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
11 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 55min
What the Military Extraction of Venezuela's President Means for Global Politics and Oil
U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin discusses military oversight and the implications of capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, urging for accountability in national security. Kevin Whitaker, a former ambassador, analyzes the shifting geopolitical landscape and U.S. interests in Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Antonia Juhasz, an investigative journalist, explores the challenges of extracting Venezuelan oil amid sanctions and political risks. Together, they debate how these developments might reshape U.S. foreign policy and influence global oil dynamics.
Jan 7, 2026 • 55min
San Francisco Blackouts Raise Concerns about PG&E and Robotaxis
Joe Eskenazi, managing editor at Mission Local, discusses the recent blackout that left many San Francisco residents in the dark, highlighting the cascading failures of PG&E. Jeffrey Tumlin sheds light on the complications faced by autonomous vehicles like Waymo during emergencies. Brad Templeton offers insights on how AVs can learn from outages and improve their responses. San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood calls for accountability, seeking hearings on emergency protocols and the reliability of power sources, raising important questions about city safety and future regulations.
Jan 6, 2026 • 55min
Jacob Soboroff on Reporting on the Burning of His Hometown, 1 Year Later
Jacob Soboroff, a senior political reporter and author, shares his gripping experience covering the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires in his childhood hometown of Los Angeles. He describes the surreal chaos during evacuations and the emotional weight of witnessing his neighborhood's destruction. Soboroff explores the multiple causes of the fires, including climate change and misinformation, and highlights the inequalities in recovery efforts. He reflects on the importance of people-focused reporting, which has reshaped his approach to covering disasters.
Jan 6, 2026 • 55min
‘Drug Story’ Explores the Disease Business one Med at A Time
Thomas Goetz, journalist and entrepreneur behind the podcast Drug Story, dives deep into the complexities of modern medicine. He discusses how commonly prescribed drugs often represent trial-and-error solutions rather than guaranteed fixes. The conversation highlights the profit motives behind drug pricing, the rise of childhood food allergies, and the over-prescription of medications like statins. Goetz also explores the balance between lifestyle changes and pharmaceutical dependence, challenging listeners to rethink the narrative around health and medicine.
Jan 5, 2026 • 55min
Former EPA Official Judith Enck on How to Save Our Planet from Plastic
Judith Enck, former EPA regional administrator and president of Beyond Plastics, dives deep into the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. She reveals how plastic has infiltrated every aspect of our lives and discusses the challenges in regulating it. Enck shares insights on harmful chemicals, the shortcomings of recycling, and links between plastics and climate change. She emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic use on both individual and systemic levels, while also offering practical solutions for a plastic-free life.
Jan 5, 2026 • 55min
What’s Next For the U.S. in Venezuela After Maduro’s Capture?
David Sanger, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, and Elizabeth Dickinson, Deputy Director for Latin America at the International Crisis Group, delve into the implications of Nicolás Maduro's capture. They discuss the U.S. characterization of the operation as a 'coercive occupation' and the contrasting lack of a long-term governance strategy for Venezuela. Dickinson highlights the enduring Chavismo regime, while Sanger examines the complex geopolitical landscape, including China's role and the multifaceted narratives from the White House.
Jan 2, 2026 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales on How to Build Trust
Join Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, as he delves into the vital role trust plays in the success of this beloved crowdsourced encyclopedia. He discusses Wikipedia's unique editorial model, the passionate volunteers behind it, and how transparent sourcing fosters trust amidst accusations of bias. Wales addresses challenges from critics like Elon Musk, explores the impact of AI, and emphasizes the need for diverse contributors to enhance content accuracy.
Jan 2, 2026 • 55min
Forum From the Archives: Poet Ada Limón’s New Collection 'Startlement' Centers Wonder and Connection
In this engaging discussion, Ada Limón, a celebrated poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares insights from her new collection, 'Startlement.' She reflects on the intertwining of nature, art, and humanity, emphasizing poetic tenderness in the face of climate despair. Limón reads evocative poems, including 'The Origin Revisited,' highlighting her commitment to environmental advocacy. With warmth and curiosity, she discusses the importance of belonging, artistic activism, and the resilience found in both poetry and community.
Dec 31, 2025 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: Rabbi Calls for Boundless Compassion Amid Divides
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the first Asian American ordained as a rabbi and leader of Central Synagogue, discusses her complex feelings about Israel. She highlights how fear can numb empathy, making it risky to express nuance. Buchdahl critiques the rising trend of zero-sum empathy in society, attributing it to trauma and media manipulation. She emphasizes the importance of personal connections and storytelling to foster compassion. Her insights on generational views towards Israel and strategies for bridging divides within her congregation are both poignant and inspiring.
Dec 31, 2025 • 56min
The Delightful Experience of Collective Effervescence
Zoe Ellis, Director of Music Ministries at Glide Memorial Church, and Shira Gabriel, a psychology professor at the University at Buffalo, explore the phenomenon of collective effervescence. They dive into how shared musical experiences, rituals, and laughter foster community and connection. Gabriel highlights the differences between in-person and virtual experiences, while Ellis shares how music can create unity. They also touch on the emotional impact of collective moments, both uplifting and occasionally dark, offering a comprehensive view of what brings us together.
