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
Sep 15, 2025 • 56min
Mary Roach: You’re More Replaceable Than You Know
Mary Roach, a renowned science writer and author of "Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy," discusses the fascinating and often quirky world of body replacement. She explores innovative advancements like prosthetics, printable organs, and gene-edited pig kidneys. Roach shares intriguing stories from history, including the peculiar practice of brides choosing dentures over natural teeth. The podcast delves into the emotional complexities of bodily replacements and the ethical implications of cutting-edge technologies like xenotransplantation and CRISPR.
Sep 15, 2025 • 56min
Has the Risk of Nuclear War Been Normalized?
Rivka Galchen, a staff writer at The New Yorker, explores the unsettling normalization of nuclear risk in contemporary society. She discusses how nuclear fears have quieted despite increasing spending on weapons and the historical legacy of the anti-nuclear movements. Galchen traces public perception shifts from the Cold War's confrontations to today's societal indifference. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for renewed awareness and activism regarding nuclear threats, questioning why nuclear weapons don't evoke the alarm they once did.
Sep 12, 2025 • 56min
Life Goes On While Systems Fray — How Do We Make Sense of the Dissonance?
Joining the conversation are Kate Woodsome, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of Invisible Threads, and Adrienne Matei, a writer for The Guardian US. They delve into the stark contrast between everyday life and a backdrop of global crises like gun violence and political unrest. The duo explores how we cope with cognitive dissonance, emphasizing the emotional toll it takes. They encourage recognizing our feelings in the midst of chaos and highlight the importance of community, dialogue, and finding joy in simple moments to navigate these turbulent times.
Sep 12, 2025 • 56min
Poet Kevin Young Explores History and Loss in His Newest Collection, "Night Watch"
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Young, poetry editor at The New Yorker and author of "Night Watch," shares his insights into the power of poetry as a means of exploring history and personal loss. He delves into the poignant story of conjoined twins born into slavery, reflecting on how history shapes identity. Young also recites evocative poems addressing grief and memory, emphasizing poetry's role in healing. He explores the significance of diverse voices in literature and the interplay between music and poetic expression.
Sep 11, 2025 • 56min
Leading Climate and Vaccine Scientists on How to Fight Antiscience
Peter Hotez, a leading vaccine researcher, and Michael Mann, a prominent climatologist, dive into the alarming rise of the antiscience movement, which threatens public health and environmental integrity. They share personal stories of battling disinformation and the emotional toll it takes on scientists. The duo discusses the dangerous interplay between misinformation and public sentiment, especially regarding vaccines and climate change. Their new book, 'Science Under Siege,' offers strategies for combating this pervasive threat to scientific discourse.
Sep 11, 2025 • 56min
The Uncertain Future of Bay Area Transit
Dan Brekke, a seasoned KQED transit reporter with four decades of experience, shares insights on the tumultuous state of Bay Area public transportation. The discussion highlights BART's recent systemwide outages and their impact on commuters, alongside the urgent financial struggles faced by transit agencies. Brekke explores ridership declines post-pandemic and the need for sustainable funding, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and innovative solutions to navigate the future of transit in the region.
Sep 10, 2025 • 56min
Would Your Relationship Survive a Shipwreck?
Sophie Elmhirst, a journalist known for her insightful writing in The Guardian and The Economist, takes us on a gripping journey through survival and love. She recounts the harrowing true story of Maurice and Maralyn Bailey, who endured nearly four months stranded on a raft after their boat was struck by a whale. Elmhirst discusses how relationships are tested under extreme conditions, the psychological impact of their ordeal, and invites listeners to reflect on their own relationship resilience. It's a tale of endurance that blends love and crisis beautifully.
Sep 10, 2025 • 56min
Trump Cuts to SNAP Program Threaten to Increase Hunger Locally, Nationwide
Lauren Bauer, a fellow at the Brookings Institute focusing on social safety nets, and Rebecca Piazza, Executive Director at Code for America with a background in USDA, discuss the drastic $186 billion cuts to SNAP. They highlight how these changes threaten the food security of 5.5 million Californians relying on Cal Fresh. The conversation delves into the implications for low-income families and the critical roles of community support and food banks in mitigating rising hunger levels amid economic downturns.
Sep 9, 2025 • 56min
Your AI Chatbot Is Designed to Keep You Talking, But At What Cost?
Kashmir Hill, a tech and privacy features writer for The New York Times, and Jeff Horwitz, a tech reporter for Reuters, delve into the perilous world of AI chatbots. They discuss heartbreaking cases where emotional reliance on chatbots led to tragic outcomes. The conversation highlights risks associated with using AI for mental health support and explores ethical dilemmas surrounding celebrity chatbots. Their insights raise critical questions about safety, transparency, and the need for regulations in this rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Sep 9, 2025 • 56min
Robert Reich Retired from Teaching but Continues to Educate on Inequality, Corporate Power and Democracy in America
Robert Reich, a political economist and former labor secretary, shares his insights on economic inequality and democracy after retiring from teaching at UC Berkeley. He discusses the historical roots of wealth concentration and the impact of corporate power on workers and unions. The conversation highlights the escalating income gap during Trump's presidency and calls for political reforms like universal healthcare. Reich emphasizes the importance of activism in combating socio-economic disparities, as well as the potential role of universal basic income amidst a changing economy.
