Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk with Ryan Jespersen is a daily discussion show covering news, politics, and pop culture. It is hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. The program streams live on weekday mornings at 8:30 a.m. MT via ryanjespersen.com.
Episodes
"There should be an eligibility test to vote!"
"A more apt show title would be Real Propaganda!" Real Talkers sound off on the referendum, the separation movement, Jespo's bias, a new Real Talk drinking game, driving without headlights, and the beautiful town of Balzac. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmoton and Sherwood Park, featuring Ivan C, Chris, Michael, T.S., Kyle, Mr. T, Bev, Vicki from St. Albert, Michael, Ale
Exclusive: Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney talks to Ryan Jespersen about the looming Alberta referendum, Western alienation, foreign interference, the Pacific Link pipeline, trade talks with the U.S., and Canada's future with the EU.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com
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Keith Wilson & Tanya Clemens: Alberta’s Exit Plan
Keith Wilson and Tanya Clemens want Alberta to separate from Canada. The co-chairs of Let Alberta Decide join Ryan and political scientist Dr. Feo Snagovsky (28:00) for a deep dive into what an independent Alberta could look like, and what stands in the way, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Feo kicks off the show solo (7:00) with insights into how the referendum h
Separation and the Economy: Naheed Nenshi and Deborah Yedlin
Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi (5:30) says the first nine questions on Alberta's referendum ballot are more dangerous than the tenth question on national unity. Calgary Chamber of Commerce CEO Deborah Yedlin (59:00) says Alberta's economic voice is being heard, and the referendum risks silencing it. Both lay out their arguments in feature interviews presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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The Strategists: T-Minus Five Days 'til The Referendum
What happens if Alberta's referendum results are closer than expected? What happens if there's a blowout? Does the UCP go full separatist regardless of what hapens? Does Danielle Smith survive as premier into 2027? Zain Velji and Stephen Carter, co-hosts of The Strategists podcast, join us (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West just hours after their Strategists L
Separation, Treason, and Canada's Future
Less than a week out from the referendum, Premier Danielle Smith is urging Albertans to vote to stay in Canada...but does anybody believe her? Prime Minister Mark Carney releases a Thanksgiving video arguing the case for Alberta in Canada. Will it sway undecided voters? Amid threats including foreign interference and the leak of Alberta's voter list, Elon Musk inserts himself in the story. And Con
Worker Agenda - Alberta Referendum
In episode 5 of The Worker Agenda, host Omar Mouallem joins AFL President Gil McGowan and Secretary-Treasurer Cori Longo for a look back at the May 29th Day of Protest and to examine the upcoming Alberta Referendum, explaining what’s at stake for working people. They discuss the risks separation could pose to jobs, wages, pensions and public services, challenge the referendum’s questions and proce
"How can anyone have faith in this government?"
"Thanks Boomers!" Real Talkers Tyler, David, Rob, Wayne, Robert, Chris, Scott, and Lorne give us their hottest takes on infill, Albertan "traitors" in D.C., the Oct. 19 referendum, and downtown crime. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Mega Episode: Premier Danielle Smith, Mayors Andrew Knack & Jeromy Farkas
Buckle up, Real Talkers. Premier Danielle Smith (3:30), Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack (34:30), and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas (52:00) talk infill, inter-governmental interference, crumbling infrastructure, Alberta's looming referendum, and more in this Mega Episode heading into the Thanksgiving long weekend. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
TELL US WHAT
UCP Set To Stomp on City Zoning Bylaw
Who gets to decide how Edmonton grows? Danielle Smith's UCP is stepping into the city’s zoning fight, overriding municipal authority over how neighbourhoods are developed and reigniting a bigger question about where provincial power ends and local control begins. Jespo kicks off the show with his own thoughts ahead of our October 9 interview with Premier Smith presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton W
Carol Off: What Does It Mean to Love Canada? // Jana Pruden: Police Breach of Trust
What does it mean to be Canadian when Quebec is debating sovereignty, Alberta is heading toward a referendum, and a trade war with the United States is forcing us to rethink our relationship with our biggest neighbour? Veteran journalist and author Carol Off (7:15) joins us to discuss her new book, True Patriot Love, and what decades of reporting on Canada, conflict, sovereignty, and the U.S. have
Hon. Anne McLellan on Quebec & Alberta // Downtown Safety Solutions
Quebecers elect a separatist minority government - what does this mean for the rest of the country? We talk QC politics, renegade Alberta delegations to D.C., referendum impacts, and the Canada-U.S. trade war with former deputy prime minister Anne McLellan (4:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Then, on the heels of former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel's scathing
The Separatists’ Secret Plan to Sell Out Alberta
An unelected, unappointed delegation of Alberta separatists offered up Alberta's oil royalties and fresh water in exchange for American support, per an explosive investigative report in The Globe and Mail. Jespo gets into it with Supriya Dwivedi (7:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. We look at what's at stake in Quebec's provincial election (32:00), the likeliho
"Nobody wants a government-funded pipeline!"
Real Talkers Squatch, FoxFacedAB, AlbertaFirst, and Kevin V have hot takes on the Pacific Link pipeline. GoodMama calls Jespo to the carpet re: Poilievre's AI dance video, and Carmen rewrites Danielle Smith's emotional address from a teacher's perspective. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Will Pacific Link Actually Get Built? // Stephen Mandel's "Sh*thole" Comment
Is "national interest" being confused with "approved"? Just because PM Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith announced the Pacific Link pipeline as Canada's first project designated in the national interest doesn't mean shovels are in the ground today. Would this project be where it is without a looming separation referendum in Alberta? Energy Minister Tim Hodgson lays out the feds' position in o
Carney's Major Projects Balancing Act
A proposed Alberta-to-West Coast pipeline is now a project of national interest, with Ottawa and Alberta planning to share ownership of the $35-44B Pacific Link project. The proposed line would carry up to one million barrels of oil a day to the coast, opening access to more international markets. The next step is a federal review focused on ownership, Indigenous rights, and environmental protecti
Truth & Reconciliation: The Conversation
What does reconciliation actually look like in Canada today? On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Ryan is joined by podcasters Jessica Vandenberghe, George Lee, and Michelle Robinson for an honest conversation (11:15) about Indigenous identity, history, racism, treaties, and the distance between acknowledging the past and changing the present. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented
Is David Eby’s Early Election Call Backfiring?
David Eby's early election may not work out as he planned. Ryan and Supriya check in with Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, on the heels of a tough first week on the campaign trail for B.C.'s premier (15:00). We lead off with a look at a white nationalist rally on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc reserve, just east of Kamloops (4:30). Plus, what happens if interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson wi
Alberta Spends Millions on Referendum Ads
Real Talkers are FIRED UP over the Alberta government's $4M ad spend leading up to the referendum and Premier Danielle Smith's emotional speech about oil and gas. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Thomas Lukaszuk // BC’s “Stunning” Election Call
Guest host Rob Breakenridge cues up conversation about the political stories shaping Western Canada as they come to a head in late October.
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Mayors Jeromy Farkas & Andrew Knack
The mayors of Alberta's two biggest cities join Ryan as the Alberta Municipalities Convention continues in Edmonton. We get the inside scoop from Calgary mayor Jeromy Farkas and Edmonton mayor Andrew Knack (2:00) on potential changes to the Municipal Government Act, provincial oversight (overreach?) on roads (bike lanes), libraries under threat, cities taking a stand against separation, and counci
Before You Vote: What Albertans Need to Know
Alberta's less than a month away from a referendum with ten questions that could have major consequences for the province’s future (and reputation). Before You Vote co-founders Doug Stollery, Sheila Greckol, Marie Gordon, and Peggy Garrity (5:45) apply decades of experience in law, public policy, and communications to examine what Albertans are actually being asked, what could happen next, and wha
Todd Babiak: What Turns Young Men Into Incels?
Young men are being radicalized online: pulled into communities built around grievance, misogyny, loneliness, and “toxic masculinity.” Figures like Andrew Tate have turned the so-called manosphere into a powerful cultural and political force, raising difficult questions about why these messages resonate with so many young men...and where they lead. Award-winning novelist Todd Babiak joins us (2:45
Danielle Smith in Tears // Canada's Airport Sell-Off
"Does this country actually want us?" Everybody's talking about Alberta premier Danielle Smith's emotional speech at the Alberta and the West Assembly hosted by Preston Manning and former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell. We get into it with Supriya Dwivedi (4:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, before discussing Kerry-Lynne Findlay's resignation as B.C. Conservative
"Why hitch our wagon to a failing experiment?"
Pink Pirate, Chad, and Kyle say Mark Carney's on the wrong track; Bradley and ForECanadian have strong words for Danielle Smith; RavenRuled and Jessica have thoughts on the Ed Sheeran-Macklemore debacle, and Tyler calls out Jespo's take on AI. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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The Separatist Summer Road Trip
What happens when you spend seven months travelling Alberta and talking to people who want out of Canada? Dani Paradis and Tim Querengesser take us inside their new podcast, Separation Anxiety, sharing what they heard from separatists (4:00) about their frustrations, their hopes for Alberta, and why they believe independence is the answer. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-
Alberta Separation: What Would It Actually Take?
What would Alberta separation from Canada ACTUALLY look like: legally, economically, re: Indigenous treaty rights, trade, workers, travellers, and everyday Albertans? We dig into the Canada West Foundation’s new Alberta in Confederation report (4:45) with Gary Mar, Dr. Ted Morton, Dr. Audrey Doerr, Dr. Greg Anderson and Dr. Herb Emery in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton We
EU Courting Canada // Demand Dropping for AB Oil? // Ed Sheeran Controversy
The president of the European Commission all but endorsed Canada as an "associate member" of the EU two days after Canadian PM Mark Carney downplayed a Wall Street Journal report on the possibility...so what's the truth? Politico's Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey tells us what he's hearing (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, including the possibility of
The Fight for Canada’s Data // Carney’s Conservative Turn
Guest host Supriya Dwivedi and James McLeod of The Canadian Shield Institute dig into Canada’s digital sovereignty, examining who controls Canadians’ data, the influence of foreign tech companies and platforms, and why building data centres alone doesn’t necessarily give Canada control over its digital future.
The conversation then shifts as UBC Political Scientist Stewart Prest details Mark Carn
Can Carney Actually Fix Canada's Economy? // Jivani Gunning for Poilievre?
Mark Carney is making a massive pitch to global investors: Canada is open for business, rich in resources, talent and opportunity, and ready to attract a trillion dollars in investment. But is the prime minister actually solving the problems that have held Canadian investment and productivity back for years, or is he simply articulating Canada’s message better than anyone before him? We take a loo
"We had to sign one of Hockey Canada's Infamous Five?"
Jamie says the Edmonton Oilers don't need to be a "desperate, last-chance stop on disgraced athletes' list of options," Scott's appalled by separatists supporting Russia amidst Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's visit to Alberta, and Les tells us what flag he'll be flying when he votes on October 19. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Remembering 9/11 // Alberta's "Nasty" Referendum Questions
Hard to believe it's been 25 years since the September 11 attacks. We reflect on "the day that everything changed" with Senator Paula Simons (5:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Senator Simons takes us into her column for Alberta Views, where she calls out "The Noxious Nine" questions (41:40) in Alberta's "nasty" referendum.
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Curtis Wright's ICE Detention Nightmare // What is "AI Literacy," Anyway?
Curtis Wright was born in Edmonton, built a life in Texas, and just spent nine months in ICE detention before being deported to Canada over a decades-old conviction from when he was 17. He joins us (3:30) to talk about what happened inside detention, the devastating impact of being separated from his children, and what his experience says about the human cost of America’s immigration crackdown. Fe
AB Referendum "Meant To Divide" // Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne
Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum isn’t just about separation. There are 10 questions on the ballot, including five that target immigrants and raise serious questions about access to health care, education and social supports. We're joined by former Alberta premier Rachel Notley, former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson, former St. Albert mayor Cathy Heron, lawyer Avnish Nanda (4:25), and former Lethbridge may
Canada Hits Back: What Will It Cost Us?
Canada’s trade war with the United States just escalated, with Ottawa imposing billions in new retaliatory tariffs as Donald Trump spends the weekend firing off increasingly wild attacks against Prime Minister Carney and Canada. Supriya Dwivedi joins us (4:00) to break down what Canada’s strategy is, how much leverage we actually have, and where this increasingly ugly fight goes from here. Then, M
"I'm worried about the rhetoric out of Alberta"
Tyler calls out former MLA Ian Donovan's tone re: AI data centres, T.S. says it's time to put politicians in the penalty box, and Harry finally hits send on something he's been stewing over since July. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Labour Day: Why Unions Still Matter
Do unions still matter in 2026? Do they matter now more than ever? Against the backdrop of a tough August jobs report, rising youth unemployment, and growing anxiety about the future of work in Canada, we welcome labour leaders Chris Flett, Siobhan Vipond, and Patrick Campbell (4:00) to discuss the role of organized labour in a rapidly changing economy. We tackle union-busting governments, the imp
Alberta's Classroom Crunch // B.C. Conservative Party Crumbling
Alberta’s population boom is putting pressure on just about every part of the province’s infrastructure, and schools are no exception. With more than 87,000 new students entering Alberta’s education system in just four years, we ask Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides (4:00) if the province is barely keeping up or actually getting ahead. Meantime, B.C.'s Conservative Party is crumbling, wit
Former Little Bow MLA Backs Controversial Data Centre // Clayton Bellamy
Not everybody's seeing eye to eye in the southern Alberta community of Little Bow, just outside Vulcan. Some residents opposed to the project are taking their local government to court (see our August 6 episode), while others say it's an opportunity to create jobs, increase tax revenue, and repurpose less-than-ideal farmland. This is part of a bigger conversation about the future of Alberta's inno
The Economic Case Against Separation // Farm Talk with Jeff Nonay
What would Alberta separation actually cost...and who would pay the price? Economist Jim Stanford joins us (5:00) to break down the enormous economic risks of leaving Canada, from trade and debt to pensions, investment and the cost of building a new country. Plus, are Alberta’s workers getting a raw deal from an economy that generates enormous wealth without delivering comparable gains in wages an
Lake Ontario Debacle // Alberta Separatists Unite!
If you check Google Maps south of the Canada-U.S. border, you'll see the body of water formerly known as Lake Ontario now named Lake America. It's the latest move in President Donald Trump's assault on Canadian sovereignty, and Supriya Dwivedi lays out why it's more than just trolling in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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"Danielle Smith's gone so far into treason territory..."
Fat Dave's fired up over "Canada doesn't have a military," Matthew has a pointed message for Americans AND Canadians, Robert calls out hypocrisy where he sees it, Scott in Sherwood Park has a message for Jason Kenney, and Phillip says landowners are being silenced by the Alberta government. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Alberta & Saskatchewan Walk Trade War Tightrope
With the Canada-U.S. trade war escalating again (and Saskatchewan imposing a 50% tariff on American alcohol), farmers on the Prairies are once again caught in the middle of a very complicated economic relationship with our biggest customer. Alberta premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe say oil, gas, and potash are not on the table as bargaining chips. Is it a defensible or anti
Canada Hits Back: $28B in U.S. Goods Tariffed // Remembering Dolly Parton
Canada is hitting back at Donald Trump with $27.6 billion worth of tariffs on American goods, but will the counter-punch actually change Washington’s approach or just make a bad trade war worse? Rob Breakenridge joins in our feature interview (4:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to unpack Canada’s strategy, who ultimately pays the price, and what comes next in this increasingly bitter f
Stephen Maher on Carney's FAFO Moment
The temperature's turned up at the Canada-U.S. border, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls President Donald Trump a "loser" and tells him to “kiss (his) ass.” With the trade war getting increasingly personal, we talk to journalist Stephen Maher about his feature "Carney's FAFO Moment" in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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Canada "Going to War" with the U.S.
"You're at war when you get attacked. We were attacked." That from Prime Minister Mark Carney after negotiations collapse between Canada and the U.S. The two nations are now staring down a full-blown trade war, with 50 per cent tariffs, retaliation, and a whole lot of uncertainty on the table. Supriya Dwivedi joins in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to unpack what ha
"I'm Alberta-Born & VERY Familiar With Hate Speech"
Optimus says Alberta police chiefs need to stand up for themselves; Fat Dave, Brent, and Sean have lots to say about our August 12 hate speech/hate crimes episode; and James is thinking long-term on AI data centres. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Ten Years Since the Concert That United Canada
Ten years ago, nearly twelve million people tuned in across Canada for the Tragically Hip's final concert at the Rogers K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario. In a special episode of the show, we celebrate the tour that brought a nation together, that historic night that remains one of the most unforgettable moments in Canadian history, and Gord Downie's enduring legacy nine years a
Deal or No Deal? // Edmonton Marathon Debacle
Donald Trump says Canada and the U.S. have a deal, but Mark Carney says there’s still work to do as a three-day pause buys negotiators more time. What’s actually on the table, what hangs in the balance, and could Canada emerge stronger (or weaker) from the next round of talks? We check in with former Poilievre senior staffer Ben Woodfinden and former Morneau senior staffer Sharan Kaur in our featu
Why the World Is Watching Edmonton // "Freedom vs. Security"
The world's best women golfers are in Alberta's capital for the CPKC Women's Open. Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship won't just wow golf fans from across the country and showcase Edmonton's Royal Mayfair Golf Club - it'll have a huge impact on the Stollery Children's Hospital's billion dollar fundraising campaign. We tee up the big tourney with Stollery CEO Karen Faulkner, CPKC's Vi
Trump Tariffs: Does Canada Need to Toughen Up?
A couple of days out from another deadline, Canada is facing a new round of pressure from Donald Trump, with key sectors pushing for relief from U.S. tariffs. Is Mark Carney taking the right approach or does Canada need to toughen up and take a harder line with Trump? We get into it with Supriya Dwivedi in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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"Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"
Real Talkers Optimus, Wayne, and Rob C. are fired up over Premier Danielle Smith chastising Edmonton Police, Leslie's fighting for small family farms, and Cyrus says Canada needs to go nuclear. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Caylan Ford: Politics, Media, and a $7.65M Lawsuit
Caylan Ford was a rising political candidate in Alberta in 2019. The UCP nominee was running under new leader Jason Kenney in Calgary-Mountain View and was considered a serious contender. Then, about a month before Alberta's election, PressProgress published excerpts from private Facebook conversations Ford had nearly two years earlier. The story accused her of expressing sympathy for white suprem
The Fight For A Vibrant Downtown
Downtowns are booming across Canada. Except for Alberta's capital city, that is. Why is Edmonton's core unable to attract and tap into the same energy enjoyed in so many other urban centres? We hit the issues (and solutions) head on with three people who truly "give a shit" - Jay Downton, Cheryll Watson, and JoAnne Pearce - in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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Is Hate Speech "Free Speech" in Alberta?
A bit of a wild situation in Alberta, as Premier Danielle Smith and her Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis clap back at an Edmonton Police campaign encouraging citizens to report hate speech and hate crimes. "We believe law enforcement should...not police opinions or 'hurt feelings,'" tweeted Minister Ellis in response to the EPS initiative. Meantime, StatsCan says hate crimes are up in Alberta yea
B.C. is Burning. Can We Stop This?
More than 90 active wildfires are burning across British Columbia, with tens of thousands forced from their homes (many of which are destroyed). It's prompted a province-wide state of emergency, yet B.C.'s not alone. More than 300 wildfires are active across Canada as we record this conversation with award-winning environmental journalist Arno Kopecky (3:00), who lays out the reality of the situat
Should Canada Lift its Ban on American Booze?
Should Canada lift its restrictions on American alcohol as part of a deal with the Trump administration? Jespo and Supriya Dwivedi break down the latest polling, provincial implications, the trade-off facing Ottawa (and whether giving Washington what it wants could actually be worth it) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (3:00).
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"The UCP's double standard needs to be called out!"
Don calls out Jespo's flippant comment about separatists claiming the "old" Canada flag, Joe from Alliston calls out Danielle Smith's interference, Mr. T argues there's a double standard in Alberta, Ryan sticks up for the Ag industry, Claire says big corporations are killing local Ag producers, and Mark riffs on our August 6 interview about the Vulcan County AI data centre. It's The Flamethrower p
Who's Causing the Strikes?
What if business and labour actually agree on more than they admit? Following our August 5 conversation with Edmonton Chamber CEO Doug Griffiths, Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan weighs in on the "Norway model" a system where business, labour, and government work together to minimize work stoppages while protecting collective bargaining. Gil pushes back where it counts, but winds
Rural Revolt Over AI Data Centre
Vulcan County residents are taking their Council to court, alleging rules were broken with the approval of a controversial AI data centre to be constructed on 600 acres of farm land. Little Bow AI Data Centre Committee members Sylvia Farrant and David Anderson lay out their argument in our feature interview (3:15) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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WestJet Strike Sparks Bigger Warning // Regina Call to Prayer
WestJet and its flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement, with flights beginning to resume and thousands of disrupted travellers hoping to get home soon. But the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce says the bigger issue isn't over, and CEO Doug Griffiths joins us in our feature interview (3:50) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to explain why Canada needs to treat reliable transportati
Is Flying the Alberta Flag Bad for Business?
The union representing 32,000 Alberta grocery workers has filed a grievance against Sobeys, arguing the grocery chain's use of Alberta flags to promote locally made products is "reckless and inappropriate" amid the province's separatist movement. Jespo says they might as well fly a white flag instead, and digs into the debate with Supriya Dwivedi (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Merced
"It's Not About Pancakes: It's About Policies!"
Crazy Fast Eddy takes toilet talk to a whole new level with his climate change commentary, Sheldon D has questions about that $13B AI data centre, Gail says people are missing the point about the "Fuck Your Fascist Pancakes" movement, Tyler's got thoughts on our July 23 AI interview, AJ's sick of selfish hikers, and Neil's looking for balance on "restaurants closing" coverage in Edmonton. It's The
Heartbreaking Discovery in Calgary // Animal Rights Unravelling
For nearly two weeks, thousands of Calgarians joined the search for Parker Wells. Millions of Canadians hoped and prayed the missing 11-year-old would be discovered alive and well. That hope was shattered when police confirmed Parker's body had been found. Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas joins us (7:25) to reflect on the tragedy that gripped the city, the extraordinary community response, and what's n
Forever Canadian: A Status Update
Three months out from Alberta's referendum, the campaign to keep the province in Canada is shifting into high gear. Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk joins us in the Real Talk studio (3:00) before taking the Unity Bus back on the road. He explains why his organization isn't taking a position on Premier Danielle Smith's separation question. We also dig into concerns about foreign interferenc
Lynda Steele on AI, Climate, Trump, and "Elbows Up"
Alberta separation. "Elbows Up". Wildfires and climate change. AI data centres. Media layoffs. Veteran broadcaster (now podcaster) Lynda Steele (3:45) gets into it all in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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Bridge Over Troubled Border
Did Canada strike a smart deal with the U.S. over the Gordie Howe International Bridge, or give away too much? Supriya Dwivedi joins Jespo (3:00) to unpack the conflicting claims from Donald Trump and Mark Carney, and what the dispute reveals about the future of Canada-U.S. relations, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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"I support MAGA: Make America Go Away!"
It's an all-Ambassador edition of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers James from Ontario, Fat Dave, Julie, Anne, Joe from Alliston formerly Airdrie, Robert, and Keith sound off on our July 20 interview with Pete Hoekstra. The Flamethrower is proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park.
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Treaty Rights vs. Alberta Separation // Photo Radar Debate
As Alberta's independence referendum nears, there's a fundamental question most separatists (and arguably the provincial government) hasn't answered: what about First Nations' treaty rights? As a group of First Nations chiefs calls for an RCMP investigation into allegations of treason involving Danielle Smith, warning they're prepared to physically resist a separation referendum, journalist Brandi
Pushback on Return to Office // AI-Proof Your Career
The workplace is changing fast, and we're digging into it from two very different perspectives. First, we revisit the debate over Return to Office mandates (10:30) following our July 22 conversation on downtown vibrancy. Then, AI educator Ruth Orekogbe explains the skills and mindset that can help future-proof your career in the age of artificial intelligence.
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What's Killing Edmonton's Restaurants? // Canadian Stocks Are Booming
At least 15 Edmonton restaurants have closed in 2026 alone. What's going on? Restauranteurs Kristina Botelho (kb&co), Chris Decock (GRETA), and Nate Box (Fox Burger, District) give us the lay of the land in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
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Trump Slams Canada With 50% Tariffs
Donald Trump is threatening Canada with 50% tariffs, citing "discriminatory trade policies" on American booze, dairy, and automobiles. How should Canada respond? Is this just another negotiation tactic by an erratic U.S. President, or further degradation of the Canada-U.S. relationship? We get into it with political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt (3:45) and Bianca Parsons of the Alberta Food Processors
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra
Canada's relationship with the United States is being tested like never before. Trade tensions, tariffs, defence spending, Arctic security, energy, and the rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C. have left many Canadians asking what comes next. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Canada-U.S. relationship in an exclusive interview
Albertans Push Back on UCP Bike Lane Survey
Janice and David say the UCP needs to stay in its lane on bike infrastructure; Robert backs anti-SLAPP legislation in Alberta; Gerald says Meta's $13B data centre could come with a cost nobody's talking about. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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Alberta's War on Bike Lanes // RELENTLESS Round Table
Hate bike lanes? You'll love what the Alberta government just rolled out: a web portal for people to complain about the bike lanes they loathe the most. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen says the next step will be legislation allowing the province to intervene in municipal decisions on bike lanes and other transportation planning. Whatever happened to government staying in its lane?
THIS EPI
Speak Out. Get Sued? Why Alberta Needs Anti-SLAPP Legislation.
Are powerful interests using lawsuits to silence criticism? Investigative journalist Luke LeBrun joins Ryan (3:30) to explain why a broad coalition (including Real Talk's parent company Relay) is calling on Alberta to adopt anti-SLAPP legislation, and what it could mean for journalists, advocates, businesses, and everyday Albertans who speak out on issues of public interest. Feature interviews on
The Arctic Needs Defending. Canada Isn’t Ready.
Canada's Arctic is emerging as one of the world's most strategically important regions, but is Canada prepared to defend it? Maclean's contributor Anne Shibata Casselman joins us (3:30) to explore the growing threats from Russia and China, why Arctic sovereignty is about much more than military spending, and what Canada must do to secure its North for generations to come. Feature interviews on Rea
Court Freezes Assets of Separatist Lawyer Jeff Rath // Min. Eleanor Olszewski
An Alberta judge has frozen more than $8.5 million in assets linked to one of Alberta's most prominent separatist advocates, lawyer Jeffrey Rath, amid allegations by Tallcree First Nation over the handling of trust funds. Rath denies the allegations, but the case raises serious questions about credibility, accountability, and whether the people asking Albertans to trust them with the province's fu
Road Trip Recap // Sen. Lindsey Graham Dead at 71
The inaugural Real Talk Road Trip is in the books - we recap the highs and lows of Stampede 2026 with Supriya Dwivedi (3:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. We cover American influence in the Alberta separation debate (20:00), Justin Trudeau dancing in a Katy Perry video (36:00), Senator Lindsey Graham's sudden death (49:15), an update on Senator Mitch McConnell
Quick Dick McDick's Stampede Best & Worst Dressed
Our pal Quick Dick McDick presents his Calgary Stampede 2026 Best & Worst Dressed in a special edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park.
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