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 31, 2025 • 56min
Rick Steves Reflects on a Life of Travel
Rick Steves, a renowned travel writer and TV host, shares his journey from aspiring piano teacher to advocating for enriching travel experiences. He reflects on his transformative backpacking trip along the Hippie Trail, emphasizing travel's power to foster cultural understanding. Steves discusses the need for Americans to approach travel thoughtfully, tackle modern misinformation, and embrace sustainable practices. He highlights the personal growth that comes from genuine cultural interactions and encourages mindful travel as a way to bridge societal divides.
Jan 31, 2025 • 56min
Star On the Rise: August Lee Stevens Performs Live In Studio
August Lee Stevens, a talented Bay Area singer-songwriter, burst onto the scene with her debut album 'Better Places.' She reflects on her musical evolution from classical piano to embracing her soulful voice. The discussion dives into her experiences at the Oakland School of the Arts and her connection to the East Bay music scene. August shares the emotional weight of her original song 'Tell Me,' and the influence of Louisiana's music culture on her sound. Listeners are treated to captivating live performances, showcasing her artistic depth and themes of love and reflection.
Jan 30, 2025 • 58min
Imani Perry Finds Blue in the Black American Experience
Imani Perry, a Harvard professor and acclaimed author, discusses the profound connections between the color blue and the Black American experience. She reveals how blue symbolizes both oppression and resilience, weaving its significance through history, spirituality, and community. Perry explores the emotional depth of blue in art and music, notably the blues genre, while reflecting on storytelling as a transformative tool. She also touches on the importance of literacy and hoodoo, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultural identity rooted in this vibrant color.
Jan 30, 2025 • 58min
Fake Pharmaceuticals Laced with Fentanyl Are a Global Health Crisis
Daniel Ciccarone, a UCSF addiction medicine expert, Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, a Stanford pediatrician, and Ed Ternan, founder of Charlie's Song, discuss the alarming rise of counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. They highlight how these fake medications pose severe risks, particularly to youth, with 70% found to contain deadly doses. Ed shares his personal tragedy of losing a son to an overdose, emphasizing the urgent need for public education and community awareness to combat this growing health crisis.
Jan 29, 2025 • 56min
Will the LA Fires Make California's Housing Crunch Worse?
Joining the conversation are Marisa Kendall, a homelessness reporter for CalMatters, and Carter Hewgley, Senior Director of LA County Homeless Initiative. They discuss how the recent Southern California wildfires have left tens of thousands displaced, worsening the existing housing crisis. Insightful accounts reveal the struggles of those without insurance amid rising rents and scarce rental units. The guests emphasize the urgent need for coordinated recovery efforts and resources to address the escalating homelessness and housing instability in California.
Jan 29, 2025 • 56min
Trump Federal Funding Freeze Order Sows Confusion, Fear
Samuel R. Bagenstos, a constitutional law expert and former White House counsel, joins Mark Joseph Stern of Slate, and KQED's Marisa Lagos to unpack the chaos sparked by Trump's federal funding freeze. They discuss how the order impacts critical programs like Medicaid and childcare, highlighting the constitutional tensions between executive action and congressional authority. Legal battles loom, as state responses intensify. The conversation also delves into the broader implications for federal agencies and essential services amidst a climate of uncertainty.
Jan 28, 2025 • 56min
Liz Pelly on Spotify and the ‘Cost of the Perfect Playlist’
Liz Pelly, a journalist and contributing editor at The Baffler, dives into the intricacies of Spotify's impact on musicians and the music industry. She critiques how Spotify, once seen as a democratizing platform, now favors major labels and algorithm-driven playlists while underpaying independent artists. Through insights from industry veterans and her book, 'Mood Machine,' Pelly discusses the rise of 'ghost artists' and the need for alternative models to support authentic music creation, challenging listeners to rethink their consumption habits.
Jan 28, 2025 • 56min
How Can San Francisco Fill Up Empty Offices and Stores?
In this discussion, Robert Sammons, a senior research director at Cushman & Wakefield, dives into the challenges of high office vacancy rates in San Francisco. Lauran Waxmann, a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, shares insights on the struggles facing the retail sector in iconic areas like Union Square. Katie Buchanan, design director at Gensler, explores innovative strategies for transforming vacant commercial spaces. The trio highlights the need for mixed-use environments and the importance of community engagement to rejuvenate the downtown atmosphere.
Jan 27, 2025 • 56min
Chris Hayes on Our 'Endangered' Attentions
Chris Hayes, MSNBC host and author of "The Sirens’ Call," dives into the complexities of attention in today’s tech-driven world. He explores how the competition for focus has intensified, especially with platforms like TikTok. Hayes discusses the art of media manipulation, using political figures' strategies to capture attention, and reflects on the psychological traits influencing public engagement. He also shares insights on reclaiming our attention for meaningful connections, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing personal focus amidst distractions.
Jan 27, 2025 • 56min
Are We Now a Broligarchy?
Brooke Harrington, a sociology professor at Dartmouth and author on offshore wealth, discusses the alarming concentration of wealth in America. Paul Pierson, a political science expert from UC Berkeley, emphasizes the political ramifications of this 'broligarchy.' Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, highlights the ethical dilemmas posed by billionaires in government. Together, they explore historical parallels, potential leaders for reform, and the urgent need for genuine political engagement to counteract elite influence.
