What if losing your very first election was the best thing that ever happened to you?
In this eye-opening episode of Unconventional Times, host Richard Gordon sits down with David Cicilline—former Mayor of Providence, seven-term U.S. Congressman, and current President of the Rhode Island Foundation—to explore how setbacks can shape transformative public service, and to reveal the surprising ways one person can make a real impact.
Key Highlights:
- The Power of Humble Beginnings: Cicilline shares candid stories from his upbringing in a Jewish-Italian family, and how his parents’ values led him to fight for fairness and social change from a young age—even speaking at town meetings as a teenager!
- Public Defender to Policy Leader: Discover how early experiences with poverty, injustice, and America’s legal system shaped Cicilline’s lifelong commitment to equity.
- Breaking Barriers: As the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. state capital, Cicilline discusses fighting corruption, building unlikely coalitions, and navigating the intersection of personal identity and public service.
- From City Hall to Capitol Hill: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the differences between leading as a mayor and serving as one of 435 members of Congress, including the realities of gridlock and finding bipartisan solutions.
- Taking Action Beyond Politics: Now leading the Rhode Island Foundation, find out how Cicilline is leveraging philanthropy to turbocharge innovation in housing, education, and equity—proving you don’t need to hold elected office to make change.
- Advice for Getting Involved: Whether you’re looking to run for office, volunteer, or support your community in new ways, Cicilline shares practical steps (and surprising motivation) for stepping up.
Unconventional Times isn’t just about stories—it’s about empowering YOU to serve in your own way. Listen in and get inspired to build a better community, one bold step at a time.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 David Cicilline: Lifetime of Service
05:47 "Pursuing Impact Through Public Office"
09:50 Revitalizing Providence Through Reform
12:20 "Providence: Ideal Mid-Sized City Moment"
14:59 From Mayor to Congress Transition
18:58 "Mayors Advocate Gun Safety Laws"
21:13 Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Legislation Proposal
23:35 Concerns Over Supreme Court Reversals
28:15 House Independence Erodes Democratic Integrity
32:25 Renown Foundation's Enduring Impact
34:09 "Community-Driven Rhode Island Action Plan"
38:22 Commitment to Inclusive Community Service
40:29 "Serve More, Bridge Divisions"
44:21 "Unconventional Times Podcast"
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