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 13, 2025 • 55min
Veterans’ PTSD and Moral Injury Centered in Documentary ‘Healing a Soldier's Heart’
In this enlightening discussion, guests include Stephen Olsson, a Peabody and Emmy-winning filmmaker, Levie Isaacks, a decorated Vietnam veteran, and Shira Maguen, a UCSF professor of psychiatry. They delve into the emotional struggles of veterans, particularly focusing on PTSD and moral injury. They explore the personal stories of veterans grappling with their past actions, the significance of community support in healing, and how storytelling can facilitate recovery. The conversation also highlights the broader implications of moral injury across various professions.
Nov 13, 2025 • 55min
Waymos – Both Popular and Polarizing – Expand to San Jose and Bay Area Highways
Raya Jetta, a tech culture reporter specialized in robo-taxis, joins forces with Billy Riggs, a professor focusing on autonomous vehicle policy, and Jackie Fielder, a San Francisco Supervisor advocating for community control. They delve into Waymo's expansion into San Jose and the mixed community reactions. They discuss the implications of local vs. state regulation, the potential impacts on labor markets, and the ongoing competition in the autonomous vehicle space. The conversation highlights broader questions about safety, privacy, and the future of urban mobility.
Nov 12, 2025 • 55min
Michael McFaul on the Threat of Autocracy at Home and Abroad
Michael McFaul, a political science professor and former U.S. ambassador to Russia, shares his insights on the rise of autocracy in both Russia and America. He discusses Putin's ideological drive and the dangers it poses to NATO. McFaul argues that U.S. polarization feeds autocrats, weakening democracy globally. He addresses the implications of sanctions against Russia and warns about the potential for conflict over Taiwan, drawing parallels between current political dynamics and historical threats to democracy.
Nov 12, 2025 • 55min
Living Without a Mind's Eye and the Ability to Visualize
Larissa MacFarquhar, a staff writer for The New Yorker, and Tom Ebeyer, founder of the Aphantasia Network, dive into the intriguing world of aphantasia—where individuals can't conjure mental images. They explore the spectrum of mental imagery, from aphantasia to hyperphantasia, and share personal journeys of discovery. Larissa reveals how aphantasics create art and recall memories differently, while Tom discusses literacy in children with aphantasia. The conversation highlights the unique perspectives and experiences shaped by this condition.
Nov 11, 2025 • 55min
CalRx to Offer Cheap Insulin, and Other Prescription Drugs Could Be Next
April Dembosky, health correspondent at KQED News, discusses California's innovative CalRx insulin program that promises $11 insulin pens. Chris Noble, a type 1 diabetes patient and advocate, shares his personal struggles with insulin costs. Dr. Mariana Socal from Johns Hopkins analyzes the implications of this move on drug pricing and policy. They explore how CalRx cuts out middlemen, could disrupt pharmaceutical markets, and aims to make essential medications more accessible, potentially transforming healthcare affordability.
5 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 55min
Mamdani’s NYC Victory Mobilized People Often Forgotten in Politics. What Would That Look Like Here?
Join Jane Kim, California chair of the Working Families Party, Adena Ishii, the Mayor of Berkeley, and Noelia Corzo, San Mateo County's first Latina supervisor, as they discuss the often-overlooked voices in Bay Area politics. They explore the impact of grassroots outreach and the importance of representation for immigrant communities and caregivers. Adena shares her experience as a young leader, while Jane and Noelia emphasize the need for policies that prioritize tenant protections and community engagement. Together, they envision a more inclusive political landscape.
Nov 10, 2025 • 55min
Click. Scroll. Surrender. Tim Wu Warns Against The Rise of Big Data in 'The Age of Extraction'
Tim Wu, a law professor at Columbia and former tech advisor to the Biden administration, sheds light on the dark side of the internet in his discussion on tech monopolies. He highlights how companies like Amazon and Google extract wealth and data while undermining democracy. Wu questions the government's role and suggests that younger generations are increasingly aware and critical of this extraction. He advocates for collective action and legislative reform, comparing tech platforms to utilities while warning about the political power imbalances they create.
Nov 10, 2025 • 55min
Our Roads are Full of Potholes. Why Are They So Hard to Fix?
Jose Formoso, a reporter for Oaklandside, dives into the city's persistent road safety issues exacerbated by deferred maintenance. Carla Short from San Francisco Public Works shares how strategic funding and capital planning have improved the city's pavement conditions. John Goodwin discusses the intricate mechanics of road deterioration and heavy vehicle impacts, while Doanh Nguyen addresses the complexities of maintaining state highways. The group debates innovative ways to enhance road quality and reduce commuter frustration.
Nov 7, 2025 • 54min
Forum From the Archives: PRXZM Live on Forum
Nick Ortega and Emma Maidenberg, the talented duo behind synth-pop band PRXZM, share insights on their dynamic collaboration that began in college. They dive into their unique Twitch live-streaming sessions, where fans actively participate in the creative process. Hear about their exciting venture of remixing the forum's theme song, the joy of community building online, and the challenges that accompany independent music careers. The duo also reflects on how they navigate feedback and maintain authenticity while producing fresh tracks.
Nov 7, 2025 • 55min
Salman Rushdie on Writing at “The Eleventh Hour”
Salman Rushdie, a renowned novelist and essayist, shares insights from his new short-story collection, The 11th Hour. He reflects on mortality and the transformative power of language after surviving a life-threatening attack. Rushdie discusses the challenge of placing personal stories against historical backdrops and explores intergenerational friendships. He also addresses the tension between freedom and communal goodness, the impact of religious nationalism, and the art of crafting diverse characters. His journey embodies resilience and the quest for deeper understanding in turbulent times.
