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 Providence Journal’s Patrick Anderson, Bartholomewtown Podcast Host Bill Bartholome, and URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the pause in public funding for Tidewater Landing, more candidates enter the CD2 race, plus an interview with Jed Thorp of Clean Water Action about the proposed bottle bill.
Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller, Libertarian Party of RI Chairman Billy Hunt, and Corporate Communications Consultant Dave Layman join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss a proposed repeal to voter ID laws in RI, proposed residency requirements for gubernatorial candidates, possible frontrunners for Cicilline’s seat, and the debate over affordable housing solutions.
Former State Representative ( R ) Doreen Costa, RI Republican National Committeeman Steve Frias, and Political Contributor Scott MacKay join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss possible replacements for Rep. Cicilline, an interview with Providence’s new mayor, plus the discussion around making RI legislators full-time employees.
Boston Globe Columnist Dan McGowan, The Public’s Radio Ian Donnis, and WPRI TV’s Steph Machado join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Rep. Cicilline’s surprise resignation announcement, legislation submitted to make government more transparent, plus calls for change in RIPTA leadership.
Watchdog RI Chairman Ken Block, RI Black Business Association CEO Lisa Ranglin, and Former RI Democratic Party Chairman Bill Lynch join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss a bill that would arm officers at CCRI and RIC, Ruggerio wants to legalize online gaming, firefighters lobby for benefits for hypertension and PTSD, plus a special message for our longtime Lively director.
The Boston Globe Reporter Ed Fitzpatrick, RI GOP Chairwoman Sue Cienki, and Political Contributor Bob Walsh join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the former RI Housing Secretary Josh Saul is hired as a contractor after resigning, an interview with the new Housing Secretary Stefan Pryor, how RI should spend the budget surplus, and a close look at the RI primary system.
Former State Representative Nick Gorham, Political Contributor Jim Vincent, and URI Political Science Professor Emily Lynch join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Gov. McKee’s proposed assault-style weapons ban that has overwhelming public support, plus talks of reforming or repealing the police officer’s bill of rights in the wake of Tyree Nichols’s death.
The Anchor Editor in Chief Raymond Baccari, Political Strategist Rob Horowitz, and Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Gov. McKee’s proposed sales tax cuts, affordable housing and other legislation on the docket, and the Rhode Island Hope Scholarship Act.
Bartholomewtown Podcast Host Bill Bartholomew, Providence Journal Reporter Antonia Farzan and Political Contributor Don Roach join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss Gov. McKee’s State of the State address, the tepid response to a proposed decrease in sales tax, a new Housing Secretary appointment, staffing problems in the nursing home industry, plus a tribute to a former moderator.
Support the showHouse Majority Leader Blazejewski, House Minority leader Chippendale, Senate Minority leader de la Cruz, and Health and Human Services Chairman Miller join moderator Jim Hummel to discuss how the legislators hope to spend the budget surplus, complex issues surrounding homelessness and affordable housing, education concerns, and more.
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