Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Ryan's longtime friend Kathleen McGee joins (2:00) for REAL Talk about living with cancer. You'll laugh, you might cry, and we guarantee you'll be inspired. FOLLOW KATHLEEN ON IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathleen_mcgee DONATE TO HER GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/june-dresses-for-the-alberta-cancer-foundation?member=34764567&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer GRINDSTONE COMEDY FESTIVAL: https://www.grindstonecomedyfest.com/ 1:02:10 | Anne's sick of crybabies in Calgary, and Don schools Ryan on the Royal Canadian Navy in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Is Justin Trudeau done in the next two months? Paul Wells, one of Canada's best political writers, takes us into his new book "Trudeau on the Ropes: Governing in Troubled Times". 2:50 | We get Paul's opinion on the Canadian warship in Cuba, Justin Trudeau's future with the Liberal Party, Pierre Poilievre's human side, the opioid crisis in Alberta, and the Canadian Future Party. PAUL'S SUBSTACK: https://paulwells.substack.com/ 40:52 | Calling all elopers! If you'd love to get married in the mountains, check out this new Jasper business. #MyJasper Memories is presented on Real Talk by our friends at Tourism Jasper. CONNECT WITH JASPER PARK ELOPEMENTS: https://www.jasperparkelopements.ca/ 47:45 | BELIEVE! Ryan and Johnny tee up Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final, including a behind the scenes look from Johnny's DJ booth at The Moss Pit. 1:06:40 | While some Calgarians are rationing water by limiting showers and not flushing their toilets, others are watering their lawns and filling their hot tubs. Ryan rolls out some of the messages we've received from Real Talkers in Calgary. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Anybody who's ever been to Calgary knows there's no way the Stampede's getting cancelled, water shortage or not. We look at how that major water main break's been impacting communities (and neighbourly relations) in this episode (18:40). Ahead of that, we hear "the other side" of the story of the HMCS Margaret Brooke docking in Cuba alongside a Russian nuclear sub (5:23). Make sure you stick around to learn how industry is negatively affecting traditional Indigenous food sources, and what a team of Athabasca University researchers is doing about it in partnership with Bigstone Cree Nation (33:55). 5:23 | Real Talkers were fired up over Ryan and Charles Adler's riff on the Canadian warship in a Cuban harbour (June 17, 2024 episode). Ryan reads emails from Ken (a Navy veteran), RB, and the comms director for the Minister of National Defence. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 18:40 | Will Calgary be ready to welcome the world to the Stampede? Ryan and Johnny touch on rumours of lawn watering and hot tub filling amid a major water shortage, and speculate over what might happen between now and the kickoff to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. 33:55 | Athabasca University researchers Dr. Janelle Baker and Dr. Srijak Bhatnagar are working with Bigstone Cree Nation to better understand the impact industry is having on traditional Indigenous food sources. They tell us how they're consulting with elders, and what they've learned thus far. READ MORE ABOUT THE STUDY: https://www.athabascau.ca/news/faculty/faculty-of-science-and-technology/study-will-bridge-traditional-indigenous-knowledge-western-science DR. JOSIE AUGER ON REAL TALK - MAY 9, 2023: https://rtrj.info/050923Auger FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: / ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Why is a Canadian warship docked beside Russian vessels in Cuba? And why didn't Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly even know about it, when asked over the weekend? Defence Minister Bill Blair says it's a "smart" move, while the opposition Conservatives are calling it "reckless, radical, and dangerous." Who's right? 2:15 | Charles Adler dishes Canadian common sense on the Cuba story. But first, we talk about the biggest story in the country over the weekend: the Oilers' 8-1 drubbing of the Florida Panthers in Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final. Plus, does Alison Redford deserve better? Ryan runs with a comment from Premier Danielle Smith from our June 12, 2024 episode. Charles Adler is presented weekly on Real Talk by Tice Automotive Consulting. BUYING A VEHICLE SHOULD BE FUN: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/ 34:25 | If your child needed mental health supports, would you know where to go? CASA CEO Bonnie Blakley explains how they've doubled services over the past two years, and what that means for youth aged 3-18. We get the scoop on this year's edition of Zin on the River, one of CASA's signature summer events (June 26 at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald). GET TICKETS TO ZIN ON THE RIVER: https://casamentalhealth.org/events/zin-on-the-river/ 56:10 | Shout out to Real Talker Ron, who absolutely hooked us with an amazing video of a wedding photo shoot-turned-fishing highlight video. We've watched it ten times already - what a perfect Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Energy! SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: / 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 Talker Sierra delivers a eulogy for the Canadian Energy Centre - aka The War Room - in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

Fact or fiction? We task two of Alberta's most experienced journalists with scrutinizing our recent interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 3:30 | Veteran commentators Graham Thomson and Markham Hislop dig into our June 12 interview with Premier Smith, including her eyebrow-raising comment about former premier Alison Redford, her thoughts on the future of carbon capture, her take on MLA Shannon Phillips' resignation, and an upcoming UCP-sponsored anti-vax event. WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH PREMIER SMITH: https://rtrj.info/061224Premier 36:30 | Real Talker Sierra delivers a eulogy for the Canadian Energy Centre - aka The War Room - in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: / 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 stars of Spittin' Chiclets - the biggest hockey podcast in the world - join Jespo and Johnny in studio for a special Stanley Cup Final edition of Real Talk. Paul "BizNasty" Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney, Rear Admiral, and Mike Grinnell talk about the Oilers' decade of darkness, today's team (including a Leon Draisaitl contract extension), and whether or not Connor McDavid needs to hire somebody for future beer runs. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: / ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Why did Premier Danielle Smith appoint her one-time nemesis Alison Redford to the board of Invest Alberta? How is Calgary's water main disaster impacting how she'll approach the province's infrastructure deficit? Is Alberta even ready for a population boom...and if not, why not? Why is Premier Smith allowing her party to host a post-pandemic anti-vax event? And what's her response to MLA Shannon Phillips resignation, citing right-wing abuse and lies? We ask all of these questions and more in an exclusive with Premier Danielle Smith on this episode of Real Talk. SEND US AN EMAIL: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Does your family have rules for phones and tablets? Does your kid's school (or even your own workplace) try to cut back on distraction by limiting access to tech? As Ontario and Quebec take the lead on banning phones in class, and Alberta looks to do the same, we get three different perspectives on tech literacy and brain and social development from Wyatt Sharpe, Gillian Essien, and Alison Service. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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

There's nothing funny about alleged corruption and shady business deals involving elected officials. But that's not stopping Jespo, Johnny, and Charles Adler from having a chuckle over the "Other Randy" story. We get to that, millionaire conspiracy peddler Alex Jones liquidating his assets, and a troubling report implicating MPs and/or Senators in acts of treason in this episode of Real Talk. But first, Charles reflects on our June 6 episode about men's mental health, suicide, and grief. CHARLES ADLER IS PRESENTED ON REAL TALK BY TICE AUTOMOTIVE CONSULTING: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/ Don't miss Gen Z Real Talker Alex's thoughts on our June 7 Real Talk Round Table featuring Climate Action Figures in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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

Debra checks in from the States with strong words (!!!) for Donald Trump; Ray, Ed, and Jim take issue with our May 31 Group Chat Round Table's take on Pierre Poilievre, and Dr. Jennifer delivers an unofficial diagnosis of the federal Conservative Leader. It's a feisty federal politics edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

From 1-10, where's your "climate anxiety" at? In this episode, we meet three "Climate Action Figures" who remind us it's never too late to take action. 5:10 | But first...it's another Real Talk scoop: Alberta will introduce policy on phones in schools as early as this summer. Ryan and Johnny take a look at what Ontario's doing, and what Alberta might do, ahead of our special episode on distraction and technology in classrooms on Tuesday, June 11. 11:05 | Not every conversation about climate change needs to have a "doom and gloom" vibe. Three different generations are represented around our Real Talk Round Table as we meet three of the changemakers CLIMATE ACTION FIGURES PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/climate-action-figures/id1729293129 42:45 | Can we actually drain the swamp? How do we attract "better" people to politics? Ryan and Johnny hop into the YouTube live chat. 53:55 | Our entire team is moved by the messages we've received since our June 6 episode on mental health, suicide, and grief. Ryan reads powerful emails from Jurgen, Cameron, Sheryl, Joe, and Johnny. JOHNNY KIRMAN INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/031723Kirkman 1:07:50 | Debra checks in from the States with strong words (!!!) for Donald Trump; Ray, Ed, and Jim take issue with our May 31 Group Chat Round Table's take on Pierre Poilievre, and Dr. Jennifer delivers an unofficial diagnosis of the federal Conservative Leader. It's a feisty federal politics edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

This is the most personal and powerful episode of Real Talk we've ever released. Ryan shares his thoughts after the sudden and tragic death of his dear friend Loz (2:00), and we check in with grief educator Jeremy Allen (18:00). SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: CALL OR TEXT 9-8-8 CONNECT WITH JEREMY: https://www.deathed.ca/ EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Now that Connor and crew punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final, are the Edmonton Oilers officially Canada's Team? 2:45 | Everybody's talking about the Oilers around the water cooler - why would our weekly check-in with Charles Adler be any different? The guys also discuss MP Arnold Viersen's comments on abortion and gay marriage, Donald Trump's conviction, Robert Pickton's beating death, and the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Charles Adler is presented on Real Talk by Tice Automotive Consulting. BUYING A VEHICLE SHOULD BE FUN: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/ 36:30 | Shauna Feth has her Eye on Alberta Business. The CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce recaps their recent AGM, including contraband tobacco, water conservation, childcare funding, and more. Plus, we recognize the nominees for the 2024 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction. CONNECT WITH ALBERTA CHAMBERS: https://www.abchamber.ca/ ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS: https://abbusinessawards.com/ 58:05 | Did you see LPGA golfer Charley Hull smoking cigs at the U.S. Women's Open? 1:05:08 | Shout out to the Andreychuk family! Their annual Awesome Lemonade Stand raised more than $4500 for ALS research - what a perfect fit for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Cher can't fly her Canadian flag anymore, Tobias has no mercy, Garth calls out "Flip Flop Adler," Commish Daddy says there is no middle class, and Nathan's wondering if Peter Lougheed is rolling in his grave. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

Donald Trump is now a convicted felon. He can still run for President, and might very well win. Our Group Chat Round Table digs into the difference between legal strategy and public opinion strategy. Plus, is Pierre Poilievre unbeatable? Are abortion rights going to be a factor in the next election? And, do smartphones belong in classrooms or not? 2:10 | Jenny Adams, Katherine O'Neill, and Sarah Hamilton talk Trump, Poilievre and women's health (24:33), Alberta's spring legislature session (37:30), smartphones in schools (47:00), and the Canadian Vote Summit (53:30). 1:02:25 | Cher can't fly her Canadian flag anymore, Tobias has no mercy, Garth calls out "Flip Flop Adler," Commish Daddy says there is no middle class, and Nathan's wondering if Peter Lougheed is rolling in his grave. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Love him or hate him, you can't deny Pierre Poilievre's riding major momentum these days. The Conservative leader claims to have doubled the party's membership, and virtually every poll forecasts a convincing win the next time Canadians go to the polls. What is it about his message (or his strategy) that's attracting so many people, many of them previously disinterested in politics? 3:00 | Political commentator Andrew Lawton takes us into his new book Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life. Ryan and Andrew discuss the Poilievre playbook, and how it's changing the face of the Conservative Party of Canada. CHECK OUT THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.ca/Pierre-Poilievre-Political-Andrew-Lawton/dp/1990823807 49:10 | We tee up a fresh episode of The Discourse featuring Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. WATCH THE DISCOURSE: https://rtrj.info/053024Discourse 55:55 | "And that is why you don't talk to the police!" Ryan and Johnny recap a wild press conference with golfer Scottie Scheffler's attorney. 1:04:00 | We know we need to talk more about mental health - men's mental health in particular. Ryan reads a couple very powerful messages we received from Real Talkers Tom and Adam after our May 27 episode with Charles Adler. WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/052724Adler EMAIL US ANYTIME: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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 Lethbridge cops are off the hook for using police databases to improperly access a politician's personal information, despite Alberta's police watchdog recommending charges. Then-Energy Minister Shannon Phillips was first targeted when on-duty officers eavesdropped on a private conversation, then posted photos and the personal commentary on Facebook in 2017. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. So why isn't the Crown charging the officers? 3:35 | Shannon Phillips shoots from the hip re: the latest developments in the Lethbridge Police story. Stick around as she recaps spring session (22:33) at the Alberta Legislature (using a flamethrower). 37:37 | Jasper is the Cabin Capital of Canada, and we give you the inside scoop on finding perfect accommodations in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. TOUR JASPER'S CABINS: https://www.jasper.travel/blog/unique-cabin-rentals-jasper-national-park/ 41:57 | Should Canada go nuclear? Clean Prosperity's Brendan Frank takes us into a new report looking at a bullish future for nuclear power on the prairies, and the hurdles that stand in the way. CHECK OUT THE REPORT: https://cleanprosperity.ca/nuclear-can-help-canada-achieve-net-zero-if-we-solve-these-problems/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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 70% of Canadians believe they're "middle class". Are you one of them? New polling shows most of us feel "less wealthy" than our fellow Canadians...but is that accurate? In this episode, we learn how our feelings and other factors contribute to our perception of financial security, and how that's changed in recent years. 5:20 | Margaret Chapman, COO at Narrative Research, takes us into the numbers showing the majority of Canadians feel "less wealthy" than their neighbours...and why. Plus, we look at polling on smartphones in schools (24:00). Do you think they should be banned? CHECK OUT MARGARET'S POLLING RESULTS: https://narrativeresearch.ca/a-majority-of-canadians-consider-themselves-less-wealthy-than-the-average-canadian-with-many-in-the-highest-income-categories-feeling-less-wealthy-than-the-average/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 39:00 | Ryan and Johnny jump into the YouTube live chat to debrief. 49:35 | New Real Talk Patron Paul (thanks Paul!), a cancer survivor, responds to comments from our May 16 episode about Darren Dutchyshen's death. 52:05 | Real Talker "Merger" and Jasper Councillor Wendy Hall respond to our May 17 Real Talk Round Table featuring Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Edmonton Chamber CEO Doug Griffiths. WATCH THAT ROUND TABLE: rtrj.info/051724SOTC 58:00 | Real Talker Deena shares the best business advice she ever received, in response to our May 24 Founders Round Table presented by Edmonton Unlimited. SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP: rtrj.info/052424FoundersRTRT 1:01:18 | Ryan and Johnny are still processing Charles Adler's 180 on deporting the trucker that caused the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. We get into the YouTube comments on our May 27 episode with Chuck. FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

"Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything," wrote George Bernard Shaw. This is one of the most honest episodes of Real Talk to date, as Charles Adler does a 180 on his previous comments about deporting Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the driver who caused the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Chuck, Ryan, and Johnny talk about PGA golfer Grayson Murray's death by suicide (17:55), filmmaker Ken Burns' captivating comments about Donald Trump (44:45), and the former POTUS getting boo'd at the Libertarian National Convention in D.C. (51:00). CHARLES ADLER IS PRESENTED ON REAL TALK BY TICE AUTOMOTIVE CONSULTING: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/ 57:55 | Were you at one of the Enough is Enough political rallies over the weekend? TELL US ABOUT IT: [email protected] 1:02:25 | Put down your lunch for a second. This is the grossest sports bet payout we've seen in a while. 1:05:05 | Johnny (aka former Oilers DJ Johnny Infamous) tells us why he spoke out in support for the Dallas Stars DJ who invoked controversy by playing La Bamba (the Oilers' win song) when the Stars won Game Two of their playoff series. 1:15:30 | The Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship is already paying dividends! What a wonderful update from inaugural scholarship recipient Hana Bombaywala, who tells us how she's making a difference in healthcare. What a perfect Positive Reflection presented by our friends at Kuby Energy! SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] REGISTER TO PLAY, SPONSOR, OR VOLUNTEER AT THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Rob's choked about being duped into signing a petition, Stephen and Robyn have spicy takes on fighting in hockey, and Deaner wants you to GET OUT OF THE PASSING LANE. Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. If you find yourself in need of a summer fix, look no further: The new Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard Treat is here to dazzle your taste buds! Visit a DQ in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, or Baseline Road today! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]

It's one thing to have a million (or billion) dollar idea. It's another thing to turn that idea into a legitimate business. So, what's the secret to a successful startup? We talk inspiration, team building, problem solving, and growth strategies in a special Founders edition of the Real Talk Round Table. 2:31 | My Fertility Labs CEO Sarah Harper, Elev Homes co-founder Jean Bruce Koua, and Gummy Nutrition Lab CEO Jolene Ali tells us how they went from idea to startup, how they're getting past early hurdles, and the best advice they've ever received. LEARN MORE ABOUT EDMONTON UNLIMITED: https://edmontonunlimited.com/ MY FERTILITY LABS: https://www.myfertilitylabs.com/ GUMMY NUTRITION LAB: https://www.gummynutritionlab.com/ ELEV HOMES: https://www.elevhomes.ca/ 55:45 | Forget Pride...Erika has no shame! We take a look at a particularly fiery moment between Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes on the newest episode of The Discourse as they discuss Pride organizations banning the United Conservative Party. CHECK OUT THE DISCOURSE: https://rtrj.info/052324Discourse 1:01:00 | The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... 1:04:34 | Rob's choked about being duped into signing a petition, Stephen and Robyn have spicy takes on fighting in hockey, and Deaner wants you to GET OUT OF THE PASSING LANE. Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! If you find yourself in need of a summer fix, look no further: The new Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard Treat is here to dazzle your taste buds! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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

Full disclosure: Ryan feels strongly that fighting is an important part of hockey. But, there are several compelling arguments to ban fighting from the game. We know more about short- and long-term effects of repeated blows to the head. We've lost several former NHL heavyweights to suicide, while many more suffer long-term effects of CTE. Maybe it's not surprising a majority of Canadians polled (including self-identified "true hockey fans") would take fighting out of the game for good. 5:25 | Mario Canseco gets into the nitty gritty of Research Co's polling on fighting in hockey. READ MORE: https://researchco.ca/2024/05/17/canada-hockey-2/ 31:00 | Where do you stand on toppling statues of controversial figures in Canadian history? Mario takes us into their polling on this polarizing topic. READ MORE: https://researchco.ca/2024/05/03/statue-toppling-canada/ 55:20 | Real Talker Gilles wants to know how Ryan reconciles his views on fighting in hockey and his approach to parenting. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 59:22 | Have you seen the new portrait of Princess Kate? How about that one of King Charles? Ryan and Johnny take a look. 1:03:45 | Real Talker Sheryl's note about our NorthwestFest Filmmakers' Round Table is one of Ryan's favourite emails of the year. Find out why! WATCH THAT FILMMAKERS ROUND TABLE: rtrj.info/050324NWF GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch STEP UP YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE SHOW - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates

Is the "Alberta Advantage" disappearing? For decades, the province has boasted higher wages, lower unemployment, and a lower cost of living than the rest of Canada. But the numbers show a troubling trend. We investigate what's behind it, and what the future could look like, in this episode of Real Talk. 3:03 | Why is Alberta's minimum wage the lowest in the country? Why aren't private sector workers sharing in their employers' record profits? Is Alberta inherently anti-union? Economist Dr. Jim Stanford takes us into his report, "Alberta's Disappearing Advantage". READ THE REPORT: https://afl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Alberta-Disappearing-Advantage-Jim-Stanford.pdf 42:15 | It's the perfect time of year to spot wildlife in Jasper! We feature some amazing options to tour, hike, or paddle your way to the perfect photograph in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/ 44:48 | Can Justin Trudeau possibly regain ground he's lost to Pierre Poilievre? What do the Alberta NDP's new membership numbers mean for its leadership race? Could Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe lose his job? What the heck is going on in B.C. politics? And, is Quebec really trending toward another referendum? 338Canada's Philippe Fournier joins us from Montreal. CHECK OUT PHILIPPE'S SUBSTACK: https://www.338canada.ca/ 1:23:05 | We're celebrating 10,000 followers on our RealTalkRJ TikTok! Ryan and Johnny revisit our recent post about a political mixer aimed at "youth" aged 14-25. SGT. KERRY SHIMA ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/070422Shima GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch STEP UP YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE SHOW - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates

Is this strike three for House Speaker Greg Fergus? The Opposition Conservatives are crying foul after yet another partisan display from the Liberal MP serving in what's supposed to be a non-partisan role. Ryan and Charles Adler debate whether or not it's time for Fergus to go (13:30). But first... 3:30 | How bad are the optics around a political "youth mixer" aimed at 14-25 year olds? (Just kidding..they're SUPER BAD). Ryan, Chuck, and Johnny talk about a now-cancelled event planned in Clive, Alberta. We get into the Fergus flare-up (13:30) before touching on the question everybody's asking: can the Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars (22:20)? Later in the show, Ryan asks Charles if the death of Iran's president and a potential International Criminal Court date for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu could advance peace in the Middle East (37:00). We wrap with an update on serial killer Robert Pickton (39:50). 47:00 | Who doesn't love a good reunion story? Shout out to Real Talker Brinley for passing along a feel-good story out of Australia. It's perfect for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy! SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch STEP UP YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE SHOW - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates

KP says police were right to break up campus demonstrations, Jeff says Charles Adler's out to lunch on Jerry Seinfeld, Dave calls out Jespo for "slimy old tricks," Todd has a message for The Discourse host Erika Barootes, Ron says the Liberals have themselves to blame for poor polling, and Rene says Pierre Poilievre and Gil McGowan have something in common. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the Dairy Queens in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths visit the Real Talk studio for a candid conversation about the present and future of Alberta's capital city. 3:07 | The State of the City: we talk about Edmonton's population growth (100,000 new residents over the past two years!), the housing crunch, strains on social services, a 9% property tax hike, challenges in the downtown core, trends in transit ridership, Council's relationship with the provincial government, the new TAPYEG political party, and Premier Danielle Smith's musings about expanding rail service across Alberta. EDMONTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/ 1:07:05 | KP says police were right to break up campus demonstrations, Jeff says Charles Adler's out to lunch on Jerry Seinfeld, Dave calls out Jespo for "slimy old tricks," Todd has a message for The Discourse host Erika Barootes, Ron says the Liberals have themselves to blame for poor polling, and Rene says Pierre Poilievre and Gil McGowan have something in common. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the Dairy Queens in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Premier Doug Ford's government is prepared to wage war on the City of Toronto if it proceeds with plans to decriminalize minor possession of hard drugs. This, as Premier David Eby's government in British Columbia is all but trashing its plan to do the exact same thing. What's the right move, amid an opioid crisis that's killed 43,000 Canadians since 2016? We get into it (36:25) in this episode, in addition to a whole bunch of your feedback on city building, cancer, journalism, research funding, and the pains of parenting. 4:56 | Who would have thought rezoning bylaws could light a fire under so many people? Ryan and Johnny circle back on Calgary's marathon (sixteen-day!) Council meeting, and your response to our May 15, 2024 Real Talk Round Table on placemaking. WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/051524RTRT 20:11 | RIP Dutchy. Ryan and Johnny celebrate the life and career of Darren Dutchyshen, dead at 57. 30:12 | Why are so many young people dying from Cancer? Ryan reads an email from Real Talker Harry. 36:25 | Ontario's PC government says it'll fight Toronto tooth and nail if the city proceeds with plans to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. We revisit our recent conversation with Guy Felicella and Mo Amir about B.C. recriminalizing possession, and how the two stories fit together. GUY AND MO ON REAL TALK: rtrj.info/050824BCPOLI 54:10 | How can we stop journalism from dying a slow death in Canada? Real Talker Shane has a few thoughts after our May 14, 2024 interview with Amber Bracken. AMBER ON REAL TALK: rtrj.info/051424Bracken LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 1:00:45 | Maybe it's not such a bad thing after all for Premier Danielle Smith's government to review how research is funded at Alberta post-secondaries. Real Talker Cyril makes the case. REAL TALK ROUND TABLE ON BILLS 18 & 20: rtrj.info/041624RTRT 1:11:03 | We wrap the show with powerful messages from Real Talkers Jay and Sheryl about our March 19, 2024 interview with sex trade abolitionist Andrea Heinz. WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: rtrj.info/031924Heinz GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Star actor Nathan Fillion shone a spotlight on his hometown of Edmonton the other day, posting a video of the brand new Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion on historic Whyte Avenue. The "parklet" is just one of many placemaking initiatives, part of a strategic effort toward density and walkability. Cities around the world are reimagining public spaces. How different will our communities look ten, twenty, fifty years from today? 3:03 | Amos Kajner-Nonnekes, Puneeta McBryan, and Kalen Anderson lay out the logic behind modern city building, including the concept of placemaking. We cover rezoning controversies, car (and pedestrian) culture, and more. VIGNETTES: https://www.edmontondowntown.com/articles/vignettes/ EDMONTON DBA: https://www.edmontondowntown.com/ 38:41 | May Long Weekend is the perfect time to visit Jasper National Park! Check out our Top Five To Do list in this week's #MyJasper Memories, proudly presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/ GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Have the federal Liberals taken over the Alberta NDP? Could a Naheed Nenshi leadership win spell the end of the so-called "worker's party"? Hours after pulling out of the Alberta NDP leadership race, labour leader Gil McGowan joins Ryan in studio for a campaign post-mortem. Later in the episode, photojournalist Amber Bracken tells us why she's choked at the state of journalism, and why the general public needs to start giving a rip. 3:35 | Gil tells us why he withdrew from the NDP leadership race, why he's concerned about the party's direction, and whether or not he's endorsing a candidate for leader. 43:40 | Amber Bracken says more Canadians need to care about troubling trends in journalism. The World Press Photo of the Year Award winner talks about her fired-up Twitter thread on World Press Freedom Day, and takes us into her photo essay in Alberta Views on a 10-year-old fundraising phenom. AMBER'S ALBERTA VIEWS FEATURE: https://albertaviews.ca/run-for-the-children/ Save 50% on a one-year subscription to Alberta Views with the promo code AVRJ: https://albertaviews.ca/subscribe/ AMBER'S PHOTOGRAPHY: https://www.amberbracken.com/ 1:17:50 | Have you ever considered becoming a mentor? Ryan shines a light on BGCbigs' 100 Men in 100 Days campaign. BECOME A MENTOR: https://bgcbigs.ca/100Men/ GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g... SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th... LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Have you seen the video of baton-wielding police officers clearing a pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Alberta? Current and former students and professors are speaking out, ripping the U of A for calling in the cops. Meantime, University president Bill Flanagan is doubling down, saying it's his job to "take all reasonable measures to prevent harm." What's the right call here? How do demonstrations - regardless of theme - factor into a post-secondary institution's mandate? We get into it with Charles Adler. 4:40 | This episode is presented by the Juno Beach Centre, Canada’s Second World War museum and cultural centre located in Normandy, France. As the 80th anniversary of D-Day approaches, Real Talk is proud to support the Flag Sponsorship Program, preserving the legacy of the Canadians who served in WWII. SPONSOR A FLAG: https://www.junobeach.org/flag-sponsorship-program/ 6:45 | Chuck takes a look at a nasty cross-check to Oilers superstar Connor McDavid's face, cops clearing protestors at the University of Alberta (15:30), a Conservative MP calling out Tim Horton's (30:35), Donald Trump comparing migrants to Hollywood's most famous cannibal (34:00), and Naheed Nenshi calling United Conservative MLAs "monkeys" (39:10). Charles Adler is presented on Real Talk by Tice Automotive Consultants. Buying a vehicle should be fun! Tice can make that happen: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/ 51:07 | Eighty years after Canadian soldiers helped liberate Holland from German occupation, Dutch citizens continue to recognize our country's contribution. Dennis Meijeringh of the Dutch Legacy Keepers of Canadian Heroes joins us in studio to explain the significance of Canadian military involvement 80 years ago, and why it resonates with younger Dutch generations to this day. 1:03:40 | We celebrate an amazing idea becoming reality - and a beloved Hollywood star's reaction - in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch ACCESS EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Gerald things Jerry Seinfeld needs to "grow a pair," Alison says we need to get serious about rail options for rural Albertans, and Peter says the government is "caving to the delusional demands of the far-right fringe". Real Talkers are all fired up for The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you let 'em know Real Talk sent you!

Do not despair! Human life on Earth may not be doomed, after all. We connect with five Planet Protectors in this edition of The Best of Real Talk. We talk about our plastic problem, the future of wildfires, and our most precious natural resource: water. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch GET FREE, LIMITED EDITION REAL TALK SOCKS WHEN YOU BECOME A PATRON: https://www.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.

We get it: not everybody has time to catch every single episode of Real Talk. That's why we've put together The Best of Real Talk: Politics Edition. These are the key moments from our highest-profile political interviews of 2024, including a few that made national news. Enjoy the highlight reel from our recent conversations with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Danielle Smith, Minister Randy Boissonnault, Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff, and every candidate vying for the leadership of the Alberta NDP. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch GET FREE, LIMITED EDITION REAL TALK SOCKS WHEN YOU BECOME A PATRON: https://www.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.

Ottawa has approved the B.C. government's request to recriminalize the use of illicit drugs in public spaces. This, about a year and a half after the province introduced a pilot project allowing adults to carry up to 2.5 grams of drugs for personal use without facing criminal charges. The move comes amid growing concerns around "hard" drug use in public, including playgrounds and hospitals. 3:55 | Recovery expert Guy Felicella and TV/podcast host Mo Amir tell us why they think the drug pilot crashed, and what it means for harm reduction efforts across the country. CONNECT WITH GUY: https://guyfelicella.com/ THIS IS VANCOLOUR: https://www.thisisvancolour.com/ GARTH MULLINS ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/121020Mullins 32:20 | Check your junk mail and spam folders! All of a sudden, our Real Talk newsletters are being diverted out of folks' inboxes. Ryan has details on how you can win your way into NorthwestFest, Canada's longest-running documentary film festival. 35:45 | Ryan and Johnny debrief after the interview with Mo and Guy. We see what Real Talkers in the YouTube live chat have to say about politics and drug policy. 41:50 | Why did a multi-billion dollar carbon capture and storage project in Alberta hit the skids? Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer, shares his theory. But first, Max takes us into his column on Pierre Poilievre coming for your charter rights. Make sure you stick around for Real Talker Brynley's query about the Karl Marx photo on Max's bookshelf. READ MAX'S WORK: https://www.nationalobserver.com/ 1:15:20 | We love hearing about first-time visits to Jasper National Park! We take a look at photos Alyssa shared from her "bucket filling" spring break family getaway. Plus, you've still got time to check out Taste of Spring in Jasper! It's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. TASTE OF SPRING: https://www.jasper.travel/taste-of-spring/ 1:27:30 | Gerald things Jerry Seinfeld needs to "grow a pair," Alison says we need to get serious about rail options for rural Albertans, and Peter says the government is "caving to the delusional demands of the far-right fringe". Real Talkers are all fired up for The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you let 'em know Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch GET FREE, LIMITED EDITION REAL TALK SOCKS WHEN YOU BECOME A PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

This episode is about the WHY. Why is it newsworthy (or not) that senior officials were pressured to support Alberta's wind and solar moratorium? Why might the government be walking back its controversial Bill 20? Why might Premier Danielle Smith be considering changes to Alberta's auto insurance industry? Why could an ethical quagmire mean the end of a federal cabinet minister's career? And why on earth would Pierre Poilievre be picking a fight with business advocacy groups across the country? 4:15 | The Discourse co-hosts Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes go back and forth on The Narwhal scoop about the renewables moratorium, tension between the province and municipalities (11:45), public auto insurance (22:00), Minister Randy Boissonnault (29:00), and Poilievre's National Post op/ed (39:00). 48:05 | Emmy and Peabody Award-winning comedian Paul Mecurio tells us if he agrees with Jerry Seinfeld about political correctness killing comedy, and how he booked Paul McCartney to do his podcast. SEE PAUL IN EDMONTON MAY 10 & 11: https://wem.thecomicstrip.ca/attraction/paul-mecurio/ CHECK OUT PAUL'S PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/inside-out-with-paul-mecurio/id1118318083 1:26:00 | The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/the-real-talk-julie-rohr-scholarship-fund/ LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Political correctness is killing comedy. So says one of the all-time greats, Jerry Seinfeld, in an interview with The New Yorker. Is he right? We ask Charles Adler and our live audience (24:07). Later in the episode, Jason Leslie of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce has his Eye on Alberta Business - taxes and electricity costs in particular. 5:30 | Presented by Tice Automotive Consulting, Charles Adler gives us his take on Governor Kristi Noem's book passage about meeting North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un (!), Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's "fib" about the renewables moratorium (13:14), and Seinfeld's comments about the state of stand-up comedy in 2024. BUYING A VEHICLE SHOULD BE FUN: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/ 37:00 | Did you catch our Real Talk Round Table: Filmmakers Edition? Ryan revisits our May 3 episode ahead of NorthwestFest's Opening Night: May 9. GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY: https://www.northwestfest.ca/ WATCH THE ROUND TABLE: rtrj.info/050324NWF 42:15 | Were you a little surprised to see Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre tell Canadian business owners to cancel their Chamber memberships? We sure were. Ryan puts Poilievre's National Post op/ed in front of Jason Leslie from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce before discussing the ACC's advocacy on corporate taxes and electricity rates. Jason takes a second to congratulate all the nominees for the 2024 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction (June 20), and shares a few details about the ACC's AGM coming up May 23-25 in Red Deer. ALBERTA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: https://abchamber.ca/ 1:03:09 | We LOVE hearing from younger members of our audience like Brady, 11, who doesn't miss a single edition of Positive Reflections! Brady shared a super cool video of a very considerate elephant named Shanmai - we haven't stopped smiling! SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Colin's wondering where all the money's going, LD's fed up with UCP suck-ups, Gabriel just can't take a certain Real Talk panel seriously, and James says Liberal corruption is making him sick. Real Talkers are all fired up for The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, let 'em know Real Talk sent you!

When's the last time a film really moved you? Documentaries in particular have a way of connecting with us and inspiring us to action. In this special edition of the Real Talk Round Table, we hang out with filmmakers whose work is featured at NorthwestFest, Canada's longest-running non-fiction film festival. We talk about where they get their inspiration, how they best connect with audiences, and whether or not they think Ryan's out of line for taking his shoes off when he flies. 2:40 | Guy Lavallee, Katrina Beatty, Blake McWilliam, and Ben Judkins join our Real Talk Round Table to talk about their NorthwestFest films, including Send Kelp (8:14), The Wounds Within: An Endometriosis Story (24:22), and The Cigarette Surfboard (42:40). GET TICKETS TO NORTHWESTFEST: https://www.northwestfest.ca/ 1:02:55 | The filmmakers chime in on our unofficial, unscientific Twitter poll about a high-speed rail line between Calgary and Edmonton. 1:12:40 | Do you visit movie theatres now as much as you did before the pandemic? Guy explains how audience habits have changed. We take a look at other featured films coming up at NorthwestFest, including Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story (1:22:30). 1:29:50 | Colin's wondering where all the money's going, LD's fed up with UCP suck-ups, Gabriel just can't take a certain Real Talk panel seriously, and James says Liberal corruption is making him sick. Real Talkers are all fired up for The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, let 'em know Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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 Pierre Poilievre deserve to get kicked out of the House of Commons for calling Justin Trudeau a "wacko PM"? Should Greg Fergus resign as Speaker of the House? How much responsibility should the Prime Minister take for the tone of today's politics? We get into gamesmanship, theatre, and communication strategy in this episode of Real Talk. 8:35 | But first...was anybody surprised to see the Alberta government walk back its plan to defund public transit supports for seniors and low-income Albertans? We sure weren't. The biggest question now is, who thought that was a good idea in the first place? 17:40 | Pierre Poilievre was kicked out of the House of Commons this week after calling Justin Trudeau a "wacko PM". Did the Opposition Leader deserve the boot? Did he maybe kinda sorta get ejected on purpose? 36:50 | Premier Danielle Smith is investing close to $10M to look at ramping up passenger rail in Alberta. Would you take a high speed train between Calgary and Edmonton? How about between Calgary and Banff, or Banff and Jasper? What about a super-network connecting Lethbridge all the way to Fort McMurray? EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 53:55 | Now this is REAL Talk. Ryan reads emails from Ian and Sheryl re: our March 19 interview with sex trade abolitionist Andrea Heinz. ANDREA ON REAL TALK: rtrj.info/031924Heinz FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Does shooting a puppy and writing about it in a book automatically kill South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's shot at the Vice Presidency? Does defunding a public transit program designed for low-income and senior Albertans make any sense - optically, politically, or otherwise - for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith? 4:50 | Emmy Award-winning talk radio legend Charles Adler chimes in on Noem, the UCP's public transit cuts (26:20), Minister Randy Boissonnault's uncomfortable ethics predicament (37:15), the electoral future of the Edmonton-Centre federal riding (41:03), Ayahuasca and magic mushrooms for mental health (yeah, you read that right 46:55), Alberta's first municipal political party - TAPYEG (1:01:30), and the Edmonton Oilers matchup against the LA Kings (1:09:05). 32:55 | May is a perfect time for rock climbing in the Rocky Mountains! In this episode of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper, we introduce you to the crew at Rockaboo Mountain Adventures. GET CLIMBING: https://rockaboo.ca/ EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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 the first time in Alberta's history, political parties will be players in the October 2025 municipal elections. TAPYEG is the first party to introduce itself to voters in Edmonton. In this episode, we meet some of the people behind TAPYEG, and hear why they believe they can do a better job than the current mayor and council. 3:34 | TAPYEG board members Jeffrey Hansen-Carlson, Naseem Bashir, and Al Amer tell us why they founded the political party/think tank, how they expect to disrupt City Hall, and how they'll pull off a promised tax cut within 100 days of forming municipal government. LEARN MORE: https://www.tapyeg.ca/ 50:38 | Since Connie Walker's last Real Talk appearance, she's won a Peabody Award and a Pulitzer Prize, and she was just named to TIME's list of The 100 Most Influential People for 2024. We talk to her about the incredible global response to her "Stolen" podcast series, and what it was like to attend the TIME Gala in NYC alongside Dua Lipa, Michael J. Fox and Uma Thurman. WATCH CONNIE'S FIRST REAL TALK INTERVIEW IN 2022 | https://rtrj.info/071122Walker CONNIE'S WORK: https://www.conniewalker.com/ 1:28:16 | You have to see these STUNNING photos captured from the cockpit of Real Talker Jodi's plane as she flew over Slave Lake (there's an Edmonton Oilers playoff angle)! Jodi told us she thought they were perfect for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy...and we agree! SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Gabriel sounds off on 15 Minute Cities, James is nervous about the feds selling TMX, and Angela has a message for Alberta's duly-elected mayors and councillors. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

Another wild week in Alberta politics, as Premier Danielle Smith's government introduces sweeping changes to how city and town councils are elected, operate, and are held accountable. The UCP's Bill 20 opens the door for municipal political parties, restores union and corporate donations, and empowers the province to remove elected councillors (when it's "in the public interest"). Question is, are the changes good or bad for democracy? What do they mean for the average Albertan? Back by popular demand...it's our Group Chat Round Table! 2:10 | Jenny Adams, Sarah Hamilton, and Jarrett Campbell take on municipal political parties (10:00), the return of union and corporate donations (26:05), the power to fire city councillors (29:00), Bill 18 - the Provincial Priorities Act (31:10), Pierre Poilievre's roadside photo op (34:00), and the Alberta NDP leadership race (48:30). 57:00 | Gabriel sounds off on 15 Minute Cities, James is nervous about the feds selling TMX, and Angela has a message for Alberta's duly-elected mayors and councillors. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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 you better off with partisan politics at the local level? Will Alberta benefit from its provincial government inserting itself into funding agreements between municipalities and the feds? As Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government rolls out Bill 18 - the Provincial Priorities Act - and opens the door for municipal political parties, we ask, "What does it all mean for YOU?" 3:05 | Alberta Municipalities president Tyler Gandam and past presidents Cathy Heron and Lisa Holmes discuss how Alberta's most prominent new legislation will impact everyday service delivery and infrastructure development in communities across the province. LEARN MORE: https://www.abmunis.ca/news/bill-18-what-municipalities-need-know 39:15 | Lisa Holmes responds to Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton's assessment of (Lisa's boss) Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi's "defiant and aggressive" Twitter posts aimed at Premier Smith. Lisa and Cathy go on to discuss Andre Corbould's seemingly sudden departure as Edmonton city manager, security threats facing politicians and public figures, and the upcoming wildfire season. MISSED MAYOR CLAYTON ON REAL TALK? WATCH NOW: rtrj.info/042324GP TALK TO US: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Claire Porter Robbins is just back from Jerusalem, where she's been covering the Israel-Hamas war for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Globe & Mail. Prior to that, she worked for Doctors Without Borders in Gaza. 2:15 | Claire tells us about the grim state of healthcare in Gaza, including reports of mass graves at the Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals. She talks about the psychological impact of war on children, Canada's military presence in Israel/Palestine, and whether or not there's any hope for peace in the region. CHECK OUT CLAIRE'S WORK: https://www.claireporterrobbins.com/ 52:35 | Ryan reads an email from Real Talker "Selinger" about bias and opinion in interviews. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 1:02:25 | The Fairmont Jasper Park Golf Course opens May 10! If you're looking to get your swing ready for opening day, we've got you covered in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. BOOK YOUR JPL GOLF GETAWAY: https://www.jaspermountaingolf.com/ 1:05:15 | Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton raised more than a few eyebrows with her assessment of Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi's social media posts aimed at Premier Danielle Smith during our April 23 interview. Ryan and Johnny get into some of your feedback. MISSED MAYOR CLAYTON ON REAL TALK? WATCH NOW: rtrj.info/042324GP FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

All eyes are on Grande Prairie as the northern Alberta city bids adieu to the RCMP and welcomes its own municipal police service. "GP" becomes the first Alberta city since Camrose in 1956 to introduce a new police service, and both proponents and critics of Premier Danielle Smith's plan to establish a provincial police force will be paying close attention to how the transition plays out. 2:30 | Mayor Jackie Clayton explains the move away from the RCMP, how she thinks the Provincial Priorities Act will impact Grande Prairie (19:00), municipal political parties (26:17), GP's approach to clearing homeless encampments (34:30), cost of living and skyrocketing utilities (41:55), her take on the future of hydrogen (45:30), Premier Danielle Smith's musings about Red Deer as a city of million people (47:40), the Alberta is Calling campaign (51:00), her hesitation around "15 Minute Cities" (52:40), and the looming wildfire season (57:20). LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE INTERVIEW: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

When you think of the state of Planet Earth, do you feel optimism or dread? We couldn't blame you for having a bit of a pit in your stomach, considering everything we see in the news. We humans are tough on our home planet. Is it possible to reverse the negative impacts we create, and preserve a healthy future for generations to come? In this special Earth Day episode of Real Talk, we hear about amazing research being done in Alberta that could address our plastic problem in particular (56:45), but also oil spills and other environmental catastrophes. 2:50 | But first...federal Jobs Minister Randy Boissonnault joins Ryan in studio ahead of his address to the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. We talk about the Canadian Hydrogen Convention, carbon capture, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith telling Ottawa to stay in its lane re: federal funding for housing, healthcare, and research. Plus, Ryan asks Randy about the rumour a car's been parked outside his house for the past week with "Axe the Tax" signs. 25:45 | Charles Adler tells us what he thinks the cops need to do about the protestor parked outside Minister Boissonnault's house. We talk about a protest outside Parliament over the weekend, where demonstrators chanted "October 7th, we're almost free...long live October 7th!" 56:45 | It's Earth Day! What're we going to do about our plastic problem? Microplastics are being discovered on Mount Everest, the deepest depths of the ocean, and in placentas. Athabasca University researcher Dr. Srijak Bhatnagar tells us how microbes could be a big part of the solution, and not just for plastic waste. LEARN MORE: https://www.athabascau.ca/news/research/microbes-environment REAL TALK WORLD WATER DAY ROUND TABLE: rtrj.info/032124Water 1:42:20 | Our hearts are full after the Evening of Hope Gala. Ryan gives a special shout out to Real Talker AJ and everybody who's signed their organ donor card in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

Dwayne says Danielle Smith is a threat to medical research in Alberta, KP and Rene say Premier Smith's bang on with Bill 18, and Gabe has a bone to pick with Charles Adler. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

Kathleen Ganley's team is fed up with Jespo talking like their campaign's cooked. They say while the former Justice Minister might not be the favourite (or the biggest name) in the Alberta NDP leadership race, she's far from out of it. She argues her case - and tells us where she thinks the Hoffman and Nenshi campaigns are missing the mark - in a special episode of Real Talk. 2:50 | Team Ganley debuts its new campaign video exclusively on our show. Ryan asks Kathleen about the elephant in the room (6:00), opposing Danielle Smith (12:20), allegiance to "The Left" (15:22), raising minimum wage (17:20), reforming the Alberta Energy Regulator (19:20), private service providers in healthcare (28:50), the Hoffman campaign (33:30), divorcing from the federal NDP (38:20), increasing Alberta's corporate tax rate (46:00), the Nenshi disadvantage (49:14), fundraising (52:10), and a rumour the ban on union and corporate donations to political parties may be reversed (54:54). 1:06:17 | Did you know Real Talk Patrons receive exclusive perks, like whiskey tastings, film festival passes, VIP election night viewing parties, and Real Talk branded socks? Ryan gives a shout out to the Real Talkers that support us every month via Patreon. Thank you! BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen 1:09:05 | Dwayne says Danielle Smith is a threat to medical research in Alberta, KP and Rene say Premier Smith's bang on with Bill 18, and Gabe has a bone to pick with Charles Adler. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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.