
Hosted by GoProvidence · EN

In this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with James Beard–nominated chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway. From starting as a dishwasher at 14 to building one of Providence’s most respected restaurants, Derek shares how he found his path in the kitchen, why he chose to stay in Providence, and how that decision shaped his approach to food. We also dive into his philosophy on sourcing, cooking with purpose, and what guests can expect from this year’s Vintner’s Dinner at the Providence Culinary Collective. It’s a conversation about food, community, and creating experiences that bring people together.

Spring in Providence means one thing: food truck season is back. On this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with Eric Weiner of PVD Food Truck Events to talk about how a single night with six food trucks turned into one of Rhode Island’s most anticipated weekly traditions. From Food Truck Friday at Roger Williams Park to new locations across the state, Eric shares how these events have grown into community-driven experiences featuring live music, local beverages, and up to 75 rotating food trucks throughout the season. We also get into what’s new for 2026, including the launch of the Taste Tour, a once-a-month pass that lets you sample multiple trucks in one night, plus kickoff events at the Providence Culinary Collective like Food Truck Bites and the Food Truck Drag Brunch. Whether you’re a regular or just food-curious, this episode is your official sign to get outside, try something new, and eat your way through Rhode Island. 🎧 Tune in and start planning your next food truck night.

On the latest episode of PVD POV, we sat down with Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi to talk about one of the city’s newest additions and what it represents for Warwick as a whole. The conversation centered on the new outdoor skating rink behind City Hall, which has quickly become a popular gathering spot for families and visitors. Designed as a boutique, flat rink, the space was intentionally built to prioritize public skating over organized hockey, giving residents more opportunities to get on the ice. In its first weeks, the rink has drawn strong crowds and positive feedback, reinforcing the need for accessible, community-focused recreation. Beyond skating, the rink is part of a larger vision to create a year-round event plaza in the heart of Warwick. With fire pits, heaters, planned bumper cars on ice and future roller skating in the warmer months, the space is meant to be active well beyond winter. It’s a step toward establishing a true downtown gathering area for a city that has long been known for its neighborhoods rather than a central hub.

In this episode of PVD POV, we’re joined by Jennie Dorsey, Director of Education & Program Development at the American Cider Association, to talk about CiderCon, the premier global cider conference, coming to Providence for the first time ever. Taking place February 2–5 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, CiderCon brings together cider makers, industry professionals and enthusiasts alike for tastings, tours, education and community-building events across the city. Jennie breaks down what makes cider different from beer and wine, why cider is one of the only beverage categories still growing, and how even casual cider fans can get involved through public tastings, tours and the not-to-be-missed Cider Share featuring rare ciders from around the world. Whether you’re cider-curious or already deep in your apple era, this episode is your guide to one of Providence’s most unique winter takeovers. Key Topics Covered What CiderCon is and who it’s for Why Providence was chosen as the host city Cider as an agricultural product and “taste of place” Public events, tours, and tastings anyone can attend The global Cider Share experience How cider fits into Providence’s creative, maker culture Show links: Registration Discover RI Cider Tours JWU Culinary Arts Museum Prohibition in Providence Tour NY/Albany Tour NY Hudson Valley Tour

Providence is a waterfront city in ways a lot of people never see. In this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with Kristen and Tom from Providence Riverboat and The Landing to talk about river tours, local makers, and why seals and dolphins sometimes crash the party in downtown Providence. Kristen shares how The Landing grew into a year-round café and shop stocked with Rhode Island–made jewelry, candles, ceramics, oyster ornaments, and more, all with a local flair that visitors can actually fit in their luggage. Tom takes us on a different kind of tour, walking through the transformation of Providence’s rivers from paved-over, forgotten infrastructure to the intimate, park-filled waterways we know today. He explains how the river was literally uncovered, why locals still can’t believe it was always there, and what it’s like to navigate shallow channels, WaterFire braziers, and the hurricane barrier with a boat full of guests. We also talk oyster and wine cruises, local collaborations with breweries, distilleries, and vineyards, a brand-new larger vessel for groups and conventions, and the little surprises on the water… like seals during Santa cruises. If you think you already know Providence, this episode might prove you wrong.

Trinity Brewhouse is back with a fresh look and familiar vibe. Angel and Jason Winpenny, the team behind Patio on Broadway, walk us through revamping the space, bringing back fan-favorite art, launching Trinity Beer Co. in cans, and re-energizing the Mug Club. We talk menu updates, celeb sightings, WaterFire tents, and why being steps from the Convention Center and AMP matters for game days, concerts, and conventions. PVD POV is a podcast hosted by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the College of Hospitality Management and Center for Media Production at Johnson & Wales University. Hosts are Alana Cerrone O’Hare and Nick Millard. Production is by Professor Bryan Lavin, with assistance from Graduate Students in Tourism Management. Episodes are available wherever you download your podcasts. Visit GoProvidence.com (https://goprovidence.com/) for more information on these stories and everything else Providence. Trinity Brewhouse | Trinity Beer | Providence | Downtown PVD | Patio on Broadway | Craft Beer | AMP | Convention Center | WaterFire | Mug Club | Elevated Pub | New Menu | PVD Nightlife

The 195 District transformed what used to be a stretch of highway into one of Providence’s most vibrant gathering spots. Park Manager Jacob Nathan joins us to talk about its walkable design, packed event schedule, and what’s next — including the long-awaited pavilion with The Guild Beer Garden and Seven Stars Bakery. From yoga on the green to fireworks on the river, it’s all happening where the highway used to be. PVD POV is a podcast hosted by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the College of Hospitality Management and Center for Media Production at Johnson & Wales University. Hosts are Alana Cerrone O'Hare and Nick Millard. Production is by Professor Bryan Lavin, with assistance from Graduate Students in Tourism Management. Episodes are available wherever you download your podcasts. Visit GoProvidence.com (https://goprovidence.com/) for more information on these stories and everything else Providence. Find out more at GoProvidence.com/PVD-POV

WaterFire isn’t just an event — it’s a tradition that’s shaped Providence for three decades. In this episode of PVD POV, we sit down with Chris Donovan, Development Manager at WaterFire Providence, to talk about what makes this public art installation so powerful, the stories it inspires and the community that keeps it alive. We also look ahead to FireBall: Phoenix Rising, WaterFire’s annual gala fundraiser happening this October at the WaterFire Arts Center. From its avant-garde black-tie theme to the honorees who embody the spirit of Providence’s creative capital, FireBall is more than a party — it’s a chance to ensure the fires keep burning for years to come. PVD POV is a podcast hosted by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the College of Hospitality Management and Center for Media Production at Johnson & Wales University. Hosts are Alana Cerrone O'Hare and Nick Millard. Production is by Professor Bryan Lavin, with assistance from Graduate Students in Tourism Management. Episodes are available wherever you download your podcasts. Visit GoProvidence.com (../../) for more information on these stories and everything else Providence.

Roger Williams Park Zoo has long been one of the most beloved institutions in Rhode Island, and in this episode, we find out exactly why. Executive Director Stacey Johnson joins us to talk about what makes the zoo such a vital community asset, from behind-the-scenes conservation work to major upgrades like the new education center and the return of the penguins. We also dig into the surprising science behind animal emotions, how zookeeping has evolved and the zoo’s growing role as a year-round destination for everyone. PVD POV is a podcast hosted by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the College of Hospitality Management and Center for Media Production at Johnson & Wales University. Hosts are Alana Cerrone O'Hare and Nick Millard. Production is by Professor Bryan Lavin, with assistance from Graduate Students in Tourism Management. Episodes are available wherever you download your podcasts. Visit GoProvidence.com for more information on these stories and everything else Providence.

Send us a text This week on PVD POV, we sit down with Bradly VanDerStad, founder of Providence Tour Company, to talk about how one person’s love for the city turned into a thriving small business. From uncovering hidden histories to experimenting with new ways for people to experience Providence — like speakeasy-style strolls and art and architecture tours — Bradly shares what it means to build connection and pride through storytelling. Whether you're a visitor or a local, this episode will have you seeing the city in a whole new light. PVD POV is a podcast hosted by the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the College of Hospitality Management and Center for Media Production at Johnson & Wales University. Hosts are Alana Cerrone O'Hare and Nick Millard. Production is by Professor Bryan Lavin, with assistance from Graduate Students in Tourism Management. Episodes are available wherever you download your podcasts. Visit GoProvidence.com for more information on these stories and everything else Providence.