Bartholomewtown

Bill Bartholomew
  • 4.7 (65)
  • Daily News
  • Updated Daily

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. 15h ago

    DEBATE: Mayor of Providence - Mayor Smiley + David Morales

    Send us Fan Mail Bill Bartholomew moderates a debate in the Providence mayoral Democratic primary between mayor Brett Smiley and Representative David Morales. Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    DEBATE: Mayor of Providence - Mayor Smiley + David Morales

  2. 1d ago

    DEBATE: Governor McKee + Helena Foulkes - Democratic Primary for Governor of Rhode Island

    Send us Fan Mail Bill Bartholomew moderates a debate between Governor Dan McKee and Helena Buonanno Foulkes, the candidates in the Democratic primary for Governor of Rhode Island. Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    DEBATE: Governor McKee + Helena Foulkes - Democratic Primary for Governor of Rhode Island

  3. 6d ago

    Exploring Legacy, Art, and Community Through Film and Music: The newportFILM Premiere of "John Shearer: American Moments"

    Send us Fan Mail 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, photography, and community spaces intertwine to create immersive cultural experiences that honor history and inspire future generations. Key topics How Newport Film creates a "third space" for community engagement through multi-platform eventsThe significance of John Shearer's photography legacy and its artistic reinterpretationJim Spione's approach to combining documentary storytelling with visual arts and musicAlison Shearer's journey in composing era-specific music for the filmThe role of multi-sensory experiences in storytelling and community buildingHighlights of the upcoming film premiere at Rough Point and its cultural significanceThe generational legacy within the arts through storytelling, photography, and music Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  4. Jul 28

    Newport Folk 2026

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  5. Jul 22

    FORUM: RI Attorney General Democratic Primary Candidates

    Send us Fan Mail Democratic Primary Forum: RI Attorney General A candidate forum for the 2026 Democratic primary race for Rhode Island Attorney General, featuring: Keith HoffmanJason KnightKim AhernJoe Solomon Jr.Moderated by Bill Bartholomew. In this episode: Candidates fielded questions on [topics discussed — e.g., public safety, consumer protection, gun policy, housing enforcement, environmental law, government accountability]. Each candidate laid out their vision for the office and how they'd approach the priorities of the next AG. Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  6. Jul 21

    FORUM: RI Lt. Governor Democratic Primary Candidates

    Send us Fan Mail Four Democratic candidates for Rhode Island Lieutenant Governor squared off in a forum moderated by Bill Bartholomew. The Candidates Sabina Matos — Incumbent Lieutenant Governor First appointed to the office in 2021 when Dan McKee moved up to governor; won a full term in 2022. Previously served on the Providence City Council, including as council president. Seeking a second full term; has made grocery affordability and housing central to her agenda. Sue AnderBois — Providence City Councilor, Ward 3 Elected to the council in 2022; left a job at The Nature Conservancy to launch her campaign in November 2025. Cites her work chairing the North Main Street Task Force as a model for bringing stakeholders together on housing and infrastructure issues. Cindy Coyne — Former State Senator, Barrington Served in the RI Senate from 2015–2023, chairing the Judiciary Committee; a retired State Police lieutenant. First candidate to formally enter the race (June 2025). Points to legislation banning untraceable "ghost guns" as a signature accomplishment. Xay Khamsyvoravong — Former Mayor/City Councilor, Newport Entered the race in March 2026, the last of the four to join. Brown University grad, RWU law degree, spent 15+ years in banking including as SVP at Webster Bank; earlier was deputy chief of staff to General Treasurer Frank Caprio. Has led in fundraising for much of the race and campaigns on housing, infrastructure, and education investment "without raising taxes on working families." Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  7. Jul 16

    Eat Well, Be Well Program Expands Healthy Food For Rhode Islanders

    Send us Fan Mail Guests:  Dr. Amy Nunn, CEO, Rhode Island Public Health Institute Chris Buchanan Director of Public Affairs and State and Local Government Relations with Walmart Stores, Inc In this episode, we explore the innovative Eat Well, Be Well program in Rhode Island, which successfully leverages public-private partnerships to promote healthy eating among SNAP recipients. Discover how automating incentives at checkout can increase fruit and vegetable consumption, and the potential for these strategies to scale into other areas of health and wellbeing. Main Topics: The origin and goals of the Eat Well, Be Well initiativeHow the program doubles the value of SNAP benefits for produce in retail locationsThe seamless, no-signup approach that simplifies access to healthy foodsThe role of technology in efficient program administrationData and impact: how the program benefits thousands of Rhode IslandersStrategies for scaling similar incentive models to broader health behaviorsFuture expansion possibilities beyond produce, including active lifestylesThe importance of cross-sector collaboration in shaping healthier communitiesTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guests 00:16 - Guest introductions: Chris Buchanan and Dr. Amy Nunn 01:04 - The purpose and history of the Eat Well, Be Well program 01:33 - How the program supports affordability of healthy foods for SNAP recipients 02:10 - Program funding sources and extension through COVID relief dollars 02:55 - Walmart’s involvement: why they joined the pilot program 03:27 - Making healthy shopping affordable and practical 03:57 - Seamless incentive application at checkout 05:11 - Behind the scenes logistics of integrating the program into retailer systems 06:52 - Advice for retailers interested in adopting similar models 09:00 - Evaluation results and program impact on Rhode Island households 09:36 - Reaching vulnerable populations: children and the elderly 11:43 - The potential for expanding incentives to other health behaviors and products 12:19 - The concept of behavioral economics in promoting healthy choices 13:21 - The possibility of broader incentive programs across health and activity sectors 15:00 - Creative ideas for encouraging physical activity through retail and community efforts 16:18 - The importance of partnership among government, private sector, and public health 16:35 - The scalability of incentive programs and future opportunities 17:21 - Final thoughts on collaborative efforts driving community health improvements 18:07 - Closing remarks Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

  8. Jul 15

    Dr. Nelly Burdette Could Flip a Rural-Suburban Senate District in Rhode Island

    Send us Fan Mail 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. Her approach highlights how expertise in public health can reshape legislative priorities at the state level, especially in a diverse district. Key Topics: Nelly Burdette’s background in healthcare and what motivated her to run for State SenateThe significance of running at the community level versus higher officeHow her public health experience informs her legislative prioritiesThe pressing issues in her district: healthcare access, affordable housing, and agingStrategies for rebuilding trust and engagement within the communityThe importance of creative solutions to housing shortages, avoiding green space developmentThe role of small businesses and local economic healthThe dynamic district of Lincoln, North Smithfield, and North ProvidenceHer stance on local legislative support and recent political debatesThe challenge of infrastructure and resource sustainability for new housing projectsHer motivation for challenging the incumbent and the potential impact on local politicsThe importance of party involvement and tactical campaigning in local racesTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction / background and political campaign 02:03 - Why focus on local community engagement over higher offices 04:46 - Support from Democratic groups and her community-based approach 08:25 - Major gaps in healthcare access and affordability in Rhode Island 10:21 - Vision for a better Rhode Island: Health, Aging, and Small Business 13:10 - Creative housing solutions: repurposing abandoned buildings and green space preservation 15:21 - Trust issues in Lincoln and rebuilding community ties 17:46 - The importance of local legislation and community responsiveness 20:06 - Immediate legislative priorities: healthcare and affordable housing initiatives 21:02 - Support for local policies and her stance on key political issues 22:41 - Challenges with housing development on Wilbur Road and sustainability concerns 24:28 - The broader significance of community-level leadership and expertise in governance 26:08 - Final thoughts on running to create meaningful change and the role of political strategy Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

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4.7
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Bartholomew
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    999
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bartholomewtown
  • Show Website
    Bartholomewtown

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