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 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.
Aug 22, 2025 • 56min
Are We in An Analog Revival?
Joining the discussion are Jeff Rauseo, a writer focused on physical media, Jacob Gaboury, a film and media professor at UC Berkeley, and Joe Pickett, co-founder of the Found Footage Festival. They dive into the rising trend of nostalgia for physical media like VHS and CDs as streaming fatigue sets in. The guests share personal stories and reflect on the emotional connections to tangible collections. They also explore the implications of digital ownership, the charm of physical formats, and the community aspects tied to these cherished artifacts.
Aug 22, 2025 • 56min
Pay for College Athletes Kicks Off New Era of College Sports
Daniel Rascher is a sports economist and professor at the University of San Francisco, Rachel Bachman is a senior reporter at The Wall Street Journal, and Henry Organ is a co-founder and agent at Disruptive. They discuss the groundbreaking changes in college sports compensation following a pivotal court ruling. Explore the tension between major and minor programs regarding financial inequalities. The conversation addresses the impact of NIL rights, the evolving nature of athlete amateurism, and the exciting new opportunities for student-athletes as the college football season begins.
Aug 21, 2025 • 56min
Leading Pediatric Group Splits with CDC Over Vaccine Recommendations
Michael Osterholm, a renowned epidemiologist and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, discusses the American Academy of Pediatrics' surprising decision to continue recommending COVID-19 vaccines for young children, diverging from CDC guidance. He addresses the implications of federal cuts to vaccine research funding and critiques the motivations behind conflicting health messages. Osterholm emphasizes the urgency for transparency in discussing vaccine safety and the importance of mRNA technology in preparing for future pandemics.
Aug 21, 2025 • 56min
The Mundane and the Meaningful Moments Found in the Notes App of Your Phone
Join writer and artist Rel Robinson, along with authors Rita Bullwinkel and Brontez Purnell, as they explore the rich tapestry of thoughts stored in our phone's Notes app. They discuss how these seemingly mundane notes can reveal deep personal insights and creativity. From capturing fleeting ideas and bad dreams to the emotional weight of daily reminders, the conversation highlights the intimacy of digital journaling. Be prepared to reflect on your own hidden moments and inspirations held within the notes on your device.
Aug 20, 2025 • 56min
Inside the Democrats’ Campaign Spam Machine
Adam Bonica, an associate professor at Stanford, dives deep into the chaotic landscape of Democratic fundraising practices. He highlights how alarmist texts often prioritize consultant profits over effective campaign strategies, leaving candidates with a meager share. This discussion critiques the ethics of manipulating vulnerable populations, especially seniors, and the resultant public disillusionment. Bonica calls for transparency and a reevaluation of tactics, encouraging listeners to reclaim trust in democratic engagement amidst the spam deluge.
Aug 20, 2025 • 56min
Exploited Robots and a Commitment to Community Populate 2060’s San Francisco in Annalee Newitz’s ‘Automatic Noodle’
Join Annalee Newitz, a science journalist and sci-fi writer, as she dives into the world of her latest novella, set in a dystopian 2060 San Francisco. Discover the unique story of robots running a noodle shop while navigating themes of identity, citizenship, and community in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Newitz discusses the possibilities of friendly AI, emotional connections, and the future of human-robot relationships, all while reflecting on San Francisco's resilient spirit amidst challenges like climate change and societal upheaval.
Aug 19, 2025 • 56min
California at the Center of New Legal Battles Over Abortion
Mary Ziegler, a law professor specializing in reproductive rights, and Shefali Luthra, a reproductive health reporter, dive into California's complex legal battles over abortion rights post-Roe v. Wade. They discuss how lawsuits are threatening providers and patients alike, the controversial decision of major retailers like Costco to avoid stocking abortion medications, and the tension between healthcare practices and religious beliefs. With a focus on the implications for both Californians and national trends, the conversation sheds light on the shifting landscape of reproductive healthcare.
Aug 19, 2025 • 56min
Will New CEQA Reforms Bring More Housing to California?
Buffy Wicks, a California State Assembly member driving CEQA reforms, joins industry expert Patrick Kennedy and policy analyst Sarah Karlinsky. They discuss the challenges of California's housing crisis, highlighting the urgent need for new policies to accelerate development. Aditi Bandlamudi provides insights into local housing issues, emphasizing the impact of environmental regulations on building costs. The panel debates whether recent legislative changes can truly ease the housing shortage while balancing community concerns with sustainability.
