Bill Bartholomew brings Rhode Islanders closer to their world on "Bartholomewtown" from RIpodcast.com
Send a textEpisode Topic: Trump, Voter Rolls, and Federal Pressure on States Guest: Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg AmoreThe Trump campaign and conservative legal groups are escalating efforts to gain access to state voter rolls and election data, framing the push as “election integrity” while critics warn it could open the door to voter suppression, intimidation, and misuse of personal information.In this episode, Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore joins the show to explain:What the Trump-aligned effort is demanding from statesWhy Rhode Island is refusing to complyHow voter data can be misused — even when requests are technically legalThe line between transparency and voter protectionWhy this fight matters even if you trust your local election officialsWhat voters should know heading into the 2026 and 2028 election cyclesThis conversation pulls back the curtain on how elections are administered, how political pressure is applied behind the scenes, and why state-level officials are now on the front lines of defending democratic norms.Support the show
2/12/26 • 18:16
Send a textProvidence State Representative David Morales joins Bartholomewtown to discuss his primary challenge against Mayor Brett Smiley. Morales is positioning his campaign as a grassroots, progressive alternative to the current administration — and recently released a detailed snow removal plan following widespread frustration with the city’s response to the last major winter storm.We talk about what went wrong during the storm, what Morales says City Hall needs to change, and whether a movement-driven campaign can overcome the advantages of an incumbent mayor. Plus, how Morales is thinking about coalition-building, voter turnout, and whether Providence is ready for a Mamdani-style political upset.Support the show
2/10/26 • 25:46
Send a textRhode Island’s political landscape shifted this week when House Speaker Joe Shekarchi announced he will not run for governor — clearing the way for a likely head-to-head Democratic primary between Governor Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes.In the opening segment, Bill reacts to what Shekarchi’s decision means for the governor’s race, the balance of power inside the Democratic Party, and how the 2026 election is already coming into focus.Then, Bill sits down with Kim Ahern, Democratic candidate for Rhode Island Attorney General. With more prosecutorial experience than any other candidate in the primary, Ahern discusses how she views the role of the Attorney General, how power should be exercised in the office, and what accountability, public safety, and justice look like in this moment.With four legitimate candidates in the Democratic primary, the Attorney General’s race is shaping up to be one of the most important — and substantive — contests on the ballot.Topics Include:Joe Shekarchi’s decision not to run for governorThe emerging McKee vs. Foulkes Democratic primaryWhat this moment signals about power inside Rhode Island politicsWhy the Attorney General’s race deserves attentionKim Ahern’s prosecutorial background and governing philosophyPublic safety, reform, and the future of the AG’s officeGuest: Kim Ahern — Democratic candidate for Rhode Island Attorney GeneralSupport the show
2/5/26 • 27:15
Send a textLast week, a man died in the cold on the streets of Providence — a tragic reminder of the stakes in Rhode Island’s ongoing unhoused crisis.On this episode, we’re joined by Harrison Tuttle, a Rhode Island–based organizer and housing justice advocate, to talk about what’s driving homelessness in the state, why existing systems continue to fail people in crisis, and what his organization is doing right now to get people housed.We discuss the realities of street homelessness, the shortage of shelter and permanent housing, the role of government at the state and municipal level, and why advocates argue that homelessness is not inevitable — but the result of policy choices.This conversation also examines how the public talks about homelessness, the human cost of inaction, and what meaningful solutions could look like if Rhode Island treated housing as a public good rather than a market commodity.Support the show
2/3/26 • 24:30
Send a textHelena Buonanno Foulkes, Democratic candidate for governor of Rhode Island, joins the podcast for an in-person conversation about her renewed run for the state’s top job. Foulkes previously mounted a competitive primary challenge against Governor Dan McKee in 2022, reshaping the Democratic field and signaling voter appetite for change.In this interview, Foulkes reflects on the lessons of her first campaign, how her approach has evolved, and what she believes Rhode Island residents are demanding from their next governor. We discuss housing affordability, economic competitiveness, trust in government, and whether executive leadership from outside traditional politics can translate into effective governance at the State House.Support the show
1/29/26 • 29:30
Send a textIn the aftermath of the killing of two American citizens in Minneapolis and amid heightened resistance to federal immigration enforcement actions, many organizations are facing pressure to respond — publicly, internally, or both.Mike Raia, founder and president of Half Street Group, joins the show to offer guidance on how organizations can navigate moments of crisis and political sensitivity, including:When speaking out helps — and when it backfiresThe risks of silence versus poorly timed statementsHow values, stakeholders, and long-term credibility should shape response strategiesSupport the show
1/27/26 • 32:41
Send a textonight at Providence City Hall, members of the City Council will formally introduce a rent stabilization ordinance aimed at limiting annual rent increases in the city.Supporters argue the proposal is a necessary response to rapidly rising rents, housing insecurity, and displacement in one of the tightest rental markets in the country. Critics warn rent stabilization could discourage new housing construction, reduce investment, and create unintended long-term consequences.In this episode, we’re joined by Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois, a leading proponent of the plan, to walk through what’s being proposed, why she believes the policy is needed now, and how the ordinance is designed to balance tenant protections with concerns from landlords and developers.Support the show
1/22/26 • 25:29
Send a textRhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the state’s political moment. Shekarchi reacts to Governor Dan McKee’s proposed budget, outlining where the House is aligned, where concerns remain, and what he sees as the legislature’s priorities in the months ahead. The Speaker also speaks candidly about his own political future, addressing speculation about a potential run for governor in 2026 and how he’s thinking about leadership, timing, and responsibility as one of the state’s most powerful elected officials.Support the show
1/20/26 • 23:11
Send a textBill Bartholomew offers additional analysis of Governor McKee’s State of the State address and is joined by veteran reporter Steve Klamkin to put the speech — and reaction from other political figures — into perspective.Support the show
1/15/26 • 21:16
Send a textBill Bartholomew provides on-location analysis from the Rhode Island State House following Governor McKee's delivery of the 2026 State of the State address. Support the show
1/14/26 • 08:42
Send a textBoston Globe columnist and author of RhodeMap Dan McGowan joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the biggest Rhode Island stories of 2025.Support the show
12/18/25 • 39:38
Send a textMike Raia, Fonder and President, Half Street Group, joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the best books, shows to binge and the best and worst Rhode Island stories of 2025.Support the show
12/16/25 • 44:10
Send a textBrown University shooting updates with facts: IG @billbartholomewSupport the show
12/15/25 • 08:24
Send a textIan Donnis (Ocean State Media (NPR/PBS)) and Ted Nesi (WPRI TV) join Bill Bartholomew for a look ahead to 2026, a year that is anticipated to be a very interesting political season in Rhode Island.Support the show
12/11/25 • 32:33
Send a textBrashani Reece is the Executive Director of "Drop LWOP" and joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss her work to end extreme prison sentences."I am dedicated to restoring hope for individuals serving extreme prison sentences. Through education, community outreach, and advocacy, we aim to bring awareness to the issue of "death by incarceration" (DBI)"Support the show
12/9/25 • 22:13
Send a textRetired WPRO reporter Steve Klamkin joins Bill Bartholomew to reflect on his legendary career in radio and photography, the state of the journalism industry and the biggest stories of 2025.Support the show
12/4/25 • 40:06
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes GOP RI gubernatorial candidate Aaron Guckian.Support the show
12/2/25 • 21:14
Send a textBill Bartholomew reflects on recent hazing incidents in Rhode Island high school sports.Support the show
11/26/25 • 26:58
Send a textCitizen's Keith Kelly and Garden City Center's Joe Koechel join Bill Bartholomew to discuss 2026 holiday programming including the Citizens Holiday Village – An artistic installation designed by world-renowned card stacker and Guinness World Record-holder Bryan Berg, featuring a nostalgic miniature town made entirely of Citizens credit cards! Support the show
11/25/25 • 11:23
Send a textProvidence Council President Rachel Miller joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the impact of Providence's noise ordinance on venues that host live and ambient music.Support the show
11/18/25 • 10:08
Send a textBill Bartholomew podcasts live from an outdoor igloo at acclaimed Narragansett restaurant The Coast Guard House with Bob Leonard (Co-Owner, Manager) and Elisa Wybraniec (Wine Director)Support the show
11/17/25 • 20:02
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Tim Draper, Senior Vice President, Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to discuss their Season of Giving initiative.Support the show
11/14/25 • 20:16
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore for a conversation on election integrity, Rhode Island's "250" celebrations, his political future, youth sports and much more. Support the show
11/13/25 • 17:40
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon of the hit podcast "The War on Cars" for a conversation on multimodal transit, building better communities and their upcoming Providence Streets Coalition-sponsored live podcast taping on December 2nd at The Uptown Theatre in Providence.Support the show
11/12/25 • 23:14
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes acclaimed director Ivy Meeropol for a conversation about her film "Ask E. Jean", which screens at Avon Providence Thursday 11.13, presented by newportFILM.ASK E. JEAN is the thrilling story of E. Jean Carroll’s life, from her early days as Miss Cheerleader USA to her rise as a trailblazing journalist, author, and beloved advice columnist. Carroll broke barriers as the first female editor at Esquire, Playboy, and Outside, helping to redefine women’s roles in media with her sharp wit and fearless voice. In recent years, she reignited public discourse by standing up to power, becoming the only woman to beat Donald Trump twice in court, and sparking a national conversation about truth, accountability, and resilience. This film is a portrait of an indomitable woman who proved it’s never too late to reclaim your voice, rewrite your story, and change the world.Support the show
11/11/25 • 17:08
Send a textBill Bartholomew reacts to a big week for Democrats and how those wins may inform Rhode Island's upcoming elections.Support the show
11/6/25 • 24:03
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Dr. John Kiang for a discussion on Rhode Island Mission of Mercy.Support the show
11/5/25 • 16:10
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes URI's Dr. Brennan Phillips.Support the show
11/4/25 • 18:05
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes director Kim A. Synder of the film The Librarians which screens Thursday Oct 30th at newportFILMThe Librarians is a 2025 American documentary film, directed and produced by Kim A. Snyder. It follows librarians in Texas, Florida, and other states, as they unite to combat book banning in the United States. Sarah Jessica Parker serves as an executive producer under her Pretty Matches Productions banner.[3]The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025, and was released on October 3, 2025, by 8 Above.Support the show
10/30/25 • 18:34
Send a textBill Bartholomew welcomes Half Street Group founder and president Mike Raia for their monthly series Inside Communications. Support the show
10/28/25 • 31:55