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 1, 2025 • 56min
Pursuit of Political Enemies, Mass Firings and Resignations: A Look Inside Trump’s Justice Department
Quinta Jurecic, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, dissects the implications of the recent indictment of James Comey and the politicization of the DOJ under Trump. Glenn Thrush from The New York Times examines White House pressures influencing investigations and the fallout of mass firings within the department. Ismail Ramsey, a former U.S. Attorney, details the breakdown of prosecutorial norms and the challenges facing career prosecutors, emphasizing the erosion of public trust in the Justice Department amidst these changing dynamics.
Sep 30, 2025 • 56min
Former CDC Director Tom Frieden on Countering a Public Health Assault
Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the CDC, dives deep into alarming changes within the agency under current leadership. He addresses the dangers of vaccine misinformation and refutes claims linking Tylenol to autism, highlighting robust research to counter such narratives. Frieden emphasizes the urgent need for trustworthy medical sources and voices concerns about political appointees lacking public health experience. He warns of the real-world impacts of program cuts and advocates for innovative state-level public health collaborations to combat misinformation.
Sep 30, 2025 • 56min
In Search of Home Part 2: What Happens When Someone Loses Their Housing
Join housing affordability reporter Vanessa Rancaño, St. Mary's Center executive director Sharon Cornu, and former homeless resident Keanna Ward as they explore the intricate journey of losing housing. They discuss the harsh realities of homelessness, barriers to shelter access, and the unique challenges faced by seniors. Keanna shares her powerful personal story of fleeing unsafe situations, while Sharon highlights the importance of early intervention programs. Together, they offer insights on sustainable solutions to make homelessness brief and rare.
Sep 29, 2025 • 56min
How a Government Shutdown Will Impact California
Nicholas Wu, a congressional reporter for Politico, and Russell Berman, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dive into the potential fallout of a government shutdown on California. They discuss the Democrats' demands for healthcare subsidies and the Republican resistance, explore how Senate dynamics affect the situation, and analyze the stakes for Californians, including possible interruptions to federal services. Wu highlights the unprecedented threat of mass firings, while Berman debates the strategic risks for Democrats if they push for a shutdown.
Sep 29, 2025 • 56min
Poet Ada Limón’s New Collection 'Startlement' Centers Wonder and Connection
Ada Limón, a renowned poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, dives deep into her new poetry collection, Startlement. She explores the intricate relationship between nature and humanity, voicing her desire to create a unique connection through art. Limón discusses her process of integrating old poems into a cohesive narrative, her reflections on mortality, and how her Latinx heritage influences her work. She also emphasizes the importance of curiosity amid despair, and the role of poetry in advocating for environmental awareness.
Sep 26, 2025 • 56min
So You Want to Work in Hollywood? Here’s How.
Ada Tseng, a writer and editor known for her Hollywood Careers series, and Jon Healey, a former LA Times reporter, explore the evolving landscape of Hollywood. They discuss how AI is reshaping industry roles, from casting to creative tasks. Ada offers insights on the rise of self-taped auditions post-COVID, while Jon emphasizes the importance of networking over cold emails. They advise aspiring professionals on viable entry-level jobs, the value of joining unions, and the necessity of marketing oneself in today's entertainment world.
Sep 26, 2025 • 56min
Why Marin Is Banning Kids From Riding Some E-Bikes
In this discussion, guests include Azul Dahlstrom-Eckman, a KQED news editor reporting firsthand on Marin's e-bike scene, Asha Weinstein Agrawal, an expert on transportation safety at San Jose State University, and Talia Smith, Marin County's legislative director. They explore Marin's landmark ban on fast e-bikes for riders under 16 due to rising accident rates. The conversation delves into e-bike classifications, safety concerns, and the unique challenges of regulating these devices while balancing convenience and youth appeal.
Sep 25, 2025 • 56min
New State Climate Plan To Reduce Energy Costs, Fortify Grid
In this insightful discussion, Ethan Elkind, Director of the Climate Program at UC Berkeley, and Guy Marzorati, KQED correspondent, dive into California's ambitious new climate legislation. They explore how recent bills aim to lower electricity costs while reinforcing the energy grid against wildfires. The guests shed light on the intense negotiations that led to these initiatives and the potential impacts on both consumers and the oil industry. They also address environmental justice concerns and the broader political context, making for a compelling analysis.
Sep 25, 2025 • 56min
Can We Really Design Our Way Out of Our Problems?
Maggie Graham, a cultural historian and designer and author of "The Invention of Design: A Twentieth-Century History," dives deep into the evolving nature of design. She critiques the myth that design alone can solve massive societal issues, highlighting the interplay between aesthetics, politics, and technology. Topics include the Cold War's influence on design thinking, the vital role of ethnographic user research, and the need for responsible AI integration. Graham urges participatory design for addressing structural inequalities, emphasizing design's potential beyond mere visuals.
Sep 24, 2025 • 56min
What the U.S. Can Learn from Bolsonaro’s Coup Conviction
Julia Vargas-Jones, a CNN correspondent focused on U.S.-Latin America relations, joins investigative reporter Juliana Dal Piva and Jack Nicas, Brazil bureau chief for The New York Times. They delve into the historical significance of Bolsonaro's coup conviction and its implications for democracy in Brazil and the U.S. The trio discusses the political fallout for Bolsonaro's allies, the connection between MAGA and Bolsonaro's movements, and how U.S. tariffs are impacting Brazil's political landscape. They explore institutional differences that affect accountability in leadership.
