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Discover how the University of Rhode Island's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies is fostering global peace through education, training, and community engagement. This episode explores the transformative power of nonviolence principles in conflict resolution, law enforcement, education, and societal development.

Key Topics - What You'll Learn:

• The origins and evolution of the International Non-violence Summer Institute at URI
• The three-tier certification process based on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s principles
• How nonviolence training enhances community policing and reduces violence
• The intersection of criminology, sociology, and nonviolence strategies
• The importance of introducing peace education at elementary and secondary levels
• The role of nonviolence in achieving global sustainability goals
• The cultural and geographical impact of Rhode Island on peace initiatives
• Practical conflict de-escalation techniques rooted in nonviolence principles

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to URI's Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies

01:01 - Thubten Tendar's journey and involvement since 2008

02:02 - The academic and practical scope of peace and nonviolence studies

02:56 - How nonviolence spans different disciplines and levels

04:06 - Overview of the three-level Kingian Non-violence certification

05:36 - The impact of nonviolence training on leadership and community peace

07:13 - Aligning nonviolence principles with global sustainability and societal goals

08:47 - The importance of peace education in schools and community organizations

10:19 - The intersection of nonviolence, law enforcement, and community safety

11:36 - Understanding violence beyond physical acts and the role of forgiveness

14:08 - Conflict levels and de-escalation techniques based on nonviolence principles

15:16 - How Rhode Island’s environment and community support peace initiatives

16:35 - Closing remarks on fostering a culture of peace

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Bill Bartholomew talks with Katie Sonder, Associate Director and Fellow at the Salve Regina University Pell Center, about the center’s August 2026 Voices of Value poll and what it says about Rhode Island’s Democratic and Republican primary races. The conversation focuses on the headline McKee-Folkes result, the unusually high number of undecided voters, and how academic polling can fill a gap left by shrinking local media polling.

Bill Bartholomew frames the poll, questions the methodology, and argues that academic polling is becoming more important as traditional outlets poll less often. Katie Sonder explains the survey design, the likely-voter screen, the two-step question process for undecided respondents, and why the Pell Center launched the project in the first place.

Key topics

• In this episode, the main headline is the Democratic gubernatorial primary poll showing Helena Folkes ahead of incumbent Governor Dan McKee, 48% to 28%.
• Katie Sonder says the most surprising finding is the size of the undecided bloc, especially in down-ballot races like Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, where nearly half of likely voters are unsure.
• Sonder explains the poll’s two-question method for undecideds: respondents first pick among candidates, then are asked again if they have to choose.
• The Pell Center’s Voices of Value project is designed to track Rhode Island views on state issues and national issues, including democracy, polarization, media habits, legislation, and bridge reconstruction.
• Bill and Katie discuss the broader role of academia in polling and journalism as local media budgets shrink and fewer outlets produce their own statewide polls.
• Sonder says the Pell Center sees the poll as a public good and a bridge between the university and the community.
• On the Democratic side, Sonder points to crowded fields and lower name recognition as reasons for uncertainty in races like Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.
• Bill notes that in the Lieutenant Governor race, Sabina Matos and Zay Collin are near the top, but the undecided share remains very high.
• In the Attorney General race, Kim Ahern leads the pack, but 46% of voters are still unsure.
• The Senate discussion turns to the three-way race involving Jack Reed, Connor Burbridge, and Dr. Luis Daniel Munoz, with Bill arguing that Burbridge’s 12% reflects real campaign momentum.
• On the Republican side, Sonder explains that the smaller sample size means a larger margin of error, but Elaine Poirino still holds a notable lead over Aaron and Jukian.
• Bill emphasizes the transparency of the Pell Center’s materials, including the report, crosstabs, methodology, and survey questions.

Timestamps

00:00 - New Pell Center poll and the McKee-Folkes Democratic primary headline

00:44 - Katie Sonder on the biggest surprise: the undecided vote

02:30 - How the poll’s two-step undecided question works

04:49 - Why the Pell Center launched Voices of Value

06:03 - Academia, journalism, and the shrinking local polling ecosystem

07:14 - Why the Pell Center sees polling as a public service

10:48 - How Katie thinks about reliability and academic rigor

11:30 - Why down-ballot races have so many undecided voters

12:40 - Using the poll to inform voters and candidate research

13:10 - Jack Reed race, Connor Burbridge, and campaign momentum

14:10 - Lieutenant governor race read: Matos, Zay Collin, and weak showings

14:40 - Republican primary polling challenges and Elaine Poirino’s lead

15:28 - Sample size, margin of error, and confidence on the GOP side

16:44 - Why the Republican race remains too fluid to call

18:39 - Where to find the report, crosstabs, methodology, and survey questions

19:24 - Transparency, expertise, and why the poll matters in the civic landscape

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Connor Burbridge discusses his campaign for U.S. Senate against incumbent Jack Reed, focusing on issues, grassroots strategy, and vision for Rhode Island's future**

This episode dives into Connor Burbridge’s grassroots campaign, emphasizing bold ideas to challenge the status quo and invigorate Rhode Island politics. If you're interested in innovative policies, campaign strategies, and how a small state can punch above its weight, this is a must-listen.

Key Topics:

• The current state of Burbridge’s campaign, including poll numbers, fundraising, and ground game strategies
• The importance of debates and candidate transparency, and Burbridge’s efforts to challenge Reed for an open discussion
• Policy contrasts: healthcare, elder care, energy crisis, public education, and economic development
• Critique of Reed’s fundraising reliance on corporate and defense sector money vs. Burbridge's grassroots approach
• The future of Rhode Island’s defense sector: defense contracts, offshore wind, and transitioning to green manufacturing
• The shift in public sentiment toward government and private sector, and how to rebuild trust through effective public investment
• The importance of early groundwork and relationship-building with industry while in opposition

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Connor Burbridge’s campaign against Jack Reed

00:25 - Campaign momentum and voter support in Rhode Island

00:51 - Fundraising challenges and grassroots strategy

01:36 - Ground game significance and voter engagement

03:07 - Reactions from Reed’s campaign and debate attempts

04:20 - Why debate transparency matters for voters

05:01 - Polling insights: internal vs. validated polls

06:37 - Campaign growth and policy focus areas

07:32 - Key policies: elder care, energy affordability, and education

09:00 - The role of big money vs. grassroots in campaigns

10:12 - Voter responses to national issues like energy nationalization

11:14 - The public’s desire for ambitious, big-picture proposals

12:20 - Shift in public trust from private to public sectors

13:00 - Challenges of government efficiency and rebuilding trust

14:07 - The importance of vision in rebuilding government capacity

16:00 - What the primary shape of the Democratic Party looks like

16:48 - Defense sector economic impact and future growth opportunities

20:09 - Transitioning from defense dependence to green energy and offshore wind

21:26 - The influence of political change on policy priorities

22:11 - Building relationships with industry during opposition

23:15 - Supporting grassroots candidates and re-engaging voters

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Bill Bartholomew welcomes URI professor Marta Gomez-Chiarri and Lisa Carnevale from RI Commerce for a discussion on a recently awarded grant that bolsters Rhode Island's position in the blue economy

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Unlocking Local Economies: Rhode Island's Small Business Village at Providence Place

In this episode, we explore a pioneering initiative designed to elevate small businesses through a temporary retail village inside Providence Place Mall. Hear how this innovative approach offers real-world lessons on adaptability, community partnership, and the potential for scalable models supporting local economies, especially amid challenging economic environments.

Key Topics:

• The concept behind the Rhode Island Small Business Village and its strategic timing during summer events
• How community partnerships and mall collaborations made this pop-up possible
• The role of local investors like Centerville Bank and the importance of private-public collaboration
• Design and curatorial approach: creating a curated, store-like experience under one roof
• The potential to scale similar models across other locations or turn them into more permanent fixtures
• The importance of agility and reimagining existing infrastructure for economic revitalization
• Strategies to sustain small businesses in a competitive and uncertain economic climate
• The community impact of local entrepreneurship and micro-business support initiatives
• How local control and community engagement can redefine commercial spaces

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro to economic development strategies for small businesses
00:29 - Unveiling the Rhode Island Small Business Village concept
01:09 - The impact of summer tourism and international events on local business visibility
02:03 - How the idea originated and the role of Skills for Rhode Island's Future
02:46 - Supporting micro-businesses and creating experiential retail opportunities
03:57 - The evolution from temporary pop-up to potential permanent spaces
04:42 - Partnerships with Providence Place Mall and other stakeholders
05:56 - Curating a cohesive shopping experience under a single roof
07:04 - Scaling and evolving the model to other markets and formats
07:46 - The influence of community banks and local sponsors
08:47 - Repurposing existing infrastructure to support small businesses
10:00 - Navigating economic challenges with innovative thinking
13:38 - Maintaining motivation amid economic setbacks
15:56 - The importance of community impact and long-term vision
18:04 - Final thoughts on expanding and sustaining small business initiatives

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Navigating Politics and Public Service in Turbulent Times with Congressman Gabe Amo

Discover how Congressman Gabe Amo navigates legislative challenges, advocates for Rhode Islanders, and discusses the impact of national policies on local communities. This episode offers insights into bipartisan efforts, the importance of organizing outside government, and the complexities of managing public priorities amidst chaos.

Key topics:

• The legislative landscape during a highly polarized political climate
• Strategies used by Congress members to oppose harmful policies
• Bipartisan success stories, including healthcare tax credits and war powers resolutions
• The fight for affordable housing, energy, and food security in Rhode Island
• The influence of global events on local economic conditions
• The importance of grassroots organizing and electoral mobilization
• The role of cultural festivals in fostering community and economic growth
• Personal reflections on service, public engagement, and the significance of reaching milestone episodes

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

00:20 - Congressman's efforts to counteract executive actions and legislate during chaos

00:47 - Bipartisan successes and legislative challenges

01:15 - Advocating amid partisan gridlock and foreign policy issues

01:43 - Responding to misinformation and leadership accountability

02:12 - Organizing outside government for electoral change

02:54 - Addressing Rhode Island's unique affordability challenges

03:33 - Energy and food insecurity at the state level

04:30 - Housing crises and legislative initiatives in Rhode Island

05:24 - Global conflicts and their economic ripple effects

06:02 - National political climate and public outrage

06:34 - Reflections on governance, accountability, and healthcare impacts

07:29 - The importance of full legislative majority for change

08:26 - Personal dedication and upcoming elections’ significance

08:55 - Milestones, including the episode number and reflections on service

09:23 - Celebrating Rhode Island’s cultural festivals and community engagement

09:47 - The role of arts and culture in local identity and economy

10:15 - Closing thoughts and the importance of informed citizenship

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Bill Bartholomew moderates a debate in the Providence mayoral Democratic primary between mayor Brett Smiley and Representative David Morales.

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Bill Bartholomew moderates a debate between Governor Dan McKee and Helena Buonanno Foulkes, the candidates in the Democratic primary for Governor of Rhode Island.

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This episode dives into the multi-layered world of documentary filmmaking, community building, and artistic legacy, with a special focus on the upcoming world premiere of John Shearer American Moments. We explore how film, music, photography, and community spaces intertwine to create immersive cultural experiences that honor history and inspire future generations.

Key topics

• How Newport Film creates a "third space" for community engagement through multi-platform events
• The significance of John Shearer's photography legacy and its artistic reinterpretation
• Jim Spione's approach to combining documentary storytelling with visual arts and music
• Alison Shearer's journey in composing era-specific music for the film
• The role of multi-sensory experiences in storytelling and community building
• Highlights of the upcoming film premiere at Rough Point and its cultural significance
• The generational legacy within the arts through storytelling, photography, and music

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Bill Bartholomew reacts to Newport Folk 2026.

Bartholomewtown was on-the-ground at Newport Folk, covering the performances and people that shape the iconic event.

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