What’s the difference between shaming people and shaming harmful behaviour?
Parksville councillors Joel Grenz and Sean Wood take on one of the trickiest words in modern politics: stigma.
From anti-smoking campaigns and seatbelts to vaping, littering, and impaired driving, this episode explores how culture and policy have worked together to steer society, using stigma as a tool for good.
And with B.C.’s legislature debating whether schools should promote stigma against drug use, the conversation turns to where compassion ends and accountability begins.
🎧 Listen in for:
Why stigma isn’t always the villain it’s made out to be
How shaming actions (not people) changed public behaviour... from smoking to drunk driving
The fine line between compassion and consequence in addiction policy
Bill M 213 and what both sides of the aisle might be missing
How governments can use culture—not just legislation—to drive change
👉 Subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform.
Find all our episodes at nonpartisanhacks.com and drop us a line.
--------
23:59
--------
23:59
UBCM 2025 Review: The Big Conversations Shaping B.C. Politics
From street disorder and involuntary care to a record-setting provincial deficit and party leadership reviews, this year’s UBCM had no shortage of debate …or drama.
Hosts Joel Grenz and Sean Wood sit down on the deck (yes, with fingerless gloves) to unpack the biggest stories and sessions from the 2025 Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria.
They dig into the shifting tone on addiction and public safety, Premier David Eby’s acknowledgement of policy missteps, and the growing conversation around stability, leadership, and what “compassionate” policy really means.
🎧 Listen in for:
The evolving debate on decriminalization, hypoxia and involuntary care
B.C.’s record deficit and what it means for services
Advocacy wins (and a resolution about resolutions)
#bcpoli plot twists, from new party leaders to a mid-speech heckler
👉 Catch this wrap-up episode and revisit our UBCM interviews with Pete Fry, Jeff Ferrier, and Rob Shaw at nonpartisanhacks.com.
--------
47:54
--------
47:54
Authenticity as Currency: Media, Politics, and Trust with Rob Shaw at UBCM
What separates functional government from frustrated government?
In this special episode recorded amongst the hustle and bustle of the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria, hosts Joel Grenz and Sean Wood sit down with political reporter Rob Shaw (CHEK News, Business in Vancouver, Political Capital) to explore what makes governments succeed or stumble.
From the tension between local and provincial priorities to the challenge of maintaining trust in an age of cynicism, Shaw shares insights from years of covering B.C. politics and the people behind it.
🎧 Listen in for:
What separates a successful government from a face-plant one
The shifting tone in B.C. communities and at UBCM
How local governments can build leverage and unity
The evolving relationship between reporters and power
Why authenticity matters more than ever in politics and journalism
👉 Subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform.
Find all our episodes at nonpartisanhacks.com and drop us a line.
--------
35:20
--------
35:20
Super Bowl of Advocacy: Making the Ask with Jeff Ferrier at UBCM
What do speed-dating meetings with ministers, lobbyist myths, and Shania Twain’s brother have in common? Government relations.
In this second of three special episodes recorded live at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria, hosts Joel Grenz and Sean Wood sit down with strategist Jeff Ferrier to talk about the “Super Bowl of advocacy.” From how to frame a winning ask in just ten minutes, to why local governments should pick one priority and hammer it relentlessly, the conversation digs into what actually works when trying to get a yes from the Province.
🎧 Listen in for:
Why “making the ask” beats long speeches every time
The difference between advocacy and activism (and why it matters)
How local governments can turn constituents into their biggest asset
The fine line between stupid and clever in lobbying
👉 Subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform.
Find all our episodes at nonpartisanhacks.com and drop us a line.
--------
32:14
--------
32:14
Resolutions, Reality, and Running for Mayor with Pete Fry at UBCM
What do 275 resolutions, municipal downloading, and a possible mayoral race have in common? Councillor Pete Fry.
This is the first of three special episodes recorded live at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria. In this installment, hosts Joel Grenz and Sean Wood sit down with Vancouver Councillor Pete Fry on a patio next to a beautiful but somewhat noisy fountain. Discussion ranges from the reality behind UBCM resolutions, to the mental health toll of public office, to the question on everyone’s mind: will Pete run for mayor in 2026?
And yes, partway through our audio recorder called its own “point of order” when the memory card filled up. We stitched things back together so please consider it a procedural hiccup with all three readings passed.
🎧 Listen in for:
Why UBCM resolutions matter and why fewer might be better
That time Pete Fry was on Jimmy Kimmel
The realities of mental health, online outrage, and finding support in office
Pete’s thoughts on a 2026 mayoral run
👉 Subscribe, rate, and review on your favourite podcast platform.
Find all our episodes at nonpartisanhacks.com and drop us a line.
Hosted by two Parksville city councillors, Nonpartisan Hacks brings you behind the scenes of how government really works — without the spin, the shouting, or the partisanship.
We dive into the practical, the absurd, and the oddly inspiring world of local government, while mixing in the occasional provincial and federal twist. Expect real talk about decision-making, budgets, bylaws, and political hot potatoes (with a helping of humour and honesty).
Canada - english