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
Oct 21, 2024 • 56min
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao on Why Voters Should Reject the Recall
Sheng Thao, the Mayor of Oakland, discusses the unprecedented recall election she faces after just two years in office. She delves into the city's significant budget deficit, public safety concerns, and the ongoing challenge of homelessness. Thao shares her initiatives aimed at improving community wellbeing and the political dynamics at play, including the influence of affluent donors. With an FBI investigation looming in the background, she remains committed to her leadership and urges voters to allow her to complete her term.
Oct 18, 2024 • 56min
Synthesized Voices Just Got More Realistic
Kyle Orland, Senior Gaming Editor at Ars Technica, explores the rise of generative AI, while Sarah A Bell, an Associate Professor and author, digs into the cultural history of talking machines. They discuss the recent advancements in AI voice technology, particularly OpenAI's ChatGPT-4. The conversation highlights emotional connections formed through synthesized voices and the societal implications of their evolution. They also tackle ethical concerns, gender representation in AI voices, and the challenges of making AI genuinely express human emotions, like laughter.
Oct 18, 2024 • 56min
How to Design a Park That Brings a Community Together
Join Jacqueline Bryant, an advocate for underserved communities, Philip Ginsburg from San Francisco Recreation and Parks, and Michael Boland, former chief park officer, as they explore the evolution of urban parks. They discuss how India Basin park exemplifies the power of community input in design, making parks more welcoming and accessible. The conversation also highlights the need to address historical inequities and ensure that community voices are central in planning, fostering spaces that resonate with local identity and support social connections.
Oct 17, 2024 • 56min
More American Workers are Calling in Sick – Especially Gen Z
Join Emily Stewart, Senior Correspondent for Business Insider, as she discusses Gen Z's newfound assertion in taking sick days. Malissa Clark, a workplace psychology expert, explores how this trend reflects a culture shift emphasizing mental health. Adam Leibow, editor of Calling in Sick Magazine, shares anecdotes that highlight these generational differences. The conversation reveals how the pandemic has reshaped attitudes towards work-life balance and the importance of establishing boundaries when it comes to well-being.
Oct 17, 2024 • 56min
Election 2024: What Will Our Economy Look Like Under Trump or Harris?
Peter Coy, an economics writer for The New York Times, Kathryn Anne Edwards, a labor economist and consultant, and Casey Mulligan, a University of Chicago professor, delve into how the economy shapes presidential choices in 2024. They discuss Trump's proposed tax cuts and deregulations versus Harris's plans for affordable housing and increased corporate taxes. The conversation highlights the unusual low unemployment amid wage stagnation, inflation concerns, and the impact of tariffs on trade. They also examine regulations affecting low-income households and the critical role of immigrant labor.
Oct 16, 2024 • 56min
Kamala Harris Zones in on Ground Game in Final Weeks Campaign
Marisa Lagos, a KQED correspondent who covered the Harris campaign, shares her insights from the ground in Arizona. Theodoric Meyer from The Washington Post analyzes the strategic outreach efforts to independent voters. NPR's Mara Liasson discusses the intricacies of polling in a tight race. They explore Harris's grassroots strategies versus Trump's, emphasizing voter engagement and overcoming misinformation. With key battleground states in focus, the conversations illuminate the dynamic landscape as the election approaches.
Oct 16, 2024 • 56min
Oakland’s Schools Are Contaminated With Lead. What's the District Doing About It?
Mike Hutchinson, Vice President of the Oakland School Board, sheds light on the district's efforts to manage lead contamination in drinking water at schools. Activist filmmaker Alex Bledsoe shares insights from his documentary OAKLEAD, revealing the historical context of lead poisoning in Oakland. Kelly Hardy, from Children Now, discusses the health impacts of lead on children and the necessity for improved safety measures. Together, they tackle community activism, challenges in communication, and the urgent need for funding and effective solutions.
Oct 15, 2024 • 56min
California Bans Legacy Admissions
In this episode, Assembly member Phil Ting discusses his groundbreaking bill banning legacy admissions in California, aiming for fairer college access. Nanette Asimov sheds light on how this legislation could reshape university admissions and promote diversity. Jessie Ryan advocates for equitable opportunities, stressing the importance of supporting first-generation students. Catharine Hill offers insights on the implications for higher education, arguing for merit-based systems to replace legacy privileges. A compelling conversation on equity and the future of college admissions!
Oct 15, 2024 • 56min
Supreme Court’s New Term Will Decide on Trans Rights, Guns
Vikram Amar is a law professor at UC Davis who once clerked for a Supreme Court Justice. Rory Little, a constitutional law professor in San Francisco, has a background as a federal prosecutor. Melissa Murray, from NYU, co-hosts a podcast on judicial matters. They delve into the Supreme Court's new term, discussing pivotal cases on trans rights and the implications for youth hormone therapy. The conversation also tackles gun rights, ethical issues surrounding justices, and how these decisions may shape the 2024 presidential election.
Oct 14, 2024 • 56min
Lawsuits Against National Labor Relations Board Could Cloud Future of Organized Labor
Samuel Estreicher, a public law professor at NYU, William G. Gould IV, a labor law expert and former NLRB chairman, and labor correspondent Farida Jhabvala Romero dive into the looming legal threats against the National Labor Relations Board from giants like SpaceX and Amazon. They discuss the NLRB's critical role in safeguarding worker rights and the historical context behind these challenges. The implications of these lawsuits on unionization efforts and labor rights in America are examined, shedding light on the potential future of organized labor.
