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
May 16, 2025 • 56min
The Evolution of Men’s Fashion with 'The Menswear Guy'
Derek Guy, a menswear writer and the creative mind behind Dieworkwear, dives deep into the intricate world of men's fashion. He discusses the rise of hyper-curated masculinity fueled by social media trends and the cultural backlash against gender fluidity. Guy emphasizes how fashion acts as a social language, expressing cultural anxieties and identities. He explores the transformation of attire, from the declining relevance of the suit to timeless wardrobe choices, encouraging listeners to embrace personal style as a reflection of their aspirations.
May 16, 2025 • 56min
Ballers, Unicorns, Valkyries, Oh My! Bay Area Sports Teams Bring Sparkle to the Summer
Marisa Ingemi, a women's sports reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, discusses the rise of the Golden State Valkyries, the new WNBA franchise that's capturing the Bay Area's heart. Bryan Carmel, co-founder of the Oakland Ballers, shares insights on creating a fan-driven baseball experience in Oakland. Meanwhile, Venky Harinarayan, co-owner of the San Francisco Unicorns, sheds light on bringing T20 cricket excitement to U.S. audiences. The conversation highlights community engagement and the revitalization of local sports culture.
May 15, 2025 • 56min
The New Yorker’s Michael Luo on ‘the Epic Story of the Chinese in America’
In this engaging discussion, Michael Luo, the executive editor at The New Yorker and author of "Strangers in the Land," delves into the historical and contemporary experiences of Chinese Americans. He highlights the challenges posed by the Chinese Exclusion Act and the ongoing struggle against anti-Asian racism. Luo shares personal anecdotes and explores themes of loss, resilience, and identity. He emphasizes the significant contributions of Asian Americans to U.S. history while addressing the media's role in shaping public perceptions and the fight for belonging.
May 15, 2025 • 56min
Jonathan Hirsch on Losing His Father to ‘A Cult and Dementia’
In this insightful conversation, Jonathan Hirsch, podcast producer and author of "The Mind Is Burning," shares his harrowing journey of growing up in a cult-like environment. He discusses the complex dynamics of caring for his father, whose life spiraled into dementia under the grip of spiritual beliefs. Hirsch reflects on balancing his own identity with familial loyalty amidst the emotional turmoil of estrangement. He also delves into the challenges of the 'sandwich generation,' navigating the delicate intersection of caregiving and personal responsibilities.
May 14, 2025 • 56min
Running on ‘Vibes’: Leah Litman on the Supreme Court’s Grievance Politics
Leah Litman, a professor of law at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's troubling shift under its conservative majority. She delves into how personal politics and conservative grievances shape judicial decisions, including pivotal rulings on abortion and affirmative action. Litman highlights the implications of decisions on birthright citizenship and critiques the increasing influence of partisanship in legal interpretations, calling for accountability and reforms to restore judicial integrity.
May 14, 2025 • 56min
Trump Revives Fight Against Sanctuary Cities
Marisa Lagos, a KQED politics correspondent, along with Sergio Olmos, an investigative reporter with CalMatters, and Nick Miroff from The Atlantic, dive deep into Trump's renewed battle against sanctuary cities. They discuss what sanctuary really means in 2025 amid legal turmoil and shifting local policies. The conversation highlights the complexities of community relations, the implications of California’s SB 54, and the ongoing challenges faced by local law enforcement against federal immigration tactics. Expect insightful analysis and real-world impacts!
May 13, 2025 • 56min
Historian Peniel E. Joseph on How 1963 ‘Cracked Open and Remade’ America
Historian Peniel E. Joseph, author of "Freedom Season" and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, delves into the seismic shifts of 1963 in America. He argues this year was pivotal for the Civil Rights Movement, filled with both miracles and tragedies. Joseph highlights the courageous activism and pivotal confrontations with leaders like Rev. King and Malcolm X. He also reflects on the ongoing struggles for justice, linking the past with today's fight for racial equality, all while emphasizing the importance of resilience in societal change.
May 13, 2025 • 56min
What’s Next in Artificial Intelligence?
Nitasha Tiku, a tech culture reporter at The Washington Post, Jeff Horwitz from The Wall Street Journal, and Wired's Kylie Robison dive into the world of artificial intelligence. They explore the rise of AI companions and the ethical dilemmas they present. The trio discusses the realities of AGI and how transparency is crucial as AI evolves. They ponder the impact on journalism and human interaction, highlighting the balance between technological advancement and personal engagement. Prepare for a future where AI shapes society in surprising ways!
May 12, 2025 • 56min
What’s Behind the Trump Administration’s Push for More Children?
Carter Sherman, a reproductive health reporter for The Guardian and author of the upcoming book “The Second Coming,” teams up with Faith Hill, a staff writer at The Atlantic. They dive into the Trump administration's efforts to boost birth rates through controversial policies like baby bonuses and menstrual cycle classes. The conversation explores the ideological underpinnings of pronatalism, its impact on diverse family dynamics, and the challenges in addressing the needs of potential parents in today's society.
May 12, 2025 • 56min
Oakland’s Restaurant Scene Is Swimming in Praise, But Struggling to Stay Afloat
In this insightful discussion, chef Paul Iglesias, co-owner of Parché, shares his advocacy for Oakland's food scene through the Oakland Restaurant Collective. Stella Denig talks about adapting her restaurant model at Daytrip Counter to meet current dining trends, while Christ Aivaliotis reflects on his experience running various eateries amid financial pressures. The guests reveal the real struggles behind Oakland’s celebrated restaurant scene, emphasizing resilience, community support, and navigating shifting economic realities in their culinary journeys.
