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 31, 2024 • 56min
Celebrating 20 Years of ‘Modern Love’
Daniel Jones, editor of The New York Times' Modern Love column and author of "Love Illuminated," teams up with Anna Martin, host of the Modern Love podcast, to reflect on 20 years of romance narratives. They explore how the column has captured the evolution of love, discussing themes from loss to vulnerability. The conversation highlights poignant anecdotes, how Halloween informs modern dating, and the impact of societal changes on relationships. Listeners are invited to share their own love stories, emphasizing the power of connection.
Oct 31, 2024 • 56min
Richard Powers’ Novel ‘Playground’ Explores Vastness of Oceans and AI
Richard Powers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist celebrated for 'Overstory,' dives deep into the themes of his latest novel, 'Playground.' He explores the profound relationship between artificial intelligence and the ocean's mysteries, raising questions about identity and humanity in a tech-driven world. Powers discusses the resilience of marine life and how personal histories intertwine with storytelling. The conversation also touches on the spiritual inquiries that drive human understanding, emphasizing literature's role in reflecting societal issues.
Oct 30, 2024 • 56min
Your Last Minute Voting Questions, Answered
Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, brings her voting expertise, while Scott Shafer, KQED's senior editor and co-host of Political Breakdown, shares political insights. They tackle critical last-minute voting queries, including ballot mistakes and ranked choice voting. Listeners learn about same-day registration, ballot tracking, and the significance of understanding the voting process, especially in close elections. The duo also emphasizes available resources to empower voters, ensuring everyone feels prepared ahead of Election Day.
Oct 30, 2024 • 56min
Washington Post, LA Times Pulling Harris Endorsements Spark Outrage
Mariel Garza, a journalist and former editorial editor of the Los Angeles Times, discusses the editorial board's internal conflicts over endorsements. David Folkenflik from NPR highlights the influence of billionaire ownership in media. Sewell Chan, from the Columbia Journalism Review, delves into the broader implications of not endorsing candidates, questioning media integrity and public trust. The trio examines why endorsements matter in a polarized landscape and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when balancing personal beliefs with professional duties.
Oct 29, 2024 • 56min
How Silicon Valley Became the ‘New Lobbying Monster’
Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "Supercommunicators" and "The Power of Habit," delves into the overwhelming influence of Silicon Valley on American politics. He discusses how Big Tech is pouring millions into super PACs to sway elections, particularly around crypto and AI. Duhigg highlights aggressive ad campaigns and lobbying tactics used to shape regulatory environments. He warns about the implications of tech's newfound political power, raising questions about democracy and the future of electoral integrity.
Oct 29, 2024 • 56min
How Much Do We Need to Worry About the Election Being Overturned?
Jim Rutenberg, a seasoned reporter from The New York Times, Ian Millhiser, a Vox senior correspondent with a focus on the Supreme Court, and Jessica Marsden from Protect Democracy dive into the pressing issues surrounding election integrity. They discuss the unsettling rise of the election integrity movement post-2020, the risks of non-certification in battleground states, and the wavering confidence in democratic processes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability, legal reforms, and public trust in safeguarding elections against potential threats.
Oct 28, 2024 • 56min
‘Band People’ Highlights the Working Musicians Behind the Scenes
Franz Nicolay, a musician and author of "Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music," joins fellow artist Jason Narducy to delve into the hidden lives of session musicians and backup singers. They discuss the emotional ties within bands, the delicate balance of creativity and commerce, and the unique challenges musicians face, particularly drummers and bass players. With personal anecdotes, they illuminate the unsung heroes of the music world and highlight gender dynamics that persist in the industry.
Oct 28, 2024 • 56min
Is Social Media Activating or Repelling Voters This Election Cycle?
Morgan Sung, host of "Close All Tabs," dives into the fusion of politics and internet culture, while Sapna Maheshwari, a New York Times business reporter, dissects TikTok's role in the election. They discuss how political campaigns leverage memes and viral content to engage younger voters, and the potential pitfalls of misinformation. The conversation highlights the evolution of digital campaigning, the impact of social media on journalism, and how these platforms create echo chambers that may reinforce existing beliefs. It's an engaging look at today's political landscape!
Oct 25, 2024 • 56min
Edie Falco and Tony Shalhoub Star in New Radio Play 'It Happened Here 2024'
Edie Falco, renowned for her roles in "The Sopranos" and "Nurse Jackie," and Tony Shalhoub, famous for "Monk" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," collaborate on a gripping radio play, "It Happened Here 2024." Alongside playwright Richard Dresser, they explore a chilling future where fascism takes hold in America. The trio discusses the emotional landscape of political division, the normalization of extremist rhetoric, and the importance of creative expression as a coping mechanism in uncertain times. Their insights challenge listeners to reflect on the current political climate.
Oct 25, 2024 • 56min
Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin on Using Music as Medicine
Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, also a musician and author, dives into the healing power of music, tracing its significance back 20,000 years. He discusses how music can relax, uplift, and assist in treating conditions like trauma, depression, and Alzheimer’s. Levitin highlights fascinating neuroscience behind music's impact on our brain and its therapeutic potential, including its role in improving motor skills for those with Parkinson's. The conversation blends engaging stories with a reminder of music's emotional resonance in our lives.
