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Artwork for KQED's Forum

KQED's Forum

KQED
California
San Francisco
Bay Area
Artificial Intelligence
Oakland
Donald Trump
United States
University Of California
Social Media
Yosemite National Park
Climate Change
Humanoid Robots
Democracy
FDA
Data Centers
The Atlantic
Temporary Protected Status
Consciousness
Electric Vehicles
Anthropic

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 viewpo... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes3586Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for KQED's Forum

Latest Episodes

We discuss post-election results, analysis and what to expect as major California races are finalized. With reporters from across the California Newsroom, we’ll talk about the contest for governor and key congressional seats, along with statewide bal... more

We recap the election results here in the Bay Area. Voters decided on key Congressional races, including who will replace former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Representative Eric Swalwell. And they weighed in on measures that could increase the mayor’s po... more

Figuring out what to eat can feel more complicated than ever. Are eggs healthy, or not? Is everything labeled ultra-processed bad for us? How much protein is enough protein? Stanford nutrition scientist Christopher Gardner says eating well is easier ... more

San Jose has the most expensive water in the country, according to a new report from Food & Water Watch. The report finds that, nationwide, household water bills have increased by an average of 62% over the last decade, and California is home to more... more

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Recent Guests

Kim Alexander
President and founder of the California Voter Foundation.
California Voter Foundation
Episode: What Are Your Last Minute Voting Questions?
Scott Shafer
KQED senior politics correspondent and co-host of Political Breakdown.
KQED
Episode: What Are Your Last Minute Voting Questions?
Guy Marzorati
Correspondent on KQED's California politics and government desk.
KQED
Episode: What Are Your Last Minute Voting Questions?
Farida Jhabvala Romero
Labor correspondent
KQED
Episode: Reflecting on Loved Ones We Lost This Year During Día de los Muertos
Ani Rivera
Executive director of Galería de la Raza
Galería de la Raza
Episode: Reflecting on Loved Ones We Lost This Year During Día de los Muertos
Julian Castro
CEO of the Latino Community Foundation and former U.S. housing secretary
Latino Community Foundation
Episode: Reflecting on Loved Ones We Lost This Year During Día de los Muertos
Sam Roberts
Obituary writer for The New York Times and author of “Are They Dead Yet? The Art of the Obit”
The New York Times
Episode: Reflecting on Loved Ones We Lost This Year During Día de los Muertos
Lidia Ruelo-Salazar
Healer, culture keeper and founder of Tierra Rituals
Tierra Rituals
Episode: Reflecting on Loved Ones We Lost This Year During Día de los Muertos
Priya Parker
Conflict facilitator and author of “The Art of Gathering” and “The Art of Fighting”
Episode: Priya Parker on How to Have a Productive Fight

Hosts

Alexis Madrigal
Host of Forum, co-host and convenor (appears in intro); long-time contributor with a focus on technology, culture, and policy
Mina Kim
Co-host, focuses on California life, policy, and public interest topics; strong on local issues and civic conversations

Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars from 877 ratings
  • Fascinating Show

    I’m always fascinated by Forum, even when they are discussing topics that I didn’t think I’d be interested in. Alexis and Mina are excellent hosts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SFMMtunes
    United Statesa month ago
  • Very bland

    There are so many issues and topics to discuss in the Bay area and California, but it seems that this show only wants to discuss safe topics and book releases. Also the hosts avoid asking hard questions and having opposing views present. I guess that's not to offend anyone and attract more people. The result is very bland and run of the mill.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Lucemfere
    United States4 months ago
  • Great show

    I really love forum. All of the hosts are excellent, especially Alex and Mina. The topics are always timely and I learn a lot from listening. Thanks KQED & Forum.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jimmy Joe 1963
    United States4 months ago
  • Ok when not discussing politics

    Great podcast with an array of good real life topics. The host and guest cover interesting subjects at depth. A narrative for leftist politics is deep with a little bit of an intrusive victim complex.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Aqui_16
    United Statesa year ago
  • Please Alexis do not interrupt the guests while they were speaking

    Please do not interrupt the guest while they were speaking. You have them on because they have a level of knowledge that you do not have.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    boomer and proud of it
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Critics say coverage can feel one-sided or topic-framed.
Audience notes about format changes and pacing have been mixed.
Listeners praise timely topics and strong guests.
Fans value thoughtful questions from hosts and depth on local issues.
Some critique perceived bias or interruptions during interviews.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#117
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#59
Philippines/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#70
Japan/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#170
South Korea/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#216
India/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#230
Finland/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

How Should Schools Adapt to AI?
Q: MacKenzie, how do you evaluate that they've learned quote, twice as much as other students?
MacKenzie Price says Alpha Schools measures growth using NWEA math assessments and compares students' gains against expected annual growth, with Alpha aiming for twice that expected increase.
How Should Schools Adapt to AI?
Q: What needs to happen for students to actually learn something, and do you think that AI actually disrupts that ability for students to learn?
Jeremy Roschelle says effective learning requires students to be active, socially engaged and constructively working through a process. AI undermines learning when it does the work for students or displaces conversation and productive effort.
‘The Vanishing Family’ Examines the Toll of Dementia Across Generations
Q: How promising is CRISPR as a way to forestall symptoms in a genetic form of dementia?
Kolker calls CRISPR promising but says delivering it into the brain safely is difficult, and unintended effects and high treatment costs are serious concerns. Researchers are studying FTD, including at UCSF, but treatment remains uncertain.
‘The Vanishing Family’ Examines the Toll of Dementia Across Generations
Q: Would you want to know if you carried a gene that caused a debilitating disease that changed your personality and your relationship so dramatically?
Kolker says his own view shifted while reporting. He initially wanted to know, but considered the burden of learning about an incurable disease and the effects on family members who may eventually provide care. Families in the book make different choices about testing, children and planning.
Decoding School Board Races on Your Ballot
Q: How do school closures affect marginalized students, and what should happen to school buildings after a closure?
Ashley McBride notes that closures can disproportionately affect marginalized students and says districts should plan for the buildings afterward, since vacant sites can deteriorate and create problems for nearby communities.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About KQED's Forum

What is KQED's Forum about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A Bay Area–focused interview show pairs in-depth conversations with guests from journalism, policy, science, and culture to unpack timely issues in California and beyond. Recent episodes cover climate policy, energy transitions, media trust and journalism, labor and technology, public safety, and cultural analysis, often weaving local context with broader national implications. Listeners can expect thoughtful debates, expert viewpoints, and practical takeaways for audiences like policymakers, professionals, and engaged citizens. The program frequently features panels and firsthand experiences from researchers, advocacy groups, and industry practitioners, with a distinctive emphasis on civic life, accountability, and the interplay between lo... more

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Which podcasts are similar to KQED's Forum?

These podcasts share a similar audience with KQED's Forum:

1. Political Breakdown
2. Fresh Air
3. Bay Curious
4. KQED's The California Report
5. City Arts & Lectures

How many episodes of KQED's Forum are there?

KQED's Forum launched 21 years ago and published 3586 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on KQED's Forum?

Recent guests on KQED's Forum include:

1. Kim Alexander
2. Scott Shafer
3. Guy Marzorati
4. Farida Jhabvala Romero
5. Ani Rivera
6. Julian Castro
7. Sam Roberts
8. Lidia Ruelo-Salazar

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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