Spilling The Means

EP3 Roger Bill Dangerously Close to Contempt | Journalism's Unrepentant Agitator

This special in-person edition of #SpillingtheMeans ia a deep-dive conversation with journalist and author Alex Bill. Breaking away from the usual "read and react" format, this episode features a face-to-face sit-down with the man who lived the story, providing a tangible look at the effort required to document a life as complex as his father’s. In this wide-ranging discussion, Alex Bill explores the dual nature of his latest project: a meticulously researched biography of his father, Roger Bill. The conversation covers: The Business of News: Alex discusses his role as editor of *All Newfoundland Labrador* and how their subscription-based model thrives in a struggling industry. The Draft Resistor Experience: A look at Roger’s journey from a Republican upbringing in Indiana to becoming a fugitive in Canada during the Vietnam War. The Activist Legacy:The fascinating history of how Roger and a group of architects fought "Plan 91" to save downtown St. John’s from being gutted by a four-lane highway. A Son’s Perspective: The challenge of maintaining journalistic objectivity while uncovering emotional family letters and exploring the flaws and successes of a local media icon. 0:00 Introduction 0:18 Sponsor: Biblio Gifting 0:46 Interview begins with Alex Bill 1:20 Alex Bill's background in journalism 2:13 The business model of All Newfoundland Labrador 3:51 The decline of print vs. digital security 5:08 Growing up in a house of journalists 5:55 From law school back to the newsroom 6:48 The role of luck in a career 7:40 The effort of writing a 86,000-word biography 9:39 Interviewing a "difficult" subject: Roger Bill 10:48 Balancing son vs. journalist perspectives 11:56 The emotional letter Roger wrote to his father 13:10 Impact of the Vietnam War and the draft 15:14 Roger's Republican roots in Indiana 17:41 Living as a fugitive and secret U.S. visits 19:40 Researching draft resistors in Newfoundland 22:36 Newfoundland's unique affinity for Americans 24:32 Plan 91: Saving downtown St. John's from a highway 26:13 Why Roger Bill made Newfoundland his home Buy the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.ca/Dangerously-Close-Contempt-Journalisms-Unrepentant/dp/1738353664 [https://www.amazon.ca/Dangerously-Close-Contempt-Journalisms-Unrepentant/dp/1738353664]

EP2 The Commander: The Life and Times of Harry Steele

How Harry Steele Built a Newfoundland Empire at 49 | Spilling the Means Is it ever too late to build an empire? On our premiere episode of Spilling the Means, hosts Gerry Carew and Wayne Howlett dive into the fascinating biography of Newfoundland business legend Harry Steele: The Commander. From growing up in isolated Musgrave Harbour to mortgaging his house at age 45 to buy a failing airline, Harry Steele’s journey is a masterclass in risk, leadership, and recognizing value where others see a lost cause. We discuss his turnaround of Eastern Provincial Airways (EPA), the incredible business mind of his wife Catherine Steele, his unlikely friendship with Craig Dobin, and the controversial reason he preferred not to hire golfers! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a history buff, or just looking for some serious motivation, this episode is packed with lessons on how to build, scale, and lead. A huge thank you to our sponsor, Biblio Gifting! Move beyond generic corporate gifts with curated book collections that let your recipients choose their own read. Perfect for personalized marketing with real social impact. Check them out: https://www.bibliogifting.com/ 👇 Navigate the Episode: Don't forget to like, subscribe, and let us know in the comments: what was your biggest takeaway from The Commander's story? Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Sponsor (Biblio Gifting) 0:46 - Welcome & Introducing "The Commander" Biography 1:31 - Harry Steele’s Superpower: Recognizing Value 4:16 - Starting an Empire at Age 49 6:47 - Early Mentorship: "I Sold for Cash" vs. "I Sold for Credit" 8:36 - Military Lessons: Secrecy, Listening, & Leadership 13:00 - The Eastern Provincial Airways (EPA) Turnaround 19:33 - Banning Smoking on Planes to Cut Costs 23:21 - Risking It All: Mortgaging the House at 45 28:06 - The EPA Pilot Strike & Management Style 32:34 - Expanding the Empire: Clarke Transport & Halterm 34:32 - The Media Play: Newspapers, Radio, & Conrad Black 39:07 - Catherine Steele: The Driving Force Behind the Albatross Hotel 44:36 - Craig Dobbin: A Friendship of Polar Opposites 49:19 - Fishing Lodges, Work Ethic, & Why He Didn't Hire Golfers 55:44 - Harry the Man: Kinetic Energy & Final Thoughts 1:01:27 - Sponsor Shoutout (Biblio Gifting) & Outro

EP1 Spilling The Means Introduction with Wayne and Gerry

Conversations about Inspiring Biographies. Why Biographies? Because Every Great Journey Leaves a Map. 🗺️ We are thrilled to announce the launch of Spilling the Means. Joined by my longtime friend and business school classmate, Wayne Howlett, we’re diving deep into the lives of Canada’s most impactful figures. We aren't just reading stories; we’re "spilling the means"—uncovering the tools, mindsets, and lessons that turned ordinary lives into extraordinary legacies. In a world full of noise, we wanted to create a space for high-signal, positive conversations. Our goal? To find mentorship in the pages of Canadian books. What to expect: * 🇨🇦 A focus on Canadian icons leading off with two of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most iconic entrepreneurs. * 📚 Monthly deep dives into definitive biographies. * 💡 Raw, unscripted takeaways on entrepreneurship and leadership. Our first deep dive: The Commander: The Life and Times of Harry Steele. #SpillingTheMeans #Entrepreneurship #Biographies #CanadianBusiness #Leadership #NewPodcast If you would like to contact us reach out to gerry@thenlvideoman.com