A Lively Experiment Podcast

A Lively Experiment is a weekly News & Politics program on Rhode Island PBS. Tune in each Friday at 7:00 pm for new episodes regarding the political climate in Rhode Island.

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This week on A Lively Experiment, the state budget finally emerges from the House; we’ll tell you about likely winners and losers. Plus, a date and a new price tag for the Washington Bridge. Moderator Jim Hummel hears outrages and kudos from Rhode Island GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki, former state representative Nick Gorham and Step Machado of the Boston Globe and RI PBS Weekly.

This week on A Lively Experiment: the AG says the healthcare crisis is on Rhode Island’s doorstep and has suggestions. Plus, who’s in the running for governor on the Democratic side? And it’s the homestretch for the General Assembly. Moderator Jim Hummel gets analysis from veteran reporter and political contributor Scott MacKay, GOP strategist Lisa Pelosi and political contributor Don Roach.


This week on A Lively Experiment, the Senate says not so fast to a House move to block Cabinet pay raises. Plus, we hear from those hit hardest by Trump cuts to local medical research. Moderator Jim Hummel gets analysis from former State Representative Barbara Ann Fenton-Fung, Billy Hunt of the Libertarian Party of Rhode Island and Boston Globe Reporter/RI PBS Weekly Contributor Steph Machado.

This week on A Lively Experiment, what we can expect from the first American picked as Pope. Plus, cheers as pro soccer finally arrives in Pawtucket, but what are the odds of financial success? And is Rhode Island ready for the Real Housewives? Moderator Jim Hummel talks with former RI Attorney General Arlene Violet, Dan McGowan of the Boston Globe, and Rhode Island KIDS COUNT’s Paige Parks.

This week on a Lively Experiment, with a new leadership team at the state Senate, what we can expect. Plus, Gina for President? Raimondo says she’s considering it but there is much work to be done at the party level. Moderator Jim Hummel talks with former candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Aaron Guckian, URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch and Democratic strategist, Rob Horowitz.

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.