Real Talk

Fireworks at the Alberta Legislature as the UCP sends out a press release announcing a committee decision on an independence referendum...before the vote's even been held. The debacle (intentional or otherwise) has Opposition critics and everyday Albertans crying foul. NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi was in the room as the drama unfolded. She takes us behind the scenes in our feature interview (4:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN, WITH A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITING WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwes... TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  31:45 | Looking for fire and spice? Look no further than this back-and-forth between Jespo and Erika Barootes, founding president of the UCP and host of The Erika Barootes Show. Do you agree or disagree with Jespo about the "send a message" crowd? Send us an email: talk@ryanjespersen.com SUBSCRIBE TO ERIKA'S NEW SHOW: https://open.spotify.com/show/7tZt0T10xZZ4VoKKHDRfj8 1:12:20 | Is there a world where an Alberta Pension Plan makes sense? Marshall McAlister from North Road Investment Counsel brings the facts on the Canada Pension Plan and what an APP would mean for your retirement. CONNECT with NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ 1:32:20 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a spirited start to the show, and dip into our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:47:00 | Vote for Sonny! We celebrate the remarkable achievements of Sonny Sekhon, nominee for the NHL's prestigious Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  VOTE FOR SONNY: https://www.nhl.com/community/willie-oree/willie-oree-community-hero-award CHECK OUT THIS EXCLUSIVE PLAY ALBERTA OFFER: https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. VISIT playalberta.ca/realtalk TO LEARN MORE. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, USE YOUR GAMESENSE. REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC on JUNE 18 at THE RANCH: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta... REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ SUPPORT INTEGRATED FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC SERVICE IN ALBERTA: https://www.apffpa.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Arlene Dickinson is one of Canada's best-known entrepreneurs and investors, widely recognized from her 15-year run on Dragon's Den. Born in South Africa and raised in Calgary, Dickinson isn't shy about defending the country she loves. She brings her trademark candour on Alberta separation, Premier Danielle Smith, and U.S. President Donald Trump in our feature interview (3:45) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN, WITH A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITING WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 33:30 |  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 43:00 | Real Talker Rachelle reports from Marmot Basin, we've got a scoop on the world's first electric ice explorer, and Jespo shares his favourite rainy day Jasper activities in a Spring edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. BOOK YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 50:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Dickinson interview. Real Talkers Ave and MC share personal thoughts on the voter list data breach and electoral boundary changes.   TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:26:30 | May 29 is a Day of Action in Alberta. Have you seen the latest episode of Worker Agenda? CHECK IT OUT: https://rtrj.info/0526WA4 1:34:00 | We've got exciting news about the Real Talk Golf Classic! REGISTER YOUR FOURSOME for JUNE 18 at THE RANCH: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ SUPPORT INTEGRATED FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC SERVICE IN ALBERTA: https://www.apffpa.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Could Danielle Smith be the one to kill a new pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast? Max Fawcett says by jumping to appeal a court ruling against a separatist petition, Alberta's premier risks alienating key stakeholders - Coastal First Nations. We dig into key elements of the Alberta-Ottawa energy agreement, announced the Friday before May Long Weekend, in our feature interview (14:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN, WITH A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITING WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ READ MAX'S COLUMN on MARK CARNEY vs. STEPHEN HARPER: https://www.nationalobserver.com/ 1:21:00 | Max responds to a Blacklocks report calling out his employer - Canada's National Observer - for receiving federal grant money.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SUPPORT INTEGRATED FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC SERVICE IN ALBERTA: https://www.apffpa.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

In this episode of Worker Agenda, AFL President Gil McGowan and Secretary Treasurer Cori Longo break down the growing momentum behind Alberta's May 29 Province-Wide Day of Protest, as workers and community members prepare to push back against what they call the Smith government's increasingly radical and undemocratic agenda. From concerns over government-led referendum questions and rising separatist rhetoric to the everyday pressures of affordability, health care, education, and workers' rights, this conversation dives into why organizers say Albertans are reaching a breaking point. McGowan and Longo explain why unions, frontline workers, and community advocates across the province are mobilizing, what's at stake for democracy in Alberta, and why they believe May 29 is only the beginning of a broader movement demanding accountability, affordability, and leadership focused on the real needs of working families. Follow the Worker Agenda at: https://workeragenda.ca/ Ask your MLA to make the Worker Agenda THE Agenda for the province https://workeragenda.ca/get-involved/ Follow AFL Media: https://www.youtube.com/@ABFedLabour/videos Follow AFL on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABFedLabour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abfedlabour/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ABFedLabour LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-federation-of-labour/ Follow the AFL and sign up for AFL News: https://afl.org/

We've been SLAMMED with emails re: the court ruling against the separatist petition and the Alberta data breach. Real Talkers Reg in Calgary, Dom in Calgary, Peaches in Alberta Beach, K-Park, Anne, Jeff, Alex, JJ Needs a Nap, and Michael sound off in The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

This is a really big deal. As we record this episode, Ottawa and Alberta are closing in on an agreement that will see industrial carbon pricing rise more gradually (reportedly to $130 a tonne by 2040 instead of $170 by 2030). Industry says certainty matters. Investors say pricing matters. And politically? The timing is impossible to ignore. With separatist sentiment simmering and talk of a referendum this fall, some see this as Ottawa finally showing flexibility with Alberta — maybe even an example of Confederation actually working. But not everybody's celebrating. BC Premier David Eby says Alberta may be getting special treatment that could put other provinces at a competitive disadvantage. So now the question becomes: is this smart economic policy, political damage control, or both? We unpack what this deal could mean for Alberta's economy, emissions targets, national unity, and the broader future of carbon pricing in Canada with political commentator Rob Breakenridge (4:10) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. READ ROB'S WORK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 40:00 | Supriya Dwivedi joins us outside her regular Monday appearance with an inside scoop on a media controversy that's raising serious questions about newsroom culture, editorial independence, and the blurry line between reporting and opinion. After publicly criticizing a Toronto Star report on Mark Carney and Nate Erskine-Smith, Supriya says the paper pulled her column over a tweet that challenged the story's accuracy — even after the Star later issued a correction. We get into what happened behind the scenes, the Star's social media policy, and whether legacy media organizations are struggling to handle internal dissent in an era of real-time commentary and public accountability. (And, of course, we ask her about the Alberta-Ottawa emissions deal.) TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:11:30 | We've been SLAMMED with emails re: the court ruling against the separatist petition and the Alberta data breach. Real Talkers Reg in Calgary, Dom in Calgary, Peaches in Alberta Beach, K-Park, Anne, Jeff, Alex, JJ Needs a Nap, and Michael sound off in The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO OPENING NIGHT OF "SIEGFRIED" PRESENTED BY EDMONTON OPERA ON MAY 25: Email talk@ryanjespersen.com with RealTalkRJEO in the subject line. Winner will be drawn Tuesday, May 19 and notified by email. FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alberta judge Shaina Leonard delivers a blow to the separatist movement, ruling petition organizers failed to consult First Nations whose treaty rights would be directly impacted by Alberta leaving Canada. Premier Danielle Smith immediately vows to appeal, suggesting the ruling is "undemocratic". Jespo leads off with a few thoughts (including the political calculus behind Smith's statement), and we connect with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam (41:20), who says the court's decision should close the chapter on separation talk once and for all.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN, WITH A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITING WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. 12:30 | Are you "cognitively surrendering" to Artificial Intelligence? Author Leah Eichler gives us something important to think about re: our relationship with AI in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  READ LEAH'S PIECE in THE GLOBE: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/social-trends/article-is-ai-coming-for-our-thinking-behold-the-age-of-cognitive-surrender/ CONNECT with LEAH: https://leaheichler.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwes... 41:20 | Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam comments on Justice Leonard's ruling on the separatist petition and Premier Danielle Smith's vow to appeal. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  53:40 | Real Talker Cara shouts out volunteer and full-time firefighters and EMTs in a timely edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. VISIT playalberta.ca/realtalk TO LEARN MORE. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, USE YOUR GAMESENSE. 56:45 | What do you think about Justice Leonard's decision on the separation petition? Real Talkers chime in via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:27:15 | As MLA Scott Sinclair is welcomed back to the UCP caucus, Jespo shares what he suspects went into the decision. Agree or disagree?  SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO OPENING NIGHT OF "SIEGFRIED" PRESENTED BY EDMONTON OPERA ON MAY 25: Email talk@ryanjespersen.com with RealTalkRJEO in the subject line. Winner will be drawn Tuesday, May 19 and notified by email. FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Canada needs housing for 2050, not 1950. That's the message from more than 300 mayors and councillors with the Elbows Up for Climate coalition. What does building for 2050 actually mean? What does it cost? Are government and industry players both on board? We ask former Toronto mayor David Miller and Jasper mayor Richard Ireland in our feature interview (11:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  But first...Jespo opens with a praise report out of Strathcona County, where a recent (May 11) Real Talk episode factored into a big council decision. WATCH THAT SHOW: https://rtrj.info/051126APFFPA APFFPA: https://www.apffpa.ca/ THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ ELBOWS UP for CLIMATE: https://elbowsupforclimate.ca/ 49:30 | If you loooooove glamping but don't love hauling a trailer through the mountains, you NEED to connect with Peas in a Pod Trailer Rentals in Jasper! We officially welcome the kickoff to camping season - May Long Weekend - in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. BOOK YOUR PARKS CANADA CAMPSITE in JASPER: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/passez-stay/camping?mc_cid=b9c050200d&mc_eid=UNIQID CHECK OUT PEAS IN A POD TRAILER RENTAL: https://www.peasinapodjasper.com/ TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/ 53:45 | Are investors actually buying into Alberta's promise to approve major projects within 120 days? Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce, has her Eye on Alberta Business.  ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ 1:16:10 | Jespo's trying to sell his car...but not...but maybe. Watch him squirm as we dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alleged data leaker David Parker is refusing to cooperate with Elections Alberta's investigation into the voter list breach. Furthermore, the Take Back Alberta and Centurion Project founder is rejecting a cease and desist letter from Alberta's chief electoral officer. What the hell? In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, we talk to three of the nearly 40 Alberta academics who signed an open letter demanding a public inquiry - Dr. Melanee Thomas, Professor Lori Williams, and Dr. Jared Wesley (6:00).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN, WITH A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITING WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:02:30 | Real Talkers have a LOT to say about David Parker and the data leak. Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:28:45 | Real Talker Lyndsey expects more from Arts, Culture, and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir. She lays it out in an email to talk@ryanjespersen.com.  1:41:15 | Alberta firefighters warn changes to the integrated fire-paramedic model will hurt frontline emergency services. We revisit our eye-opening Real Talk Round Table from May 11.  WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/051126APFFPA APFFPA: https://www.apffpa.ca/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ FLYING OUT OF EDMONTON? SIGN UP FOR CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT LOYALTY PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

The head of CSIS, Canada's intelligence agency, says the upcoming Alberta referendum is "rife for disinformation and foreign interference". Are we equipped as a nation to address that? Supriya Dwivedi lays out what it all means in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (4:30).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 20:00 | American lawmakers are calling out the Carney Liberals for Bill C-22, saying the Lawful Access Bill is, well, crazy. Supriya tells us why she agrees with the Americans. We get into the bizarre developments early in the Ontario Liberal leadership race (27:15), and take a quick look at growing calls from British Labour MPs for PM Keir Starmer to step down (35:00).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  SIGN UP for YEGplus - THE FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM IN CANADA: https://yegplus.com/realtalk 44:10 | Fire fighters across Alberta are sounding the alarm as a number of municipalities prepare to vote on the future of their emergency medical response. They say the changes could (and will) impact integrated firefighter-paramedic response models that Albertans rely on every day. We welcome APFFPA president Elliott Davis, Strathcona County's Eric Lowe, Lethbridge's Patrick Musira, and Red Deer's Brad Readman.  AB PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS ASSOCIATION: https://www.apffpa.ca/ 1:48:30 | Real Talker Kimm shares a bouquet with the show and sprinkles some salty language at the end of this week's Positive Reflection proudly presented by Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/solar BOOK YOUR FREE CALIFORNIA CLOSETS CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Real Talkers are FIRED UP as separatists exploit election laws to obtain and publicize Alberta's voters list, exposing the personal information of nearly three million people. Gillian, Robert, Janice, Alberta Maverick, Jason, Marie, Scott, Brendan, Josef, Crystal and Kimm take centre stage in this edition of The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com MOM DESERVES A DQ ICE CREAM CAKE FOR MOTHER'S DAY! WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Elections Alberta issues nearly 600 cease and desist letters to individuals who accessed Alberta's electors list without authorization. The fallout is intensifying scrutiny on actors linked to Alberta separatist circles and how voter data is being used nefariously. We get into the story (46:00) with an all-star panel of award-winning journalists - Amber Bracken, Jana Pruden, and Danielle Paradis - in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN - JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER'S DAY! A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITS WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 6:00 | Amber kicks off our Real Talk Round Table with an update on her (and The Narwhal's) lawsuit against the RCMP. We discuss the challenges journalists face today, and whether or not the industry should require a professional designation. We tackle the Alberta voter data breach (46:00), Jana's coverage of the Regina Police (Robert Semenchuk) privacy breach (51:00) and discuss Alberta separatists doxxing former premiers Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley. Jana helps us understand why sexual assault charges were stayed against disgraced spiritual leader John deRuiter (56:30).  1:04:30 | Amber tells us what she plans to accomplish as a 2027 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. Dani shines a light on efforts to remove Indigenous land claims through Alberta sovereignty (1:10:00). We touch on plans to demolish Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, site of one of Canada's deadliest mass shootings (1:14:45).  1:31:30 | Real Talkers are FIRED UP as separatists exploit election laws to obtain and publicize Alberta's voters list, exposing the personal information of nearly three million people. Gillian, Robert, Janice, Alberta Maverick, Jason, Marie, Scott, Brendan, Josef, Crystal and Kimm take centre stage in this edition of The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park.  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  MOM DESERVES A DQ ICE CREAM CAKE FOR MOTHER'S DAY! WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  SIGN UP for YEGplus - THE FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM IN CANADA: https://yegplus.com/realtalk BOOK YOUR FREE CALIFORNIA CLOSETS CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Brace yourself. Deputy Chief (Ret'd) Neil LeMay, a longtime RCMP major crimes investigator, shares hard truths (3:00) about the implications of a separatist group leaking Alberta's voters list, and the likelihood of an RCMP investigation producing anything substantial. This is an episode you'll want to stick with from start to finish. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. 1:08:30 | An Alberta-born astronaut is headed to the International Space Station! We received a bunch of emails about Joshua Kutryk's upcoming journey - we read Real Talker Evelyn's submission in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. VISIT playalberta.ca/realtalk TO LEARN MORE.  1:31:30 | Neil tells us why Alberta's plan to cut ties with the RCMP is a bad idea. He gives us his take on Edmonton police chief Warren Driechel's trip to Israel, and the EPS pilot using AI facial recognition bodycams. He goes on to explain why he's calling for a criminal probe into Chief Dreichel (1:52:00).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  SIGN UP FOR YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Just when you thought the Alberta voter data leak story couldn't get any crazier, we find out the UCP president and a senior staffer are connected to the story, and the group in question - the Centurion Project - publicly doxxed former Alberta premier Jason Kenney. We hit the story head-on with National Post's Rahim Mohamed (10:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Stick around as Real Talkers (and Jespo) sound off (1:15:00).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN - JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER'S DAY! A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITS WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. 30:00 | National Observer Max Fawcett makes a quick cameo to rebut one of Rahim's comments. (Max will be back on May 19 to address the Blacklock's Reporter story about National Observer's federal funding.) 45:20 | Our buddy Wyatt Sharpe launches his new show The Sharpe Exchange this week. He gives us an advance look at his interview with former White House Comms Director Anthony Scaramucci, and tells us how President Trump is landing with Gen Z.  CHECK OUT THE SHARPE EXCHANGE: https://www.youtube.com/@UCEI-thoRF6_EGuhc_1eMQYw  1:02:30 | We've got a few quick thoughts on Canada's new Governor General Louise Arbour and the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the NHL Draft Lottery (or, did the Vancouver Canucks *lose* the NHL Draft Lottery?). 1:10:15 | The UpLift! Jasper Mural Festival is underway and in the spotlight in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:15:00 | The show gets spicier than usual (and that's saying something) as Real Talkers sound off on the Centurion Project voter data leak. Jespo has a message for the "greasy f*cks" who betrayed three million Albertans.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

A massive data breach exposing the personal information of nearly three million Alberta voters is now fuelling political chaos, finger-pointing, and serious questions about public trust. Journalist Jen Gerson (7:00) argues the scandal has fundamentally undermined both Elections Alberta and the legitimacy of any push toward a separation referendum. She joins us in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to explain why (and how) she believes Premier Danielle Smith should seize this moment. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN - JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER'S DAY! VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  35:20 | Real Talkers have their say on the voter list leak in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:25:00 | Did you catch the Toronto Maple Leafs' news conference introducing new GM John Chayka? WOW. We can't help ourselves... FLYING OUT OF EDMONTON? SIGN UP FOR CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT LOYALTY PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Millions of Albertans have been betrayed by bad actors fighting for separation. A major data breach involving Alberta's voter registry is raising serious questions about privacy, security, and political extremism. Reports suggest a separatist group may have accessed and distributed sensitive personal information, potentially putting thousands of Albertans at risk. How did this happen, who's responsible, and what are the consequences for public trust in our democracy? We break it down with Supriya Dwivedi (4:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  37:00 | Supriya updates us on the China/India foreign interference story, and comments on Pierre Poilievre's demand for Mark Carney to be more transparent on Canada's ongoing negotiations with the U.S. 49:00 | Great news for travellers in and around Edmonton, as Porter Airlines announces four new destinations out of YEG. Porter Airlines VP Andrew Pierce and YEG VP James Jackson tell us how the deal came about, and what it means for the metro Edmonton region. We get James' take on Ottawa's musings around private ownership of airports and a potential (huge) infusion of investment and talent relating to Canada's defence strategy. SIGN UP FOR YEGplus: yegplus.com/realtalk 1:12:30 | Real Talkers have their say on the voter list data breach in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:38:30 | Real Talker Hayley authors this week's Positive Reflections, celebrating an historic win at the Kentucky Derby. Positive Reflections is proudly presented by our friends at Solar by Kuby.  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Jim's gonna need some time to get over the Oilers' round one loss to Anaheim; Russ is piiiiiiiissed about Alberta separatists releasing confidential voter info; KP isn't sold on Mark Carney's new sovereign wealth fund; Debbie in Nova Scotia says we missed a biggie in our gerrymandering coverage; Dr. Harry says the UCP made an "unconscionable" decision on photo radar; and Laura's all for rebranding the Alberta NDP. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Mikael Colville-Andersen has worked in more than 100 cities around the world, "putting the 'f*ck you' back into urbanism". The Fort McMurray-born Copenhagen resident explains the f-bomb and brings fascinating insights on city design in times of crisis in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (33:00).  But first... 6:00 | Minister Eleanor Olszewski talks major projects and the Canada Strong Fund, and updates us on Jasper's rebuild.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ MIKAEL COLVILLE-ANDERSEN: https://www.colville-andersen.com/ ATTEND MIKAEL'S MAY 1 TALK in EDMONTON: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/cityhalltalk3 1:18:00 | Jespo and Johnny talk 15 minute cities and check in our our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:30:00 | Jim's gonna need some time to get over the Oilers' round one loss to Anaheim; Russ is piiiiiiiissed about Alberta separatists releasing confidential voter info; KP isn't sold on Mark Carney's new sovereign wealth fund; Debbie in Nova Scotia says we missed a biggie in our gerrymandering coverage; Dr. Harry says the UCP made an "unconscionable" decision on photo radar; and Laura's all for rebranding the Alberta NDP. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Seven years ago, Jespo publicly banned John Carpay from appearing on his terrestrial radio show after the two locked horns over COVID restrictions. This episode, Jespersen and Carpay reconvene in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. The two look back on that polarizing pandemic and debate some of Canada's most controversial legislation including the so-called Peterson's Law protecting free speech for professionals and the UCP's Bill 25 removing "bias and ideology" from classrooms. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 43:30 | Janet Brown's newest poll shows some of the wealthiest Albertans most want to separate from Canada, and Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi is losing ground to premier Danielle Smith. The renowned pollster and political commentator takes us into the numbers. JANET BROWN OPINION RESEARCH: https://www.planetjanet.ca/ 1:17:15 | Does the Alberta NDP need a rebrand? We see what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:22:40 | Congratulations to the Canmore Eagles - 2026 AJHL Champions! Real Talker Dawn checks in from Canmore in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  ALBERTA WINS WITH PLAY ALBERTA. WITH HUNDREDS OF POPULAR CASINO GAMES TO CHOOSE FROM, THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR. GET STARTED TODAY WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP: https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. WHEN YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.  SHARE YOUR ALBERTA WIN: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:25:20 | Jespo shares some intel on a favourite hiking destination and we dig deeper into a potential Alberta NDP rebrand.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Mark Carney's Liberals are pouring billions into skilled trades, aiming to train up to 100,000 workers to tackle housing, infrastructure, and major resource projects. The pitch? Build Canada stronger, faster — and less dependent on the United States. We dig into the Spring Economic Update (including Canada's first national sovereign wealth fund) with Heather Thomson from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ EDMONTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/ 25:30 | What's the solution to youth unemployment? Is a career in the trades the best protection against AI and automation? Jespo and Johnny check in on our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 46:00 | There's no cooler way to explore Jasper than on a Harley-Davidson. Jasper Motorcycle Tours is open for the season, and they're in the spotlight in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  JASPER MOTORCYCLE TOURS: https://jaspermotorcycletours.com/ TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/ 50:00 | Did you see thousands of Americans belt out O Canada at the Sabres-Bruins game when the anthem singer's mic cut off? We celebrate a small win amidst a big trade dispute.  1:03:00 | Real Talker Crystal sounds off on gerrymandering in Alberta following our April 28 interview with Drs. Feo Snagovsky and Jared Wesley.  WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/042826RTRT EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:14:00 | Are you an opera lover? If you've never been...Siegfried at the Citadel Theatre is the one to try!  BUY TICKETS: https://www.edmontonopera.com/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

The health of democracy comes down to three basic questions: Are the rules applied equally? Is government accountable? And is it actually serving the public? In this episode, political scientists Dr. Jared Wesley and Dr. Feo Snagovsky put Alberta's UCP government to the test in our feature interview (3:15) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ DR. WESLEY'S SUBSTACK: https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/ COMMON GROUND POLITICS: https://www.commongroundpolitics.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:18:00 | Jespo and Johnny's hearts are in their throats ahead of Game Five of the Oilers-Ducks series. Jespo tangles with a troll in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We mourn the sudden loss of former NHL goalie and colour commentator John "Cheech" Garrett.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

A dramatic security breach at the White House Correspondents' Dinner has people questioning, well, everything. Supriya Dwivedi and Rachel Gilmore get into it in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Rachel tells us about being targeted by white nationalists in Montreal (26:00), Supriya's concerned Manitoba's new youth social media ban won't work (49:20), and we dissect former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole's criticism of Pierre Poilievre's tenure (1:05:30).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. READ RACHEL'S WORK: https://rachelgilmore.substack.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:23:10 | Was it in? Jespo and Johnny debrief after a dramatic game four overtime outcome in the Oilers-Ducks series.  1:33:20 | Thank you to everybody who supported our fundraising for the Alzheimer's Pro-Am Hockey Tournament! Ryan reveals the total funds raised and shares a few thoughts after a very meaningful weekend. Positive Reflections is proudly presented by Solar by Kuby.  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

"Queen Bee" calls out Jespo's "unbridled enthusiasm" for the Alberta Whisky Act, Laura's sick of "frickin' morons" backing Big Coal, Robert brings anti-separation energy, Bobby's got a message for Pierre Poilievre, Kim B has a hot take on Daylight Saving Time, and Mariah sounds off over Edmonton's patio tax. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Captured on the front lines of Ukraine and held for months as a prisoner of war, Shaun Pinner gives us his firsthand account of survival under extreme conditions. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, he reflects on combat, captivity, and the lasting psychological toll of war...plus, why he's telling his story now through Live. Fight. Survive. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwes... SEE SHAUN in EDMONTON APRIL 24: https://www.showpass.com/unbreakable-shaun-pinner-live/ BUY HIS BOOK: https://shaunpinner.com/ 52:30 | Quit being so humble, Edmonton! Three community champions - Laura Kinghorn, Ziyah Karmali, and Chelsey Quirk - have a challenge for us all as Tourism Week wraps up.  EDMONTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/ EXPLORE EDMONTON: https://exploreedmonton.com/ INDIGENOUS TOURISM ALBERTA: https://indigenoustourismalberta.ca/ 1:30:00 | Jespo's classic car is not for sale...or is it? The fellas debrief after a stunning Grand Re-Opening party at Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Real Talkers chime in on our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 1:47:40 | "Queen Bee" calls out Jespo's "unbridled enthusiasm" for the Alberta Whisky Act, Laura's sick of "frickin' morons" backing Big Coal, Robert brings anti-separation energy, Bobby's got a message for Pierre Poilievre, Kim B has a hot take on Daylight Saving Time, and Mariah sounds off over Edmonton's patio tax. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

David Eby's government sold DRIPA as a historic step toward reconciliation, but as implementation begins, the cracks are starting to show. Meantime, public opinion is shifting. Support for reconciliation - once broadly embraced - is being tested as people grapple with what the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act could mean for the economy, governance, and decision-making authority in the province. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, Mo Amir (2:40) tells us why he thinks B.C.'s premier has lost "serious, unrecoverable credibility" over his handling of DRIPA.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. 58:00 | Did you know inclusive post-secondary education began in Alberta? Nearly 30 years ago, the province embraced a simple idea: students with intellectual disabilities belong in the same classrooms, the same programs, the same campus life as everyone else. Real Talker Charmaine tells the story in this week's edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. ALBERTA WINS WITH PLAY ALBERTA. WITH HUNDREDS OF POPULAR CASINO GAMES TO CHOOSE FROM, THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR. GET STARTED TODAY WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP: https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. WHEN YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.  SHARE YOUR ALBERTA WIN: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:01:20 | Have you filed your taxes yet? How much thought are you putting into your short- and longer-term tax and investment strategy? Cary Williams from North Road Investment Counsel gives us a few key things to think about.  CONNECT WITH NORTH ROAD: https://www.northroadic.com/waypoint 1:29:30 | Was Jespo's crew the best-dressed foursome at Rogers Place for Game Two of the Oilers-Ducks series?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Forever Canadian founder and former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk says the UCP's democratic process around his referendum question is "a sham". He explains why alongside NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (26:00).  But first...what's going on with the teachers' court case against the Alberta government? Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling (5:15) has an update and a response to Bill 25 - An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ FOREVER CANADIAN: https://www.forever-canadian.ca/en FOR ALBERTA FOR CANADA: https://foralbertaforcanada.ca/ 1:11:00 | Experience the Taste of Spring in Jasper with a lineup of events designed to captivate and inspire! Jespo's particularly excited about the Alberta Beer & Spirits Trail on May 1.  TASTE of SPRING in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/taste-of-spring/ 1:15:30 | We've got an update on Doug Ford's private jet. Real Talker Graham pushes back on Jespo's patio rant on April 21. Real Talkers chime in on the Live Chat powered by Park Power.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Billy Morin's not going anywhere. In an exclusive interview, the Conservative MP tells us how he was recruited by the Liberals, whether or not he planned on getting caught on that hot mic, and why he's sticking to his guns supporting Pierre Poilievre. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 26:00 | Stephen Carter has a "grievance" re: Max Fawcett's April 13 Real Talk interview. He leads off with an unauthorized ad read. Zain Velji joins for a frank and candid conversation about the "ten alarm fire" in Alberta politics. (You'll want to tell your friends about this interview.) FORWARD WEEKLY: https://forwardweekly.ca/ ALBERTA LIBERALS: https://www.albertaliberal.com/ 57:00 | Carter sticks around with action items for motivated Albertans.  1:12:30 | Johnny's got a Round One Game One Oilers Playoff Report from the best DJ booth in the city. Jespo sounds off on Edmonton City Council's restaurant patio tax.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada's deep ties to the U.S. are now a liability (and they need fixing) as Donald Trump's tariffs keep workers in our auto, steel, and lumber sectors squarely in the crosshairs. Is this any different than the PM's message over the past year? We get into the strategy behind it with Supriya Dwivedi (3:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. 37:15 | Was Pierre Poilievre a winner at UFC Winnipeg alongside Canadian fighter Mike Malott? Supriya takes us into the optics - good and bad - of the Conservative leader's very public appearance. We discuss Canada's next potential Olympic hosting bids, and allegations Alberta's UCP government is gerrymandering (1:04:20).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:15:00 | Jespo and Johnny are all geared up for Game One of the Oilers' playoff run. We check in with Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 1:26:00 | Jespo's got a personal Positive Reflection after a very meaningful hockey game over the weekend. Positive Reflections is proudly presented by Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Real Talkers KP, Chris, and Brenda are fired up over UCP gerrymandering allegations; Nathan's taking back a couple flags; and Roger calls Jespo to the carpet for his comment about adult autograph seekers. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

We didn't see the "Daddy Carney" comments coming, but you never know what you're going to get around the Real Talk Round Table. Six months after their election wins, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack (3:30) dig into infrastructure woes, electoral boundary changes, provincial relations, infill strategy, a potential Winter Olympics bid, high speed rail, Alberta separation, and more in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.   THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:08:00 | Does the new One Project, One Review agreement between Alberta and Ottawa - and Alberta's proposed 120-day approval legislation - actually make the province more competitive? Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce, has her Eye on Alberta Business.  REGISTER for the AB CHAMBERS AGM in MAY: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/2026-agm-and-policy-plenary-session-in-whitecourt/ 1:25:00 | Jespo tees up a big event he's hosting, including a tip for anybody getting dressed up in a tux. Real Talkers tell us how they feel about door-to-door sales in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 1:47:00 | Real Talkers KP, Chris, and Brenda are fired up over UCP gerrymandering allegations; Nathan's taking back a couple flags; and Roger calls Jespo to the carpet for his comment about adult autograph seekers. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Is there any more successful provincial branding campaign in Canadian history than Alberta Beef? Distillers are hoping Alberta Whisky sees the same international uptick with the (pending) passage of the Alberta Whisky Act, which sets strict standards for anything branded Alberta Whisky. We get into it with Minister Dale Nally, Bryce Parsons from the Alberta Craft Distillers Association and True Wild Distilling, and Bill Eaton and Kris Sustrik from Hansen Distillery in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (2:30).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:01:00 | Real Talker Jenni in Grande Prairie might be more excited than anybody else in Canada for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey! She authors this week's Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  ALBERTA WINS WITH PLAY ALBERTA. WITH HUNDREDS OF POPULAR CASINO GAMES TO CHOOSE FROM, THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR. GET STARTED TODAY WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP: https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. WHEN YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.  SHARE YOUR ALBERTA WIN: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:05:30 | Have you been following the public meltdown of Airdrie pizza shop owner Farouk Elsaghir? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Remember the Epstein files? Those documents tied to one of the most disturbing, high-profile abuse scandals in modern history? The ones that were supposed to bring accountability, transparency, maybe even a little justice? Funny how they seem to keep…slipping out of focus. The Trump administration has been accused of doing its best to keep those files buried (or at least conveniently out of reach). And just when it felt like the story was fading for good, First Lady Melania Trump steps up to the mic with a press conference that raises more eyebrows than it answers questions. So, what's actually going on here? Who's being protected? And why does “sorry” seem to be the go-to response when accountability is nowhere to be found? Leah Eichler joins in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (6:00) to talk about her piece in The Globe and Mail. Make sure you stick around for her shocking expose on "alpine divorce".  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. LEAH'S EPSTEIN COLUMN: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/social-trends/article-epstein-files-apologies/ LEAH'S ALPINE DIVORCE COLUMN: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/social-trends/article-alpine-divorce-is-a-soft-term-for-a-much-darker-cruel-act/ MORE FROM LEAH: https://leaheichler.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 36:00 | Is it only a matter of time until Pierre Poilievre loses more MPs to the Liberals? Tasha Kheiridden tells us what she's hearing out of Quebec.  TASHA'S FEATURE on "CARNEY UNENCUMBERED": https://nationalpost.com/opinion/tasha-kheiriddin-get-ready-for-mark-carney-unencumbered TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  TODAY'S THE LAST DAY TO BUY FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz 1:03:00 | Jespo and Johnny see what Real Talkers are saying about future floor crossings in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:17:30 | The Jasper SkyTram opens today! Jespo shares a few of his favourite memories from this iconic Jasper experience in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR VISIT: https://jasperskytram.com/ TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/experiences/jasper-skytram/ 1:22:30 | Real Talker Scott in Sherwood Park says people should give Avi Lewis a fair shake. Do you agree?  1:35:00 | It's "Mean Tweets," Real Talk edition! Jespo shares more than a few responses to our conversation with Max Fawcett about Alberta separation.  WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/041326Max FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

PM Mark Carney has his majority after the Liberals sweep three by-elections in Ontario and Quebec. What does this mean for the government, Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives, and everyday Canadians? We get into it with Shannon Phillips, Tyler Meredith, and Ken Boessenkool (4:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz 52:00 | Is Canada even prepared to actually build the major projects everybody's talking about? Is a skilled labour shortage hampering our economy? We check in with Sean Strickland from Canada's Building Trades Unions.  LEARN MORE: https://buildingtrades.ca/ 1:29:00 | We can't help but check out a couple trending videos - Pierre Poilievre calling Mark Carney "badly educated on economics," and Donald Trump gaslighting everybody about his AI photo as Jesus Christ. Real Talkers have a lot to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

If the Liberals sweep the by-elections in Toronto and Terrebonne, QC - or even go two for three - there'll be no looking back for PM Mark Carney. Then, there's the possibility even more MPs could cross the floor to what would be a majority government. What's the likelihood it all plays out this way? We ask National Observer lead columnist Max Fawcett (4:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/04/13/opinion/alberta-separatism-canada-response MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 51:30 | Cardiac surgeon Dr. Steven Meyer and University Hospital Foundation president/CEO Dr. Jodi Abbott give us a perspective check on the importance of cardiac care (including heart transplant surgeries) at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and how the Full House Lottery plays a critical role in fundraising.  GET YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz 1:13:20 | What a weekend! Jespo and Johnny recap Justin Bieber, Justin Trudeau, and Katy Perry at Coachella, Artemis II returning to Earth, and Rory McIlroy going back-to-back at The Masters.  1:31:00 | Real Talker Emily G passes along a curious photo from Pierre Poilievre's adopted riding of Battle River-Crowfoot. What do you think is going on? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:37:00 | MAGA's officially lost Megyn Kelly.  1:44:00 | Real Talkers Mike and Sabrina share their thoughts on the true value of the Artemis II mission. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

"Why Knott," Wayne and Greg in Calgary, and Robert react strongly to our April 8 interview with Alberta's Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides; Michael says "both sides" don't need to be better with online harrassment, Kyle's worried Iran will be rebuilt before his back alley, and Les says Jespo's off the mark with his Kraft Hockeyville comments. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Close to 40 Conservative MPs fear Pierre Poilievre will cost them their seats, party insiders tell the Toronto Star. What does this mean for Mr. Poilievre and the CPC? Journalist Raisa Patel joins from Ottawa (8:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. READ THE STORY: https://www.thestar.com/politics/up-to-40-conservative-mps-fear-pierre-poilievre-will-cost-them-their-seats-insiders-say/article_e2c68002-790d-4a0a-9dc3-7cc6eb9191b5.html MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 30:20 | Real Talkers chime in on floor crossings and Poilievre's future in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 34:15 | Support for Alberta separatism is at a five year high, say pollsters at Pollara Strategic Insights. Dan Arnold joins from Liberal Convention in Montreal to dig into what's driving the numbers. READ THE RESULTS: https://www.pollara.com/ 48:45 | Real Talkers Carmen in Bonnyville and Shane East of Edmonton tell us why they're skeptical about the support for Alberta separation. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  54:30 | After taking a puck to the face at an Oilers game just six days ago, local legend Sean McBurney joins us from the jobsite to show off his shiner.  1:08:45 | Jespo shows a gnarly photo of his own puck-to-the-face injury ten years ago this month. 1:27:10 | "Why Knott," Wayne and Greg in Calgary, and Robert react strongly to our April 8 interview with Alberta's Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides; Michael says "both sides" don't need to be better with online harrassment, Kyle's worried Iran will be rebuilt before his back alley, and Les says Jespo's off the mark with his Kraft Hockeyville comments. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre.com/planning-event/meetings/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

"The Liberal tent is so big you can drive a truck convoy right through it." MP Marilyn Gladu's floor crossing from the Conservatives to the Liberals is raising more than a few eyebrows. Does her past support for conversion therapy, the Freedom Convoy, and alternative COVID therapies inherently conflict with Liberal culture? Is PM Carney going too far in his quest for a majority government? Poll analyst Philippe Fournier joins (5:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 41:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Philippe Fournier interview, and get a bit whimsical about religion and science.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  54:00 | Shout out to the Alberta high school students delivering Days for Girls and Pedals for Prosperity supplies in the Dominican Republic! We celebrate their service in this edition of Alberta Wins proudly presented by Play Alberta.  ALBERTA WINS WITH PLAY ALBERTA. WITH HUNDREDS OF POPULAR CASINO GAMES TO CHOOSE FROM, THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR. GET STARTED TODAY WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP: https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. WHEN YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.  57:15 | Talk about a turnaround! We revisit the Marilyn Gladu floor crossing with a look at what the MP said about Mark Carney one year ago.  1:18:30 | Donald Trump's base is crumbling. We hear from Megyn Kelly and Marjorie Taylor-Greene, and Real Talkers have their say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Is it possible...or smart...to try to remove ideology from schools? What does it even mean? Whose responsibility is it to decide how and what students learn? We ask Alberta's Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides about the UCP's controversial Bill 25 in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 36:00 | Dolph Lundgren, one of the biggest action stars in Hollywood history, talks to us about his cancer fight and the decision to discuss it during filming of the documentary film Dolph: Unbreakable. 1:02:00 | Taste of Spring is a fresh new festival celebrating the food, art, and culture that makes Jasper so special. We have details in this edition of #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by Tourism Jasper.  TASTE of SPRING: https://www.jasper.travel/taste-of-spring/ 1:05:10 | Filmmakers Nauzanin Knight, Sheena Rossiter, and Adam Scorgie join our Real Talk Round Table on opening day of NorthwestFilmFest.  GET TICKETS TO NORTHWESTFEST: https://www.northwestfest.ca/ 1:55:00 | Remember Curtis Wright, the Canadian who's been detained by ICE for six months? We've got an update on his situation. 2:00:00 | PM Mark Carney's Liberals are now one seat away from a majority, as Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu crosses the floor. We dig into the developing story.  2:07:30 | Who surrendered Tuesday - Iran or the United States? We hear a few different perspectives on the ceasefire deal that will temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and see what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

You ever notice how “going back to the Moon” somehow sounds kind of...small? Like, we already did it half a century ago. In the era of black-and-white TV, slide rules, and less computing power than your smartwatch. Apollo 8 sent humans around the Moon in 1968. So, what's the big deal now? Except, this is a big deal. Because this isn't nostalgia. It's not a victory lap. Artemis II is the first time in more than 50 years that humans will leave low Earth orbit. No quick rescue, no space station safety net, no margin for error in the same way we've grown used to. And here's where it gets interesting. Is this about science? Is it about beating China? Is it about setting up a Moon base—or eventually getting to Mars? Or is it, as critics say, a wildly expensive prestige project dressed up as progress? What are we actually going to learn from a flyby? What could go wrong? And if everything goes right—what changes? We find out in this episode. Dr. Martin Connors is a professor of astronomy, physics, and mathematics at Athabasca University. He's spent his career studying space, planetary science, and how humanity fits into all of it. And he joins us in our feature interview (3:40) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to break down what Artemis II really means…and whether it's worth it. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. 56:00 | Alright. Enough of the "dream big, blow your mind" Artemis II focus. Did you see President Donald Trump's post that "a whole civilization will die tonight"? Jespo and Johnny check in with Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power ahead of the Tuesday 6pm ET deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Yes, it's real. President Donald Trump is out with a profanity-laced threat toward Iran, setting a firm deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and warning of devastating strikes on key infrastructure if that doesn't happen. We're talking about a rapidly intensifying conflict that's already shaken global markets, disrupted supply chains, and driven up fuel prices — in just over five weeks. So where is this headed? Is this high-stakes brinkmanship, or something far more dangerous? We get into it with political analyst Supriya Dwivedi (11:30) - unpacking the rhetoric, the risks, and what it all means for Canada and the global economy - in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. 33:00 | Were you as surprised as Jespo was when the results of the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville contest were announced on Hockey Night in Canada? What do you think Kraft and the NHL should have done? EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 51:50 | Prime Minister Mark Carney could (and likely will) have a majority government eight days from now. Supriya tells us which by-election storylines she's keeping the closest eye on.  1:13:00 | Wages are on the table in episode three of Worker Agenda. Jespo and Johnny see what Real Talkers have to say about minimum wage in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. WATCH WORKER AGENDA - WAGES: https://rtrj.info/WA3 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://rtrj.info/WA3s LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://rtrj.info/WA3a SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:34:10 | We honour the sacrifice of a Canadian soldier more than a century after his combat death, courtesy of Real Talker Jerry, in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour. Episode 3 of the Worker Agenda looks at WAGES. Omar Mouallem leads a compelling conversation with hosts Gil McGowan and Cori Longo, joined by special guest Linda Marinai, Northern Director of UFCW Local 401. Together, they dive into the state of wages in Alberta—exploring the growing wage gap, the impact of inflation on working people, and the real challenges facing today's workforce. The discussion goes beyond the problem, highlighting practical solutions to improve pay, strengthen collective bargaining, and empower workers. From policy choices governments can make to the role employers play in raising standards, this episode lays out what it will take to ensure wages keep up—and workers don't fall behind. Follow the Worker Agenda at: https://workeragenda.ca/ Ask your MLA to make the Worker Agenda THE Agenda for the province https://workeragenda.ca/get-involved/ Follow AFL Media: https://www.youtube.com/@ABFedLabour/videos Follow AFL on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABFedLabour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abfedlabour/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ABFedLabour LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-federation-of-labour/ Follow the AFL and sign up for AFL News: https://afl.org/

Nicolaides and Smith in front of a school or something like that...or you could go with a big ghostbusters thing over a Pride flag or something like that.... FLAMETHROWER TITLE: "Alberta's Ban on Ideology in Schools is Laughable!" FLAMETHROWER DESCRIPT: Anne says the UCP's take on classroom ideology is "laughable and ridiculous," Tim claims Mark Carney's forcing him to leave Canada, Bruce has a theory on the Golden Cat controversy, and "B" and Brent have thoughts on MAiD. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

The Alberta NDP needs to change its name...right? Party leader Naheed Nenshi isn't so sure (3:30), and he explains why in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Nenshi leads off with his Opposition to Danielle Smith's trip to Saudi Arabia, and Alberta banning "politics and ideology" from classrooms. Do you agree or disagree with Nenshi on the name change? Leave a comment below!  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 38:30 | Did you watch Artemis II launch into orbit? Frank Florian, one of Canada's biggest space enthusiasts, sure did. The senior manager of Planetarium and Space Sciences at Telus World of Science spells out why the first moon mission in more than 50 years is such a big deal.  TELUS WORLD of SCIENCE: https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/ 1:10:30 | Are Alberta teachers - social studies teachers in particular - handcuffed with the UCP's Bill 25? Dr. Jonathan Sharek explains how politics and ideology are integrated in the real world. 1:54:00 | Congratulations to our friends at North Road Investment Counsel for their "Trailblazer" honour on Edify's 2026 list of Edifiers!  EDIFY EDMONTON: https://edifyedmonton.com/ FULL NORTH ROAD INTERVIEW on MITIGATING YOUR DIGITAL RISK: https://rtrj.info/040126NRIC 2:01:00 | Anne calls the UCP's take on classroom ideology "laughable and ridiculous," Tim claims Mark Carney's forcing him to leave Canada, Bruce has a theory on the Golden Cat controversy, and "B" and Brent have thoughts on MAiD. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Danielle Smith's government is introducing sweeping new legislation “removing politics and ideology” from Alberta schools. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the goal is simple: classrooms should teach kids how to think, not what to think. It's the latest chapter in continued tensions between the UCP and teachers, and it's where we lead off with strategist Sharan Kaur (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 30:00 | Sharan gets personal and explains why she deactivated her X account. Have you faced similar harassment? Tell us your story: talk@ryanjespersen.com 55:00 | Jespo and Johnny chat AI and deep fakes, including comments from Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:05:00 | High-energy duo SkiiTour are headed to Marmot Basin for an exclusive LIVE performance on April 25th! We've got details (including an up-to-the-minute snow report) in this week's #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by Tourism Jasper. SKI MARMOT: https://www.skimarmot.com/ PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:08:30 | Could you be Canada's next scam victim? Are you at risk of losing your savings or seeing your reputation dragged through the mud? Marshall McAlister and Misha Niemtsev from North Road Investment Counsel lay out some of today's biggest digital risks and how to avoid them. CONNECT with NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ 1:34:00 | What do you think about the UCP's Bill 25, which aims to remove politics and ideology from classrooms? We take a closer look. REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNAMENT on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

April 1 is shaping up to be a consequential day for Canada's energy and economic landscape. Carbon pricing is set to rise for large industrial emitters in several provinces, raising big questions about competitiveness, investment, and emissions targets. At the same time, a key deadline hits for major resource and infrastructure projects (including those tied to Alberta-Ottawa agreements) putting the spotlight on regulatory timelines, political will, and whether Canada can actually get big projects built. 4:30 | Economist Dr. Andrew Leach digs into it all, in plain language, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 47:30 | A new report from the Business Council of Alberta argues federal approvals are choking off investment, delaying projects, and sending capital elsewhere. BCA president Adam Legge and Cenovus board chair Alex Pourbaix argue their case.  READ THE REPORT: https://businesscouncilab.com/reports-category/from-barriers-to-breakthroughs-main/ 1:15:25 | Jespo and Johnny debrief and see what Real Talkers have to say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Avi Lewis will lead Canada's NDP from here. On the heels of the filmmaker's big leadership win, we talk to Supriya Dwivedi (4:15) about immediate pushback from Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi and Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck, Manitoba premier Wab Kinew's glowing endorsement, and political implications across the country. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/. 48:45 | Does Alberta premier Danielle Smith need to condemn separatist support within her caucus? Did Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau have any other option but to retire (58:00)? How big of a headache has Liberal MP Michael Ma created for PM Carney with his China comments (1:14:00)? Supriya and Jespo get to it all. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:38:30 | Did you catch our March 13 interview on "curling parents" with child psychologist Dr. Caroline Buzanko? It resonated with Real Talker Lisa, who authors this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ WATCH THE DR. BUZANKO INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/031326Caroline FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

KP gives PM Mark Carney a failing grade through year one; Meredith, BabyMac, Johanne, and Trucker Mike sound off on MAiD changes in Alberta, Ophelia calls out Jespo's comments on zoos, and Lauren says Don Cherry deserves the Hockey Hall of Fame...but not the Order of Canada. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

No recurring guest gets Real Talkers more fired up than Stephen Carter. The veteran political strategist sinks his teeth into Pierre Poilievre on Joe Rogan's podast, rumours of a snap election in Manitoba, Premier Danielle Smith's "golden cat" controversy, Alberta separatists efforts, PM Mark Carney's year one report card, and RCMP raiding former Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek's home in our feature interview (5:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. 37:00 | Canada is the only G7 nation without proton therapy for cancer patients. The amazing people behind the Ben Stelter Foundation are working to bring the $150M investment to Alberta. Mike Stelter, Ashif Mawji, and Dr. Ankur Sharma explain how the Ben Stelter Centre for Proton Therapy and Neuroscience will transform cancer care in Canada. REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNAMENT on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ 1:08:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:25:45 | KP gives PM Mark Carney a failing grade through year one; Meredith, BabyMac, Johanne, and Trucker Mike sound off on MAiD changes in Alberta, Ophelia calls out Jespo's comments on zoos, and Lauren says Don Cherry deserves the Hockey Hall of Fame...but not the Order of Canada. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

PM Mark Carney's Liberals are enjoying a healthy lead in the polls. Can Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives close the 14-point gap? And what about the NDP, who will elect a new leader over the next few days? Pollster David Valentin digs into the numbers - and brings valuable insights - in our feature interview (4:20) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. LIAISON STRATEGIES: https://www.liaison.ca/ OUR AVI LEWIS INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/012126Avi OUR HEATHER McPHERSON INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/021026McPherson OUR ROB ASHTON INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/022526Ashton MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 26:15 | How would you grade Mark Carney's first year as PM? Jespo reads some of the 800+ comments Real Talkers left on our Facebook post after the Lynda Steele episode on March 24.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  36:45 | How're we doing on eliminating those pesky inter-provincial trade barriers? Are we actually making progress on unlocking "Canada's hidden economy"? We get real world insights from business leaders Chuck Davidson (Manitoba Chambers of Commerce), Shauna Feth (Alberta Chambers of Commerce), Rebecca Goldsack (Diesel Tech Industries), and Antu Chicahuala (Accusteel).  ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ 1:12:30 | Did you catch our Tristin Hopper interview about the plight of Scottish midwife Heather Gilchrist, who's being threatened with deportation? Immigration lawyer Catherine McAteer makes an important point in follow-up. (Also, who knew Real Talkers were such avid urban gardeners? A bunch of you share in our Live Chat powered by Park Power what you'll be growing in your backyard this summer.) WATCH OUR TRISTIN HOPPER INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/032526Tristin SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Heather Gilchrist spent $60k of her own money moving to Canada and getting certified to work. The 58-year-old came to British Columbia, recently widowed, looking to continue her career as an experienced midwife. But a glitch in her paperwork is triggering deportation on the grounds the British citizen can't speak English. We dig into the debacle with National Post correspondent Tristin Hopper (6:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/. 52:15 | Prompted by Tristin's interaction with Lucy the Elephant, Real Talkers have their say on zoos, circuses, and changing attitudes around conservation. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:06:00 | Calling all coffee, Scotch, and cigar lovers: you owe it to yourself to visit Ursidae Lair in Jasper! We shine a light on the stunning Scotch tasting lounge in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. CHECK IT OUT: https://ursidaelair.com/ PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:09:40 | There's not a lot to say at this point about the RCMP investigation into alleged corruption at Calgary City Hall, but Jespo touches on it.  1:15:00 | Real Talker Aly shares her very moving story of how the MAiD debate personally impacted her family.  TELL US YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

The Edmonton Oilers are the third most profitable sports franchise on the planet. Team owner Daryl Katz is now worth an estimated $7.4 billion. And, as Connor McDavid and his teammates prepare for playoffs, season tickets holders have been hit with a 15-20% price increase on renewals. We get into it with legendary broadcaster Lynda Steele (6:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  We get into gas prices and the war in Iran (30:20), Air Canada pilots killed at LaGuardia (37:00), PM Mark Carney's Year One Report Card (47:40), a new pipeline through B.C. (54:40), and real estate uncertainty around DRIPA (57:45). THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ KILLEEN & STEELE: https://killeenandsteele.ca/ 1:16:00 | Have you heard Tucker Carlson and Joe Rogan's recent comments on Israel? Real Talkers chime in via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We have an update on the "Golden Cat" story (1:30:10).  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ JOIN JESPO at the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNAMENT on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ BOOK A FREE CALIFORNIA CLOSETS CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.