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
Nov 26, 2025 • 57min
Forum from the Archives: Life Goes On While Systems Fray — How Do We Make Sense of the Dissonance?
Kate Woodsome, a journalist and resilience strategist, teams up with Adrienne Matei from The Guardian to explore the unsettling dissonance between everyday life and the barrage of crises around us. They discuss how our brains cope with conflicting realities, using vivid examples of daily life amidst turmoil. The duo dives into coping mechanisms like rationalization and avoidance, the impact of hypernormalization on society, and strategies for civic engagement. They also provide insights on parenting through political upheaval and the importance of maintaining a sense of agency in turbulent times.
Nov 26, 2025 • 57min
Forum from the Archives: Julian Brave NoiseCat Weaves Memoir with Indigenous Myth and History
Julian Brave NoiseCat, an author and filmmaker, shares his captivating journey exploring Indigenous mythology and personal history. He discusses growing up in Oakland with a non-Native mother and an absent Indigenous father, delving into themes of family loss and cultural reconnection. Through his memoir, he intertwines ancestral stories, including the myth of Coyote, and reflects on language revival and the importance of community. NoiseCat also offers practical advice on reclaiming heritage while addressing the impacts of colonial history on family trauma.
Nov 25, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Can We Really Live On Mars?
Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, a sci-fi-loving scientist and a humorous cartoonist, dive into the serious challenges of colonizing Mars. They discuss the physiological risks for future Martian babies, the ethics of corporate-controlled settlements, and the psychological effects of living in isolation. The couple explores the fine line between exploration romance and the harsh realities of space life, emphasizing the need for proper governance and technology before taking off. With a mix of science and wit, they urge listeners to think critically about our cosmic ambitions.
Nov 25, 2025 • 56min
ACLU’s National Legal Director Cecillia Wang on Taking Trump to Court
Cecillia Wang, the National Legal Director of the ACLU, leads discussions on pivotal civil liberties challenges in the current political landscape. She highlights the ACLU's 111 lawsuits against the Trump administration, focusing on issues from birthright citizenship to deportation. Wang emphasizes litigation as a critical tool for protecting rights, alongside public advocacy. She also addresses threats to LGBTQ+ rights and academic freedom, urging for legal safeguards against federal overreach. Her insights offer a call to action for preserving civil liberties.
Nov 24, 2025 • 55min
Forum From the Archives: What Does Costco Mean to You?
Molly Fischer, a staff writer for The New Yorker, reflects on her childhood experiences with Costco in San Jose. She discusses the emotional connection shoppers feel to the brand, its unique corporate culture, and how a strong membership model fosters loyalty. Fischer also delves into Costco's leadership changes and the implications for its legendary low prices and employee treatment. Additionally, she explores the balance between growth and maintaining company culture, as well as the broader impact of Costco's sourcing decisions on global markets.
Nov 24, 2025 • 55min
Trans Kids Talk With Those Who Love and Support Them in ‘Love You for You’ Series
Sasha Khokha, host and producer of the 'Love You for You' series, explores the heartfelt conversations between trans youth and their supporters. Hunter Stovall, a 16-year-old featured in the series, shares her journey of authenticity and community activism. They discuss the importance of intergenerational support, with reflections from family members about acceptance and growth. The episode highlights personal stories of coming out, the role of parents, and the fierce love from grandparents, emphasizing the universal value of being true to oneself.
Nov 21, 2025 • 55min
Your Spiciest Thanksgiving Hot Takes with NYT Cooking
Join Eric Kim, a Food and Cooking columnist at The New York Times, as he shares his perfected sweet potato casserole, featuring halved marshmallows. Tanya Sichynsky, editor and veggie advocate, makes a case for tofu as a savory centerpiece and introduces delectable alternatives like fried tofu. Sue Li, a recipe developer, delights with travel-friendly Thanksgiving pies, including her apple-and-cream pie. The trio dive into Thanksgiving hot takes and tackle whether canned cranberry sauce deserves a place on the table.
Nov 21, 2025 • 55min
New Levi’s Exhibit Proves Iconic Jeans Never Fade
Tracey Panek, Levi Strauss & Company historian, shares insights on the newly reopened Levi's Vault and its "Amped" exhibit, featuring iconic denim worn by music legends like Kurt Cobain and Beyoncé. Gregory Climer, Chair of the fashion design program at California College of the Arts, discusses the cultural significance of jeans, highlighting their evolution from workwear to fashion staples. The episode dives into personal denim stories, the impact of fabric innovations, and the ongoing push against fast fashion, showcasing how jeans remain a canvas for identity and creativity.
37 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 55min
The Art of Audiobooks with Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan, an acclaimed narrator and co-founder of Audiobrary, dives into the captivating world of audiobooks. She shares her creative process, including the nuances of character voices and preparation routines. Julia discusses the shift in the industry due to AI and the ongoing fight for fair pay for narrators. She reflects on the magic of storytelling, the impact of audiobooks during the pandemic, and offers insights on maintaining vocal health. Plus, she highlights her transformative experience recording 'Gone Girl,' revolutionizing her career.
14 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 55min
The 'Great Flattening': White Collar Workers Hit by Historic Wave of Layoffs
Join Noam Scheiber, a reporter from The New York Times, Aki Ito, a tech industry correspondent at Business Insider, and Alicia Gill, an executive coach, as they dive into the rising wave of white-collar layoffs. They discuss the paradox of layoffs in a seemingly strong economy, the impact of AI on job security, and the emotional toll on professionals facing job loss. Listeners share their struggles in navigating the job market, while the guests offer strategic advice for building resilience and finding opportunity amidst uncertainty.
