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 9, 2025 • 56min
Have You Been Priced Out of a Hobby?
Tyler Austin Harper, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the phenomenon of 'hobby inflation' and its consequences. He discusses how skyrocketing prices limit access to beloved pastimes like skiing and sewing, impacting community connection and personal happiness. Harper explores the emotional toll these financial barriers take, as well as the struggles of local businesses. The conversation also touches on the role of tariffs in raising costs for board games, revealing the broader social implications of these financial pressures.
May 9, 2025 • 56min
Summer Gardening: Tomatoes, Zucchini and Climate Change
Flora Grubb, owner of Flora Grubb Gardens, Leslie Bennett, creative director of Pine House Edible Gardens, and Allison Greenlawn, a Master Gardener with UC Cooperative Extension, dive into the delights and challenges of summer gardening. They share tips for growing plump tomatoes and abundant zucchini, discuss adapting planting strategies to climate change, and explore sustainable practices. Their insights on selecting native plants and creating fire-safe gardens make for an engaging conversation ripe with practical advice and community involvement.
May 8, 2025 • 56min
California Braces for Decline in International Tourists
In this enlightening discussion, travel advisor Mackenzie McMillan reveals Canadian concerns about visiting the U.S. due to political tensions. Pete Hillan shares insights on how the California hotel industry is bracing for a downturn with a projected 9% drop in international visitors. Hailey Branson-Potts emphasizes the emotional and economic repercussions in the Coachella Valley, while Kenny Cassady highlights the impacts on vacation rentals in Palm Springs. Together, they explore the challenges facing California's tourism amid changing international dynamics.
May 8, 2025 • 56min
What Trump’s Massive Cuts Mean for Science and Research
EW (Joe) Friday, former director of the National Weather Service, warns about severe funding cuts to NOAA that threaten weather accuracy and safety. Geoff Brumfiel from NPR discusses how the cuts impact crucial scientific groups like the atomic spectroscopy unit at NIST, affecting national security. Katherine Wu from The Atlantic highlights the grassroots monitoring of terminated grants by independent scientists. Together, they explore the looming consequences of these budget reductions on public health, research innovation, and the future of science under political pressures.
May 7, 2025 • 56min
What Has a Wild Animal Taught You?
Chloe Dalton, a writer and political advisor, discusses her heartwarming experience nursing an injured newborn hare. She shares the profound lessons this bond taught her about trust, presence, and the reality of loss. Dalton reflects on the emotional struggle of caring for a wild animal while acknowledging its untamed nature. Through her personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the importance of patience and observation, revealing how such connections with wildlife can enrich our lives and foster empathy for all living creatures.
May 7, 2025 • 56min
A View from DC: How California Leaders are Navigating the Trump Administration
Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos from KQED's politics team discuss the tensions between California and the Trump administration. They dive into how Democratic leaders are strategizing against federal policies and the adjustments California Republicans are making. The duo highlights concerns about civil liberties amid an authoritarian shift and the political frustrations within the Democratic Party. They also explore the future of California's political landscape, including potential candidacies and the impact of federal constraints on state governance.
May 6, 2025 • 56min
California Public Media Reacts to Trump Administration's Attempt to Cut CPB Funds
David Folkenflik, NPR's media correspondent, dives into the urgent threat facing public broadcasting from the Trump administration's funding cuts. Joined by Michael Isip, Connie Leyva, and Dina Polkinghorne, they discuss how crucial public media is for rural communities, where it serves as their primary news source. The conversation touches on legal challenges to the funding cuts, the vital role of advocacy, and the potential fallout for children’s programming. Together, they stress the importance of maintaining independent reporting in a politically charged environment.
May 6, 2025 • 56min
Agustin Fuentes on Why Sex is a Spectrum
Agustin Fuentes, a Princeton biological anthropologist and author of "Sex is a Spectrum," challenges traditional binary notions of sex. He discusses how cultural assumptions shape our understanding of gender and highlights the complexities of human reproductive biology. Fuentes draws parallels with intersex earthworms and sex-switching fish, advocating for a more fluid understanding of sexual identity. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spectrum of gender and its implications for personal identity, particularly for trans and intersex individuals.
May 5, 2025 • 56min
Trump's Tariff Strategy Risks Long-Term Damage to US-China Relationship
Rana Mitter, the S.T. Lee Chair in U.S.-Asia Relations at Harvard Kennedy School, sheds light on the volatile U.S.-China trade relationship. He discusses the staggering tariffs—145% on Chinese imports—impacting both economies. Mitter highlights the complexities of trade negotiations, the misconceptions about who bears the burden of tariffs, and China's growing tech prowess. He urges for cultural exchanges and dialogue to ease tensions, while outlining the hopeful signs of reopening communication channels under the Biden administration.
May 5, 2025 • 56min
Benicia Contends With Valero Refinery Closure
Join Steve Young, the Mayor of Benicia, who discusses the community's anxiety over the Valero refinery closure, a major employer and taxpayer. Josh Sonnenfeld from the Blue Green Alliance sheds light on the balance between economic sustainability and environmental health. Severin Borenstein, a UC Berkeley professor, provides insights into the financial impacts and the need for a just transition for displaced workers. Together, they navigate the complex interplay of local jobs, pollution, and California's shift away from fossil fuels.
