A Lively Experiment Podcast

This week on A Lively Experiment, the legacy of Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and questions left in the wake of his passing. Plus, an ambitious plan to hike Rhode Island’s housing stock. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Bill Bartholomew of the Bartholomewtown Podcast, former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung & Mary Barden, the Executive Director of the National Education Association Rhode Island.

This week on A Lively Experiment: key issues facing state lawmakers as they return to work next week. Three reporters in the thick of it join moderator Jim Hummel: the Providence Journal’s Patrick Anderson, Nancy Lavin of the Rhode Island Current, and the Boston Globe’s Ed Fitzpatrick. Plus, another federal judge from RI takes on the Trump administration, demanding the release of frozen funds.

This week on A Lively Experiment: thousands of Rhode Islanders face the daunting task of finding a PCP during a doctor shortage as Anchor Medical prepares to shut down. Can patients push back? Joining moderator Jim Hummel are Joe Larisa , attorney & former Gov. Almond’s Chief of Staff plus attorney & former prosecutor Eva Mancuso & Bill Lynch, former Chairman of the Rhode Island Democratic party.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the outcry over proposed raises for the governor’s department heads. Plus, what’s next for the Washington Bridge after the Trump administration’s release of $221 million for the rebuild. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former State Representative Mike Marcello, RI GOP Chairman Joe Powers, and Brown University Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the frustrating search for transparency about the cost of the Providence pallet shelters. Plus, can a familiar sea of asphalt be transformed into affordable housing? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal reporter Antonia Noori Farzan, Providence College Political Science Professor Adam Myers, and Republican Strategist Jesus Solorio.

This week on A Lively Experiment, Governor McKee makes it official: he’s in for the re-election campaign despite a mixed report card. Plus, from tariffs to DOGE: keeping up with the latest out of Washington and the impacts in Rhode Island. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by the founder of Watchdog RI Ken Block, Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi and Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC.

This week on A Lively Experiment, the ripple effect of federal cuts in Rhode Island. Plus, what can be done to reduce your skyrocketing electric bill? One legislator proposes cuts to clean energy initiatives. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies of The Economic Progress Institute, former State Representative Nick Gorham and WPRI-TV Digital Content Producer, Raymond Baccari.

This week on A Lively Experiment, at what point do government cuts spark public opposition? A federal judge in Rhode Island is at the center of the fight. Plus, find out how the Ocean State would be affected by federal education cuts. Host Ian Donnis is joined by former RI GOP National Committeeman Steve Frias, reporter Nancy Lavin of Rhode Island Current and political contributor Robert Walsh.