Download the Bartholomewtown podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/163601
What is The Bartholomewtown Podcast‘s origin story?
I’m a lifelong lover of Rhode Island history, politics and media. I grew up somewhat isolated, in Charlestown, RI, and, when I was a youngster, platforms like 95.5 WBRU,The Providence Phoenix and the newscasts on NBC10 WJAR provided a gateway to the outside world. I became obsessed with the content, personalities and legacy brands of these and other outlets. I was also captivated by national political media, particularly Tim Russert and Bryant Gumbel.
I studied political science at The University of Rhode Island, dabbled in political volunteerism, and had considered a career in law, but, after graduating, ultimately moved to Brooklyn, NY and launched a career in a music as an indie singer, songwriter, producer and bandleader. During this time, I was captivated by the evolving and seemingly endless supply of neighborhood-local, citywide and national media that covered many detailed aspects of New York, from sports to politics to music, and consuming this variety of media became my ‘passtime’ of sorts.
After a decade in Brooklyn, in 2016, my wife and I decided to move our band silverteeth to Rhode Island, where I quickly immersed myself in Rhode Island politics and media. I’d kept tabs on Rhode Island politics while in New York, but it wasn’t until I was back in the Ocean State that I began to understand that the state was entering a pivotal moment in its history.
I began calling into local news / talk station WPRO on a regular basis, using the pseudonym “William in Newport”. I found these experiences to be highly energizing, and seemed to call upon an inner “broadcaster” that I had developed since my youth, during years ‘studying’ Rhode Island, New York City and national media.
I decided that I wanted to engage in Rhode Island politics as a broadcaster on a serious level. I’d considered going back to school or trying to intern at a traditional media outlet, but, after assessing the Rhode Island media landscape, and concluding that there was space for an in-depth, storytelling oriented program that highlights Rhode Island influencers, in late 2017, I decided to launch my own project, The Bartholomewtown Podcast. Over the past year and change, the show has grown into a popular local outlet, is distributed by local radio, print and digital outlets, and I’ve appeared as a panelist on Rhode Island PBS’ A Lively Experiment.
Why a podcast? What role do podcasts have to play in shaping conversations – about politics or otherwise – in 2019 and beyond? What role do podcasts have to play in the future of media and journalism?
Podcasts allow for detail-oriented conversations in a way that other media formats are a disadvantage. Obviously, there are time and space limitations in print, radio and television, but even when compared with other new media outlets, like social media platforms, video and blogs, podcasts allow a very specific kind of connection with listeners, that, for whatever reason beyond my explanation, is particularly engaging. To me, great podcasts are like great musical artists, in the sense, that when all of the elements are in place, the overall experience is very specific and engaging. That is what I’m striving to achieve every day.
We are entering into, if not already in an audio-first world. This includes media consumption, voice activated technology and, as 5G technology is rolled out, new levels of voice-driven activity. Podcasts are poised to fit into this landscape in an outstanding way.
How do you prepare for each podcast episode? How do you make the most of your time with your guests? Any tips on how to guide great interview conversations?
I am always preparing for episodes, in the sense that I’m constantly consuming news, making notes and charts for myself to analyze issues, studying Rhode Island history, trying to stay ahead of the curve on tech, art and media. I spend a good amount of time consuming local media and studying my favorite national and international level broadcasters.
What do you feel is a particular strength of Rhode Island politics? A particular weakness?
The obvious strength relates to geography. Size, in terms of the short distance between particular hubs throughout the state, and the possibility that those areas can interact with each other in a meaningful and productive manner. For example, Providence has the potential to be an epicenter for mid-sized companies in, say, medical supply, digital media technology and clean energy, and could interact with elements of The Blackstone River Valley or South County for development and warehouse space, for instance. Future industries have a diverse terrain to tap into to truly impact the entire state in a meaningful way. Not to mention, the average resident lives within 20 minutes of a vibrant urban center, a waterfront location, woodlands, corporate box store wasteland, and a bucolic, historic New England town.
Conversely, our size, regionalism, and history as a somewhat parochial, if not occasionally xenophobic state present unique challenges in terms of getting out of our own way. Hyper-regionalism is a beautiful thing – take the living history of mill towns that survives via the Carolinas and Nasonville’s of the state – but it also allows for an internal battle of haves and have-nots, that must once and for all be addressed in a conclusive manner for Rhode Island to truly shine as a new ‘City on the Hill’.
In your opinion, what 3 political issues should young professionals in Rhode Island pay the closest attention to in 2019? Is there a particular issue (or issues) that you are surprised most young professionals don’t know about, but should? Why?
- Economic Development. We absolutely must develop a statewide plan that engages new industries, expands and refines educational and “workforce” development and uplifts plighted citizens of the state in one fell swoop. I’m not talking about a 5 year plan, I’m thinking 25 – 50 year plan. We have to find a way to balance our progressive ambitions with an element of fiscal conservatism, and open up the channels of influence to appropriate representatives of communities and industries, who must work together to introduce creative strategies for reinventing Rhode Island’s economic machine.
- Environmental and development issues. Besides the usual stuff on climate change and so forth, there are practical environmental issues that must be addressed, less the state’s natural treasures be encroached upon by development and pollution. From basics like rubbish removal in coastal areas to complex issues like environmental discrimination in Washington Park, Providence, environmental issues on a multitude of levels are key to preserving Rhode Island’s values.
- Public transportation. Expanding creativity. Developing additional partnerships with elements of the private sector. Smart busses, water taxi, light rail, rideshare partnerships, ferry, bike and other elements of a robust public transit system are absolutely critical to Rhode Island’s future. This also applies in an interstate context, where effective light rail that connects Providence to Boston and New York could transform the state’s identity in a positive manner.
What does a typical workday look like? Do you have a daily routine or ritual that you swear by / that helps you stay focused?
Each day is different, but generally starts around 8am and rolls on deep into the evening. I’m actually trying to compartmentalize the elements of my work that I am able to, for example, I am now trying to use the front portion of the week more for production of episodes and content, the middle portion for research and development, and the latter for promotion. However, podcast interviews, appearances on radio or TV, press conferences, performances and all sorts of other variables keep me on my toes. I often find myself in moments of creativity or intensity, which is something I am incredibly grateful for.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that inspires you?
Not so much a quote, but I often think of the many inspirational people that I’ve encountered in music and politics in Rhode Island, New York, and beyond whenever I need a boost. Lots of incredible maniacs out there pushing out great art, ideas, technology, and really making an impact.
How can our community stay connected with you?
The best way is to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite app, follow me on Twitter @billbartholomew and on Instagram @bartholomewtownpodcast. I link to each new episode as well as other content that I produce.
Before March of this year, Bill Bartholomew was known in the Rhode Island music scene as the voice of Silverteeth, but since then he’s also become a voice for independent political reporting. A lifelong politics and broadcast nerd, Bartholomew then-newly launched The Bartholomewtown Podcast quickly shifted focus from interviewing local musicians to in-depth conversations with political contenders.
The multi-talented Bartholomew is also an avid musician with an early career as a singer/songwriter
