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 (1:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

40:00 | Supriya Dwivedi joins Jespo to debrief after the Hoekstra interview. Real Talkers have their say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power.

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email [email protected]

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.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.

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!

THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ 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.

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 EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/.

1:30 | Jespo leads off with a few thoughts on the bike lane snitch line, and Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.

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TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email [email protected]

45:00 | YOUCAN's RELENTLESS program provides life saving supports for youth aged 12-17 navigating trauma, abuse, chronic housing and food insecurity, and other huge challenges. Recent funding cuts are putting the program at risk, and the consequences could be dire. RELENTLESS outreach workers Masoka Ekangyela, Jon Bennett, and Paul Matras get into it in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

SUPPORT YOUCAN's RELENTLESS PROGRAM: https://www.youcan.ca/

Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

1:29:00 | 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! 

THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.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.

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 Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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-edmontonwes...

READ THE OPEN LETTER: https://caj.ca/journalists-academics-and-civil-society-groups-endorse-call-for-anti-slapp-legislation-to-protect-free-and-democratic-speech-in-alberta/

44:00 | Real Talker Mark Dorin is staring down a $700,000 lawsuit after calling out an oil company on our show back in March. Jespo reads Mark's email to [email protected]. 

MARK'S MARCH 18, 2026 INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/0318126MD

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REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.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.

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 Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/

READ ANNE'S PIECE in MACLEAN'S: https://macleans.ca/longforms/the-arctic-needs-defending-canada-isnt-ready/

WATCH OUR JORDIN TOOTOO INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/101124Tootoo

ANNE'S INTERVIEW on CANADA in 2060: https://rtrj.info/090523Anne

1:08:00 | It's bear season in Jasper! We've got tips for the best (and safest) ways to observe these magnificent animals in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.

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

1:15:00 | Real Talkers respond to Anne's interview in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo has an announcement about the possible return of aerial mosquito assault tactics. Johnny confesses he doesn't believe in aliens. Do 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.

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 future have earned that trust. Jespo opens this episode with a few thoughts. What do YOU think? Leave a comment below or email [email protected]. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/.

16:30 | The Gordie Howe International Bridge will open before August 1. Jasper's getting a $500M boost as rebuilding efforts continue. Wildfires continue to impact many communities across Canada. We get into it all with Minister Eleanor Olszewski in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

32:00 | Jespo and Johnny dive into our Live Chat powered by Park Power for response to the Jeff Rath story, mosquito repellent recommendations, and Real Talkers' thoughts on public art.

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen

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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.

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 (59:00), and the deal to (finally) open the Gordie Howe bridge (1:09:30).

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

SUPRIYA's TVO FEATURE: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-is-alberta-separatism-entirely-made-in-canada

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:27:15 | Real Talker Dallas checks in from Chetwynd, B.C. with this week's Positive Reflection - a note about our Real Talk Road Trip: Calgary. Positive Reflections is proudly presented by our friends at Kuby Energy. 

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

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REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

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FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen

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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.

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.

THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ 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

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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.

A looming referendum, new pipeline proposals, a $13B AI data centre announcement...it's been a big Calgary Stampede for Premier Danielle Smith. We get into it all (2:10) in an exclusive interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

REAL TALK ROAD TRIP: CALGARY IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FRIENDS AT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE: https://www.studiobell.ca/

35:30 | Jespo, Johnny, and our Real Talk Road Trip media manager Karly Watson debrief after the Smith interview and see what Real Talkers are saying in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Tell us what you think about the AI data centre discussion: [email protected] or leave a comment here.

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/

1:37:00 | 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. 

THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen

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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.

Meta's historic $13 billion AI data centre announcement - the largest private-sector technology project in Alberta's history - has people talking about jobs, investment, and economic diversification. It's also prompting tough questions about its massive electricity demand and water use. Former premier Alison Redford (3:15) and Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw (36:10) join us to unpack what it could mean for Alberta's economy, energy sector, and global reputation. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/

REAL TALK FEATURE INTERVIEWS ARE PRESENTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

THE ALEX COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE: https://www.thealex.ca/

1:03:40 | Real Talker Candace celebrates The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 

AS THE EXCLUSIVE BETTING PARTNER OF THE CALGARY STAMPEDE, PLAY ALBERTA HAS PLENTY OF FUN SURPRISES IN STORE. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE ACTIVATION TEAM FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, USE YOUR GAMESENSE. LEARN MORE AT playalberta.ca/realtalk

1:06:30 | Singer-songwriter (and Jespo's longtime pal) JJ Shiplett tells us about his new album and documentary project All My Money on Red. Don't miss his performance of A Land Full of Giants (1:29:00)! 

JOIN JJ'S RECORD CLUB: https://www.jjshiplett.com/

REAL TALK ROAD TRIP: CALGARY IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FRIENDS AT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE: https://www.studiobell.ca/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

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.