Best Rhode Island PBS Podcasts (2024)

1
This week on Lively, the state extends its takeover of Providence schools. 28:59

34m ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, the state extends its takeover of Providence schools by 3 years. Plus, the local take on Kamala Harris' first extended interview since becoming the presidential nominee. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Brown University Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller, Former State Representative Nick Gorham, and Paige C…

1
August 25, 2024 - Art in Hand / Synesthesia / Rose Island 24:40

5h ago24:40

24:40

On this episode, we revisit Pamela Watts interview with local artist and handbag designer, Kent Stetson. Then we take another look at Michelle San Miguel’s intriguing story about a world where some people not only hear music, but also see it and where even the words they see can have flavors and colors and even smells. The neurological condition is…

1
This week on Lively, the state seeks accountability in the Washington Bridge failure 28:59

9h ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, the state sues firms that worked on the Washington Bridge and what this might mean for Governor McKee. Plus, can Kamala Harris keep up the momentum after the convention? Joining Jim Hummel are Bill Bartholomew of The Bartholomewtown Podcast, Providence College Political Science Professor Adam Myers, and Weayonnoh N…

1
August 18, 2024 - Hiking Rhode Island / Providence's Bead Mecca / Newport Polo 24:40

9d ago24:40

24:40

On this episode, we revisit Pamela Watts interview with former Providence Journal Reporter John Kostrzewa talking about his book Walking Rhode Island. Then, on our continuing Window on Rhode Island series we take another look inside the Wolf E. Myrow company, a bulk jewelry supplier in the heart of Providence, where one family has been selling bead…

1
This week on Lively, Washington Bridge litigation and shoreline access news. 28:59

24m ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, why the AG says the Washington Bridge lawsuit needs his approval, plus the timeline for replacement. Also, is shoreline access about to change for Rhode Island beachgoers? Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Former Rhode Island Attorney General Arlene Violet, Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC, and Former Na…

1
August 11, 2024 - Wonders on the Waves / Documenting Lighthouses / Urban Explorer 23:35

9d ago23:35

23:35

On this episode, we revisit a story about surfers out on Little Compton who many say are performing miracles. Then, we take another look at a story about a photographer cataloguing lighthouses up and down the east coast. Finally, producer Isabella Jibilian introduces us to Rhode Island filmmaker and urban explorer Jason Allard who gives us his take…

1
This week on Lively, local views on the VP pick and the latest on the Washington Bridge. 28:59

22d ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, what's new with the Washington Bridge? Plus, Dominick Ruggierio answers his challenger's call to follow Biden's lead and drop out of the state Senate race, and we'll get the local take on Harris' VP pick. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are WPRI Investigative Reporter Ted Nesi, Retired URI Political Professor, Maureen…

1
August 4, 2024 - Beyond Words / Art of Love / Weekly Insight 24:15

24d ago24:15

24:15

On this episode, we revisit Rhode Island’s Poet Laureate, Colin Channer. Then, we take another look at how artist, Sara Holbrook’s work took a dramatic turn when her husband began to lose his way. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss why a Democratic Rhode Island politician p…

1
This week on Lively, what a sharp rise in uncontested Assembly races means for voters. 28:59

25d ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, proponents of Con Con get their turn to testify. Plus, examining the consequences of a sharp rise in uncontested General Assembly seats. And the AG puts agencies withholding public records on notice. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by political contributor Ray Rickman, Republican strategist Lisa Pelosi, and Billy Hu…

1
July 28, 2024 - Media Literacy / Critical Race Theory 24:45

19d ago24:45

24:45

On this episode, we revisit Michelle San Miguel’s deep dive into the importance of understanding media and staying informed. Then, we take a another look at the issue of critical race theory. The term has become a catchall for the debate over what, and if, we teach about race in schools.

1
This week on Lively, opposition to a constitutional convention and budget storm clouds 28:59

1M ago28:59

28:59

This week on a Lively Experiment, rising opposition to a constitutional convention. Plus, the General Assembly pushes the governor's proposed budget to $14 billion, and why 500 Providence kids are in urgent need of dental care. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are former Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Guckian, Rhode Island Current Reporter Nancy L…

1
July 21, 2024 - Second Acts / Art of Resistance / Alpaca Haven in Little Compton 25:15

30d ago25:15

25:15

TK

1
This week on Lively,debate over beachfront access and the latest on the Washington Bridge. 28:34

1M ago28:34

28:34

This week on A Lively Experiment: renewed debate over beachfront access, looking for answers about the troubled Washington Bridge, and local analysis of the presidential race after the Trump assassination attempt. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Tim White of WPRI Target 12, Antonia Noori Farzan of the Providence Journal, and Ian Donnis from The Pu…

1
July 14, 2024 - Swimming Upstream / Pollywog Pond / Keeping Kids Fishing 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian has an in-depth report on the number of American children who can’t swim and how racism has played a role in barring generations of swimmers from pools. Then, Pamela Watts takes us behind the scenes at Whooplah Studio—where the new Children’s show, Pollywog Pond, comes to life. Finally, a Coventry man tea…

1
This week on Lively, no bids on the bridge: who will rebuild it and how much will it cost? 29:00

2M ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, an update on the Washington Bridge, yet we still don’t know when it will be built, who will rebuild it, and how much it will cost. How did we get here? Joining Jim Hummel are Steph Machado of the Boston Globe and a RI PBS Weekly Contributor, Former Providence City Council President David Salvatore, and Political Co…

1
July 7, 2024 - The Fight Over Shoreline Access / Bee-leaving / My Take - Quahogs 24:05

2M ago24:05

24:05

On this episode, in collaboration with The Public's Radio, reporters Isabella Jibilian and Alex Nunes take an in-depth look at the decades-long dispute over beach access in Rhode Island. Then, as part of our Green Seeker series, Pamela Watts reports on how and why climate change is helping fuel the exodus of bees in Rhode Island. Finally, in our co…

1
June 30, 2024 - Losing Lobsters in Rhode Island's waters / One Froggy Night / Weekly Insight 23:40

1M ago23:40

23:40

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel reports on how climate change is fueling the dwindling lobster population off the Rhode Island coast. Then, we revisit contributor David Wright’s report on why the town of Windham Connecticut has a centuries-long affinity with bullfrogs.. Finally on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12…

1
This week on Lively, local analysis of the presidential debate and a new poll of RI voters. 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively: digging deep with local analysis of the Presidential Debate. Meantime, a new poll shows the Presidential race is tight in the Ocean State and Governor McKee has a lot of work to do to boost his ratings among voters. Joining Jim Hummel are Former State Representative Nick Gorham, Brown University Political Professor Wendy Schill…

1
June 23, 2024 - Warehousing Rhode Island's Children / Hidden History / Weekly Insight 26:40

2M ago26:40

26:40

On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on the Department of Justice’s investigation into the warehousing of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable children in a local psychiatric hospital for months on end. Then, producer Isabella Jibilian explores the medical treatments for women going through menopause. Finally on this episode of Weekly Insig…

1
This week on Lively, highlights of what the General Assembly did and did not do. 28:59

2M ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively: with the legislative session in the rearview mirror, we'll look at what lawmakers accomplished since January. Plus, Rhode Island voters get another shot at greenlighting a Constitutional Convention. Joining me are Former State Representative Mike Marcello, Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies of the Economic Progress Institute, and Providen…

1
June 16, 2024 - Rhode Island's Olympic Hopeful / Hidden History / Weekly Insight 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

Olympic hopeful Sophia Gorriaran is on track to become one of the fastest middle-distance runners in the world. Native American children were taken from their families and forced into boarding schools by the Federal Government. Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi break down the bills that passed the State’s General Assembly.…

1
This week on Lively: the gavel comes down for the General Assembly. What's in, what's out? 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively, it’s all things General Assembly: what made it and what didn't. Plus, Providence schools get more money, but will it be enough? We'll also analyze the debate over an Inspector’s General office and the Constitutional Convention question. Panelists are Boston Globe Columnist Dan McGowan, Rhode Island GOP National Committeewoman S…

1
June 9th, 2024 - Providence's Toxic Pond / Noise Pollution / Weekly Insight 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

On this episode, Mashapaug Pond, the largest freshwater body in Providence, has long been off limits for recreational use. In this Green Seeker episode Michelle San Miguel reports on a new state plan to hold property owners responsible for the contamination that’s seeping into the pond and eventually ending up in Narragansett Bay. Then, we take a s…

1
This week on Lively: what’s in, what’s out for next year’s budget? Plus, a few surprises. 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively, what’s in and what’s out for next year’s budget, with a few surprises along the way. Plus, should Rhode Island hold a Constitutional Convention? It’s been 40 years since the last one - and the topic is again sparking controversy. And the debate over lawmakers’ proposed changes to the State Pension System.…

1
June 2, 2024 - What's next for Roger Williams Medical Center and Fatima Hospital / Weekly Insight / Fighting for the Gaspee 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

On this episode, Ian Donnis reports on why financial stability has proved elusive for Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital in North Providence and what’s being done to get them on stronger footing. Then, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi will continue…

1
This week on Lively, the local take on the Trump verdicts: what happens next? 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively, the local take on the Trump verdicts: what happens next? Weighing in this week are Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi, Bill Bartholomew of The Bartholomewtown Podcast, and Harrison Tuggle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC. Plus, a late snag in the police reform bill over the release of body cam video evidence.…

1
May 26, 2024 - Hiking Rhode Island / Martha's Vineyard Sign Language / More Sharks 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

On this episode, Pamela Watts goes hiking around the state with former Providence Journal Reporter John Kostrzewa and talks about his book Walking Rhode Island. Then, we revisit producer Isabella Jibilian’s story about the early sign language that was used on Martha’s Vineyard. Finally, we take another look at contributor David Wright’s shark track…

1
State lawmakers still have some major decisions to make before the gavel comes down 28:59

3M ago28:59

28:59

Former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, Attorney Lou Pulner, and Paige Clausius-Parks from Rhode Island KIDS COUNT join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss big decisions looming for state lawmakers before the gavel comes down. The big decisions surround budget - but payday lending, public records law changes and gun legislation are all up in the air. And the…

1
May 19, 2024 - Home Schooling / Rhode Island's Poet Laureate / Weekly Insight 25:40

3M ago25:40

25:40

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel has an in-depth report on what’s behind the rise of parents home schooling their children in Rhode Island. Then, Pamela Watts introduces us to Rhode Island’s new Poet Laureate, Colin Channer. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics editor Ted Nesi discuss the state …

1
May 12, 2024 - Senator Jack Reed / Weekly Insight / Rhode Island's Bead Mecca 24:50

4M ago24:50

24:50

On this episode, contributor Steph Machado has a wide-ranging interview with Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed. Reed, who is Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, says Israel needs new leadership amid the war in Gaza and talks about his next run for the Senate. Then on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politics edit…

1
This week on Lively, the projected price tag for the Washington Bridge replacement balloons 28:59

4M ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively, the price tag for the Washington Bridge replacement skyrockets. The total, with some additions to the original estimate, could be pushing nearly half a billion. Also, more college protests in Providence...and an update on reforms to the Law Enforcement Officers Bill of Rights

1
May 5, 2024 - Ticks in Rhode Island / Alpaca Haven in Little Compton/ Sheldon Whitehouse's campaign 21:35

4M ago21:35

21:35

On this episode, We revisit Michelle San Miguel’s report on the ever-growing tick populations in Rhode Island and the devastating and sometimes deadly diseases they bring. Then, we visit with a local farmer in Little Compton who, along with his wife is raising a large herd of alpacas for their fiber. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Mich…

1
Washington Bridge updates and the future of affordable housing in Rhode Island. 28:59

4M ago28:59

28:59

Boston Globe Reporter Steph Machado, The Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson and Nancy Lavin from Rhode Island Current join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss affordable housing in Rhode Island and the latest on the Washington Bridge.

1
April 28, 2024 - Javier Zamora's Lonely Journey / Daffodils in Newport / Weekly Insight 22:25

4M ago22:25

22:25

On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian has an in-depth interview with Solito author Javier Zamora about his long, lonely and often harrowing journey from El Salvador to the U.S. when he was 9 years old. Then Pamela Watts heads out to Newport for Daffodil Days. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s politi…

1
Pro-Palestine protests land on Brown’s campus, plus effects of abortion restrictions. 28:59

4M ago28:59

28:59

National Committeewoman for the RI GOP Sue Cienki, Providence College Professor Adam Myers, and Political Contributor Pablo Rodriguez join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Pro-Palestine protests reaches Brown, the Washington Bridge opens six lanes, proposed changes to how Rhode Islanders vote, plus effects of abortion restrictions around the country…

1
Future of Innovation | Andrew Lane | S5 E9 28:49

4M ago28:49

28:49

Innovation- it's a huge topic ranging from the invention of the wheel or printing press, to mindset shifts or harnessing the technology that fuels our modern world. This week, we speak with the host of another podcast, Barriers to Entry, who focuses on how emerging technologies are being brought to life to solve problems and create new opportunitie…

1
April 21, 2024 - Eroding Rhode Island History / Mental Health in RI classrooms/ Weekly Insight 25:55

4M ago25:55

25:55

On this episode, Pamela Watts takes an in-depth look at how climate change and rising sea levels threaten some of Rhode Island’s historical and iconic homes. Then, Michelle San Miguel introduces us to a local educator who has found a way to make learning fun by putting students in the drivers’ seat. And his lessons go well beyond academics. he’s on…

1
Engineers warned of structural problems with the Washington Bridge nearly a decade ago. 28:59

4M ago28:59

28:59

The Public’s Radio Ian Donnis, The Libertarian Party of RI Chairman Billy Hunt, and Economic Progress Institute Executive Director Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss a report that engineers knew about structural problems with the Washington Bridge almost a decade ago, the CEO of RIPTA resigns, plus updates from the legisla…

1
April 14, 2024 - Nutrition Mission / Steel Pan / Tik Tok Famous 23:20

5M ago23:20

23:20

On this episode, we re-introduce you to a Rhode Island woman, Navyn Salem who is on a worldwide mission to save little children from malnutrition. Then, in our continuing My Take series, local steel pan musician Becky Bass talks about her artistic journey. Finally, we take another look at the work of influencer Ian Brownhill.…

1
Future of Exploration | Chris Rainier | S5 E8 23:59

5M ago23:59

23:59

“We are a species of curiosity and survival; I’m convinced that exploration is embedded in our human DNA.” Chris Rainier is the son of an explorer and an artist who started his career as Ansel Adams’ assistant, going on to become one of this generation’s most well-respected documentary photographers and filmmakers, and a National Geographic Society…

1
April 7, 2024 - Sec. Pryor on Rhode Island's Housing Crisis / A Potter's Story / Weekly Insight 24:18

5M ago24:18

24:18

On this episode, contributor Steph Machado has an in-depth interview with Rhode Island’s Secretary of Housing Stefan Pryor about the continuing affordable housing crisis in the Ocean State. Then producer Isabella Jibillian introduces us to and local potter Dwo Wen Chen who gives us his take on how clay becomes art. Plus, Michelle San Miguel and WPR…

1
Removing bike lanes leads to protests, plus RIPTA CEO pleads not guilty in hit-and-run 38:02

5M ago38:02

38:02

The Providence Journal’s Antonia Noori Farzan RI GOP Chairman, and former Providence City Council President David Salvatore join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss removing bike lanes to alleviate Washington Bridge traffic leads to protests, RIPTA CEO pleads not guilty in hit-and-run, RI struggles with lack of housing, takeaways from the RI Presidenti…

1
March 31, 2024 - Absenteeism in Rhode Island Schools / Author Ann Hood on Grief / Weekly Insight with Ted Nesi 24:45

5M ago24:45

24:45

On this episode, Michelle San Miguel explores the problem of chronic absenteeism in Rhode Island schools. Then, we revisit best-selling author Ann Hood's thoughts on grief. And, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI 12’s editor Ted Nesi talk about democracy and the reason why a former state official has been fined.…

1
How one RI city is tackling cellphones in schools 28:59

5M ago28:59

28:59

Former State Reps Mike Marcello and Nick Gorham, and The Boston Globe’s Steph Machado join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss an Ethics complaint settled from the Philadelphia fiasco business trip last year, Steph’s report on Central Falls’ strategy for dealing with cellphones in schools, who will be held responsible for the Washington Bridge closure?…

1
Future of Open Hiring | Joseph Kenner | S5 E7 25:51

5M ago25:51

25:51

Imagine a hiring process where all you have to do is put your name on a list. Where you can earn a living wage regardless of your education, disability, race, prison time, homelessness, or other traditional barriers to employment. It’s called ‘open hiring’ and Greyston Bakery- provider of brownies to Ben & Jerry’s ice cream- has been implementing i…

1
March 24, 2024 - Cell Phones in Schools / Artist Peter Diepenbrock / Transportation Secretary's visit to the Washington Bridge 25:20

5M ago25:20

25:20

On this episode, contributor Steph Machado reports on why some schools in Rhode Island are looking to restrict or completely ban cell phones from schools. Then Pamela Watts introduces us to the diverse works of local sculptor, Peter Diepenbrock. Finally, on this episode of Weekly Insight, Michelle San Miguel and WPRI politics reporter Ted Nesi unpa…

1
Pete Buttigieg visits Washington Bridge, plus proposed noise cameras in Providence 28:59

5M ago28:59

28:59

The Providence Journal’s Amy Russo, The Boston Globe’s Ed Fitzpatrick, and Political Contributor Scott MacKay join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Pete Buttigieg’s visit to the Washington Bridge, noise cameras proposed in Providence, a bill related to the Access to Public Records Act, and walking back some changes to PVD Fest.…

1
The Washington Bridge to be demolished, and what is the fate of TikTok in the U.S.? 28:59

6M ago28:59

28:59

The Boston Globe’s Dan McGowan, Political Strategist Rob Horowitz, and Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the Washington Bridge’s impending demolition, RIPTA underfunding and new bus hub, McKee asks for salary raises for cabinet members, safe weapons storage bill advances to senate floor, plus political leaders i…

1
Future of Purpose Trusts | Nathalie Reitman-White | S5 E6 26:46

6M ago26:46

26:46

How can companies ensure long-term mission alignment and drive value beyond just wealth creation for shareholders? Learn about the growing movement towards purpose trusts. An ownership model recently adopted by outerwear giant, Patagonia, this is a way for businesses to protect their values and ensure purposeful commitments endure over time. Episod…

1
March 10, 2024 - Kids Having Kids / Rhode Island's Abandoned Places / Housing Crisis 24:37

6M ago24:37

24:37

On this episode of Rhode Island PBS Weekly, Michelle San Miguel reports on efforts to reduce teen pregnancy in Rhode Island. Then, for our continuing My Take series, producer Isabella Jibilian introduces us to Rhode Island filmmaker and urban explorer Jason Allard who gives us his take on why the State’s iconic, but abandoned buildings should not b…

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