Corb Lund & Alberta’s Coal Controversy

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.

Supriya Dwivedi says PM Mark Carney made a "rookie mistake" on India, and lays out her argument (36:00) along with her thoughts on Carney's "nation-building" Bill C-5 in this episode. But first, we follow up on the Alberta library book controversy (including public survey results) with Education Minister Dimitrios Nicolaides (2:45) and Laura Winton of the Library Association of Alberta (14:30).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  31:15 | THANK YOU, REAL TALKERS! Our fourth-annual Real Talk Golf Classic raised SIXTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship! Jespo shares memories and photos (by the incredible Karly Watson at kliquethis).  FOLLOW KARLY on IG: https://www.instagram.com/karlywatson 1:04:45 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the library book story, and hear from Real Talkers in our 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

Tim Cartmell wants to press pause infill development. The Edmonton mayor candidate says council has lost the public's trust, and it's time to re-evaluate how mature neighbourhoods are evolving. But what would a moratorium mean, big picture? Jespo gets into it right off the top of the show, and checks in with Real Talker Travis Watt (8:40), who says he's living an infill nightmare.  THOUGHTS? [email protected]  50:00 | Former Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer wants to be Edmonton's next mayor. Does he stand a chance?  56:00 | The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge golf course opens July 1! We feature Canada's #1 golf resort in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR TEE TIME at the FAIRMONT JPL: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/jasper/fairmont-jasper-park-lodge/golf.html 1:00:15 | What does it take to build a booming business these days? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing business in Alberta? We welcome Alberta Business Awards of Distinction winners Annie Zaidi (Tiny Toes Castle - Red Deer) and Ashley Fedorchuk (World Guardian Security Services), and Alberta Chambers CEO Shauna Feth to the Real Talk Round Table.  ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS of DISTINCTION: https://abbusinessawards.com/ 1:36:30 | Jespo and Johnny take a look at the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power, and discuss key elements to a healthy, growing city.  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.

Iran and Israel "don't know what the f*ck they're doing," says (an agitated) U.S. President Donald Trump, after the two nations violated what POTUS clearly believed to be a negotiated ceasefire. In this episode, political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt explains why the U.S. is stepping in (3:15), gauges the actual threat of Iranian nukes, and touches on economic implications for Canada. 24:30 | The Alberta NDP holds two ridings in Edmonton, the UCP holds a riding in central Alberta, and Naheed Nenshi finds his way into the Legislature. Duane gives us the takeaways from recent by-election results.  THOUGHTS? [email protected]  36:30 | Turns out you don't have to be worth a billion dollars to own downtown real estate. Former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson, engineer Tegan Martin-Drysdale, and entrepreneur Kyla Kazeil tell us how they intend to reinvent downtown revitalization with Homestead Investment Co-operative.  LEARN MORE: https://homesteadcowork.ca/ JUNE 25 OPEN HOUSE DETAILS: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/invest-in-downtown-edmontons-future-hic-open-house-networking-event-tickets-1424658555089 1:29:15 | Jespo and Johnny debrief.  1:38:20 | Congratulations to Real Talker Justin and his growing family! Our faces hurt from smiling at this perfect Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby.  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.

UGGGGGHHHHHHH. If you're looking to commiserate with fellow Oilers fans, Jespo and Johnny have you covered (2:22) after a devastating loss in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final.  30:10 | All things considered, what can we take away from the G7? Is the US really going to war with Iran? Political strategist and commentator Sharan Kaur brings her informed insights. READ MORE FROM SHARAN on the G7: https://thehub.ca/2025/06/17/need-to-know-nothing-can-break-israels-resolve/ FOLLOW HER ON X: https://x.com/msSharanKaur 1:10:00 | Real Talkers have their say re: our June 17 interview with Alberta Teachers' president Jason Schilling.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:37:30 | When's an appropriate time to ask your boss for a raise? We get into the differences between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.  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.

95% of Alberta teachers have voted to strike - but will they? If so, could it happen before the end of this school year? In this episode, we ask Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling where negotiations are breaking down (3:45), and what it'd take to keep teachers from walking out.  53:30 | Real Talkers have their say via the Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:15:00 | U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the G7 early, missing meetings with the presidents of Ukraine and Mexico. Did Canada get what it was looking for?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:47:15 | Mark our words: the Edmonton Oilers will win Game Six tonight in Florida. Agree or disagree? 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.

After Alberta Premier Danielle Smith runs into rowdy opposition at a recent town hall in southern Alberta, we invite experts Dr. Bill Dohanue and Cornelis Kolijn and activist/musician Corb Lund for an in-depth look at the economics, environmental impact, and politics of coal mining on Alberta's eastern slopes (3:30).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:09:30 | Real Talkers have their say on coal mining on Alberta's eastern slopes. The Real Talk Live Chat is powered by Park Power. Get exclusive discounts on internet, electricity, and natural gas at parkpower.ca/realtalk.  1:22:00 | Jespo and Johnny get into the G7 in Kananaskis including a Chief's message to President Trump on the tarmac in Calgary.  1:41:00 | "Lean in, not out!" Real Talker Sylvia has a Positive Reflection for Oilers fans around the world. Positive Reflections is presented by Solar by Kuby.  BOOK A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [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.

"Interested Meow" has a beef with school librarians, Lynne says you don't have to have kids to have an opinion, Karen's calling out Alberta's Education Minister, Alberta Gengar's standing in solidarity with postal workers, Andre in Eastern Canada says build the pipeline, and Jeff says it's Danielle Smith's fault young drivers can't afford cars. 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.

Nearly 35% of 2SLGBTQI+ business owners report hiding their identity due to fear of discrimination. 25% say they’ve lost contracts because of who they are. As hundreds of Queer entrepreneurs from around the world gather in Toronto for the  2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit, we talk to Sarah Evalina, COO at Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, award-winning storyteller and activist Sarain Fox, and Moe Yassine from the Alberta 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce for a Real Talk Round Table about Pride and business (4:00). CANADA'S 2SLGBTQI+ CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://cglcc.ca/ ALBERTA 2SLGBTQI+ CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://ab-lgbt.com/ 50:00 | Jespo and Johnny link up with the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:03:30 | On the heels of a HUGE win in Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final, we find out where Real Talkers are at, and take on a troubling story about goalie Stuart Skinner's family facing death threats. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:23:30 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was heckled alongside a couple cabinet ministers at a Coal Town Hall. Jespo shares his thoughts on the future of coal mining on the Eastern Slopes.  1:30:45 | "Interested Meow" has a beef with school librarians, Lynne says you don't have to have kids to have an opinion, Karen's calling out Alberta's Education Minister, Alberta Gengar's standing in solidarity with postal workers, Andre in Eastern Canada says build the pipeline, and Jeff says it's Danielle Smith's fault young drivers can't afford cars. 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.

Canada's close to legally locking in supply management rules on egg, dairy, and chicken imports...but is it the right move? We've fiercely protected those sectors for decades, but critics (including some farmers) say it's hurting Canada's international bargaining position. Is it time to kill the sacred cow?  3:45 | Pundit Rob Breakenridge and (Jespo's cousin) dairy farmer Graham Jespersen debate the merits of supply management.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  26:00 | Jespo and Rob get into the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Danielle Smith v. Naheed Nenshi (33:00), Calgary's population explosion and looming mayoral race (41:30).  CHECK OUT ROB'S WORK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/ 54:45 | Jespo and Johnny loop in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power re: vaping, smoking, and your thoughts on supply management. 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.