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
10 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 55min
What Does Costco Mean to You?
Molly Fischer, a staff writer at The New Yorker, shares her insights on Costco, a retail giant that has woven itself into American life. She reflects on her childhood experiences at Costco and its role as a family staple. Fischer discusses the brand's unique membership model fostering loyalty, alongside the popularity of its Kirkland products. She raises concerns about the evolving corporate culture under new management and political pressures affecting its values. The episode also touches on Costco’s global appeal and its community engagement, making it a beloved shopping destination.
Oct 30, 2025 • 55min
‘Check, Please!,’ the Bay Area’s Longest Running Dinner Party, Turns 20
Leslie Sbrocco, the vibrant host of Check, Please! Bay Area, and Lori Halloran, the insightful series producer, join for a retrospective on the show's 20-year journey in food and community. They reveal its unique approach to spotlight all types of restaurants, from hidden gems to Michelin stars. Behind-the-scenes secrets come alive, including the impact of episodes on restaurant reservations and the heartwarming friendships formed through the show. Leslie also shares her personal battle with cancer and how the show became a source of strength and connection.
Oct 29, 2025 • 55min
Voting Rights Under Scrutiny as Redistricting Wars Escalate
Hansi Lo Wang, NPR correspondent focused on voting rights, and Erin Covey, editor at The Cook Political Report, delve into the escalating redistricting battles and the implications for upcoming elections. With California's Prop 50 on the horizon, they discuss how partisan map changes could reshape Congress. Wang highlights a crucial Supreme Court case affecting Section 2 protections, while Covey outlines potential House seat shifts favoring Republicans. The conversation tackles the impact of these decisions on minority representation and the overall political landscape.
Oct 29, 2025 • 55min
No End in Sight for Federal Shutdown. What Does It Mean for the Bay Area?
In a timely discussion about the federal shutdown, guests tackle its wide-ranging effects on the Bay Area. Luke Broadwater, a White House reporter for The New York Times, delves into the political stalemate, highlighting how it differs from past shutdowns. Carly Severn shares insights on local reporting and how SNAP disruptions threaten food security for millions. Yasmeem Watson reveals the struggles of federal employees, while Caitlin Sly from the food bank discusses community readiness to tackle escalating demand and support those affected by reduced food assistance.
Oct 28, 2025 • 55min
Joyce Vance on Why We Can’t Give up on Our Democracy
Joyce Vance, a former U.S. attorney and legal analyst for NBC and MSNBC, engages listeners with insights from her new book, emphasizing the importance of fighting for democracy. She discusses the implications of federal troop deployments and the separation of powers. Vance also tackles the risks of misinformation in legal filings and encourages vigilance against election fraud claims. She advocates for merging protest with legal actions, while promoting community engagement to strengthen democracy. Lastly, she highlights the critical role of the 2026 elections in safeguarding democratic norms.
Oct 28, 2025 • 55min
In Search of Home Part 4: Strategies For Building Permanent Homes for the Unhoused
Patrick Kennedy, owner of Panoramic Interests, shares his innovative Step Up Housing project, showcasing how micro-units can maximize small lots. Carolina Reid, a UC Berkeley professor, explains the vulnerabilities of extremely low-income households and critiques current policies. Matt Franklin of MidPen Housing discusses the complexities of financing permanent supportive housing and emphasizes its positive outcomes. Together, they tackle the Bay Area’s housing crisis, advocating for collaborative and streamlined approaches to build lasting, affordable homes.
5 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 55min
When Everyone’s a Critic, Who Should You Trust?
Angelica Jade Bastién, a sharp film and pop culture critic at Vulture, teams up with Kelefa Sanneh, a seasoned music writer for The New Yorker. They dive into the current landscape of cultural criticism, debating the decline of traditional reviews versus the rise of social media voices. Angelica emphasizes that film criticism fosters deeper engagement, while Kelefa navigates how critics help sift through the content overload. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining credibility amid a sea of amateur opinions, and reflect on the evolving role of critics in today's world.
Oct 27, 2025 • 55min
Trump Ramps Up Military Strikes and Troops Near Venezuela, Amid Questions About Goals and Legality // California Condors Alight in the East Bay After 100 Year Absence
Featured guests include Eric Schmidt, a senior national security correspondent at The New York Times, and Hisele Selim Payer, an associate editor at The Atlantic specializing in Latin America. They discuss the Pentagon's controversial military actions near Venezuela, raising legal concerns and potential regime-change risks. Harold Koh provides insight into the legality of these strikes. The conversation shifts to the remarkable recovery of California condors, with Danae Mouton highlighting their return to the East Bay and ongoing ecological challenges.
Oct 24, 2025 • 55min
What’s Your Favorite Children’s Book?
Boris Kachka and Emma Sarappo from The Atlantic dive into the world of children's literature with their curated list of 65 essential books. They discuss what makes a book 'essential,' exploring criteria like distinctiveness and emotional depth. The pair highlights the significance of favorites such as 'Sylvester and the Magic Pebble' and 'School's First Day of School' for managing emotions. Listeners join in, sharing their beloved titles, while the editors reflect on the joys of storytelling and why children's literature holds a special place in our lives.
4 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 55min
You Can Buy a Burrito on Installment. But Should You?
Julie Margetta Morgan, President of the Century Foundation and former CFPB director, delves into the complexities of buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services and their surprising impacts on consumer behavior. Amy X. Wang, a New York Times Magazine story editor, shares cautionary tales of emotional spending resulting from these services. Annie Joy Williams, from The Atlantic, discusses personal experiences with BNPL and its marketing tactics targeting women. Together, they explore the blurry line between convenience and debt, highlighting necessary regulatory changes.
