Main Street: A Power of Place Podcast

Join us as we travel to Main Streets across the state to explore what makes these distinctive gathering places for commerce and community so special, and to learn how we can strengthen them.

Season 2 Announcement 11/24/2025

Season 2 Announcement Learn more about Main Street RI: Apply to join our RI Main Street Learning Cohort: Email us: See you in January for Season 2! /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/39152640

Bridging Generations (with Sara Breslin) 10/17/2025

Bridging Generations (with Sara Breslin) Welcome to Wakefield in South Kingstown! Sara Breslin, secretary of the Wakefield Village Association, shares the process of planning their annual Halloween Stroll, the importance of hosting events for all ages, and the rewarding nature of hyperlocal work. Show Notes: Wakefield Village Association: Sara Breslin: South County Bread Company: Birch and Bay: Brickleys Ice Cream: Saugatucket Park: The Glass Station: The Joyce: Caf Bar: Main Street RI Website: Mailing List: /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/38592670

Shaping a Legacy (with Paul Durfee) 10/03/2025

Shaping a Legacy (with Paul Durfee) Welcome to Rolfe Square in Cranston! Paul Durfee, third-generation owner of Durfee Hardware, discusses sustaining a family business through the years, the importance of building relationships with community members and municipal leaders, and the rich history of Rolfe Square. Show Notes: Durfee Hardware: The Park Theatre: Park Senate Barber: Bettola Pizzaria: Mesa Cafe and Grill: Alani's Bistro: Main Street RI Website: Mailing List: /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/38396910

Fostering Curiosity (with Amelia Olson) 09/19/2025

Fostering Curiosity (with Amelia Olson) Welcome to Riverside Square in East Providence! Amelia Olson, owner of Tall Tumbleweed Modern & Vintage, explores the importance of small business support, curiosity as a healing force, and community-led revitalization in East Providence’s Riverside Square. Show Notes: Tall Tumbleweed: Borealis Coffee: Union Square Bistro: Myrtle: Spooky Bottom Bridge (Troll!): The Outsider: Honeybird: Sacred Cow Ice Cream (Monroe Dairy): Main Street RI Website: Mailing List: /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/38268650

Cultivating Belonging (with Devon Mello) 09/05/2025

Cultivating Belonging (with Devon Mello) Welcome to the Broadway District in Newport! Devon Mello, Artistic Director at the Firehouse Theater, discusses the benefits of growing up near Broadway, how the neighborhood has changed, and the significance of live entertainment in promoting social connectedness. Show Notes: Devon Mello: The Firehouse Theater & Bit Players: Empire Tea & Coffee: Caleb & Broad: House of Waves Gallery: Chase Ceglie (local musician): Main Street RI Website: Mailing List: /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/38074040

Amplifying Community Voice (with Cindy Miranda) 08/22/2025

Amplifying Community Voice (with Cindy Miranda) Welcome to the Olneyville neighborhood in Providence! President of the Olneyville Neighborhood Association (ONA) Cindy Miranda shares about ONA's diverse programming, how the neighborhood is changing, and the importance of centering community voice. Show Notes: Olneyville Neighborhood Association: Antojitos De Mi Tierra: Orale Taqueria: Big Top Flea Market: Family Cake Bakery: Fete Music Hall: Wes's Ribhouse: Main Street RI Website: Mailing List: /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/37904850

Preserving Place (with Charlie Wilson) 08/07/2025

Preserving Place (with Charlie Wilson) Welcome to Chepachet Village, a historic district in the town of Glocester! Local business owner and history buff Charlie Wilson shares about his experiences restoring and protecting a historic building, spearheading community engagement events, and modernizing while maintaining a place's unique historic character. Show Notes: The Town Trader: Candlelight Shopping: Scarecrow Festival: The Village Bean: Tavern on Main: Glocester Economic Development Commission: Main Street RI Website: Mailing List: /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/37679000

Promoting a Renaissance (with Keno Mullings) 07/25/2025

Promoting a Renaissance (with Keno Mullings) Welcome to the Black Block, a cultural district in downtown Pawtucket! Local entrepreneur Keno Mullings shares about his experiences opening and marketing his new business, the importance of stimulating entrepreneurship, and the challenges inherent to revitalizing and reimagining a downtown district. Show Notes: The Main Oasis: The Black Block Community Foundation: Latin Touch Barbershop: Angela's Beauty Salon: Still on Main (Still on Main Pizza & The Backyard): Berbena 21: Seed Cafe: Harvest Kitchen: George Wiley Center: Main Street RI Website: Mailing List: /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/37537850

Main Street Trailer 07/11/2025

Main Street Trailer /episode/index/show/f6bace0f-7529-4d57-859b-aaf08657675f/id/37379090

Main Street: A Power of Place Podcast

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