Bartholomewtown

Bill Bartholomew

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.

  1. -13 h

    Checking in with U.S. Senate Candidate Connor Burbridge

    Send us Fan Mail 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, emphasizing bold ideas to challenge the status quo and invigorate Rhode Island politics. If you're interested in innovative policies, campaign strategies, and how a small state can punch above its weight, this is a must-listen. Key Topics: The current state of Burbridge’s campaign, including poll numbers, fundraising, and ground game strategiesThe importance of debates and candidate transparency, and Burbridge’s efforts to challenge Reed for an open discussionPolicy contrasts: healthcare, elder care, energy crisis, public education, and economic developmentCritique of Reed’s fundraising reliance on corporate and defense sector money vs. Burbridge's grassroots approachThe future of Rhode Island’s defense sector: defense contracts, offshore wind, and transitioning to green manufacturingThe shift in public sentiment toward government and private sector, and how to rebuild trust through effective public investmentThe importance of early groundwork and relationship-building with industry while in oppositionTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Connor Burbridge’s campaign against Jack Reed 00:25 - Campaign momentum and voter support in Rhode Island 00:51 - Fundraising challenges and grassroots strategy 01:36 - Ground game significance and voter engagement 03:07 - Reactions from Reed’s campaign and debate attempts 04:20 - Why debate transparency matters for voters 05:01 - Polling insights: internal vs. validated polls 06:37 - Campaign growth and policy focus areas 07:32 - Key policies: elder care, energy affordability, and education 09:00 - The role of big money vs. grassroots in campaigns 10:12 - Voter responses to national issues like energy nationalization 11:14 - The public’s desire for ambitious, big-picture proposals 12:20 - Shift in public trust from private to public sectors 13:00 - Challenges of government efficiency and rebuilding trust 14:07 - The importance of vision in rebuilding government capacity 16:00 - What the primary shape of the Democratic Party looks like 16:48 - Defense sector economic impact and future growth opportunities 20:09 - Transitioning from defense dependence to green energy and offshore wind 21:26 - The influence of political change on policy priorities 22:11 - Building relationships with industry during opposition 23:15 - Supporting grassroots candidates and re-engaging voters Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  2. -6 j

    The RI Small Business Village

    Send us Fan Mail Unlocking Local Economies: Rhode Island's Small Business Village at Providence Place In this episode, we explore a pioneering initiative designed to elevate small businesses through a temporary retail village inside Providence Place Mall. Hear how this innovative approach offers real-world lessons on adaptability, community partnership, and the potential for scalable models supporting local economies, especially amid challenging economic environments. Key Topics: The concept behind the Rhode Island Small Business Village and its strategic timing during summer eventsHow community partnerships and mall collaborations made this pop-up possibleThe role of local investors like Centerville Bank and the importance of private-public collaborationDesign and curatorial approach: creating a curated, store-like experience under one roofThe potential to scale similar models across other locations or turn them into more permanent fixturesThe importance of agility and reimagining existing infrastructure for economic revitalizationStrategies to sustain small businesses in a competitive and uncertain economic climateThe community impact of local entrepreneurship and micro-business support initiativesHow local control and community engagement can redefine commercial spacesTimestamps: 00:00 - Intro to economic development strategies for small businesses 00:29 - Unveiling the Rhode Island Small Business Village concept 01:09 - The impact of summer tourism and international events on local business visibility 02:03 - How the idea originated and the role of Skills for Rhode Island's Future 02:46 - Supporting micro-businesses and creating experiential retail opportunities 03:57 - The evolution from temporary pop-up to potential permanent spaces 04:42 - Partnerships with Providence Place Mall and other stakeholders 05:56 - Curating a cohesive shopping experience under a single roof 07:04 - Scaling and evolving the model to other markets and formats 07:46 - The influence of community banks and local sponsors 08:47 - Repurposing existing infrastructure to support small businesses 10:00 - Navigating economic challenges with innovative thinking 13:38 - Maintaining motivation amid economic setbacks 15:56 - The importance of community impact and long-term vision 18:04 - Final thoughts on expanding and sustaining small business initiatives Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  3. 11 août

    Episode 1,000! Checking In with Congressman Gabe Amo

    Send us Fan Mail Navigating Politics and Public Service in Turbulent Times with Congressman Gabe Amo Discover how Congressman Gabe Amo navigates legislative challenges, advocates for Rhode Islanders, and discusses the impact of national policies on local communities. This episode offers insights into bipartisan efforts, the importance of organizing outside government, and the complexities of managing public priorities amidst chaos. Key topics: The legislative landscape during a highly polarized political climateStrategies used by Congress members to oppose harmful policiesBipartisan success stories, including healthcare tax credits and war powers resolutionsThe fight for affordable housing, energy, and food security in Rhode IslandThe influence of global events on local economic conditionsThe importance of grassroots organizing and electoral mobilizationThe role of cultural festivals in fostering community and economic growthPersonal reflections on service, public engagement, and the significance of reaching milestone episodesTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and episode overview 00:20 - Congressman's efforts to counteract executive actions and legislate during chaos 00:47 - Bipartisan successes and legislative challenges 01:15 - Advocating amid partisan gridlock and foreign policy issues 01:43 - Responding to misinformation and leadership accountability 02:12 - Organizing outside government for electoral change 02:54 - Addressing Rhode Island's unique affordability challenges 03:33 - Energy and food insecurity at the state level 04:30 - Housing crises and legislative initiatives in Rhode Island 05:24 - Global conflicts and their economic ripple effects 06:02 - National political climate and public outrage 06:34 - Reflections on governance, accountability, and healthcare impacts 07:29 - The importance of full legislative majority for change 08:26 - Personal dedication and upcoming elections’ significance 08:55 - Milestones, including the episode number and reflections on service 09:23 - Celebrating Rhode Island’s cultural festivals and community engagement 09:47 - The role of arts and culture in local identity and economy 10:15 - Closing thoughts and the importance of informed citizenship Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

À propos

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.

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