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. 3 DAYS AGO

    Supreme Court Justice Malcolm Rowe on the Cases That Matter | The Honourable & The Hack Episode 15

    What can we learn from a life in the law? In Episode 15 of The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew and Alex sit down with Supreme Court of Canada Justice Malcolm Rowe for a thoughtful conversation about his career, the cases that have shaped it, and the path that led him from Newfoundland and Labrador to the highest court in the country.They discuss Justice Rowe’s early roots, his legal journey, and the experiences that helped define his approach to the law. The episode also offers a rare and insightful look at the Canadian justice system, the role of the Supreme Court, and the kinds of legal decisions that can have a lasting impact on the country.Whether you’re interested in Canadian politics, the courts, public service, or the stories behind influential careers, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.📩 Got a question for a future mailbag episode?Send it to: honourableandthehack@gmail.comWe’re building toward a full mailbag episode this spring — and we need your questions.🔗 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.

    1hr 10min

  2. 17 MAR

    Bay du Nord & House Battles: Inside Newfoundland’s Turbulent House of Assembly | H&H Episode 14

    In this episode of The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew and Alex sit down to catch up on the latest developments in Newfoundland and Labrador politics.The House of Assembly has opened with plenty of energy — and a fair bit of turbulence. The hosts break down what has been happening in the chamber, including heated exchanges during Question Period and the Speaker stepping in to address decorum in the House.The conversation also turns to the Bay du Nord project announcement, one of the biggest economic developments in the province in recent years. The guys offer their perspectives on the political and economic implications, and the hosts discuss what the announcement could mean for Newfoundland and Labrador going forward.Along the way, Andrew and Alex also pull back the curtain on how the House of Assembly really works, particularly during Question Period — explaining the strategy, preparation, and political theatre that viewers often see but may not fully understand.Finally, the hosts weigh in on which politicians have been the top performers so far this session, offering their thoughts on how the government, opposition, and key players have handled the early days of the sitting.As always, expect a candid conversation, a few stories from inside government, and some friendly banter along the way.📩 Got a question for a future mailbag episode?Send it to: honourableandthehack@gmail.comWe’re building toward a full mailbag episode this spring — and we need your questions.🔗 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.

    1 hr

  3. 10 MAR

    Unexpected Liberal Insider: John Samms on Government, Opposition & the Election | H&H Episode 13

    Episode 13 of The Honourable & The Hack features John Samms — a well-known lawyer in St. John's, Newfoundland who never expected to find himself in the middle of provincial politics.John’s time in government began when Andrew Parsons persuaded him to join the Department of Justice as Executive Assistant to the Minister. That role eventually led him into the Premier’s Office, giving him a front-row seat to how government works behind the scenes.In this episode, Andrew, Alex, and John discuss:• How John unexpectedly became a Liberal insider• What it was like working inside the Department of Justice and the Premier’s Office• The political dynamics that led to the most recent change of government• How the current government and opposition have been performing since the election• What political insiders see that the public often missesThe conversation also includes plenty of friendly banter — with Andrew and John trading a few barbs about their time working together in government — while Alex and John reflect on their days together in law school, including a debate over who was actually the better basketball player.If you enjoy conversations about politics, government, and the stories that happen behind the scenes, this episode offers a candid and entertaining insider perspective.Email the show for future Mailbag episodes:honourableandthehack@gmail.comDisclaimer: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.

    1hr 8min

  4. 3 MAR

    Bad News Cycles & Political Survival | The Honourable & The Hack – Episode 12

    How do politicians survive a bad news cycle?What are the unwritten rules between journalists and elected officials?And what’s the story that every politician truly fears?In Episode 12 of The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill take listeners inside the intersection of politics and journalism — and pull back the curtain on how stories really unfold.The episode begins with a listener mailbag question from Fraser about the makeup of Cabinet and whether proportional regional representation should be required — and whether Cabinets have historically reflected population distribution.Then the main discussion begins:• The unwritten rules between politicians and the press• What “off the record” really means• When to comment — and when it doesn’t matter• The strategic use of leaks• How reporters recognize when risk is being transferred• How to survive a bad news cycle• Why leadership style matters in crisis• The stories politicians fear most — including personal allegations and family being dragged into politicsThis is a candid look at the reality behind the headlines.📩 Got a question for a future mailbag episode?Send it to: honourableandthehack@gmail.comWe’re building toward a full mailbag episode this spring — and we need your questions.🎥 Watch on YouTube:👉 www.youtube.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.

    1hr 7min

  5. 24 FEB

    Inside the Speaker’s Office with Paul Lane | The Honourable & the Hack – Episode 11

    In Episode 11 of The Honourable & the Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill sit down with Paul Lane, Speaker of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly and long-time MHA.From his early days on Mount Pearl City Council to serving in both PC and Liberal caucuses — and now presiding over the House as an Independent Speaker — Paul reflects on:• What first drew him into politics• The realities of party politics vs. serving as an Independent• The responsibilities and authority of the Speaker• What really happens behind the scenes in the House of Assembly• The biggest challenges facing the legislature this session• Stories from his time in provincial and municipal politicsIt’s a candid conversation about leadership, loyalty, and the delicate balance required to maintain order in one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most important democratic institutions.🎥 Watch on YouTube:👉 www.youtube.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.

    54 min

  6. 17 FEB

    Alan Doyle on New Music, Newfoundland & Life on the Road | H&H S1E10

    Season 1, Episode 10 of The Honourable & The Hack features one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most recognizable voices — Alan Doyle. Alan joins Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill for a wide-ranging conversation about his new song, his 2026 tour kicking off at the end of February, and his latest book — inspired by a family road trip around Newfoundland in a Honda Odyssey. They discuss: • Exploring the “new” Newfoundland and what makes this place unique• Russell Crowe’s first visit to St. John’s• What it’s like being a celebrity in Newfoundland and Labrador• The changing business of music — and why making records today looks very different than it did in the 80s and 90s• How life on the road led Alan into acting, writing, and theatre The episode closes with a personal moment as Andrew shares how Great Big Sea helped cure homesickness during his first days at university. Thoughtful. Funny. Deeply Newfoundland.

    53 min

  7. 10 FEB

    From the AHL to the QMJHL: Glenn Stanford on Junior Hockey in Newfoundland | H&H Episode 9

    What does junior hockey really look like behind the scenes — and how is it different from professional leagues like the AHL and ECHL? In Episode 9 of The Honourable & the Hack, hosts Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill sit down with Glenn Stanford, President of the Newfoundland Regiment, for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation on hockey, leadership, and athlete development in Newfoundland and Labrador. Glenn reflects on his unconventional path into professional hockey — a journey that began not on the ice, but through elite careers in basketball and soccer, coaching, and sport administration. He shares fascinating stories from his early days in hockey, including how St. John’s nearly became the farm team of the Minnesota North Stars, long before the era of the “Baby Leafs.” The discussion draws on Glenn’s experience across multiple levels of the game, including the American Hockey League, ECHL, and now the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, with a particular focus on what makes junior hockey fundamentally different. Topics include: How junior hockey in the QMJHL differs from the AHL and ECHL The rigors of travel for teams based in Newfoundland The business realities of operating teams in non-traditional markets The importance of education, mentorship, and off-ice supports for young athletes Balancing player development, competitiveness, and long-term well-being This episode goes beyond wins and losses. It’s a conversation about developing young people, building sustainable organizations, and understanding sport as part of a broader social and economic ecosystem. 🎥 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/TheHonourableAndTheHack Disclaimer: 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.

    1 hr

  8. 3 FEB

    Politics on Fast-Forward: Five Decisions in One Week | H&H Episode 8

    Politics in Newfoundland and Labrador — and across Canada — has picked up the pace dramatically, with a rapid series of developments unfolding over the past week. In this episode of The Honourable & the Hack, Andrew and Alex step back and break down what’s changed, why it happened so quickly, and how these decisions are being communicated to the public. The hosts focus on provincial, municipal, and federal updates — including the Conservative Party convention, early signals from the new provincial government, and five major decisions that landed almost back-to-back in just days. A central theme throughout the episode is communication: how governments explain decisions, how quickly the public expects answers, and what happens when political timelines collide with today’s rapid media cycle. It’s also one of the first times the hosts’ different professional backgrounds lead to clearly different interpretations of the same events. In this episode, we discuss: Pierre Poilievre receiving 87% support at the CPC convention and what it may signal for caucus dynamics Whether strong leadership support could lead to more — or fewer — floor crossings “One Week – Five Decisions,” including: Infrastructure priority changes and cancelled or re-scoped projects Senior leadership departures in consumer protection and health services The dismissal of the Town Council in Victoria The reinstatement of a provincial tuition freeze Venture NL and the government’s evolving economic messaging The growing challenge of aligning government decision-making with today’s rapid news cycle The episode wraps with a look ahead to upcoming guests, including Glenn Stanford of the NL Regiment Hockey Team and musician, actor, and author Alan Doyle.

    58 min
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About

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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