PVD POV

GoProvidence
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Leisure
  • Updated Biweekly

"PVD POV" is your all-access pass to the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. Each episode explores the city’s hidden gems, from ghost tours and iconic restaurants to major sports events and cultural festivals. Whether you're a local or a visitor, tune in for insider stories, fascinating interviews, and the best ways to experience everything the Ocean State has to offer.

  1. Sep 18 ·  Video

    From Cobbler Shop to Coffee Shop: Neal Kaplan's Rise 'N Shine Story

    Some coffee shops are just coffee shops. Rise 'N Shine Coffee Bar, tucked into Providence's Smith Hill neighborhood, is something closer to a restoration project you can order a latte in. Owner Neal Kaplan came to Providence decades ago for graduate work at RISD, ended up renting a studio in a Smith Hill carriage house, and never really left — eventually buying that same building and spending years learning what it used to be. He talks with Alana and Nick about tracing the building's history through old phone books, discovering it had once been a shoe repair shop, and building a replica of Providence's original train station shoeshine stand as a nod to that history (and to his own great-grandfather, who was a cobbler). The conversation covers the building's deeper past too, from its 1858 origins as a horse-and-buggy stable to its stretch as a WWII-era manufacturing site, and how Neal and his staff develop the cafe's menu together. It's a good listen for anyone curious about what's hiding behind an old Providence storefront, and a reason to check out a corner of the city that doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Be sure to follow Rise N Shine on socials below: @risenshinecoffeebar risenshineri.com Show Notes 00:01:51 — Introducing Neal Kaplan and Rise and Shine Coffee in Smith Hill 00:02:12 — Neal's path to Providence: RISD grad school and early art background 00:02:50 — Finding a studio in Smith Hill's old industrial complex in the early 1980s 00:03:44 — Still in the same building 45 years later 00:04:09 — From studio tenant to building owner to contractor 00:05:16 — First considering a cafe — and a feasibility study that said not to 00:06:29 — Building other Providence-area cafes first (Nitro Bar, Coffee Exchange, and more) 00:08:12 — Restoring the carriage house in 2020, timed with the pandemic 00:09:01 — Developing the name, interior concept, and menu 00:09:13 — Where "Rise and Shine" actually comes from 00:09:31 — Researching the building's past through decades-old phone books 00:10:27 — The building's manufacturing and WWII-era history 00:11:00 — Boarded up for 20 years after the highway went through 00:11:29 — Original architectural details preserved inside 00:11:57 — Built in 1858 as a horse-and-buggy stable 00:12:23 — The Christopher Dodge House next door 00:12:23 — The building's cobbler and shoe repair history 00:12:56 — Building a replica of the original train station shoeshine stand 00:14:31 — A favorite corner of the cafe 00:14:42 — How the creative drink menu comes together 00:15:03 — Monthly staff meetings and barista-driven recipe development 00:16:30 — Comparing barista craft to mixology 00:17:31 — Why Smith Hill deserves more attention 00:18:12 — How close the neighborhood really is to downtown 00:19:02 — The outdoor patio

  2. Aug 17 ·  Video

    From Maps to Memories: Welcoming Visitors to Providence

    When visitors arrive in Providence, Phyllis Blanchette is often one of the first people to welcome them. In this episode of PVD POV, GoProvidence Visitor Services Manager Phyllis Blanchette takes us behind the desk at the Providence Visitor Center. She shares how answering a newspaper ad for a volunteer opportunity launched her career in tourism, what brought her back to Rhode Island and why personal recommendations still matter in the age of smartphones. Phyllis also shares some of her most memorable visitor stories, from helping international soccer fans explore Rhode Island to finding emergency dental care, arranging last-minute transportation to Block Island and meeting a sixth grader whose Rhode Island book report inspired her family’s summer vacation. Plus, hear how the Visitor Center’s volunteers explore Providence so they can help travelers experience the city like a local. Listen to PVD POV wherever you get your podcasts.

  3. Jul 27

    Why Elyse Major Loves Providence

    Providence is a city best experienced by slowing down and noticing the details. This week on PVD POV, we're joined by writer and editor Elyse Major, editor-in-chief of Hey Rhody Media Co., whose work has also appeared in publications like Yankee Magazine., Providence Monthly, Hey Rhody, and publications throughout New England. Inspired by her recent feature highlighting the perfect spring weekend in Providence, Elyse shares what continues to draw her to the city after years of writing about Rhode Island. From neighborhood cafés and award-winning restaurants to historic streets, local libraries, Roger Williams Park, and the beauty found around every corner, this conversation explores what makes Providence such a special place to live and visit. If you've ever wondered why Providence leaves such a lasting impression, this episode is for you. Check out Elyse on Instagram @elyse.elizabeth.major

  4. Jul 15 ·  Video

    Behind Providence's Biggest Tattoo Event

    The Providence Tattoo Convention returns this August, and we're joined by co-founder Jeff Burt to talk about what makes the event unlike any other in New England. Jeff shares how the convention came to life, why Providence was the perfect home, the history of tattooing in Rhode Island, and what attendees can expect from this year's event, including world-class artists, live tattooing, entertainment, competitions and more. Whether you're covered in ink or simply curious about tattoo culture, this episode offers a fascinating look into one of Providence's newest annual events.

  5. Jun 26 ·  Video

    Rhode Island 250 with Secretary Gregg Amore

    Secretary of State Gregg Amore joins PVD POV to talk about Rhode Island 250, the state’s role in America’s founding, and the events happening across Rhode Island to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. From rare copies of the Declaration of Independence to Liberty Tree plantings, WaterFire, the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and plans for a future Rhode Island History Center, this episode digs into why Rhode Island’s story is bigger than people think. Spoiler: the Gaspee Affair was not exactly a tea party. To get more info on what's happening for Rhode Island's 250th celebrations, be sure to visit RhodeIsland250.org

  6. Mar 26 ·  Video

    From Dish Pit to Vintner’s Dinner: Chef Derek Wagner’s Providence Story

    In this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with James Beard–nominated chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway. From starting as a dishwasher at 14 to building one of Providence’s most respected restaurants, Derek shares how he found his path in the kitchen, why he chose to stay in Providence, and how that decision shaped his approach to food. We also dive into his philosophy on sourcing, cooking with purpose, and what guests can expect from this year’s Vintner’s Dinner at the Providence Culinary Collective. It’s a conversation about food, community, and creating experiences that bring people together.

  7. Mar 24 ·  Video

    From 6 Trucks to 75: The Rise of PVD Food Truck Events

    Spring in Providence means one thing: food truck season is back. On this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with Eric Weiner of PVD Food Truck Events to talk about how a single night with six food trucks turned into one of Rhode Island’s most anticipated weekly traditions. From Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park to new locations across the state, Eric shares how these events have grown into community-driven experiences featuring live music, local beverages, and up to 75 rotating food trucks throughout the season. We also get into what’s new for 2026, including the launch of the Taste Tour, a once-a-month pass that lets you sample multiple trucks in one night, plus kickoff events at the Providence Culinary Collective like Food Truck Bites and the Food Truck Drag Brunch. Whether you’re a regular or just food-curious, this episode is your official sign to get outside, try something new, and eat your way through Rhode Island. 🎧 Tune in and start planning your next food truck night.

  8. Feb 2 ·  Video

    Skating Into Warwick’s Future with Mayor Frank Picozzi

    On the latest episode of PVD POV, we sat down with Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi to talk about one of the city’s newest additions and what it represents for Warwick as a whole. The conversation centered on the new outdoor skating rink behind City Hall, which has quickly become a popular gathering spot for families and visitors. Designed as a boutique, flat rink, the space was intentionally built to prioritize public skating over organized hockey, giving residents more opportunities to get on the ice. In its first weeks, the rink has drawn strong crowds and positive feedback, reinforcing the need for accessible, community-focused recreation. Beyond skating, the rink is part of a larger vision to create a year-round event plaza in the heart of Warwick. With fire pits, heaters, planned bumper cars on ice and future roller skating in the warmer months, the space is meant to be active well beyond winter. It’s a step toward establishing a true downtown gathering area for a city that has long been known for its neighborhoods rather than a central hub.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

"PVD POV" is your all-access pass to the heart of Providence, Rhode Island. Each episode explores the city’s hidden gems, from ghost tours and iconic restaurants to major sports events and cultural festivals. Whether you're a local or a visitor, tune in for insider stories, fascinating interviews, and the best ways to experience everything the Ocean State has to offer.

Information

  • Creator
    GoProvidence
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 PVD POV
  • Show Website
    PVD POV