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 9, 2025 • 56min
Trump Deploys National Guard Troops to Los Angeles
Saul Gonzalez, co-host of The California Report, discusses the National Guard's deployment in LA amid protests against ICE raids. Ahilan Arulanantham, a UCLA law professor, shares insights on the legal implications of this controversial move. Gustavo Solis, an investigative border reporter, highlights the impact of ICE enforcement on immigrant communities. Together, they explore reactions to the military presence, California's legal challenges against the Trump administration, and the evolving landscape of immigration policy amid civil unrest.
Jun 9, 2025 • 56min
California Rooftop Solar Is at a Crossroads
Sammy Roth, climate columnist for The L.A. Times, joins Mohit Chhabra from the NRDC and Bernadette Del Chiaro from the Environmental Working Group to dissect the future of California's rooftop solar. They explore the precarious balance between utility regulations and incentives that have historically favored solar adoption. As new policies threaten to undermine these gains, they discuss the implications for consumers and the state’s renewable energy goals. The conversation highlights the growing tension between centralized utility power and decentralized solar energy.
Jun 6, 2025 • 56min
Tune-Yards’ Merrill Garbus on How She Makes Her Signature Sounds, Live in Studio
Merrill Garbus, the dynamic singer from the Oakland-based art-pop band Tune-Yards, shares her unique musical journey. She dives into how personal experiences in Oakland inspire her thought-provoking lyrics and captivating rhythms. The discussion highlights her innovative use of vocal techniques, including yodeling, and the emotional depth of their new album, "Better Dreaming.” Garbus also reflects on the impact of parenthood on her songwriting and the importance of inclusivity in her music, making it both a personal and universal experience.
Jun 6, 2025 • 56min
How Apple Fueled China's Economic and Technological Rise
Patrick McGee, San Francisco correspondent for the Financial Times and author of 'Apple in China', discusses the intricate ties between Apple and China's economic ascent. He reveals how China strategically allowed Apple's operations to bolster its tech industries. The conversation highlights labor practices in Apple's manufacturing, the risks of technology transfer to competitors like Huawei, and the implications of geopolitical tensions on Apple's future. McGee also touches on the challenges Apple faces in diversifying production outside of China.
Jun 5, 2025 • 56min
What It’s Like to Parent With Your Friends
Rhaina Cohen, an NPR producer and writer, explores the transformative effects of friend-powered parenting, while Phil Levin, founder of Live Near Friends, discusses innovative community living solutions. They delve into the emotional and practical benefits of raising kids alongside friends, addressing challenges like differing parenting styles and communal support. Personal anecdotes highlight the joys of shared responsibilities and the idea of ‘friend-based parenting,’ creating a supportive and enriching environment for both parents and children.
Jun 5, 2025 • 56min
As Final AIDS LifeCycle Ride Ends, Where Does AIDS Research Stand?
Jeff Sheehy, a long-time AIDS activist and first openly HIV+ member of the SF Board of Supervisors, joins infectious disease expert Monica Gandhi from UCSF and Jennifer Kates of KFF. They discuss the evolution of HIV treatment from a death sentence to manageable conditions. The guests reflect on historical activism, examine the impact of funding cuts on AIDS research, and emphasize the need for continued advocacy and community support. Personal stories highlight the resilience of communities and the ongoing fight against stigma.
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.
