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
Jul 15, 2025 • 56min
Adolescence Under Stress: Why Growing Up Today is Harder than Ever
Matt Richtel, a Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer and health reporter for The New York Times, dives into the factors reshaping adolescence today. He discusses the rising mental health crisis among youth, emphasizing that the challenges extend beyond mere smartphone use. Richtel explores the impact of early puberty, digital information overload, and societal pressures on young people. He advocates for fostering genuine emotional connections in parenting and education to help adolescents navigate their complex world more effectively.
Jul 15, 2025 • 56min
Taking Stock of President Trump’s First Six Months
Philip Bump, a national columnist for The Washington Post, Claudia Grisales, a congressional correspondent with NPR, and David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dive into President Trump’s significant actions during his second term. They explore the implementation of tariffs, the implications of tax cuts, and the impact of Project 2025 on immigration and social programs. The discussion also tackles the rise of conspiracy theories within the MAGA movement and the internal struggles of the Democratic Party in responding to Trump's agenda.
Jul 14, 2025 • 56min
Why L.A. is a Model for 'the Future of Water Conservation'
Michael Kimmelman, architecture critic for The New York Times, discusses how Los Angeles has managed to reduce water consumption since 1990, despite significant population growth. Liz Crosson and Mark Gold provide insights into innovative conservation strategies, including drought-resistant landscaping and ambitious water recycling initiatives. They highlight the cultural shift towards sustainability and the critical need for community engagement. The conversation reveals how L.A.'s efforts can serve as a model for broader water management challenges across the U.S.
Jul 14, 2025 • 56min
Is Customer Service a Bad Model?
In this engaging discussion, journalist Chris Colin from The Atlantic dives into the world of customer service, describing the pervasive issue known as 'sludge.' He explores how businesses often design inefficiencies to deter consumer assistance rather than facilitate it. With entertaining anecdotes about harrowing phone menus and frustrating automated systems, Colin reveals the emotional toll on customers. He emphasizes the need for genuine human interaction and solutions to navigational challenges in modern service experiences.
Jul 11, 2025 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: Sly Stone and the ‘Burden of Black Genius’
Joseph Patel, producer of the acclaimed documentary 'Sly Lives', and music journalist Joel Selvin, author of a definitive work on Sly and the Family Stone, delve into the transformational legacy of Sly Stone. They discuss his revolutionary sound that merged various genres, the societal impact of his music, and the personal challenges he faced. The conversation highlights how Sly's artistry shaped the Bay Area's cultural landscape and continues to influence contemporary artists, underscoring the enduring relevance of his work and struggles.
Jul 11, 2025 • 56min
E. Jean Carroll on Being 'One Woman vs. a President'
E. Jean Carroll, journalist and author of 'Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President,' shares her journey of suing Donald Trump, revealing the emotional toll and the humor that helped her cope. Joined by legal correspondent Lisa Rubin, they discuss the groundbreaking significance of her courtroom victories against a former president. They delve into societal perceptions of sexual assault, the power dynamics in legal proceedings, and the necessity of collective action for women’s rights. Carroll's resilience inspires a broader dialogue on justice and empowerment.
Jul 10, 2025 • 56min
Over 100 Dead, Dozens Still Missing As Texas Recovers from Unprecedented Flooding
Join meteorologist Greg Porter, breaking news reporter Lucio Vasquez, and extreme weather expert Hayley Smith as they discuss the aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Texas that claimed over 100 lives. They share gripping on-the-ground stories of community resilience and ongoing search and rescue efforts. The conversation delves into challenges of disaster preparedness, the role of climate change in exacerbating extreme weather, and the lessons California must learn from Texas’s tragic experience.
4 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Mac Barnett on Why Picture Books are Real Literature
Mac Barnett, a Bay Area children's author and National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, shines a light on the power of picture books. He passionately discusses their importance in engaging readers of all ages and how they blend text and illustrations. Alongside fellow authors Aida Salazar and Laura G. Lee, they explore personal childhood stories, the evolution of artistic styles, and the emotional depth of storytelling. Discover how picture books cultivate creativity and foster meaningful connections in family life.
Jul 9, 2025 • 56min
What the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Means for California
Join David Lightman, a McClatchy political journalist, Jessica Roy from the San Francisco Chronicle, and Andrea Castillo of the LA Times as they unpack President Trump's sweeping new legislation. They discuss how the 'Big Beautiful Bill' threatens Medicaid funding, impacting healthcare for countless Californians. The panel dives into significant tax reforms, particularly their effects on homeowners and vulnerable communities. Plus, they analyze increased immigration enforcement funding and the political ramifications this bill poses for future elections in California.
Jul 9, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Alison Gopnik and Anne-Marie Slaughter on Why We’re Not Paying Enough Attention to Caregiving
In this enlightening discussion, Alison Gopnik, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America, explore the often-overlooked world of caregiving. They emphasize the universal yet invisible nature of caregiving and its critical role in human development. The conversation highlights the need for systemic support and policy changes to acknowledge caregivers, particularly women and immigrants. Through personal anecdotes, they advocate for rethinking the societal value placed on caregiving roles, fostering a more compassionate community.
