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 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.
Oct 30, 2024 • 56min
Washington Post, LA Times Pulling Harris Endorsements Spark Outrage
Mariel Garza, a journalist and former editorial editor of the Los Angeles Times, discusses the editorial board's internal conflicts over endorsements. David Folkenflik from NPR highlights the influence of billionaire ownership in media. Sewell Chan, from the Columbia Journalism Review, delves into the broader implications of not endorsing candidates, questioning media integrity and public trust. The trio examines why endorsements matter in a polarized landscape and the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when balancing personal beliefs with professional duties.
Oct 29, 2024 • 56min
How Silicon Valley Became the ‘New Lobbying Monster’
Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "Supercommunicators" and "The Power of Habit," delves into the overwhelming influence of Silicon Valley on American politics. He discusses how Big Tech is pouring millions into super PACs to sway elections, particularly around crypto and AI. Duhigg highlights aggressive ad campaigns and lobbying tactics used to shape regulatory environments. He warns about the implications of tech's newfound political power, raising questions about democracy and the future of electoral integrity.
Oct 29, 2024 • 56min
How Much Do We Need to Worry About the Election Being Overturned?
Jim Rutenberg, a seasoned reporter from The New York Times, Ian Millhiser, a Vox senior correspondent with a focus on the Supreme Court, and Jessica Marsden from Protect Democracy dive into the pressing issues surrounding election integrity. They discuss the unsettling rise of the election integrity movement post-2020, the risks of non-certification in battleground states, and the wavering confidence in democratic processes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability, legal reforms, and public trust in safeguarding elections against potential threats.
Oct 28, 2024 • 56min
‘Band People’ Highlights the Working Musicians Behind the Scenes
Franz Nicolay, a musician and author of "Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music," joins fellow artist Jason Narducy to delve into the hidden lives of session musicians and backup singers. They discuss the emotional ties within bands, the delicate balance of creativity and commerce, and the unique challenges musicians face, particularly drummers and bass players. With personal anecdotes, they illuminate the unsung heroes of the music world and highlight gender dynamics that persist in the industry.
