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
Feb 17, 2025 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: Travel Writer Pico Iyer Celebrates the Joys of Sitting Still
Pico Iyer, an acclaimed author and travel writer, shares his transformative journey following the loss of his California home to a wildfire. He discusses his retreat to a Big Sur monastery and the profound healing power of solitude and silence found there. Iyer emphasizes the importance of inner journeys over physical travel, detailing how stillness fosters deeper connections and self-discovery. His new book, "Aflame," reflects on these themes, while personal anecdotes highlight the rejuvenating effects of silence amid modern chaos.
Feb 17, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: What Does Wilderness Mean in our Modern World?
Join Marissa Ortega-Welch, a science journalist and host of 'How Wild,' alongside Phoebe Young, an environmental history professor and author, and Aparna Rajagopal, a DEI advocate in the outdoor sector. They dive into the evolving concept of wilderness in our tech-driven world. Discussions include the historical significance of the Wilderness Act, the impact of climate change on natural spaces, and the challenge of ensuring equitable access for marginalized communities. Personal narratives illuminate the transformative experiences in nature that shape our understanding of wilderness.
Feb 14, 2025 • 56min
Behind the Scenes with the San Francisco Opera
In this insightful conversation, guests Eun Sun Kim, the trailblazing music director and first female conductor of a major U.S. opera company, and Matthew Shilvock, general director of the San Francisco Opera, open up about the passion that drives their productions. Elena Park, a documentary filmmaker, shares a behind-the-scenes look at Kim's interpretation of 'Lohengrin.' The trio discusses the emotional challenges of staging Wagnerian operas, the importance of collaboration in storytelling, and the vibrant training experiences for emerging artists.
Feb 14, 2025 • 56min
Rachel Syme Teaches You How to Write a Memorable Letter
Rachel Syme, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of "Syme's Letter Writer," passionately discusses the art of letter writing. She highlights how letters serve as vessels for family dynamics, apologies, and emotional clarity. Syme shares insights from her pen pal exchange, which connected 10,000 people globally during the pandemic. The intimacy of handwritten correspondence stands in stark contrast to digital communication, fostering deep connections and nostalgia, while her advice encourages listeners to rediscover the joy of writing heartfelt letters.
Feb 13, 2025 • 56min
Kurt Gray Explores the Psychology of Outrage
Kurt Gray, a social psychologist at the University of North Carolina and author of "Outraged," dives deep into the psychology behind moral outrage. He discusses how our moral convictions shape our reactions, especially in polarized debates like abortion and immigration. Kurt reveals how social media amplifies these emotional triggers, creating an 'outrage machine' that warps perceptions of harm. He emphasizes the importance of understanding varying perspectives to foster empathy and navigate complex discussions, ultimately encouraging acceptance for social progress.
Feb 13, 2025 • 56min
The Opposition Playbook: What Would an Effective Resistance to Trump Look Like?
Ezra Levin, co-founder of The Indivisible Project, highlights the importance of grassroots movements against Trump's aggressive policies. Rebecca Solnit shares insights on the power of language and emotional resilience in activism. Lateefah Simon discusses Democratic strategies in engaging constituents and critiquing political dynamics. Together, they explore the need for community involvement and clear messaging to reclaim citizenship and foster unified resistance against an administration impacting marginalized communities.
Feb 12, 2025 • 56min
What Do You Love About Being Single?
Freelance journalist Nicola Slawson, author of "Single: Living a Complete Life on Your Own Terms," shares her insights about the beauty of being single after over a decade of independence. She discusses the freedom and self-discovery that come from embracing singlehood, urging listeners to challenge societal stigmas. Slawson emphasizes the importance of community and personal growth, reminding everyone that a fulfilling life doesn't require a relationship to start. Her reflections encourage embracing the rich experiences available to those who are unattached.
Feb 12, 2025 • 56min
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie Takes Your Questions
Daniel Lurie, the new Mayor of San Francisco and former CEO of Tipping Point Community, dives into pressing city challenges like homelessness and drug addiction. He unveils a bold fentanyl state of emergency and discusses plans for revitalizing downtown amid a looming budget deficit. Lurie emphasizes the importance of community support and collaboration, addressing threats to the city’s status as a sanctuary. With a focus on public safety, the arts, and community engagement, he shares his vision for a thriving, resilient San Francisco.
Feb 11, 2025 • 56min
OMB Director and Project 2025 Architect Russell Vought Halts CFPB Funding
Megan Messerly, a White House reporter at Politico, covers the impact of leadership changes on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). James C. Capretta, former OMB associate director, discusses Russell Vought's controversial funding halt and its implications for federal agency operations. Bob Bauer, former White House Counsel, raises concerns about the accumulation of presidential power and its effects on democracy. They explore the challenges faced by the CFPB and the consequences of federal budget cuts on essential services, highlighting tensions in governance.
16 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 56min
Juvenile Incarceration Declined by 77%. Did Public Policy Do Something Right?
Join James Forman Jr., a Yale Law professor and Pulitzer Prize winner, alongside juvenile justice experts David Muhammad, Laura Abrams, and Katherine Lucero, as they unpack the striking 77% decline in juvenile incarceration from 2000 to 2020. They delve into the reasons behind this trend, contrasting punitive past practices with a focus on rehabilitation. The conversation also covers California's role, the challenges linked to COVID-19, and innovative community approaches that prioritize healing over punishment, offering a compassionate view of youth justice.
