Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

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.

Alberta "rural resentment" is detailed by Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities' Acting Director, Dr. Clark Banack. The Camrose-based political scientist shares how he visited 16 non-urban communities to speak with Albertans who are increasingly feeling left behind economically and culturally and are eager to overturn the status quo. The many implications of the recently announced 1.3 billion billion dollar plan for a landmark, net-zero hydrogen energy complex in Edmonton are discussed by Federal Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr., Enoch Cree Nation's Chief Billy Morin and Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. Plus, it's Friday—which means it's time for another edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Waste! 7:27 - Dr. Clark Banack on rural resentment 38:27 - Hydrogen Real Talk Round Table 2:12:28 - Trash Talk

Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs' Adir Krafman and Jewish Federation of Edmonton CEO Stacey Leavitt-Wright offer their perspectives on Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health Associate Director Dr. Angela Mashford-Pringle discusses the issues related to Indigenous health including the history of Residential Schools, culture, language, land-based learning and climate action. Forbes' Policy Editor Avik Roy and Bitcoin Well CEO Adam O'Brien chat about the global implications of El Salvador adopting bitcoin as legal tender. 3:04 - Jewish views on Palestinian/Israeli Conflict 44:28 - Dr. Angela Mashford-Pringle on Indigenous health 1:36:46 - El Salvador and bitcoin

Annamie Paul discusses taking over the helm of the federal Green Party after 13 years of Elizabeth May's leadership and what she anticipates the political future will hold. #MyJasper Memories | Reminiscing about the many charming patios in the town of Jasper, at the Lodge and on the ski slopes, where beverages of choice can be savoured. https://www.jasper.travel/realtalk The new Sustainable and Transition Finance Professor Dr. Yrjo Koskinen at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business chats about the future of finance and if climate change objectives can actually be met. Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Executive Director of T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, provides her perspective on protecting and advancing human rights in Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. 11:19 - Annamie Paul 1:04:24 - #MyJasper Memories 1:08:17 - Dr. Yrjo Koskinen 1:32:26 - Rabbi Jill Jacobs

Ryan grapples with three generations of a London, Ont. family being murdered on Sunday (June 6) in a terrorist act motivated by hate against Muslims. Ottawa-based Public Educator, Julie Lalonde, shares how bystanders can intervene when they witness harassment on the street. She's been teaching bystander intervention for over a decade with the organization Hollaback. The Town of High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass explains creating the new Alberta Coal Restriction Policy and why he's asking municipalities across the province to sign on. Mayor of Lethbridge Chris Spearman, who addresses why he's opted to add his community's endorsement to the letter. Indian Residential School Survivors Society's Angela White discusses the unanimous vote in the House of Commons to end litigation against Indigenous children — the very work the British Columbia-based organization engages in. Angela explores what the non-binding request means for survivors, generational trauma and the country. 10:20 - Julie Lalonde 46:02 - Mayors Craig Snodgrass and Chris Spearman on coal policy 1:41:03 - Indian Residential School Survivors Society's Angela White

First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada's Dr. Cindy Blackstock discusses today's House of Commons vote on ending litigation against First Nations kids, Residential school survivors and implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. She explains the history of the legal proceedings to date and her hopes for the future. With the Alberta government announcing new supervised consumption site standards while also shifting where and how services are available, Dr. Jennifer Jackson and Registered Nurse Claire O'Gorman share why these changes will have massive harmful impacts across the province. Plus, we start the week with Positive Reflections presented by the kind folks at Kuby Energy! 15:06 - Dr. Cindy Blackstock 54:05 - Impacts of closing Supervised Consumption Sites 2:28:11 - 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.

Chief Economist for ATB Financial Todd Hirsch discusses his new report, The State of the Alberta Economy and The Path Forward. He explains where the regional, national and global financial scene is headed and how we need to prepare. Queer youth living in Canada, author jaye simpson, Pride Fund Founder Shane Scott and 2SLGBTQIA+ activist Ophelia Ravencroft share the protest nature of Pride and why resistance is still essential in the movement. Plus, it's Friday—time for another edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Waste! 11:00 - Todd Hirsch 43:35 - Young & Queer Roundtable 2:05:07 - Trash Talk

Ryan isn't drinking up what's on tap at the premier's recent Sky Palace Supper. Instead he calls for continued attention on what the rooftop party is attempting to distract from. University of Manitoba Indigenous Studies Scholar Dr. Sean Carleton rebukes Alberta premier's false statements about John A. Macdonald who "took positions on issues at the time that we now judge harshly". Carleton identifies that historically Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members as well as government officials raised many major concerns when the institutions began. Psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington shares ways to show up since the heartbreaking news of the remains of 215 children were unearthed at a mass grave in the Kamloops, BC area near a former residential school. University of Erfurt Professor Jürgen Martschukat explains our preoccupation with fitness and how it links to the focus on individual rights and freedoms. His research is published in his 2021 book, The Age of Fitness: How the Body Came to Symbolize Success and Achievement. 18:50 - Dr. Sean Carleton on Denialism of Residential Schools; 44:49 - Psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington 1:12:12 - Age of Fitness with Jürgen Martschukat

Senator Dr. Patti LaBoucane-Benson explains the need and her drive to see the establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Canadian laws align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. #MyJasper Memories | Meet Matricia Bauer, an Indigenous singer, drummer and storyteller in Jasper. Through her business Warrior Women, Matricia offers musical performances, workshops, tour shows, guided experiences, training and much more. https://www.jasper.travel/realtalk The founder of On Canada Project Samanta Krishnapillai unpacks the responsibility non-Indigenous people who live in Canada have in reconciliation and how they benefit from colonialism in this country. Yale University at Canine Cognition Center researcher Zachary Silver shares about his study of dogs and how the companion animals can tell if a person is kind or not. 2:32 - Senator Dr. Patti LaBoucane-Benson 51:43 - On Canada Project founder Samanta Krishnapillai 1:27:51 - Yale Dog Lab researcher Zachary Silver

Métis Archaeologist and the Director of the Institute of Prairie and Indigenous Archaeology at the University of Alberta, Dr. Kisha Supernant discusses the need for Indigenous communities to decide what happens at former residential schools sites in seeking the truth around the genocide. Systems engineer and policy analyst Dr. Costa Samaras shares why electric trucks are the future of sustainable transportation. Federal NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh, addresses Canada's need to reckon with the residential school legacy. He also unpacks why health care, education and utilities need to be public and how the wealthiest Canadians can help foot the bill. 12:20 - Métis Archaeologist Dr. Kisha Supernant 46:02 - Electric Truck as Game Changer with Dr. Costa Samaras 1:34:15 - Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh

Ryan reflects on the gruesome discovery by the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc of the remains of 215 children on a former residential school site near Kamloops, BC. The photographer of the massive chopped down old-growth spruce tree, Lorna Beecroft shares why she felt compelled to take a photo on the highway while the tree was being transported by semi-truck. Since posting it on May 24 via Facebook, the image has been share around the globe. 40 years since a large-scale raid by Edmonton's Police "Mortality Unit" on the Pisces Bathhouse in downtown Edmonton, Michael Phair and Darrin Hagen explore what happened that night and the four decades since. Psychotherapist Aliza Shapiro explains why after a long day we stay up way beyond when we should be sleeping—it's Revenge Bedtime Procrastination. Plus, Positive Reflections thanks to our pals at Kuby Energy! 2:26 - Reflection on the 215 Kamloops Residential School children 19:07 - Lorna Beecroft (cut old-growth tree photographer) 38:26 - Anniversary of Pisces Bathhouse raid 1:12:31 - Psychotherapist Aliza Shapiro on Revenge Bedtime Procrastination

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.

Didsbury, Alberta-based physician Dr. Akin Osakuade clarifies the need for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour to get vaccinated. He's seen vaccine hesitancy amongst these communities and he explains how the polio campaigns he helped with in Nigeria inform his work now. Edmonton Public Library's Elder in Residence Jo-Ann Saddleback, Métis educator, writer and harvester Conor Kerr plus Governor General Award-winning author David A. Robertson discuss Indigenous traditions surrounding hunting, foraging and trapping. The panel explore the impacts residential school and the foster system have on the passing of wisdom from generation to generation. Plus, it's Friday—time for another edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Waste! 13:05 - Dr. Akin Osakuade 39:56 - Indigenous Food Harvesting Round Table 2:08:07 - Trash Talk

Pediatrician Dr. Tehseen Ladha discusses the latest pandemic plan announced by the Alberta government as well as the emerging cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and Long COVID sufferers. Cat researcher, Gabriella Smith explains her research on 'If I Fits I Sits' exploring one of the distinctive feline behaviours endearing them to humans. She's part of the Edmonton International Cat Festival. Event founder, Linda Hoang shares about what's in store at this year's virtual two-day festival. 13:06 - Dr. Tehseen Ladha 1:07:10 - Cat Fest panel

Author of 'Feminist City: A Field Guide' Dr. Leslie Kern explores how cities exclude women and other minority groups when being designed and constructed. #MyJasper Memories | Spirit Island - Ryan reminisces about the jagged mountain peaks surrounding the glacier-fed waters of magical Maligne Lake, where the world-famous Spirit Island can be discovered (only by boat). jasper.travel/realtalk Introducing the 'Local Democracy Pledge' to encourage Alberta election candidates to uphold positive, solution-oriented culture, free from undue partisan and financial influences. Alberta Urban Municipalities Association's President Barry Morishita, St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron and Edmonton City Councillor Andrew Knack outlines the need for the voluntary pledge now. #DropTheUCP Protester Albert Nobbs explains why he's occupying the Alberta Legislature grounds this week in downtown Edmonton. 16:12 - Dr. Leslie Kern 34:53 - Local Democracy Pledge panel 1:38:02 - Albert Nobbs

Reflecting and reckoning with what's changed and what remains the same since George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020 by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Anti-racism activist, educator and writer Matthew R. Morris, Cree/Iroquois/French award-winning journalist Brandi Morin, and MLA for Edmonton-City Centre David Shepherd explore where Canada is at in relation to racism on the one year milestone. Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia shares how it feels to be the first fan ever inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. He explains the significance of having his turban in the display at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Plus, Positive Reflections thanks to our pals at Kuby Energy! 34:48 - Impact of George Floyd panel 1:37:39 - Toronto Raptors Superfan Nav Bhatia 2:01:27 - 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.

Financial marketer Vishesh Raisinghani and Bitcoin Well founder Adam O'Brien discuss the impact international forces and influencers like Elon Musk can have on the value of cryptocurrency. Exploring the barriers to getting into sports with 'Soul on Ice' filmmaker Kwame Damon Mason, Tigers Skate Club founder Rosey Kulba and University of Alberta Faculty of Kinesiology Vice Dean Dr. Nick Holt. Plus, it's Friday, so get out the earmuffs for the littles for another uncensored edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Waste! 14:45 - Cryptocurrency panel 45:34 - Barriers to Sport Real Talk Round Table 1:58:05 - Trash Talk

Pflag Canada's Michael Bates shares how adding gender pronouns to social media can help support all expressions of gender identity. This as Instagram added a pronoun feature to the social media platform on May 11, 2021. Newly independent MLA Drew Barnes discusses getting kicked out of the UCP Caucus less than a week ago, what the future holds for him and conservatism in the Alberta. 14:21 - Pronouns with Michael Bates 41:23 - MLA Drew Barnes

North Cowichan's Mayor Al Siebring discusses how and why people are sneaking into public forests to illegally cut down firs, cedars and maples amid spiking timber prices. University of Toronto Linguistics Professor and author of "The Semiotics of Emoji: The Rise of Visual Language in the Age of the Internet", Dr. Marcel Danesi unpacks the significance and cultural implications of emojis. #MyJasper Memories | Cabin Capital of Canada - Ryan tours the cabins around the National Park. https://www.jasper.travel/realtalk Small business owner, Justine Martinson, shares her hopes for clear government plans on how to follow COVID-19 measures and maintain her company, Lipstick Empire. FOLLOW | twitter.com/ryanjespersen JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY |patreon.com/ryanjespersen 9:28 - Mayor Al Siebring 44:01 - Dr. Marcel Danesi 1:27:26 - Justine Martinson

Canada Without Poverty's Emilly Renaud and the Director of the Municipal Services Project, David McDonald discuss how the permanent shut down of Greyhound bus routes in Canada on May 13, 2021, will impact Canadians. They explore the need and possibility of a public nation-wide bus system. The Director of Middle East Studies at the University of Connecticut, Jeremy Pressman, explains the multiple dimensions of the on-going Israel-Gaza unrest. Internet star and Bhangra dancer, Gurdeep Pandher shares about the roots of the traditional Punjab art form and teaches Ryan some moves. 12:48 - Nationalized Rural Transit 32:49 - Jeremy Pressman on Israel-Gaza 1:19:49 -Gurdeep Pandher

Association of Mexicans in Calgary's Vanesa Ortiz gives voice to concerns about migrant farm workers being excluded from services and protections, including COVID-19 vaccines. The scientific advisor on the documentary, My Octopus Teacher, Dr. Jennifer Mather explores her a lifelong interest in the behaviour of octopuses and how it led to consulting on the Oscar-award winning film. Plus, it's Monday, so our pals at Kuby Energy present another inspiring edition of Positive Reflections! 37:51 - Vanesa Ortiz 1:18:03 - Dr. Jennifer Mather 2:02:22 - 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.

Epidemiologist Dr. Raywat Deonandan talks vaccines and kids as Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for Canadians 12 years of age and older. Innovation roundtable with Innovate Edmonton's CEO, Catherine Warren, emergency room physician and co-founder of MACH32, Dr. Marc Curial plus the head of the Sprout Fund and chair of the Threshold Impact Venture Mentoring Service at the U of A, Kristina Milke. Mount Royal University Professor Mark Ayyash and Canada Palestine Cultural Association's Mousa Qasqas share a glimpse of the Palestinian experience during the rising violence in Gaza. Plus, it's Friday, so buckle up for another ruckus edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Waste! 17:33 - Dr. Raywat Deonandan 36:48 - Innovation Real Talk Round Table 1:38:55 - Palestinian experience 2:21:43 - Trash Talk

Ryan discusses the early morning resignation of the United Conservative Party caucus chair, Todd Loewen. The MLA for the Central Peace Notley region says he has no intention of leaving the party but wants to see Kenney step down as the party's leader. A panel on the impact of food production on animals, land, water and consumers, with Animal Advocate Jessica Scott-Reid, Sangudo Custom Meats' Jeff Senger, and the Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Change and Food Security at the University of British Columbia, Navin Ramankutty. Exploring the morality of hunting with the author of Value, Morality, and Wilderness, Dr. Joshua Duclos, hunting restaurateur Darren Cheverie and hunting enthusiast Eireann Rochefort. 22:22 - Ethics of food panel 1:21:14 - Ethics of hunting panel

Intensive Care Doctor Darren Markland shares how his role as a physician has changed since the start of COVID and how it's impacted his personal views. He's featured in the May 2021 Edify’s Innovator issue. Philip Turnbull digs into the Alberta government's Kananaskis Conservation Pass—going into effect on June 1, 2021. The Alberta Parks Advocate sees some value in the user fees but flags a real lack of details on how the generated funds will actually be used. Filmmaker Daniel Lombroso discusses his debut film, WHITE NOISE, and why he felt compelled to document and detail the alt-right movement. 11:45 - Dr. Darren Markland 1:02:36 - Philip Turnbull 1:39:24 - WHITE NOISE with Daniel Lombroso

Unpacking what Bill C-10 is and how changes to the Broadcasting Act could impact Canadians, with Communication Studies professor at Carleton University, Dwayne Winseck. Dr. Shelly Russell-Mayhew addresses the open letter she and her 9-person team from Body Image Lab at University of Calgary wrote concerning the draft Physical Education and Wellness Kindergarten to Grade 6 Curriculum. They caution the proposed education guiding document offers a simplistic view of wellness that may harm children’s relationships with their bodies. The state of public transit across Canada with journalist and author of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Cars? Public Transit in the Age of Google, Uber, and Elon Musk", James Wilt. 16:14 - Dwayne Winseck 45:15 - Dr. Shelly Russell-Mayhew 1:12:31 - James Wilt

Independent Senator from Alberta, Paula Simons and Edmonton Riverbend Member of Parliament, Matt Jeneroux share how they're figuring out how to collaborate on sponsoring the Compassionate Bereavement Bill. Merogenomics' Dr. Mikolaj Raszek talks about mapping DNA and how genomic sequencing can impact medicine, insurance and governments. Not Alberta's premier, Jason Kenney, explains how having the Twitter handle @jasonkenney has him being mistaken for the UCP leader and included in political discourse far away from his home in Virginia, US. 14:20 - Senator Paula Simons & MP Matt Jeneroux 59:58 - Dr. Mikolaj Raszek 1:38:05 - Jason Kenney 2:29:10 - 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.

Doctors Without Border's Executive Director, Joe Belliveau shares about supporting India’s response to the pandemic, where COVID-19 infections have surged past 21 million. An exploration of digital wellness with Mental Health Research Canada Director, Kerilee Snatenchuk, Digital Wellness Expert, Nina Hersher and Momentum Walk In Counselling's Angela Ross. 13:06 - India COVID response 39:28 - Digital Wellness Real Talk Round Table 2:06:18 - Trash Talk

Physicians Dr. Naheed Dosani, Dr. Monika Dutt, Dr. Hakique Virani discuss how the 14 months of the coronavirus pandemic can inform how to move forward. Vinyl Nation filmmakers, Kevin Smokler and Christopher Boone share about the revival of vinyl captured in their 92-minute documentary. It one of the 80 films screening online as part of NorthWest Film Festival (May 6-16). Federal Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade, Honourable Mary Ng, discusses how the federal budget could fight COVID-19, support jobs and growth, and invest in a sustainable economic recovery. A Calgary-based physician has taken to Twitter to highlight Albertans doing good during the pandemic. Dr. Fiona Mattatall explains why she took to the social media to celebrate the helpers during COVID-19. 15:22 - COVID-19 lessons shared by physicians 42:54 - Vinyl Nation filmmakers 1:23:40 - Hon. Mary Ng 1:44:09 - Dr. Fiona Mattatall

Slate copy editor, Nitish Pahwa takes stock of the pandemic crisis amid India's political backdrop and if it will turn Indian voters away from populist prime minister, Narendra Modi. Albert Nobbs shares why he's taken up sidewalk chalk to call for action by the provincial government on COVID-19, including drawing more than 2000 stars at the Alberta legislature, for the residents who have died from the virus to date. Dr. Bukola Salami addresses her research on immigrant health and how it highlights the systemic racism Black people experience when accessing medical care in Canada. Indigenous Bar Association president's Drew Lafond unpacks the Indigenous legal community's call for the Supreme Court of Canada to reserve a permanent spot for an Indigenous judge. 12:24 - Nitish Pahwa 54:18 - Alberta Nobbs 1:19:17 - Dr. Bukola Salami 1:44:26 - Drew Lafond

Re-focusing the conversation of violence against women on the perpetrators...mostly men. Gender violence expert, Jackson Katz, and Rowan House board chairperson, Danelle Mirdoch discuss how to address gender-based violence with the onus on the people who perpetrate it. Former head of sustainability at the world’s biggest asset manager, Blackrock, Tariq Fancy, shares why he's skeptical of sustainable investing and sees it as PR 12:35 - Jackson Katz & Danelle Mirdoch 1:11:36 - Tariq Fancy

Albertans are angry, disappointed and disheartened with the lack of enforcement at the "No More Lockdowns Rodeo" in Bowden, AB over the weekend and Premier Kenney's suspension of the spring session of the legislative assembly. Ryan channels public opinion. Rachel Notley, the leader of Alberta's NDP and the provincial Official Opposition, expresses concerns around the poor response and numerous missed opportunities to address COVID-19 by the provincial government. Alberta Live Events Coalition's Caitlin McElhone shares about providing event safety guidance to the "No More Lockdowns Rodeo" which was ignored. The Alberta Live Events Coalition advocates for event professionals to produce live events in a safe manner during the pandemic while contributing to the economy. 59:03 - Alberta Opposition Leader Rachel Notley 1:42:13 - Caitlin McElhone 2:16:58 - 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 Canadian icon, Ed the Sock, talks about the lack of support for Canadian musicians since the demise of Much Music and the need for his new online platform, NewMusicNation. Determined to fill vaccine spots Sarah Mackey and Janaya Matheson explain how they're helping Albertans navigate the vaccine booking system in province with Vax Hunter AB. Encouraging Canadians to get vaccinated, This is Our Shot, notable Canadians are helping to get the word out including Olympic Athlete Clara Hughes , Investor & Author Arlene Dickinson, and Pediatric Infectious Disease physician Dr. Cora Constantinescu. Plus, it's Friday, so fasten your seatbelt for another wild edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste! 5:58 - Ed the Sock 24:38 - Vax Hunter AB panel 39:14 - This is Our Shot Real Talk Round Table 1:51:24 - Trash Talk

Unpacking how politics impact the response to COVID-19 across Canada and beyond, with political pundit Supriya Dwivedi. Why the pandemic is making the Canadian real estate rev up and what to expect in the coming months, from the Director of the Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate at University of British Columbia, Dr. Thomas Davidoff. 10:26 - Supriya Dwivedi 1:08:44 - Dr. Thomas Davidoff

Urban planner, Brent Toderian and University of Calgary researcher Dr. Yeonjung Lee explain how Canadian cities are built can negatively impact the aging population. Education expert Carla Peck shares about the need for the new Alberta Curriculum Analysis. The non-partisan, research-based website provides a scholarly evaluation of the proposed Alberta’s Kindergarten to grade 12 curriculum. Funeral director and embalmer, Jeremy Allen, explains how he helps people to learn to live with grief via Death Ed workshops. Chief Allan Adam from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations speaks about the call by 11 First Nation and Métis Nations in Northern Alberta for the Kenney government to take action and address COVID-19 immediately. 9:42 - Brent Toderian & Dr. Yeonjung Lee 41:13 - Dr. Carla Peck 1:07:59 - Jeremy Allen 1:35:22 - Chief Alan Adam

Black Teachers' Association of Alberta’s Andrew Parker addresses the April 16, 2021 race-based attack on 14-year-old Black Rosslyn School student, Pazo. Andrew challenges the city, schools and whole community to push for frank discussions about racism and authentic representation of BIPOC. Moms Stop The Harm’s Petra Schulz and opioid expert Dr. Elaine Hyshka, outline the dire outcomes that may result from the permanent closure of a supervised consumption site in downtown Edmonton amid surging drug addiction. Mayor for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Don Scott explains the state of emergency declared for the northern Alberta area, including Fort McMurray, due to mounting COVID-19 cases. Long COVID-19 sufferer Ashley Antonio shares how her 14-month battle with debilitating symptoms has made the simplest tasks extremely challenging and work as a lawyer at times, impossible. 13:01 - Andrew Parker 49:08 - Supervised consumption site closure 1:10:07 - Mayor Don Scott 1:27:53 - Ashley Antonio

Calgary-based physician, Dr. Joe Vipond calls for strong government policies and strict enforcement to address Alberta’s third COVID-19 wave. He cautions against listening to non-medical opinions on how to address the pandemic. After false claims of a Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation Alliance (GSA) volunteer taking students off-campus without parental permission, Maria De Leeuw wants to set the record straight — she's that volunteer. In an exclusive interview, Maria addresses how the false were weaponized and harm youth. COVID-19 survivors, family members and physicians, Dr. Anna Fiselier and Dr. Olga Kovalchuk, share their personal experience living through the illness, symptoms and side effects of the coronavirus. Plus, it's Monday, so our friends at Kuby Energy present another inspiring edition of Positive Reflections! 11:07 - Dr. Joe Vipond 44:19 - Maria De Leeuw 1:19:53 - COVID survivors 2:14:27 - 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.

"Senior citizens represent such a large and untapped resource for all of us, but their value and input is often underestimated and they are wildly underrepresented in social media," wrote Erin Gaudet in an email to [email protected]. She went on to explain what led her and her partners to create seniorsofhumanity.ca, a hub for stories about remarkable seniors that might otherwise not be told. Erin and (the absolutely delightful, courageous, and inspiring) Monica Lipscombe take us into this heartwarming and thought-provoking project. "The Confluence" might be the Greenest Home on Earth. That was the goal, anyway, when the Molenaar family approached SAIT to collaborate on an entry for The Living Building Challenge. Tracey Chala, Melanie Ross, and Haley Puppato take us into the remarkable property in Alberta's Waiporous region, and explain what makes this dream home so special. Plus, it's Friday, so fasten your seatbelt for another wild edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste! 14:32 - Seniors of Humanity 39:41 - The Greenest Home on Earth 1:51:03 - Trash Talk

Industries change quickly, and skill sets can become obsolete. Add a pandemic on top, and it's fair to say employees and employers face an entirely different reality than they did a year or so ago. Deloitte's National Workforce Transformation Leader Kathy Woods joins for an informative (and hilarious) look at how people of all ages can be "future ready". Twenty or so years ago, they all collaborated on the University of Alberta's official student newspaper - The Gateway. This past year, nearly thirty talented writers resolved to reconnect and collaborate on a reflection of middle age. The result is a powerful, hilarious, heart-wrenching book called "Midlife". Sarah Chan, Jhenifer Pabillano, Adam Rozenhart, Amanda Ash, Geoff Moysa, and Raymond Biesinger hang out for one of the more memorable (and moving) hours in Real Talk history. 24:06 - Kathy Woods 49:31 - Midlife part 1 with Sarah Chan, Jhenifer Pabillano and Adam Rozenhart 1:29:26 - Midlife part 2 with Amanda Ash, Geoff Moysa and Raymond Biesinger

We dig deeper into Ottawa's plan for affordable childcare with Federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development Maryam Monsef. What happens if provinces like Alberta say "No" to federal funding based on strings attached? Grain farmer Allison Ammeter, chair of the Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta explains why the provincial government's cancellation of a paltry $250k commitment means the collapse of their organization. We get into the significant economic implications of global demand for plant proteins, and what it could mean for agricultural producers on the Prairies. It's Canadian Infertility Awareness Week, so we check in with Dr. Alda Ngo, Kristina Melia, and Linda Hoang. What new options exist for Canadians hoping to start a family, what are some of the most significant barriers they'll face, and what proactive steps can people take to improve their chances? Plus, we recap yesterday's interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, including childcare, travel restrictions, a looming federal election, and his strained relationship with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney. 14:08 - Minister Maryam Monsef 30:47 - Allison Ammeter 49:44 - Infertility Round Table

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes his Real Talk debut the day after releasing the first federal budget in two years. Trudeau makes his first public statement on Derek Chauvin's murder conviction in the death of George Floyd, then he and Ryan get into budget talk. They cover the Liberals' national child care plan, a Universal Basic Income, business subsidies (and when to cut them off), whether or not there'll be an election this year, coal mining in the Rockies, the two Michaels (Kovrig and Spavor) detained in China, international travel restrictions, Trudeau's strained relationship with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, and 4/20.

On the heels of the Liberals' first federal budget in two years, we get into the numbers. Is this more of an election platform than a budget? Does it strike the right balance between investing in post-pandemic recovery and plotting a path back to balance? Jason Hatcher, Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean, and Semhar Tekeste dig into the details. Plus, it's April 20th - Happy 4/20! Our "Puff Puff Panel" - Jonas Jespersen, Lisa Campbell, Nathan Mison, and Akanksha Bhatnagar - sparks up conversation on the evolution of Canada's legal Cannabis industry, stigma that remains around Cannabis use, and where the trends are going in months and years to come. 33:10 - Budget 2021 Round Table 1:35:18- 4/20 Puff Puff Panel

Will Erin O'Toole's climate plan be enough to push the Conservative Party of Canada into government next federal election? Will support for carbon pricing be enough to convince swing voters? Will it alienate the base on the Prairies? Conservative strategist Melissa Caouette of Canadian Strategy Group gets into it. As China gets set to move forward with its digital yuan, there are questions around transparency, surveillance, prevalence, and potential impact on global currencies (most especially the US dollar). Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal correspondent James T. Areddy digs into the details, and provides valuable insight into what makes the Chinese government tick. Plus, it's Monday, so our friends at Kuby Energy present another inspiring edition of Positive Reflections! 14:57 - Melissa Caouette 38:10 - James Areddy 2:20:15 - 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.

With Grace Life churchgoers continuing to gather in "underground" fashion following the closure of their building by Alberta Health Services, Knox United Rev. Dr. Greg Glatz joins to explain why he called out the church in a scathing, open letter. As Albertans continue to demand their provincial government hit pause on problematic draft K-6 curriculum, University of Calgary's Dr. Yvonne Poitras Pratt, Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling, and Edmonton Public School Board chair Trisha Estabrooks get into the nitty gritty of what's problematic, why, and what citizens can do about it. Plus, it's Friday, so buckle up for a supercharged edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste! 11:02 - Rev. Dr. Greg Glatz 34:42 - Curriculum Round Table 1:46:33 - Trash Talk