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
37 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 55min
The Art of Audiobooks with Julia Whelan
Julia Whelan, an acclaimed narrator and co-founder of Audiobrary, dives into the captivating world of audiobooks. She shares her creative process, including the nuances of character voices and preparation routines. Julia discusses the shift in the industry due to AI and the ongoing fight for fair pay for narrators. She reflects on the magic of storytelling, the impact of audiobooks during the pandemic, and offers insights on maintaining vocal health. Plus, she highlights her transformative experience recording 'Gone Girl,' revolutionizing her career.
14 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 55min
The 'Great Flattening': White Collar Workers Hit by Historic Wave of Layoffs
Join Noam Scheiber, a reporter from The New York Times, Aki Ito, a tech industry correspondent at Business Insider, and Alicia Gill, an executive coach, as they dive into the rising wave of white-collar layoffs. They discuss the paradox of layoffs in a seemingly strong economy, the impact of AI on job security, and the emotional toll on professionals facing job loss. Listeners share their struggles in navigating the job market, while the guests offer strategic advice for building resilience and finding opportunity amidst uncertainty.
Nov 19, 2025 • 55min
How is Climate Advocacy Weathering Trump?
Camille von Kaenel, a California environment reporter for Politico, discusses Governor Gavin Newsom's impactful role at COP30. Manish Bapna, President of the NRDC, addresses the political rollback of climate policies under Trump and advocates for grassroots organizing. Vijay Vaitheeswaran from The Economist analyzes economic trends in clean energy and the international backlash against climate initiatives. Together, they explore the paradox of rising green investments amid U.S. leadership vacuums, highlighting innovative solutions and the importance of local support.
Nov 19, 2025 • 55min
Remembering Legendary Football Coach John Beam, As Oakland Reels From Two Campus Shootings
Join Joseph Dykus, a sports reporter who shares insights on the legacy of beloved coach John Beam, emphasizing his mentoring impact and tragic shooting. Esther Kaplan, deputy editor at Oaklandside, discusses safety concerns after the Skyline High School shooting, exploring the roles of violence interrupters and community dynamics. Nelson Alegria from Oakland Unified School District reveals their safety initiatives, including culture keepers and the challenges of ensuring transparency in the wake of violence. A poignant discussion on community resilience amidst tragedy.
Nov 18, 2025 • 51min
Why ICE Agents Mask Themselves
Nick Miroff, a Staff Writer for The Atlantic specializing in immigration and border issues, discusses the troubling trend of ICE agents wearing masks during enforcement operations. He highlights how these masks symbolize the aggressive tactics of the Trump administration’s deportation campaign. Miroff elaborates on public trust concerns, the impact of anonymity on accountability, and the implications of a new California law banning masks for federal agents. The conversation raises critical questions about identification, impersonation risks, and the future of such practices.
9 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 55min
Former Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith Urges Us to 'Fear Less'
Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, dives into the accessibility of poetry in her conversation. She invites listeners to engage with poems through multiple meanings rather than seeking a single interpretation. By highlighting the emotional impact of poetry and how it can connect us across differences, Tracy suggests reading aloud as a way to deepen understanding. She reflects on the timeless resonance of works by Emily Dickinson and Mary Oliver, asserting that poetry fosters curiosity and community, especially in times of loss.
9 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 54min
What Has a Dog Shown You?
Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate and author of "Dog Show," converses about the deep bond between humans and dogs. He shares nostalgic memories of his first dog, Sparky, and reflects on the emotional weight of ordinary items like a collar. Collins reads touching verses, emphasizing how dogs teach us about presence, love, and the joys of everyday life. He also shares insights on the contrasting perceptions of mortality in dogs and humans, and how their simple existence challenges our complex nature.
Nov 17, 2025 • 55min
Remembering Disability Activist Alice Wong
In a heartfelt tribute, disability justice activist Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project, shares her joyous approach to life and the importance of storytelling. Fellow activists Sandy Ho and Yomi Sachiko Young reflect on her impact in the disability rights movement and discuss how her work has influenced younger generations. Journalist Emily Flores talks about reclaiming language in media representation. Together, they explore the evolution of disability justice, emphasizing the importance of disabled voices and the joy in resistance.
14 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 55min
When Is It OK to Ghost?
Dominic Pettman, a media professor and ghosting expert, and Lizzie Post, co-president of The Emily Post Institute and etiquette authority, delve into the complexities of ghosting. They discuss how modern technology has made ghosting more common and socially acceptable, despite its emotional toll. The conversation highlights the lack of closure ghosting creates, the rise of ghosting in professional settings, and the importance of empathy for those who may ghost unintentionally. Safety concerns and the nuances of digital relationships also emerge, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.
Nov 14, 2025 • 55min
Nite Yun's 'My Cambodia: A Khmer Cookbook' Celebrates Her Culinary Heritage
Nite Yun, chef and restaurateur of Nyum Bai and Lunette, shares her journey of connecting with her Khmer heritage through food. She discusses how traditional ingredients like kreung and bruhok shape Cambodian cuisine. Growing up in a Khmer refugee community, Nite reflects on emotional ties to dishes like papaya salad and explores the similarities and differences with Thai and Vietnamese foods. Leticia Landa, from La Cocina, highlights the support they provide to immigrant chefs like Nite, emphasizing the importance of nurturing culinary talent and preserving cultural identity.
