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. 2d ago

    They Made Fun of NL and Things Got Weird | H&H Ep. 47

    Matt Walsh took a shot at the Newfoundland accent—and Andrew Parsons has a few words for him. This week on The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill are back for a hosts-only episode covering online rage bait, the debate over MHA pay raises, and the affordability announcements setting the stage for the fall sitting of Newfoundland and Labrador’s House of Assembly. Should politicians get a raise? Can governments deliver relief today while planning for tomorrow? And what might Bern Coffey’s departure from the Churchill Falls negotiations mean for the political debate? From gas taxes and electricity rebates to medical transportation, legislative priorities, and the delicate numbers inside the House, Andrew and Alex get into the politics behind the headlines—with their usual mix of insight, disagreement, and humour. 💬 What do you think: is an MHA pay raise overdue? Let us know in the comments. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help The Honourable & The Hack grow.🔔 New episodes every Tuesday at 7 AM Newfoundland time. ⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome: back to the political grind02:08 Matt Walsh, the Newfoundland accent, and rage bait07:57 Should MHAs get a pay raise?15:36 Affordability takes centre stage19:03 Short-term relief versus long-term economic planning22:17 The Liberals’ response: spend more, sooner?25:34 Gas taxes, electricity, and medical transportation27:41 Bern Coffey and the Churchill Falls negotiations34:23 What should we expect from the fall sitting?36:48 Decorum, the Speaker, and the numbers in the House41:33 Closing thoughts and the road to 1,000 subscribers 📬 MAILBAGHave a question, comment, or topic you’d like us to tackle?Email: honourableandthehack@gmail.com 🔗 STAY CONNECTEDYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonourableAndTheHackApple 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 those of any employer, organization, or political party. This podcast is intended for entertainment, discussion, and commentary and does not constitute professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion may include speculation or forward-looking opinions. #TheHonourableAndTheHack #NLPolitics #NewfoundlandAndLabrador

  2. Oct 27

    Behind the Camera and Finding Her Voice | Toni Marie Wiseman | H&H Ep. 46

    You know her face. You know her voice. But how well do you know the person behind the news?In this episode of The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill welcome Toni Marie Wiseman for a funny, thoughtful, and deeply personal conversation about her decades in broadcasting and the experiences viewers don’t see on television.From her early days in radio to joining NTV in 1989, Toni Marie shares how a childhood love of interviewing her dolls became a career telling Newfoundland and Labrador’s stories. Along the way came celebrity interviews, an unexpected invitation to watch The Black Crowes in New York, and newsroom practical jokes she hasn’t forgotten.The conversation also takes a serious turn as Toni Marie discusses the challenges she experienced as a woman in broadcasting, the pressure to remain neutral, and the challenge of finding and expressing her own voice.Plus, she recalls spending two nights inside Clarenville’s women’s prison for a reporting assignment, explains why the Janeway Telethon means so much to her, and reflects on how social media has changed the relationship between journalists and their audiences.Along the way, we discuss:• Her journey from radio to the NTV anchor desk• Celebrity interviews and unforgettable entertainment assignments• Changing technology, tough questions, and trust in journalism• Harassment and the scrutiny facing women on television• Finding her voice after decades of professional neutrality• Two nights reporting inside a women’s prison• A hockey pronunciation prank in the radio newsroom• The families behind the Janeway TelethonWhat’s your favourite Toni Marie Wiseman memory or story? Let us know in the comments.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and road trip reflections01:55 Introducing Toni Marie Wiseman03:55 From radio to NTV08:02 Turning 60 and embracing gratitude09:50 Entertainment reporting and celebrity encounters17:30 How broadcasting has changed21:28 Social media and trust in journalism27:02 Being a woman in broadcasting32:50 Finding her own voice34:25 Has the industry changed for women?37:21 Reporting inside a women’s prison46:03 Radio pranks and Patrick Roy47:59 Why the Janeway Telethon matters50:33 Tech Tuesday and a career worth celebrating53:35 Andrew and Alex reflect56:05 Closing thoughts and contest reminder📬 MAILBAGHave a question, comment, or topic you’d like us to tackle?Email: honourableandthehack@gmail.com👍 Like this episode, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who enjoys Newfoundland and Labrador stories, thoughtful discussion, and a good laugh.STAY CONNECTEDYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonourableAndTheHackApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-honourable-and-the-hack/id1864962121DISCLAIMERThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer, organization, or political party. This podcast is intended for entertainment, discussion, and commentary and does not constitute professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion may include speculation or forward-looking opinions.#ToniMarieWiseman #TheHonourableAndTheHack #Newfoundland

  3. Oct 20

    The Premier Who Might Have Been | David Brazil | H&H Ep. 45

    David Brazil was seriously considering a run for the PC leadership. Hours after returning home from a party convention, he was in emergency. What happened next changed his political future.In this episode of The Honourable & The Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill sit down with David Brazil for a candid conversation about leadership, public service, hockey, and life after elected office.From his Bell Island roots to the opposition leader’s office, David shares the stories behind his political career, including being in the caucus room when Danny Williams announced he was finished, and how his hockey coaching experience helped him keep a political team together.They also discuss the health scare that changed his plans, working across party lines during COVID and Hurricane Fiona, and why the political conversations are still flowing at McNiven’s Pub.Then it’s back to the rink for the story of the Bell Island Blues: championship celebrations, a helicopter homecoming, and the surprising origin of a team name that meant much more than hockey.Along the way, we discuss:• Growing up on Bell Island and finding his way into politics• Danny Williams’ resignation during David’s first election campaign• The leadership run that might have been• Managing caucus using lessons from the hockey bench• Political disagreements and cooperation during COVID• Putting partisanship aside after Hurricane Fiona• McNiven’s Pub and political debate over a cold beverage• How the Bell Island Blues gave a community something to celebrateCan political opponents disagree strongly and still work together? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:14 David Brazil joins the show02:22 Bell Island roots08:26 Danny Williams’ surprise exit15:52 Leadership and a life-changing health scare20:32 Keeping a political team together24:30 Caucus challenges and COVID29:39 Working across party lines32:41 Politics at McNiven’s Pub37:52 Building the Bell Island Blues44:48 How the Blues got their name48:08 Final reflections📬 MAILBAGHave a question, comment, or topic you’d like us to tackle?Email honourableandthehack@gmail.com👍 Like this episode, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone who enjoys Newfoundland and Labrador stories, politics, and a good conversation.STAY CONNECTEDYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHonourableandTheHackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHonourableAndTheHackApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-honourable-and-the-hack/id1864962121DISCLAIMERThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and their guests and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer, organization, or political party. This podcast is intended for entertainment, discussion, and commentary and does not constitute professional, legal, or political advice. Some discussion may include speculation or forward-looking opinions.#DavidBrazil #TheHonourableAndTheHack #NLPolitics

  4. Oct 13

    Inside Netflix’s Below: Newfoundland Accents & Making the Show | The Honourable & the Hack Ep 44

    How do you teach a cast to sound like Newfoundlanders? And what does it take to bring a major Netflix production to Newfoundland and Labrador? In this episode of The Honourable & the Hack, Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill go behind the scenes of Netflix’s Below with two special guests: dialect coach Alison Kelly and executive producer Chris Hatcher. First, Alison joins the conversation to discuss her background, the challenge of bringing Newfoundland speech to the screen, and the research behind the show’s accent. From regional differences to the distinctive “townie T,” it’s a conversation about the sounds that help tell our stories. Then, Chris offers a producer’s perspective on making Below in Newfoundland, connecting local talent with the wider entertainment industry, and what productions of this scale can mean for the province. Along the way, we discuss:• Creating a Newfoundland accent for an international audience• Opportunities for local actors, filmmakers and crew• Building a sustainable film and television industry• Film tax credits and the business of production• What major studios can bring to Newfoundland and Labrador• The excitement of seeing our home, and familiar names, on screen Recorded before Below’s release, this double-header captures Andrew and Alex’s anticipation for the series and their curiosity about the people helping bring it to life. Have you watched Below? What did you think of the accents and seeing Newfoundland on screen? Let us know in the comments. CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:39 Newfoundland Meets Netflix02:35 Introducing Our Two Guests02:55 Alison Kelly Joins the Conversation05:13 Finding Opportunities in the Arts12:04 Creating the Accent and the “Townie T”21:19 A Local Audience Listening Closely24:04 Reflecting on Alison’s Interview24:38 Chris Hatcher Joins the Conversation27:24 How Below Came Together31:21 Building a Film Career in Newfoundland41:13 Local Crew and Familiar Names41:43 What Major Studios Bring to the Province45:43 Andrew and Alex’s Closing Thoughts46:54 Thanks to Guest Producer Hulk Caesar 📬 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/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. Some discussion in this episode includes speculation and forward-looking commentary based on publicly available information and personal experience.

  5. Oct 6

    Why This Saskatchewan Conservative Is Optimistic About Mark Carney | H&H Ep. 43

    Saskatchewan cabinet minister Jeremy Harrison joins Andrew Parsons and Alex Bill for a wide-ranging conversation about political leadership, Western Canada and the future of Canadian energy.Harrison reflects on entering the House of Commons at just 26, moving from federal to provincial politics and the lessons he learned working alongside Stephen Harper, Brad Wall and Scott Moe. He also reveals publicly for the first time whether he intends to seek re-election in 2028.The conversation then turns to Saskatchewan’s energy future, including nuclear power, uranium development, pipelines and the resource investment Canada needs to improve productivity. Harrison also offers a surprisingly positive assessment of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approach to Western Canada and compares the impact of the Churchill Falls agreement on Newfoundland and Labrador with the lasting political legacy of the National Energy Program in the West.Finally, Harrison discusses raising a family while living in the public eye and what he hopes the Saskatchewan Party’s long-term legacy will be.Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:20 – Jeremy Harrison joins the conversation02:56 – Law school, politics and an unlikely friendship07:19 – Working for Stephen Harper and becoming an MP at 2615:38 – Five Saskatchewan Party majority governments17:16 – Will Jeremy Harrison run again in 2028?23:25 – Working with Brad Wall and Scott Moe24:29 – Harper, Wall and Moe: Three leadership styles30:36 – Saskatchewan’s national political influence34:42 – Overseeing Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations37:10 – Nuclear power and Saskatchewan’s energy future38:37 – Why Harrison is encouraged by Mark Carney41:20 – Federal-provincial cooperation after the Trudeau years43:29 – Pipelines, productivity and resource investment48:22 – Raising children while living in the public eye49:53 – Harrison’s hoped-for political legacy54:25 – Closing thoughtsGet Involved👍 Like this episode if you enjoy thoughtful, candid political conversations.🔔 Subscribe and set your notifications so you don’t miss future episodes of The Honourable & The Hack.💬 Join the conversation: What do you make of Jeremy Harrison’s assessment of Mark Carney and Canada’s changing approach to energy development? Who would you like Andrew and Alex to speak with next?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 or official commentary. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and consult additional sources when considering the issues discussed.

  6. Sep 29

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

    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

  7. Sep 22

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

    What happens when an 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. TheHackDisclaimer: 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. Sep 15

    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.

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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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