Best Rhode Island Roundtable Podcasts (2025)

1
4/25/2025: Congressman Auchincloss 22:59

4d ago22:59

22:59

By Lee Dooley

1
RI Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard on what’s next with the new state housing plan 3:47

5d ago3:47

3:47

The median price of a home in Rhode Island is now the once unimaginable sum of almost $500,000. State leaders have tried for a few years to address the housing crisis, and tens of millions of dollars have been directed against the problem. But progress has been slow. The housing crisis began a long time ago, so it’s understandable that moving forwa…

1
Episode 007 | The Billion-Dollar Betrayal with Joseph C. Miller III 2:18:20

8d ago2:18:20

2:18:20

Guest: Joseph C. Miller III — Special Operations advisor & author of American Commandos What You’ll Hear: Inside Afghanistan’s elite Special Ops missions How military aid was misused — and where the money actually went What happens when a soldier becomes a whistleblower How American Commandos tells the truth through fiction Why patriotism means acc…

1
4/18/2025: Primary care in RI; Speaker Shekarchi 23:13

11d ago23:13

23:13

This week on Newsmakers: Dr. Mariah Stump and Dr. Thomas Bledsoe of the Rhode Island Medical Society discuss the closure of Anchor Medical and how to address the state's primary care crisis; plus, Kim Kalunian talks one-on-one with House Speaker Joe Shekarchi.By Lee Dooley

1
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed on the fight over due process, and how Democrats should respond to Trump 3:47

12d ago3:47

3:47

The latest showdown involving President Trump centers on whether the White House violated a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ordered the Trump administration to “facilitate” the release of a Maryland man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, after he was mistakenly deported to a prison in El Salvador. A federal judge criticized Trump officials earlier …

1
4/11/2025: Reporters' roundtable 23:17

18d ago23:17

23:17

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by The Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson and Rhode Island Current's Nancy Lavin to break down the week in the news, including tariffs and the stock market, the closure of Anchor Medical, State House happenings, the state's new Catholic bishop and more.…

1
RI House GOP Leader Mike Chippendale on Trump’s tariffs, government accountability and more 3:47

18d ago3:47

3:47

For now, it's unclear if Trump will be able to deliver on his promise to increase prosperity by bringing more manufacturing back to the US. Rodin was a hub of industry 100 years ago, and state leaders have struggled for decades to bolster the state's economy. So is Trump on the right track by trying to wind back globalization or is his approach a r…

1
Episode 6 | Luke Bonin – Conviction Doesn’t Flinch 2:12:53

23d ago2:12:53

2:12:53

🔥 Episode Summary He didn’t protest. He didn’t post. He just booked a flight to India—because there was a line he wouldn’t cross. In this episode of Cumberland Unfiltered, we sit down with Luke Bonin—a U.S. veteran whose quiet act of kindness went viral… and whose deeper conviction led him to take a stand when it mattered most. From the viral photo…

1
4/4/2025: URI President Marc Parlange 23:09

25d ago23:09

23:09

URI President Marc Parlange joins us to talk about the state of higher education and the school's recent achievements. In the second half, Eli Sherman and Tim White look at the Aaron Thomas trial underway in Washington County Superior Court.By Lee Dooley

1
RI Management and Budget Director Brian Daniels on Trump’s cuts, looking for waste and fraud, and more 3:47

26d ago3:47

3:47

The amount of money used to operate state government in Rhode Island has grown by 5 and a half billion dollars over the last 10 years, to $14.2 billion. Now, President Trump has put a spotlight on efforts to cut government agencies and reduce federal spending. Critics say Trump is dismantling vital services, while his supporters mostly tout this as…

1
3/28/2025: Congressman Magaziner 22:56

1M ago22:56

22:56

This week on Newsmakers: Rhode Island Congressman Seth Magaziner discusses President Trump's first two months in office, the Signal chat scandal, divides among Democrats, his change of plans on moving to his district and more.By Lee Dooley

1
Cannabis Control Commission Chairwoman Kim Ahern on licensing, social equity, & more 3:47

1M ago3:47

3:47

It was almost three years ago when Rhode Island became the 19th state to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana. Supporters praised the move as a way to generate state revenue, keep money from migrating to Massachusetts and ensure a safe product for users. Rhode Island’’s approach was touted for including so-called social equity elements to help…

1
Episode 005 | The Golden Boot: Maria’s American Dream & School Committee Shakeups 2:01:12

1M ago2:01:12

2:01:12

🎙 Guests: Maria Vracic (Founder, Maria’s Red Star Upholstery) Shaun Galligan (Chair, Warwick School Committee) Immigration & entrepreneurship Planning Board removal & town politics Rhode Island education reform School committee governance Public backlash and clarity on controversy Connect with Us: Email us your thoughts or questions: info@cumberlan…

1
3/21/2025: Reporters' roundtable; WPRI 70th 22:57

1M ago22:57

22:57

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by The Boston Globe's Steph Machado for a look at the latest headlines; then, a preview of next week's special coverage commemorating the 70th anniversary of WPRI 12, featuring vintage clips from Newsmakers' nearly half-century on the airBy Lee Dooley

1
3/14/2025: Hospital CEOs 23:12

2M ago23:12

23:12

This week on Newsmakers: Brown Health CEO John Fernandez and Care New England CEO Dr. Michael Wagner discuss their opposition to the governor's budget bill, how to get more Medicaid funding for Rhode Island, the future of their hospitals and more.By Lee Dooley

1
Economic Progress Institute’s Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies on Trump, payday lending, and more 3:41

2M ago3:41

3:41

Advocating for low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders can be an uphill battle during the best of times. Now, with the Trump administration cutting various federal programs, the challenge is steeper. When it comes to promoting economic fairness, progressives have argued for years that the richest Rhode Islanders should pay a little more in taxes. …

1
Episode 004 | Building the Future: Modular Homes & Irish Banter with Donal Byrne 1:51:54

2M ago1:51:54

1:51:54

Topics Covered in Episode 004: The housing crisis in the U.S. & Ireland Why modular homes are the future of affordable housing The push for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) & government pushback The decline of skilled trades & its impact on construction The art of pouring Guinness & Irish pub culture 🎙 Hosts: Caleb Minson, Brad Dean, Jason Dean, And…

1
3/7/2025: 'Why Nothing Works'; political roundtable 22:58

2M ago22:58

22:58

This week on Newsmakers: Marc Dunkelman, a fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute, discusses his new book "Why Nothing Works" and what Democrats need to do to run government more effectively; plus, Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by 12 News political analyst Joe Fleming to break down Gov. Dan McKee's campaign launch video.…

1
State Sen. Alana DiMario on Trump and what’s next in the Rhode Island Senate 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

State Senator Alana DiMario of Narragansett is a mental health counselor who first won election in 2020. She’s one of a number of progressive policy-oriented Democratic women lawmakers who have moved the General Assembly a bit to the left over the last decade. But Rhode Island still faces familiar challenges, including an uneven economy, a tough fi…

1
2/28/2025: Leaders de la Cruz, Chippendale 22:59

2M ago22:59

22:59

This week on Newsmakers: Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz and House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale discuss their legislative priorities at the State House, the GOP's ongoing struggles in Assembly races, the first month of the new Trump administration and more.By Lee Dooley

1
RI Attorney General Peter Neronha on suing the Trump administration, and what is at stake 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is among a number of Democratic attorneys general suing the Trump administration. The litigation covers a range of issues: Elon Musk and his leading role in wielding a chainsaw against the federal government; Trump’s attempt to freeze billions in federal funding for the states; and the ability of transgen…

1
Episode 003 | Cumberland’s Speed Camera Controversy & Infrastructure Woes 1:21:17

2M ago1:21:17

1:21:17

Episode Notes Main Topics Covered 🎙️ Speed Cameras in Cumberland – Necessary enforcement or government overreach? 🎙️ Surveillance & Privacy – How Flock cameras track residents & school bus fines benefit corporations 🎙️ Infrastructure & Overdevelopment – Massive housing projects and their strain on schools & resources 🎙️ Water & Traffic Issues – Bro…

1
2/21/2025: Congressman Amo 23:12

2M ago23:12

23:12

This week on Newsmakers: Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo discusses how Democrats are handling the new Trump administration, pushback from both sides of the aisle, the upcoming budget fight and more.By Lee Dooley

1
RI Senate GOP Leader Jessica de la Cruz on Trump, remaking government and Rhode Island Republicans 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

Republicans are riding high in Washington, with control of the White House, the U.S. Senate and the House. Back here in Rhode Island, the GOP faces a very different situation. The party holds just 14 of 113 legislative seats -- a number that remained unchanged after November’s elections. One bright spot for the local GOP: the Republican leader in t…

1
2/14/2025: Secretary Goddard; Gov. McKee 22:57

2M ago22:57

22:57

This week on Newsmakers: Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard discusses the state's new goal for adding more houses and apartments, how she'll address community opposition, the pallet shelters and more; plus, Kim Kalunian's one-on-one interview with Gov. Dan McKee about President Trump, Hasbro, his reelection and more.…

1
Mayor Smiley on Trump’s effect, Providence schools and what’s ailing Democrats 3:47

2M ago3:47

3:47

Rhode Island’s capital city, Providence, is overwhelmingly Democratic. But that doesn’t mean the city is beyond reach of the sweeping changes in government being promoted by President Donald Trump and his supporters. Even under the best of circumstances, Providence struggles to generate enough revenue to pay for city government. And despite decades…

1
Episode 002: Cumberland’s Future & The Business Mindset 1:45:00

3M ago1:45:00

1:45:00

In this episode of Cumberland Unfiltered, we sit down with Mike Cesaroni, CEO of Horizon HVAC & C.E.S. Construction, and host of The Mindset Radio Podcast. We discuss business growth, entrepreneurial mindset, and local Cumberland issues, including the Diamond Hill Park project and its potential impact on the town.Tune in for an unfiltered conversat…

1
2/7/2025: Gen. Callahan; reporters' roundtable 23:07

3M ago23:07

23:07

This week on Newsmakers: Maj. Gen. Christopher Callahan sits down with 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian for an exit interview during his final days leading the Rhode Island National Guard; then, Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by The Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson to break down how the local congressional delegation is responding to President T…

1
Brown University Health President/CEO John Fernandez on Trump, RI healthcare 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

Rhode Island’s largest hospital group, Lifespan, changed its name last June to Brown University Health. The name change and related agreements were billed as a way to improve patient care, medical education and biomedical research in the state. But making headway against Rhode Island’s healthcare challenges is more difficult than changing a name. T…

1
Newsmakers 1/31/2025: AG Neronha 23:07

3M ago23:07

23:07

This week on Newsmakers: Attorney General Peter Neronha discusses his office's early legal challenges against the new Trump administration on federal funding and immigration, as well as the future of Roger Williams and Fatima hospitals, the Washington Bridge, politics and more.By Lee Dooley

1
Sen. Linda Ujifusa on Trump, RI Senate leadership, and making progress on healthcare 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

Linda Ujifusa, a Portsmouth Democrat, first won election to the Rhode Island Senate in 2022. As a progressive woman, she exemplifies how the General Assembly has changed over the last 10 years. Ujifusa is a California native and Harvard-educated lawyer. She was among the senators who pushed unsuccessfully during a November caucus for different lead…

1
Episode 001: Welcome to Cumberland Unfiltered 41:51

3M ago41:51

41:51

Welcome to Cumberland Unfiltered Podcast! Today, we’re setting the stage for what’s to come. Tune in to learn about our mission, meet the hosts, and hear about the topics we’ll cover in future episodes. Connect with Us: Email us your thoughts or questions: [email protected] Listen to Cumberland Unfiltered Podcast on Your Favorite Platfo…

1
Newsmakers 1/24/2025: Sheriff Heroux; Sean Spicer 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

This week on Newsmakers: Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux discusses President Trump's new policies on immigration, how his agency currently handles the issue, politics and more; then, Kim Kalunian talks one-on-one with former White House press secretary Sean Spicer about what he expects from the new administration.…

1
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee on Trump, RI’s economy, Washington Bridge & more 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

A new era in American politics started with the return of Donald Trump to the White House this week. The effect is already being felt across the country due to a volley of executive orders signed by Trump. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, a Democrat, was an early supporter of Joe Biden in 2020 and he now faces the task of leading the state’s respon…

1
1/17/2025: State of the State roundtable 22:56

3M ago22:56

22:56

This week on Newsmakers: Tim White and Ted Nesi are joined by The Boston Globe's Steph Machado and The Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson for a reporters' roundtable on Gov. Dan McKee's State of the State speech and his newly release $14 billion state budget bill.By Lee Dooley

1
Providence Chamber President Laurie White 3:47

3M ago3:47

3:47

Elected officials in Rhode Island have been trying to reinvent the state’s economy practically since the Great Depression -- and it remains a work in progress. During his State of the State speech on Tuesday, Governor Dan McKee cited an upbeat message. He says Rhode Island is flipping the script on outdated narratives about being an economic laggar…

1
1/10/2025: Reps. Shekarchi & Blazejewski 22:56

4M ago22:56

22:56

This week on Newsmakers: House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Majority Leader Chris Blazejewski discuss the new General Assembly session, the budget deficit, housing and homelessness, truck tolls, the Washington Bridge, politics and more.By Lee Dooley

1
Shekarchi on a tough fiscal climate, making progress on housing, and more 3:47

4M ago3:47

3:47

Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi starts 2025 in an enviable position. He has overwhelming support from the members who make up the House of Representatives -- and won re-election as speaker this week with 62 of 75 votes. Shekarchi has more than $3 million in his campaign account -- and that gives the Warwick Democrat a lot of flexibility if…

1
1/3/2025: Mayor Picozzi; roundtable 23:01

4M ago23:01

23:01

This week on Newsmakers: Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi discusses his recent reelection victory, the funding crisis in the city schools, new housing construction, the airport and more; then, Target 12's Eli Sherman joins Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss the cyberattack on a state IT system.By Lee Dooley

1
Sen. Ryan Pearson on what’s next for the RI Senate after a split in calls for new leadership 3:47

4M ago3:47

3:47

Ryan Pearson’s term as the second-ranking member of the Rhode Island Senate will formally end Tuesday. During a Democratic Senate caucus in November, Pearson lost a challenge to Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and Senate Whip Val Lawson won the support to take over Pearson’s role in the legislative session starting next week. More fallout is ex…

1
12/27/2024: New Year's roundtable 22:58

4M ago22:58

22:58

This week on Newsmakers: a New Year's reporters roundtable looks back at the top local news of 2024 and ahead to what will make headlines in 2025. Ted Nesi is joined by Dan McGowan, Antonia Noori Farzan and Ian Donnis.By Lee Dooley

1
12/20/2024: RI US Attorney Zachary Cunha 22:57

4M ago22:57

22:57

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a sweeping civil case against CVS this week, alleging unlawful prescriptions that fueled opioid crisis. Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha talks about that case, his future as new presidential administration is poised to take over, and what he expects with a Trump-era DOJ.…

1
Housing Network of RI’s Melina Lodge on the housing crisis and how to move forward 3:47

4M ago3:47

3:47

Almost 66 percent of Rhode Island voters approved a November ballot question asking if they wanted to borrow $120 million to create more housing. But there are also signs around the state of a housing backlash, with some residents and local officials opposing the development needed to expand the housing stock. And the median price of a home in Rhod…

1
12/13/2024: David Cicilline; AG Neronha 23:08

5M ago23:08

23:08

This week on Newsmakers: Rhode Island Foundation President and CEO David Cicilline discusses the organization's newly released five-year plan, his priorities for 2025, politics and more; plus, Attorney General Peter Neronha talks to Kim Kalunian about the Washington Bridge, his political future and more.…

1
U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo on where Democrats went wrong, what’s next, and his expectations for the Trump administration 3:47

5M ago3:47

3:47

Rhode Island’s two-member U.S. House delegation has turned over in the last few years. In the Second District, Congressman Jim Langevin dropped a surprise announcement in 2022 that he would not seek re-election after 22 years in office. Then First District Congressman David Cicilline, initially elected in 2010, made his unexpected departure last ye…

1
12/6/2024: Thomas Hodgson; reporters' roundtable 22:58

5M ago22:58

22:58

This week on Newsmakers: former Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson, the honorary Massachusetts chairman of President-elect Trump's campaign, discusses the incoming administration's immigration policy and why Trump did so well in Bristol County; plus, Target 12's Eli Sherman and Globe RI's Steph Machado join Tim White and Ted Nesi to discuss the …

1
Save The Bay’s Jed Thorp on climate change, Narragansett Bay, and more 3:09

5M ago3:09

3:09

The intense downpours causing more street flooding in the region in recent years reflect the impact of climate change. At the other end of the weather spectrum, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee this week issued a statewide drought advisory. But there’s some good news when it comes to the health of Narragansett Bay. Water quality has improved so much…

1
11/27/2024: Discriminatory housing practices, food insecurity in RI 23:02

5M ago23:02

23:02

Roger Williams University School of Law Professors Nicole Dyszlewski and Natasha Varyani discuss their research into racial covenants and redlining, and how the practices permanently shaped neighborhoods across the Northeast. Then R.I. Community Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff discusses the latest "Hunger in Rhode Island Status Report" report that show…

1
11/22/2024: Mayor Smiley 23:07

5M ago23:07

23:07

This week on Newsmakers: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley discusses the city's $15 million settlement with the state over school funding, a looming tax hike, the city's financial stability, the slow rollout of pallet shelters in the city, Gina Raimondo's future and more.By Lee Dooley

1
Nirva LaFortune on what’s happening at City Year Providence 3:47

5M ago3:47

3:47

Nirva LaFortune emerged on Rhode Island’s political scene in 2017. That’s when she won a special election to represent Ward 3 on the East Side on the Providence City Council. LaFortune brought a new perspective and she was the first Haitian-American to win political office in Rhode Island. Five years later, in 2022, LaFortune placed third while run…

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