Bartholomewtown

Bill Bartholomew
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Journalist Bill Bartholomew brings Rhode Islanders closer to their world through analysis, interviews and reporting.  

  1. 18H AGO

    Small Business and Job Creation in Rhode Island: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth

    Send us Fan Mail Small Business and Job Creation in Rhode Island: A Strategy for Sustainable Growth GUESTS: Nina Pande, Skills RI Matt Spoehr, SBA Jim Cohill, Bank Newport This episode explores the critical role of small businesses in Rhode Island's economic landscape. Featuring insights from leaders across banking, workforce development, and government, it emphasizes collaborative efforts to foster job growth, access to capital, and entrepreneurial success that benefits the entire community. In this episode: The importance of small business in Rhode Island’s job creation goals and how it shapes economic policyKey initiatives like the Small Business Summit and their role in workforce upskilling and resource sharingHow local financial institutions humanize lending processes to support new and existing entrepreneursThe significance of regional thinking and cross-sector collaboration for scalable business growthChallenges faced by small businesses, including access to funding, technology adoption, and navigating government contractsThe upcoming Small Business Week and the Rhode Island Small Business Summit as vital opportunities for networking and developmentPractical advice from banking and SBA representatives on reducing barriers and demystifying financial resourcesWhy investing in small businesses is essential for sustainable, inclusive economic growth in Rhode IslandTimestamps: 00:00 - Overview of Rhode Island's job creation efforts and small business importance 00:30 - Introducing the panel and their roles in economic development 01:22 - The vital contribution of small businesses and individual proprietors 01:33 - Jim Cohill discusses commercial lending and support for small businesses 02:11 - The interconnectedness of public and private sector efforts in job growth 02:33 - Matt Spear on SBA programs and resource partnerships 03:19 - The challenge of small business growth and the upcoming Small Business Week events 03:49 - The significance of connecting ideas, funding, and workforce support 04:05 - Nina Pande on adult workforce upskilling and technology modernization in small companies 05:29 - The role of free resources and community outreach in easing entrepreneurial fears 06:36 - Jim’s perspective on humanizing banking and supporting business start-ups 07:03 - Jim on the importance of transparent conversations for new entrepreneurs 08:03 - The need for broader awareness of available resources and government contracting opportunities 09:16 - Fight the intimidation: humanizing banking to unlock small business potential 10:38 - The role of small business in Rhode Island’s economic future, not just reliance on large firms 12:09 - How developing small businesses supports regional growth and job creation 13:09 - Opportunities for small and mid-sized firms in the regional economy 14:48 - The collaborative spirit needed among Rhode Island’s businesses and institutions 15:14 - The upcoming Small Business Summit as a platform to network and leverage resources 16:06 - Closing remarks emphasizing community an http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    21 min

  2. 1D AGO

    An Unlikely Coalition To Combat Ecological Disaster

    Send us Fan Mail Unveiling Climate Storytelling: The Power of Coalition and Communication This episode explores how documentary filmmaking can illuminate environmental crises and foster coalition-building across diverse worlds — from scientists and religious leaders to policymakers and journalists. Abby Ellis, director of The Lake, shares insights on addressing complex ecological issues through compelling narratives that bridge ideological divides. In this episode: The importance of coalition-building in tackling environmental crisesHow different ideological worlds can converge on shared goalsStrategies for communicating climate science to skepticsThe significance of portraying multi-dimensional characters in environmental storytellingThe urgency of global ecological issues and timely solutionsThe role of religion and science in uniting communities around environmental stewardshipPractical approaches for engaging hesitant audiences in climate conversationsExample of empowering narratives from The Lake and real-world activismTimestamps: 00:00 - Overview of upcoming screening of The Lake and its significance 00:30 - Introduction to Abby Ellis and the film’s core themes 01:16 - The role of coalition-building in environmental activism 01:54 - How bipartisan efforts emerged in Utah’s ecological crisis 02:22 - Environmental issues as human, not just political, concerns 02:50 - The urgency of the Great Salt Lake’s potential disaster 03:28 - The importance of immediate coalition-building for climate resilience 03:44 - How the film emphasizes the immediacy of ecological threats 04:12 - Lessons from Utah’s crisis for the broader climate movement 04:40 - The impact of united communities across political and religious divides 05:09 - The significance of diverse moral and ideological convergences 05:25 - The role of religious perspectives, like Mormon stewardship, in environmental advocacy 05:52 - The power of religious and scientific values coexisting in activism 06:27 - Communicating climate science to skeptical audiences effectively 07:37 - The importance of understanding different cultural triggers for environmental messaging 08:17 - How to speak to people in terms they understand, beyond politicized language 08:42 - Upcoming screening details and community engagement opportunities 09:05 - Future broadcasting plans and broader reach for The Lake Resources & Links: The Lake - Official Website (Check for updates and broadcast releases)EcoRI News – Rhode Island’s leading environmental news sourceAct on Climate - Rhode Island – Local climate legislation and activismSundance Film Festival – Premier platform for the film’s debutConnect with Abby Ellis: TwitterInstagram http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    16 min

  3. 2D AGO

    PVD RENT: Council President Rachel Miller

    Send us Fan Mail Title: Providence Rent Stabilization Debate: Insights from City Council President Rachel Miller This episode delves into the complex political and social dynamics surrounding rent stabilization in Providence, Rhode Island. City Council President Rachel Miller shares her perspective on the ongoing debate, the influence of special interests, and the urgent need to prioritize residents' survival amid a soaring housing crisis. Key Topics:   The current state of Providence's rent stabilization proposals and the political stalemate  The impact of rent hikes on long-term residents and the city’s future  How misinformation campaigns by corporate landlords complicate policy discussions  The importance of effective communication and community engagement in shaping policy  The broader national and global context influencing local housing debates  The significance of building support within the council and navigating opposition  The potential for rent stabilization to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions  The political implications of current debates for upcoming elections  The role of advocacy and community voices in influencing policy outcomes  Timestamps: 00:00 - Overview of rent stabilization controversy in Providence 00:31 - Council efforts to build support and address community concerns 01:05 - Personal stories illustrating housing affordability crisis 01:47 - Likelihood of political shifts among council members 02:02 - Addressing the information gap and communicating carve-outs 02:51 - Influence of corporate interests and misinformation campaigns 03:38 - Community engagement and correcting myths 04:47 - Outsized influence of corporate landlords on policy 05:17 - The city's survival and the impact of external networks 05:57 - The long-term decline of residents and housing stress 06:16 - Balancing growth with protection of existing residents 07:08 - The global and national context of housing issues 07:35 - The urgency of implementing bold policies despite imperfections 08:11 - The political reality and support from renters 08:48 - Evidence suggesting regulation does not harm construction 09:14 - The threat of well-funded interests stopping progressive policies 09:46 - The historical opposition from mayoral leadership 10:19 - Building a political roadmap and election implications 10:49 - Ongoing efforts to engage different viewpoints 11:16 - Attempts to strengthen and improve legislation 12:05 - The significance of the initial council approval and upcoming electoral accountability 12:54 - Final thoughts on potential political shifts and the future of rent stabilization Resources & Links: Rachel Miller - Providence City Council PresidentAdditional insights on rent control policies: National Low Income Housing CoalitionRelated discussion on urban housing debates: Bartholomew Town PodcastConnect with Rachel Miller: http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    20 min

  4. APR 23

    RI Political Developments - Dan McGowan (Boston Globe) Joins Bartholomew

    Send us Fan Mail Is Rhode Island’s "boring" election cycle finally heating up? Dan McGowan (The Boston Globe) joins Bill Bartholomew to break down a week of major shifts in the Ocean State. They discuss why the Providence mayoral race is seeing a policy divide unlike any in recent history, the "new kid on the block" energy of Ken Block’s independent run for Governor, and the political "horse-trading" surrounding a potential Supreme Court vacancy. Key Discussion Points The Providence Mayoral Divide: Why the battle over rent stabilization between Mayor Brett Smiley and Rep. David Morales represents a rare, policy-driven shift in city politics that could define the next council.The "38 Studios on Steroids" Effect: Dan explains why the Washington Bridge crisis has surpassed previous state scandals in its "stickiness" with voters and how it provides a massive opening for "fixer" candidates.The 2026 Gubernatorial Chess Board: An analysis of Ken Block’s recent polling, his "new shiny" treatment in the media, and why Dan McKee and Helena Foulkes might be headed for an "opioids vs. competence" primary battle.Supreme Court Vacancy & Horse-Trading: A candid look at the possibility of Speaker Joe Shekarchi moving to the high court and the reality of how political judgeships are awarded in Rhode Island.AI and Data Centers: Bill reflects on a recent sold-out event in Newport, proving that "non-traditional" political issues are starting to break through with the average voter.About Our Guest Dan McGowan is the Rhode Island columnist for The Boston Globe and author of the Rhode Map newsletter. You can subscribe to his daily coverage by emailing rinews@globe.com. Links & Resources Follow Bill: Instagram | YouTubeSupport the Show: Send us Fan Mail | Direct SupportOfficial Website: Bartholomewtown.com http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    44 min

  5. APR 21

    Providence Mayor + RI Governor Races Heat Up

    Send us Fan Mail Rhode Island Politics Spotlight: Providence Mayoral Race & Governor's Race Analysis In this episode, we explore the key developments shaping Rhode Island’s political landscape — from the contentious Providence mayoral race to the emerging significance of independent candidate Ken Block in the governor’s race. Understand how recent polling, election strategies, and voter sentiment are setting the stage for a transformative election cycle. Key topics The recent veto of rent stabilization in Providence and its implications on the mayoral primaryThe political strategies and coalitions around housing policies in the Providence mayoral raceKen Block’s polling results and his potential impact on the Rhode Island gubernatorial raceHow outsider candidates are shifting voter focus and the broader appetite for changeThe importance of undecided voters and campaign adaptation in the coming monthsTimestamps (0:01) Overview of Rhode Island’s major political races and their significance(0:25) Providence mayoral race: Mayor Smiley’s veto on rent stabilization and its political repercussions(1:02) The housing crisis in Providence and the supply-side economic approach(2:03) The political positioning of rent control proposals and city council dynamics(3:25) The upcoming Providence mayoral primary and its impact on the 2024 elections(4:23) The divide: short-term rent control versus long-term housing solutions(5:21) David Morales’ rally and the populist sentiment in Providence(6:35) Immediate housing needs versus long-term planning — balancing demand and supply(8:39) The Rhode Island governor’s race heats up with outsider Ken Block’s entry(9:17) Ken Block’s historical political background and recent polling data(11:09) Pollster insights: Ken Block’s "runway" to potential victory(12:29) The significance of Ken Block’s credibility and voter awareness(14:14) Broader appetite for political change across the country and in Rhode Island(16:11) The current landscape: the lack of leftist candidates and the rise of outsiders(17:54) How polling impacts campaign strategies and voter psychology(19:15) The influence of undecided voters and campaign ground game(20:42) The importance of shifting campaign focus from negativity to substantive issues(22:31) Summarizing the current state: Ken Block as a serious contender and the changing political tone(23:55) Closing thoughts on Rhode Island’s political season and upcoming electoral shiftsResources & Links Brian Wynn - Pollster InsightsKen Block CampaignProvidence Mayor’s Veto on Rent Stabilization (Channel 12)Dan McGowan - Boston Globe ColumnistConnect with Bill Bartholomew: TwitterLinkedIn http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    31 min

  6. APR 16

    Ken Block is Running for Governor

    Send us Fan Mail Bill Bartholomew welcomes independent Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Ken Block. Key topics:   Ken Block's background in software engineering and political activism  His previous efforts to create a centrist political party and advocacy for good government  The surprising and personal journey leading to his gubernatorial run  The disconnect and lack of traction among current candidates, and how he aims to stand out  Critical issues facing Rhode Island such as infrastructure failures, fiscal management, and project mismanagement  The importance of decisive leadership, especially regarding the Washington Bridge collapse  Management failures in Rhode Island's government projects and how to address them  The potential for AI and technological disruption impacting state policy  Fiscal strategies, including potential reallocation of funds and critiques of tax policies  The influence of party politics, coalition building, and the shift toward independent support  His commitment to transparency, accountability, and pragmatic solutions for long-term stability  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Ken Block and his diverse background 00:24 - Ken's career in software and political activism 00:50 - Past political efforts and advocacy for good governance 01:18 - Journey from opposition to running for governor 02:44 - How polling and fundraising influenced his decision 03:15 - The weak current political landscape and his outsider message 04:01 - The impact of his campaign on the Democrat primary 06:22 - Rhode Island's unique challenges and broader macroeconomic issues 07:35 - Why Ken Block believes he is qualified to lead through disruption 08:05 - Management failures in major Rhode Island projects 09:30 - Critical analysis of the Washington Bridge failure and accountability 10:56 - Building a political coalition in a polarized environment 11:36 - The importance of decisiveness and political courage 12:29 - Lessons from Bruce Sundlun's decision-making style 13:55 - The need for fact-based, quick decision-making in government 15:12 - Lack of political courage and transparency in government failures 16:08 - The recurring mistakes like the Washington Bridge and fiscal mismanagement 17:30 - Infrastructure neglect and dysfunction 18:28 - Budget management, reallocations, and fiscal responsibility 20:11 - Managing large projects and the importance of skilled oversight 21:35 - Addressing state spending inefficiencies 22:28 - The importance of smarter government spending 23:24 - Challenges of housing development and infrastructure costs 24:36 - The unrealistic scope of housing targets and pragmatic solutions 26:14 - The potential of private investments like the Superman Building 28:48 - Rhode Island's economic and demographic challenges compared to Boston 29:55 - The impact of tax policies and the flight of high earners 31:00 - Building a broad political coalition across party lines 33:24 - The disconnect between community needs and government response 35:56 - The failure to maintain infrastructure and deliver public services 38:34 - The political landscape, party fragmentation, and independent prospects 39:57 - Ken Block's commitment to fixing core government issues and future outlookResources & Links:   http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    47 min

  7. APR 14

    What Historic Cemeteries Reveal About Rhode Island

    Send us Fan Mail Every gravestone is a sentence. Every cemetery is a story. And Rhode Island — one of the oldest corners of the country — has more of those stories per square mile than almost anywhere in America. This week, preservationist Deb Suggs joins us to make the case that historic cemeteries aren't just resting places for the dead — they're primary sources, open to anyone willing to look. From colonial-era epitaphs to the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers, enslaved people, and forgotten civic leaders, Rhode Island's burial grounds hold a version of our history that no textbook does. Deb shares what draws her to this work, what's at stake when these sites fall into disrepair, and the remarkable Rhode Islanders — some famous, most not — she's encountered while walking among the stones. It's a conversation about preservation, community, and why the past is never as buried as we think. In this episode Why historic cemeteries are some of the most reliable historical records we have • What gets lost when a burial ground is abandoned or destroyed • Stories of Rhode Islanders whose graves reveal lives history overlooked • How anyone can get involved in cemetery preservation • The surprising things gravestones can tell you — from demographics to disease to art history http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    38 min

  8. APR 7

    Rhode Island Governor’s Race Shake-Up + Did Memes Numb us to AI? Mike Raia Joins

    Send us Fan Mail Half Street Group’s Mike Raia joins the show to break down how independent gubernatorial candidate Ken Block entering the race could disrupt the strategies of Governor Dan McKee and challenger Helena Foulkes. We dig into whether Block plays the role of a “spoiler,” how similar candidates have performed historically in Rhode Island politics, and what this unique election cycle could signal about voter sentiment and fragmentation heading into November. Then, a cultural pivot: a recent The New York Times Magazine piece explores whether meme culture has pushed us into a kind of “brain rot”—and how that might be shaping not just how we consume information, but how we interact with and even train AI systems. Is the internet rewiring our attention spans—and could that feedback loop be influencing the future of intelligence itself? Inside Communications is presented by Half Street Group http://www.navigantcu.org Support the show Follow Bill on Instagram and YouTube

    34 min
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4.7
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

Journalist Bill Bartholomew brings Rhode Islanders closer to their world through analysis, interviews and reporting.  

Information

  • Creator
    Bill Bartholomew
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    965
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bartholomewtown
  • Show Website
    Bartholomewtown

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