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
11 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 55min
Congress Scrambles to Address Healthcare Funding Before Year End
Larry Levitt, Executive Vice President at KFF, shares insights on the potential impacts of expiring ACA subsidies on 22 million Americans. U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo discusses his bipartisan Fix-It Act aimed at extending these subsidies, emphasizing the importance of fiscal responsibility. Jonathan Cohn highlights the political tug-of-war on Capitol Hill, revealing Republican divisions and the implications for the 2026 midterms. The episode also features real stories from constituents about their healthcare struggles and the urgency for bipartisan action.
Dec 4, 2025 • 55min
What Trump’s ‘Pause’ on Asylum Decisions Means for the Bay Area’s Afghan Community and Beyond
Joseph Azam, board chair of the Afghan-American Foundation, discusses the fear gripping Afghan communities in the Bay Area following a recent asylum-related incident. Karen Musalo, a law professor and asylum expert, weighs in on the legality of Trump’s asylum pause. They explore the devastating impact on traumatized asylum seekers, critiques of vetting claims, and the broader implications for U.S. immigration policy. The conversation emphasizes the ethical responsibilities and historical contexts surrounding U.S. interventions and refugee obligations.
Dec 3, 2025 • 55min
Simon Winchester Charts History and Future of the Wind in 'The Breath of the Gods'
Simon Winchester, journalist and author of 'The Breath of the Gods,' explores the complex nature of wind, describing it as both a creator and destroyer. He shares captivating tales of wind's role in history, such as revealing the Chernobyl disaster, and discusses its cultural significance, including how regional winds influence emotions and local lore. Winchester also highlights the shifting patterns of wind due to climate change, advocating for wind power despite environmental trade-offs. Join him in celebrating wind's unpredictable beauty and immense impact.
10 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 55min
Bay Area Startups Want to Make Genetically Engineered Babies. What Could Go Wrong?
Join Dr. Fyodor Urnov, a gene-editing expert, Catherine Long, a Wall Street Journal investigative reporter, and Katie Hasson, an advocate for genetic ethics, as they delve into the controversial world of genetically engineered babies. They discuss Bay Area startups pushing boundaries in embryo editing, the ethical implications of such technologies, and the troubling echoes of eugenics. Through scientific insights and real-life experiences, the conversation raises critical questions about who gets to decide the future of genetics.
Dec 2, 2025 • 55min
Fred Armisen on Recording the Sounds of the Everyday
Fred Armisen, the talented comedian and musician known for “Saturday Night Live” and “Portlandia,” dives into the world of sound with his new album, 100 Sound Effects. He shares fascinating stories about capturing everyday sounds, from the ‘ooh’ of room service to the implosive shatter of glass. Armisen discusses the art of layering sounds to create immersive audio experiences, revealing insights into human behavior reflected through sound. He even touches on his punk roots and heritage, making for a delightful exploration of auditory creativity.
10 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 55min
Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power and the Downfall of a Bay Area Wellness Cult
Ellen Huet, an investigative journalist for Bloomberg and author of *Empire of Orgasm*, dives into the controversial world of OneTaste, a wellness cult focused on orgasmic meditation. She discusses the journey from promise of empowerment to allegations of sexual and financial abuse. It explores the manipulative sales tactics, community culture, and the blurred lines of consent that characterized OneTaste. Huet also highlights how societal desires for intimacy and the appeal of sex positivity drew many into this troubled organization, culminating in serious legal repercussions.
Dec 1, 2025 • 55min
‘Nerd Reich’ Author Gil Duran on the Tech Authoritarian Movement
Gil Duran, a journalist focusing on tech industry politics and author of the upcoming book 'The Nerd Reich', dives into the alarming rise of technocratic authoritarianism. He discusses how Silicon Valley's elite are reshaping democracy with their influence and accelerationist views. Duran critiques the mainstream media's oversight of these issues and argues that California needs to rally against billionaire power. He emphasizes civic engagement and collective action as vital to combatting the authoritarian tactics being employed by tech moguls.
Dec 1, 2025 • 55min
Most People Dread Jury Duty, But Some Never Get the Chance to Serve
Abby Ginzberg, a documentary filmmaker and former trial lawyer, joins public defenders Brendon Woods and Manohar Raju, along with Anne Stuhldreher from San Francisco's Treasurer's Office. They discuss how financial barriers and discrimination limit jury diversity, impacting justice outcomes. The new 'Be the Jury' program offers stipends to low-income jurors, aiming to increase participation. The guests highlight how representation can shift trial dynamics and the vital role juries play in community decision-making.
Nov 28, 2025 • 57min
Forum from the Archives: What’s Your Favorite Children’s Book?
Boris Kachka and Emma Sarappo, senior editors at The Atlantic, dive into the creation of a list of 65 essential children's books, discussing their criteria for selection: distinctiveness and entertainment value. They explore the joys of musicality in storybooks and reflect on timeless classics like The Story of Ferdinand. The duo also shares personal stories, highlighting favorite picks and the challenges of curating such a list. Listeners share their beloved childhood reads, showcasing the deep emotional connections books forge across generations.
Nov 28, 2025 • 57min
Forum from the Archives: Samin Nosrat on Nourishing Food, Community and All the ‘Good Things’
Samin Nosrat, chef and bestselling author of "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat," discusses how cooking and community helped her navigate personal struggles. She highlights the joy of small shared dinners and the power of simple cooking rituals. Samin redefines recipes as tools for creativity rather than strict guidelines, emphasizing flexibility and improvisation in cooking. With a nod to her Persian roots, she urges embracing comfort foods and everyday gatherings to foster connection and joy in our lives.
