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 17, 2025 • 55min
SF Poet Laureate Genny Lim and the Del Sol Quartet’s New Performance Celebrates Asian American Diaspora
Why do we leave our homelands? That is the central question which animates the newest work of San Francisco poet laureate Genny Lim and the Bay Area-based Del Sol Quartet. Together, Lim and the musicians explore the implications of migration and the search for a new home in their work, “Facing the Moon: Songs of the Diaspora.” They join us live in the studio for a performance and conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 17, 2025 • 55min
Get Ready to be ‘Spooked’ this Halloween
Glynn Washington, host of KQED and Snap Judgment’s “Spooked,” joins us to talk about the podcast’s new season called The Crossroads. It takes stories about encounters with the unknown to new levels by exploring what happens when desperation drives us to bargain with dark forces. As “Spooked” tours the West Coast — with shows on Oct. 23 in Los Angeles and Oct. 25 in Oakland – we’ll talk about why we crave frights, scares and ghosts this month, and what they can teach us about our world year-round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 16, 2025 • 55min
Are You Going to a 'No Kings' Protest? And The Benefits of a 'Best' Friend
Omar Wasow, a political science expert at UC Berkeley, discusses the surge of the No Kings protests, touching on the dynamics of social movements and effective protest tactics. Vox correspondent Allie Volpe and UCLA's Jaimie Arona Krems dive into friendship research, highlighting the emotional benefits of naming a best friend and how it combats loneliness. They also explore the complexities of friendship dynamics, including risks and the societal roles of best friendships in adulthood.
Oct 16, 2025 • 55min
Mychal Threets on Reviving 'Reading Rainbow' And Tech Titans and Trump Want National Guard in SF
Mychal Threets, a librarian turned social media book-champion, is the new host of the revamped Reading Rainbow, celebrating childhood literacy and community engagement. He shares his love for reading and discusses how libraries serve as essential, inclusive spaces. Marisa Lagos, a KQED politics correspondent, dives into the controversial discussion about bringing the National Guard to San Francisco, analyzing tech leaders' motivations and potential political implications. The duo highlights the intersection of literacy advocacy and civic discourse.
Oct 15, 2025 • 55min
Historian Jill Lepore on Amending the Constitution And Rep. Peter Aguilar on the Shutdown
Historian Jill Lepore delves into the complexities of amending the U.S. Constitution, arguing that a lack of amendments has led to undemocratic elements like the Electoral College. She discusses historical contexts that made amendment rarer and the implications of an 'unamendable' Constitution. Meanwhile, Rep. Pete Aguilar addresses the ongoing government shutdown, holding Republicans accountable while expressing commitment to federal workers. He emphasizes the potential impact of healthcare cuts on his constituents and outlines Democratic strategies for the upcoming elections.
Oct 15, 2025 • 55min
In “We Survived the Night,” Julian Brave NoiseCat Weaves Memoir with Indigenous Myth and History
Julian Brave NoiseCat, an author and filmmaker known for his memoir "We Survived the Night" and the Oscar-nominated documentary "Sugarcane," delves into his mixed heritage and childhood experiences. He shares how his father's charismatic presence influenced his identity and how he found community through cultural practices in Oakland. The conversation explores the significance of Indigenous myths like the trickster Coyote, and the role of language in reclaiming identity. Julian emphasizes the impact of family trauma while highlighting the importance of cultural connection and community resilience.
Oct 14, 2025 • 55min
Trump and World Leaders Sign Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Patrick Wintour, the diplomatic editor of The Guardian, discusses the complex dynamics of the newly signed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Zack Beauchamp from Vox highlights Israeli public sentiment towards the war and the implications of the hostage recovery. Gershon Baskin, a peace activist, shares insights from his behind-the-scenes mediation efforts. The conversation delves into the future of Gaza, ongoing challenges to the ceasefire, and the strategic motivations of world leaders, including Trump, in pushing for peace.
Oct 14, 2025 • 55min
In Search of Home Part 3: The Path to Permanent Housing
Vivian Wan, CEO of Abode, focuses on innovative housing solutions and fostering landlord partnerships. Kyriell Noon, CEO of Hamilton Families, discusses the vital roles of emergency shelter and transitional housing for families. Lydia Chriss shares her heartfelt journey from homelessness to permanent supportive housing, highlighting the profound health improvements after securing stable accommodation. Together, they explore the challenges of coordinated entry, public perceptions of homelessness, and the urgent need for more affordable housing solutions.
Oct 13, 2025 • 21min
MacArthur Genius Grantee Creates Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Solutions
William Tarpeh, an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Stanford and 2025 MacArthur Fellow, dives into revolutionary wastewater treatment solutions. He discusses transforming wastewater into valuable products like fertilizers and chemicals while emphasizing environmental and public health benefits. Tarpeh highlights innovative approaches using renewable energy and shares insights from his pilot projects in Kenya. He also explores the challenges posed by contaminants and advocates for community engagement in sustainable practices.
Oct 13, 2025 • 35min
Emily Baker-White on ‘The War Over TikTok’
Investigative reporter Emily Baker-White from Forbes dives into the ongoing battle over TikTok. She discusses the national security fears surrounding its Chinese ownership and the proposed U.S. buyout by American investors. Emily reveals how TikTok's addictive algorithm influences users and explores the implications of retaining ByteDance's ad and algorithm rights. The chat also highlights concerns about potential political influence and the need for creators to diversify their platforms as they face an uncertain future.
