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
Jan 7, 2025 • 56min
An Exit Interview with SF Transit Director Jeff Tumlin
In this discussion, Jeff Tumlin, the former director of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, reflects on his challenging tenure leading Muni through a pandemic that drastically altered public transit. He sheds light on the recovery of Muni compared to BART and the essential adaptations made during this period. Tumlin discusses the impacts of rideshare services, the complexities of urban infrastructure, and emphasizes the importance of community engagement for improving transit in San Francisco. His insights provide a glimpse into the future of urban transportation.
Jan 6, 2025 • 56min
Pro-Eating Disorder Communities Find New Spaces Online
Caitlin Tiffany, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in internet culture, and Dr. Jennie Wang-Hall, a psychologist focused on eating disorders, explore the disturbing rise of pro-eating disorder communities on social media, particularly on X. They discuss how minimal content moderation allows harmful narratives to thrive, impacting adolescents. Topics include the normalization of toxic behaviors through algorithm-driven feeds, the need for better support systems for those affected, and the complexities of addressing body image issues in an increasingly digital world.
Jan 6, 2025 • 56min
Remembering What (Really) Happened on January 6
Sarah Wire, senior political correspondent for USA Today, recounts her immediate experiences reporting from the Capitol during the January 6 attack. Hanna Rosin, host of Radio Atlantic, delves into the troubling narratives surrounding the event, including Trump’s revisionist claims. They discuss the emotional toll on lawmakers and journalists during the chaos and explore the continuing fight for accountability through the 'Justice for January 6' movement. Together, they reflect on how the attack reshaped American democracy and the ongoing struggle against misinformation.
Jan 3, 2025 • 56min
Trump Allies Already Pressuring State Leaders on Immigration
Hamed Aleaziz, a New York Times reporter on immigration policy, joins experts like Ahilan Arulanantham from UCLA Law and Francisco Ugarte, managing attorney with the SF Public Defender's office. They unpack the implications of a recent threat directed at California's sanctuary policies by Trump ally Stephen Miller’s organization. Discussions include potential legal repercussions for state officials, strategies for resisting federal deportation efforts, and the promising response from local jurisdictions in defending immigrant rights and challenging federal overreach.
Jan 3, 2025 • 56min
The Controversial History of the Coit Tower Murals
In this discussion, Robert Cherny, a history professor emeritus at San Francisco State University and author of a notable book on the subject, reveals the intricate legacy of the Coit Tower murals. He highlights their creation during the New Deal era and their depiction of 1930s Bay Area life. The conversation delves into the political controversies surrounding the murals, particularly their pro-Communist imagery. Cherny explores the balance between artistic expression and public sentiment, shedding light on their enduring relevance in contemporary discussions about art and society.
Jan 2, 2025 • 56min
Oh The Places You'll Go: Travel in 2025
Faith Adiele, a travel writer and founder of the 'Traveling While BIPOC' workshop, shares her insights on meaningful travel and transformative experiences. Amy Virshup from The New York Times discusses budget-friendly destinations and the impact of set jetting on travel trends. Billie Cohen, editorial director of Afar, highlights the importance of cultural immersion and explores emerging destinations like Georgia and the Caucasus. Together, they encourage listeners to embrace sustainability, slow travel, and personal journeys in 2025.
4 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 56min
Mark Lilla on the Power of Ignorance
Mark Lilla, a Columbia University professor and author of "Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know," dives into the fascinating tension between our desire to know and our instinct to remain blissfully ignorant. He discusses the psychological burden of constant news consumption and the allure of willful ignorance, questioning how it affects democracy today. Lilla explores the delicate balance of nurturing childhood innocence while also imparting essential knowledge, ultimately advocating for curiosity and emotional well-being in navigating our complex world.
Jan 1, 2025 • 56min
Forum From the Archives: Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin on Using Music as Medicine
Daniel Levitin, a renowned neuroscientist, musician, and author, discusses music's profound therapeutic potential, tracing its healing power back to prehistoric times. He reveals how music affects the brain and can aid in treatments for conditions like trauma and Parkinson’s. Listeners learn about the connection between personal memories and music's emotional resonance. Levitin's insights on music's role in human communication and its impact on cognitive health showcase the transformative and restorative qualities of melodies, enhancing our understanding of music as medicine.
Dec 31, 2024 • 56min
How the ‘Diploma Divide’ Polarizes the U.S. Electorate
David Hopkins, an associate professor of political science at Boston College and co-author of "Polarized by Degrees," discusses the impactful "diploma divide" in American politics. He highlights how educational attainment drives voter preferences, with college graduates leaning Democratic while non-degree holders favor Republicans. Hopkins explores the cultural ramifications of this divide, its influence on issues like abortion and gender identity, and the growing skepticism towards expertise within conservative groups. He also shares insights on future electoral strategies.
Dec 31, 2024 • 56min
The Tech News and Trends That Shaped 2024
Margaret O'Mara, an expert on the high-tech economy, joins Lizza Dwoskin from The Washington Post and Louise Matsakis from Wired to discuss the bustling tech landscape of 2024. They dive into how generative AI transformed everyday life and impacted the job market, while social media under Elon Musk shifted political dynamics. The conversation also highlights significant tech developments, employee activism in tech, and the industry's role in addressing societal challenges, making it clear that technology is both a powerful tool and a complex player in politics.
