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
Mar 31, 2025 • 54min
California Universities Grapple with Trump Threats, Investigations
Javed Kaleem, an education reporter for the Los Angeles Times, sheds light on the implications of the Trump administration's scrutiny of California universities. Steve Hetz, a neuroendovascular surgeon at UCSF, discusses the severe impact of funding cuts on research and patient care. Meanwhile, Michael Chwe, a UCLA political science professor, emphasizes the political tension surrounding DEI practices. They unravel the fears faced by international students and faculty amidst hiring freezes and federal investigations, painting a vivid picture of today's educational landscape.
Mar 31, 2025 • 56min
Oakland Mayor’s Race: Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee on Why Leadership Matters
Barbara Lee, a longtime East Bay Congresswoman and candidate for Oakland mayor, shares her vision for the city amid its upcoming election. She emphasizes the need for effective leadership and collaboration to unite Oakland and tackle challenges like public safety and affordable housing. Lee discusses her Congressional experience, focusing on building partnerships between labor and business to foster economic stability. She advocates for community engagement, transparency in governance, and revitalizing the city's image to address pressing urban issues.
Mar 28, 2025 • 56min
Joan Didion and How Hollywood Shaped American Politics
Alissa Wilkinson, a New York Times movie critic and author of "We Tell Ourselves Stories," delves into Joan Didion's reflections on how Hollywood shaped American politics. They explore Didion's unique lens on storytelling amid chaos and her critique of political superficiality seen in figures like the Reagans. Wilkinson emphasizes Didion's belief that narrative influences perception, highlighting the contrast between cinematic expectations and the complexities of reality. The discussion also touches on Didion's lasting impact on California culture and modern political dynamics.
Mar 28, 2025 • 56min
How to Get Your Kids Cooking
Neelam Patil, a chef and educator, alongside Vanessa Silva, founder of Culinary Artistas, dive into the vital skill of teaching kids to cook. They discuss how essential cooking skills can foster independence and creativity. The conversation includes practical tips for safe cooking, fun activities to engage children, and the significance of family connections through food. They also explore the challenges and joys of nurturing young culinary talents, with inspiring anecdotes that make cooking a delightful family affair.
Mar 27, 2025 • 56min
Fallout from Leaked Signal Chat Intensifies
Eric Schmitt, a senior national security correspondent for the New York Times, and Garrett Graff, a journalist and historian, dive into a staggering intelligence breach involving a leaked Signal chat among U.S. military officials. They discuss the fallout from sharing sensitive attack plans over unsecured channels and the implications for national security. The conversation also touches on the accountability lapses within the Trump administration, the potential risks to international alliances, and the ethical concerns surrounding military responses in a tumultuous geopolitical landscape.
Mar 27, 2025 • 56min
Oakland Mayoral Hopeful Loren Taylor on Why Local Experience Matters
Loren Taylor, Oakland’s former City Councilmember, shares his vision as a mayoral candidate. He emphasizes the need for local government experience to tackle budget shortfalls and crime effectively. Taylor discusses innovative solutions for public safety, including programs for homelessness and violence prevention. He calls for community engagement in local issues and underscores the importance of transparent leadership. With an eye on revitalizing District 6, he celebrates community spirit while addressing infrastructure challenges and affordable housing.
Mar 26, 2025 • 56min
How MAGA Took Over Congress with NYT’s Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater
In this discussion, Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater, New York Times reporters and co-authors of "Mad House," delve into the chaos of the 118th Congress. They reveal how MAGA extremism has reshaped the political landscape, pushing moderators aside and leading to unprecedented dysfunction. Key highlights include the controversies surrounding the Speaker's ousting and the internal turmoil among Republicans. The guests also touch on the implications of these shifts for democracy and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in this tumultuous climate.
Mar 26, 2025 • 56min
Americans are Obsessed with Working Hard. What is it Getting Us?
Adam Chandler, a journalist and author of "99% Perspiration" and "Drive-Thru Dreams," delves into the evolving American work ethic. He challenges the myth of the self-made worker, highlighting rising income inequality despite long hours. They discuss the phenomenon of 'quiet quitting' as a response to hustle culture and the fragile job security in today’s market. Chandler also critiques the romanticism of entrepreneurship, pointing to the need for community support and systemic changes to improve work-life balance and employee well-being.
Mar 25, 2025 • 56min
How 20 Years of YouTube Has Shaped Us
Mark Bergen, a Bloomberg News reporter and author of "Like, Comment, Subscribe," teams up with Johnny Cole Dickson, a video creator and host of "No Lab Coat Required." They explore YouTube's evolution from a simple sharing site to a cultural powerhouse. The duo discusses the platform’s impact on content consumption, the challenges of misinformation, and its role in education. With anecdotes from creators, they dive into the creator economy's complexities, navigating monetization, authenticity, and YouTube’s community-driven spirit, particularly during the pandemic.
Mar 25, 2025 • 56min
A History of Brainwashing and its Use Today
Harvard professor Rebecca Lemov, an expert on the history of science, dives into her new book about brainwashing and mind control. She reveals how soldiers were psychologically manipulated during the Korean War, shedding light on the stigma surrounding their trauma. Lemov also discusses the subtle ways brainwashing pervades our daily lives, especially through social media and misinformation. With intriguing historical examples and modern implications, she highlights the ongoing relevance of these coercive techniques in today's digital world.
