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 22, 2024 • 56min
Vallejo’s Breakout Star LaRussell Performs In Studio
LaRussell, a prolific musician from Vallejo, California, sheds light on his independent journey and the creation of Good Compenny, a collective uplifting local artists. He shares heartwarming stories from his vibrant community and how these experiences shape his music. The conversation dives into the transformative power of a school anthem project, personal battles with addiction, and artistic evolution during the pandemic. With a dynamic live performance, LaRussell radiates energy, resilience, and gratitude, illustrating the deep connection between music and community.
Nov 21, 2024 • 56min
How Freaked Out Should We Be About Black Plastic?
Zoë Schlanger, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her thought-provoking environmental pieces, joins Desiree LaBeaud, a global health expert at Stanford, to tackle a pressing concern: the dangers of black plastic kitchenware. They discuss a recent study revealing harmful flame retardants in these products and the risks they pose when heated. Listeners are encouraged to consider alternatives like silicone, while exploring the broader implications for health and the environment. Together, they highlight the need for increased awareness and responsible choices.
Nov 21, 2024 • 56min
What It Takes to Make It as a Small Business in the Bay Area
Victor Diaz, owner of Renegade Running, shares his journey of building a community-focused running store in Oakland. Angela Tsay, from Oaklandish, discusses crafting a brand that embodies Oakland spirit through clothing. Tomra Palmer of Gravel + Gold highlights the importance of championing local crafts and women’s fashion in San Francisco. Together, they navigate the hurdles of rising costs, crime, and regulatory challenges, while emphasizing the resilience and community support that empower small businesses to thrive amidst adversity.
Nov 20, 2024 • 56min
Why X Users are Flocking to Bluesky
Zoe Schiffer, Managing Editor of Platformer and author of "Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk's Twitter," joins Damon Beres, Senior Editor at The Atlantic, to discuss the user migration from X to Bluesky. They explore Bluesky's appeal as a community-driven platform, contrasting it with the ad-driven approach of X. The conversation highlights user frustrations with misinformation, the benefits of smaller user bases for genuine interactions, and the quest for better online engagement. As users seek alternatives, Bluesky emerges as a refreshing change.
Nov 20, 2024 • 56min
Trump Rewards Loyalty With Controversial, Extreme Cabinet Picks
Molly Ball, a senior political correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, joins Philip Bump, national columnist with The Washington Post, to discuss Trump's striking cabinet picks. They explore how controversial choices, like a conspiracy theorist for health services and an accused attorney general, challenge traditional qualifications. The conversation delves into the implications of loyalty versus expertise in governance and the potential impacts these selections may have on policies, public perception, and the political landscape.
Nov 19, 2024 • 56min
Could Donald Trump’s Mass Deportation Proposals Become a Reality?
Ahilan Arulanantham, a UCLA Law professor and former ACLU Legal Director, shares insights on the potential realities of Trump's mass deportation proposals. He discusses the impact of ending DACA and Temporary Protected Status on vulnerable immigrant communities. Arulanantham highlights the legal hurdles these proposals may face and the changing landscape of federal courts. He also addresses the implications for immigrant families and the importance of grassroots activism in response to shifting immigration policies.
Nov 19, 2024 • 56min
The Outlook for Bay Area Transit Post-Election
Dan Brekke, an editor and reporter at KQED News, joins Rebecca Long, Director of Legislation, and Sebastian Petty, Senior Advisor at SPUR, along with Mark Joseph, Chair of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority. They explore the struggles of Bay Area transit post-pandemic, discussing failed measures like Prop. L and the success of Measure U in Napa. The conversation delves into the implications of a Republican Congress on transit funding, the need for efficient public transportation solutions, and how local actions can meet community demands amidst uncertain federal support.
Nov 18, 2024 • 56min
‘Power Metal’ Examines the Cost of Our Battery-Powered Lives
Vince Beiser, a journalist and author of "Power Metal," dives into the global race for critical metals like cobalt and lithium that power our everyday technology. He reveals the environmental and ethical crises behind mining operations in places like the DRC and Chile. Beiser highlights the dark side of our dependence on battery-powered devices and the unseen costs of technology, urging listeners to reconsider their consumption habits. The discussion also covers potential solutions and the geopolitical influence of major resource countries.
Nov 18, 2024 • 56min
SETI Scientists on 40 years of Asking the Universe 'Are We Alone?'
In this intriguing discussion, Bill Diamond, CEO of the SETI Institute, along with astrobiologist Nathalie Cabrol, radio astronomer Wael Farah, and astronomer Simon Steel, reflect on 40 years of searching for extraterrestrial life. They delve into the advancements in space exploration and the challenges of detecting alien signals. The team also highlights the importance of the Drake Equation and explores the philosophical implications of life beyond Earth. As they celebrate a significant milestone, they spark curiosity about what the next 40 years might uncover.
Nov 15, 2024 • 56min
Forum from the Archives: Daveed Diggs Live at KQED Fest
In this engaging conversation, Daveed Diggs, a Tony-winning actor and rapper known for "Hamilton" and "Blindspotting," shares insights about his creative journey and the powerful connection between live performers and their audiences. Filmmaker Adam Fenderson joins to discuss producing the documentary "The Class," which focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on high school students. They explore the emotional hurdles of parenting, the resilience of artists, and the challenges of storytelling amid a pandemic, all while celebrating the vibrant community of Oakland.
