The New Bedford Podcast

Andrew O'Leary, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools

The New Bedford Podcast with hosts Steven Richard and Marcus Coward welcomes Andrew O’Leary, Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools. In this episode, they dive into the challenges and opportunities facing local education, from student achievement to community impact, and discuss the future of schools in New Bedford.

#23 - The New Bedford Police Department faces backlash for hiring "Non US Citizen" as a Police Officer

Tune in for another hard-hitting episode of The New Bedford Podcast! This week, Steven Richard and Marcus Coward dive into some of the most talked-about and controversial stories shaking up the South Coast.

#22 - Marcus Coward

In this episode, Marcus Coward joins us to break down some of the biggest stories making headlines in the South Coast: * The second fatal accident on the New Bedford-Fairhaven bridge — why is this area becoming a hot spot for tragedy? * A drive-by shooting on I-95 in Fall River, allegedly carried out by masked men — what we know so far. * New Bedford’s new police chief steps in — what challenges lie ahead for local law enforcement? * No mayoral election in New Bedford this year — we explain why and dive into the impact of 4-year terms. * Why are local elections so uncompetitive, and what would it take to change that? * Plus, we share ideas on what kinds of businesses we’d love to see open up in New Bedford.

#21 - Brian Conceicao and Catherine Buckley of the Veterans Transition House

In this powerful episode, Steven Richard sits down with Brian Conceicao and Catherine Buckley of the Veterans Transition House (VTH) in New Bedford—a nonprofit organization that has been serving homeless and at-risk veterans for over 30 years. Founded by Vietnam veterans in 1990, VTH has helped more than 3,000 veterans reclaim their lives through housing, rehabilitation, and community reintegration. Brian and Catherine share stories of transformation, the importance of veteran-to-veteran connection, and how VTH has become a trusted resource for those battling substance abuse, PTSD, and financial hardship. From humble beginnings to becoming a regional leader in veteran support services, VTH lives by its mission: to provide a hand up, not a hand out. Whether you’re a veteran, a community advocate, or someone who wants to better understand how to support those who served—this episode is a must-listen.

#20 - Manny DeBrito, Election Commissioner of New Bedford

In this episode, Steven Richard & Michael Silvia sit down with Manny DeBrito, the Election Commissioner for the City of New Bedford. They discuss the vital role of local elections, the importance of civic engagement, and how Manny and his team work behind the scenes to ensure fair, accessible, and transparent elections for the city’s residents. From voter turnout challenges to election security, Manny shares valuable insights into how the election process works at the municipal level and why every vote truly matters. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a lifelong participant in local democracy, this conversation sheds light on the people and processes that protect the integrity of our elections.