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
Oct 7, 2025 • 55min
Why Do We Fall for Charlatans?
Francisco Toro, known as Kiko, is a journalist and author, as well as the director of climate repair at the Anthropocene Institute. In this discussion, he explores the psychology behind charlatans and how they exploit deep-seated needs for certainty and belonging. He delves into notable examples like Sam Bankman-Fried's moral branding and the Farm Bank scheme in Turkey. Toro also addresses the role of social media in amplifying these manipulative tactics and the psychological traits that characterize charlatans.
Oct 7, 2025 • 44min
Is It Time for California to Consider a "Soft Secession"?
Clara Jeffery, Editor-in-Chief of Mother Jones, and Jon Michaels, UCLA Law professor, explore the concept of "soft secession" in California. They discuss how the state can leverage its economic power and push back against federal policies. The conversation covers innovative state-level alliances for issues like vaccinations, the irony of advocating states' rights from a progressive standpoint, and the legal complexities behind reconfiguring state-federal relations. They also highlight the urgency of building infrastructure for resilience amid increasing federal constraints.
Oct 6, 2025 • 56min
Is California’s Largest ICE Detention Center Operating Legally?
Tyche Hendricks, a senior immigration editor at KQED, discusses California City's contentious new ICE detention facility, revealing claims of inadequate permits and railroading concerns. Sam Levin, a criminal justice reporter for The Guardian US, shares harrowing detainee accounts of poor conditions and hunger strikes. Mayor Marquette Hawkins offers insights on local division between job hopes and rights concerns, while legal expert Vikram Amar examines state authority limits over federal contracts, foreshadowing significant legal challenges ahead.
Oct 6, 2025 • 56min
How a Federal Shutdown and New Trump Edicts are Changing Government
Molly Ball, a former senior political correspondent, discusses the chaotic negotiations over the government shutdown, highlighting a lack of urgency on Capitol Hill. Philip Bump dives into the historical use of shutdowns as political leverage and the implications of ongoing budget battles. Domenico Montanaro sheds light on the legal limits surrounding military deployments and the potential risks of using federal troops for domestic issues. Together, they explore how the Trump administration is reshaping political norms and the impact on democratic processes.
Oct 3, 2025 • 54min
CA Senator Adam Schiff Explains Democrats’ Shutdown Strategy and Easy Ways to Level Up Your Health
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff discusses the political fallout of a government shutdown, criticizing the Trump administration's energy cuts and authoritarian rhetoric. He emphasizes the need for public pushback against such actions. Joining him are Samantha Salvaggio, who shares tips on low-effort movement for chronic illness, Daniel White, who highlights the importance of activity for joint health, and Abigail Lufkin, who addresses mental barriers to exercise. Together, they promote accessible movement strategies to enhance well-being and combat sedentary lifestyles.
Oct 3, 2025 • 54min
KQED’s Guide to Fall Arts in the Bay Area
Gabe Meline, a senior editor at KQED Arts & Culture, and Nastia Voynovskaya, editor and reporter, dive into the vibrant Bay Area arts scene this fall. They discuss the reopening of the Castro Theatre with Sam Smith, must-see concerts like Kamasi Washington and Little Simz, and beloved festivals like Litquake and Día de los Muertos. Highlighting grassroots energy, they share exciting community events and underscore the importance of local arts amid institutional struggles.
Oct 2, 2025 • 56min
As the U.S. Experiences a Brain Drain, Who Benefits?
The podcast features Sonya Pfeiffer, a civil rights attorney who moved to Canada for safety and educational concerns; Sarah Willcox from Scholars at Risk, who highlights the challenges U.S. scholars face regarding academic freedom; and James Glanz, an investigative reporter dissecting global talent flows. They explore the dwindling appeal of the U.S. for students and scholars, the shifting destinations like Europe and Canada, and the potential impacts on U.S. scientific leadership, all amid looming funding cuts and political pressures.
Oct 2, 2025 • 56min
Samin Nosrat on Nourishing Food, Community and All the ‘Good Things’
Samin Nosrat, renowned chef and author of the bestselling cookbook 'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat', opens up about her journey of discovering joy in cooking and community after feeling lost. She delves into the rituals of shared meals, discussing her new book 'Good Things', which emphasizes cooking as a transformative experience. Samin also offers tips on daily food rituals, interactive dishes like fondue, and the importance of accommodating diverse cooking preferences, all while celebrating the essence of communal dining.
Oct 1, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Jane Goodall Looks to Future of Conservation Movement With Those She's Inspired
In a profound discussion, Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and conservationist, emphasizes the critical relationship between humans and wildlife. Joining her are Jean-Gael Collomb, CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Network, and Jeneria Lekilelei, a Samburu warrior leading community efforts to protect lions. They explore animal altruism, the importance of community-led conservation, and inspiring future generations. Goodall advocates for practical environmental actions, while Jeneria shares insights on coexistence with lions, showcasing hope in the face of conservation challenges.
Oct 1, 2025 • 16min
Democratic Lawmaker Says to Prepare for Long Shutdown
U.S. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, representing California's 10th District, shares insights on the impending federal government shutdown and its alarming effects on public health and services. He discusses the challenges faced in Congress, emphasizing a lack of bipartisan negotiation and the need for constituents to advocate against cuts to essential programs. DeSaulnier also highlights the importance of honest public communication to counter political spin and the potential long-term ramifications for health care and other vital services.
