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 13, 2025 • 56min
Kurt Gray Explores the Psychology of Outrage
Kurt Gray, a social psychologist at the University of North Carolina and author of "Outraged," dives deep into the psychology behind moral outrage. He discusses how our moral convictions shape our reactions, especially in polarized debates like abortion and immigration. Kurt reveals how social media amplifies these emotional triggers, creating an 'outrage machine' that warps perceptions of harm. He emphasizes the importance of understanding varying perspectives to foster empathy and navigate complex discussions, ultimately encouraging acceptance for social progress.
Feb 13, 2025 • 56min
The Opposition Playbook: What Would an Effective Resistance to Trump Look Like?
Ezra Levin, co-founder of The Indivisible Project, highlights the importance of grassroots movements against Trump's aggressive policies. Rebecca Solnit shares insights on the power of language and emotional resilience in activism. Lateefah Simon discusses Democratic strategies in engaging constituents and critiquing political dynamics. Together, they explore the need for community involvement and clear messaging to reclaim citizenship and foster unified resistance against an administration impacting marginalized communities.
Feb 12, 2025 • 56min
What Do You Love About Being Single?
Freelance journalist Nicola Slawson, author of "Single: Living a Complete Life on Your Own Terms," shares her insights about the beauty of being single after over a decade of independence. She discusses the freedom and self-discovery that come from embracing singlehood, urging listeners to challenge societal stigmas. Slawson emphasizes the importance of community and personal growth, reminding everyone that a fulfilling life doesn't require a relationship to start. Her reflections encourage embracing the rich experiences available to those who are unattached.
Feb 12, 2025 • 56min
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie Takes Your Questions
Daniel Lurie, the new Mayor of San Francisco and former CEO of Tipping Point Community, dives into pressing city challenges like homelessness and drug addiction. He unveils a bold fentanyl state of emergency and discusses plans for revitalizing downtown amid a looming budget deficit. Lurie emphasizes the importance of community support and collaboration, addressing threats to the city’s status as a sanctuary. With a focus on public safety, the arts, and community engagement, he shares his vision for a thriving, resilient San Francisco.
Feb 11, 2025 • 56min
OMB Director and Project 2025 Architect Russell Vought Halts CFPB Funding
Megan Messerly, a White House reporter at Politico, covers the impact of leadership changes on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). James C. Capretta, former OMB associate director, discusses Russell Vought's controversial funding halt and its implications for federal agency operations. Bob Bauer, former White House Counsel, raises concerns about the accumulation of presidential power and its effects on democracy. They explore the challenges faced by the CFPB and the consequences of federal budget cuts on essential services, highlighting tensions in governance.
16 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 56min
Juvenile Incarceration Declined by 77%. Did Public Policy Do Something Right?
Join James Forman Jr., a Yale Law professor and Pulitzer Prize winner, alongside juvenile justice experts David Muhammad, Laura Abrams, and Katherine Lucero, as they unpack the striking 77% decline in juvenile incarceration from 2000 to 2020. They delve into the reasons behind this trend, contrasting punitive past practices with a focus on rehabilitation. The conversation also covers California's role, the challenges linked to COVID-19, and innovative community approaches that prioritize healing over punishment, offering a compassionate view of youth justice.
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.
