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Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna faces a felony assault charge following an altercation at a Pennsylvania bar. Rumour is the 18-year-old McKenna and his Mom were repeatedly harassed by the 21-year-old who reportedly wound up with a broken jaw. What would you do in a situation like this? We debate the merits of defending your family or walking away (1:10:30) in this very candid episode of Real Talk.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email [email protected]  But first... 5:00 | We check in on Jasper's fire rebuild with Edmonton MP Eleanor Olszewski, the Liberals' new Ministerial Lead for Jasper. Of course, we ask what she thinks about Consevative MP Jamil Jivani's trip to D.C. to meet with the Trump administration, too. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz 38:00 | Will you be tuning into the Olympic Winter Games? Would you like to see Canada host the Games again? We get into Liaison Strategies' new polling ahead of the Opening Ceremony for Milan Cortina.  CHECK OUT THE RESULTS: https://www.liaison.ca/polls/canadians-love-their-hockey-but-not-enough-to-foot-the-bill-for-a-future-olympics 55:00 | Real Talkers give us their cost-benefit analysis around hosting the Olympics in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:06:00 | We focus (get it?) on Alberta photographers taking top honours in Canadian Geographic's Canadian Photos of the Year in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR WITH PLAY ALBERTA, AND ALL REVENUE STAYS RIGHT HERE IN THE PROVINCE. DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. https://playalberta.ca/ 1:10:30 | What would you do if somebody hurled insults at your Mom or another beloved family member? We dig into the rumours around Gavin McKenna's felony assault charge in Pennsylvania.  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Should Canada expand its military arsenal to include nuclear weapons? Retired general Wayne Eyre says it should be an option, but Defence Minister David McGuinty says it's not. We ask columnist Tasha Kheiriddin (3:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Tasha also explains why Pierre Poilievre needs to talk more about Donald Trump, and gives us her take on Stephen Harper's portrait unveiling in Ottawa. (Enjoy the very beginning of the interview, as Jespo learns a tough lesson about leaning on AI for simple yet important tasks.) THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/ CHECK OUT TASHA'S SUBSTACK: https://tashakheiriddin.substack.com/ 47:00 | Are The Beatles the most overrated band in the world? Johnny lays out his argument, prompting a vigorous debate in our Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 57:00 | Looking to WOW your valentine? Head to the most romantic spot in Canada - Jasper National Park! Real Talker Claudette paints a picture, then Jespo highlights your best Valentine's Day options in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  PLAN YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:06:30 | Debate continues in our Live Chat around overrated bands and Canada going nuclear. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 1:12:45 | Did you hear what Melinda French Gates had to say about her ex-husband Bill and the Epstein files? We have a look at her appearance on an NPR podcast that has everybody talking, along with a remarkable exchange at the White House between President Trump and CNN's Kaitlan Collins.  1:38:15 | Our thoughts are with the many friends and family mourning the loss of teens JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Caden Fine, the Southern Alberta Mustangs hockey players killed in a crash on their way to practice.  BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Canada's Conservatives opened up their playbook at the party's annual Convention in Calgary, laying out plans to quell the housing crunch and defend Arctic sovereignty. Is PM Mark Carney particularly vulnerable on these files? Can Pierre Poilievre convince voters he's a better man for the job? Former UCP senior staffer Colin Aitchison was in the room for Poilievre's speech, and delivers his analysis in our feature interview (4:45) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz 48:15 | Real Talk is proud to support Heart Month at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. In this edition of Echoes of the Alex, we hear Otto's story - diagnosed with a serious heart defect in utero, the now-nine year old is alive and well thanks to specialized cardiac care at "The Alex".  SUPPORT LIVE-SAVING CARDIAC CARE at the CK HUI HEART CENTRE: https://www.royalalex.org/heartmonth 51:55 | The visitor economy is vital to the growth of any region. Chris Yeung joins us from Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels as nominations open for the Edmonton Tourism Awards.  NOMINATE AN EXCEPTIONAL PERSON, BUSINESS, or EXPERIENCE: https://edmontontourismawards.com/ 1:20:15 | Real Talkers Edna and Jerry respond to our January 22 interview about ER wait times with Dr. Paul Parks.  WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/012226Parksy SHARE YOUR STORY: [email protected] (or leave a comment below!) FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Pierre Poilievre walks away from a big weekend in Calgary with a significant boost, scoring 87.4% in his leadership review at Conservative Convention 2026. Poll analyst Philippe Fournier was there as an objective observer, and joins Ryan and Supriya with a full report (4:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  338CANADA: https://www.338canada.ca/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 45:30 | We're proud to support the Stollery Children's Hospital's No Bounds campaign, aiming to raise a BILLION dollars to build a new children's hospital in Edmonton. Stollery CEO Karen Faulkner and board chair Kevin McKee join "medical mom" Jodi Richardson and her incredibly brave daughter Emmy in the Real Talk studio as we learn more about why the new hospital is so desperately needed.  SUPPORT the NO BOUNDS CAMPAIGN: https://www.stollerynobounds.com/ 1:17:45 | A huge thank you to everybody who supported the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! We recap the highlights of a perfect Saturday in St. Albert courtesy photographer Karly Watson and videographer Brian "Noob" Schonewille.  1:26:20 | Podcast subscribers - did you check out the bonus episode we released on February 1? Relay (Real Talk's parent company) is producing an eight-episode feature series for the Alberta Federation of Labour. You can read more about the Worker Agenda here: https://workeragenda.ca/ 1:32:20 | Real Talker Rachelle has us smiling from ear to ear with her video of "the happiest of all the disappointed Denver Broncos fans". No matter which NFL team you cheer for, we guarantee wee Wyatt's expression will make your day! Positive Reflections is proudly presented by Solar by Kuby. SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] BOOK A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour. Episode 1 of the Worker Agenda looks at AFFORDABILITY. Everything is getting more expensive. The dream of a secure, middle-class life is slipping away, especially for young people. Gil McGowan and Cori Longo of the AFL join Omar Mouallem to discuss what can be done to make life more affordable for Albertans. Follow the Worker Agenda at: https://workeragenda.ca/ Ask your MLA to make the Worker Agenda THE Agenda for the province https://workeragenda.ca/get-involved/ Follow AFL Media: https://www.youtube.com/@ABFedLabour/videos Follow AFL on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABFedLabour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abfedlabour/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ABFedLabour LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-federation-of-labour/ Follow the AFL and sign up for AFL News: https://afl.org/

Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes to disability benefits in Alberta; and Melvin has a geography lesson for Jespo. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Canada's premiers are calling out Alberta separatists en masse. BC's David Eby's calling it "treason". This, as American officials are (reportedly) meeting with an unelected, unofficial, and unserious delegation led by lawyer Jeff Rath. We get into it - along with the Canada-US relationship, the Canada-China trade deal, and the contentious F-35 fighter jet order - with longtime politician, diplomat, and CEO of the Canada West Foundation Gary Mar (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/ 45:00 | Heated Rivalry is now Crave's all-time most-watched series. Prime Minister Mark Carney just appeared with one of the show's stars - Hudson Williams - on a red carpet in Ottawa. More people than ever before are talking about LGBTQ2S+ inclusion in sport. This, as Edmonton-designed Pride Tape celebrates its ten year anniversary. Pride Tape co-founders Senator Kristopher Wells and Jeff McLean join our Real Talk Round Table to discuss.  TELL US YOUR STORY: [email protected]  PRIDE TAPE: https://pridetape.com/ SILENT AUCTION LINK for SIX CLUB TICKETS to OILERS/WILD on JAN. 31: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/135812/auctions/195160/auction_items/6707590 1:47:00 | Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes to disability benefits in Alberta; and Melvin has a geography lesson for Jespo. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

There's little doubt Pierre Poilievre will survive his leadership review at Conservative Convention in Calgary. The question is, what tone will he set, how will he manage Trump supporters and Alberta separatists, and which direction will the party adopt moving forward? Podcaster and former (United) Conservative staffer Erika Barootes talks it out from Calgary (3:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. 41:20 | We dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power for your takes on Conservative Convention 2026.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 47:10 | Albertans are rallying around former Jasper resident "Vrato" Durech, who's lucky to be alive after falling 40 metres while ice climbing in Colorado. In this week's "Alberta Wins" presented by Play Alberta, we celebrate the community spirit behind a GoFundMe to cover emergency medical air transport to bring Vrato home.  GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-bring-vratislav-home-for-ongoing-medical-care THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR WITH PLAY ALBERTA, AND ALL REVENUE STAYS RIGHT HERE IN THE PROVINCE. DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. https://playalberta.ca/ 54:00 | Real Talkers have a LOT to say about Alberta axing disability supports. Shyla, Wendy, and Amanda share their families' stories in response to our Real Talk Round Table on the shift from ADAP to AISH.  TELL US YOUR STORY: [email protected] WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/012826ADAP 1:12:30 | Looking for club seats to the Edmonton Oilers/Minnesota Wild game on Saturday, January 31? We've got six up for auction in support of the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! Auction closes January 31 at 2pm MT.  ENTER YOUR BID: https://www.32auctions.com/RTPondHock... FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Alberta's rolling back benefits for nearly 80,000 people with disabilities with its new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). Amidst steep cost of living increases, benefits are being cut by 10% alongside a 67% cut to fully-exempt employment income. We talk to Inclusion Alberta CEO Trish Bowman and Real Talker Averie, an advocate for adults with mental illness, in our feature interview (4:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. SHARE YOUR STORY: [email protected]  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ INCLUSION ALBERTA: https://inclusionalberta.org/adap-facts-and-take-action/ ADAP: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program 47:00 | Get your neon ski suits out of storage - it's Retro Day in Jasper on January 31! We've got details in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  JASPER in JANUARY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/ MARMOT BASIN: https://www.skimarmot.com/ 52:15 | The Bank of Canada maintains the key interest rate at 2.25%. Premiers in Saskatchewan and Ontario have very different takes on Mark Carney's deal with China. Alberta separatists are ramping up efforts around their petition. What does it all mean for Alberta businesses? Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce, has her Eye on Alberta Business.  CONNECT with ACC: https://www.abchamber.ca/ TAKE THE HOT BUTTON ISSUE SURVEY: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_0GOnjhL52yHpCm2 1:19:20 | Real Talkers have a lot to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:52:15 | We're auctioning off six club tickets to the Oilers game vs. the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, January 31 along with (optional) Golden Bus transportation from Central Social Hall St. Albert to Rogers Place that evening. All proceeds from this amazing auction item generously donated by Play Alberta will go toward the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic's fundraising for KidSport and Uncles and Aunts at Large.  ENTER YOUR BID: https://www.32auctions.com/RTPondHockey2026 FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Canadians are waiting way too long in emergency rooms. Dr. Andrew Boozary, executive director at the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at Toronto's University Health Network and founder of Dunn House, explains how they've cut ER visits by 52% and length of stays by 79% (5:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  Stick around for former Jason Kenney staffer Blaise Boehmer's behind-the-scenes story (42:00) of the then-Alberta premier introducing recall legislation (and why Blaise thought it was a mistake from the start).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ MORE on DUNN HOUSE: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/building-affordable-homes/housing-initiatives/supportive-housing-developments/90-dunn-ave/ CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW on BRIDGE HEALING at the ROYAL ALEX: https://rtrj.info/112825Bridge 1:17:00 | Are you an audiophile? Are you looking for the best bang-for-buck headphones on the market? Real Talker MetaModern tees up an interesting conversation. ($60,000 for headphones?!) 1:32:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to hear Cassandra's story of living on the edge of homelessness.  SHARE YOUR STORY: [email protected]  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

It's been a wild few days in the United States. Another U.S. citizen is dead at the hands of ICE agents, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is publicly endorsing Alberta separatism, and President Donald Trump is threatening 100% tariffs on Canada following PM Mark Carney's deal with China. We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi (3:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. 1:15:00 | Real Talkers share their family's rules on screen time, social media access, etc. in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: 1:32:30 | Real Talker Lisa in B.C. has this week's Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. We love to hear it - welcome to the family, Lisa!  SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected]  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the real world cost of Alberta separation talk, Gerald's torn on the "leaked classroom audio" story, and Watty's got a proposal for a PST in Alberta. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Alberta's two main parties - the UCP and NDP - are polling neck and neck. We dig into the new numbers with Liaison Strategies pollster David Valentin (3:00), before taking a look at updated federal numbers and a shocking reality around hospital emergency rooms across Canada. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/ LIAISON STRATEGIES: https://www.liaison.ca/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 42:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to see what you have to say about Liaison's polling numbers. We get into high-profile responses to PM Mark Carney's Davos speech (1:09:30) and President Donald Trump's inaccurate and offensive statement about NATO member nations. (Make sure you stick around for Jespo's poop analogy.) TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 2:05:00 | Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the real world cost of Alberta separation talk, Gerald's torn on the "leaked classroom audio" story, and Watty's got a proposal for a PST in Alberta. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]  WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Alberta emergency rooms are described as "death zones" in a shocking report leaked to Real Talk. Six deaths and a few dozen "critical near-misses" over a two week period are front and centre in our extended conversation with Dr. Paul Parks (4:00), a southern Alberta ER doc and past-president of the Alberta Medical Association. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ SHARE YOUR HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE: [email protected]  1:12:40 | Did you know Alberta's U18 boys AND girls football teams won national championships in overtime this past season? This incredible achievement is shared by Real Talker Johnny K for Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR WITH PLAY ALBERTA, AND ALL REVENUE STAYS RIGHT HERE IN THE PROVINCE. DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. https://playalberta.ca/ 1:15:50 | What are your early money memories? What are your family values around finances? Cary Williams from North Road Investment Counsel joins Ryan in our historic Mercer Warehouse studio with great insights for a new year. Let us know what you think about his comments on tightwads and spendthrifts - leave a reply below!  SNOWBIRDS! CHECK OUT NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL's MEXICO WORKSHOPS: https://www.northroadic.com/mxevents We've got room for ONE more team at the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on Saturday, January 31 in St. Albert!  SIGN UP TODAY: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

More than two dozen Alberta MLAs are facing recall petitions. Is this really the best way to hold politicians accountable? We ask AB Resistance founder Marg Tokar - a "lifelong Conservative" - why she's helping organize campaigns across the province (4:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. CHECK OUT AB RESISTANCE: https://abresistance.ca/ 1:10:00 | We dip into our Live Chat presented by Park Power to see what Real Talkers think about the recall process. (Not everybody agrees.) SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:26:30 | Did you hear what U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said about Canada's North? Or Greenlandic politician Tillie Martinussen's comment about American greed? How about Beijing's response to the "China threat" Trump's using to justify his position on Greenland? And then there's California Governor Gavin Newsom's rant at WEF meetings in Davos, Switzerland. We've got you covered.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.