Bartholomewtown
Bartholomewtown is an independent news and interview podcast exploring Rhode Island through conversations with the people driving politics, culture, business, and public life. Hosted by journalist Bill Bartholomew, the show delivers insightful interviews, original reporting, and clear-eyed analysis from New England's smallest state—with stories that often resonate far beyond it.
Episodes
1011 episodes
RI Primary Closing Messages: Mike Raia Joins The Show For Inside Communications presented by Half Street Group
Inside Communications: Rhode Island Primary Closing Messages and Election PredictionsBill Bartholomew and Half Street Group’s Mike Raia break down how campaigns shift from persuasion to turnout in the final stretch before ...
New URI Survey Initiative Offers Insights Into Local Healthcare
EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publishRhode Islanders are sending a blunt message: the healthcare system is not just expensive, it's forcing people to delay care, skip tests, and rethink whether treatment is even worth it. University of ...
RI Election Preview: Boston Globe's Dan McGowan
BB is joined by Dan McGowan for a final-week look at Rhode Island’s primary races. They unpack turnout, the Providence mayoral contest, the governor’s race, and the down-ballot battles for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
RI Election Preview: Hummel Joins Bartholomew
Rhode Island’s primary sprint, the Providence mayor’s race, and the shakeup in statewide politicsWith early voting underway, Bill Bartholomew and Jim Hummel (The Hummel Report, Ocean State Media, WPRO) break down a Rhode Island primary t...
PVD COUNCIL: Ward 13 Candidate Annajane Yolken
Annajane Yolken on Ward 13, rent stabilization, and the future of ProvidenceBill Bartholomew speaks with Annajane Yolken, a Democratic primary candidate for Providence City Council Ward 13, about why she entered the race an...
PVD COUNCIL: Ward 13 Candidate Connor Blier
Connor Blier on Providence Ward 13, rent stabilization and local political trustConnor Blier joins Bartholomewtown to explain why he entered the open Providence Ward 13 race and how his personal history in Rhode Island sha...
Promoting Peace and Nonviolence at URI: Insights from Thubten Tendar
Discover how the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies is fostering global peace through education, training, and community engagement. This episode explores the transformative power of nonviolence principles in ...
New Poll Shows Foulkes with 20-Point Lead Over McKee. Salve's Katie Sonder Breaks It Down
Bill Bartholomew talks with Katie Sonder, Associate Director and Fellow at the Salve Regina University Pell Center, about the center’s August 2026 Voices of Value poll and what it says about Rhode Island’s Democratic and Republican primary race...
Checking in with U.S. Senate Candidate Connor Burbridge
Connor Burbridge discusses his campaign for U.S. Senate against incumbent Jack Reed, focusing on issues, grassroots strategy, and vision for Rhode Island's future**This episode dives into Connor Burbridge’s grassroots campaign, e...
A Big Blue Economy Win for RI
Bill Bartholomew welcomes URI professor Marta Gomez-Chiarri and Lisa Carnevale from RI Commerce for a discussion on a recently awarded grant that bolsters Rhode Island's position in the blue economy
The RI Small Business Village
Unlocking Local Economies: Rhode Island's Small Business Village at Providence PlaceIn this episode, we explore a pioneering initiative designed to elevate small businesses through a temporary retail village inside Provide...
Episode 1,000! Checking In with Congressman Gabe Amo
Navigating Politics and Public Service in Turbulent Times with Congressman Gabe AmoDiscover how Congressman Gabe Amo navigates legislative challenges, advocates for Rhode Islanders, and discusses the impact of national pol...
DEBATE: Mayor of Providence - Mayor Smiley + David Morales
Bill Bartholomew moderates a debate in the Providence mayoral Democratic primary between mayor Brett Smiley and Representative David Morales.
DEBATE: Governor McKee + Helena Foulkes - Democratic Primary for Governor of Rhode Island
Bill Bartholomew moderates a debate between Governor Dan McKee and Helena Buonanno Foulkes, the candidates in the Democratic primary for Governor of Rhode Island.
Exploring Legacy, Art, and Community Through Film and Music: The newportFILM Premiere of "John Shearer: American Moments"
This episode dives into the multi-layered world of documentary filmmaking, community building, and artistic legacy, with a special focus on the upcoming world premiere of John Shearer American Moments. We explore how film, music, photo...
Newport Folk 2026
Bill Bartholomew reacts to Newport Folk 2026.Bartholomewtown was on-the-ground at Newport Folk, covering the performances and people that shape the iconic event.
FORUM: RI Attorney General Democratic Primary Candidates
Democratic Primary Forum: RI Attorney GeneralA candidate forum for the 2026 Democratic primary race for Rhode Island Attorney General, featuring:Keith HoffmanJason KnightKim Ahern...
FORUM: RI Lt. Governor Democratic Primary Candidates
Four Democratic candidates for Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor squared off in a forum moderated by Bill Bartholomew.The CandidatesSabina Matos — Incumbent Lieutenant Governor First appointed to the offi...
Eat Well, Be Well Program Expands Healthy Food For Rhode Islanders
Guests: Dr. Amy Nunn, CEO, Rhode Island Public Health InstituteChris Buchanan Director of Public Affairs and State and Local Government Relations with Walmart
Dr. Nelly Burdette Could Flip a Rural-Suburban Senate District in Rhode Island
In this episode, Dr. Nelly Burdette, Psy D, shares her journey from healthcare professional to political candidate, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, health equity, and addressing local issues like housing and public trust. He...
How Rhode Island's New Legislation Balances Wildlife Safety and Pest Control Needs
Reducing Toxicity in Rhode Island: How Legislation Shifts Pest Control and Wildlife ConservationIn this episode, we explore Rhode Island's recent legislation to restrict dangerous anticoagulant rodenticides—making it the s...
RI's Revolutionary History: Secretary of State Gregg Amore
This episode explores Rhode Island’s pivotal contributions to American independence, highlighting its unique history, key figures, and ongoing commemorations for the 250th anniversary. Learn why Rhode Island’s self-governance and revolutionary ...
How RI Startup "Transgender Zone" Builds Community, Resilience Amidst Anti-Trans Laws
Building Community and Support for Transgender Individuals: The Story of Transgender ZoneIn this episode, Victoria St. Germain shares her inspiring journey from navigating a challenging t...
How Newport Heights Exemplifies Successful Affordable Housing Redevelopment - Secretary Deborah Goddard, Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing + Eva Erlich, Vice President of Development at Trinity Financial
GUESTS:Secretary Deborah Goddard, Rhode Island Executive Office of HousingEva Erlich, Vice President of Development at Trinity FinancialThis episode dives into a real-world case of rebuilding community and creati...
The Hidden Costs of Fines and Fees in the US Criminal Justice System: URI's Dr. Brittany Martin
This episode explores how financial penalties within the justice system disproportionately impact low-income communities, often leading to a cycle of debt and criminalization. University of Rhode Island's