Principal Ted Hutchings gives us an inside look at pandemic preparedness (and stress) in schools. Journalist Max Fawcett evaluates government responses to COVID-19, and maps out what Canada's middle class might look like post-pandemic. Conservative strategist Melissa Caouette outlines her research into the history (and future) of conservativism in Canada, the US, and the UK. And memorabilia expert Wayne Wagner explains why a 1979 Wayne Gretzky rookie card is expected to sell for $1M this week.

Jenny Adams pops in for a quick "Hey neighbour" chat about Santa visits during a pandemic. Artist Erin Ross details her recent fight with COVID-19. Former federal minister Amarjeet Sohi outlines the emotional toll of losing a loved one during a pandemic. And former Alberta deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk provides an inside perspective on government standing in the way of an investigation into the 2017 UCP leadership race.

Ryan rolls out the best rants of the week, as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up for another edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste.

Alberta's Opposition leader Rachel Notley chimes in on Alberta's rising COVID-19 cases, and the UCP government's plan to manage hospital capacity. Former Toronto talk host and lawyer Supriya Dwivedi, once a colleague of Ryan's, lays out why she resigned from one of Canada's most high-profile radio gigs.

We advance the conversation around drug legalization in Canada with "Maverick MP" Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. Dr. Tehseen Lada paints an unflinching picture of Alberta's COVID-crammed hospitals. And Dancing with the Stars champion Kaitlyn Bristowe, the pride of Leduc, AB, joins Ryan for an extended conversation about her exploding celebrity.

How do Edmonton, Portland, and Austin fit together? Catherine Warren, new CEO of Innovate Edmonton, lays out her take on the impact economy. Bitcoin Well CEO Adam O'Brien explains why cryptocurrency is seeing a big surge right now. Lawyer Kyla Lee and Families for Justice spokesperson Sheri Arsenault tackle Alberta's new drunk driving legislation.

Globe and Mail health journalist Andrea Woo outlines Vancouver's move to decriminalize drug possession. Drs. Elaine Hyshka and Hakique Virani broaden the conversation to include Canada's opioid crisis amid COVID-19, and the importance of keeping politics out of public health. Ryan's brother Kyle Jespersen wraps the conversation with an inside look at Vancouver's InSite supervised consumption site, where millions of visits (and zero deaths) have been recorded since 2003.

Dr. Ubaka Ogbogu and Corey Hogan debate the ethics of media leaks, and take on government bully tactics displayed by UCP staffers. World Sikh Organization VP Harman S. Kandola outlines the COVID impact on ethnic communities, and offers insight on farmer protests in India (and around the world).

Real Talk presents the inaugural edition of Trash Talk, presented by Local Waste. Every Friday at 10am, we'll read your best rants (on whatever), as submitted to [email protected]. Buckle up and enjoy! 

Senator Paula Simons on media leaks and federal COVID relief. Plus, our inaugural Real Talk Round Table featuring indie media voices Tomi Ajele, Jeremy Klaszus, and Derek Fildebrandt. And, the debut of Trash Talk!