Best Ripbs Podcasts (2026)

1
This week on Lively, the governor airs his concerns about the $14.3 billion dollar budget. 29:00

Play Pause

6M ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, the governor stops short of a veto but airs his criticism of the $14.3 billion budget. Plus, pushback over RITBA's decision not to release a full inspection report on the Mt. Hope Bridge. Moderator Jim Hummel has the analysis from Patrick Anderson of the Providence Journal. Rhode Island Current's Nancy Lavin, and t…

1
On Lively, the gavel is almost down on the General Assembly session: what's in, what's out? 29:00

7M ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment: keeping up with the flurry of decisions at the State House as the gavel lowers on this year's General Assembly session. What's in, what's out - and what does it all mean? Moderator Jim Hummel breaks it down with former RI Attorney General Arlene Violet, political contributor Joe Paolino and attorney and former Gove…

1
On Lively, winners and losers as the long-awaited state budge emerges from the House. 29:00

7M ago29:00

29:00

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 Machad…

1
On Lively: The AG steps up with suggestions for the healthcare crisis on our doorstep. 29:00

7M ago29:00

29:00

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…

1
This week on Lively, a surprising twist in the Barletta contamination case settlement. 29:00

7M ago29:00

29:00

1
On Lively, Senate response to the House's attempt to block proposed Cabinet pay raises. 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

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 Rep…

1
On Lively, the first American chosen a Pope and pro soccer finally comes to Pawtucket. 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

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…

1
This week on Lively, new leadership at the RI State Senate. Plus, Gina for President? 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

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 …

1
On Lively, who will succeed Senate President Ruggerio & a plan to boost housing stock. 29:00

8M ago29:00

29:00

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 t…

1
On Lively, breaking down key issues facing RI lawmakers as they get back to work 29:00

9M ago29:00

29:00

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 administ…

1
On Lively: left without a PCP in a provider shortage, as Anchor Medical prepares to close 29:00

9M ago29:00

29:00

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, form…

1
On Lively, reaction to a new video showing a lot of bridge concrete in the Seekonk River. 29:00

9M ago29:00

29:00

1
On Lively, big pushback on proposed raises for the governor's cabinet heads. 29:00

9M ago29:00

29:00

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 Pol…

1
On LIvely, the real cost of pallet shelters and the bigger picture of affordable housing 29:00

10M ago29:00

29:00

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 Rep…

1
On Lively, what are state officials doing about Rhode Island's looming healthcare crisis? 29:00

10M ago29:00

29:00

1
On Lively Governor McKee is in for the reelection campaign plus the Washington whirlwind. 29:00

10M ago29:00

29:00

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 …

1
This week on Lively, what can be done about Rhode Island's skyrocketing electric bills? 29:00

10M ago29:00

29:00

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 WPR…

1
On Lively: cheers & jeers for a federal judge in RI in a legal brawl over funding cuts. 29:00

11M ago29:00

29:00

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 …

1
This week on Lively, protests over presidential actions in Rhode Island and nationwide. 29:00

11M ago29:00

29:00

This week on a Lively Experiment: breaking down this week's head-spinning directives from President Trump. Plus, a video raises the question: was it planned demolition or collapse at the Washington Bridge? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Boston Globe reporter and RI PBS Weekly contributor, Steph Machado plus political contributor Don Roach and Bi…

1
This week on Lively, funds for the bridge up in the air as part of a larger federal pause. 29:00

11M ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, confusion reigns during Trump's first week in office. Are funds to fix the Washington Bridge in jeopardy as a result of a larger federal pause? Plus, news on Johnston's affordable housing fight. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by RI GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki, Bill Bartholomew of the Bartholomewtown Podc…

1
This week on Lively, the end is in sight for completion of the Providence pallet shelters. 29:00

11M ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment: at long last, the Providence pallet shelters are slated to open. Can a new bill speed up the temporary housing process? Plus, the local take on President Trump's busy and controversial first week. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, Paige Parks of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT and former S…

1
This week on Lively, examining Governor McKee's State of the State plus budget details. 29:00

12M ago29:00

29:00

This week on Lively, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by attorney and former prosecutor Eva-Marie Mancuso, political contributor Pablo Rodriguez and Joe Larisa, an attorney & former governor Almond's Chief of Staff. They break down the governor's State of the State and next year's budget. The big question: how to bridge a $300 million deficit? Plus, …

1
This week on Lively, what will be the key issues facing the General Assembly in 2025? 29:00

12M ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, House and Senate leaders break down the key issues Rhode Island faces in 2025. Moderator JIm Hummel is joined by House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, Senate Majority Leader Val Lawson, Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz and House Majority Leader Chris Blazejerski. Topics include the budget deficit, cybera…

1
This week on Lively: the state response to the cyber hack plus a 2025 legislative preview. 29:00

12M ago29:00

29:00

This week on a Lively Experiment, how state officials will mitigate the fallout of the cyberattack that may impact 650,000 Rhode Islanders, as information from the hack makes its way to The Dark Web. Plus: new year, new session, new challenges for the General Assembly. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal State House reporter Patric…

1
This week on Lively, the highs and lows of 2024 plus our predictions for the year ahead. 29:00

1y ago29:00

29:00

This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Ian Donnis of The Public's Radio, Boston Globe Reporter and RI PBS Weekly Contributor Steph Machado, and Brown University Political Science professor Wendy Schiller. It's nearly a wrap on 2024! Join us for a look back on the highs and lows of the past 12 months plus some prediction…

1
This week on Lively: the response to a breach of RI's public benefits computer system. 29:00

1y ago29:00

29:00

This week on a Lively Experiment: scrutiny of state response to the cyberattack worrying thousands of Rhode Islanders. There were warnings ahead of the breach of the public benefits computer system. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Ian Donnis of The Public's Radio, Boston Globe Reporter and RI PBS Weekly Contributor Steph Machado, and Brown Univer…

1
This week on Lively, tolling trucks gets a green light but a federal court says slow down. 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by political contributor Scott MacKay, URI Political Science professor Emily Lynch and former Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. Up for discussion: should Rhode Island resume tolling trucks? Plus, examining the logic behind the latest delay in opening the three-million-dollar pallet shel…

1
This week on Lively: one year after the Washington Bridge closure, what's the outlook? 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

This week on a Lively Experiment, moderator Jim Hummel is joined by David Salvatore of The Providence Foundation, The Providence Journal's Antonia Noori Farzan, and former state representative Nick Gorham. It's an anniversary nobody's celebrating: 1 year after the Washington Bridge failure, what's the outlook? Plus, how to get a better bang for the…

1
This week on Lively, how much will Providence have to cough up to fund its schools? 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, Providence residents are in for some financial pain as the city tries to find additional money to fund its schools. Plus, how the governor's race is shaping up. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Rhode Island GOP National Committeeman Steve Frias, The Boston Globe's Edward Fitzpatrick, and Weayonnoh Nelson-Da…

1
This week Lively, who's to blame for the huge Providence schools budget deficit? 29:00

1y ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, Providence schools face a financial crisis with no easy answers. Plus, President-elect Trump moves quickly to fill cabinet positions and raises eyebrows along the way. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by National Committeewoman of the RI GOP Sue Cienki, Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC, and Providence Col…

1
On Lively, Trump gets a second term in a not-so-close race & how Rhode Islanders voted. 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment: what a second Trump Administration looks like; Rhode Island's Senate leader keeps his seat; and a lead attorney quits the Washington Bridge case. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by attorney and former Chief of Staff to Governor Almond, Joe Larisa; Brown University Political Science Professor, Wendy Schiller; and Bil…

1
On Lively, controversy even after the governor is cleared of charges in the ILO case 29:00

1y ago29:00

29:00

This week on a Lively Experiment: no fire but plenty of smoke even after Governor McKee is cleared of charges in the ILO investigation. The controversy continues in a war of words. Plus, an even longer timeline for the Washington Bridge? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Rhode Island Attorney General Arlene Violet, Ken Block of Watchdog Rhod…

1
This week on Lively, a change order spikes the cost of the Washington Bridge demolition. 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

This week on a Lively Experiment, a change order more than doubles the cost of the Washington Bridge replacement. Plus, a look at local political races. And is using AI in school cheating? Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Republican Strategist Lisa Pelosi, Providence Journal State House reporter Patrick Anderson, and Boston Glober Reporter and Rho…

1
This week on Lively, officials answer the public's questions about the Washington Bridge. 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

his week on a Lively Experiment, state officials answer the public's questions about the Washington Bridge and outline a pushed-back timetable. Plus, rising friction between Providence and the state over school funding. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by former Cranston mayor Allan Fung, Rhode Island Current reporter Nancy Lavin and former chair of …

1
This week on Lively, a new poll shows how the public feels about local elected officials 29:00

1y ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, a new poll reveals where local election officials stand with Rhode Islanders. Plus, the state Board of Election responds to election process concerns. We'll also hear the local take on the Vice-Presidential debate. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Political Contributor Scott MacKay, URI Political Science Professor…

1
This week on Lively, a computer hack in the Providence school system. What happens now? 29:00

1+ y ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, the response to a computer hack in the Providence School system. Plus, when can we really expect the Washington Bridge to be fixed? And in North Kingstown, the fight to retain a controversial seawall. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Providence Journal reporter Antonia Noori Farzan, Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe P…

1
This week on Lively: demolition crews, told to stop work on the Washington Bridge. Why? 29:00

1+ y ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, the Washington Bridge saga takes a turn when crews are told to stop working to preserve evidence. What does that mean for commuters? Plus, local analysis of the presidential race. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by Boston Globe reporter Steph Machado, Democratic Strategist Rob Horowitz, and attorney and former Gover…

1
This week on Lively, primary election results and the latest on the Washington Bridge. 29:00

1+ y ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, the local take on the Presidential Debate, low voter turnout in Rhode Island's primary races, and news on a few fronts about the troubled Washington Bridge. Joining moderator Jim Hummel for Outrages and Kudos are political contributor Don Roach, Rhode Island GOP National Committeewoman Sue Cienki, and Political Con…

1
This week on Lively, the state extends its takeover of Providence schools. 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, the state extends its takeover of Providence schools by 3 years. Plus, the local take on Kamala Harris' first extended interview since becoming the presidential nominee. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Brown University Political Science Professor Wendy Schiller, Former State Representative Nick Gorham, and Paige C…

1
This week on Lively, the state seeks accountability in the Washington Bridge failure 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, the state sues firms that worked on the Washington Bridge and what this might mean for Governor McKee. Plus, can Kamala Harris keep up the momentum after the convention? Joining Jim Hummel are Bill Bartholomew of The Bartholomewtown Podcast, Providence College Political Science Professor Adam Myers, and Weayonnoh N…

1
This week on Lively, Washington Bridge litigation and shoreline access news. 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, why the AG says the Washington Bridge lawsuit needs his approval, plus the timeline for replacement. Also, is shoreline access about to change for Rhode Island beachgoers? Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Former Rhode Island Attorney General Arlene Violet, Harrison Tuttle of Black Lives Matter RI PAC, and Former Na…

1
This week on Lively, local views on the VP pick and the latest on the Washington Bridge. 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, what's new with the Washington Bridge? Plus, Dominick Ruggierio answers his challenger's call to follow Biden's lead and drop out of the state Senate race, and we'll get the local take on Harris' VP pick. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are WPRI Investigative Reporter Ted Nesi, Retired URI Political Professor, Maureen…

1
This week on Lively, what a sharp rise in uncontested Assembly races means for voters. 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on A Lively Experiment, proponents of Con Con get their turn to testify. Plus, examining the consequences of a sharp rise in uncontested General Assembly seats. And the AG puts agencies withholding public records on notice. Moderator Jim Hummel is joined by political contributor Ray Rickman, Republican strategist Lisa Pelosi, and Billy Hu…

1
This week on Lively, opposition to a constitutional convention and budget storm clouds 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on a Lively Experiment, rising opposition to a constitutional convention. Plus, the General Assembly pushes the governor's proposed budget to $14 billion, and why 500 Providence kids are in urgent need of dental care. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are former Lieutenant Governor candidate Aaron Guckian, Rhode Island Current Reporter Nancy L…

1
This week on Lively,debate over beachfront access and the latest on the Washington Bridge. 28:34

1+ y ago28:34

28:34

This week on A Lively Experiment: renewed debate over beachfront access, looking for answers about the troubled Washington Bridge, and local analysis of the presidential race after the Trump assassination attempt. Joining Moderator Jim Hummel are Tim White of WPRI Target 12, Antonia Noori Farzan of the Providence Journal, and Ian Donnis from The Pu…

1
This week on Lively, no bids on the bridge: who will rebuild it and how much will it cost? 29:00

1+ y ago29:00

29:00

This week on A Lively Experiment, an update on the Washington Bridge, yet we still don’t know when it will be built, who will rebuild it, and how much it will cost. How did we get here? Joining Jim Hummel are Steph Machado of the Boston Globe and a RI PBS Weekly Contributor, Former Providence City Council President David Salvatore, and Political Co…

1
This week on Lively, local analysis of the presidential debate and a new poll of RI voters. 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively: digging deep with local analysis of the Presidential Debate. Meantime, a new poll shows the Presidential race is tight in the Ocean State and Governor McKee has a lot of work to do to boost his ratings among voters. Joining Jim Hummel are Former State Representative Nick Gorham, Brown University Political Professor Wendy Schill…

1
This week on Lively, highlights of what the General Assembly did and did not do. 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively: with the legislative session in the rearview mirror, we'll look at what lawmakers accomplished since January. Plus, Rhode Island voters get another shot at greenlighting a Constitutional Convention. Joining me are Former State Representative Mike Marcello, Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies of the Economic Progress Institute, and Providen…

1
This week on Lively: the gavel comes down for the General Assembly. What's in, what's out? 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively, it’s all things General Assembly: what made it and what didn't. Plus, Providence schools get more money, but will it be enough? We'll also analyze the debate over an Inspector’s General office and the Constitutional Convention question. Panelists are Boston Globe Columnist Dan McGowan, Rhode Island GOP National Committeewoman S…

1
This week on Lively: what’s in, what’s out for next year’s budget? Plus, a few surprises. 28:59

1+ y ago28:59

28:59

This week on Lively, what’s in and what’s out for next year’s budget, with a few surprises along the way. Plus, should Rhode Island hold a Constitutional Convention? It’s been 40 years since the last one - and the topic is again sparking controversy. And the debate over lawmakers’ proposed changes to the State Pension System.…