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 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.
Jan 24, 2025 • 56min
Comedian Joel Kim Booster on ‘Bad Dates’ and Why He’s a ‘Rude Little Pig’
Joel Kim Booster, a Los Angeles-based comedian known for his roles in "Loot" and "Fire Island," dives into the hilarity and pitfalls of dating. He shares his insights on better dating practices and the importance of chemistry. The conversation touches on identity challenges in comedy and the emotional impacts of social media. Joel also discusses his comedy special, "Rude Little Pig," and the importance of genuine connections while navigating relationships, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community.
Jan 24, 2025 • 56min
Bay Area Legends: Activist Alice Wong and The Power of Bringing Visibility to Disability
In this engaging discussion, activist Alice Wong, founder of the Disability Visibility Project, shares her joyous approach to life despite her communication challenges. Joined by Yomi Sachiko Young and Sandy Ho, they delve into the evolution of the disability rights movement, emphasizing the significance of accessibility and representation. Wong's journey post-medical crisis underscores the power of technology in advocacy. The trio also highlights the importance of reclaiming joy in activism, fostering community, and challenging ableism through personal stories and humor.
Jan 23, 2025 • 57min
Dr. Sunita Sah on How To Say ‘No’
Dr. Sunita Sah, an organizational psychologist from Cornell and author of 'Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes,' dives into why saying 'no' is such a challenge. She explores societal pressures that encourage compliance over personal autonomy, especially in high-stakes professions. Through personal stories, Sah emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and reframing defiance as an expression of our values. She also discusses the concepts of 'insinuation anxiety' and the need for informed consent in navigating the complexities of assertiveness.
Jan 23, 2025 • 56min
The Biggest Breakthrough Technologies Coming This Year
In this discussion, Mat Honan, Editor-in-chief of MIT Technology Review, Casey Crownhart, climate reporter, and James O'Donnell, AI reporter, dive into transformative technologies on the horizon. They explore innovative solutions like cattle supplements that reduce methane emissions and breakthrough drugs aimed at eradicating AIDS. The trio discusses generative AI’s profound impact on search engines and its societal implications, while also shedding light on advancements in climate technology and the importance of government funding in fostering innovation.
Jan 22, 2025 • 56min
Jon Waterman Documents Arctic Climate Crisis in 'Into the Thaw'
Jon Waterman, a seasoned mountaineer and former Denali National Park ranger, shares his extensive experiences in the Arctic. He discusses how climate change has dramatically altered the landscape over four decades, including permafrost thawing and its impact on local ecosystems and indigenous communities. Waterman emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and advocacy. He also recounts a humorous bear spray incident, illustrating the delicate balance of interacting with wildlife. His insights call for a deeper connection to nature and highlight the broader implications of these changes.
Jan 22, 2025 • 56min
State Lawsuits Quickly Follow Trump’s Day One Immigration Orders
Deep Gulasekaram, a constitutional and immigration law expert, Molly O'Toole, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter focusing on migration, and Tyche Hendricks, a senior editor at KQED News, discuss Trump’s controversial immigration orders on his first day in office. They analyze the immediate backlash from 18 states challenging the legality of birthright citizenship changes. The guests explore historical context, the complexities of immigration enforcement, and the profound implications for immigrant families and communities, highlighting ongoing legal battles and activism.
