Real Talk Ryan Jespersen (Relay)

Real Talkers are ALL fired up from ALL different angles as Danielle Smith tells her fellow premiers to pound sand. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

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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.

13:51 | Alberta-based physicians Dr. Neeja Bakshi and Dr. Shazma Mithani discuss the Omicron wave, why they don't refer to the variant as "mild", and how it's resulting in dire outcomes in hospitals and on health care staff.   

51:54 | Psychotherapist Whitney Goodman encourages people to not be positive all the time and why that's good for our mental health. She details the problem of being upbeat at all costs in her new book, Toxic Positivity.

1:24:26 | Positive Reflections | Ryan looks at the bright side of life with some help from some polar bears and sheep. Presented by Kuby Energy

9:42 | Sportsnet's Hometown Hockey host, Tara Slone analyzes NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's inadequate response to the Chicago Blackhawks sexual assault scandal involving former video coach Brad Aldrich violating a player during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoff run.

40:12 | Praying to the West author Omar Mouallem and Muslims & The Making of America author Dr. Amir Hussain explain how there has never been a North America without Muslims.

1:23:18 | Evolutionary ecologist Dr. Madhusudan Katti unpacks what biases, including colonialism, our knowledge systems have, and how to decolonize science.

6:33 | Ryan looks at Brian Jean securing the UCP candidacy for the upcoming Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche by-election and what it could mean for Premier Jason Kenney, the UCP and Alberta. 

17:00 | Aviation expert John Gradek and epidemiologist Dr. Christopher Labos discuss holiday travel and how the COVID Omicron variant could have major impacts on Canadians' vacation plans.

45:12 | Minister of Housing, Honourable Ahmed Hussen on Canada's affordable housing crisis, how foreign investment, the economy and immigration factor in.

1:18:34 | Positive Reflections | Ryan taps into the lighter side of life and celebrates little glimmers of hope in the everyday. Presented by Kuby Energy.

0:33 | "They even broke into my safe!" Former President Donald Trump says the FBI raid of his Mar-A-Lago mansion is "an attack by Radical Left Democrats". Ryan opens the show with up-to-the-minute commentary of this major, developing story. 

13:18 | The third-place winner in the Alberta government's "Her Vision Inspires" essay contest espouses Great Replacement Theory, suggests it's "harmful" to "promote women break into careers that men traditionally dominate," and proposes families receive medals (no, seriously!) for having two or more children. NDP MLA Rakhi Pancholi talks about who needs to answer for selecting the essay as a winner, and what message it sends to Albertans and the rest of the country. 

44:29 | Hockey journalist Jashvina Shah says it may be time to disband Hockey Canada. The author of "Game Misconduct: Hockey's Toxic Culture and How To Fix It" plots out a way forward for millions of hockey fans rocked by multiple allegations of sexual assault aimed at former Team Canada players. 

CHECK OUT JASHVINA'S BOOK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57136757-game-misconduct

READ HER GLOBE & MAIL OP/ED: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-it-should-be-game-over-for-hockey-canada-if-the-organization-doesnt/

1:20:16 | This week's The Leading Edge celebrates an inventor and entrepreneur whose innovation makes reading more affordable and accessible for the blind community. The Leading Edge is presented Tuesdays on Real Talk by Leading Edge Physiotherapy.

LIFE SHOULDN'T HURT: https://leadingedgephysio.com/

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alberta's former Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw was unceremoniously dismissed from a new position in Indigenous health, prompting the resignation of the program's medical director Dr. Esther Tailfeathers. The move prompted more than a hundred doctors to sign an open letter demanding a response from Premier Danielle Smith. 

2:35 | Dr. Neeja Bakshi is one of the physicians who signed the letter demanding an apology from Premier Smith and Alberta Health Services administrator Dr. John Cowell.She explains why she stuck her neck out, and what she hopes the action accomplishes. 

24:20 | Rest in Peace, Dr. Sue. Ryan and Johnny celebrate the life and legacy of legendary broadcaster and sex educator Dr. Sue Johanson. 

30:50 | Police investigating a stabbing spree at the University of Waterloo say they're treating the incident as a hate crime. Athabasca University's Dr. Alexa DeGagne and Dr. Kristin Rodier say the threat of violence is far too real in the Women's & Gender Studies space. Has anything changed since the horrific events of December 6, 1989 at École Polytechnique? How should Canadians respond? 

(Note: The trans theorist/activist Dr. DeGagne mentioned in the interview is Alok Vaid-Menon.)

CHECK OUT AU: https://www.athabascau.ca/

1:16:30 | Frosty and Garry are upset at our Pride talk, while Lauren and Kat have a lot to say about the Titan sub disaster. Brace yourself for Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

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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

11:08 | Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos explains how the worst humanitarian crisis to hit long-term care facilities has happened during COVID-19 and only limited changes have been made to address the unsafe conditions. 

55:56 | Emergency physician Dr. Joe Vipond discusses the dangerous direction he believes the Alberta government is going with its approach to removing pandemic health measures.

1:41:47 | The Audubon Society's Bird-friendly Communities Director Dr. John Rowden addresses how buildings kill 600 million birds in the US every year. He offers us ways to help keep our winged neighbours safe around houses and workplaces. 

2:09:08 | #EatYourWords presented by Prairie Catering With the Canadian Women's Soccer Team beating the US squad in the Olympic semi-finals, the American star Megan Rapinoe laments she never thought she'd lose to her northern neighbours.

Garth's got strong feelings about snow clearing, Kristie's ticked at people taking shots at her town, and Janice has a warning about oil prices in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Danielle Smith's leadership review went so well at the UCP AGM, some of her loudest critics are invoking Russia and North Korea in their social media posts. After all, where else do leaders score higher than 90%? 

3:40 | Ryan and Johnny discuss Smith's 91.5% approval rating from party members in Red Deer, and muse about what it means for Smith's caucus and criticsc, Naheed Nenshi's NDP and Albertans in general. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

26:00 | Remember Collin May? Formerly the chief of the Alberta Human Rights Commission, he was fired by then-Minister Tyler Shandro under controversial circumstances. May gives us his side of the story, updates us on his court action, explains why he takes issue with Jespo's take on the UCP's "Jordan Peterson Law," and tells us why we should "never apologize". 

1:28:10 | Tough news to share. We're crushed by the passing of our dear friend Kathleen McGee. Ryan remembers the beloved comedian. We honour the life and legacy of Justice Murray Sinclair. 

1:32:35 | Shout out to the dozens of volunteers at the Pandemic Planting Project! We share details of their recent harvest, which sent more than 100,000 lbs of veggies to Edmonton's Food Bank. 

LEARN MORE ON SOCIAL MEDIA @pandemicplantingproject or EMAIL chriscurtola@gmail.com 

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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.

0:56 | Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones suffered a major blow in court this week, which could wind up costing the Infowars host a fortune. Ryan recaps developments in the defamation trail launched by parents whose child died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. 

12:25 | Just a few days ago, Robyn Doolittle sat down with "E.M.," the woman who filed a lawsuit against Hockey Canada over an alleged group sexual assault by some members of Canada’s world junior hockey team in 2018. The investigative journalist for the Globe and Mail updates us on this developing story, and talks about bigger-picture implications of the scandal plaguing both the national organization and Canada's favourite sport.

READ ROBYN'S REPORTING: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-woman-at-centre-of-hockey-canada-allegations-interviewed-by-police/

43:15 | Prompted by Ryan's interview with former BC Premier Christy Clark on Wednesday, author Chris Turner explains why the "Ethical oil" argument failed to resonate over the past decade or so. What's the best way to advocate for Canadian energy, who should be doing it, and what should the key message be? We get into it with the author of "How To Be A Climate Optimist: Blueprints For A Better World". 

CHECK OUT TURNER'S BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/668167/how-to-be-a-climate-optimist-by-chris-turner/9780735281974

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

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

As we approach 1,000 episodes of Real Talk, we count down the top ten show stopping statements uttered on the show.. 

Find all these interviews and more highlights in our YouTube and podcast archives! 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alberta will allow hunters to target "problem" Grizzly bears that have shown aggression to humans or livestock. The controversial changes to the Wildlife Act have prompted loud public outcry, but is everybody with an opinion truly informed? 

3:15 | Mark Hall says the Alberta government is making the right move with "problem" bears. The Blood Origins Canada director and podcast host makes his argument. 

CHECK OUT THE HUNTER CONSERVATIONIST PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/albertas-grizzly-debate-take-action/id1470798531?i=1000663590244

42:10 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after hearing Mark out. 

55:20 | Rumour is the Edmonton Elks' new owner may change the team's name back to the Eskimos. Could it be? 

1:02:35 | We LOVE this email from Real Talker Patrick, who had the time of his life at Punk in Drublic. He shares a couple great stories and a few backstage photos with the boys from NOFX.

1:06:35 | Which investment's been better over the past year or so - Bitcoin or the S&P 500? Our pal Corey Hogan crunched the numbers. You might be surprised! 

*Don't EVER take financial advice from us.*

1:10:20 | "Buy the damn LEGO, Johnny!" Ryan reads a great email from Real Talker Fiona.

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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.

Has the average Canadian learned anything about the major parties' election platforms, with talk of Trump and tariffs taking up so much space? In this episode, our Real Talk Round Table panelists highlight the most significant policy announcements to date - including Conservative and Liberal housing plans. 

3:45 | Shannon Phillips and Ken Boessenkool dig into Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre's proposals for affordable housing and Jagmeet Singh's Canada Victory Bonds. Plus, what does Ken (co-author of the well-known Firewall Letter) think about Danielle Smith's "national unity crisis" comment, and does Shannon think former mayor Chris Spearman can win for the Liberals in Lethbridge?

CHECK OUT MBPolicy: https://mbpolicy.com/

52:35 | We LOVE this Edmonton success story! Born and raised in Iraq, Dr. Abdullah Saleh emigrates to Edmonton, graduates from medical school, and founds an international NGO changing lives around the world. We shine a spotlight on Innovative Canadians for Change ahead of their April 12 gala "Clear Waters, Clear Futures". 

JOIN US APRIL 12: https://www.icchange.ca/2025gala

1:27:50 | The results are in: we take a look at Ryan's unofficial, unscientific Twitter poll on how you handle door knockers. Grande Prairie councillor Dylan Bressey writes in with his on thoughts on "being on the doors". 

1:53:00 | Johnny's opening for DJ Pauly D this weekend. Woooooooot!

1:56:10 | "TheSco" says Danielle Smith's Breitbart interview is a "nothing burger," Lindsay's sick of hearing so much about The Donald, "G" wants to know who wants out (of Canada), Todd in Grande Prairie has a challenge for Alberta's premier, and Charlene's hoping you'll join her April 11 at the Alberta Legislature.

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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.

Losing a parent to cancer at a young age would have an enormous impact on anybody. It's hard to imagine how a young person could pick up the pieces, let alone move forward in pursuit of an education and a career. In this episode, you'll meet Manuela Lopez Aldana and Tyler Gauchier, the 2023 recipients of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship.

2:00 | Manuela tells us about her family's move from Columbia to Canada, the impact of losing her Dad, and why she wants to assist immigrant and Indigenous populations with digital literacy. Tyler shares how his Dad passed on Indigenous guiding and tracking skills, and why he's pursuing a career in environmental and conservation sciences. 

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49:20 | Our "Bursting at the Seams" episode on September 6 has Kenneth, Dallas, and Stean all fired up. It's an all-education edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

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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.

12:06 | University of Toronto Political Science professor Dr. Aurel Braun and director of the Contemporary Ukraine Studies Program at the University of Alberta, Dr. Volodymyr Kravchenko discuss Russia's aggression towards Ukraine and how the West, including Canada, is responding.

39:38 | #MyJasper Memories | Ryan gives everyone a two-month head start to train for the Jasper Half Marathon on April 23. Runners can register for the 10k or 5k race, or Family Fun Run, all through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

42:38 | Alykhan Sumar shares why he left his job as a business analyst to become a doula—making him Western Canada’s first and only cisgendered male doula.

It's a total disaster. For decades, Alberta has allowed oil and gas companies to ignore their legal obligation to clean up old wells, tailings ponds, and other environmental liabilities. It's obvious to anybody paying attention that the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) can't be trusted to look out for the public nor the planet. 

4:00 | Markham Hislop has been covering the oil and gas industry for years, as publisher of Energi Media. He takes us into his investigative series "Unethical Oil: Alberta's Secret Shame," and explains how we got to this point. How bad is this mess? What happens if it's not cleaned up? Who on earth is going to foot the bill? Every Albertan needs to watch this interview. 

READ MARKHAM'S REPORTING: https://energi.media/ CHECK OUT MARKHAM'S PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/energi-talks/id1534771882

35:45 | Snow is disappearing from Jasper's hiking and biking trails, meaning May Long Weekend is a perfect time to head to the mountains! This week's #MyJasper Memories highlights some of the best early season options to explore Jasper National Park. 

CHECK OUT THE VENTURE BEYOND VIDEO SERIES: https://www.youtube.com/@JasperAlberta

39:50 | Our coverage of Canada's opioid crisis continues as Dr. Andrea Sereda and Guy Felicella join Ryan to talk harm reduction, safer supply, and political opportunism. Why are we so hesitant to accept evidence-based practices in this space? How do we hit stigma head on? What's the number one thing Guy, a survivor of six overdoses, wants you to remember about this issue? 

1:17:10 | We are nothing without you, our amazing audience. Since the very first episodes of Real Talk, Brenda Walmsley was the first to sign into the live stream and wish us a "Good morning" in the comments. Ryan takes a minute to pay tribute to a forever friend. 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

A 13-year-old Edmonton girl is back with her family after she was allegedly abducted by a 41-year-old man. On this episode of Real Talk: how to spot the signs of attempted child luring online, and prevent it from happening in your own home. 

0:15 | Ryan and John catch up after a COVID-related week away from the studio. 

6:25 | Emmy Award-winning talk host Charles Adler joins in his regular Monday spot to review the news of the past few days, including an "unconventional" video posted by Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre. Will the messaging aimed at "old stock Canadians" resonate with the general population? Charles also chimes in on Alberta politician Brian Jean's assertion that "vaccines killed people," and recent polling showing just 38% of our southern neighbours are "extremely proud" to be American.

35:45 | Do you know who your child is talking to online, or how to spot the signs of attempted child luring? The recent abduction (and recovery) of an Edmonton teen found in Portland, Oregon prompted us to reach out to Sgt. Kerry Shima. You won't want to miss his assessment of today's digital landscape, including how parents can protect their household from predators. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALERT'S ICE UNIT: https://alert-ab.ca/about-alert/teams/internet-child-exploitation-ice/

CHECK OUT PROJECT ARACHNID: https://www.projectarachnid.ca/en/

1:25:08 | In this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy, we recap our inaugural Real Talk Golf Classic including photos of the event and total funds raised for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. A huge thank you to the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers that made our first-ever tournament a smashing success! 

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Are the CBC's days numbered? Its outgoing CEO is arguing with MPs over millions of dollars in bonuses paid to more than a thousand staff, while its incoming CEO will be tasked with retaining (or restoring) public trust an in institution under attack by federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. 

2:10 | Jespo and Johnny dig into the argument to "defund" the CBC, and share their personal and professional experiences. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

23:50 | Rev. Michael Coren gives us the goods on the CBC story, Twitter's dramatic evolution, and his new book "Heaping Coals". 

CHECK OUT THE BOOK: https://www.dundurn.com/books_/t22117/a9781459752597-heaping-coals

1:09:00 | How significantly will the UCP's Bill 20 impact politics in Alberta? We discuss, less than a week ahead of fall session at the Legislature. 

SUSAN'S BLOG POST: https://susanonthesoapbox.com/2024/10/20/bill-20-another-bill-no-one-asked-for/

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

You've got a LOT to get off your chest when it comes to green energy. Mikey can't hold his tongue about the UCP moratorium on green energy. Garry says you best not forget about oil and gas. Alex says he knows interventionist bullsh*t when he sees it. All three take centre stage in this week's Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services. 

SEND US YOUR TRASH TALK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

Nothing's guaranteed, but it sure looks like Pierre Poilievre is Canada's next Prime Minister. In this episode of Real Talk, Stephen Harper's former comms boss tells us why Poilievre better pay attention to what's happening in the UK right now if he wants to last longer than a single term (or less) as PM. 

4:00 | Andrew MacDougall served as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's director of communications through the highs and lows of minority and majority governments. He tells us why Pierre Poilievre should learn a valuable lesson from UK PM Keir Starmer.

READ ANDREW'S OP/ED: https://www.readtheline.ca/p/andrew-macdougall-poilievre-will-6a9

13:55 | Don't worry, Andrew's back in a minute once we sort out his technical glitch. In the meantime, we celebrate Johnny's cameo in the Amazon Prime NHL series "Faceoff". 

21:00 | Andrew's back with advice for Poilievre, a US election prediction, and insights on the future direction of the CBC.

51:00 | Jespo and Johnny dream about winning the lottery. What else is new.

53:05 | Thanksgiving is one of the most beautiful times of year in Jasper. Ryan shares one of his favourite family memories, we've got a few tips for responsible (post-wildfire) tourism, and we highlight Amanda Skwarok's new book raising funds for the Jasper Community Team Society: it's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/

BUY A COPY OF JASPER in JASPER: https://www.amazon.ca/JASPER-Jasper-True-Canadian-Tail/dp/1069015105

59:00 | Shout out to Jessica Campbell, the first female assistant coach in NHL history! 

1:04:00 | Real Talk is proud to support Wounded Warriors Canada's Rucksack March for Remembrance via Arcadia Brewing Co's Tru Joy Irish Red Ale in honour of Tim "Loz" Lozinik. We miss you like crazy, pal, and we'll love you forever.

1:07:04 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about our October 8 episode on early childhood expulsions and inclusive education. Ryan reads emails from EA Shalaine, Nicole, and teacher Dean. 

WATCH THAT SHOW: rtrj.info/100824RTRT

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

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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...

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates

Do we do enough to hold corporations, organizations, and politicians accountable when they behave badly? From toxic leaks to greasy politics, today's episode investigates some of the top stories in the country, and what Canadians are doing about them. 

4:09 | Chief Allan Adam didn't mince words on the March 6 episode of Real Talk. Straight up, he called Imperial Oil's nine-month toxic tailings pond leak "a cover-up". Chief Adam's comments have aged well, as Ottawa's stepping in to demand action while the Alberta Energy Regulator sits on its hands. We continue our coverage of this explosive story. 

18:33 | Pierre Poilievre knows China didn't throw the 2021 federal election...but that won't stop him from suggesting that's the case. Is this a Trump 2.0 "stolen election" play? Ryan looks back at a week-old op/ed from the Conservative Party's 2021 national campaign manager and stacks it up against the Opposition leader's statement yesterday. (They don't square up.)

26:40 | "Conflicts of interest run deep in Saskatchewan politics. This is why I'm grateful for Real Talk." Ryan reads an email from Real Talker Steve relating to our coverage of the Legacy Christian Academy scandal in Saskatoon. 

WATCH OUR INTERVIEW RE: THE $25M CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: https://www.youtube.com/live/_sWH8J81fSI?feature=share&t=1400

35:25 | The Jasper SkyTram opens in a week! It's one of the coolest ways to explore Jasper National Park. Get on board in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper! 

CHECK OUT THE JASPER SKYTRAM: https://www.jasper.travel/things-to-do/skytram/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2cWgBhDYARIsALggUhovol7nGeoGrhYjmuaVEDhfBw1wmpbivyhLF00E0tccvrwmKt0CnIoaAms1EALw_wcB

37:55 | Is ESG actually worth it? Does it makes financial sense for corporations and organizations to actually invest in the Environmental, Social, & Governance movement? Onyen CEO Laurie Clark, twice named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women, gets into recent polling around how the average Canadian actually feels. Fascinating stuff. (Did this interview resonate with you? Let us know! talk@ryanjespersen.com) 

1:07:25 | Have you subscribed to Alberta Views yet? Use the promo code AVRJ to knock 50% off a one-year, ten-issue subscription to the magazine for engaged citizens.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY: https://albertaviews.ca/

1:08:30 | Calling all golfers: registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic! Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's easily the most fun golf tournament in Edmonton, and it's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic

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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 loudest voices don't always represent majority opinions. In this episode of Real Talk, we find out what Canadians actually think about a parent's right to be informed, the next Prime Minister of Canada, appropriate supports for wildfire evacuees, parole for convicted killers, and more.

6:15 | Our September 6 episode about class sizes in Alberta resonated with a bunch of you. Ryan shares a few messages from Real Talkers - some seeing classes more than FORTY students.

7:45 | Shachi Kurl understands Canadians more than most. As president at the Angus Reid Institute and a national media pundit, it's her job to figure out what we think of hot-button issues (and why). She breaks down poll results on New Brunswick and Saskatchewan requiring parental permission for student pronoun changes, Pierre Poilievre blowing past Justin Trudeau in popularity polling, and Joe Biden's future as POTUS. 

CHECK OUT ANGUS REID ONLINE: https://angusreid.org/

45:50 | Fresh off a win at the National Native Media Awards, APTN journalist Dani Paradis takes us into the under-told story of the unhoused evacuees of the NWT. It's hard to believe, but one of the men convicted in the killings of two Metis hunters is already up for parole. Dani updates that story right before she heads back to court to cover it. 

READ DANI'S WORK: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/nwt-evacuation-order-lifted-unhoused-evacuees/?fbclid=IwAR0CQ_mUNnQ-CZlM_lBGX5ktjdTt108YcbrTRMJRg1-p72X4UVY9N-lEI1E_aem_AWl9qL0K2Yncftd9MRQ_eGUNyl5Y6-cs1xMmfq_Pgz5CVSavKALu0xgiLuw6TOZ3YpY

1:20:45 | Have you watched Painkiller on Netflix or Dopesick on Apple TV? Ryan and Johnny compare the two, and share a few thoughts on the opioid crisis. 

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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.

Our "Bursting at the Seams" episode on September 6 has Kenneth, Dallas, and Stean all fired up. It's an all-education edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

We tackle Canada's top news stories in this supercharged episode of Real Talk. Bryan Baeumler tells us about his brand new TV show, but not before Dana Larsen and our Group Chat Round Table sound off on what's leading the headlines.

2:00 | Dana Larsen tells us about the police raid on his Vancouver mushroom dispensary, and why he thinks he's being targeted. 

DANA'S BUSINESS: https://mushroomdispensary.com/

GET YOUR DRUGS TESTED: https://getyourdrugstested.com/

7:45 | Our wildly popular Group Chat Round Table is back, as Jenny Adams, Katherine O'Neill, and Harman Kandola talk legalized shrooms, BC and Saskatchewan elections, foreign interference, and the ongoing fight for rights and equality in Canada. 

54:00 | Builder and TV star Bryan Baeumler tells us if he'd ever enter politics, how his family manages life in the spotlight, and what spouses have in common with houses. 

SEE BRYAN AT THE EDMONTON HOME SHOW: https://www.edmontonfallhomeshow.com/

1:13:40 | Daintre insists Pierre Poilievre gets his security clearance, Garth calls Justin Trudeau derelict in duty, Rod wants Danielle Smith to quit wasting his money, and Bob's got words for the loggers we talked to about the Jasper wildfire. Real Talkers are all fired up for The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 

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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.

10:32 | Canadian Women’s Foundation's Andrea Gunraj shares about developing the Signal for Help—a hand signal empowering victims of violence to indicate they're in distress, without leaving a digital trace. 

34:56 | Real Talk Round Table on men's whole health with Becoming a Better Man author Mike Cameron, UBC Psychotherapy director Dr. John Ogrodniczuk and retired NFL and CFL player and current personal trainer Marcus Henry, explore how mental and physical health are vital to maintaining wellbeing. 

1:26:47 | #TrashTalk | Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. Presented by Local Waste.

 "To all the folks I've blocked before..." Ryan delivers an important reminder about social media in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services.

3:29 | On the heels of Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's address to party members over the weekend in Red Deer, UCP founding president Erika Barootes and political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt debate whether or not Kenney will survive his leadership review, and the implications either way. Plus, we evaluate the early stages of the federal Conservative leadership race. 

42:56 | Ryan and producer John Hicks review the weekend's top stories, including how inflation is impacting payouts from the Tooth Fairy, NBA star Jrue Holiday's 8-second shift that earned him $255,000, and Will Smith's ten-year Oscars ban. 

56:21 | In this week's edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy, we learn why so many Ukrainians are getting married in the midst of a terrible war, and see a truly heart-warming moment in   amateur sport. 

Send us your Positive Reflections! Email us anytime at talk@ryanjespersen.com

We feature three forces of nature in this episode of The Best of Real Talk. It's impossible not to be inspired by Shawn Kanungo, Bean Gill, and Brian McPherson!

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj PATREON: 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.

2:53 | Emmy-winning comedian Paul Mecurio gets the show started with a laugh. The two-time COVID sufferer talks about isolating in NYC, and helping his 94-year-old Mom sort through her stuff.

See Paul at The Comic Strip April 22 & 23: https://wem.thecomicstrip.ca/

13:03 | Supriya Dwivedi makes her weekly Friday appearance, tackling Dr. Leslyn Lewis' claim that Bill Gates is undermining Canadian sovereignty, Pierre Poilievre's double standard (?) on Canada's housing crisis, and Edmonton as a model for affordable housing. 

41:58 | The Alberta Technology Symposium just wrapped in Calgary, and we welcome two industry leaders to this week's Real Talk Round Table. Koleya Karringten, Executive Director of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium, and Adam O'Brien, CEO of Bitcoin Well, explore Alberta's tech ecosystem, including how to attract new investment and support innovation hubs. 

1:13:10 | It's Friday, which means another edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental. Submit your Trash Talk to talk@ryanjespersen.com!

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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Is it too late to save Canadian football? Attendance is down in almost every market, and there doesn't appear to be a "next generation" of fans. The worst situation might be in Edmonton, where team president Victor Cui just walked away from the winless team. 

8:40 | Don't you dare tell Travis Currah the CFL's dying. The host of the 2 and Out CFL Podcast (and season ticket holder for two CFL teams!) tells us how his love for the league started, why he's optimistic for the future, and how the CFL can possibly justify expansion talk. 

CHECK OUT THE 2 AND OUT PODCAST: https://cfl2andout.podbean.com/

1:11:00 | With all this talk about wind and solar, Real Talker Don's wondering why we're not talking more about about water. Marie hopes we never stop talking about the Calgary Stampede sexual abuse scandal. 

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com

1:15:35 | Real Talk is proud to partner with art4good to raise funds for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 

ORDER YOUR PRINT: https://art4good.ca/emerald-waters/

1:18:00 | Did you realize legendary TV personality and painter Bob Ross was taking us all on a journey over time? You'll see what we mean (and it'll blow your mind!) in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alberta's set to spend nearly $9 billion on new schools, but teachers say it won't fix a system in crisis. Meantime, voters in B.C. are deadlocked leading up to one of the most bizarre elections the province has ever seen. We try to make sense of it all in this episode of Real Talk. 

2:35 | Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling explains why 90 new schools won't fix Alberta's classroom crunch. We talk about controversial funding for private schools, over-tested students, new curriculum, and smartphone bans. 

OUR CURRICULUM INTERVIEW w/ DR. CARLA PECK & LAURENCE MIALL: https://rtrj.info/082724AbEd

HOW TO DETECT CHATGPT: https://rtrj.info/011023Tian

50:15 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, including a response to our YouTube live chatters demanding more name calling during interviews. 

55:00 | How is anybody supposed to keep up with the B.C. election storylines? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir gets into the nitty gritty of John Rustad's position on climate change, David Eby's drug policy "flip flop," and the collapse of B.C. United.

CHEK OUT MO'S SHOW: https://cheknews.ca/this-is-vancolour/

1:30:10 | Ryan shares a few thoughts after a backcountry trip to scatter his friend Loz's ashes.

HOW TO GRIEVE: https://rtrj.info/060624Loz

1:34:55 | Real Talker Treena has a message for Jasper residents and business owners in this week's edition of Positive Reflections presented by our friends at Kuby Renewable Energy. 

SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/

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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.

Calgary is looking to convert six million square feet of vacant office space for new use. The city's already a third of the way there, capturing the attention of other cities around the world. How are they doing it? What's the secret to Calgary's success? 

2:00 | Mayor Jyoti Gondek talks to Ryan about evolving Calgary's reputation, including downtown revitalization and reconciling a hot housing market with an affordable housing strategy. Plus, was she used by Danielle Smith to win seats for the UCP in Calgary? We get into the arena deal, mental health funding, using Minecraft in schools, and what's going on with disgraced Calgary councillor Sean Chu. 

33:30 | Have you ever seen a bear in the wild? Ryan shares one of his favourite hiking stories before getting in to some "need to knows" if you're going to be visiting Jasper National Park this time of year. It's another edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper!

BOOK YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/

47:40 | We're accepting applications for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship! Do you know a post-secondary student in Canada who lost a parent to cancer? Please share the link - they could win $5000 toward their school expenses. 

DETAILS: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship

51:10 | A bunch of CRA employees ripped off the CERB program, and somebody found a bag of coke at the White House. Ryan and Johnny recap today's wilder headlines. 

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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 Alberta really entitled to more than half the funds in the Canada Pension Plan? How serious is the government about trying to withdraw those funds and establish a provincial plan? What are the chances the whole thing could backfire? 

0:20 | Alberta's Minister of Finance Nate Horner makes the case for an Alberta Pension Plan. 

TAKE THE SURVEY: https://www.albertapensionplan.ca/

32:00 | Two former Quebec junior hockey players pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a minor in June 2021 as their team celebrated a championship win. We take a look at Nicolas Daigle and Massimo Siciliano's guilty plea, and the bigger implications on the sport. 

56:20 | You have a lot to say about the NHL banning Pride Tape. Ryan reads some of the responses to his tweet about the decision. 

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

It's official: Canada says India's responsible for the cold-blooded killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, BC on June 18, 2023. Shortly after the Prime Minister made the bold statement in the House of Commons this week, Canada expelled a senior Indian diplomat. India followed suit, sending a Canadian diplomat home. Federal politicians across party lines are calling for accountability, but what does that look like? We discuss in this enlightening episode of Real Talk 

5:53 | But first...Heidi Bergstrom and Claire Kraatz have been experiencing "climate anxiety" for several years. They've joined a new group - For Our Kids - to connect with other Canadians in the same boat, and find ways to take action to save the planet.

CHECK OUT FOR OUR KIDS: https://www.forourkids.ca/

27:30 | Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made international news this week, when he pointed the finger at India for the murder of a Canadian Sikh leader in Surrey, BC on June 18, 2023. World Sikh Organization VP Harman Singh Kandola says Indian surveillance of Sikh activists in Canada has been happening for years. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WSO: https://www.worldsikh.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjaWoBhAmEiwAXz8DBfubsckCW0ZXct6g5nbv4eB1BTYJaFbczpNO7j1VO3BZdpHLx1TzehoC4EkQAvD_BwE

1:16:20 | Ryan digs into the Real Talk mailbag. Kyle and Cameron have something to say about our interview with gender-affirming health care provider Dr. Kate Greenaway (Sept. 13), and Lisa says our education-themed Real Talk Round Table (Sept. 6) didn't go far enough.  

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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.

2:20 | Emma Jackson on helping to organize the counter-demonstration to the "Freedom" convoy in Edmonton on Saturday (February 12) where she was told by police that she could be charged under Bill 1, the Critical Infrastructure Defence Act.

17:55 | Students Against Kenney organizers, Sam Clark, Toby Maltais, and Lauren Bayne on planning a province-wide school walk out this afternoon, to show their support for mask mandates in schools to keep students and teachers safe.

49:11 | Behavioural scientist Dr. Michelle Drouin on technology, relationships, couples, and sexuality. Her new book is OUT OF TOUCH: How to Survive an Intimacy Famine, is available now.

1:18:31 | #PositiveReflections | Ryan shares about the lighter side of life with an email from a Real Talker. Presented by Kuby Energy.

Erin's pissed off at Metallica, and Kimberly and Janine aren't happy about the state of politics at any level. Buckle up for another rowdy edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

What's wrong with rehab? After all, isn't getting people "clean" an obvious solution to Canada's opioid crisis? As the Alberta government heavily invests in drug treatment facilities (at the expense of Supervised Consumption Sites), we take a look at what's working and what's not in addressing a health crisis claiming 21 lives every day across the country. 

3:25 | Euan Thomson and Anthony Furey discuss Euan's feature in the March issue of Alberta Views and debate different approaches to the opioid crisis across Canada.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH REHAB: https://albertaviews.ca/whats-wrong-with-rehab/

SAVE 50% on a subscription to Alberta Views with the promo code AVRJ: https://albertaviews.ca/subscribe/

EACH AND EVERY: https://www.eachandevery.org/

35:00 | The Discourse co-hosts Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates give us their take on Anthony and Euan's debate about the drug crisis. Plus, we get into Alberta Budget 2024, the national Pharmacare plan, the ArriveCAN debacle, and more. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE DISCOURSE: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1WjKtBGH6U0S6HDePuLjkw 

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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.

0:20 | New polling shows Premier Danielle Smith's got an uphill climb to win the next Alberta provincial election. Plus, buffoonery abounds in Calgary, as details emerge around a scheme to disgrace former Mayor Naheed Nenshi. Ryan opens the show shining a light on these two developing stories. 

14:47 | What does Leela Aheer's political future look like? Why was the the only UCP leadership candidate excluded from Danielle Smith's cabinet? When did the Aheer team know their goose was cooked? Campaign manager Sarah Biggs gives Real Talk the exclusive.

45:33 | Just months ago, Igor Klymenko was taking shelter in Ukraine’s countryside, hearing the explosion of bombs overhead. Today, the 17-year-old is at the University of Alberta studying computing science at Augustana Campus in Camrose. Igor's designed a drone used to detect landmines, which just earned him the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize . The award is given to extraordinary students to shine a light on their efforts to reshape the world for the better. Do not miss this interview with a remarkable young man.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHEGG.ORG GLOBAL STUDENT PRIZE: https://www.globalteacherprize.org/global-student-prize/about-the-global-student-prize#:~:text=Congratulations%20Igor%20Klymenko%20%2D%20winner%20of,org%20Global%20Student%20Prize%202022!&text=Sunny%20Varkey%2C%20founder%20of%20the,better%20tomorrow%20for%20us%20all

1:08:36 | What's a fair price for a hoodie? Ryan and Johnny get into Elon Musk's latest dust-up...this time, with AOC. Oh, and is Joe Biden too old to run for re-election? 

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

REAL TALK ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast... REAL TALK ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/03RyuWq...

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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

It's a whole new ball game now that Joe Biden's out. Does Kamala Harris have what it takes to knock off Donald Trump and keep the Democrats in charge? Closer to home, could Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's goose be cooked with this hockey ticket controversy? 

4:30 | Charles Adler tells us how he thinks the presidential race changes with Biden pulling out, what a Harris candidacy means for the Democrats and America as a whole, why JD Vance misses the mark as Trump's running mate (30:00), and why the latest headlines around Danielle Smith could inflict permanent damage on her political career (39:40). Charles Adler is presented on Real Talk by Tice Automotive Consulting. 

BUYING A VEHICLE SHOULD BE FUN: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/

51:00 | Wyatt Sharpe joins us live from the White House with insights on Kamala Harris "snubbing" Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the youth vote, and more. 

CHECK OUT THE WYATT SHARPE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@thewyattsharpeshow

1:05:30 | The Edmonton Oilers have added another controversial figure to the mix, hiring Stan Bowman as the team's general manager. Ryan and Johnny discuss the cost vs. potential payoff. 

1:16:30 | Jasper's under an evacuation order as a wildfire threatens the town. We update the situation. 

MORE INFO ON THE JASPER WILDFIRE: https://linktr.ee/tourismjasper

1:20:40 | Ryan's beloved pup Moses crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July 22. We celebrate the beautiful impact our pets have on our lives in this edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 

WHAT'S YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION? talk@ryanjespersen.com 

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/

Do you know a post-secondary student in Canada who's lost a parent to cancer? They could qualify to receive financial assistance from the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. Application deadline is August 1. 

APPLY FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship

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RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / ryanjespersen  

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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.

Mike has a message for the "F Trudeau" crowd, Michael and Bob the Builder think Danielle Smith's out of line with the Provincial Priorities Act, dog lover Fiona says we need to crack down on dangerous canines, and Adam demands the right to purchase 4L milk jugs full of vodka for $49.95. It's The Flamethrower presented by the Dairy Queens of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, AND BASELINE ROAD!

Thousands of parents are being inconvenienced with finding alternative childcare arrangements, as daycares across Alberta invoke "rolling closures". The protest is intended to grab the attention of provincial and federal governments over the $10/day childcare program. In fact, operators in multiple provinces are threatening to pull out of the national child-care system or even close their doors. They say the federal-provincial agreements limit the fees they can charge while not providing enough support to cover all their costs. Who's responsible, and what's the solution? We get into it in this episode of Real Talk.

3:55 | But first...Edmonton City Hall remains closed to the public more than a week after an active shooter incident on January 23. What's been happening behind those closed doors? City manager Andre Corbould talks about staff supports, physical repairs, and the ongoing security review. 

49:50 | Marmot Basin's new Knob quad chair is officially open! It's a game changer for skiers and snowboarders looking to access the upper mountain. We've got details in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

LEARN MORE: https://www.skimarmot.com/

51:52 | Krystal Churcher is a childcare operator and chair of the Alberta Association of Childcare Entrepreneurs. She explains why many daycares are voluntarily closing their doors, leaving families in the lurch. 

CHECK OUT AACE: https://www.abchildcare.org/

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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.

19:03 | ICU physician Dr. Darren Markland addresses the emergence and expansion of the Omicron COVID variant in Alberta and around the world, amid the province's flawed rollout of rapid tests and the lack of health measures. 

53:26 | UBC's Dr. Mari DeMarco explains how Canadians can access a new test to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease and what it means for patients and their families. 

1:25:15 | Positive Reflections | Ryan shines a light on the good found in the everyday. Presented by Kuby Energy

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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you let 'em know Real Talk sent you! 

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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/

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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.

9:09 | What a whooping. Pierre Poilievre is the new leader of Canada's Conservatives, blowing the rest of the field out of the water with nearly 70% of the vote from party members. But will he secure enough support from the general public to become Prime Minister? How will his message evolve? Plus, the Prime Minister announces he'll seek a fourth term. How likely is another Trudeau win, especially in light of Poilievre's "arrival"? Emmy Award-winning talk host Charles Adler shares his thoughts.

42:07 | When we promise you REAL Talk, we mean it. Our team booked death educator Jeremy Allen several days ago to discuss grief and loss in light of last week's horrific tragedy in Saskatchewan. Over the weekend, Jeremy and his family said goodbye to their bulldog Bryan. This interview starts very personal, and widens out from there. Grab a tissue or two and allow yourself to really get into it.

CHECK OUT DEATH ED: https://www.deathed.ca/

1:15:09 | A sand artist named Claire Eason is the subject of this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. Claire's 65-foot tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Bamburgh Beach caught the attention of people around the world, including Real Talker Mikaela, who shared the story with us. We love hearing what's inspired or encouraged you through the week! 

SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY:  https://kubyenergy.ca/

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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.

Midlife is an interesting place to be. You may be caring for kids while caring for your parents. You've likely experienced love, and heartbreak, and wins, and losses. Midlife No. 2 is a collection of essays sharing Canadian reflections on critical midlife topics like housing, home, birth, death, race, identity, gruelling courses of medical treatment, and the COVID and post-COVID eras. All authored by former staffers at the University of Alberta's newspaper The Gateway. You'll hear from six of them in this special edition of our Real Talk Round Table. 

3:10 | Sarah Chan tells us how a Gondola ride got her thinking. Jhen Pabillano shares her Lessons in Letting Go. Neil Parmar muses on No Place At All. 

30:05 | Erika Thorkelson has a new take on Haunted Mansions. Dave Alexander gets deep about Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump. Neal Ozano explains how he started seeing "scrapportunities". 

BUY THE BOOK: https://www.midlifebook.ca/

58:30 | Ryan and John muse about what they just heard, including thoughts on the social pressures around alcohol. 

1:05:40 | Pollution and pensions plans are front and centre in this fiery edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Canada is on the brink of a landmark $32.5B settlement with Big Tobacco, designed to address decades of health care costs and personal damages caused by smoking. Does the settlement go far enough? 

2:55 | Rob Cunningham, author of "Smoke and Mirrors: the Canadian Tobacco War" gives us the good, the bad, and the ugly of the proposed $32.5B settlement.  

34:10 | Jespo and Johnny take a look at the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.

43:00 | 20-year-old security guard Harshandeep Singh was killed in cold blood on just his third day on the job. Ryan shares his thoughts on this horrific story. 

SUPPORT THE GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-harshandeep-singh-anttals-family

53:15 | An insurance CEO is gunned down on the street in NYC, and the general public...laughs? Ryan's having a hard time wrapping his mind around this story. What do you think? 

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com

1:06:40 | Did you hear the latest development in that case of 1979 hockey cards that a Saskatchewan family sold for more than $3M?

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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.

18:22 | Workplace equity expert Vandana Juneja outlines how the pandemic has negatively impacted women's careers and demands on their personal lives—in contrast to Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer stating "a lot of women took time off during COVID."

52:44 | Land acknowledgement consultant Michelle Robinson explains the significance of recognizing place as it helps prevent the erasure of Indigenous communities and is an essential step in reconciliation. 

1:24:39 | Ryan reviews Real Talkers input to our Question of the Week on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Presented with our strategic partner Y Station. 

1:36:26 | Canada's Drag Race host Brooke Lynn Hytes shares about becoming the first Canadian contestant on multi-Emmy Award-winning show RuPaul's Drag Race, which she parlayed into her hosting Canada’s Drag Race, currently in its second season. 

2:04:54 | We focus on the bright side of life with Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy

Frosty and Garry are upset at our Pride talk, while Lauren and Kat have a lot to say about the Titan sub disaster. Brace yourself for Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

8:55 | Political scientist Dr. Ashley Esarey unpacks the White House's decision not to send US diplomats to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, what implications it could have on Canada, and international stability.

30:33 | Calgary-based freelance writer Marcello Di Cintio explains how he recently found himself as an advocate for decentralizing emergency response across Alberta. He took to Twitter over the weekend after his 95 year-old grandmother fell down and had to wait one hour before paramedics arrived.

45:25 | Lawyers Reakash Walters and Joshua Sealy-Harrington along with the Africa Centre's Sharif Haji discuss what the recent verdicts in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse, and jury awarding $25 million in damages over deadly 2017 Charlottesville far-right rally, tell us about racism in North America.

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/

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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.

11:10 | The White House hired social media strategist Megan Coyne a while back, and it's paying immediate dividends. Supriya Dwivedi and Ryan lead with yesterday's all-out Twitter blitz taking down Republican misinformation re: student loan forgiveness. We also discuss "lack of consensus" re: masks in Ontario schools this fall, and Dr. Leslyn Lewis comparing vaccine mandates to the Holocaust.

SUBSCRIBE TO SERIOUSLY WITH SUPRIYA AND RYAN: https://seriouslypod.com/

34:31 | In what proves to be one of the most candid, insightful, and impactful Real Talk Round Tables in the history of this show, Nora Loreto, Erica Ifill, and Kristin Raworth shine a light on what appears to be a coordinated online campaign of threats and harassment targeting women working in politics and journalism. You won't want to miss this extended-length, pull-no-punches discussion on how we as individuals (and a collective) need to hit this problem head-on. 

READ NORA'S PIECE ON HARASSMENT AND THE MEDIA: https://readpassage.com/the-problem-with-our-conversation-on-harassment-of-journalists/

1:35:57 | Ty, a "severely normal" audience member who's "seen enough around him to step up and write into the show for the first time" highlights another red hot edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!

SEND US YOUR TRASH TALK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj

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.

"I'll literally find that grease ball and hook a chain around his ankle and drag him behind my pickup truck," reads a post from Liam Brennan on an Osoyoos community social media page, referencing the BC town's CAO Rod Risling in the context of a property tax increase. The threat - far from the only one - forced Mayor Sue McKortoff to take action. You'll find out how she and her colleagues are bringing the whole province on board to address harassment and threats aimed at public officials. 

Stick around as we look at Alberta's latest threat to sue the feds (59:15), and what it means for you.

8:40 | Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff tells us about the specific death threat forced her hand, as the town lobbies other municipalities and the province to toughen up laws around harassment and abuse. 

44:25 | Join Ryan on Saturday, April 20 in Fort Saskatchewan at An Evening of HOPE! Funds raised at this gala fundraiser will benefit organ donor families, thanks to the great work by the Andy Polanski Charitable Foundation. 

TICKETS/INFORMATION: https://www.apcf.ca/

47:40 | Prompted by talk about organ donation, Ryan reads a powerful story submitted by Real Talker Lesley in NWT. 

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

56:35 | The only gay ski week in the Canadian Rockies kicks off April 12 in Jasper! We find out how some Jasper businesses are among the first in Canada to become Rainbow Registered in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 

JASPER PRIDE: https://jasperpride.ca/

59:15 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she'll take Ottawa to court if the feds continue to strike big deals directly with municipalities. Ryan explains who could win here, why it's happening when it is, and ultimately who will be stuck with the tab. 

1:09:50 | Real Talker Colin has no time for Charles Adler's take on the two Cane Corsos that killed the boy in Edmonton on April 1. 

JEREMY ALLEN "GRIEF" INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/091222Allen

1:15:25 | Real Talker Jared follows up on a dog-related email he sent us in December 2023 with "a story of redemption and ruination." 

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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.

12:25 | Tensions are high between levels of government, as Edmonton's downtown crime rate continues to rise. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi tells Ryan how he's responding to an inflammatory letter from Alberta's Justice Minister Tyler Shandro, and what the city needs to address root causes. Plus, Mayor Sohi tees up Game One of the Western Conference Final between the Oilers and the Avalanche, including whether or not he's proposing a bet with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

37:04 | Real Talker Raija-Liisa Schmidt-Teigen checks in live from Damascus, Syria. The humanitarian worker explains why she thinks the world perceives refugees from Syria and Ukraine differently, and shares what many Syrians think about the future of their beloved but war-torn country. Having also lived and worked in Afghanistan, Raija-Liisa comments on the Western world's withdrawal from that country. And, on a completely different note, she explains why she believes the truck driver that caused the Humboldt Broncos bus crash should be able to stay in Canada (based on her own tragic, lived experience). This is an interview you don't want to miss.

1:14:36 | On The Leading Edge this week, the Swimex pool! Find out why so many people living with low back or neck pain are choosing aquatic therapy to help them achieve well-being and a healthy life. 

The Leading Edge is presented by Leading Edge Physio: Life shouldn't hurt! 

https://leadingedgephysio.com/

7:44 | Alberta may still be a few months away from an election, but that doesn't mean politics aren't front of mind. Renowned strategist David Herle tells us what both Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley need to do to win. Before David joins us, Ryan reads Real Talker Andrew's response to Max Fawcett and Evan Scrimshaw's takes on yesterday's episode.

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

14:07 | David Herle's quarterbacked federal and provincial campaigns for decades. Contrary to what we heard on Wednesday, he says the NDP still has a path to victory in May. Herle lays out the path to victory for both of Alberta's mainstream parties. Plus, did John Tory have to resign as Toronto's mayor? And how bad is this "stag and doe" scandal for Ontario Premier Doug Ford? 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE HERLE BURLY: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-herle-burly/id1280218816

38:04 | Parents: how did you navigate the loss of innocence around the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the like? Columnist (and mom) Shelley Cook tells us how she handled a tough question from her seven year old the other day, and why she thinks honesty is the best policy. Shelley also explains how the Winnipeg Free Press is amplifying the voices of the diverse people and communities in Manitoba through journalism.

LEARN MORE ABOUT READER BRIDGE: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/reader-bridge

NOTE: If you're here looking for Phoenix Open streaker Mac Savage, long story short: he no-showed! 

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj

PATREON: 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.

Michael's choked about our conversation this week about hydrogen, and Avery's antagonized by our 4/20 episode. Both Real Talkers sound off in a "clap back" edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

0:30 | Roger Federer is hanging up his tennis shoes. Ryan and John, who admittedly know very little about tennis, discuss the 20-time Grand Slam Champion's legacy. Plus, there's an update from our friends in Jasper: the mountain town is open for business and safe to visit! Great news for everybody who had their vacation plans altered due to the Chetamon Mountain wildfire.

FURTHER UPDATES ON JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/

11:53 | Just days after their candidate was soundly defeated, senior Charest campaign staffers Chris Rougier and Michelle Coates Mather take us behind the scenes of the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race, including when they knew Pierre Poilievre was going to win, and what they with they'd done differently. 

39:47 | Has Justin Trudeau met his match in the new Conservative leader? Globe and Mail columnist Gary Mason argues that could be the case. Plus, there are a ton of similarities between the CPC and UCP (Alberta) leadership races. Gary gets into it all. 

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj

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 perfect for road trips, bike rides, and dog walks. We check in with talented storytellers Charles Adler and Matt Cundill to get up to speed on Canada's top headlines.

6:00 | What does ketchup have to do with Twitt...er, X? Charles Adler explains, in analyzing Elon Musk's rebrand. Why do we allow the general public to get so close to our politicians? Chuck chimes in on the Prime Minister being mobbed by the "brutes in Belleville". And, does anybody trust the process as gas station owners set their prices at the pump? 

37:55 | Did Ottawa blow it in its fight against Big Tech? Podcast professional Matt Cundill gives us the good, bad, and ugly details of Bill C-18 - the Online News Act. 

CHECK OUT MATT'S PODCAST: https://www.soundoffpodcast.com/

1:15:55 | Did you check out the Barbie movie this weekend? Johnny gives us his review, while Ryan takes a look at what a few cheeky monkeys are doing to respond to the film's loudest critics. Hilarious! 

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

BUY K-DAYS 50/50 TIX IN SUPPORT OF YWCA EDMONTON: https://www.k-days.com/50-50

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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.

150,000 public servants say they'll strike if they don't have a deal with the feds by tonight. The negotiations are highlighting what employees in Canada have come to expect: raises equal to (skyrocketing) inflation and flexible work from home policies. How much of an impact will an eventual agreement between PSAC and Ottawa have on other workplaces across the country? 

6:50 | Vanmala Subramaniam is the Future of Work reporter for The Globe and Mail. She tells us what led to what could be the largest strike in Canadian history, and what it means for Canadians filing taxes or applying for passports. Plus, what's the number one storyline Vanmala's keeping an eye on, trend-wise? She tells us! 

CHECK OUT VANMALA'S STORY IN THE GLOBE: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-more-than-150000-federal-public-servants-could-go-on-strike-by/

33:25 | Angie Mellen was diagnosed with an eating disorder at sixteen years old. Her personal journey includes attempts on her life, including one not too long ago. She joins Ryan in studio for Real Talk about disordered eating, manipulative marketing, and what needs to change in the fitness industry. 

EATING DISORDERS IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/online-eating-disorders-in-the-fitness-industry-tickets-538008898097

51:30 | Not everybody agrees with Ryan's take on the #DefundTheCBC movement. He gets into some of the "less gracious" replies to his take on yesterday's show. 

RYAN AND CHARLES ADLER ON "DEFUNDING THE CBC": https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=271&v=rGhaWNuWVno&feature=youtu.be

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj

PATREON: 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.

0:25 | People around the world are mourning one of the worst mass killings in Canadian history. Police say at least ten people are dead, and at least 18 more injured, after two brothers went on a stabbing spree at multiple locations across James Smith Cree Nation and nearby Weldon, Saskatchewan. Ryan shares an update on the manhunt and an email from Real Talker listener Joy, to open the show. 

11:27 | Rob Clarke served as an RCMP Sergeant and Member of Parliament, so he's processing the tragedy out of Saskatchewan through a number of different lenses. The member of Muskeg Lake First Nation tells us why he established a GoFundMe fundraiser for victims of the attacks in Saskatchewan, and where he intends to transfer the nearly $100,000 raised (at the time of our interview). 

CHECK OUT THE GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/funerals-and-counseling

31:33 | For decades, Canadians have trusted Charles Adler to bring an informed, personal perspective to national news stories. Today is no different, as Chuck shares his thoughts on what occurred in Saskatchewan over the long weekend. We also take an introductory look at Britain's new PM Liz Truss, and evaluate UCP leadership candidate Brian Jean's recent posts about lockdowns and vaccinations. 

1:01:44 | Every Tuesday, our friends at Leading Edge Physiotherapy shine the light on innovation in the world around us. Today, it's the remarkable (ocean-saving) Thaely shoes! 

CHECK OUT THAELY SHOES: https://thaely.com/

LIFE SHOULDN'T HURT: https://leadingedgephysio.com/

1:09:34 | Our first episode every week, Kuby Energy presents Positive Reflections. In this week's edition, one proud mom's remarkable rental, and a chimpanzee returned to the Ukrainian zoo from which it escaped. Love it! 

GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says federal funding for things like housing, harm reduction, and research needs to flow through the province. Her government's introducing legislation that will force municipalities, housing and health authorities, and other entities to secure provincial approval before striking deals with Ottawa. Smith says the feds are operating outside their lane. Municipalities, for one, say dealing with Ottawa is the only way they're able to get anything done. 

3:40 | Charles Adler gives us his take on Bill 18 - the Provincial Priorities Act, before explaining why he thinks the UCP is dominating the NDP on fundraising (16:55). As jury selection begins in Donald Trump's criminal trial, we look at New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu's curious defence of his Trump endorsement (22:35). Is there room for another federal political party in Canada? Adler responds to our April 12 Real Talk Round Table with founders of the Canadian Future Party (31:30). We take a look at Iran's aerial attack on Israel (40:50), and what it means for the international community. Real Talker Marcello has a question about Adler's political leanings (44:20), and Chuck ties it to Bill Maher's monologue about The Left driving a bus off a cliff (47:00). 

55:00 | Real Talker Ron tells us why he thinks Danielle Smith's Bill 18 is the wrong move for Alberta.

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

58:15 | We love Real Talker Lucinda's submission for Positive Reflections - some of the best Google Maps images we've ever seen! Positive Reflections is presented weekly by Kuby Renewable Energy.

CHECK OUT THE POST: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5bve6GoGun/?img_index=1

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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.

0:20 | You don't have to be a football fan, or even a sports fan, to be following the Damar Hamlin story. We open the show with the latest update on the NFL star's condition, and a few thoughts on how COVID misinformation has entered the chat. 

12:01 | Philippe Fournier went 82 for 87 in predicting the outcome of Alberta's provincial election in 2019. The founder of 338Canada tells us how he sees the 2023 Alberta election playing out, and what other political stories he's keeping an eye on across the country. 

CHECK OUT 338CANADA: https://338canada.com/

30:21 | It's a perfect time of year to book your Jasper getaway! This week's edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper highlights some of the great options in store during the first weekend of Jasper in January. 

MAKE YOUR PLANS TODAY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/

34:15 | Taylor Swift unleashed controversy this fall with her "Anti-Hero" video that critics swiftly labelled as fatphobic. Athabasca University professors Kristin Rodier and Heather McLean explain how the oppression of fat people continues to be a problem, and where they'd like to see the conversation go. 

READ THEIR ARTICLE: https://theconversation.com/what-taylor-swifts-anti-hero-controversy-can-tell-us-about-fatphobia-in-feminist-politics-195287

LEARN MORE ABOUT ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY: https://www.athabascau.ca/

HEADS UP, HOCKEY PLAYERS! The puck drops February 4 at the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic. We'd love to see you there playing, volunteering, or sponsoring our annual fundraiser for KidSport and Uncles & Aunts at Large.

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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.

June is Pride month. Chances are, you're seeing more rainbow flags, news coverage, and maybe even a controversial email or pamphlet referencing the annual celebration. Where should our focus be? We welcome three LGBTQ+ community members to the Real Talk Round Table for an unflinching look at the work that still needs to be done in Canada and around the world. 

2:20 | Imagine coming to Canada as an immigrant or refugee, fleeing your country of origin because of discrimination against yourself and other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Those are the new Canadians Basel Abou Hamrah supports through the Rainbow Refugee program at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. He joins Outloud St. Albert's Bekah Marcellus and Robertson-Wesley United Church member Angela Glasel for a very personal, powerful conversation about Pride.

CHECK OUT RAINBOW REFUGEE: https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/

LINK TO OUTLOUD ST. ALBERT: https://www.outloudstalbert.ca/

LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY & CONNECTION: https://www.communityandconnection.com/

1:09:50 | Ryan got a call from a certain former Deputy Premier of Alberta after yesterday's interview with Danielle Smith. It set the table for today's Fact Check edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

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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 go behind the scenes at the Paris Olympics with photojournalists Leah Hennel and Candice Ward! 

2:15 | Leah's still in Paris. Candice just returned home to Las Vegas. The award-winning photographers tell us what it was like to shoot the world's best athletes on the world's biggest stage. 

FOLLOW LEAH: https://www.instagram.com/leahhennelphoto FOLLOW CANDICE: https://www.instagram.com/candicewardphotography

46:15 | Displaced Jasper residents begin returning home this weekend. Ryan shares a few thoughts, and an email from Real Talker Jonny about the future of forest fires.  

WATCH THAT TED TALK: https://youtu.be/edDZNkm8Mas?si=bCfj0-C6Ox52sCKp&t=1

54:00 | Merrick's miffed about paying too much for gas, Wendy's not sure about Adler's take on science, Gerald says Pierre Poilievre is hardly a genius on Bitcoin, and Jill doesn't GAF if you don't like her store's Pride display. They've all fired up The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

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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.

Tens of millions of people have watched Johann Hari’s TED Talks about our collective addiction to technology. The evidence is all around us. In this episode of The Best of Real Talk, the author of “Stolen Focus” explains what’s been taken from us, and how to get it back.

Are you on the ChatGPT train? More and more people are using artificial intelligence to replace "human powered" writers and other content creators. What are the implications of this AI, in particular for post-secondary institutions already on the lookout for plagiarism? Princeton student Edward Tian tells us about the app he developed to sniff out ChatGPT.

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj PATREON: 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.

What do you know about trans and non-binary health care? It seems like politicians are talking about it more than physicians themselves, and it's safe to say it's become one of the more polarizing topics in Canada in recent years (including at the Conservative Party Convention over the weekend). We talk to a physician and a CPC delegate in this enlightening episode of Real Talk.

3:50 | Dr. Kate Greenaway's been working with trans and non-binary patients for more than twenty years. She explains what "gender-affirming care" entails, and why she thinks politicians and the general public have too much say in a personal matter.

CHECK OUT THE FORIA CLINIC: https://www.foriaclinic.com/

35:35 | Jennifer Laewetz was in Quebec City for the CPC Convention over the weekend. She talks to us about the "culture war" influence on policy resolutions, her own priorities as an Indigenous person around duty to consult, and the buzz around Pierre Poilievre's public address on a WestJet flight (she was on the plane). 

56:15 | The Jasper Dark Sky Festival has officially added a third weekend! We take a look at the out-of-this-world experiences available in Jasper from October 12-29 in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.

LEARN MORE: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/

58:50 | Speaking of space, have you seen the 1,000 year old "alien corpses" displayed in Mexico's Congress? We can't help but take a look.  

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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.

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!

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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! 

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When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

What can we expect to see from Premier Danielle Smith, Rachel Notley (and the Alberta NDP), and Justin Trudeau vs. Pierre Poilievre? Find out from Bad + Bitchy podcast hosts Erica Ifill and Kristin Raworth in this crossover episode of Real Talk.

3:40 | But first...is Taylor Swift's boyfriend really a Nazi sympathizer?

9:30 | Erica, born and raised in Edmonton, now calls Ottawa home. She says national coverage of Alberta's election fell short. Is that a CBC issue, or something bigger? 

13:00 | What should we expect to see from Premier Danielle Smith and her UCP government? 

26:10 | How about Rachel Notley? What might her future look like, and could it include a run at the federal NDP leadership? 

42:35 | Will Danielle Smith survive a rumoured coup within her caucus? Can she outlast Jason Kenney, Jim Prentice, Dave Hancock, Alison Redford, and Ed Stelmach, and actually complete a full term? 

44:15 | We turn our attention to federal politics, and get Erica and Kristin's take on the Liberal affordable housing plan, the future of $10/day childcare, and more. 

52:00 | Did Pierre Poilievre cross the line with a blast aimed at PM Justin Trudeau in the House yesterday? Kristin explains why she's so turned off by the comment, and Erica chimes in on "unserious" people.

1:05:40 | It's the first edition of Trash Talk since the Alberta election, and Real Talkers have a lot to say! Ryan busts out the flame thrower and gets into the hottest takes submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. Trash Talk is presented by our friends at Local Environmental Services.

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/ 

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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.

Sometimes, there's a day that demands Real Talk go into overtime. This is one of those days. We cover the stories making headlines, and make sure you know what's going on "off the radar," too.

3:14 | Described as a "cultural phenomenon" related to the war in Ukraine, the Saint Javelin brand has quickly become recognized as a symbol of Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion. Ryan talks to founder and CEO Christian Borys just moments after he announced a partnership with the World Ukrainian Congress to fund non-lethal military equipment for Ukraine.

Learn more: https://www.saintjavelin.com/ and https://www.ukrainianworldcongress.org/

14:52 | Is Twitter set to become even nastier if Elon Musk's purchase goes through? Christopher Bouzy, founder of BotSentinel.com, explains the role bots and trolls play in poisoning public dialogue. 

32:38 | Speaking of Twitter, our most recent Question of the Week presented by Y Station shows many Real Talkers are cynical (or at least concerned) about the future of the social media platform. Ryan reviews the results of our most recent survey, and tees up the current one (about SCOTUS Roe v. Wade). 

CHIME IN: https://ryanjespersen.com/question-of-the-week

38:18 | The killing of veteran Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is described as  "deliberate and targeted" by Al Jazeera, the outlet she represented for many years. We review what we know at this point, including reports from journalists who were near Abu Akleh when she was shot, and criticism around "whitewashed" reporting and response from western media outlets and elected representatives. 

47:17 | How much do you know about the political maneuvering happening in your own backyard? Ryan connects with Alberta Mayors Cathy Heron, Janet Jabush, and Trina Jones for an update on a potential Alberta Provincial Police Service, EMS in crisis, and changes to the Municipal Government Act. 

Learn more about work being done by Alberta Municipalities: https://www.abmunis.ca/

1:27:28 | Inspired by his conversation with the Mayors, Ryan shines light on a very personal Twitter thread from a BC-based family doctor, @drherrling. 

1:31:09 | Hours after Conservative Party of Canada leadership candidates squared off in Edmonton, Ryan reviews highlights and themes of the official English language debate. What jumped out at you as you watched Wednesday's showdown? Send us an email: talk@ryanjespersen.com

1:41:14 | Federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was targeted and harassed by self-identified "Freedom Convoy" supporters during a stop in Peterborough, ON. We take a look at public response to this heinous circumstance, including Mr. Singh's message to the public after the fact.

What can Alberta do to position itself for another century's worth of jobs, investment, and affordable living? Our "electrifying" week of Real Talk continues with NDP energy critic Nagwan Al-Guneid, a longtime oil and gas professional, and energy economist Andrew Leach. 

2:30 | Ryan starts the show with a look at the devastation in Lahaina, an historic community on the island of Maui. Hurricane Dora-fuelled winds drove a wildfire through community, killing at least 36 people, displacing thousands more, and destroying much of the city that once served as the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 

8:00 | Nagwan Al-Guneid, the Alberta NDP Energy & Climate Critic for Electricity, Renewables, & Utilities, makes her Real Talk debut. She responds to UCP Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz's appearance on yesterday's episode, and explains how her party would approach wind and solar development. 

35:10 | Energy economist Dr. Andrew Leach explains the short- and longer-term potential impacts of the UCP's moratorium on new wind and solar projects in Alberta. What's really prompting it? What message does it send to industry? How much of this has to do with protecting natural gas? What's Premier Danielle Smith right about, and where is she wrong? 

1:08:30 | Ryan reads "powerful" (we can't help ourselves) emails about electricity from Tom in Lethbridge and Amy, who successfully fought to kill the Foothills solar project near Frank Lake. 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

What is the next great disruption? Which new innovation will be most transformative? Exactly how will AI continue to change the game? What are the updated secrets to success in 2024? 

2:00 | Innovation strategist and best-selling author Shawn Kanungo tells us how this year will be most different from the year previous. He explains why strategy is energy, predicts The Death of Superstars, and tells us how to best position ourselves in a dynamic, competitive job market. 

CHECK OUT SHAWN'S BOOK: https://shawnkanungo.com/

43:55 | It's a magical time of year to visit Jasper! Ryan lays out the perfect weekend itinerary in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT JASPER IN JANUARY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/

1:08:50 | A Mom keeps her son's memory alive by shipping his vinyl collection around the world: it's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 

SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/

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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.

12:34 | Canada's ICUs are strained, to say the least. Critical care capabilities are compromised across the country, as COVID-19 continues to impact healthcare delivery. A new report from the Royal Society of Canada is sounding the alarm. Co-authors Dr. Noel Gibney and Melanie Gauthier, RN join to discuss its key points, and respond to Danielle Smith's inflammatory comments about Alberta Health Services on Real Talk on July 13. 

READ THE REPORT: https://rsc-src.ca/en/covid-19-policy-briefing-recent/covid-19-pandemic-impact-canada%E2%80%99s-intensive-care-units

WATCH DANIELLE SMITH'S INTERVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=223&v=aAzcPeQ534c&feature=youtu.be

51:18 | Former NHL star and current conspiracy theorist Theoren Fleury used to call Charles Adler "big brother". When did the friendship sour to the point Theo's calling out Chuck to his quarter-million followers on Twitter? The Titan of Talk shares details during his regular Monday spot, and comments on his former radio colleague Danielle Smith's Real Talk interview. 

1:18:44 | Two remarkable survival stories headline this week's edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. You'll get goosebumps when you see the good news stories Real Talkers Lindsey and Landon shared with us via email! 

SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/

When a first responder is killed in the line of duty, their entire community feels the loss. This episode of Real Talk is dedicated to Edmonton Police constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, murdered while responding to a domestic call early Thursday morning. 

3:55 | John Kirkman lost friends and colleagues in Mayerthorpe, Wetaskiwin, and St. Albert over the course of his career as a first responder. The former EMT and ten-year RCMP veteran joins Ryan in studio for a powerful conversation you won't want to miss. 

GOFUNDME FOR CST. JORDAN & CST. RYAN'S FAMILIES: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cst-ryan-cst-jordan-memorial-fundraiser

30:47 | When a community experiences major loss like the deaths of Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan, people gather with loved ones to talk about it. That's the spirit of this week's Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber. Ryan connects with Katherine O'Neill, Harman Kandola, and Jarrett Campbell, who share their thoughts on the connection between police and civilians, and some of the questions that come up in tragedies like this.

57:07 | Jocelyne is sticking up for all the starving students in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Calling all golfers: registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic! Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's easily the most fun golf tournament in Edmonton, and it's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

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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/

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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.

Everything costs more these days. Mortgages, gas, groceries...you name it, you're probably paying more for it. You've no doubt noticed your power bill is way higher than it used to be. Why is that, and what can you do about it? We find out in this episode of Real Talk. 

7:30 | But first, what do you make of Pierre Poilievre's recent bump in the polls? New numbers suggest the Conservative leader would form a majority government if Canadians voted today. (Of course, Canadians aren't voting today - or anytime soon - but that doesn't mean it's not an interesting development) Charles Adler breaks down the story in a way only he can. 

35:40 | David "DK" Gray is an energy economist with a thirty year career as a load forecaster, system planner, and analyst. The former executive director of the Utilities Consumer Advocate cuts through the political spin and explains what the NDP did wrong, what the UCP's doing wrong, and what needs to happen for Albertans to pay less for power.

1:09:15 | David unveils "Emerald Waters," a special edition print you can purchase via art4good in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 

ORDER YOUR PRINT: https://art4good.ca/emerald-waters/

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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.

17:23 | The Calgary Chamber of Commerce's Deborah Yedlin voices concerns around the Alberta government's Road Map out of the Pandemic, including the immediate removal of the Restrictions Exemption program (REP)—moves that likely won't boost consumer confidence or the economy.

32:29 | Ryan calls out the contradictions and intolerance of Premier Jason Kenney likening anti-vaxxers to people living with HIV/AIDS. 

43:05 | #MyJasper Memories | Love is in the mountain air as both Ryan and Sam share about their families spent time in Jasper National Park over the weekend. 

50:51 | The author of the new best-selling book, How Dogs Make Us Better Humans, Bea Bohm-Meyer shares about writing the book and what our furry, four-legged companion animals have to teach us.

1:14:18 | The Real Team discusses the occupation of the nation's capital and several border crossings and what can and should be done about it. 

1:36:31 | #PositiveReflections | Ryan looks at the lighter side of life with Real Talkers' emails. Presented by Kuby Energy.

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

Should the feds order striking BC port workers back to work? How bad is the CBC vs. Danielle Smith situation? Did Canadians deserve a break from the carbon tax increase on July 1? Veteran TV hosts Lynda Steele and Jody Vance give us their hot takes on Canada's biggest stories on this week's Real Talk Round Table. But first...

0:10 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wants the NDP to apologize for suggesting her office attempted to influence Crown prosecutors. The Official Opposition says, "Hell no." In fact, they want the RCMP to investigate. Ryan opens with an update on this developing story. 

6:10 | They've signed off of their show Steele & Vance for the summer, but CHEK TV personalities Lynda Steele and Jody Vance still have lots to say! We pick their brains on the stories making headlines across the country, including a strike at the port in Vancouver, developments in Danielle Smith's dust-up with the CBC, affordable housing, the latest carbon tax increase, and more. 

CHECK OUT STEELE & VANCE: https://www.cheknews.ca/shows/steele-and-vance/

49:12 | Trudy Callaghan is fighting for her magazine's survival. The Edify publisher joins Ryan in studio for a frank conversation about the reality for independents these days, and why it's so important to fight to save reputable, fact-checked journalism. 

SUBSCRIBE TO EDIFY: https://edifyedmonton.com/subscribe/ CHECK OUT URBAN AFFAIRS: https://urbanaffairs.ca/

1:11:30 | Ryan reads a great email from Bob Covey, publisher of The Jasper Local, in response to this week's edition of #MyJasper Memories (on July 5). Did you hear the story of the hiker who was fined $7,500 for shooting a bear in Jasper National Park? Sheeeeesh. 

THE JASPER LOCAL: https://www.jasperlocal.com/ WATCH #MyJasper MEMORIES: https://www.youtube.com/live/f0D-nXxHHQg?feature=share&t=2089

1:17:30 | Garth's got strong feelings about snow clearing, Kristie's ticked at people taking shots at her town, and Janice has a warning about oil prices in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!

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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

Chen Zeigen and his family are holding out hope his mother, Vivian Silver, is still alive. The longtime peace activist is believed to be among those taken hostage from a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip on October 7. In this episode of Real Talk, Chen tells us about Vivian's lifelong commitment to campaigning for peace in the region, and what he thinks she'd say about what's happening right now.

2:25 | But first...Charles Adler talks to us about a rise in antisemitic sentiments on North America, Pierre Poilievre's "apple munching" interview, and both Poilievre and Justin Trudeau warning Alberta about leaving the Canada Pension Plan. 

30:22 | Chen Zeigen joins us from Tel Aviv, where he and his family are doing everything they can to secure the safe release of his mother Vivian Silver, believed to be among Israeli hostages being held somewhere in Gaza. 

49:20 | Pride tape was spotted on an NHL player's stick over the weekend. Will Commissioner Gary Bettman do anything about it? Ryan and Johnny discuss. 

52:30 | Thanks to Real Talker Landi for sharing this week's Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. We love the story of a mom's 30 year mission to help her son achieve his goal of becoming a pilot! 

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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.

Was our August 28 interview with Covid vaccine class action lawyers Eva Chipiuk and Jeff Rath a mistake? Toronto Star columnist Bruce Arthur explains why he thinks it was (19:50). But first, we talk about the outpouring of public sentiment around Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's tragic deaths (3:10), and Leon Draisaitl's record-setting extension with the Edmonton Oilers (14:30).

FOLLOW BRUCE ON TWITTER: https://x.com/bruce_arthur

55:30 | The day after Labour Day, we talk talent recruitment, Temporary Foreign Workers, international students, and more with Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce. 

BUILDING BUSINESS RESILIENCY: https://www.abchamber.ca/business-resiliency/

TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/alberta-talent-development-symposium/

1:21:50 | Talk about making an impression! Real Talker K'lyn shares the story of an Argentinian widower's expression of love that's visible from space. 

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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.

#TrashTalk | It's Friday, so brace for another rowdy edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental!

Wes "Ice Weazel" Bauman set two World Records on the roof of an Edmonton fire hall last week: Most Cards Memorized While in an Ice Bath, and Most Rubix Cubes Solved in a 30 Minute Ice Bath. Now that he's thawed out (!), Wes joins Ryan in studio to explain how he does it, and what got him started with cold plunges in the first place. Don't miss the most interesting insights from this fascinating fella, one of five firefighters who camped out on the roof to raise more than $80,000 for Muscular Dystrophy! 

FOLLOW WES ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ice_weazel_wezley/

30:30 | Real Talk producer John Hicks was thiiiiiiis close to winning $20,000 on Sunday. He tells us about the huge parlay he built, and where it fell apart. Plus, Ryan and John review the Super Bowl halftime show everybody's talking about. 

43:10 | Was Chris Stapleton's anthem the best the Super Bowl has ever seen? Charles Adler casts his vote. The Titan of Talk tells us why he's not scared of the spy balloons that keep popping up over North America, and why he thinks Alberta Premier Danielle Smith owes Indigenous communities an apology. 

1:03:45 | Is Mac Savage the Greatest Streaker of All Time? We debate this very important question in a hilarious edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 

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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've got Real Talkers ripping Rush, calling out cops, and dialing in on Premier Danielle Smith in this week's edition of Trash Talk. Buckle up and press play! 

TRASH TALK IS PRESENTED BY LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: https://localenvironmental.ca/

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1:58 | Political analyst Supriya Dwivedi unpacks Quebec Premier François Legault's vague plan to impose a health tax on Quebecers who refuse to get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

18:40 | The indie online magazine, The Local, created a citizen-powered tool for anonymous reporting of rapid antigen test results in Toronto public schools. The editor-in-chief, Tai Huynh, explains what they found and how other jurisdictions can learn from it.

35:45 | #MyJasper Memories | Ryan explores the many ways to enjoy Jasper National Park this January, while still practicing pandemic safety. Presented by Tourism Jasper. 

38:16 | What the future holds for retail while malls die, the supply chain faces disruptions, people are guilted about "shopping local," and digital commerce flourishes, with Harvard retail instructor, Bob Gibbs and U of A School of Business' Heather Thomson.

2:03 | Edmonton's city council killed a regional transit plan by pulling its commitment late Wednesday night. Will the ripple effects extend beyond bus service? What does this mean for "bigger picture" regional cooperation? Councillor Sarah Hamilton, St. Albert Mayor Cathy Heron, and Strathcona County Councillor Robert Parks join our Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber. LIKE OUR TABLE? CHECK OUT URBAN TIMBER: https://www.urbantimber.ca/ 40:51 | It seems like everybody in Canada had something to say about a Toronto Life piece featuring a woman who moved from Toronto (Mississauga) to Edmonton, and "hated it". We chat with Greig Smith, who moved from Toronto to Edmonton...and loves it! (This guy's bound to put a smile on your face.) 1:05:57 | Megan, Albert, Nils, and Erin all have scores to settle in a NSFW, "earmuffs, kids" edition of Trash Talk presented by our friends at Local Environmental Services! KEEP IT LOCAL: localenvironmental.ca WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC (FEB. 4): https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 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.

Despite losing the election in May, the Alberta NDP has a lot of things going for it. The party won more seats in (typically conservative) Calgary than the UCP did. It earned more total votes across the province than when it formed government in 2015. While leader Rachel Notley hasn't yet resigned, it's widely expected she'll trigger the race to replace her in the new year. So...who will it be? 

2:10 | Ryan pins down former NDP cabinet minister Deron Bilous and longtime political commentator Dave Cournoyer, insisting they name names in Dave's annual Alberta Politics Survey. 

TAKE DAVEBERTA'S ALBERTA POLITICS POLL: https://daveberta.ca/

46:15 | Before we know it, Jasper in January will be back! Ryan highlights some of this year's top draws in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

BOOK YOUR JASPER IN JANUARY GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/

49:00 | Does the Alberta NDP need to change its name? Who will the new leader be? The guys discuss what 2024 might look like for Alberta's Official Opposition. 

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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.

Covid vaccine class action lawyer Jeff Rath lit a fire under a bunch of you during his August 28 appearance on the show, to say the least. Real Talkers Ron, Nat, Megan, Mike, MJ, and Gregory are all fired up in this week's edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

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When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

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

It's been said water is the new oil. If that's the case, why is the province (and most of its citizens) ignoring major threats to such a valuable natural resource? 

2:50 | Geophysicist Jenny Yeremiy explains why some Alberta communities are projected to run out of water as early as January 2024, and what can be done about it. The oil and gas reclamation expert brings us up to speed on coal exploration in the Eastern Slopes, a controversial logging project, and explains why she's confident Alberta can get to a Net Zero electricity grid by 2035. 

32:30 | Allegra Pacheco joins live from Bethlehem with a first-hand account of the humanitarian disaster that is the Israel-Hamas war. The longtime human rights attorney tells us about her work representing Palestinians in front of the Israeli Supreme and military courts, her work with the United Nations, and what she thinks the international community needs to do right now.

58:10 | Ryan and John reflect on our November 1 interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, including your comments on the Alberta Pension Plan and the possibility of fast tracking grade ten students into the trades. 

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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.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says he'll "always support whistleblowers" after the public learned his team covered the legal costs of the person who took down Patrick Brown's CPC leadership bid. It's another step away from Bay Street and closer toward Main Street for the man who wants to be Canada's next Prime Minister. Will it work? We discuss with Charles Adler.

3:50 | But first, we open with a remarkable developing story out of Montana, where a girl who disappeared four years ago has been found alive. 

8:10 | Did organizers of a popular corn maze owe the public an apology after rolling out an RCMP theme? Ryan and Chuck discuss. What message did Prime Minister Trudeau send with his cabinet shuffle...and will it save his political bacon? Is Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre responsible for his party's recent bump in the polls? And what should we make of his team's $37,000 contribution to whistleblower Debra Jodoin's legal fees? 

43:12 | Wyatt Sharpe returns with a stateside look at the early race for the Oval Office. Will GOP candidates' obsession with the "woke agenda" backfire? Should the voting age be raised to 25...or lowered to 16? We discuss with the 14-year-old talk show host. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE WYATT SHARPE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@thewyattsharpeshow

1:04:10 | Imagine being out at sea on your fishing boat, and coming across a vessel that had been floating adrift for months. We showcase an incredible survival story in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

As long as oil rides high, Alberta's flush. But while the province is on pace for a $5B+ budget surplus, property taxes are on the rise in virtually every community, as everyday folks struggle to pay their basic monthly bills. As you'll see early in this episode, our Real Talk Round Table is sounding the alarm. 

3:20 | Mayor Tyler Gandam (Wetaskiwin), Councillor Andrew Knack (Edmonton), and Councillor Krista Gardner (Calmar) explain what Alberta municipalities will soon look like if the province doesn't pony up $1.75B in infrastructure funding. Our Alberta Municipalities panel gives us their top political storylines for 2023, including policing and public safety, healthcare shortages, and political parties infiltrating municipal elections. 

CHECK OUT ALBERTA MUNICIPALITIES ONLINE: https://www.abmunis.ca/

1:16:00 | Why can't people figure out how to zipper merge? When did conservatism become radicalism? And what the hell are we going to do about sick kids on mattresses in hospital hallways? Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers, courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park: Newcastle, Westmount, Palisades, Namao, and Baseline Road. 

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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: talk@ryanjespersen.com When you visit the Dairy Queens in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

Nobody's hurting American farmers more than President Donald Trump. His trade war with Canada is raising prices, and his cuts to USAID are hitting U.S. producers where it hurts. Meantime, farmers and ranchers north of the border are escaping the pain...for now. Everybody knows that could change in an instant. What should Ag producers and Canadian consumers be doing to prepare? 

2:45 | We talk Ag with Dave Solverson, past president of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, Andre Harpe from Alberta Canola, rancher and Cows in Control founder Ryan Copithorne, and Alberta Chambers of Commerce president and CEO Shauna Feth. 

CHECK OUT ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/

1:12:00 | Blahsheep says corruption is everywhere, Paul's pissed he's paying to demo the Coliseum, Jan calls Jespo and Johnny to the carpet over Tesla, and Michael has an NSFW message for our neighbours to the south. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

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When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, or Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 

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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.

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! 

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When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

No need to speculate any more. Canadians will soon know exactly what Donald Trump's return to the White House will mean for trade with the United States, border security, and more. We take a look at early storylines in this episode of Real Talk. 

3:30 | Wyatt Sharpe tells us what he's seeing behind-the-scenes in Washington, D.C. 

THE WYATT SHARPE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@UCEI-thoRF6_EGuhc_1eMQYw 

25:00 | Derek Fildebrandt responds to his Western Standard correspondent being hauled away from Mark Carney's campaign launch by police. 

WESTERN STANDARD: https://www.westernstandard.news/

1:07:30 | What did you think of Chrystia Freeland's campaign launch?

1:22:00 | Real Talker Brytani shares a remarkable story out of Red Deer in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 

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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Should Joe Biden accept Donald Trump's challenge to play 18 holes of golf? Is it important for Justin Trudeau to attend the Calgary Stampede? What'll Naheed Nenshi's first big move be as leader of the Alberta NDP?

2:14 | We talk about the presidential race (2:40), Trudeau v. Poilievre (13:45), our "Naheed Nenshi: Fact Checked" episode (28:30), making sense of utility bills (48:00), Nenshi's plan for Fall Session (1:01:40), and water security issues (1:10:40) with Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer.

WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH "FIRE WEATHER" AUTHOR JOHN VAILLANT: https://rtrj.info/062023Fire

READ MAX'S WORK: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/06/14/opinion/alberta-energy-war-room-waves-white-flag

1:16:55 | Ryan and Johnny respond to a comment about Bitcoin from Real Talker James in our YouTube live chat.

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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.