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.

The Boston Globe’s Ed Fitzpatrick, The Providence Journal’s Amy Russo, and The Anchor at RIC’s Raymond Baccari join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss quality of life issues in Providence, filling Maryellen Goodwin’s senate seat, a look into the bills that will and won’t pass this year, plus challenges with accessing public records.
Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers, retired URI Political Science Professor Maureen Moakley, and Political Contributor Don Roach join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss reform of the policemen’s Bill of Rights, new state affordable housing proposals, plus prospective candidates for the 2024 election cycle and Congressional District 1.
Bartholomewtown Podcast Founder Bill Bartholomew, Attorney and Legal Analyst Lou Pulner, and Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss legalizing abortion coverage for Medicaid recipients and state employees, bipartisan concerns over eminent domain for affordable housing, plus the debate over state-funded breakfast and lunch for all students.
URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch, Watchdog RI Chairman Ken Block, and The Public’s Radio Ian Donnis join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Gov. McKee’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles, an interview with Sec. of State Gregg Amore on the voting laws in RI, plus the pros and cons of same-day voter registration.
Former Chairman of the RI Democratic Party Bill Lynch, RI Republican National Committeeman Steve Frias, and Libertarian Party of RI Chairman Billy Hunt join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Providence suing social media companies over youth mental health, legislation introduced to allow online gaming, plus RI marijuana business unable to grow under current laws.
Former Mayor of Providence Angel Taveras (D), Former State Representative Doreen Costa (R ), and Political Strategist Rob Horowitz join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Biden running for re-election, the law enforcement officer bill of rights, plus the Providence city budget.
Political Contributor Bob Walsh, National Committeewoman for the RI GOP Sue Cienki and Former State Representative Nick Gorham( R ) join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss a CD1 candidate under scrutiny, the gun control debate continues, Gov. McKee introduces his education plan, plus giant stuffies to be installed in four airports around the country.
The Boston Globe’s Amanda Milkovits, Providence Journal Reporter Antonia Noori Farzan, and The Anchor at RIC’s Raymond Baccari join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss possible changes to the open records act in RI, the latest on CD1 candidates, a possible state funded scholarship at RIC, plus Amanda’s investigation into Skyline’s CEO.
Political Contributor Don Roach, Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi, and Political Contributor Jim Vincent join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Providence Mayor Smiley’s plan to crack down on ATV use, former President Trump is arraigned in New York, plus an interview with the new leader of the RI GOP.
Former Attorney General Arlene Violet, Former RI State Representative (D) Mike Marcello, and Attorney and Legal Analyst Lou Pulner join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss possible candidates for CD1, former President Trump is indicted in New York, the future of the Tidewater Landing project, payday lending and more.