different viewpoints.Want to call/submit your comments during our live Forum program Mon-Fri, 9am-11am? We'd love to hear from you! Please dial 866.SF.FORUM or (866) 733-6786 or email forum@kqed.org, tweet, or post on Facebook.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 16, 2026 • 55min
When Smoke Gets in Your Wine
Nicola Twilley, a contributor to The New Yorker and author focused on smoke taint in wine, joins winemaker Ashley Egelhoff from Honig Vineyard & Winery. They delve into how wildfire smoke affects grape chemistry, leading to undesirable flavors. Ashley shares her hands-on experience grappling with smoke-impacted fruit and innovative testing methods. The discussion also touches on the industry's struggles with climate change, the challenges of measuring smoke compounds, and the debate on whether smoke can be a unique terroir or a flaw in wine.
Jan 16, 2026 • 55min
How Are You Handling Increased Health Insurance Premiums?
Nye Yun, a Bay Area chef and author of My Cambodia: A Khmer Cookbook, takes listeners on a flavorful journey through Khmer cuisine. She highlights the essential roles of traditional ingredients like kroyeng and brahok, sharing the cultural significance behind preparing dishes. Nye reflects on her roots in Stockton and the vibrant Khmer community, emphasizing food as a connector of memories. Listeners also get practical tips for enjoying Cambodian street food and cooking techniques, as well as discovering the heartwarming stories woven into her cookbook.
Jan 15, 2026 • 55min
Concerns Over ICE Training and Tactics Reach Boiling Point
Ro Khanna, a progressive U.S. Representative, advocates for accountability in ICE following the fatal shooting of Renee Macklin Good. Jill Cowan, a New York Times reporter, addresses the aggressive tactics of ICE in California, linking these to rapid agent recruitment. Scott Savage, a former police trainer, highlights alarming gaps in training for urban encounters. The discussion delves into calls for oversight, the need for de-escalation practices, and the legal consequences of use-of-force incidents, igniting a powerful dialogue on immigration enforcement reforms.
Jan 15, 2026 • 55min
How Trump Redefined the Power of the Presidency One Year Into Second Term
Steven Levitsky, a Harvard political scientist specializing in authoritarianism, and Vikram Amar, a constitutional law expert at UC Davis, delve into how Trump has redefined presidential power. They discuss the legal gray areas Trump has exploited and the concerning rise of partisanship that allows such actions to go unchecked. Levitsky highlights the dangers to democracy from Trump's maximalist mindset, while Amar calls for either constitutional reform or re-empowering Congress to restore balance. Together, they explore the implications of these shifts for the future of American governance.
4 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 55min
New California IVF Law Dramatically Expands Access
Dominic Pettman, a media professor and author, and Lizzie Post, etiquette expert and co-president of the Emily Post Institute, explore the evolving dynamics of ghosting. They discuss how technology has reshaped human interaction, making ghosting more prevalent and psychologically challenging. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional fallout of disappearing acts. Lizzie provides etiquette tips for managing digital communication and responds to listener stories about ghosting's complexities, urging understanding and practical boundary-setting.
Jan 13, 2026 • 55min
Author Mo Willems on Inspiring Young Readers Through Interactive Stories
Mo Willems, a beloved children's book author and illustrator known for characters like The Pigeon and Elephant & Piggie, shares his creative journey. He emphasizes the importance of engaging children through interactive storytelling and audience participation. Willems discusses his writing philosophy, the inspiration behind his work, and how he incorporates empathy through drawing. He also teases his upcoming projects, including a new animated series and stage performances, while reflecting on the joy his books bring to families and classrooms.
Jan 13, 2026 • 55min
As Sea Levels Rise, What Will It Take to Protect the Bay Area From Flooding?
In this engaging discussion, climate reporter Ezra David Romero highlights the recent severe flooding in Marin County, triggered by a mix of king tides and saturated ground. Urban resilience expert Kristina Hill explains the complexities of groundwater dynamics and the challenge of current infrastructure. Bart Ney discusses Caltrans' emergency responses and immediate solutions, while Michael Germeraad delves into the costly regional adaptations needed for sea-level rise. Together, they explore long-term strategies and innovative ideas for a resilient Bay Area.
Jan 12, 2026 • 55min
RFK's Vaccine and Dietary Directives and the Future of Public Health
Grace Lee, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at Stanford, and Maria Godoy, NPR's health correspondent, dive into the seismic shifts in U.S. public health policy under RFK Jr. Lee reveals the downgrading of key childhood vaccines and explores the implications for pediatric care. Godoy highlights how these changes might increase parental confusion and influence insurance coverage. They also discuss new dietary guidelines promoting fats and meat, drawing mixed reactions from health professionals, while addressing public trust and vaccine skepticism.
Jan 12, 2026 • 55min
Anger, Protests and Questions Follow ICE Shooting
Guests Matt Sepik, a Minnesota Public Radio correspondent, shares insights from the Minneapolis protests following the fatal ICE shooting. Nick Miroff from The Atlantic discusses the political implications for ICE policy and the pressures on immigrant-focused cities. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins outlines local legal strategies related to protests and federal agent conduct. The discussion touches on the growing anger, investigation conflicts, and evolving protest tactics that parallel past movements, raising critical questions about public safety and administration accountability.
Jan 9, 2026 • 55min
In Final State of the State, Governor Newsom Lays Out Vision for California in 2026
Marisa Lagos, KQED's politics correspondent, Lindsey Holden from Politico, and Patrick Ahrens, a California State Assemblymember, dive into Governor Newsom's final State of the State address. They discuss his ambitious plans for tackling homelessness, education, and healthcare while facing an $18 billion budget shortfall. The guests analyze Newsom's partisan messaging, the controversial billionaire tax proposal, and potential restructuring of education governance. They also touch on local solutions for healthcare and housing amid federal funding concerns.
