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 3, 2025 • 54min
KQED’s Guide to Fall Arts in the Bay Area
Gabe Meline, a senior editor at KQED Arts & Culture, and Nastia Voynovskaya, editor and reporter, dive into the vibrant Bay Area arts scene this fall. They discuss the reopening of the Castro Theatre with Sam Smith, must-see concerts like Kamasi Washington and Little Simz, and beloved festivals like Litquake and Día de los Muertos. Highlighting grassroots energy, they share exciting community events and underscore the importance of local arts amid institutional struggles.
Oct 2, 2025 • 56min
As the U.S. Experiences a Brain Drain, Who Benefits?
The podcast features Sonya Pfeiffer, a civil rights attorney who moved to Canada for safety and educational concerns; Sarah Willcox from Scholars at Risk, who highlights the challenges U.S. scholars face regarding academic freedom; and James Glanz, an investigative reporter dissecting global talent flows. They explore the dwindling appeal of the U.S. for students and scholars, the shifting destinations like Europe and Canada, and the potential impacts on U.S. scientific leadership, all amid looming funding cuts and political pressures.
Oct 2, 2025 • 56min
Samin Nosrat on Nourishing Food, Community and All the ‘Good Things’
Samin Nosrat, renowned chef and author of the bestselling cookbook 'Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat', opens up about her journey of discovering joy in cooking and community after feeling lost. She delves into the rituals of shared meals, discussing her new book 'Good Things', which emphasizes cooking as a transformative experience. Samin also offers tips on daily food rituals, interactive dishes like fondue, and the importance of accommodating diverse cooking preferences, all while celebrating the essence of communal dining.
Oct 1, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Jane Goodall Looks to Future of Conservation Movement With Those She's Inspired
In a profound discussion, Jane Goodall, the legendary primatologist and conservationist, emphasizes the critical relationship between humans and wildlife. Joining her are Jean-Gael Collomb, CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Network, and Jeneria Lekilelei, a Samburu warrior leading community efforts to protect lions. They explore animal altruism, the importance of community-led conservation, and inspiring future generations. Goodall advocates for practical environmental actions, while Jeneria shares insights on coexistence with lions, showcasing hope in the face of conservation challenges.
Oct 1, 2025 • 16min
Democratic Lawmaker Says to Prepare for Long Shutdown
U.S. Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, representing California's 10th District, shares insights on the impending federal government shutdown and its alarming effects on public health and services. He discusses the challenges faced in Congress, emphasizing a lack of bipartisan negotiation and the need for constituents to advocate against cuts to essential programs. DeSaulnier also highlights the importance of honest public communication to counter political spin and the potential long-term ramifications for health care and other vital services.
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.
