The Honourable and The Hack

The Honourable & the Hack is a weekly podcast hosted by retired cabinet minister Andrew Parsons and journalist Alex Bill. The show brings two perspectives to the same table — one from inside government and one from outside it. Through thoughtful conversations and interviews, the podcast examines politics, culture, history, and stories of provincial and national significance, going beyond the headlines to explain what really happens and why it matters.

The Honourable and The Hack is a news podcast hosted by retired cabinet minister Andrew, with 41 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

retired cabinet minister Andrew hosts The Honourable and The Hack, a news show with 41 episodes published.

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  Episode #42

  Ferries, P3s and 'Poster Gate': A Deputy Minister Tells All | H&H Ep. 42

  Sep 29, 20261h 5mS1

  Who actually runs a government department — the elected minister, or the person you never voted for and rarely hear from?In this episode of The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill sit down with Cory Grandy — a career civil servant who spent more than two decades inside the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, retiring as Deputy Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and now working as a senior adviser with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. He is the first deputy minister to join the show.Grandy grew up in rural Newfoundland, finished his engineering degree at Memorial in 1999, and took a junior engineering job with the provincial government because he wanted to stay home. From there the story runs through eight years in Education during school-construction reform, a stint in Municipal Affairs as the provincial director of waste management — the man he jokingly calls "the dump closer" — and a climb through the executive ranks to deputy minister of one of the largest departments in government: the one responsible for the snowplows, the water bombers, the air ambulance, the ferries and the province's biggest construction projects.Much of the conversation goes inside the arrival of public-private partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador. Grandy led the P3 model that delivered the Corner Brook hospital, the new mental health and addictions facility that replaced the Waterford, and a set of long-term care homes. He talks openly about why 2016 was the hardest year of his career, the myth that big projects shut out local contractors, and the current government's cooler view of the whole approach.He also tells the stories that never made the news — the truth about "Poster Gate," the day well-meaning civil servants started pulling "resign" signs off Confederation Building and the media assumed the order came from the top; what really separates a good cabinet minister from a bad one; why he calls the ferry service a system built on convenience rather than necessity; and the toll that online abuse takes on the people who keep government running.If you care about how Newfoundland and Labrador is actually run, what goes on behind the doors of Confederation Building, or the people who keep government moving no matter who wins the election, this is an episode you will want to watch.If you enjoy conversations that mix politics, culture, business, and real stories from accomplished guests, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe.honourableandthehack@gmail.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHack Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LkQE67ItNWoKWlcBbhQmy Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-honourable-and-the-hack/id1864962121The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employer, organization, or institution. This content is intended for discussion and commentary and should not be considered professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.Chapters:0:00 A Career Behind the Scenes2:53 From Rural Roots to Public Service7:42 The P3 Model Explained17:44 The Role of a Deputy Minister23:05 Navigating Minister Relationships32:40 The Challenges of Transportation41:48 The Infamous Poster Gate Story53:35 The Future of Public Service

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  Episode #41

  What It Takes to Become a Media Personality with Lori-Lydia Loveless | H&H Ep. 41

  Sep 22, 202656 minS1

  What happens when a chartered accountant unexpectedly finds herself building a career in television, community news and social media?Lori-Lydia Loveless joins Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill to discuss her unconventional journey from accounting to the Newfoundland Herald, OZFM, NTV and Rogers TV’s Out of the Fog.Lori-Lydia talks about learning to work in front of the camera, covering politics without being labelled partisan, maintaining her trademark positivity while reporting difficult stories, and navigating online criticism.The conversation also explores Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing influencer economy, monetization and paid partnerships, choosing the right social-media platforms—and the surprising phone call that led to Lori-Lydia playing Princess Diana on Son of a Critch.CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:55 Lori-Lydia Loveless Joins the Conversation2:28 From Chartered Accountant to Media3:16 The Interview That Changed Her Career4:44 Joining Rogers TV and Out of the Fog5:35 Moving in Front of the Camera8:19 Growing Up on Newfoundland’s South Coast11:03 Could Politics Be in Her Future?12:11 Her Connection to Elvis Loveless13:50 Covering Politics Without Taking Sides17:20 Rogers TV and the Move Into Community News17:37 Does Lori-Lydia Consider Herself a Journalist?20:13 Reporting Difficult News While Staying Positive22:35 Becoming the “Queen of Social Media”23:13 How She Stays So Connected25:05 Social-Media Burnout and Finding Good News29:20 Developing Confidence on Camera35:11 Newfoundland Accents in the Media36:35 Newfoundland’s Influencer Economy37:38 Monetization and Paid Partnerships40:13 Why Her Positivity Is Genuine41:04 Discovering TikTok and Local Influencers43:07 Choosing the Right Social Platform46:16 Influencers With Audiences Outside Newfoundland47:51 Realizing She Had Become an Influencer48:27 Lori-Lydia’s Acting Career49:13 Playing Princess Diana on Son of a Critch52:41 Closing Conversation53:25 Andrew and Alex Reflect on the Interview Got a question for the next mailbag? Email us at [honourableandthehack@gmail.com](mailto:honourableandthehack@gmail.com) or find us on Facebook. Like | Subscribe | ️ Share it with a fellow political junkie Stay Connected Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHack Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13uw982Y8Br4CvTs Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonourableAndTheHackDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employer, organization, or institution. This content is intended for discussion and commentary and should not be considered professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.

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  Episode #40

  We Drafted Newfoundland & Labrador’s Ultimate Cabinet with NTV’s Michael Connors | H&H Ep. 40

  Sep 15, 20261h 4mS1

  NTV News co-anchor Michael Connors joins Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill for a conversation about journalism, political history and the challenge of assembling the ultimate Newfoundland and Labrador cabinet.Connors reflects on growing up in a media-saturated household and traces his career from The Muse and The Telegram to the press gallery and the NTV Evening News Hour. He also discusses Admit Strangers, his book examining the history of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly Press Gallery and the relationship between journalists and the legislature.Then it is time for H&H’s first Fantasy Cabinet Draft.Michael, Alex and Andrew each become premier for the day and select an ideal cabinet using any provincial cabinet minister who has served since Confederation. Over six rounds, they must appoint ministers responsible for Finance, Natural Resources, Health, Justice and Fisheries before completing their governments with one wild-card selection.The result is a lively debate about some of the most accomplished, influential and memorable political figures in Newfoundland and Labrador history. Once all three cabinets have been assembled, Producer KP steps in to declare the winner.The episode concludes with the announcement of a special H&H contest in partnership with JAG Soundhouse, JAG Hotel and John Steele. One winner will receive two tickets to The Last Waltz 50th Anniversary Celebration on November 10, along with a one-night stay at JAG Hotel. Watch the episode for entry details.Chapters00:00 – Introduction02:31 – Michael Connors joins the conversation02:43 – Growing up surrounded by news and journalism05:28 – From The Muse and The Telegram to NTV News07:23 – Admit Strangers and the House of Assembly Press Gallery12:00 – Why the book matters to politicians and journalists13:30 – Creating the Fantasy Cabinet Draft15:40 – Draft format, rules and strategy20:08 – Round 1: Finance25:05 – Round 2: Natural Resources29:45 – Round 3: Health35:13 – Round 4: Justice42:28 – Round 5: Fisheries49:11 – Round 6: Wild Card55:42 – The completed fantasy cabinets57:27 – Who assembled the strongest cabinet?59:35 – Producer KP announces the winner1:00:48 – The H&H and JAG Hotel/Soundhouse contestGet Involved Like this episode if you enjoy thoughtful political conversations with a little friendly competition. Subscribe and set your notifications so you don’t miss future episodes of The Honourable & The Hack. Join the conversation: Who assembled the strongest cabinet—Michael Connors, Alex Bill or Andrew Parsons? Which selections would you change? If you could appoint one Newfoundland and Labrador cabinet minister from Confederation to today, who would you choose?The Honourable & The Hack brings together former Newfoundland and Labrador cabinet minister Andrew Parsons and political commentator Alex Bill for honest conversations about politics, public policy and the people behind the headlines.New episodes every Tuesday at 7:00 AM Newfoundland Time.Watch or ListenYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHackApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-honourable-and-the-hack/id1864962121Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7LkQE67ItNWoKWlcBbhQmyDisclaimerThe Honourable & The Hack is intended for entertainment and thoughtful discussion. The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers, affiliated organizations or any other individual or organization.Nothing discussed in this program should be considered professional advice. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and consult additional sources when considering the issues discussed.

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  Episode #39

  What Happens Inside the Court System? Chief Justice Raymond Whalen Explains | H&H Ep. 39

  Sep 8, 20261h 4mS1

  What is it really like to lead Newfoundland and Labrador’s Supreme Court—and what challenges are facing the justice system today?Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill sit down with Chief Justice Raymond P. Whalen, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, as he approaches mandatory retirement after nearly two decades on the bench and more than a decade as Chief Justice.Chief Justice Whalen reflects on growing up in Spaniard’s Bay, beginning his career as a teacher, attending law school and developing broad experience across Newfoundland and Labrador’s legal system before his appointment to the bench.The conversation explores the responsibilities of a Chief Justice, his years serving as the sole Supreme Court judge in Gander, the effects of the Supreme Court of Canada’s Jordan decision, court delays, shortages of judges and support staff, and the constant challenge of securing adequate resources for the justice system.They also discuss Newfoundland and Labrador’s aging courthouse infrastructure, the need for modern technology, family justice, small claims, judicial dress codes and the standards used to investigate complaints against judges.Chief Justice Whalen also reflects on the proudest moments of his judicial career, the importance of the rule of law and the work that remains for his successor.CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction1:34 Chief Justice Raymond Whalen Joins the Conversation2:12 From Spaniard’s Bay to the Legal Profession2:52 Why He Left Teaching for Law4:20 The Value of a Broad Legal Background5:00 How Lawyers Adapt After Joining the Bench8:38 Explaining the Courts to the Public9:20 Trial Judge Versus Chief Justice10:34 Running the Supreme Court12:02 Government, Other Courts and the Judicial Council14:41 Serving as the Sole Supreme Court Judge in Gander17:15 Approaching Mandatory Retirement18:36 The Jordan Decision and Court Delays23:31 Judges, Staff and Courtroom Shortages27:20 Funding the Justice System29:54 The New Family Courthouse and Expanding the Court31:34 Learning From Courts Across Canada35:07 Should the Small Claims Limit Change?37:45 Courtroom Dress Codes41:05 Career Highlights and Unfinished Business46:49 What the Justice System Needs Next47:00 Technology, Staffing and the Rule of Law49:29 Newfoundland and Labrador’s Aging Courthouses52:31 How Judges Are Held Accountable54:47 The Justice Robin Camp Inquiry57:00 Reforming the Judicial Complaint Process59:33 Closing Conversation1:00:24 Andrew and Alex Reflect on the Interview Got a question for the next mailbag? Email us at [honourableandthehack@gmail.com](mailto:honourableandthehack@gmail.com) or find us on Facebook. Like | Subscribe | ️ Share it with a fellow political junkie Stay Connected Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHack Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13uw982Y8Br4CvTs Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonourableAndTheHackDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employer, organization, or institution. This content is intended for discussion and commentary and should not be considered professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.

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  Episode #38

  Inside Newfoundland’s PC Party with President Shane Skinner | H&H Ep. 38

  Sep 1, 202653 minS1

  What happens behind the scenes of a political party—between elections, during a campaign and on election night?Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill sit down with Shane Skinner, president of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador, for a candid conversation about his path into politics, rebuilding the party after three consecutive election losses and the campaign that brought the PCs back into government.Shane discusses what the party must do to regain support in the St. John’s metro region, whether his own name will appear on a ballot again, the relationship between the party and Premier Tony Wakeham’s government, and the challenge of keeping volunteers and grassroots members engaged between elections.The conversation also explores the PC Party’s progressive and conservative identities, how differing views are managed inside a broad political coalition, provincial–federal relations, labour support and what election night looks like from inside a winning campaign.Outside politics, Shane discusses his work with Engage Creative, including augmented reality, artificial intelligence, marine navigation, charitable fundraising and a seven-figure contract with the Canadian Navy.Please note: This interview was recorded before the new Churchill Falls agreement was announced. The contents of that agreement are therefore not discussed during the interview.CHAPTERS0:00 Introduction2:02 Shane Skinner Joins the Conversation2:45 Growing Up Around Politics5:18 Running in St. John’s West6:40 Becoming PC Party President7:45 Can the PCs Win in St. John’s Again?10:04 Will Shane Run Again?11:47 The Campaign That Changed Government14:20 Separating the Party and Government15:04 Rebuilding Membership and the Grassroots17:43 What Is the PC Party’s Goal?20:42 What “Progressive Conservative” Means23:32 Inside a Provincial Election Night28:24 Managing a Political Big Tent30:12 Policy Debates Inside the Party32:22 Relations With the Federal Government38:20 Provincial and Federal Conservative Politics40:03 Labour, Trades and the PC Party41:48 Shane Skinner the Entrepreneur43:28 Engage Creative, AI and Marine Technology45:14 The 50/50 Live Fundraising Platform46:07 Defence Opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador48:42 Politics Across Party Lines50:33 Andrew and Alex’s Closing Thoughts Got a question for the next mailbag? Email us at [honourableandthehack@gmail.com](mailto:honourableandthehack@gmail.com) or find us on Facebook. Like | Subscribe | ️ Share it with a fellow political junkie Stay Connected Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHack Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13uw982Y8Br4CvTs Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonourableAndTheHackDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any employer, organization, or institution. This content is intended for discussion and commentary and should not be considered professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.

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