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 30, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Tijuana River Pollution Reaches Crisis Point in San Diego County, Scientists Warn
Paloma Aguirre, the Mayor of Imperial Beach, advocates urgently for solutions to the calamity of Tijuana River pollution. Soumya Karlamangla, a National Correspondent for The New York Times, shares sobering reports on the environmental disaster wreaking havoc on the community. Paula Stigler Granados, an expert in Environmental Health, explains the alarming chemical and health impacts affecting local residents, linking pollution to serious health issues. The discussion paints a dire picture of the crisis and highlights the need for immediate action to protect public health.
Jul 30, 2025 • 56min
Why Your Energy Bill Has Gotten So Expensive (and What Can Be Done About It)
Costa Samaras, a professor and director at Carnegie Mellon, and Michael Wara, a Stanford sustainability policy expert, dive into the rising costs of energy bills across the U.S. They examine how factors like aging infrastructure and increased demand from data centers are skyrocketing prices. The duo also discusses California's unique challenges with electrification, wildfire resilience, and the push for renewable energy. Although concerns are raised, they also highlight strategies for improving energy efficiency and making the grid more sustainable.
Jul 29, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: ‘Twist’ Explores Sabotage, Repair and the Hidden Cables Connecting Us
Colum McCann, a National Book Award-winning author known for novels like 'Apeirogon,' delves into his latest work, 'Twist,' which examines the critical role of underwater cables in global communication. He explores themes of sabotage and repair, particularly how these cables are vulnerable to geopolitical threats. The discussion uncovers the personal and societal implications of our interconnected lives while highlighting the emotional nuances of technology. McCann also shares reflections on identity and the complexities of human connections in an increasingly digital world.
5 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 56min
Where Mainstream Immigration Reporting Falls Short, Ethnic Media Outlets Step Up
Memo Torres, a writer and director at L.A. Taco, discusses the shift from food journalism to covering ICE raids in Los Angeles. Julian Do emphasizes how ethnic media elevates immigrant voices, while Madeleine Bair highlights her work with El Tímpano, helping Latino and Mayan Mam immigrants navigate resources through innovative formats. Tanay Gokhale sheds light on the struggles of the Indian American community, stressing the importance of providing timely and relevant information. Together, they explore how ethnic media is crucial in advocating for and informing vulnerable communities.
Jul 28, 2025 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Is It Time to Rethink Pediatric ADHD?
Paul Tough, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine known for his insights on education and child development, dives into the ADHD debate. He explores the staggering rise to 7 million diagnoses in the U.S. and questions standard treatments like Ritalin, arguing they focus on behavior, not learning. Tough discusses the need for a new understanding of ADHD, emphasizing tailored approaches and the impact of social factors, especially post-pandemic. His thought-provoking insights challenge conventional perceptions and treatment methods.
Jul 28, 2025 • 56min
In Gary Shteyngart’s “Vera, or Faith,” A Child Navigates Family, American Dystopia
Gary Shteyngart, acclaimed author of "Vera, or Faith" and more, shares insights on a precocious 10-year-old Korean-American girl navigating a dystopian America. He discusses the impact of political climates on childhood anxieties and family dynamics. The conversation touches on the influence of AI on storytelling and the complexities of identity in a multicultural society. Shteyngart reflects on the challenges of parenting and cultural preservation amidst societal pressures, offering a humorous yet poignant exploration of modern family life.
Jul 25, 2025 • 56min
How to Create a Family Archive
Nisa Khan is a KQED reporter with a focus on digital hoarding and cultural experiences. Shanna Farrell, an oral historian at UC Berkeley, brings expertise in personal narratives, while Jackie Forsythe, an audiovisual archivist, specializes in home video preservation. Together, they dive into the emotional journey of creating family archives, providing practical tips for digitizing cherished memories. They discuss the importance of oral histories in keeping family stories alive and address concerns about cultural loss and accessibility in preserving personal histories.
Jul 25, 2025 • 56min
Mariachi San Jose Performs Live in Studio
José R. Torres-Ramos, an ethnomusicology professor and director of Mariachi San Jose, and Jorge Dovalina, a vihuela player from Piedras Negras, delve into the rich history and cultural significance of mariachi music. They discuss its roots in Jalisco and its emotional ties to major life events for many in the Mexican community. The conversation highlights the genre's evolution, educational value for Latino students, and the importance of local ensembles in keeping this beloved tradition alive, all while Mariachi San Jose performs live.
Jul 24, 2025 • 56min
What A.I. Means for College Writing
Hua Hsu, a staff writer for The New Yorker and literature professor at Bard College, discusses the profound impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on college writing. He highlights how students use AI for everything from organizing ideas to completing assignments, raising concerns about academic integrity and creativity. Professors are adjusting their teaching methods to cope with these changes, contemplating new approaches to assessments. Hsu emphasizes the vital balance between utilizing technology and preserving essential critical thinking skills in education.
Jul 24, 2025 • 56min
Alcatraz’s Cultural Legacy Extends Beyond Its Prison Past
Join Kent Blansett, an Indigenous studies professor and author, Michele Gee from the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, and Jolene Babyak, a former Alcatraz resident and author. They discuss the multifaceted legacy of Alcatraz, examining its transition from prison to national park. The conversation highlights its role in Native American activism, personal stories from life on the island, and the cultural significance of Alcatraz's history. They also reflect on the challenges of preserving its legacy while redefining its place in American society.
