The Honourable and The Hack

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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.

  1. 23 hrs ago

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

    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.

  2. Sep 8

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

    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.

  3. Sep 1

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

    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.

  4. Aug 24

    Is the New Churchill Falls Deal Better? Why the Cabinet Shuffle | H&H Ep. 37

    Is the new Churchill Falls agreement actually a better deal for Newfoundland and Labrador?Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill take an in-depth look at the new agreement involving Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and the federal government. They examine what changed from the 2024 MOU, what the headline numbers really mean and what Newfoundlanders and Labradorians may be missing in the public discussion.The conversation covers market-based pricing versus inflation, power allocations, transmission and wheeling rights, potential wind development, Indigenous participation, Labrador’s mining sector and the political uncertainty surrounding Quebec’s next election.Then, Andrew and Alex turn their attention to Premier Tony Wakeham’s cabinet shuffle. They break down the major portfolio changes, the political timing and what cabinet shuffles are really like from the inside.Let us know what you think: Is this a better Churchill Falls agreement? And did Premier Wakeham make the right cabinet moves?Chapters:0:00 Introduction2:15 What Exactly Is the New Agreement?4:31 Is It Better Than the 2024 MOU?9:06 Understanding the Headline Numbers11:49 What Are We Missing?16:07 Market Pricing Versus Inflation20:13 Transmission and Wheeling Rights23:43 Wind Power and Indigenous Participation31:01 The Critics, Quebec and the Risks33:24 What Happens After the Quebec Election?37:01 Premier Wakeham’s Cabinet Shuffle37:28 The Major Portfolio Changes40:01 Was the Timing Politically Strategic?46:13 A Controversial Cabinet Decision49:30 Was the Cabinet Shuffle a Good Move?50:31 The Backbenchers Who Didn’t Get the Call52:13 What Cabinet Shuffles Are Like Inside Government54:18 Closing Thoughts📬 Got a question for the next mailbag? Email us at 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.#ChurchillFalls #NLPolitics #NewfoundlandAndLabrador

  5. Aug 18

    He Called a Cabinet Minister Corrupt — Then Sat Across From Him | H&H Ep. 36

    What happens when a politician sits down with the professor who publicly accused him of corruption?This week on The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill welcome Dr. Kelly Blidook—Professor of Political Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland for the past 20 years, Chair of MUN’s Interdisciplinary Research Ethics Board, and author of Constituency Influence in Parliament and co-author of Representation in Action: Canadian MPs in the Constituencies.And the conversation begins exactly where the tension is highest.Following the last provincial election, Dr. Blidook appeared on CBC Radio and described a secret cabinet decision involving ministerial transition allowances as a case of “corruption”—a word that landed hard with Andrew, a former cabinet minister.Rather than avoid the disagreement, they go straight at it.What does “corruption” mean to a political scientist—and what does the word imply to the general public? Can a confidential cabinet decision ever be properly defended? And why does nearly everyone at the table agree that politicians are underpaid for the job?From there, the conversation widens into the real mechanics of political power in Newfoundland and Labrador: the impossible politics of politicians fixing their own salaries, why campaign-finance reform stalls even when governments claim to support it, and the structural weaknesses facing each political party.They examine the NDP’s ideological-purity problem, the PCs’ siege mentality, and the blame game every incoming government plays—until the public stops buying it.Dr. Blidook also explains why so few academics write about Newfoundland and Labrador politics and what that means for who gets to study, interpret and ultimately shape our province’s political story.If you care about Newfoundland and Labrador politics—or want to hear an honest, occasionally uncomfortable debate between a political practitioner and an academic who genuinely disagree—this is an episode you will not want to miss.🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE:• The CBC interview that labelled a cabinet decision “corruption”—and why it angered Andrew• What “corruption” means to a political scientist versus the general public• Why cabinet decisions are confidential by definition—and whether that is a problem• The political catch-22 that keeps elected officials’ salaries frozen across party lines• Andrew on fundraising: “I don’t give a shit if you change campaign finance rules one bit”• Whether money truly buys influence in provincial politics—or merely creates that perception• The NDP’s “weakness is weakness” problem in Newfoundland and Labrador• The PCs, political paranoia and an us-versus-them siege mentality• Muskrat Falls, broken campaign promises and the blame game between governments• Why so few academics write about Newfoundland and Labrador politics👍 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBEIf you enjoy honest conversations about politics, culture, business and the real stories behind accomplished people, please like the episode, share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to The Honourable & The Hack.📧 CONTACT UShonourableandthehack@gmail.com🎧 WATCH & LISTENYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHackSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LkQE67ItNWoKWlcBbhQmyApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-honourable-and-the-hack/id1864962121⚠️ DISCLAIMERThe 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.

  6. Aug 11

    He Left NTV News to Build His Own Weather Empire - Eddie Sheerr | H&H Ep. 35

    Weathermen don't usually leave a top TV job to go it alone — Eddie Sheer did, and a year later he's not looking back. This week The Honourable & The Hack sits down with Eddie Sheer — meteorologist, founder of Sheer Weather, and one of the most recognized media personalities in Newfoundland and Labrador — to talk about what it actually takes to walk away from the institution and build something independent.In this episode we cover:✅ Eddie's origin story — from a Philadelphia suburb obsessed with Hurricane Andrew to a meteorology career that landed him in St. John's✅ The "buyer's remorse" of his first Newfoundland winter — and why he stayed anyway✅ Why he left NTV to launch Sheer Weather, and what his wife really thought about it✅ The night he called the Mayor of Port aux Basques directly during Hurricane Fiona — and why that call may have saved lives✅ His role as lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit over PFAS "forever chemicals" in Torbay's well water, and Transport Canada's denial of liability✅ His vision for where Sheer Weather goes in the next 10 yearsThis isn't just a weather guy's story — it's a case study in what happens when someone builds their own weather empire instead. Stick around for the Hurricane Fiona story around the 32-minute mark — it's the kind of on-the-ground judgment call that doesn't happen in a newsroom meeting. 📬 Got a question for the next mailbag? Email us at 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.

  7. Aug 4

    Criminal Defense Lawyer on Workplace Investigations: Rosellen Sullivan | H&H Ep 34

    What really happens inside Canada's courtrooms — and what does one of Newfoundland's top criminal defense lawyers think about the system?In Episode 34 of The Honourable and the Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill sit down with Rosellen Sullivan, KC — a 28-year veteran of the courtroom, former Department of Justice lawyer, and counsel in the Lamer Inquiry — to talk criminal defense, wrongful convictions, and her bold pivot into workplace harassment investigations through Sullivan Investigative Insights.Rosellen built her career defending the presumption of innocence in some of NL's most serious cases. Now she's applying those same skills — cross-examination, credibility assessment, procedural fairness — to workplace investigations at organizations across the country. It's not a retreat from the law. It's a re-deployment of everything she knows.In this episode:✅ How the Lamer Inquiry set Rosellen on the path to criminal defense✅ What it was like to work alongside Justice Antonio Lamer on wrongful convictions✅ The mentors who shaped her: Bob Simmons, Jerome Kennedy & the giants of the NL bar✅ Sullivan Investigative Insights — what workplace harassment investigations actually involve✅ Why criminal defense skills transfer directly to workplace investigations✅ The weaponization problem: how complaints can be misused — and how to guard against it✅ Is crime actually rising in Canada, or is social media manufacturing a moral panic?✅ Why Rosellen thinks the system needs to change✅ Advice for the next generation: why every aspiring lawyer should go to law schoolChapters:0:00 Introduction2:30 Meet Rosellen Sullivan, KC4:00 Origin Story: Following Her Brother Into Law8:30 The Lamer Inquiry: Learning from Wrongful Convictions14:00 Mentors: Bob Simmons, Jerome Kennedy & Justice Lamer19:00 Why Criminal Law Isn't About the Money22:00 Sullivan Investigative Insights: A New Direction27:00 Workplace Harassment Investigations: How They Work33:00 Who Are the Clients?36:00 Complaints, Weaponization & Procedural Fairness39:00 Is Crime Actually Rising in Canada?43:00 The System Is "Completely Broken"47:00 Bail Reform, Adult Diversion & Court Overload50:30 Advice for Aspiring Lawyers52:30 Wrap-Up📬 Got a question for the next mailbag? Email us at 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.

  8. Jul 28

    Roger Grimes Speaks: Muskrat Falls, Churchill Falls, Oil & Gas and the Future of NL | H&H Ep 33

    Former Premier Roger Grimes holds nothing back in one of our most candid and fiery conversations yet. From a sharp dissection of the issues facing Newfoundland and Labrador to some pointed observations about past political players, this is Roger Grimes speaking plainly—and occasionally taking a few shots along the way! This is easily one of our best episodes of The Honourable & The Hack yet. 🎥 Watch the full interview here:https://youtu.be/hW9nY9ZLxvY 📩 Join the conversation: honourableandthehack@gmail.com #RogerGrimes #NewfoundlandAndLabrador #NLPolitics #CanadianPolitics #TheHonourableAndTheHack #PoliticalPodcast

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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.

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