Real Talk

What would Alberta separation from Canada ACTUALLY look like: legally, economically, re: Indigenous treaty rights, trade, workers, travellers, and everyday Albertans? We dig into the Canada West Foundation's new Alberta in Confederation report (4:45) with Gary Mar, Dr. Ted Morton, Dr. Audrey Doerr, Dr. Greg Anderson and Dr. Herb Emery in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ READ THE REPORT: https://cwf.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 36:30 | Gary, Audrey, and Greg dig deeper into the idea of Alberta as an American state, and the reality of Treaties in any separation debate. 1:05:15 | Real Talker Shannon checks in from the Carbon Capture Canada 2026 conference with a timely Alberta Win. Alberta Wins is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:08:00 | Real Talker Matthew wants Jespo to switch over to Gander Social. Real Talkers respond to our Round Table in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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 president of the European Commission all but endorsed Canada as an "associate member" of the EU two days after Canadian PM Mark Carney downplayed a Wall Street Journal report on the possibility...so what's the truth? Politico's Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey tells us what he's hearing (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, including the possibility of Carney calling an election. We recap the first Canada Investment Summit, including former PM Stephen Harper's participation (34:45), and dig into MP Jamil Jivani's future with the Conservative Party (48:00).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. IF YOU LOVE CAESARS, YOU MUST CHECK OUT DISTILLED BY HER, BATCH TWO: TOMATO, DILL & HOT PEPPER GIN! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ SUBSCRIBE to POLITICO's PLAYBOOK CANADA PODCAST: https://www.politico.com/podcasts/playbook-canada 53:00 | The Jasper Dark Sky Festival is reaching new heights in 2026 with amazing new culinary options, a guided overnight stay under the stars, and a free Bahamas concert. We lay out the perfect Jasper Dark Sky Festival itinerary in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://rtrj.info/091626MyJasperURL 57:30 | We check in with Energi Media's Markham Hislop re: the Alberta NDP's byelection win in Calgary-Shaw. Markham tells us what he's demanding before he'll seriously consider the case for a new West Coast pipeline.  SUBSCRIBE to  @EnergiMedia  on YouTube. GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:29:00 | Have you been paying attention to the Ed Sheeran controversy? Jespo and Johnny hash it out with input from Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Guest host Supriya Dwivedi and James McLeod of The Canadian Shield Institute dig into Canada's digital sovereignty, examining who controls Canadians' data, the influence of foreign tech companies and platforms, and why building data centres alone doesn't necessarily give Canada control over its digital future.  The conversation then shifts as UBC Political Scientist Stewart Prest details Mark Carney's increasingly conservative approach to governing, exploring what his policies and political positioning mean for traditional Conservatives and the broader direction of Canadian politics. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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 is making a massive pitch to global investors: Canada is open for business, rich in resources, talent and opportunity, and ready to attract a trillion dollars in investment. But is the prime minister actually solving the problems that have held Canadian investment and productivity back for years, or is he simply articulating Canada's message better than anyone before him? We take a look at the first-ever Canada Investment Summit with Supriya Dwivedi (5:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Oh, and is Canada seriously trying to join the EU? Supriya reads into Carney's response to the Wall Street Journal's scoop (26:30). THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. IF YOU LOVE CAESARS, YOU MUST CHECK OUT DISTILLED BY HER, BATCH TWO: TOMATO, DILL & HOT PEPPER GIN! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 46:45 | Polling shows 13% of Canadians who voted Conservative in 2025 would vote Liberal today. How concerned should Pierre Poilievre be? And, is MP Jamil Jivani soft-launching a hostile takeover (53:00)? Supriya tells us how former AI researcher Jacob Coxon's warning about the end of humanity is landing with her (1:01:00).   TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here, or email talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:15:00 | Jespo and Johnny can't help themselves. We wrap with a bit of casual gloating after the Elks playoff-clinching win over Calgary. Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Jamie says the Edmonton Oilers don't need to be a "desperate, last-chance stop on disgraced athletes' list of options," Scott's appalled by separatists supporting Russia amidst Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Alberta, and Les tells us what flag he'll be flying when he votes on October 19. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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.

Hard to believe it's been 25 years since the September 11 attacks. We reflect on "the day that everything changed" with Senator Paula Simons (5:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Senator Simons takes us into her column for Alberta Views, where she calls out "The Noxious Nine" questions (41:40) in Alberta's "nasty" referendum.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WINNERS OF THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE INAUGURAL ALBERTA WHISKY AWARDS! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com  READ PAULA'S COLUMN: https://albertaviews.ca/the-noxious-nine/ REQUEST YOUR MAIL-IN REFERENDUM BALLOT: https://www.elections.ab.ca/request-a-special-ballot/ 1:01:45 | Real Talkers remember 9/11 and share their thoughts on Alberta's referendum questions. Jespo claps back at a Russian cheerleader in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:42:30 | Jamie says the Edmonton Oilers don't need to be a "desperate, last-chance stop on disgraced athletes' list of options," Scott's appalled by separatists supporting Russia amidst Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Alberta, and Les tells us what flag he'll be flying when he votes on October 19. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Curtis Wright was born in Edmonton, built a life in Texas, and just spent nine months in ICE detention before being deported to Canada over a decades-old conviction from when he was 17. He joins us (3:30) to talk about what happened inside detention, the devastating impact of being separated from his children, and what his experience says about the human cost of America's immigration crackdown. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 41:30 | The iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge just landed on a very exclusive list. We celebrate the JPL's inclusion on National Geographic's Best 20 New Hotels in the World in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 45:20 | Ottawa's partnering with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) on a new National AI Literacy Initiative. Why does this matter to you? We find out from Amii CEO Cam Linke.  AMII: https://www.amii.ca/ 1:07:30 | A Calgary-based company is using knowledge, infrastructure, and expertise from the energy industry to produce battery-grade lithium from brines deep below. Real Talker Sarah shares the story of E3 Lithium 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 1:12:00 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on AI, good and bad, in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum isn't just about separation. There are 10 questions on the ballot, including five that target immigrants and raise serious questions about access to health care, education and social supports. We're joined by former Alberta premier Rachel Notley, former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson, former St. Albert mayor Cathy Heron, lawyer Avnish Nanda (4:25), and former Lethbridge mayor Chris Spearman (1:07:00) for Real Talk about what these questions are really about, and what they say about the politics shaping Alberta right now. Plus, Canada's Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne goes one-on-one with Ryan (43:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to recap last week's G20 summit in North Carolina, his ongoing conversations with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and what Canadians told him through recent pre-budget consultations. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WINNERS OF THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE INAUGURAL ALBERTA WHISKY AWARDS! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ OUR ALBERTA ADVANTAGE: https://ouralbertaadvantage.ca/ REQUEST YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT BY SEPT. 25: https://www.elections.ab.ca/request-a-special-ballot/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Canada's trade war with the United States just escalated, with Ottawa imposing billions in new retaliatory tariffs as Donald Trump spends the weekend firing off increasingly wild attacks against Prime Minister Carney and Canada. Supriya Dwivedi joins us (4:00) to break down what Canada's strategy is, how much leverage we actually have, and where this increasingly ugly fight goes from here. Then, Marshall McAlister and Cary Williams from North Road Investment Counsel (58:15) get into the market and investment implications of the trade war and Alberta referendum. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ 39:00 | Investigative journalist Rory White exposes an American network of fake websites promoting Alberta separation to AI chatbots. Supriya and Ryan dig into the National Observer's feature report. 58:15 | Is now the time to invest more in Canadian companies? Marshall and Cary from North Road Investment Counsel take Real Talkers' questions submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com and via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:37:00 | A tragic loss over the weekend, as legendary filmmaker Georgina Lightning is struck by a horse and killed at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds. We send much love and our deepest condolences to Georgina's family and many friends. REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Tyler calls out former MLA Ian Donovan's tone re: AI data centres, T.S. says it's time to put politicians in the penalty box, and Harry finally hits send on something he's been stewing over since July. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: 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.

Do unions still matter in 2026? Do they matter now more than ever? Against the backdrop of a tough August jobs report, rising youth unemployment, and growing anxiety about the future of work in Canada, we welcome labour leaders Chris Flett, Siobhan Vipond, and Patrick Campbell (4:00) to discuss the role of organized labour in a rapidly changing economy. We tackle union-busting governments, the impact of AI on "blue collar" jobs, and tackling stigma around the trades. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WINNERS OF THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE INAUGURAL ALBERTA WHISKY AWARDS! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CHECK OUT IUOE LOCAL 955: https://joinustoday.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:24:20 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on unions and Labour Day in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo reads Real Talker Shannon's email about saving integrated firefighter-paramedic service in Spruce Grove, Alberta. WATCH OUR MAY 11 ROUND TABLE ON SAVING INTEGRATED FIREFIGHTER-PARAMEDIC SERVICE IN ALBERTA: https://rtrj.info/051126APFFPA SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:33:15 | Tyler calls out former MLA Ian Donovan's tone re: AI data centres, T.S. says it's time to put politicians in the penalty box, and Harry finally hits send on something he's been stewing over since July. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Alberta's population boom is putting pressure on just about every part of the province's infrastructure, and schools are no exception. With more than 87,000 new students entering Alberta's education system in just four years, we ask Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides (4:00) if the province is barely keeping up or actually getting ahead. Meantime, B.C.'s Conservative Party is crumbling, with nine MLAs leaving over the past month alone. Cheryl Oates gives us an insider's look (37:10) at the B.C. Legislature fresh off her contract as Premier David Eby's Chief of Staff. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ CHECK OUT CHERYL'S SUBSTACK: https://cheryloates.substack.com/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:05:00 | Did you know cement is responsible for about 8% of global CO2 emissions? An innovation with ties to Alberta could reduce emissions from cement production and find a productive use for an agricultural byproduct. We feature CURA in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  LEARN MORE: https://albertainnovates.ca/news/from-grey-to-green-engineering-the-future-of-cement/ 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 1:08:30 | Real Talkers respond to the Nicolaides and Oates interviews in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo shares his thoughts on the future of the Progressive Tory Party of Alberta, and the fundraising discrepancies between Alberta separatists and federalists.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:16:30 | Congratulations to Angela Anderson, Ashley Dornan, Isabelle McCourt, and Max Rice - the 2026 recipients of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship! Ryan opens up about the Scholarship's roots, our Advisory Board's selection process, and a special commitment made to every applicant.  THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/scholarship DONATE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP: https://ecf.ca/funds/the-real-talk-julie-rohr-scholarship-fund/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Not everybody's seeing eye to eye in the southern Alberta community of Little Bow, just outside Vulcan. Some residents opposed to the project are taking their local government to court (see our August 6 episode), while others say it's an opportunity to create jobs, increase tax revenue, and repurpose less-than-ideal farmland. This is part of a bigger conversation about the future of Alberta's innovation economy, and the trade-offs that go with it. Former Wildrose MLA and farmer Ian Donovan tells us why he's backing the Little Bow AI Data Centre in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CHECK OUT OUR AUGUST 6 EPISODE on the LITTLE BOW AI DATA CENTRE: https://rtrj.info/080626DataCentre GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 37:30 | Ian takes us back to that infamous floor crossing in late 2014, and gives us his take on today's UCP. Real Talkers have their say (56:20) in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:09:00 | After bringing THIRTY-SEVEN loved ones out to Jasper from across Western Canada, Real Talker Margaret shares highlights from the Crane family reunion in a special edition of #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by Tourism Jasper.  PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:13:30 | Juno Award and five-time Canadian Country Music Award-winning artist Clayton Bellamy joins Jespo in studio to chat about his new single "I Miss Tom Petty," his upcoming tour, another CCMA nomination with The Road Hammers (celebrating 20 years as a band!), and his upcoming Clayton Bellamy Foundation Gala & Golf Fundraiser. He shares his thoughts on AI data centres and the Alberta referendum, too.  CLAYTON'S WEBSITE: https://www.claytonbellamy.com/ 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/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

What would Alberta separation actually cost...and who would pay the price? Economist Jim Stanford joins us (5:00) to break down the enormous economic risks of leaving Canada, from trade and debt to pensions, investment and the cost of building a new country. Plus, are Alberta's workers getting a raw deal from an economy that generates enormous wealth without delivering comparable gains in wages and living standards? We get into it in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ READ THE REPORT: https://afl.org/press-release-new-report-shows-separation-would-be-disastrous-for-alberta-workers/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 33:00 | Real Talkers respond to the Stanford interview in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 37:30 | Why is beef so expensive? Is supply management worth protecting? Will smaller family farms soon be a thing of the past? Lakeside Farmstead's Jeff Nonay joins Jespo in the Real Talk studio in the historic Mercer Warehouse.  LAKESIDE FARMSTEAD: https://lakesidefarmstead.com/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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 you check Google Maps south of the Canada-U.S. border, you'll see the body of water formerly known as Lake Ontario now named Lake America. It's the latest move in President Donald Trump's assault on Canadian sovereignty, and Supriya Dwivedi lays out why it's more than just trolling in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 51:15 | What do you make of the Alberta separation rally in Edmonton? We get into it before tackling the CBC's 9/11 "not terrorism" head-scratcher (1:05:00). 1:16:40 | Real Talkers chime in on Lake America and the separatists' rally in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Fat Dave's fired up over "Canada doesn't have a military," Matthew has a pointed message for Americans AND Canadians, Robert calls out hypocrisy where he sees it, Scott in Sherwood Park has a message for Jason Kenney, and Phillip says landowners are being silenced by the Alberta government. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW 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 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.

With the Canada-U.S. trade war escalating again (and Saskatchewan imposing a 50% tariff on American alcohol), farmers on the Prairies are once again caught in the middle of a very complicated economic relationship with our biggest customer. Alberta premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe say oil, gas, and potash are not on the table as bargaining chips. Is it a defensible or anti-Canadian position? Who better to get into it with than Saskatchewan farmer and YouTuber Quick Dick McDick (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West?  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ FOLLOW  @QuickDickMcDick  on YouTube and CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE: https://quickdickmcdick.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 31:30 | Researchers and innovators are using microwave technology to improve farming outcomes. How cool is that? It is, without a doubt, an Alberta Win 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 34:15 | Quick Dick talks beef, booze, and supply management. 55:00 | Real Talkers have their say on it all in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:23:00 | Jespo reviews the Guns 'n Roses show at Commonwealth Stadium. 1:33:45 | Fat Dave's fired up over "Canada doesn't have a military," Matthew has a pointed message for Americans AND Canadians, Robert calls out hypocrisy where he sees it, Scott in Sherwood Park has a message for Jason Kenney, and Phillip says landowners are being silenced by the Alberta government. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!   WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Canada is hitting back at Donald Trump with $27.6 billion worth of tariffs on American goods, but will the counter-punch actually change Washington's approach or just make a bad trade war worse? Rob Breakenridge joins in our feature interview (4:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to unpack Canada's strategy, who ultimately pays the price, and what comes next in this increasingly bitter fight.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ ROB'S SUBSTACK/PODCAST: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  ORDER YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 39:00 | Real Talkers have their say on Canada's counter-tariffs in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 49:45 | Businesses are bracing for inevitable impacts as the Canada-U.S. trade war intensifies. We check in with Alberta Chambers of Commerce president and CEO Shauna Feth, Lethbridge  Chamber's Kevin Farrell, and Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director Sherri Buckle, who have their Eye on Alberta Business.  ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ 1:24:00 | Real Talkers have more to say about Canada's tariff response and Alberta's approach to it all. 1:34:40 | We celebrate the life and legacy of all-time talent Dolly Parton.  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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 temperature's turned up at the Canada-U.S. border, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls President Donald Trump a "loser" and tells him to “kiss (his) ass.” With the trade war getting increasingly personal, we talk to journalist Stephen Maher about his feature "Carney's FAFO Moment" in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ READ STEPHEN'S SUBSTACK: https://stephenjmaher.substack.com/p/carneys-fafo-moment TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  ORDER YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 33:45 | Is Doug Ford out of line with his candid comments about Donald Trump? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:17:00 | Jason Kenney's teaming up with Rachel Notley to co-chair a business campaign opposing Alberta separation. Is Kenney gearing up for another political run?  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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're at war when you get attacked. We were attacked." That from Prime Minister Mark Carney after negotiations collapse between Canada and the U.S. The two nations are now staring down a full-blown trade war, with 50 per cent tariffs, retaliation, and a whole lot of uncertainty on the table. Supriya Dwivedi joins in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to unpack what happened, whether Carney was right to walk away, and what this could mean for Canadian workers, businesses, and our relationship with the Americans.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  ORDER YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 51:15 | Do you think Canada's making the right move, walking away from negotiations with the Americans? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:16:00 | The CPKC Women's Open was a huge success in Edmonton over the weekend, including a $4.4M donation to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. Jespo's got some gentle feedback for city council. REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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.

Optimus says Alberta police chiefs need to stand up for themselves; Fat Dave, Brent, and Sean have lots to say about our August 12 hate speech/hate crimes episode; and James is thinking long-term on AI data centres. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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.

Ten years ago, nearly twelve million people tuned in across Canada for the Tragically Hip's final concert at the Rogers K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario. In a special episode of the show, we celebrate the tour that brought a nation together, that historic night that remains one of the most unforgettable moments in Canadian history, and Gord Downie's enduring legacy nine years after his death. GEDfest organizers Kyle Noon, Neil Brown, and Keith Dyck take centre stage in our feature interview (4:45) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR GEDfest TICKETS: https://www.gedfest.ca/ 54:00 | "Gord spent his final years reminding us that Canada is worth paying attention to. Worth fighting for. Worth celebrating." Real Talker Brett tells us why he'll be blasting The Hip on October 19 in a special 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 1:08:45 | Optimus says Alberta police chiefs need to stand up for themselves; Fat Dave, Brent, and Sean have lots to say about our August 12 hate speech/hate crimes episode; and James is thinking long-term on AI data centres. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Donald Trump says Canada and the U.S. have a deal, but Mark Carney says there's still work to do as a three-day pause buys negotiators more time. What's actually on the table, what hangs in the balance, and could Canada emerge stronger (or weaker) from the next round of talks? We check in with former Poilievre senior staffer Ben Woodfinden and former Morneau senior staffer Sharan Kaur in our feature interview (5:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ 34:45 | Are you optimistic Canada will reach an agreement with the U.S. within the next three days? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 44:00 | Talk about a tough look. Edmonton Marathon organizers have finally admitted what runners already knew - the course was 675 metres longer than it was supposed to be.  1:00:15 | Bahamas is playing a free outdoor show in Jasper! We've got everything you need to know about this year's Jasper Dark Sky Festival in this edition of #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by Tourism Jasper. LEARN MORE: https://jasperdarksky.travel/ 1:07:00 | You can't make this stuff up. Alberta's asking the other provinces for help with its independence referendum.  1:16:15 | Our new hoodies and hats are in! Jespo shows off our "Proudly Albertan. Fiercely Canadian." fits... REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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 world's best women golfers are in Alberta's capital for the CPKC Women's Open. Canada's National Women's Open Golf Championship won't just wow golf fans from across the country and showcase Edmonton's Royal Mayfair Golf Club - it'll have a huge impact on the Stollery Children's Hospital's billion dollar fundraising campaign. We tee up the big tourney with Stollery CEO Karen Faulkner, CPKC's Vince Lambert, and Explore Edmonton's Janelle Janis in our feature interview (4:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ BUY TICKETS to the CPKC WOMEN'S OPEN (August 19-23): https://www.cpkcwomensopen.com/ SEE YOUR STOLLERY DONATION MATCHED: stollerykids.com/cpkcmatch 54:00 | Real Talker James is "bothered" buy the "lack of a meaningful opposing viewpoint" in our August 12 interview with StopHateAB's Nina Saini and Sunny Johal. Jespo reads his email and responds (with a bit of fire in his belly).  WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/081226StopHateAB EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:16:00 | Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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 couple of days out from another deadline, Canada is facing a new round of pressure from Donald Trump, with key sectors pushing for relief from U.S. tariffs. Is Mark Carney taking the right approach or does Canada need to toughen up and take a harder line with Trump? We get into it with Supriya Dwivedi in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  37:00 | Shots fired! Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff name drops Donald Trump's EA to raucous applause, but was it fair game? We explore why a years-old clip from Stephen Harper is making the rounds again (42:00), and in-fighting within the current Conservative Party. The Alberta Prosperity Project is in damage control (or are they?) after a speaker says the quiet part loud during a live stream (1:04:10).  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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 Optimus, Wayne, and Rob C. are fired up over Premier Danielle Smith chastising Edmonton Police, Leslie's fighting for small family farms, and Cyrus says Canada needs to go nuclear. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! THANKS TO EVERYBODY WHO SUPPORTED MIRACLE TREAT DAY ON AUGUST 13. SHOUT OUT TO THE DQs of NORTHWEST EDMONTON AND SHERWOOD PARK, WHOSE DONATIONS TO THE STOLLERY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NOW TOTAL MORE THAN $2.6 MILLION! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW 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 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.

Caylan Ford was a rising political candidate in Alberta in 2019. The UCP nominee was running under new leader Jason Kenney in Calgary-Mountain View and was considered a serious contender. Then, about a month before Alberta's election, PressProgress published excerpts from private Facebook conversations Ford had nearly two years earlier. The story accused her of expressing sympathy for white supremacist terrorists and lamenting "the demographic replacement of white peoples". She resigned immediately. Seven years later, she's suing a considerable list of organizations and journalists as part of a $7.65 million defamation lawsuit. Caylan Ford talks about it all, exclusively on Real Talk, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.   THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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  56:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Caylan Ford interview. Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:40:00 | A HUGE shout out to our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park for another AMAZING Miracle Treat Day. Those five locations have now raised more than $2.6 MILLION for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation!  1:44:30 | Real Talkers Optimus, Wayne, and Rob C. are fired up over Premier Danielle Smith chastising Edmonton Police, Leslie's fighting for small family farms, and Cyrus says Canada needs to go nuclear. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Downtowns are booming across Canada. Except for Alberta's capital city, that is. Why is Edmonton's core unable to attract and tap into the same energy enjoyed in so many other urban centres? We hit the issues (and solutions) head on with three people who truly "give a shit" - Jay Downton, Cheryll Watson, and JoAnne Pearce - in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE: https://yegdowntown.ca/ SPILT ZERO PROOF: https://www.spilt.ca/ LITTLE BRICK: https://littlebrick.ca/ 51:30 | Two national champions. Two Alberta athletes. We celebrate historic achievements by Abby Guezen and Ryder Rattee 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 54:00 | Big changes at OilersNation, now Daily Faceoff Edmonton. Co-founder Jay Downton takes us into the evolution of the hugely successful sports media company. Conversation continues with Cheryll and JoAnne about fixing downtown.  1:11:15 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on why they do or don't take their business downtown in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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 bit of a wild situation in Alberta, as Premier Danielle Smith and her Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis clap back at an Edmonton Police campaign encouraging citizens to report hate speech and hate crimes. "We believe law enforcement should...not police opinions or 'hurt feelings,'" tweeted Minister Ellis in response to the EPS initiative. Meantime, StatsCan says hate crimes are up in Alberta year-over-year, and have doubled across Canada since 2018. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, we check in with Nina Saini and Sunny Johal from StopHateAB (6:00) for an important conversation about the difference between freedom of expression and hate speech, and the reality of hate crimes in our own backyard. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ STOP HATE ALBERTA: https://stophateab.ca/ 35:00 | Real Talkers have their say on the difference between "free speech" and hate speech, and Danielle Smith's interference in the EPS anti-hate campaign. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:04:45 | This is your sign to bring your dog to Jasper! Jespo shares a few favourite dog-related Jasper memories through the years and we present some of the best dog-friendly activities in Jasper National Park. #MyJasper Memories is presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:11:00 | Real Talkers have more to say about hate speech, hate crimes, and targeted groups across Canada. A clear message emerges aimed at the Christian community. Thoughts? EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:41:20 | Did we mention Real Talk was just listed as Canada's seventh-best political podcast? We take a look at what another top podcaster (who happens to be Stephen Harper's former comms director) is saying about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

More than 90 active wildfires are burning across British Columbia, with tens of thousands forced from their homes (many of which are destroyed). It's prompted a province-wide state of emergency, yet B.C.'s not alone. More than 300 wildfires are active across Canada as we record this conversation with award-winning environmental journalist Arno Kopecky (3:00), who lays out the reality of the situation, what it'll take to turn around the "wildfire season" trend, and the political implications of it all. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ 1:19:30 | Arno takes us into his reporting for Maclean's on B.C.'s Cowichan decision and what it means for property owners in the Lower Mainland and beyond. We wrap with touching insights on Alzheimer's and Dementia (1:36:10), which prompted Arno's National Magazine Award-winning essay for The Walrus.  ARNO'S PIECE on MARK CARNEY and CLIMATE CHANGE: https://thewalrus.ca/carney-endorses-pipeline/ ARNO'S COWICHAN PIECE: https://macleans.ca/longforms/richmond-cowichan-land-claim/ A SON, A SCIENTIST, and THE SECRET OF BIOLUMINESCENCE: https://thewalrus.ca/a-son-a-scientist-and-the-secret-of-bioluminescence/ OUR JUNE 2023 INTERVIEW with JOHN VAILLANT on A HOTTER, MORE FLAMMABLE WORLD: https://rtrj.info/062023JV OUR JULY 2026 INTERVIEW with BRANDI MORIN on ALBERTA SEPARATION and TREATY RIGHTS: https://rtrj.info/072426Brandi REAL TALK'S LIVE CHAT IS POWERED BY PARK POWER. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Should Canada lift its restrictions on American alcohol as part of a deal with the Trump administration? Jespo and Supriya Dwivedi break down the latest polling, provincial implications, the trade-off facing Ottawa (and whether giving Washington what it wants could actually be worth it) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (3:00).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:13:45 | Have you stopped buying American beer, wine, and booze as a result of Donald Trump's aggression against Canada? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We take a look at horrific wildfires in B.C. ahead of our August 11 interview with Arno Kopecky.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Don calls out Jespo's flippant comment about separatists claiming the "old" Canada flag, Joe from Alliston calls out Danielle Smith's interference, Mr. T argues there's a double standard in Alberta, Ryan sticks up for the Ag industry, Claire says big corporations are killing local Ag producers, and Mark riffs on our August 6 interview about the Vulcan County AI data centre. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD FOR MIRACLE TREAT DAY ON AUGUST 13, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW 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 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.

What if business and labour actually agree on more than they admit? Following our August 5 conversation with Edmonton Chamber CEO Doug Griffiths, Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan weighs in on the "Norway model" a system where business, labour, and government work together to minimize work stoppages while protecting collective bargaining. Gil pushes back where it counts, but winds up finding (surprising?) areas of agreement, in our feature interview (6:20) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ WATCH THE GRIFFITHS INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/080526ECC 1:34:00 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about strikes, wages, and more in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:45:45 | Don calls out Jespo's flippant comment about separatists claiming the "old" Canada flag, Joe from Alliston calls out Danielle Smith's interference, Mr. T says there's a double standard in Alberta, Ryan sticks up for the Ag industry, Claire says big corporations are killing local Ag producers, and Mark riffs on our August 6 interview about the Vulcan County AI data centre. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD FOR MIRACLE TREAT DAY ON AUGUST 13, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Vulcan County residents are taking their Council to court, alleging rules were broken with the approval of a controversial AI data centre to be constructed on 600 acres of farm land. Little Bow AI Data Centre Committee members Sylvia Farrant and David Anderson lay out their argument in our feature interview (3:15) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CONTACT THE LITTLE BOW AI DATA CENTRE COMMITTEE: littlebow.aidc@gmail.com  37:20 | Real Talkers have their say on AI data centres, environmental oversight, and NIMBYism in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 53:15 | 15-year-old Calgary student Anie Udofia earned international accolades for her work exploring an important question: how do we make AI more sustainable? Anie's in the spotlight 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ SUBMIT YOUR ALBERTA WIN: talk@ryanjespersen.com  56:00 | You have a LOT to say about AI data centres. Jespo and Johnny jump back into the Live Chat before taking a look at shocking new federal polling - is Pierre Poilievre legit in trouble?  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

WestJet and its flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement, with flights beginning to resume and thousands of disrupted travellers hoping to get home soon. But the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce says the bigger issue isn't over, and CEO Doug Griffiths joins us in our feature interview (3:50) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to explain why Canada needs to treat reliable transportation as an economic priority, not just a labour issue.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ 22:45 | Doug shares the secret to survival for downtown businesses, lays out a huge opportunity for Alberta-based service providers, and issues a call to action ahead of Alberta's October 19 referendum. READ THE EDMONTON CHAMBER'S LETTER TO PM CARNEY: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/2026/08/01/westjet-dispute-letter-to-prime-minister/ 32:45 | Real Talkers have their say on downtown safety and more in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 47:00 | Real Talkers Kyle, Lindsey, Beaux, and Jove share details of their recent road trip through Jasper, where the town's "spirit was evident and powerful." #MyJasper Memories is proudly presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  PLAN YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 50:30 | Premier Danielle Smith says concern over foreign interference in Alberta's referendum is "fearmongering," and lectures the Edmonton Police Service over a social media post about hate speech and hate crimes. We've got thoughts.  1:09:00 | Real Talker HuskerNation puts the Regina call to prayer story on Jespo's radar. How do you feel about religious content through loudspeakers in public spaces?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:34:00 | We sign off with a tribute to all-time Canadian broadcast legend Lloyd Robertson. And that's the kind of day it's been... REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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 union representing 32,000 Alberta grocery workers has filed a grievance against Sobeys, arguing the grocery chain's use of Alberta flags to promote locally made products is "reckless and inappropriate" amid the province's separatist movement. Jespo says they might as well fly a white flag instead, and digs into the debate with Supriya Dwivedi (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Where do you stand? Let us know in the comments! THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 21:40 | WestJet passengers can breathe a sigh of relief as flight attendants return to work following a one-day strike. At what point should the feds step in on negotiations like these? Supriya gives us her take. We take a look at Pierre Poilievre's new "training" video (33:00), Supriya follows up on our July 30 interview with Jessica Scott-Reid about animal rights "unravelling" in Canada (39:15), and we learn how Canada's new approach to cybercrime could threaten human rights (42:45).  READ SUPRIYA'S PIECE ON CYBERCRIME & HUMAN RIGHTS: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-canadas-new-approach-to-cybercrime-could-threaten-human-rights 49:40 | Real Talkers go back-and-forth on the Alberta flag debate in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Real Talker Kyrsti shares her perspective on downtown vibrancy as a commuting hybrid worker (1:06:50), and Real Talker Brad has a warning about "Alberta's hidden AI data centre risk" (1:16:30).  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. 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/ 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.

Crazy Fast Eddy takes toilet talk to a whole new level with his climate change commentary, Sheldon D has questions about that $13B AI data centre, Gail says people are missing the point about the "Fuck Your Fascist Pancakes" movement, Tyler's got thoughts on our July 23 AI interview, AJ's sick of selfish hikers, and Neil's looking for balance on "restaurants closing" coverage in Edmonton. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs in PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, and BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL THEM 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.

For nearly two weeks, thousands of Calgarians joined the search for Parker Wells. Millions of Canadians hoped and prayed the missing 11-year-old would be discovered alive and well. That hope was shattered when police confirmed Parker's body had been found. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas joins us (7:25) to reflect on the tragedy that gripped the city, the extraordinary community response, and what's next as investigators continue their work. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/. 21:00 | Calgary's sending certified forestry crews and specialized equipment to Edmonton, as Alberta's capital recovers from a series of destructive thunderstorms. Could this lead to stronger municipal cooperation across Canada?  31:00 | Real Talkers share their thoughts (and calls for more support) in the wake of Parker Wells' death. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ 42:10 | Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says FBI Director Kash Patel has "hurt the case" re: the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, telling journalist Wyatt Sharpe Patel was "misinformed," and has not spoken to local law enforcement. Wyatt takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable interview with Sheriff Nanos.  SUBSCRIBE TO  @TheSharpeExchange  on YOUTUBE 52:30 | Animal rights protections are unravelling in Canada with industry lobbying winning out over animal welfare, says Jessica Scott-Reid. She takes us into her feature in The Globe & Mail. READ JESSICA'S STORY: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canadas-progress-on-protecting-animals-is-unravelling/ FOLLOW JESSICA ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jesslsr 1:14:30 | We've got ranchers in our Live Chat. We've got vegans in our Live Chat. Real Talkers, Jespo, and Johnny respond to Jessica's comments. 1:33:00 | Crazy Fast Eddy takes toilet talk to a whole new level with his climate change commentary, Sheldon D has questions about that $13B AI data centre, Gail says people are missing the point about the "Fuck Your Fascist Pancakes" movement, Tyler's got thoughts on our July 23 AI interview, AJ's sick of selfish hikers, and Neil's looking for balance on "restaurants closing" coverage in Edmonton. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs in PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, and BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL THEM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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.

Three months out from Alberta's referendum, the campaign to keep the province in Canada is shifting into high gear. Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk joins us in the Real Talk studio (3:00) before taking the Unity Bus back on the road. He explains why his organization isn't taking a position on Premier Danielle Smith's separation question. We also dig into concerns about foreign interference, the implications of Alberta's voter list leak, the cast of characters (and criminals) fronting the "leave" movement, and why First Nations leaders say Treaty rights are central to the referendum debate. Real Talk feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  46:00 | Ahead of August Long Weekend, Jespo shares some of his favourite Jasper summer activities in a special edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. PLAN YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 51:30 | Real Talkers have their say after the Lukaszuk interview in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ 59:15 | Are you encouraged by the results from the Council of the Federation meetings in PEI? Alberta Chambers president and CEO Shauna Feth has her Eye on Alberta Business after attending the Chambers of the Federation meetings, also in PEI.  ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ 1:25:00 | We jump back into the Live Chat, and Jespo offers a passionate response to pointed criticism from Real Talker IvanC (lol).  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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.

Alberta separation. "Elbows Up". Wildfires and climate change. AI data centres. Media layoffs. Veteran broadcaster (now podcaster) Lynda Steele (3:45) gets into it all in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/. CHECK OUT LYNDA'S NEW PODCAST "CHANGE MY MIND": https://open.spotify.com/show/1oEou13SuTb3wCPwcXYpbk SUBSCRIBE TO LYNDA'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL:  @changemymindwithlyndasteele   TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:09:00 | Real Talkers tell us where they stand on AI data centres in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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.

Did Canada strike a smart deal with the U.S. over the Gordie Howe International Bridge, or give away too much? Supriya Dwivedi joins Jespo (3:00) to unpack the conflicting claims from Donald Trump and Mark Carney, and what the dispute reveals about the future of Canada-U.S. relations, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 29:00 | We recap the White House Correspondents' Dinner, including POTUS poking fun at Kaitlan Collins. Supriya gives us her takeaway from the First Ministers' Meetings in PEI (46:30), including Premier Doug Ford's comments about "dismantling the U.S." TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:07:00 | Were you hit by that wild storm over the weekend? Real Talkers tell us about losing trees and fences in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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.

It's an all-Ambassador edition of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers James from Ontario, Fat Dave, Julie, Anne, Joe from Alliston formerly Airdrie, Robert, and Keith sound off on our July 20 interview with Pete Hoekstra. The Flamethrower is proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ 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.

As Alberta's independence referendum nears, there's a fundamental question most separatists (and arguably the provincial government) hasn't answered: what about First Nations' treaty rights? As a group of First Nations chiefs calls for an RCMP investigation into allegations of treason involving Danielle Smith, warning they're prepared to physically resist a separation referendum, journalist Brandi Morin (4:15) digs into who has the legal and moral authority to redraw Canada's map. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ BRANDI'S SUBSTACK: https://indigenousinsider.substack.com/ 1:05:00 | Grande Prairie is re-launching photo radar enforcement, this time in-house. Mayor Jackie Clayton explains why, and updates us on the city's transition away from the RCMP.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:18:00 | Real Talkers have their say on photo radar in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ 1:39:40 | Mikayla Resists, the inspiration behind the "Fuck Your Fascist Pancakes" meme, tells us why she confronted Premier Danielle Smith in that pancake breakfast line.  1:45:15 | It's an all-Ambassador edition of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers James from Ontario, Fat Dave, Julie, Anne, Joe from Alliston formerly Airdrie, Robert, and Keith sound off on our July 20 interview with Pete Hoekstra. The Flamethrower is proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park.  THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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 workplace is changing fast, and we're digging into it from two very different perspectives. First, we revisit the debate over Return to Office mandates (10:30) following our July 22 conversation on downtown vibrancy. Then, AI educator Ruth Orekogbe explains the skills and mindset that can help future-proof your career in the age of artificial intelligence. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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 | It's not just Canadians pushing back on Donald Trump's tariffs. We hear from Meidas Touch's Brett Meiselas and Congressman Adam Smith (along with B.C. premier David Eby) on the heels of our July 20 interview with Ambassador Pete Hoekstra.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  47:20 | Are you concerned AI is going to take your job? Are you looking for the best way to integrate AI into your business? Are you starting from square one, using AI in your personal life? AI educator Ruth Orekogbe lays out her AI for All strategy and offers tips to AI-proof your career in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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.

At least 15 Edmonton restaurants have closed in 2026 alone. What's going on? Restauranteurs Kristina Botelho (kb&co), Chris Decock (GRETA), and Nate Box (Fox Burger, District) give us the lay of the land in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  58:30 | The Wedewer family from Aberdeen, Saskatchewan shares the highlights of their Jasper summer adventure in a special edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  PLAN YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:04:15 | Canadian stocks are booming. What's the best play? Marshall McAlister's in from North Road Investment Counsel with a fascinating case study. NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ 1:27:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Edmonton Restaurants Round Table and see what Real Talkers are saying in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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.

Donald Trump is threatening Canada with 50% tariffs, citing "discriminatory trade policies" on American booze, dairy, and automobiles. How should Canada respond? Is this just another negotiation tactic by an erratic U.S. President, or further degradation of the Canada-U.S. relationship? We get into it with political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt (3:45) and Bianca Parsons of the Alberta Food Processors Association (37:30) in feature interviews presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ AFPA: https://www.afpa.com/ 1:19:00 | Real Talkers have their say on tariff threats and the closure of a bunch of Edmonton restaurants in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco. 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/ 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.

Canada's relationship with the United States is being tested like never before. Trade tensions, tariffs, defence spending, Arctic security, energy, and the rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C. have left many Canadians asking what comes next. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Canada-U.S. relationship in an exclusive interview (1:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 40:00 | Supriya Dwivedi joins Jespo to debrief after the Hoekstra interview. Real Talkers have their say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email 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 SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.

Janice and David say the UCP needs to stay in its lane on bike infrastructure; Robert backs anti-SLAPP legislation in Alberta; Gerald says Meta's $13B data centre could come with a cost nobody's talking about. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ 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.

Hate bike lanes? You'll love what the Alberta government just rolled out: a web portal for people to complain about the bike lanes they loathe the most. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen says the next step will be legislation allowing the province to intervene in municipal decisions on bike lanes and other transportation planning. Whatever happened to government staying in its lane?  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/. 1:30 | Jespo leads off with a few thoughts on the bike lane snitch line, and Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 45:00 | YOUCAN's RELENTLESS program provides life saving supports for youth aged 12-17 navigating trauma, abuse, chronic housing and food insecurity, and other huge challenges. Recent funding cuts are putting the program at risk, and the consequences could be dire. RELENTLESS outreach workers Masoka Ekangyela, Jon Bennett, and Paul Matras get into it in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  SUPPORT YOUCAN's RELENTLESS PROGRAM: https://www.youcan.ca/ Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:29:00 | Janice and David say the UCP needs to stay in its lane on bike infrastructure; Robert backs anti-SLAPP legislation in Alberta; Gerald says Meta's $13B data centre could come with a cost nobody's talking about. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  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/ 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.

Are powerful interests using lawsuits to silence criticism? Investigative journalist Luke LeBrun joins Ryan (3:30) to explain why a broad coalition (including Real Talk's parent company Relay) is calling on Alberta to adopt anti-SLAPP legislation, and what it could mean for journalists, advocates, businesses, and everyday Albertans who speak out on issues of public interest. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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... READ THE OPEN LETTER: https://caj.ca/journalists-academics-and-civil-society-groups-endorse-call-for-anti-slapp-legislation-to-protect-free-and-democratic-speech-in-alberta/ 44:00 | Real Talker Mark Dorin is staring down a $700,000 lawsuit after calling out an oil company on our show back in March. Jespo reads Mark's email to talk@ryanjespersen.com.  MARK'S MARCH 18, 2026 INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/0318126MD SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ 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/ 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.

Canada's Arctic is emerging as one of the world's most strategically important regions, but is Canada prepared to defend it? Maclean's contributor Anne Shibata Casselman joins us (3:30) to explore the growing threats from Russia and China, why Arctic sovereignty is about much more than military spending, and what Canada must do to secure its North for generations to come. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ READ ANNE'S PIECE in MACLEAN'S: https://macleans.ca/longforms/the-arctic-needs-defending-canada-isnt-ready/ WATCH OUR JORDIN TOOTOO INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/101124Tootoo ANNE'S INTERVIEW on CANADA in 2060: https://rtrj.info/090523Anne 1:08:00 | It's bear season in Jasper! We've got tips for the best (and safest) ways to observe these magnificent animals in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. PLAN YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:15:00 | Real Talkers respond to Anne's interview in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo has an announcement about the possible return of aerial mosquito assault tactics. Johnny confesses he doesn't believe in aliens. Do you? SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/ 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/ 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.