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
Jun 4, 2025 • 56min
Is What Social Media Tells You About Protein… True?
Alice Callahan, a nutrition and health reporter for The New York Times, joins experts Christopher Gardner from Stanford and Stuart Phillips from McMaster University to tackle the protein frenzy fueled by social media. They debunk myths surrounding protein intake and discuss the risks of overconsumption. The guests emphasize the importance of individualized dietary needs, particularly for athletes and aging populations. They also explore the balance between whole foods and supplements, urging listeners to critically assess their protein sources amid online misinformation.
Jun 4, 2025 • 56min
Robert Macfarlane on the Lives and Rights of Rivers
Robert Macfarlane, renowned nature writer and author of "Is a River Alive?", delves into the profound relationship between humans and rivers. He discusses the idea of rivers as living entities that shape both ecosystems and cultures. Macfarlane shares insights from diverse locations, highlighting the significance of indigenous perspectives and the spiritual connections people have with these waterways. He emphasizes the need for ecological awareness and community engagement in revitalizing urban rivers, offering a compelling call to respect and protect our vital lifelines.
Jun 3, 2025 • 56min
How Multi-level Marketing Became America’s ‘Unseen Propaganda Factory’
Bridget Read, features writer for New York Magazine and author of 'Little Bosses Everywhere,' unpacks the deceptive allure of multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes. She reveals that 99% of participants earn little to no profit, likening their odds to gamblers in a casino. The conversation dives into the historical ties between MLMs and the political right, exposing how these companies exploit economic hardships. Read also discusses the cultural implications of MLMs, especially for women seeking flexible work, shedding light on the emotional toll and societal pressures they face.
Jun 3, 2025 • 56min
With So Much Vacant Ground Floor Retail, Why Are We Still Building More?
Sujata Srivastava, Chief Policy Officer of SPUR; Alex Sagues, a senior vice president at CRBE specializing in retail; and Dr. Daniel G. Chatman, UC Berkeley's planning department chair, tackle the growing issue of vacant ground-floor retail in the Bay Area. They discuss the disconnect between retail demand and supply, the lingering effects of the pandemic on consumer behavior, and the need for innovative planning to revive urban spaces. Strategies include exploring flexible zoning, community-focused initiatives, and adapting to changing retail landscapes to fill these crucial areas.
Jun 2, 2025 • 56min
How Trump’s Massive, Wide Ranging Budget Bill Could Affect You
Russell Berman, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Claudia Grisales, a congressional correspondent at NPR, dive into the complexities of President Trump's budget bill. They discuss the bill's significant rollback on clean energy initiatives and alarming Medicaid cuts. The conversation highlights the contentious political landscape, including GOP infighting and public backlash against tax benefits for the wealthy. With implications for vulnerable communities and healthcare access, they reveal the far-reaching consequences of this extensive legislation.
Jun 2, 2025 • 56min
Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson on the ‘Original Sin’ Controversy
Joining the conversation are Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent, and Alex Thompson, national political correspondent for Axios. They dive into their new book that critiques President Biden’s leadership and the alleged cover-up of his decline. They discuss the Democratic Party's struggle with accountability and internal loyalty, the influence of media on public perception of Biden's health, and the urgent need for transparency in political reporting. The dialogue challenges listeners to consider the future direction of the Democratic Party amidst these controversies.
May 30, 2025 • 56min
Remembering George Floyd and the Racial Reckoning He Sparked
Join Robert Samuels, a National Political Reporter at The Washington Post and co-author of 'His Name is George Floyd', alongside Clyde McGrady, a National Correspondent at The New York Times. They reflect on the five-year mark since George Floyd’s murder, exploring the lasting societal changes and the racial reckoning that followed. Samuels questions whether the backlash against progress overshadows the gains made. They discuss the emotional legacy of Floyd’s story and the ongoing struggles within the racial justice movement.
May 30, 2025 • 56min
Why the Mission-Style Burrito Defines the Bay Area
Join Cesar Hernandez, an associate restaurant critic at The San Francisco Chronicle, Dominica Rice-Cisneros, chef and owner of Bombera in Oakland, and Victor Escovedo of Papalote Mexican Grill as they dive into the world of the Mission-style burrito. They explore its mysterious origins, cultural significance, and how it's evolved over time. Personal anecdotes highlight cherished memories tied to burritos, while they discuss innovative trends from local eateries and the art of making homemade flour tortillas. Listeners share their favorite spots, making it a tasty community celebration!
May 29, 2025 • 56min
Yosemite and Other CA National Parks Underfunded, Understaffed this Summer
Russell Galipeau, a former national park superintendent, Ashley Harrell, SFGATE’s National Parks Bureau Chief, and Neal Desai, Pacific Region Director at the National Parks Conservation Association, discuss the critical challenges facing California's national parks due to significant funding cuts. They highlight the resulting longer wait times, understaffed visitor centers, and threats to vital ecological research. Despite these obstacles, they emphasize the importance of community engagement and advocacy to preserve these natural treasures and encourage park visits.
May 29, 2025 • 56min
Bay Area Legends: Maxine Hong Kingston Changed What It Means to Tell an American Story
Maxine Hong Kingston, a Chinese American literary pioneer and author of 'The Woman Warrior', discusses her groundbreaking approach to storytelling that intertwines reality and myth. She reflects on her childhood in California and the profound impact of her work on immigrant narratives and contemporary writers. Guests Vanessa Hua, Aimee Phan, and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni share insights on Kingston's legacy and its resonance in modern literature. The conversation also highlights the emotional ties to cultural identity and the transformative nature of storytelling.
