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 7, 2024 • 56min
Bay Area Jews Reflect on October 7
Jacqueline Mates-Muchin, the first Chinese-American rabbi and Senior Rabbi at Temple Sinai, joins Jessica Kirschner, Senior Rabbi at Stanford Hillel, to discuss the emotional aftermath of the October 7 attack. They explore the struggle between supporting both Israelis and Palestinians while dealing with fear and isolation within the community. Personal stories highlight the complexity of Jewish identity in a time of rising anti-Semitism, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and connection in healing and fostering solidarity.
Oct 4, 2024 • 56min
California's 'Click to Cancel' Law Targets Unwanted Subscriptions
Pilar Schiavo, Assemblymember for California's District 40 and sponsor of the 'Click to Cancel' law, joins economist Neale Mahoney from Stanford University. They discuss the overwhelming number of subscriptions consumers face today, with many paying for services they rarely use. The new law aims to streamline cancellation processes, reducing hurdles created by companies. They explore consumer frustrations, the need for transparency, and how the legislation could reshape the subscription economy, empowering Californians to take control of their finances.
Oct 4, 2024 • 56min
What Does Wilderness Mean in our Modern World?
Join Marissa Ortega-Welch, a science journalist, Phoebe Young, an environmental history professor, and Aparna Rajagopal, a DEI leader in outdoor spaces, as they explore the meaning of wilderness today. They delve into the historical roots of wilderness protection, the complexities of the Wilderness Act, and how climate change impacts these cherished areas. Personal stories highlight the emotional ties people have to nature, while discussions on accessibility and indigenous perspectives reshape our understanding of wild spaces in a modern, connected world.
Oct 3, 2024 • 56min
Need Help With Your College Admissions Essay?
Anna Esaki-Smith, an author and co-founder of Education Rethink, shares invaluable insights on crafting compelling college admissions essays. She discusses the delicate balance of humor and authenticity while choosing topics, stressing that personal storytelling can make a difference. The ethical implications of AI in essay writing are also explored, raising questions about authenticity. Listeners reflect on their own experiences, emphasizing early preparation and the emotional journey behind their narratives.
Oct 3, 2024 • 56min
Will California’s Latest Efforts to Combat Plastic Bag Waste Work This Time?
Rob Bonta, California's Attorney General, discusses the state's new ban on all plastic grocery bags, challenging previous regulations that inadvertently increased waste. He addresses a recent lawsuit against ExxonMobil regarding misleading claims about plastic recycling effectiveness. Joined by experts like Susanne Rust and Jenn Engstrom, they delve into the realities of recycling, legislative complexities, and the necessity for stronger actions against plastic pollution. Insights reveal the ongoing struggles and innovative strategies for a sustainable future in California.
Oct 2, 2024 • 56min
JD Vance and Tim Walz Face Off in VP Debate
Scott Shafer, a senior editor at KQED’s California Politics and Government, discusses the intense vice presidential debate between Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator JD Vance. With tight polls in battleground states, Shafer and guests analyze the candidates' contrasting debate styles and their stances on crucial issues like the economy, immigration, and gun violence. They explore how such performances might influence voter perception and electoral outcomes, reflecting the charged atmosphere of the current political landscape.
Oct 2, 2024 • 56min
Mark Farrell Wants to be Mayor…Again
Mark Farrell, who briefly served as San Francisco's mayor in 2018, is back on the campaign trail, advocating for change. He paints a picture of a city in decline, grappling with homelessness and safety issues, especially in the Tenderloin, which he believes needs national intervention. Farrell discusses his moderate stance in a progressive landscape and the urgency of revitalizing downtown by converting office spaces to housing. He reflects on his experiences in office and highlights the importance of effective leadership in addressing these pressing urban challenges.
Oct 1, 2024 • 56min
Election 2024: Proposition 32 Would Raise California’s Minimum Wage
Farida Jhabvala Romero, a labor correspondent for KQED, discusses California Proposition 32, which proposes raising the minimum wage to $18 by 2026. She highlights how this measure could promote economic fairness and uplift low-wage earners. In contrast, Joseph Sanberg, an anti-poverty advocate, argues against the increase, warning it may lead to higher prices and job losses. The conversation reveals the deep divides among Californians on this critical issue, emphasizing the potential impact on various worker demographics across the state.
Oct 1, 2024 • 56min
Hurricane Helene and the Changing Wreckage of Climate Change & Notable Bills Gov. Newsom Signed and Vetoed this Legislative Session
Abrahm Lustgarten, a senior environmental reporter at ProPublica, discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and its devastating impact on communities. He highlights how climate change is intensifying weather events and pushing urban planning towards resilience strategies. The conversation also touches on California’s legislative landscape, including notable bills signed and vetoed by Governor Newsom, such as the contentious laws around legacy admissions and AI regulations, reflecting on their implications for social equity and disaster preparedness.
Sep 30, 2024 • 56min
Pioneering Journalist Connie Chung on a Lifetime of Newsmaking
Connie Chung, a pioneering journalist and the first Asian national network news anchor in the U.S., shares her journey through the male-dominated news industry of the 70s and 80s. She opens up about her experiences covering monumental events, from Watergate to the Oklahoma City bombing, and reflects on the challenges of sexism she faced. Chung discusses her emotional evolution, the impact of her work on future generations, and the duality of triumph and turmoil in her career. Her new memoir, 'Connie,' adds depth to her inspiring narrative.
