Artemis II: A Turning Point for Humanity

You ever notice how “going back to the Moon” somehow sounds kind of...small? Like, we already did it half a century ago. In the era of black-and-white TV, slide rules, and less computing power than your smartwatch. Apollo 8 sent humans around the Moon in 1968. So, what’s the big deal now? Except, this is a big deal. Because this isn’t nostalgia. It’s not a victory lap. Artemis II is the first time in more than 50 years that humans will leave low Earth orbit. No quick rescue, no space station safety net, no margin for error in the same way we’ve grown used to. And here’s where it gets interesting. Is this about science? Is it about beating China? Is it about setting up a Moon base—or eventually getting to Mars? Or is it, as critics say, a wildly expensive prestige project dressed up as progress? What are we actually going to learn from a flyby? What could go wrong? And if everything goes right—what changes? We find out in this episode. Dr. Martin Connors is a professor of astronomy, physics, and mathematics at Athabasca University. He's spent his career studying space, planetary science, and how humanity fits into all of it. And he joins us in our feature interview (3:40) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to break down what Artemis II really means…and whether it’s worth it. 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/. 56:00 | Alright. Enough of the "dream big, blow your mind" Artemis II focus. Did you see President Donald Trump's post that "a whole civilization will die tonight"? Jespo and Johnny check in with Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power ahead of the Tuesday 6pm ET deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.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.

Yes, it’s real. President Donald Trump is out with a profanity-laced threat toward Iran, setting a firm deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and warning of devastating strikes on key infrastructure if that doesn’t happen. We’re talking about a rapidly intensifying conflict that’s already shaken global markets, disrupted supply chains, and driven up fuel prices — in just over five weeks. So where is this headed? Is this high-stakes brinkmanship, or something far more dangerous? We get into it with political analyst Supriya Dwivedi (11:30) - unpacking the rhetoric, the risks, and what it all means for Canada and the global economy - in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. 33:00 | Were you as surprised as Jespo was when the results of the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville contest were announced on Hockey Night in Canada? What do you think Kraft and the NHL should have done? EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 51:50 | Prime Minister Mark Carney could (and likely will) have a majority government eight days from now. Supriya tells us which by-election storylines she's keeping the closest eye on.  1:13:00 | Wages are on the table in episode three of Worker Agenda. Jespo and Johnny see what Real Talkers have to say about minimum wage in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. WATCH WORKER AGENDA - WAGES: https://rtrj.info/WA3 LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://rtrj.info/WA3s LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://rtrj.info/WA3a SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:34:10 | We honour the sacrifice of a Canadian soldier more than a century after his combat death, courtesy of Real Talker Jerry, in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.  GET 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 3 of the Worker Agenda looks at WAGES. Omar Mouallem leads a compelling conversation with hosts Gil McGowan and Cori Longo, joined by special guest Linda Marinai, Northern Director of UFCW Local 401. Together, they dive into the state of wages in Alberta—exploring the growing wage gap, the impact of inflation on working people, and the real challenges facing today’s workforce. The discussion goes beyond the problem, highlighting practical solutions to improve pay, strengthen collective bargaining, and empower workers. From policy choices governments can make to the role employers play in raising standards, this episode lays out what it will take to ensure wages keep up—and workers don’t fall behind. 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/

Nicolaides and Smith in front of a school or something like that...or you could go with a big ghostbusters thing over a Pride flag or something like that.... FLAMETHROWER TITLE: "Alberta's Ban on Ideology in Schools is Laughable!" FLAMETHROWER DESCRIPT: Anne says the UCP's take on classroom ideology is "laughable and ridiculous," Tim claims Mark Carney's forcing him to leave Canada, Bruce has a theory on the Golden Cat controversy, and "B" and Brent have thoughts on MAiD. 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! REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.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.

The Alberta NDP needs to change its name...right? Party leader Naheed Nenshi isn't so sure (3:30), and he explains why in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Nenshi leads off with his Opposition to Danielle Smith's trip to Saudi Arabia, and Alberta banning "politics and ideology" from classrooms. Do you agree or disagree with Nenshi on the name change? Leave a comment below!  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] MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 38:30 | Did you watch Artemis II launch into orbit? Frank Florian, one of Canada's biggest space enthusiasts, sure did. The senior manager of Planetarium and Space Sciences at Telus World of Science spells out why the first moon mission in more than 50 years is such a big deal.  TELUS WORLD of SCIENCE: https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/ 1:10:30 | Are Alberta teachers - social studies teachers in particular - handcuffed with the UCP's Bill 25? Dr. Jonathan Sharek explains how politics and ideology are integrated in the real world. 1:54:00 | Congratulations to our friends at North Road Investment Counsel for their "Trailblazer" honour on Edify's 2026 list of Edifiers!  EDIFY EDMONTON: https://edifyedmonton.com/ FULL NORTH ROAD INTERVIEW on MITIGATING YOUR DIGITAL RISK: https://rtrj.info/040126NRIC 2:01:00 | Anne calls the UCP's take on classroom ideology "laughable and ridiculous," Tim claims Mark Carney's forcing him to leave Canada, Bruce has a theory on the Golden Cat controversy, and "B" and Brent have thoughts on MAiD. 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!  REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.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.

Danielle Smith's government is introducing sweeping new legislation “removing politics and ideology” from Alberta schools. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides says the goal is simple: classrooms should teach kids how to think, not what to think. It's the latest chapter in continued tensions between the UCP and teachers, and it's where we lead off with strategist Sharan Kaur (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 30:00 | Sharan gets personal and explains why she deactivated her X account. Have you faced similar harassment? Tell us your story: [email protected] 55:00 | Jespo and Johnny chat AI and deep fakes, including comments from Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:05:00 | High-energy duo SkiiTour are headed to Marmot Basin for an exclusive LIVE performance on April 25th! We've got details (including an up-to-the-minute snow report) in this week's #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by Tourism Jasper. SKI MARMOT: https://www.skimarmot.com/ PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:08:30 | Could you be Canada's next scam victim? Are you at risk of losing your savings or seeing your reputation dragged through the mud? Marshall McAlister and Misha Niemtsev from North Road Investment Counsel lay out some of today's biggest digital risks and how to avoid them. CONNECT with NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ 1:34:00 | What do you think about the UCP's Bill 25, which aims to remove politics and ideology from classrooms? We take a closer look. REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNAMENT on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.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.

April 1 is shaping up to be a consequential day for Canada’s energy and economic landscape. Carbon pricing is set to rise for large industrial emitters in several provinces, raising big questions about competitiveness, investment, and emissions targets. At the same time, a key deadline hits for major resource and infrastructure projects (including those tied to Alberta-Ottawa agreements) putting the spotlight on regulatory timelines, political will, and whether Canada can actually get big projects built. 4:30 | Economist Dr. Andrew Leach digs into it all, in plain language, 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/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 47:30 | A new report from the Business Council of Alberta argues federal approvals are choking off investment, delaying projects, and sending capital elsewhere. BCA president Adam Legge and Cenovus board chair Alex Pourbaix argue their case.  READ THE REPORT: https://businesscouncilab.com/reports-category/from-barriers-to-breakthroughs-main/ 1:15:25 | Jespo and Johnny debrief and see what Real Talkers have to say in the 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.

Avi Lewis will lead Canada's NDP from here. On the heels of the filmmaker's big leadership win, we talk to Supriya Dwivedi (4:15) about immediate pushback from Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi and Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck, Manitoba premier Wab Kinew's glowing endorsement, and political implications across the country. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/. 48:45 | Does Alberta premier Danielle Smith need to condemn separatist support within her caucus? Did Air Canada CEO Michael Rousseau have any other option but to retire (58:00)? How big of a headache has Liberal MP Michael Ma created for PM Carney with his China comments (1:14:00)? Supriya and Jespo get to it all. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:38:30 | Did you catch our March 13 interview on "curling parents" with child psychologist Dr. Caroline Buzanko? It resonated with Real Talker Lisa, who authors this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/ WATCH THE DR. BUZANKO INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/031326Caroline 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.

KP gives PM Mark Carney a failing grade through year one; Meredith, BabyMac, Johanne, and Trucker Mike sound off on MAiD changes in Alberta, Ophelia calls out Jespo's comments on zoos, and Lauren says Don Cherry deserves the Hockey Hall of Fame...but not the Order of Canada. 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.

No recurring guest gets Real Talkers more fired up than Stephen Carter. The veteran political strategist sinks his teeth into Pierre Poilievre on Joe Rogan's podast, rumours of a snap election in Manitoba, Premier Danielle Smith's "golden cat" controversy, Alberta separatists efforts, PM Mark Carney's year one report card, and RCMP raiding former Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek's home in our feature interview (5:00) 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/. 37:00 | Canada is the only G7 nation without proton therapy for cancer patients. The amazing people behind the Ben Stelter Foundation are working to bring the $150M investment to Alberta. Mike Stelter, Ashif Mawji, and Dr. Ankur Sharma explain how the Ben Stelter Centre for Proton Therapy and Neuroscience will transform cancer care in Canada. REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNAMENT on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.com/ 1:08:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:25:45 | KP gives PM Mark Carney a failing grade through year one; Meredith, BabyMac, Johanne, and Trucker Mike sound off on MAiD changes in Alberta, Ophelia calls out Jespo's comments on zoos, and Lauren says Don Cherry deserves the Hockey Hall of Fame...but not the Order of Canada. 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.