Rhode Island PBS Weekly Podcast
Rhode Island PBS Weekly is a Newsmagazine anchored in journalism that searches for truth and examines today’s most important regional and local issues. Viewers are introduced to individuals, ideas, and places in Rhode Island and beyond that they won’t see anywhere else.
On this episode contributor Steph Machado interviews Rhode Island’s Speaker of the House, Joe Shekarchi. Then, we take another look at Michelle San Miguel’s segment on local artists who have a neurological disorder called synesthesia. For many with the condition, music is not only heard, but also seen and words have flavors and colors have a smell. Finally, Pamela Watts features the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center and its tropical Winter Wonderland, where for the first time patrons can go all aboard to explore two toy train exhibits wrapped up in an exotic setting.
On this episode contributor Steph Machado has an in-depth report on the controversy surrounding police officers in public schools in Rhode Island and beyond. Then, we meet again Wampanoag chef and James Beard award winner as the best chef in the Northeast, Sherry Pocknett. Pocknett continues to look for ways to change how we think about food. Finally, Michelle San Miguel takes us to the Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette shrine in Attleboro.
On this episode as part of our Green Seeker series, Michelle San Miguel sits down with researchers at the University of Rhode Island to explore how microplastics are infiltrating all aspects of our lives and why reducing the waste may very well lower the health dangers they present. Then, Pamela Watts introduces to middle-aged workers who gave up their steady jobs to follow their dreams and are enjoying their second acts. Finally, the art of hunting through the eyes of Native American hunter Nakai Northup shares how his Narragansett and Mashantucket Pequot heritage influences how he hunts in the wild. This is part of our continuing My Take series.
It is estimated that one in 36 nationwide is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. On this episode, producer Isabella Jibilian explores neurodiversity and the efforts here in Rhode Island to embrace neurological differences through theatre. Then we take another look at a practice that began in the late 1800’s and continued for almost a century. Pamela Watts reports on Native American children taken from their families and placed in boarding schools by the Federal Government where they were forced to assimilate to quote, “white ways of life” This often brutal practice resulted in multi-generational trauma for indigenous people such as the Narragansetts of Rhode Island. And, finally, in our continuing Window on Rhode Island series, we revisit a cultural center in Woonsocket where visitors can see the genius of an artist who paid homage to the great Italian master for the Renaissance one glorious brush stroke at a time.
On this episode, Pamela Watts introduces us to Barrington resident Navyn Salem and her worldwide mission to save millions of children from starvation. Then, Michelle San Miguel interviews a Rhode Island content creator who reveals how he makes a living on social media. Finally, they call themselves Anti-Graffiti Vigilantes and they are determined to tackle one defaced rock at time and preserve Rhode Island’s beautiful natural resources. Pamela Watts has their story.
On this episode, we mark the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a defining moment in the Holocaust in which nearly 100 Jews were killed and about 30 thousand Jewish men were sent to concentration camps. Michelle San Miguel interviews Rhode Island Holocaust survivors who describe what happens when violence against Jewish people is left unchecked. Then, in remembrance of Veterans Day, we take another look at Pamela Watts profiles of a program that is helping combat veterans cope with Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD). Finally, in our continuing My Take series, Rhode Island Quahogger Jody King tells us everything we need to know about Quahogs, Rhode Island’s favorite clam.
On this special Halloween episode, Weekly takes a second look at the life of H.P Lovecraft—an author whose haunting work has an even darker past. Then, David Wright visits the Lizzie Borden house, the site of one of America’s most notorious murders. Finally, historian and author Beth Caruso shares her take on witches.
In this episode, Michelle San Miguel explores the importance of “trees” in our environment and the tree inequities that poorer neighborhoods in Rhode Island experience. Then, another look at the Rhode Island School of Design’s nature lab where unusual creatures are the norm. Finally, Pamela Watts interviews a Rhode Island author who has been collecting stories about the Ocean State’s haunted past and present.
On this episode, Isabella Jibilian travels to Martha’s Vineyard to uncover the hidden history of sign language on the island. Then, Michelle San Miguel interviews William Kole about his new book, “The Big 100,” which explores how rising numbers of centenarians will have broad reaching impacts on society. Finally, Arlene Violet gives us her take on political division.
In this episode Contributor David Wright reports on the controversy and how a statue of Columbus that stood in a Providence neighborhood for more than 100 years was removed, put in storage for two years, found a new home in Johnston. Then, we revisit a story about Native American Rhode Islander’s who describe in-depth the prejudice they both faced growing up in Rhode Island and their continuing struggle to find their place in today’s society while retaining their indigenous heritage. Finally, another look at contributor Elena Mannes’s report the Ocean State’s special relationship to music and introduces us to one group that’s on a mission to make R&B the state’s official music.