Karl Wells

Dean MacDonald has had nothing less than an extraordinary career. It began in the early 80s when he was hired by a feisty little company named Avalon Cablevision. From there he went on to work for Ted Rogers and became COO of the Rogers Communications Cable Unit. Subsequently he became CEO of Persona Communications until its sale in 2007. He’s also held positions in our provinces energy sector, and currently is a Director or board member of several companies, not the least of which is Deacon Investments and Deacon Sports and Entertainment.

Lisa Porter is President of Pope Productions, makers of the hit TV show, Hudson and Rex. She’s been involved as a performer, producer, director, and writer in our arts community, as well as TV and feature length films (e.g. Above and Beyond). Lisa is a co-founder of the summertime Newfoundland and Labrador literary festival, Ochrefest.

Andrew Younghusband was born in Australia and grew-up in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. With little formal training, but plenty of perseverance, he made a career for himself in writing and performing. Eventually he gained national recognition for a show on Discovery Channel called, Canada’s Worst Driver.

Marie-Beth Wright spent a career teaching in Newfoundland schools. She’s also researched the early days of Newfoundland and Labrador’s denominational school system in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s a fascinating story of how children (mainly the baby boom generation) were educated in outport communities during the decades between 1940 and 1970. There were no school libraries, no science labs, and supplies were limited. Teachers had to use their ingenuity, be inventive and able to adapt. It’s a story of perseverance, strength, and dedication.

Peter Halley has made a decades-long career for himself as a music educator, artistic director, and performer in musical theatre. Plus, he managed to do it all while remaining here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Peter chats with me about his early interest in performing, his first foray into the business and much more. Including founding Spirit of NL.

Cheryl Hickman has devoted her life to music. Her passion for classical music led her to a career singing soprano in opera. She’s performed with opera companies nationally and internationally. Her proudest accomplishment is having established Newfoundland and Labrador’s first and only professional opera company, Opera on the Avalon.

Ted Rowe has written yet another biography about a Newfoundland Liberal Prime Minister. This time it’s Sir Richard Squires. The book is called, Mischief in High Places. (Published by Breakwater Books.)

Rick Seaward began his media career in the early ‘70s. He’s worked in private TV and radio, both on-air and in management. Eventually he focussed on TV news reporting, landing a job with CBC Television in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where he spent most of his career.

Dr. Dawn Howse spent 20 years of her life in Zimbabwe as a missionary doctor with the Salvation Army. She returned to Newfoundland many years ago and continues to work as a physician at the Carbonear General Hospital in Carbonear, Newfoundland and Labrador. Her story is one of devotion and commitment to serving others, from which we can all learn a thing or two.

Larry Short is a financial professional. He’s spent much of his life keeping an eye on the economy, and financial markets. All to serve clients who seek his company’s advice on investing. He’s also someone who’s taken a keen interest in our province’s financial health and industrial development. In this episode of Karl Wells Point 2 Point he and Karl have a chat about the history of the economic path Newfoundland and Labrador has been on since its earliest days. British Crown Colony to Dominion to Province of Canada.