Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Ryan and Sam have some fun out of the gates, completing a light-hearted edition of the Real Talk Question of the Week, presented by Y Station. Family lawyers Jo-Anne Stark and Marcus Sixta talk divorce, child custody, and steps to eliminate stress through family court proceedings. Osmundsen Holdings CEO Kelly Thompson digs into his recent Twitter thread, explaining why United Conservative government policy is actually chasing international investment away from Alberta. 35:19 - Family law panel 1:41:31 - Kelly Thompson

She was so convinced Lethbridge Police officers were monitoring her movements, she filed a Freedom of Information request. What former Environment Minister Shannon Phillips discovered was a chilling trend. The NDP MLA from Lethbridge West joins us for an exclusive interview on her first suspicions, the implications of the surveillance, and what she wants to see done about it. On the heels of International Women's Day, Drs. Sandra Davidge, Colleen Norris, and Jane Schultz explain why women are neglected under our current healthcare model (starting with research), and which specific issues demand more attention and action. 3:56 - MLA Shannon Phillips 40:15 - Women's Health panel

Happy International Women's Day! Emmy Award-winning ESPN host/reporter Jen Lada joins us from Milwaukee to share insights on her double-duty job, covering college football and hosting a morning radio show. Entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors Shelley Kuipers, Rhiannon Davies, and Amanda Hall form a Real Talk Round Table you won't want to miss. We cover financial feminism, funding gaps for women, global trends in wealth allocation, and many other important focal points. Scarlet Bjornson, founder of No Woman Without, explains how "period poverty" got on her radar, and why she went beyond making a simple donation. Plus, it's Monday, so we start another week off on the right foot with Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy! 7:25 - Jen Lada 50:10 - Women Investors Panel 1:29:55 - Scarlet Bjornson 2:01:12 - Positive Reflections

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

Between vaccines and new variants and businesses re-opening and health experts sounding alarms, it can be tough for the average person to know how to feel about proper COVID protocols. Dr. Gosia Gasperowicz, a developmental biologist, spells out what the numbers say, and describes a road to "COVID Zero". They're women who've held elected office, and decided to leave on their own terms. Our Real Talk Friday Round Table features a fantastic trio: author and former MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes, Calgary Councillor Druh Farrell, and Edmonton Public School Trustee Bridget Stirling. You'll want to watch every minute of why they decided to move on, where they're going, and what's driving their journey. Plus, buckle up for another rowdy edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste! 12:06 - Dr. Gosia Gasperowicz 45:19 - Women Leaving Politics Round Table 1:47:01 - Trash Talk

For years, researchers have drawn a line from oil sands activity to recurring rare forms of cancer in Fort Chipewyan and Fort McKay. Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam, whistleblower Dr. John O'Connor, and James Turk from Ryerson University's Centre for Free Expression explain why they think provincial and federal governments haven't taken this health threat seriously. How much do you know about psychedelics? How could Psilocybin ("magic mushrooms"), Ayahuasca, and other approaches assist in effective treatments, including for mental health? Psychiatrist Dr. Peter Silverstone, Jazmin Pirozek of the Canadian Psychedelic Association, and journalist Ryan Hook explore what could be a game-changing approach. 6:11 - Cancer Whistleblower Panel 37:52 - Psychedelics Panel

What on earth are NFTs, and why are collectors paying millions of dollars for ten-second digital video clips? Reuters finance journalist Elizabeth Howcroft joins us from London to get into her recent feature on art collector Pablo Rodriguez-Fraile. Is the entire Christian community getting a bad rap as select churches continue to defy public health orders? Pastor Greg Hochhalter gets into how they've manage this pandemic year at Sherwood Park Alliance Church, and describes how his congregation has gathered in community without gathering in person. Mike Cameron experienced the worst kind of tragedy when his girlfriend was murdered by her ex-partner. The author of "Becoming a Better Man" takes on emotional vulnerability, "toxic masculinity," and choosing creativity over judgement, in what proved to be one of the most powerful interviews we've seen yet on the show. 41:01 - Elizabeth Howcroft 1:00:39 - Pastor Greg Hochhalter 1:42:57 - Mike Cameron

Why are 18-30 year olds proving to be most susceptible to investment fraud? We talk to Hilary McKeekin from the Alberta Securities Commission about desperation, and how "get rich quick" schemes target young professionals. We heard from (literally) more than a hundred of you who reached out to [email protected] and told us you wanted Real Talkers to hear Les Landry's story. We check in with the citizen organizer, founder of #PeopleFightingPoverty, and learn about why he's taking matters into his own hands. Todd Babiak is a master storyteller. The CEO of Brand Tasmania, co-founder of Story Engine, and author of several celebrated novels checks in (at 4am his time!) to lay out how Alberta needs to tell its story to the rest of the world. It's a live branding exercise you won't want to miss. Plus, plenty of your emails on various subjects throughout this "easy breathing" episode of Real Talk! 22:32 - Hilary McKeekin 1:04:22 - Les Landry 1:35:54 - Todd Babiak

Can the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta really be as positive and collaborative as Minister Seamus O'Regan portrayed it to be on Friday's show? We ask longtime pollster and political commentator David Herle, former top advisor to Prime Minister Paul Martin, to chime in. The host of The Herle Burly podcast tells us why he thinks CPC leader Erin O'Toole has problems brewing within his party, and if he believes the Liberals will call an election this spring. The Alberta budget released last week isn't bad news for everybody, but it's a tough one for post-secondary institutions. Hardest hit is the University of Alberta. Dr. Laurie Adkin and Ricardo Acuna tell us why they believe the cuts are "vindictive," and explore different options for the university moving forward. Closing in on the one year mark with this pandemic, more and more people are acknowledging its effects on their mental health and wellbeing. Riaz Meghji, a former colleague of Ryan's at the Breakfast Television, takes us into his new book about the five habits for meaningful human connection, Every Conversation Counts. Plus, it's Monday, so prepare to be inspired by another edition of Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy! 9:02 - David Herle 37:40 - University Cuts Panel (Dr. Laurie Adkin & Ricardo Acuna) 1:38:11 - Riaz Meghji 2:26:36 - Positive Reflections

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

The Hon. Seamus O'Regan oversees one of the federal government's busiest portfolios. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources chimes in on what Ottawa's doing or has done on Keystone XL, Enbridge Line Five, abandoned and orphaned wells, wind and solar, and more (including questions submitted by Alberta Mayors Alanna Hnatiw and Barry Morishita on hydrogen and a national energy corridor). On the heels of the UCP's budget, released Thursday afternoon, we dig into the details with political scientist Dr. Chaldeans Mensah, conservative strategist Melissa Caouette, podcaster Kathleen Smith, and millwright-turned-teacher Stephen Anderson. Plus, it's Friday, so buckle up for another rowdy edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste! 8:15 - Hon. Seamus O’Regan 45:16 - Alberta Budget Round Table Part 1 (Dr. Chaldeans Mensah & Melissa Caouette) 1:12:52 - Alberta Budget Round Table Part 2 (Kathleen Smith & Stephen Anderson) 2:20:22 - Trash Talk

Albertans are bracing for a tough budget today. Official Opposition finance critic Shannon Phillips lays out what she's expecting to see from the UCP, and what the NDP would do differently. Tens of thousands of seniors (and their families) were unable to successfully schedule vaccinations online yesterday, as Alberta Health Services' website couldn't keep up to demand. Enter the brilliant Dr. Kory Mathewson. The DeepMind research scientist took it upon himself to fix the problem ("in six minutes"), and share his solution with the world via Twitter. He explains how and why he did it, and responds to an outpouring of gratitude from complete strangers. We've been talking about sustainable farming and ranching in past weeks, as well as food waste. What about when those world collide? Ranchers Ryan Kasko and Jill Burkhardt tell us how their beef operations benefit from thinking "outside the farm". Speaking of cows, what's up with butter lately? Why is the entire world talking about it, including Jimmy Fallon, the BBC, and the New York Times? Julie Van Rosendaal, the food columnist driving this international story, joins to tell us how it all came about (and sort out what it means for consumers). 12:13 - MLA Shannon Phillips 42:11 - Dr. Kory Mathewson 1:09:06 - Ryan Kasko & Jill Burkhardt 1:37:04 - Julie Van Rosendaal

If you had a hard time finding Real Talk on your favourite podcast platform yesterday, you weren't alone. Podboard100 managing director Stephen Brogarth explains why some of the most prominent platforms have recently come under "DDoS" attack. Calgary Police Constable Tad Milmine's personal survival story is both troubling and remarkable. On Pink Shirt Day, he explains how he overcame child abuse and struggles around his sexuality to establish the international charity Bullying Ends Here. Blake Shaffer (University of Calgary) and Joshua Rhodes (University of Texas at Austin) have worked collaboratively to determine what we can learn from the Lone Star State's recent energy woes. The dynamic duo joins Ryan to talk wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas, coal, and other forms of power - and to respond to Monday's conversation about Alberta's energy future with former talk show host Danielle Smith. Journalist Elise Stolte is spearheading a new approach to "engagement journalism" with the Edmonton Journal's Groundwork initiative. She brings us up to speed on why it's such an effective method of storytelling, and provides the latest details impacting seniors around COVID-19. Conor Ruzycki has spent the past decade studying pharmaceutical aerosols. The PhD candidate in mechanical engineering explains what we've learned about how this virus spreads, and simple steps each of us can take to flatten the curve. 8:15 - Stephen Brogarth 19:15 - Cst. Tad Milmine 39:20 - Power Grid Panel (Blake Shaffer and Joshua Rhodes) 1:10:10 - Elise Stolte 1:40:13 - Conor Ruzycki

There's no question racist language, signage, and symbolism was on full display at an "anti-lockdown" rally in Edmonton over the weekend. Senator Paula Simons and former federal cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi clearly agree it needs to be addressed, but have different thoughts on how. They join Ryan for a great back-and-forth out of the gates. Alberta's upcoming provincial budget promises to be a tough one. What goes into the difficult decisions government faces? Dr. Trevor Tombe and Ted Kouri roll out a new project at TheNext30.ca, aimed at educating the public on the budget process. (How would you save $10B?) She's a Real Talker - and an ultramarathoner. What's motivating Laura Sherrer-Townsend to complete 50 ultramarathons before her 50th birthday? We find out. Plus, after his high-profile interview with former talk radio host Danielle Smith, Ryan reads your emails, sent to [email protected]. 5:51 - Amarjeet Sohi & Senator Paula Simons 38:10 - Dr. Trevor Tombe & Ted Kouri 1:31:45 - Laura Sherrer-Townsend

With their pastor still sitting in jail for defying public health orders, congregants at GraceLife Church west of Edmonton packed the house to capacity yet again Sunday morning. Ryan reviews some of the messaging from the pulpit, and reads emails describing how Real Talkers would respond to the situation. Now-former talk show host Danielle Smith walked away from a prominent radio gig on Friday, and joins Ryan for an exclusive one-on-one. She explains why she resigned, shares her assessment of public discourse these days, discusses some of her more controversial moments on the radio, and divulges whether or not she's considering a return to politics. A few days after NASA's Perseverance rover landed successfully on Mars, planetary biologist Emily Lakdawalla explains what we've learned out of the gates, and what she's most looking forward to seeing in the months and years to come. Plus, it's Monday, so we get our week started on the right foot with another inspiring edition of Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy! 37:50 - Danielle Smith 1:38:25 - Emily Lakdawalla

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

The world watched as NASA's Perseverance rover touched down on Mars. World-renowned theoretical astrophysicist Dr. Katie Mack, author of The End of Everything, joins us for a wonderfully-captivating conversation about this huge accomplishment. We observe and discuss Black History Month with conservative strategist Semhar Tekeste, photographer Eric Domond, and educator Andrew Parker. You won't want to miss their unique perspectives on looking back and looking forward. Following our look at the Fred Meyer dumpster story out of Portland, we talk about mitigating food waste with Leftover Foundation's Garnet Borch. And, of course, it's Friday, so buckle up for another lively edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste! 6:04 - Dr. Katie Mack 37:42 - Black History Month Round Table 1:34:17 - Garnet Borch 2:08:21 - Trash Talk

As Portland police officers guarded dumpsters full of food outside the Fred Meyer grocery store, Dr. Juniper Simonis was there documenting it. They join us out of the gates to talk about policing, community activism, social supports, and food waste. Real Talk viewer Darren, a grain farmer, took issue with viewer Jared's Trash Talk email on Friday (which essentially called "sustainable beef" an oxymoron). Darren suggested we reach out to UC Davis researcher Dr. Frank Mitloehner, so we did. One of the world's foremost experts on animal science and GHG emissions joins for a great conversation on sustainable agriculture. It's no secret Calgary faces huge challenges. Global oil prices are in the tank, downtown office vacancy is right around 30%, and there are very fair questions about the city's future. A new PAC - Look Forward Calgary - launched this week, and offered to make Real Talk their first media stop. Board members Darby Lee Young, Shelley Kuipers, and Irfhan Rawji explain the point of the exercise, and what their version of a reinvented Calgary looks like. 13:55 - Dr. Juniper Simonis 1:05:05 - Dr. Frank Mitloehner 1:34:34 - Look Forward Calgary Panel

Are provincial and federal whistleblower protections really "toothless and useless"? David Hutton, Ian Bron, and James Turk from Ryerson University's Centre for Free Expression lay out their message to the Alberta government, and explain why they're so concerned about the legislative review currently underway. How do we demonstrate "moral courage in messy times"? New York Times best-selling author Irshad Manji explains why uncomfortable conversations are so important, leading up to her February 18th virtual event - epl.ca/speakers-series. After Edmonton Police officers booted houseless individuals from a heated transit centre into -30C cold, Blake Desjarlais tells us about his beloved cousin Pierre, and outlines what humane policy needs to look like in serving society's oft-marginalized population. 5:23 - Whistleblowers Panel 35:20 - Irshad manji 1:08:41 - Blake Desjarlais

For several years, Irene Deschenes suffered sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest. She joins us along with her lawyer Loretta Merritt to explain how their recent Supreme Court victory paves the way for true justice to be served. The public school board in Red Deer, Alberta will not observe Pride Week; instead, they'll promote a "Diversity Week" this year. We talk to longtime Red Deer school trustee Dianne Macaulay and LGBTQ2S+ advocate Dr. Kristopher Wells about why specific Pride celebrations are important. Emergency department Dr. Shazma Mithani, infectious diseases Dr. Lynora Saxinger, and ICU Dr. Darren Markland provide fact checks following interviews with UCP MLA Drew Barnes and Lt. Col. (Ret.) David Redman last week about easing pandemic restrictions. Yale Law professor, New York Times magazine writer, and Slate Political Gabfest co-host Emily Bazelon checks in from Connecticut to make sense of post-January 6th America, Donald Trump's second impeachment acquittal, and the early stages of Joe Biden's presidency. mCloud Technologies CEO Russ McMeekin explains why they're moving corporate headquarters to Calgary, and where he finds reason for optimism in a strained economy. Plus, we get our week started off on the right foot with another edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy! 3:02 - Irene Deschenes and Loretta Merritt 19:01 - Red Deer Public Schools Pride Panel 37:11 - Doctors' Fact Check Panel 1:18:43 - Emily Bazelon 1:38:00 - Russ McMeekin

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

With an eventful week on the guest front, and so many Real Talkers taking the time to email [email protected], Ryan opens the show by diving into the Real Talk inbox. Multiple Guinness World Record-holder Dr. Brent Saik, founder of the World's Longest Hockey Game, checks in rinkside to describe the challenges of playing outdoors for ten straight days in -30C temperatures, and update us on their $1.5M fundraising goal. Zain Velji, Stephen Carter, and Corey Hogan, stars of the wildly-popular podcast The Strategists, join Ryan to talk municipal, provincial, and federal politics in this week's edition of the Real Talk Round Table. And, of course, it's Friday, which means another bomb-dropping edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste! 17:47 - Dr. Brent Saik 37:43 - The Strategists Round Table

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) David Redman developed Alberta's Pandemic Plan back in 2004, as head of the province's Emergency Management Agency. He explains why he believes both provincial and federal governments have mishandled COVID-19, including controversial opinions on lockdowns and masks. Maclean's editor at large Scott Gilmore explains why he believes it's time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to stop working from home and head back to the PMO. Scott also looks back at his 2015 editorial on poverty and racism in Canada, and tells us if he thinks anything's changed over the past six years. With Bitcoin surging after the GameStop debacle on Wall Street and Elon Musk's unofficial endorsement, Bitcoin Well founder and CEO Adam O'Brien shares his thoughts on the fluctuation and future of the world's most prominent cryptocurrency. Oh, and we play the "I'm not a cat" viral video three times through to wrap the show up right! 7:16 - Lieut. Col. (Ret.) David Redman 40:13 - Scott Gilmore 1:14:19 - Adam O'Brien

A group of conservative politicians is banding together under the "End the Lockdown Caucus". UCP MLA Drew Barnes explains why he's taking a stand against his own government's policies, and respond to criticism the group is pushing dangerous, anti-science rhetoric. It's going to cost tens of billions of dollars to clean up Alberta's abandoned and orphaned oil wells. Who's going to pay for it, and when? Mark Dorin and Regan Boychuk present the facts, and tell us why they founded the Polluter Pay Federation. After warning of serious risks around restructuring 9-1-1 dispatch, Fort McMurray's city council voted unanimously Tuesday night to defy the provincial government's plan, and manage their own dispatch instead. Mayor Don Scott and Fire Chief Jody Butz tell us why they took the remarkable step, and what they expect to happen from here. (Don't miss Mayor Scott daring the Premier to remove him from office - a remarkable Real Talk moment.) Many of the world's major auto manufacturers have put themselves on the clock, mapping out their transition to a fully-electric vehicle lineup by the mid-2030s. Canada's leading voice on EVs, Nino diCara, digs into what this means for consumers, the auto industry, and the environment. 5:45 - MLA Drew Barnes 52:34 - Regan Boychuk and Mark Dorin 1:16:49 - Mayor Don Scott and Fire Chief Jody Butz 1:38:17 - Nino diCara

Mayors across Canada are lobbying Ottawa ahead of the next federal budget. Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, chair of the Big City Mayors' Caucus, joins to talk transit, homelessness, and other top municipal priorities. Audric Moses (and his wife Marni, who makes a cameo!) built a NetZero home in a northern climate. How is it performing with limited daylight hours, plenty of snow, and frigid outside temperatures? We take a tour to find out. Amid public outcry, Alberta's United Conservative government says it's walking back its plan to rescind the province's 45-year-old coal policy. Is this meaningful action, or pure politicking? We ask CPAWS conservation director Katie Morrison for some perspective. We know white supremacy continues to plague society. How does the ideology persist, and how are people radicalized? Talia Lavin takes us into her process researching and writing "Culture Warlords," including going undercover on message boards and forums on the dark web. Ryan plays a video excerpt from a church service this past Sunday, right before a pastor was arrested for violating public health orders. Real Talkers share their thoughts on the implications, and what appropriate law enforcement might look like. 8:15 - Mayor Don Iveson 37:52 - Audric Moses 1:10:09 - Katie Morrison 1:38:53 - Talia Lavin

Who should be Canada's next Governor General, and how should they be selected? Professor Emmett Macfarlane joins from the University of Waterloo to take us through the process. Mayors and Fire Chiefs are back on Real Talk after warning about changes to Alberta's 9-1-1 dispatch a few weeks back. This time, they've got proof they were right to sound the alarm. Is extremism an issue within the Conservative Party of Canada? York University's Dr. Shama Rangwala lays it all out, after taking issue with comments made during last Friday's Real Talk Round Table. Patients utilizing injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT) are taking the Alberta government to court. Dr. Jennifer Jackson, RN and lawyer Avnish Nanda explain why they're so concerned about this program falling on the chopping block, including why it could be a matter of life and death. Plus, it's Monday, so we start our week with Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy!

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

What do we actually know about what influenced Abdulahi Sharif to attempt to murder multiple people in Edmonton, Alberta on September 30, 2017? Justice reporter Jonny Wakefield takes us into his long-form feature in the Edmonton Journal. Sprawl Calgary editor-in-chief Jeremy Klaszus tells us why he's so turned off by the "Disappearing Headlines" campaign launched by Canada's major newspapers. The inaugural Group Chat Real Talk Round Table features Ryan's personal friends, confidantes, and advisors Katherine O'Neill, Harman Kandola, and Jarrett Campbell. Plus, it's Friday, so buckle up for another rousing edition of Trash Talk!

Having escaped extremism himself, Mubin Shaikh went on to serve as a CSIS operative and undercover agent for the RCMP. He joins Ryan to shed light on Proud Boys, one of the most recent additions to Canada's terrorist watch list. The most prominent newspapers in Canada, including the Toronto Star, went "blank" on their front pages Thursday morning to send a clear message to the federal government. They say they're trying to save journalism from the influence of tech giants like Google and Facebook. John Hinds, President and CEO of News Media Canada, explains what they want the federal government to do, and what will happen without an intervention. Infectious Diseases Doctor Lynora Saxinger helps us understand the evolution of COVID-19, updated information people need to know, and implications on Canada's vaccine roll-out. Plus, Ryan reads a whole bunch of excellent emails from Real Talkers, as submitted to [email protected].

Our Real Talk Question of the Week is a bit different this time around, implementing a playoff-style bracket to determine who you think should be named Canada's next Governor General. Y Station's chief strategist Chris Henderson shares some interesting insights midway through the process. Former Husky Energy CEO Art Price shares his take on the death of the Keystone XL pipeline (of note: "Not a big deal"). Canopy Planet founder Nicole Rycroft shares how she'll invest a $3M USD grant to explore low-carbon fibre alternatives and save our forests. Ex-evangelical writer and speaker Chrissy Stroop joins for an extended conversation about politics and religion, private education, purity culture, and why so many Bible believers are refusing to wear masks.

Senator Doug Black explains why he's frustrated with the federal government's vaccine procurement, and gets into the pipeline file. After the interview, Ryan shares his own thoughts on some of the Senator's more controversial assertions. Registered psychologist Ashley Wanamaker, photographer Shannon Smith, and activist Adora Nwofor get personal in our Body Image Round Table, commemorating Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Real Talkers respond en masse with their own moving stories.

Is there actually a foreign-funded conspiracy against Alberta oil? Journalist, lawyer, and former Crown prosecutor Sandy Garossino takes us through her ongoing coverage for the National Observer. It's the first-ever "Meet in the Middle Monday" with NDP MLA Janis Irwin and former Wildrose Party strategist Vitor Marciano. From very different political perspectives, Janis and Vitor explain why they agree on something as controversial as health care funding, and explore how we should pay for our biggest budget expenditure. Maclean's contributing editor Andray Domise tells us why he took to TikTok to comment on the GameStop/Wall Street story, and speculates where it will go in the days and weeks to come. Plus, it's the start of another week, and that means another edition of Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy!

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

Andrew Phung, star of Kim's Convenience, takes us behind the curtain of TV production and parenting through a pandemic (and shows off his incredible shoe collection). Andrew talks politics, too, including how he approaches public commentary as a celebrity. Statistics show young people are leaving Alberta for greener pastures in other provinces. Kaelin Koufogiannakis, 22, Ahdithya Visweswaran, 20, and Haruun Ali, 17, explain what factors into their decision where they'll live, study, and start their adult lives. Ryan gets into the GameStop debacle with some pretty hilarious videos explaining the whole thing at a "ground level". And, it's Friday, which means another rowdy edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste!

Where is intellectual courage in the age of Twitter? Best-selling author Tom Rachman joins us from London to get into his editorial for the Globe & Mail. Our first-ever Agriculture Real Talk Round Table features Sirius XM host Shaun Haney, crop scientist Brittany Hennig, and Lakeside Farmstead's Jeff Nonay. Ryan gets into the Real Talk inbox, and reads some of your emails sent to [email protected].

Who will Prime Minister Justin Trudeau select as Canada's next Governor General? Journalist Max Fawcett gets into his recent piece - naming former PM Joe Clark - for the National Observer. Ryan's wife, lifestylist Kari Skelton, chimes in with all the latest rumours around The Bachelorette touching down at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. We get into some Real Talk on mental health with addictions specialist Dr. Speranza Dolgetta, interventionist Dr. Ian Rabb, and advocate Chris Johnson. Professional crowd ignitor Cameron Hughes brings his pedal-to-the-metal energy to the show, and dives into his new book, "King of Cheer".

With tens of thousands of social media accounts being deplatformed, Dr. Amarnath Amarasingam joins to explain if this is actually a good move, or if it could increase the risk of radicalization. For more than twenty years, Derek Brower has covered the international energy beat. The Financial Times US energy editor checks in from England with a look at the energy relationship between Canada and a Biden-led United States, including the future of pipeline projects key to Alberta's bottom line. Investigative climate journalist Geoff Dembicki shares his findings around a conspiracy-laden report commissioned by the Alberta government, targeting climate journalists. Dawn Harsch of ExquisiCare and Wendy King of Canterbury Foundation air their concerns around a perceived double standard in the vaccinations of seniors and staff in public and private long term care facilities.

As health officials attempt to educate the public around the COVID-19 vaccine, scientists including Prof. Tim Caulfield have launched @ScienceUpFirst. He takes us to the front lines of the war on misinformation. Dr. Ross McKenzie spent nearly 40 years studying soil and crops in Alberta. He tell us why he's so concerned about sweeping cuts to agricultural research on the prairies. Former Premier Rachel Notley evaluates Premier Jason Kenney's response to President Joe Biden cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline, and explains what she'd do differently. Amarjeet Sohi worked the KXL file for a couple years as Canada's Minister of Infrastructure, then Minister of Natural Resources. He takes us into Cabinet conversations around the project, and tells us whether or not it could ever be saved. Sohi also chimes in on the resignation of now-former Governor General Julie Payette and now-former Senator Lynn Beyak. With more attention being paid to the "muting" of voices like Donald Trump's on social media, the team at Podboard100 are monitoring the rise of right-wing podcasts. Managing director Stephen Brogarth explains how their system works, and what the numbers are telling them. Plus, it's Monday, and this week's edition of Positive Reflections showcases one of the newest puppies to join the Real Talk family!

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

With coal exploration already happening on the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains, Y2Y conservation scientist Dr. Aerin Jacob explains what's at stake, and what it means for Canadians and our water supply. Last week, our Question of the Week asked you about quality in politics. Today's Real Talk Round Table taps into your replies, as we check in with Conservative MP Mike Lake, former Ontario PC chief of staff Sarah Letersky, former Colorado Democratic strategist Conor Brown, CEO Julia Anderson, and CFL legend Adarius Bowman. And, of course, Ryan wraps up the show with another rousing edition of Trash Talk!

On the first full day of Joe Biden's Presidency, we discuss Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's suggestion Canada should impose trade sanctions on the USA, based on the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline. International trade lawyer Mark Warner gives us a sense of what the economic relationship between Canada and the US will look like moving forward, including the pipeline file. Jay Hill, leader of the Maverick Party, explains where the federal party stands on western sovereignty, the energy access debate, and other issues of concern to Canadians. And, we take a meaningful look at eradicating homelessness with experts Margo Long, Chris Beausoleil, Cynthia Puddu, Susan McGee, Cheryl Whiskeyjack, and Jordan Reiniger.

It's Inauguration Day south of the border! Former Clinton White House advisor and speechwriter Dr. Ted Widmer joins to discuss the change in tone from the 45th to the 46th President, and similarities between the Inaugurations of Abraham Lincoln and Joe Biden. Energy analyst Mikaela McQuade digs into the cancellation of Keystone XL, and what else Canadians can expect from the Biden Administration. Stormchaser Nevin deMilliano pops in on the heels of a wild, overnight snow squall across Alberta. Brothers Jonathan and Daniel Ferguson, and Edmonton teacher Christian Zyp share their powerful survival stories, and shine light on the importance of organ donation.

Coal mining conversations continue in Alberta, as the government announced a pause on eleven recently-granted leases in the Rocky Mountains. We check in with environmental lawyer David Khan and CPAWS conservation director (and biologist) Katie Morrison for details on what that actually means. Craig Snodgrass may be Mayor of a small town (High River), but he brought heavy artillery to our conversation around the lack of government consultation on the environmental and industry fronts. It's a must-listen interview. Dallas attorney and Southern Methodist University Law professor Eric Cedillo joins to make sense of Donald Trump's expected stream of Presidential pardons, and explain how Trump can (or cannot) influence impeachment proceedings. Puneeta McBryan, new executive director for Edmonton's Downtown Business Association discusses post-pandemic work trends, and their impact on commercial leases and the overall health of a city's core.

Naturalist Kevin Van Tighem, former superintendent of Banff National Park, takes us on a hike he completed over the weekend, surveying coal mining activity in Alberta's Oldman River. Energy economist Andrew Leach and environmental law professor Martin Olszynski chime in on reports President-elect Biden will cancel Keystone XL, and offer insight into the UCP's controversial Allan Inquiry into foreign attacks on Alberta oil. Law professor Kristen van de Biezenbos explains the significance of the Keystone XL story, and whether or not Alberta can recoup its recent multi-billion dollar investment. Plus, it's Monday, so that means another inspiring edition of "Positive Reflections," presented by Kuby Energy!

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

"As DC falls, Bitcoin rises," a viewer tweeted Ryan on January 6th. Bitcoin Well CEO Adam O'Brien joins for Real Talk on the popular cryptocurrency, including his take on its wild value fluctuations over the past week. This week's Real Talk Round Table takes a look at "The Next 30" movement, featuring co-founder Chad Park, Salimah Kassam, and Carman McNary. After Coal Association of Canada president (and former Alberta Environment Minister) Robin Campbell argued "Selinium is just salt" on Thursday's show, biologist John Adcock and geochemist Colton Vessey chime in on the environmental impact of open-pit coal mining in the mountains, and the challenges around environmental reclamation. Plus, per tradition, Ryan wraps up the week with another rousing edition of Trash Talk!

With more and more Canadians paying attention to open-pit coal mining in the Rocky Mountains, Coal Association of Canada president (and former Alberta Environment Minister) Robin Campbell argues the industry side. Jason Doucette, president of Alberta Fly Fishing and Conservation, explains why he's opposed to Alberta's coal expansion. With 9-1-1 services being consolidated across the province, Alberta fire chiefs from Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Fort McMurray lay out why they think it's a bad idea (hint: it's a matter of life and death). Former chair of the Alberta Teachers Retirement Fund Greg Meeker tells us why he's "incensed" at the United Conservative Party transferring the $18B teachers' pension to AIMCo. Sportsnet radio host Andrew Walker shares his thoughts on an "all Canadian" NHL season, and has a little fun with his vintage "Jespo Mug".

The Alberta government broke a promise that teachers would maintain control of their pension fund, and Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling has something to say about it. Minister Jim Carr is back as the Prime Minister's Special Representative to the Prairies. He takes us into his top priorities, including vaccinations and economic stimulus. Country music star Corb Lund, rancher Laura Laing, and Lougheed-era coal policy architect David Luff share their concerns around coal mining in the Rockies. Oh, and Corb treats us to an impromptu performance by candlelight. High school science teacher Jason Zackowski checks in from the science lab at Red Deer's Lindsay Thurber High School to explain how his dogs (yeah, his dogs!) Bunsen Berner and Beaker gained tens of thousands of followers on social media. Jason also takes a few minutes to blow stuff up - an integral element of any decent interview about science.

With President Donald Trump banned from virtually every social media platform, and Alberta talk host Danielle Smith leaving AM radio for Locals.com, we check in with content manager Idris Fashan for insight on political commentary across the digital landscape. Strategist Jason Lietaer, former advisor to Prime Minster Stephen Harper, takes us into Prime Minister Trudeau's cabinet shuffle, and the implications around another looming federal election. Real Talk viewer Mariah Braun shares her perspective as a Black woman living in northern Alberta, after a photo surfaced of a man in a KKK hood outside a Grimshaw, AB post office. Entrepreneur Claire Theaker-Brown details how her company, Unbelts.com, fell victim to government favouritism in the context of Alberta Education's mask procurement controversy. Citizen journalist Victoria Love tells us why she started using TikTok to tell the stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and how she's offering support to bereaved families.

We review results of our Real Talk Question of the Week, after more than 4,300 of you chimed in on how you feel about Alberta's government. (Spoiler: there are major trust issues.) Biostatistician Ryan Imgrund gets into Canada's vaccination numbers, explains what Alberta's doing right, and what Ottawa needs to do better. BloodWatch.org founder Kat Lanteigne explains why she's so troubled about changes to blood donation laws in Alberta, namely the UCP repealing the Voluntary Blood Donation Act.