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Helena Buonanno Foulkes, Democratic candidate for governor of Rhode Island, joins the podcast for an in-person conversation about her renewed run for the state’s top job. Foulkes previously mounted a competitive primary challenge against Governor Dan McKee in 2022, reshaping the Democratic field and signaling voter appetite for change.

In this interview, Foulkes reflects on the lessons of her first campaign, how her approach has evolved, and what she believes Rhode Island residents are demanding from their next governor. We discuss housing affordability, economic competitiveness, trust in government, and whether executive leadership from outside traditional politics can translate into effective governance at the State House.

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In the aftermath of the killing of two American citizens in Minneapolis and amid heightened resistance to federal immigration enforcement actions, many organizations are facing pressure to respond — publicly, internally, or both.

Mike Raia, founder and president of Half Street Group, joins the show to offer guidance on how organizations can navigate moments of crisis and political sensitivity, including:

• When speaking out helps — and when it backfires
• The risks of silence versus poorly timed statements
• How values, stakeholders, and long-term credibility should shape response strategies

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onight at Providence City Hall, members of the City Council will formally introduce a rent stabilization ordinance aimed at limiting annual rent increases in the city.

Supporters argue the proposal is a necessary response to rapidly rising rents, housing insecurity, and displacement in one of the tightest rental markets in the country. Critics warn rent stabilization could discourage new housing construction, reduce investment, and create unintended long-term consequences.

In this episode, we’re joined by Providence City Councilor Sue AnderBois, a leading proponent of the plan, to walk through what’s being proposed, why she believes the policy is needed now, and how the ordinance is designed to balance tenant protections with concerns from landlords and developers.

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Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the state’s political moment. Shekarchi reacts to Governor Dan McKee’s proposed budget, outlining where the House is aligned, where concerns remain, and what he sees as the legislature’s priorities in the months ahead. The Speaker also speaks candidly about his own political future, addressing speculation about a potential run for governor in 2026 and how he’s thinking about leadership, timing, and responsibility as one of the state’s most powerful elected officials.

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Bill Bartholomew offers additional analysis of Governor McKee’s State of the State address and is joined by veteran reporter Steve Klamkin to put the speech — and reaction from other political figures — into perspective.

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Bill Bartholomew provides on-location analysis from the Rhode Island State House following Governor McKee's delivery of the 2026 State of the State address. 

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Boston Globe columnist and author of RhodeMap Dan McGowan joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the biggest Rhode Island stories of 2025.

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Mike Raia, Fonder and President, Half Street Group, joins Bill Bartholomew to discuss the best books, shows to binge and the best and worst Rhode Island stories of 2025.

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Brown University shooting updates with facts: IG @billbartholomew

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Ian Donnis (Ocean State Media (NPR/PBS)) and Ted Nesi (WPRI TV) join Bill Bartholomew for a look ahead to 2026, a year that is anticipated to be a very interesting political season in Rhode Island.

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