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 25, 2024 • 56min
Should You Be Giving Your DNA to Consumer Health Companies?
Kristen V. Brown, a staff writer for The Atlantic, and Hank Greely, a Stanford law professor, dive into the booming world of consumer DNA testing. They discuss the surprising limitations of tests from companies like 23andMe and the serious privacy risks involved. Discover the implications when these companies vanish and the fate of your genetic data. The conversation also unpacks existing legal protections, the ethics of collecting DNA, and the balance between potential health insights and privacy concerns.
Oct 24, 2024 • 56min
R.L. Stine on the Stories that Give Us ‘Goosebumps’
R.L. Stine, the mastermind behind the iconic 'Goosebumps' and 'Fear Street' series, joins the discussion alongside Forum producers Caroline Smith, Mark Nieto, and Blanca Torres. They reminisce about how Stine's spine-tingling tales ignited their childhood love for reading. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of crafting scary yet age-appropriate stories and the lasting cultural impact these works have had. Through personal anecdotes, they celebrate the way 'Goosebumps' continues to connect generations, blending fear and fun.
Oct 24, 2024 • 56min
Election 2024: How the Demographics of American Voters Are Changing
Mindy Romero, founder of the Center for Inclusive Democracy, Jason McDaniel, political science professor, and Jocelyn Kiley, senior research director at Pew Research, dive into the evolving landscape of American voters. They unpack significant shifts, noting the rise of Latino and Asian American eligible voters, alongside a decline in white voters. The discussion reveals how education levels and economic factors influence political affiliations, as well as the need for candidates to engage diverse electorates amidst these changes, especially leading up to the 2024 elections.
Oct 23, 2024 • 56min
Elizabeth Kolbert on What Happens "When the Arctic Melts"
In a recent discussion, Elizabeth Kolbert, a staff writer for The New Yorker and a renowned climate change reporter, shares compelling insights from her time on the Greenland ice sheet. She highlights alarming feedback loops from melting ice that threaten coastal cities and exacerbates drought. Kolbert discusses the ancient ice records that reveal our climate's history and the urgency of addressing human-induced impacts. With emotional narratives, she urges listeners to confront the stark realities of climate change and engage in meaningful dialogues.
Oct 22, 2024 • 56min
Coexisting with California’s Urban Coyotes
Tali Caspi, an urban ecologist studying coyote behavior, joins Christopher Schell, an environmental science professor, and Christine Wilkinson, a conservation scientist focused on coyotes. They discuss the rising coyote population in urban California and the alarming increase in encounters, including attacks on pets and children. The trio shares insights on how human activities impact coyote behavior, best practices for pet safety, and the crucial ecological role coyotes play in maintaining a balanced urban ecosystem.
Oct 22, 2024 • 56min
Sonoma’s Contentious Measure J Aims to Disrupt Meat Production
Phil Barber, a reporter for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, uncovers the heated debate surrounding Measure J, which aims to limit factory farming in Sonoma County. Cassie King from Direct Action Everywhere Bay Area passionately advocates for animal rights and highlights the perceived inhumanity of CAFOs. Meanwhile, farmer Mike Weber shares concerns that the measure could jeopardize sustainable farming. The discussion navigates the clash between animal welfare and the livelihoods dependent on large-scale farming, revealing a multifaceted issue with deep local roots.
Oct 21, 2024 • 56min
How Harris and Trump Would Differ on Foreign Policy
Fred Kaplan, a national security columnist for Slate and author of "The Bomb," discusses critical foreign policy dynamics, while Jen Kirby, a freelance journalist, offers insights on current global conflicts. They dive into how a potential Harris administration would contrast with Trump's foreign policy, especially in relation to the Middle East crisis and Ukraine. The conversation touches on implications for U.S. military aid, the impact of Iran's role in geopolitics, and the interplay between foreign issues and voter sentiment in upcoming elections.
Oct 21, 2024 • 56min
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao on Why Voters Should Reject the Recall
Sheng Thao, the Mayor of Oakland, discusses the unprecedented recall election she faces after just two years in office. She delves into the city's significant budget deficit, public safety concerns, and the ongoing challenge of homelessness. Thao shares her initiatives aimed at improving community wellbeing and the political dynamics at play, including the influence of affluent donors. With an FBI investigation looming in the background, she remains committed to her leadership and urges voters to allow her to complete her term.
Oct 18, 2024 • 56min
Synthesized Voices Just Got More Realistic
Kyle Orland, Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica, explores the rise of generative AI, while Sarah A Bell, an Associate Professor and author, digs into the cultural history of talking machines. They discuss the recent advancements in AI voice technology, particularly OpenAI's ChatGPT-4. The conversation highlights emotional connections formed through synthesized voices and the societal implications of their evolution. They also tackle ethical concerns, gender representation in AI voices, and the challenges of making AI genuinely express human emotions, like laughter.
Oct 18, 2024 • 56min
How to Design a Park That Brings a Community Together
Join Jacqueline Bryant, an advocate for underserved communities, Philip Ginsburg from San Francisco Recreation and Parks, and Michael Boland, former chief park officer, as they explore the evolution of urban parks. They discuss how India Basin park exemplifies the power of community input in design, making parks more welcoming and accessible. The conversation also highlights the need to address historical inequities and ensure that community voices are central in planning, fostering spaces that resonate with local identity and support social connections.
