Shows
A Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBSThis week on Lively, what can be done about Rhode Island's skyrocketing electric bills?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 WPRI-TV Digital Content Producer, Raymond Baccari.2025-03-0129 min
Public Health Out LoudSame Old Tricks: Keeping Tobacco Industry Marketing on Rhode Island's RadarNovember 21st is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, an annual event that encourages people to quit smoking or reduce their tobacco and nicotine use for at least 24 hours to live a healthier life and reduce their cancer risk. Ámbar Delgado, Manager of Advocacy at Tobacco Free RI Statewide Network, talks about why reducing tobacco and nicotine use should still be on our radar and highlights the resources available to all Rhode Islanders who want to quit. 2024-11-1522 minA Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBSOn Lively, Trump gets a second term in a not-so-close race & how Rhode Islanders voted.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 Bill Bartholomew of The Bartholomewtown Podcast.2024-11-0928 minPublic Health Out LoudThe Rhode Island Rental Registry: Your Questions AnsweredEvery landlord in Rhode Island is now required by law to register their residential rental properties in a new Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)-managed database, which was launched in September. RIDOH’s Deputy Director, Seema Dixit joins us to answer your questions about the Rental Registry. Why does this registry exist and what is required? What happens if a property owner doesn't register? How can landlords obtain the required lead certificate? Download and listen to get answers to these questions and more. 2024-11-0119 min
Rhode Island Builders Association News & Views PodcastRhode Island Builders Association News & Views Podcast Episode 18In today's Podcast, Rhode Island Builders Association President Jim Deslandes will be speaking with David Moreira from Rhode Island Energy on their new customer portal.
2024-09-0617 minPublic Health Out LoudCelebrating the Roles of Community Health WorkersNational Community Health Worker Awareness Week is August 26-30, 2024 but in truth, Community Health Workers, or CHWs, could easily be celebrated all year. That's because they serve as trusted community leaders, expert problem solvers, and culturally competent subject matter experts-- often bridging the gap between their community's needs and important health or social services. In this episode, Dr. Philip Chan sits down with certified CHWs Rachel Young of the Rhode Island Alliance for Community Health Worker Employers, and Kinzel Thomas, from Family Services-RI. As we celebrate, commemorate, and collaborate with CHWs for National CHW Awareness Week, there's no better time to...2024-08-1522 minA Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBSWashington Bridge updates and the future of affordable housing in Rhode Island.Boston Globe Reporter Steph Machado, The Providence Journal's Patrick Anderson and Nancy Lavin from Rhode Island Current join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss affordable housing in Rhode Island and the latest on the Washington Bridge.2024-05-0428 min
The Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Protecting Healthcare SpacesIn this episode we'll be exploring three examples of folks fighting to protect healthcare spaces in Rhode Island. This April, we acknowledge Black Maternal Health Week. We'll hear a recent conversation between Dr. Farah Shafi, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s chief medical officer; Ana Sofia de Brito, a certified nurse midwife at Women & Infants, and Stacy Waters, executive producer of the RI PBS docuseries, "The Risk of Giving Birth", as together, they highlight the inequities in maternal health outcomes for black and brown birthing people and offer recommendations on what can be done within the...2024-04-1953 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Women Advancing Health EquityAs Women’s History Month draws to a close, we are joined by two women who are passionate about addressing health equity. Carolyn Belisle is Blue Cross’s Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Carrie Bridges is Vice President of Community Health and Equity for Lifespan Health System. We sat down for a frank discussion about the state of women’s health equity, health equity overall, and the tremendous work needed to turn change into transformation.Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.2024-03-2633 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Heart HealthFebruary is Heart Health Awareness Month, and today, we'll be engaging in conversations, and tackling some difficult topics on how to make your heart healthier. You'll hear from a Blue Cross associate who has learned to turn loss into activism. We'll be joined by Michelle Clark from the American Heart Association. And finally, a Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode Island dietitian will share insights on how to eat more heart-healthy without the heartbreaking decision to give up all your favorite foods.Learn how you can help the American Heart Association here.To meet with a...2024-02-1438 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Joy – 2023 EditionJoin us as we look back on the 2023 Road to Health podcast season, reliving moments of happiness, connection, and community strength. In this episode, we'll chat with a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island dietitian for tips on sticking to dietary resolutions. We'll hear from two practitioners using creative play to improve children's mental health. Explore the diverse definitions of joy from our employee business resource groups. Learn from a Rhode Island institution safeguarding dignity and hygiene health. Finally we'll celebrate the 20th birthday of the BlueAngel Community Health Grant. It's a journey through the year's inspiring stories...2023-12-2542 minA Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBSA look at what 2023 had in store for Rhode Island, and predictions for 2024.Our special end-of-year program: Brown University Professor Wendy Schiller, The Public’s Radio Ian Donnis, and Former URI Professor Maureen Moakley join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss the top local and national stories of 2023, the biggest winners and losers of 2023, moments that could only happen in Rhode Island, and the panel makes their predictions for what 2024 has in store for Rhode Island and the U.S.2023-12-2328 minA Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBSWhat the voters decided around Rhode Island on election day.The Boston Globe’s Steph Machado, Political Strategist Rob Horowitz, and Chairman of the RI GOP Joe Powers join Moderator Jim Hummel to discuss election day results, along with other news around the state. We interview Sen. Zurier on alternate voting options, and interview the Presidents of Rhode Island PBS and The Public’s Radio to discuss their newly planned merger.2023-11-1128 minA Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBSCorruption, trust in government, and McKee’s approval rating - what Rhode Islanders care about in state politics.Political Science Professors from Brown - Wendy Schiller, URI - Emily Lynch, and Providence College - Adam Myers, join Moderator Jim Hummel to dissect results from a URI poll on Rhode Islanders’ attitudes towards politics, as well as Attorney General Peter Neronha announcing a possible run for governor and reactions to the CD1 debate from this week. Then in an extra segment, they discuss the latest in national politics, including a new speaker of the house and a looming federal shutdown. 2023-11-0437 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Healthy AgingBlue Cross is dedicated to helping Rhode Islanders stay healthy as they age. And for good reason. Rhode Island's population is one of the oldest in the United States. And healthy aging means more than just maintaining physical health as we get older. It means aging with dignity, mental well-being, and secure access to social determinants of health like housing and food. Ensuring healthy aging is a big job. Of course, aging affects all of u. And that's why we're dedicating today's episode to this important topic. We'll speak with Maria Cimini, Director of the Rhode Island Office of...2023-10-1349 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandRhode Island Community Food Bank: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health GrantToday we're continuing our celebration of 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grants with a beloved institution; The Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The Food Bank was a recipient of two BlueAngel Community Health Grants, one in 2004-2005 for "Eating Well" and the other in 2009-2010 for "Raising the Bar on Nutrition." I got to sit down with Flannery Sullivan – Community Nutrition Manager, and Yesenia Barnier – Program Manager of the Food Bank's Kids Cafe, and we discussed the many ways this critical Rhode Island organization keeps folks fed and healthy.The Rhode to Health is a podcast presented by B...2023-09-2715 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Latinx HealthJenny Bautista-Ravreby, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager will be your guest host as we explore Latinx health during Hispanic Heritage Month. You'll hear thoughts from our Latin@ Link EBRG on the state of healthcare. We'll talk with Oscar Alexis Mejias, CEO of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and we will revisit a piece featuring Marcela Betancour, Executive Director of the Latino Policy Institute, and Jennifer Gaviria, Co-Founder of Latino Mental Health Network of Rhode Island. Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.2023-09-1955 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandBACKRHODES: Rhode Island Student Assistance ServicesWelcome to the Rhode to Health Back Rhodes. Now that kids are back at school and settling in we’re revisiting a segment from our Rhode to Learning episode from a year ago, where we sat down with Sarah Dinklage, CEO of Rhode Island Student Assistance Services, about how RISAS is working to protect Rhode Island youth from behavioral health and substance use risks. Recently, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island committed one million dollars over three years to fund this critical work. Let’s listen as Sarah explains how RISAS is removing kids' barriers to well-being.2023-09-1811 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Veteran's HealthIn the month that we celebrate our independence, we’re taking a moment to acknowledge the folks who protect it. Today we're learning about Rhode Island’s veteran population by sitting down with an organization that protects their health and well-being in so many ways. Erik Wallen served as a United States Air Force Captain in the Department of the Judge Advocate General. Since 2011 he has served as the full-time executive director and general counsel for Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. The organization offers a wide range of life-changing services including supportive permanent and transitional housing, legal and VA...2023-07-2525 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandRhode to LGBTQIA+ AllyshipJune is Pride month. Unfortunately, in social media, the news, and, scariest of all, in places that affect lives, livelihoods and the future of our underrepresented friends and neighbors, anti-LGBTQIA discourse is on the rise. And so now, more than ever, it's time to show up in ways that go beyond rainbow-washing and can help protect the health and wellness of a community that is so ingrained in the fabric of our state. This podcast is dedicated to making us all better allies. Joining us are members of Blue Cross's BluepRIde employee business resource group to discuss...2023-06-2349 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Your Mental HealthMay is mental health month and today’s episode was chosen by you, our listeners. We reached out on social media and you told us what you wanted to hear. So, we’re going to have an overview of the pediatric behavioral health crisis and how we’re responding. From Rosaly Cuevas, Manager of Behavioral Health Quality, Network and Policy; Sarah Fleury, Director of Behavioral Health; and back from the top of the show, Rena Sheehan, Vice President of Clinical Integration. We sit down for a round table discussion with Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, Amber Dicks, Shikenya Gough, Chante Foster...2023-05-2048 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to CreativityToday, we're breaking out our palettes and brushes as we paint a picture of creativity and the role it plays in your well-being. We sit down with an actor-turned-public servant, Joe Wilson Jr., Director of the Office of Art, Culture and Tourism for the city of Providence, to look into the future of a more well-creative capital. We talked to Mark Kravatz, interim Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay, about a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to creatively build a new home. And we are visited by art therapy practitioners, Kristen Spencer and...2023-04-2756 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Women's HealthIt’s Women’s History month. As March comes to a close, we’ll be talking about the issues, challenges and triumphs that affect women and their health. And once again I’ve called on some co-hosts to help me navigate these waters. We’ll hear from Kelly Nevins, CEO of Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, an organization investing in women and gender equity; talk about efforts to promote access to women’s mental health through PCPs and OBGYNs with Lifespan’s Maggie Bublitz; and sit down with with Liz Duggan, founder and executive director at Amenity Aid, a non-profit org...2023-03-2348 minPublic Health Out LoudWhat’s in Rhode Island’s Local Drug Supply?With national and local headlines about overdoses, fentanyl, and xylazine, it’s important to know about the risks of substance use and the local drug supply. In this week’s Public Health Out Loud podcast, Dr. Philip Chan is joined by Dr. Alexandra Collins and Dr. Rachel Wightman, who are leading a new research study at the Brown University School of Public Health and Warren Alpert Medical School called testRI. The research team tests drug residue samples from used paraphernalia collected at overdose hotspots and donated from individuals or community organizations across Rhode Island. The results of the...2023-02-2831 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Black HealthIt's Black history month and we're exploring issues important to Rhode Island's African American community. We join a lively discussion with Blue Cross's Black Council @ Blue, as they discuss the state of health and wellness in their community. We hear from Kaitlyn Rabb of Rhode Island Kids Count as she talks about a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island funded brief entitled Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal, Infant, and Young Children's Health in Rhode Island. And we’re joined by Ray Rickman, who heads an organization dedicated to protecting black history and healthy futures. Rea...2023-02-1749 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to ResolutionThe start of a new year ushers in feelings of hope and motivates us all to become better versions of ourselves. In this episode of the Rhode to Health, our host, Mark Sheldon, and our guests discuss how to strengthen the resolve to build a better you physically, emotionally, and even as part of your community.For tips on how to improve our physical well-being, we were joined by Laura Beltz, a registered dietician who helps Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) members make healthy food choices at Your Blue Store. You’ll also hear fr...2023-01-2040 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to GratitudeIn this episode, we gather to count all our blessings as we pause to think about what it means to give thanks. We're joined by wellness expert Nicole Grace who will teach us to put words to our thankful thoughts in a gratitude journal. We'll visit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and talk to Lisa Roth Blackman, the Food Bank's chief philanthropy officer, about gratitude in the form of altruism. And we'll speak to Melissa Cummings, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island executive vice president and chief customer officer, about a wellness program that incorporates gratitude as...2022-11-2243 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to Your Blue StoreToday we’re talking about how an innovative approach to retail ensures that Blue Cross of Rhode Island members get the most value from their health plans. How that same space can get help them with tough health questions, and how Your Blue Store can even get them up and moving. I’m Mark Sheldon and this is the Rhode to Health, a podcast from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Today's episode: The Rhode to Your Blue Store. You can learn more about Your Blue Stores here.Thanks to our guests Michael Ferna...2022-10-2734 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandBlue Across Rhode Island SpecialOn Friday September 16th, hundreds of Blue Cross employees mobilized across the ocean state for the company’s annual day of service, Blue Across Rhode Island. In this special episode, we’re going to hear stories from organizations whose service projects ranged from painting fences to sorting shoes.We'd like to thank all the organizations that participated in this years Blue Across:Amenity AidBig Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode IslandCommunity Action Partnership of ProvidenceRhode Island Community Food BankGotta Have Sole Foundation, Inc. 2022-09-2315 minA Lively Experiment - Presented by Rhode Island PBSThe panel analyzes the results from Rhode Island primary racesRI GOP Chairwoman Sue Cienki, Boston Globe Columnist Dan McGowan, and Political Strategist Rob Horowitz join Moderator Jim Hummel to analyze the results from the Rhode Island primary races. Support the show2022-09-1728 minThe Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode IslandThe Rhode to LearningIt’s back to school time and we’re discussing health and wellness in Rhode Island’s school kids. We’re joined by Sarah Dinklage, CEO of Rhode Island Student Assistance Services, about how RISAS is meeting RI kids’ mental health needs and helping to prevent substance use disorder in our schools. We’ll also talk to BCBSRI senior medical director and pediatrician, Dr. Gonzalo Paz-Soldan, and manager of behavioral health clinical operations at BCBSRI and social worker, Jessica Walsh, LICSW. They offer some healthy tips for kids to manage school day stress. And finally, we’ll talk to Kelly Starliper...2022-09-0245 min