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 10, 2025 • 56min
Will Courts be a Check and Balance on Donald Trump?
Dahlia Lithwick, a senior editor at Slate and host of Amicus, is joined by Jamal Greene, a law professor at Columbia University and former deputy attorney general. They delve into how courts may challenge Trump’s executive orders, particularly on immigration and agency restructuring. Topics include the judiciary's role in upholding the rule of law, the impact of nationwide injunctions on executive power, and concerns about political influence within the Department of Justice. Their discussion raises vital questions about the limits of judicial authority and civil society's crucial role.
Feb 10, 2025 • 56min
USAID Closure Puts “Millions of Lives at Risk,” Humanitarian Groups Warn
In this discussion, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International and former USAID official, joins Joia Mukherjee, Chief Medical Officer of Partners In Health, and reporter Elissa Miolene from Devex. They explore the imminent threats posed by the proposed closure of USAID, highlighting its critical role in global health, including vital programs like PEPFAR. The guests detail the dire consequences for millions relying on humanitarian aid, as funding cuts disrupt essential services and deepen crises in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Feb 7, 2025 • 56min
The Future of Dietary Supplements Under Trump’s FDA
Dr. S Bryn Austin, a public health expert from Harvard, Nicholas Florko, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Marily Oppezzo, a behavioral scientist at Stanford, explore the dietary supplement industry. They discuss the rapid growth and minimal regulation of these products, raising concerns about safety and efficacy. The panel delves into the implications of potential regulatory changes under the Trump administration and highlights the misleading marketing aimed at young consumers. They also emphasize the danger of relying on supplements instead of whole foods for nutrition.
Feb 7, 2025 • 56min
Incarcerated Women Firefighters Spotlighted in “Fire Escape” Podcast
Amika Mota, a former incarcerated firefighter and Executive Director of Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, shares her gripping journey of redemption through an all-women firefighting crew during her nine-year prison sentence. She discusses the emotional toll and resilience required while battling wildfires, revealing the complexities of using prison labor and its societal implications. The podcast also highlights the barriers faced by these women post-incarceration and advocates for systemic change, emphasizing the transformative power of their unique experiences.
Feb 6, 2025 • 56min
David Graham on Trump’s 'Strategy Behind the Chaos'
David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic, delves into the chaos and strategy of the Trump administration. He argues that the narrative of chaos versus strategy oversimplifies the complex tactics at play. The conversation analyzes Trump's aggressive power consolidation and media dynamics, highlighting how his approach connects with figures like Elon Musk. Graham emphasizes the need for resilience in politics and critiques the sensationalism prevalent in media coverage, urging deeper understanding of political realities.
Feb 6, 2025 • 56min
What Sonoma State’s Massive Budget Cuts Mean for the University’s Future
Marisa Endicott, a reporter for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, joins Don Romesburg, Chair of Women's and Gender Studies, and Emily Cutrer, Interim President of Sonoma State University. They discuss the university's drastic $24 million budget cuts, leading to eliminated departments and job losses. Endicott highlights the emotional backlash from students and faculty. Romesburg raises concerns about impacts on diversity programs, while Cutrer addresses criticisms of decision-making. The group emphasizes the urgent need for state support and innovative strategies for recovery.
Feb 5, 2025 • 56min
Ukrainian Artists on Their Oscar-Nominated Documentary 'Porcelain War'
Slava Leontyev, a Ukrainian artist and co-director of the Oscar-nominated documentary "Porcelain War," shares how art embodies resistance against the Russian invasion. He discusses the fragility and resilience of Ukrainian culture symbolized through delicate porcelain creations. Former U.S. ambassador Steven Pifer offers insights on how U.S.-Ukraine relations are evolving, emphasizing the importance of cultural preservation in wartime and the emotional depth of identity amidst conflict.
Feb 5, 2025 • 56min
Trump Ignites Trade Wars with China, Backs Down on Canada, Mexico
Shannon O'Neil, a senior vice president at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the chaos surrounding Trump's tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico. Kyle Handley from UC San Diego shares insights on how these tariffs create uncertainty for businesses and alter supply chains. NPR's Scott Horsley dives into the political motivations behind these trade wars and their potential long-term effects. The conversation uncovers the complexities of globalization, security concerns, and the economic ripple effects on consumers and markets.
Feb 4, 2025 • 56min
Key Trump Nominees Await Confirmation After Bruising Hearings
Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor, and Javed Ali, a policy expert with a background in national security, dive into the hot-button nominations of Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The duo discusses the intense scrutiny these figures face during confirmation hearings. They analyze the implications of political tactics impacting nominations, particularly around controversial stances on vaccines and national security. The podcast concludes with a look at the broader political landscape and its effects on upcoming elections.
Feb 4, 2025 • 56min
Lauren Markham on Reckoning with Future Loss from Climate Change
Lauren Markham, a writer and reporter known for her work on climate grief, discusses her book "Immemorial". She delves into the emotional language necessary to express the loss associated with climate change. Markham introduces terms like 'premation' to help memorialize ongoing losses. The conversation touches on the significance of memorials, both personal and collective, and explores innovative rituals to process grief. Lastly, she emphasizes the balance between mourning and proactive action, highlighting the importance of community in confronting environmental challenges.
