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
6 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 55min
How Private Soundtracks Are Changing Public Life: The New Normal of Constant Headphone Use
Jenny Odell, an artist and critic known for her work on attention and time, joins Gloria Mark, a Professor Emerita of Informatics at UC Irvine and author of 'Attention Span.' They dive into the impact of constant headphone use on our attention, relationships, and social interactions. Topics include how personal soundtracks reshape public spaces and foster isolation, the cognitive costs of audio consumption, and the contrast between mediated listening and nature's ambient sounds. They also discuss the need for intentional listening and reclaiming silence in our noisy world.
Dec 5, 2025 • 55min
Patricia Lockwood on How Illness Can Give You ‘Another You’
Patricia Lockwood, a novelist and poet acclaimed for her deeply personal works, shares her surreal journey with long COVID. She describes navigating bizarre symptoms like 'Brian fog' and repetitive song refrains while trying to write 'a masterpiece about being confused.' Lockwood talks about the fear of losing her identity, the solace she found in K-dramas, and how writing helped her process the experience. She emphasizes the power of shared illness in strengthening relationships and reflects on her transformative recovery.
Dec 5, 2025 • 55min
How Are You Managing Giftflation this Holiday Shopping Season?
Amanda Mull, a consumer culture columnist for Bloomberg, dives deep into the implications of giftflation on holiday shopping. Taylar Hagan-Colyar, founder of Sip Shop Eat, shares insights on the rising popularity of craft fairs as more cost-effective avenues for vendors and shoppers. Sarahjane Bernhisel, co-founder of Bay Made, discusses the challenges small businesses face amid inflation but highlights the unique value of local goods. The trio explores alternative gifting ideas, emphasizing meaningful experiences and local finds while navigating this season's economic challenges.
11 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 55min
Congress Scrambles to Address Healthcare Funding Before Year End
Larry Levitt, Executive Vice President at KFF, shares insights on the potential impacts of expiring ACA subsidies on 22 million Americans. U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo discusses his bipartisan Fix-It Act aimed at extending these subsidies, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility. Jonathan Cohn highlights the political tug-of-war on Capitol Hill, revealing Republican divisions and the implications for the 2026 midterms. The episode also features real stories from constituents about their healthcare struggles and the urgency for bipartisan action.
Dec 4, 2025 • 55min
What Trump’s ‘Pause’ on Asylum Decisions Means for the Bay Area’s Afghan Community and Beyond
Joseph Azam, board chair of the Afghan-American Foundation, discusses the fear gripping Afghan communities in the Bay Area following a recent asylum-related incident. Karen Musalo, a law professor and asylum expert, weighs in on the legality of Trump’s asylum pause. They explore the devastating impact on traumatized asylum seekers, critiques of vetting claims, and the broader implications for U.S. immigration policy. The conversation emphasizes the ethical responsibilities and historical contexts surrounding U.S. interventions and refugee obligations.
Dec 3, 2025 • 55min
Simon Winchester Charts History and Future of the Wind in 'The Breath of the Gods'
Simon Winchester, journalist and author of 'The Breath of the Gods,' explores the complex nature of wind, describing it as both a creator and destroyer. He shares captivating tales of wind's role in history, such as revealing the Chernobyl disaster, and discusses its cultural significance, including how regional winds influence emotions and local lore. Winchester also highlights the shifting patterns of wind due to climate change, advocating for wind power despite environmental trade-offs. Join him in celebrating wind's unpredictable beauty and immense impact.
10 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 55min
Bay Area Startups Want to Make Genetically Engineered Babies. What Could Go Wrong?
Join Dr. Fyodor Urnov, a gene-editing expert, Catherine Long, a Wall Street Journal investigative reporter, and Katie Hasson, an advocate for genetic ethics, as they delve into the controversial world of genetically engineered babies. They discuss Bay Area startups pushing boundaries in embryo editing, the ethical implications of such technologies, and the troubling echoes of eugenics. Through scientific insights and real-life experiences, the conversation raises critical questions about who gets to decide the future of genetics.
Dec 2, 2025 • 55min
Fred Armisen on Recording the Sounds of the Everyday
Fred Armisen, the talented comedian and musician known for “Saturday Night Live” and “Portlandia,” dives into the world of sound with his new album, 100 Sound Effects. He shares fascinating stories about capturing everyday sounds, from the ‘ooh’ of room service to the implosive shatter of glass. Armisen discusses the art of layering sounds to create immersive audio experiences, revealing insights into human behavior reflected through sound. He even touches on his punk roots and heritage, making for a delightful exploration of auditory creativity.
10 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 55min
Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power and the Downfall of a Bay Area Wellness Cult
Ellen Huet, an investigative journalist for Bloomberg and author of *Empire of Orgasm*, dives into the controversial world of OneTaste, a wellness cult focused on orgasmic meditation. She discusses the journey from promise of empowerment to allegations of sexual and financial abuse. It explores the manipulative sales tactics, community culture, and the blurred lines of consent that characterized OneTaste. Huet also highlights how societal desires for intimacy and the appeal of sex positivity drew many into this troubled organization, culminating in serious legal repercussions.
Dec 1, 2025 • 55min
‘Nerd Reich’ Author Gil Duran on the Tech Authoritarian Movement
Gil Duran, a journalist focusing on tech industry politics and author of the upcoming book 'The Nerd Reich', dives into the alarming rise of technocratic authoritarianism. He discusses how Silicon Valley's elite are reshaping democracy with their influence and accelerationist views. Duran critiques the mainstream media's oversight of these issues and argues that California needs to rally against billionaire power. He emphasizes civic engagement and collective action as vital to combatting the authoritarian tactics being employed by tech moguls.
