Stampede Politics and a “National Betrayal”

The Calgary Stampede has long been a must-attend event for industry and political movers and shakers, but the vibe's been different this year...in a good way. Longtime Alberta MLA and former Minister Leela Aheer gives us a first-hand report (3:00) on the what and why, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  27:00 | Did Alberta and Ontario just "betray" the rest of the country with their agreement to explore new energy expansion opportunities? Energi Media's Markham Hislop says yes. He explains why.  SUBSCRIBE to ENERGI MEDIA on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@EnergiMedia CHECK OUT JESPO on MARKHAM'S SHOW: https://youtu.be/Ujv1LHFKBLY?si=bmXJXQQSV33wmo8O 49:30 | Friend of the show Wyatt Sharpe checks in from Tampa, FL in between interviews on his show with an update on Canada/U.S. negotiations.  CHECK OUT WYATT'S SHOW: https://www.thenewsforum.ca/series/forumfocus 1:03:00 | Jespo and Johnny get into the top news headlines, including US lawmakers calling out Canada for wildfire smoke exports, and the devastating Texas floods. Real Talkers respond to our interview with Bonnie Critchley (1:39:00), the independent candidate looking to take down Pierre Poilievre in Battle River-Crowfoot. We dig into a scathing indictment of Edmonton mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell's handling of the zoning controversy (1:49:00).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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.

Who the heck is Bonnie Critchley? In this episode, you'll meet the military trailblazer (2:00) who's aiming to take down Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection on August 18. She may not be the odds-on favourite, but Critchley lays out a few reasons why voters in one of Canada's safest Conservative ridings should vote against their party.  CONNECT WITH BONNIE'S CAMPAIGN: https://www.bonniecritchleyindependent.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  39:00 | Jeff Davison's taking another shot. The former Calgary councillor tells us why he's running for Mayor again (after losing in 2021), and why he thinks "Calgary is in trouble".  CONNECT WITH JEFF'S CAMPAIGN: https://www.jeffdavisonyyc.com/ 1:03:00 | Don't let a little drizzle dampen your spirits next time you're in Jasper! We've got a list of our favourite rainy day activities for this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:16:00 | Pierre Poilievre's gripping his saddle the wrong way. Mark Carney can't flip a pancake. Is any politician safe at the Calgary Stampede? Jespo and Johnny chat about a (gentle) attack on Twitter, and debate the pros and cons of Tim Cartmell's absence from a critical Edmonton Council vote.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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.

Will Elon Musk actually move the US away from a two-party system with his America Party (26:30)? Is the Electric Vehicle market losing momentum (32:30)? Is Pierre Poilievre trending even further in the wrong direction (45:40)? We talk to National Observer lead columnist Max Fawcett about the stories leading the headlines.  6:40 | But first...did you see the story about four men charged with terrorism offences in Quebec? Is there a bigger problem percolating in the Canadian Forces?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  51:30 | By all reports, it's been a successful Calgary Stampede for Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. What can we read into that re: the province working with Mark Carney's federal Liberal government? And what's most significant about Ottawa's $21.5M investment in carbon capture (1:07:30)? Max, former editor of Alberta Oil magazine, shares his thoughts.  1:13:00 | Jespo and Johnny debate the future of EVs, with a ton of takes from the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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 committed to increasing its military investment to 5% of GDP. That won't come without some tough decisions (that will undoubtedly affect everyday Canadians). Economist Todd Hirsch lays it out (8:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  READ TODD'S OP/ED: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-to-up-defence-spending-canada-must-cut-deeper-tax-harder-and-borrow/ BOOK TODD: https://toddhirsch.com/ MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 48:00 | "F*ck you, Jo-Anne Wright!" Everybody's talking about Edmonton councillor Sarah Hamilton's outburst at City Hall. Jespo shares some insights from Hamilton herself, and we look to our Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:11:00 | Real Talker Gillian shares her thoughts on transgender athletes competing in women's sport, prompted by the Lia Thomas story.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:20:00 | Real Talker Pilot One shares their Positive Reflection: Ten Things that are Important in Life. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by Solar by Kuby. 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.

Chantal's pissed off about Airdrie's Canada Day parade, Wes has NO time for a Progressive Conservative revival (or EVs), Blahsheep's keen on Danielle Smith's Alberta Sheriffs - TSM feels differently, Les is less than subtle about the UCP, Patrick says we need to pay more attention to Quebec, and Krista has a (hilarious) Fourth of July message for our American neighbours. 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, and 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 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 Fourth of July feels different, doesn't it? As President Donald Trump reignites his trade war with Canada, we check in with a special guest south of the border (3:45) who reminds us there's lots of goodwill yet to spend between the two nations.  CHECK OUT PKJ ENTERTAINMENT MARKETING: https://www.pkjentertainment.com/ 49:15 | Jespo and Johnny tell a few stories from the Glendale Ladies Member Guest tournament in support of Uncles & Aunts at Large. Real Talker Karen gives us a first hand report of what's slowing residential rebuilds in Jasper (56:00). We check out AOC's fiery rant about Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" (1:06:40), and we revisit Danielle Smith's response to the relaunch of the Progressive Conservative party in Alberta (1:18:00).  1:27:00 | Chantal's pissed off about Airdrie's Canada Day parade, Wes has NO time for a Progressive Conservative revival (or EVs), Blahsheep's keen on Danielle Smith's Alberta Sheriffs - TSM feels differently, Les is less than subtle about the UCP, Patrick says we need to pay more attention to Quebec, and Krista has a (hilarious) Fourth of July message for our American neighbours. 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, and 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.

Can the rising-from-the-ashes Progressive Conservatives interrupt Danielle Smith's tenure as Alberta's premier (11:00)? Will a new provincial police service outperform the RCMP (41:00)? And why did renowned economist Dr. Trevor Tombe agree to participate in Premier Smith's Alberta Next "propaganda stunt" (54:00)? We get answers to these questions from veteran political commentator Graham Thomson in this epiosde of Real Talk.  READ GRAHAM in THE TYEE: https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025/07/03/Why-Join-Danielle-Smith-Alberta-Next/ 1:00 | But first...Ryan recaps our July 2 exclusive with Pete Guthrie and Scott Sinclair, including your comments on YouTube and emails to [email protected].  WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/070225PC 1:06:00 | Johnny Infamous is in the spotlight! We take a look at the newest edition of Edify featuring Real Talk's very own intrepid producer.  CHECK IT OUT: https://edifyedmonton.com/people/profiles/favourite-things-edmonton-2025-part-2/ 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.

Ousted (former) UCP MLAs Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair are reviving the PC Party of Alberta, saying they'll restore "balance and normalcy" to politics in the province. In a Real Talk exclusive, we find out why they're doing it, and how they intend to dethrone Danielle Smith's UCP (2:30).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  May 22 LUKASZUK INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/052225CanadaForever 1:07:00 | Rest in Peace, Jodi Broadhead. Ryan remembers a friend of the show who died under tragic circumstances on June 21.  1:10:40 | The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge's world-class golf course is officially open, celebrating 100 years! Plus, the (beautiful) Ursidae Lair Scotch tasting lounge has specials through the summer. We've got details in MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. BOOK JPL GOLF: https://www.jaspermountaingolf.com/ RESERVE A TABLE at URSIDAE LAIR: https://ursidaelair.com/ 1:15:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on PC 2.0, take a look at the University of Pennsylvania/Lia Thomas story (1:26:30), Paramount's settlement with Donald Trump (1:28:55), and the Diddy verdict (1:31:00).  1:50:50 | We hope you had a fantastic Canada Day. Jespo highlights a fireworks capture on one of his favourite Instagram accounts for Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. FOLLOW SAMEER on IG: https://www.instagram.com/sameer.pictures/ 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 Talkers Rosie and Cactus Sheriff are fired up over the UCP's library book distraction, while Jennifer and AJ trade barbs after our Don Iveson interview. David, Eddie the Valiant, and Thera-P share their hot takes on residential infill. 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, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 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.

Elected Ontario school board councillor Catherine Kronas has been suspended for speaking out against land acknowledgements. She's mounting a legal challenge - does she have a case? We put that story (2:00) in front of our Real Talk Round Table panelists right out of the gates as we recognize National Indigenous History Month. Stick around to hear how Matricia Bauer (Warrior Women),  Keith Diakiw (Talking Rock Tours), and Kendra Dudzic (The Woods Experience) are preserving and amplifying Indigenous history through tourism.  WARRIOR WOMEN: https://warriorwomen.ca/ TALKING ROCK TOURS: https://www.talkingrocktours.com/ THE WOODS EXPERIENCE: https://atthewoods.ca/ 50:00 | Real Talkers are coming at the residential infill issue from a ton of different directions. Ryan reads a bunch of feedback from our email inbox (Kaila and Kyle), YouTube episode, and Instagram Reel (@RealTalkRJ). Stick around to hear why Jespo spoke to Edmonton city councillors at a public hearing on the Capital City Community Revitalization Levy (CRL).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:29:00 | Real Talkers Rosie and Cactus Sheriff are fired up over the UCP's library book distraction, while Jennifer and AJ trade barbs after our Don Iveson interview. David, Eddie the Valiant, and Thera-P share their hot takes on residential infill. 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, and 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.