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 18, 2025 • 56min
What Does Keanu Reeves Mean to You?
Join pop culture writer Sezín Devi Koehler, critic Angelica Jade Bastién, and KQED’s Carly Severn as they dive deep into the captivating world of Keanu Reeves. They celebrate his iconic roles across four decades, exploring themes of masculinity and representation. The conversation highlights his unique blend of kindness and intensity, especially in the 'John Wick' series, while dispelling myths about his acting talent. Listeners are invited to share their favorite performances, underscoring Reeves’ enduring impact on cinema and culture.
Jul 18, 2025 • 56min
Congress Votes to Defund Public Media
Michael Isip, President and CEO of KQED, joins Media correspondent David Folkenflik, public television advocate Kate Riley, and KZYX director Andre de Channes to discuss significant congressional cuts to public media funding. They explore the $1.1 billion in rescindments set to impact local programming and educational initiatives. The guests share the emotional toll on public stations, the fight for sustainability amidst financial crises, and the vital role these organizations play in community storytelling and support.
Jul 17, 2025 • 56min
California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Standing Up to the Trump Administration
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a key figure in legal resistance against the Trump administration, discusses his lawsuits challenging policies on immigration and National Guard deployments. He delves into the implications of sharing Medicaid data with ICE and advocates for the protection of immigrant rights. Bonta shares insights on maintaining civic engagement in response to federal overreach and highlights the importance of inclusive policies for California's diverse communities, emphasizing the state's commitment to constitutional rights.
Jul 17, 2025 • 56min
Amid War, Bay Area Architects Aid Reconstruction in Ukrainian Town
In this insightful discussion, Yuriy Gorodnichenko, a UC Berkeley economics professor, unpacks the staggering costs of rebuilding Ukraine, estimated up to $1 trillion. BBC Ukraine reporter Zhanna Bezpiatchuk shares compelling on-the-ground stories from war-torn Irpin. Margie O'Driscoll highlights innovative rebuilding efforts at the Center for Innovation, while architect Eugene Chumakov discusses designing the State Tax University for sustainability and accessibility. Together, they explore the resilience and hope emerging from a devastated landscape.
Jul 16, 2025 • 56min
The Bay Area is Getting Older — Fast. Are We Ready?
Join Stacey Torres, a UCSF professor exploring urban aging, Shakira Simley, director of a prominent Black-serving nonprofit, and Diane Wong, who builds community resources for older adults. They discuss the rapid aging of the Bay Area, now the third oldest region in the U.S., and the urgent need for improved social infrastructure. Topics include the challenges of gentrification, the importance of intergenerational connections, and innovative solutions like accessible green spaces to foster community ties and support for the elderly.
Jul 16, 2025 • 56min
Does the Label ‘Genius’ Do More Harm than Good?
Helen Lewis, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of 'The Genius Myth,' dives into the societal implications of the 'genius' label. She argues that this label is often disproportionately awarded to white men, enabling antisocial behavior and ignoring the power of collaboration. Lewis highlights the risks of equating genius with intelligence, pointing to biases in recognition and the cultural idolization of figures like tech innovators. She advocates for a broader understanding of creativity, emphasizing the need to appreciate collective achievements over solitary accolades.
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.
