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
Nov 6, 2024 • 56min
Election 2024: How the Bay Area Voted On Local Candidates, Issues
Guy Marzorati, KQED's California Politics expert, teams up with reporters Sydney Johnson, Alex Hall, and Annelise Finney to dissect the recent election results in the Bay Area. They dive into the controversial outcomes of local races, including the impact of ranked choice voting in San Francisco’s mayoral race and the Oakland mayoral recall. Voter concerns over crime significantly influenced ballots, including Measure J’s ban on large-scale animal farms. Together, they unpack how these shifts reflect broader political dynamics and the evolving sentiments of Bay Area voters.
Nov 5, 2024 • 56min
How Are You Navigating Political Differences With Your Family and Friends?
A Martinez, co-host of NPR's Morning Edition, shares candid insights on the personal rifts he’s faced due to political differences within his family, rooted in his Ecuadorian heritage. Dr. Tania Israel, a counseling psychology expert and author, offers strategies on maintaining relationships amidst political tension. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries, fostering open dialogue, and finding common ground to navigate contentious topics, ultimately emphasizing empathy and shared experiences as tools for bridging divides.
Nov 5, 2024 • 56min
Finding Beauty and Meaning on an Anxiety-Fraught Election Day
Tracy K. Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, discusses finding poetic solace amidst anxiety, while artist Jenny Odell emphasizes the need to reconnect with nature for grounding. Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor, highlights the transformative power of awe and connection in turbulent times. Together, they explore coping strategies, mindfulness, and the importance of community, urging listeners to seek beauty and meaning even on an anxiety-laden Election Day.
Nov 4, 2024 • 56min
Trump Escalates Threatening Rhetoric in Campaign’s Final Days
David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his insights into Donald Trump's political rhetoric, joins Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and CNN analyst with experience in national security. They dive into the alarming escalation of violent language in Trump’s campaign, discussing its impact on political discourse and societal attitudes. With concerns about accountability and the potential normalization of extremism, they highlight the urgent need for civil dialogue and civic engagement to preserve democratic values.
Nov 4, 2024 • 56min
Election 2024: The Key Congressional Races That will Decide Congress
Jessica Taylor, Senate/Governors Editor at The Cook Political Report, provides sharp insights into Senate and gubernatorial races. Nicholas Wu from Politico discusses critical congressional contests and the impact of voter turnout. Guy Marzorati shares the unique challenges in California's elections. The guests delve into the precarious position for Democrats with vulnerable seats, the role of abortion in shaping campaigns, and shifting voter dynamics across key districts. A must-listen for anyone looking to understand the stakes of the impending elections!
Nov 1, 2024 • 56min
What Are Your Audio Ofrendas for Día de los Muertos?
Martina Ayala, the Executive Director of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, teams up with Antonieta Mercado, a Professor at the University of San Diego, to celebrate Día de los Muertos. They discuss the concept of audio ofrendas, inviting listeners to share stories of loved ones who have passed. The duo highlights the significance of creating altars and honoring personal and community losses, particularly for marginalized individuals. They emphasize the cultural richness of this tradition and the importance of meaningful engagement beyond mere observance.
Nov 1, 2024 • 56min
The Modern Witch Wants You to be Self-Empowered
Bri Luna, founder of The Hoodwitch, discusses everyday magic for modern mystics. Helen Berger, a leading expert on witches, shares insights on the historical stigmas surrounding witchcraft. Michelle Tea, author of Modern Magic, explores contemporary witch practices and their ties to women's empowerment. Together, they delve into how modern witchcraft reclaims ancestral connections, challenges societal norms, and connects spirituality with ecology. The conversation highlights a harmonious relationship between witchcraft and science, advocating for personal empowerment and communal support.
Oct 31, 2024 • 56min
Celebrating 20 Years of ‘Modern Love’
Daniel Jones, editor of The New York Times' Modern Love column and author of "Love Illuminated," teams up with Anna Martin, host of the Modern Love podcast, to reflect on 20 years of romance narratives. They explore how the column has captured the evolution of love, discussing themes from loss to vulnerability. The conversation highlights poignant anecdotes, how Halloween informs modern dating, and the impact of societal changes on relationships. Listeners are invited to share their own love stories, emphasizing the power of connection.
Oct 31, 2024 • 56min
Richard Powers’ Novel ‘Playground’ Explores Vastness of Oceans and AI
Richard Powers, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist celebrated for 'Overstory,' dives deep into the themes of his latest novel, 'Playground.' He explores the profound relationship between artificial intelligence and the ocean's mysteries, raising questions about identity and humanity in a tech-driven world. Powers discusses the resilience of marine life and how personal histories intertwine with storytelling. The conversation also touches on the spiritual inquiries that drive human understanding, emphasizing literature's role in reflecting societal issues.
Oct 30, 2024 • 56min
Your Last Minute Voting Questions, Answered
Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, brings her voting expertise, while Scott Shafer, KQED's senior editor and co-host of Political Breakdown, shares political insights. They tackle critical last-minute voting queries, including ballot mistakes and ranked choice voting. Listeners learn about same-day registration, ballot tracking, and the significance of understanding the voting process, especially in close elections. The duo also emphasizes available resources to empower voters, ensuring everyone feels prepared ahead of Election Day.
