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
Aug 29, 2025 • 56min
Can We Really Live on Mars?
Join Kelly Weinersmith, a scientist from Rice University, and her husband Zach Weinersmith, a webcomic cartoonist, as they delve into the thrilling yet daunting idea of colonizing Mars. They discuss the extreme challenges humans would face, from cosmic radiation to the complexities of having babies on another planet. The conversation takes a deeper turn as they explore the sociological and ethical implications of corporate involvement and the responsibilities humanity has towards Earth while chasing the dream of life beyond our planet.
Aug 29, 2025 • 56min
Oakland's Fairyland Turns 75, But Remains Ageless
Kymberly Miller, CEO of Children's Fairyland, champions the park's mission to tell relevant stories and foster belonging. Randal Metz, a veteran director of the Storybook Puppet Theater, shares insights from his 56 years at Fairyland. They explore the park's whimsical journey from its 1950 opening to its enduring legacy, intertwined with personal anecdotes and listener memories. Key topics include Fairyland's influence on Disneyland, its commitment to cultural diversity, and the nostalgic magic it brings to generations of families.
Aug 28, 2025 • 56min
Remembering Hurricane Katrina With Clint Smith, 20 Years After the Storm
Clint Smith, a poet and staff writer for The Atlantic, shares his journey back to New Orleans, two decades after Hurricane Katrina. He reflects on haunting memories, such as a ruined wedding dress and a birthday cake left behind, revealing the emotional weight of returning to a devastated home. The conversation tackles themes of resilience, racial inequities, and the personal artifacts that echo a community's struggle. Smith invites listeners to explore their own experiences, fostering a powerful dialogue about loss and recovery amidst ongoing challenges.
Aug 28, 2025 • 56min
What Should A Remodel of Fisherman’s Wharf Look Like?
Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco, leads a $10 million revitalization project for Fisherman's Wharf. Sal Alioto, of The Golden Gate, shares insights on preserving the fishing heritage, while Sarah Bates, captain of the Bounty, emphasizes the relevance of current-day fishing. John King, an urban design expert, discusses balancing nostalgia and modern needs in the area's transformation. They explore plans for a new public plaza, sustainability initiatives, and the importance of community engagement to ensure the Wharf remains vibrant and historically significant.
Aug 27, 2025 • 56min
Newsom Charges Ahead with Redistricting Plan, Prompting Republican Lawsuit
Guy Marzorati and Marisa Lagos, both correspondents at KQED focusing on California politics, delve into the intense legal battles surrounding Governor Gavin Newsom's redistricting plan. They discuss the irony of strategies in California versus Texas and the Trump administration's opposing lawsuits. The conversation highlights Newsom's social media tactics to engage with critics while examining the implications of these redistricting efforts on party dynamics and voter representation, prompting provocative listener feedback on electoral integrity.
Aug 27, 2025 • 56min
Should the U.S. Government Own Shares of Private Companies?
Louise Matsakis from Wired, Tad DeHaven of the Cato Institute, and Nils Gilman from the Berggruen Institute dive into the U.S. government's unprecedented 10% stake in Intel. They discuss the implications of this move likening it to China's economic model, raising concerns about government overreach and market principles. The conversation delves into broader shifts in capitalist ideologies and the potential long-term effects on national security and technological innovation. Listener perspectives highlight fears surrounding the unpredictability of industrial policy.
Aug 26, 2025 • 56min
How to Survive Even the Most Awkward Roommate Conflicts
Join Sahaj Kaur Kohli, a therapist and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, alongside comedian Michael Abber, who hosts Roommate Court. They tackle the comedic and serious sides of roommate conflicts, from splitting rent to navigating emotional ties with friends living together. Discover hilarious stories like the shared cat dilemma and gain expert strategies for fostering communication and setting boundaries. Their insights will help you turn awkward situations into harmonious living arrangements.
Aug 26, 2025 • 56min
Single Fathers Are a Growing, But Often Invisible, Demographic
Ron Poole-Dayan, founder of Men Having Babies, sheds light on the journey of gay men pursuing fatherhood, highlighting their unique challenges. Darby Saxbe, a USC psychology professor, discusses societal perceptions of fatherhood and the evolving identity of single dads. Ken Epstein, a therapist, emphasizes the emotional hurdles single fathers face. Together, they explore the rise of single fathers by choice, the intricacies of surrogacy and adoption, and the importance of community support for these often invisible caregivers.
Aug 25, 2025 • 56min
Why Are Firefighters Battling Wildfires Without Masks?
Hannah Dreier, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, joins Joe Perez, a dedicated firefighter from Northern California. They dive into the alarming reality of wildland firefighting, where many face toxic smoke with inadequate protection. Dreier highlights the systemic barriers to adopting safer gear, while Perez shares his firsthand experiences battling blazes without masks. Together, they discuss the cultural pressures against safety measures, the health risks of smoke inhalation, and the urgent need to shift policies for the well-being of these brave first responders.
Aug 25, 2025 • 56min
Tech Layoffs and Higher Than Average Unemployment: A Close Look at the Bay Area’s Job Market
Joining the conversation are Jeff Bellisario, executive director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, Aki Ito, Business Insider's chief correspondent focused on tech and workplace culture, and Enrico Moretti, UC Berkeley economics professor. They tackle the dramatic unemployment surge in California and its impact on the Bay Area. Insights on tech layoffs reveal shifts in job availability, while fears surrounding AI’s influence on employment loom large. The trio discusses changing workplace dynamics and the evolving landscape of local economies reliant on tech.
