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 2, 2026 • 55min
Forum From the Archives: Poet Ada Limón’s New Collection 'Startlement' Centers Wonder and Connection
In this engaging discussion, Ada Limón, a celebrated poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares insights from her new collection, 'Startlement.' She reflects on the intertwining of nature, art, and humanity, emphasizing poetic tenderness in the face of climate despair. Limón reads evocative poems, including 'The Origin Revisited,' highlighting her commitment to environmental advocacy. With warmth and curiosity, she discusses the importance of belonging, artistic activism, and the resilience found in both poetry and community.
Dec 31, 2025 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: Rabbi Calls for Boundless Compassion Amid Divides
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the first Asian American ordained as a rabbi and leader of Central Synagogue, discusses her complex feelings about Israel. She highlights how fear can numb empathy, making it risky to express nuance. Buchdahl critiques the rising trend of zero-sum empathy in society, attributing it to trauma and media manipulation. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections and storytelling to foster compassion. Her insights on generational views towards Israel and strategies for bridging divides within her congregation are both poignant and inspiring.
Dec 31, 2025 • 56min
The Delightful Experience of Collective Effervescence
Zoe Ellis, Director of Music Ministries at Glide Memorial Church, and Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, explore the phenomenon of collective effervescence. They dive into how shared musical experiences, rituals, and laughter foster community and connection. Gabriel highlights the differences between in-person and virtual experiences, while Ellis shares how music can create unity. They also touch on the emotional impact of collective moments, both uplifting and occasionally dark, offering a comprehensive view of what brings us together.
Dec 30, 2025 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: ‘Second Life’ Looks at Parenting in an App-Obsessed World
Amanda Hess, a New York Times critic and author of "Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age," dives into the complex relationship between parenting and technology. She shares her experiences with online searches transforming pregnancy anxiety and critiques the unrealistic ideals projected by fertility apps. Hess discusses the implications of prenatal testing and the commercialization of pregnancy through targeted ads. Additionally, she reflects on the allure of online communities while revealing the emotional weight of sharing her child's journey in a digital landscape.
Dec 30, 2025 • 56min
The Best Books of 2025
Join Tracy Thomas, a savvy book reviewer and host of The Stacks, and Carr Johnson, an event manager at Green Apple Books, as they dive into the diverse literary landscape of 2025. They chat about standout titles like Hasmina Barrera's 'The Queen of Swords' and the politically charged 'One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This.' The conversation flows to intriguing themes such as the evolution of celebrity memoirs and the powerful impact of works on grief. Listeners are encouraged to share their own favorite reads!
Dec 29, 2025 • 56min
‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu on How His Career Defies Gravity
Jon M. Chu, an acclaimed director from the Bay Area known for hits like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, discusses his latest project, the film adaptation of Wicked. He reflects on how COVID and his family's immigrant story made the musical particularly resonant. Chu shares insights into his upbringing, the importance of cultural representation, and his transformative experiences at USC. He emphasizes the value of theatrical distribution for underrepresented talent and previews exciting new projects, highlighting storytelling as a source of hope.
Dec 29, 2025 • 56min
A Look Back at the Biggest News Stories of 2025
Melanie Mason, a senior political correspondent at Politico, dives into the tumultuous events of 2025. She discusses how the handling of the Epstein files not only prolonged controversy but also energized Trump's base. Mason also highlights the challenges faced by Democrats in responding to border enforcement and Latino community backlash. Additionally, she warns about rising election-denialist officials compromising trust in electoral processes. Insights into Project 2025 execution and the ongoing political implications wrap up a thought-provoking discussion.
Dec 26, 2025 • 57min
Forum From the Archives: Fred Armisen on Recording the Sounds of the Everyday
Fred Armisen, the versatile comedian and musician known for his work on SNL and Portlandia, dives into his latest project, 100 Sound Effects. He shares his fascination with everyday sounds, from the 'ooh' of room service to the nuanced closing of car doors. Armisen discusses the challenges of faking sound effects and creating realistic audio scenes, like evoking a campfire ambiance. He also reflects on how routine sounds reveal societal patterns and shares anecdotes from his eclectic career that shaped his unique comedic voice.
Dec 26, 2025 • 55min
Forum From the Archives: New Levi’s Exhibit Proves Iconic Jeans Never Fade
Tracey Panek, a historian at Levi Strauss & Company, and Audrey Kalman, creator of DenimArchive.org, dive into the world of jeans and their cultural significance. They explore the reopening of Levi's Vault, featuring iconic pieces from artists like Kurt Cobain and Beyoncé. The guests discuss personal jean stories and how denim has evolved from workwear to fashion statement. They also highlight the trend of visible mending and the impact of craftsmanship in combating fast fashion, revealing why jeans remain timeless.
Dec 24, 2025 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: What Has a Dog Shown You?
In this engaging discussion, Billy Collins, a former U.S. Poet Laureate known for his humorous and reflective poetry, shares insights from his new collection, Dog Show. He reflects on childhood dog experiences and how dogs teach us to embrace the ordinary with joy. Collins reads poignant poems that explore themes of loss, detachment, and affection, while callers recount personal stories of dogs providing emotional support. Through humor and wisdom, Collins reveals how dogs can shape our perspective on life and love.
