Mark Carney’s Liberals are pouring billions into skilled trades, aiming to train up to 100,000 workers to tackle housing, infrastructure, and major resource projects. The pitch? Build Canada stronger, faster — and less dependent on the United States. We dig into the Spring Economic Update (including Canada's first national sovereign wealth fund) with Heather Thomson from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce (3:00) 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/.

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

EDMONTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/

25:30 | What's the solution to youth unemployment? Is a career in the trades the best protection against AI and automation? Jespo and Johnny check in on our Live Chat powered by Park Power.

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

46:00 | There's no cooler way to explore Jasper than on a Harley-Davidson. Jasper Motorcycle Tours is open for the season, and they're in the spotlight in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.

JASPER MOTORCYCLE TOURS: https://jaspermotorcycletours.com/

TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/

50:00 | Did you see thousands of Americans belt out O Canada at the Sabres-Bruins game when the anthem singer's mic cut off? We celebrate a small win amidst a big trade dispute.

1:03:00 | Real Talker Crystal sounds off on gerrymandering in Alberta following our April 28 interview with Drs. Feo Snagovsky and Jared Wesley.

WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/042826RTRT

EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com

1:14:00 | Are you an opera lover? If you've never been...Siegfried at the Citadel Theatre is the one to try!

BUY TICKETS: https://www.edmontonopera.com/

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

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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 health of democracy comes down to three basic questions: Are the rules applied equally? Is government accountable? And is it actually serving the public? In this episode, political scientists Dr. Jared Wesley and Dr. Feo Snagovsky put Alberta’s UCP government to the test in our feature interview (3:15) 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/.

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

DR. WESLEY'S SUBSTACK: https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/

COMMON GROUND POLITICS: https://www.commongroundpolitics.ca/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com

1:18:00 | Jespo and Johnny's hearts are in their throats ahead of Game Five of the Oilers-Ducks series. Jespo tangles with a troll in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We mourn the sudden loss of former NHL goalie and colour commentator John "Cheech" Garrett.

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

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

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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.

A dramatic security breach at the White House Correspondents' Dinner has people questioning, well, everything. Supriya Dwivedi and Rachel Gilmore get into it in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Rachel tells us about being targeted by white nationalists in Montreal (26:00), Supriya's concerned Manitoba's new youth social media ban won't work (49:20), and we dissect former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole's criticism of Pierre Poilievre's tenure (1:05:30).

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/.

READ RACHEL'S WORK: https://rachelgilmore.substack.com/

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

1:23:10 | Was it in? Jespo and Johnny debrief after a dramatic game four overtime outcome in the Oilers-Ducks series.

1:33:20 | Thank you to everybody who supported our fundraising for the Alzheimer's Pro-Am Hockey Tournament! Ryan reveals the total funds raised and shares a few thoughts after a very meaningful weekend. Positive Reflections is proudly presented by Solar by Kuby.

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

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

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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.

"Queen Bee" calls out Jespo's "unbridled enthusiasm" for the Alberta Whisky Act, Laura's sick of "frickin' morons" backing Big Coal, Robert brings anti-separation energy, Bobby's got a message for Pierre Poilievre, Kim B has a hot take on Daylight Saving Time, and Mariah sounds off over Edmonton's patio tax. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com

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

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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.

Captured on the front lines of Ukraine and held for months as a prisoner of war, Shaun Pinner gives us his firsthand account of survival under extreme conditions. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, he reflects on combat, captivity, and the lasting psychological toll of war...plus, why he’s telling his story now through Live. Fight. Survive.

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/.

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwes...

SEE SHAUN in EDMONTON APRIL 24: https://www.showpass.com/unbreakable-shaun-pinner-live/

BUY HIS BOOK: https://shaunpinner.com/

52:30 | Quit being so humble, Edmonton! Three community champions - Laura Kinghorn, Ziyah Karmali, and Chelsey Quirk - have a challenge for us all as Tourism Week wraps up.

EDMONTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/

EXPLORE EDMONTON: https://exploreedmonton.com/

INDIGENOUS TOURISM ALBERTA: https://indigenoustourismalberta.ca/

1:30:00 | Jespo's classic car is not for sale...or is it? The fellas debrief after a stunning Grand Re-Opening party at Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Real Talkers chime in on our Live Chat powered by Park Power.

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

1:47:40 | "Queen Bee" calls out Jespo's "unbridled enthusiasm" for the Alberta Whisky Act, Laura's sick of "frickin' morons" backing Big Coal, Robert brings anti-separation energy, Bobby's got a message for Pierre Poilievre, Kim B has a hot take on Daylight Saving Time, and Mariah sounds off over Edmonton's patio tax. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com

WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

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.

David Eby’s government sold DRIPA as a historic step toward reconciliation, but as implementation begins, the cracks are starting to show. Meantime, public opinion is shifting. Support for reconciliation - once broadly embraced - is being tested as people grapple with what the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act could mean for the economy, governance, and decision-making authority in the province. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, Mo Amir (2:40) tells us why he thinks B.C.'s premier has lost "serious, unrecoverable credibility" over his handling of DRIPA.

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/.

58:00 | Did you know inclusive post-secondary education began in Alberta? Nearly 30 years ago, the province embraced a simple idea: students with intellectual disabilities belong in the same classrooms, the same programs, the same campus life as everyone else. Real Talker Charmaine tells the story in this week's edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.

ALBERTA WINS WITH PLAY ALBERTA. WITH HUNDREDS OF POPULAR CASINO GAMES TO CHOOSE FROM, THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR. GET STARTED TODAY WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP: https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. WHEN YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.

SHARE YOUR ALBERTA WIN: talk@ryanjespersen.com

1:01:20 | Have you filed your taxes yet? How much thought are you putting into your short- and longer-term tax and investment strategy? Cary Williams from North Road Investment Counsel gives us a few key things to think about.

CONNECT WITH NORTH ROAD: https://www.northroadic.com/waypoint

1:29:30 | Was Jespo's crew the best-dressed foursome at Rogers Place for Game Two of the Oilers-Ducks series?

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com

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/

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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.

Forever Canadian founder and former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk says the UCP's democratic process around his referendum question is "a sham". He explains why alongside NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (26:00).

But first...what's going on with the teachers' court case against the Alberta government? Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling (5:15) has an update and a response to Bill 25 - An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms.

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/.

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

FOREVER CANADIAN: https://www.forever-canadian.ca/en

FOR ALBERTA FOR CANADA: https://foralbertaforcanada.ca/

1:11:00 | Experience the Taste of Spring in Jasper with a lineup of events designed to captivate and inspire! Jespo's particularly excited about the Alberta Beer & Spirits Trail on May 1.

TASTE of SPRING in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/taste-of-spring/

1:15:30 | We've got an update on Doug Ford's private jet. Real Talker Graham pushes back on Jespo's patio rant on April 21. Real Talkers chime in on the Live Chat powered by Park Power.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com

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

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

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.

Billy Morin's not going anywhere. In an exclusive interview, the Conservative MP tells us how he was recruited by the Liberals, whether or not he planned on getting caught on that hot mic, and why he's sticking to his guns supporting Pierre Poilievre. Feature interviews on Real Talk are 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/.

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

26:00 | Stephen Carter has a "grievance" re: Max Fawcett's April 13 Real Talk interview. He leads off with an unauthorized ad read. Zain Velji joins for a frank and candid conversation about the "ten alarm fire" in Alberta politics. (You'll want to tell your friends about this interview.)

FORWARD WEEKLY: https://forwardweekly.ca/

ALBERTA LIBERALS: https://www.albertaliberal.com/

57:00 | Carter sticks around with action items for motivated Albertans.

1:12:30 | Johnny's got a Round One Game One Oilers Playoff Report from the best DJ booth in the city. Jespo sounds off on Edmonton City Council's restaurant patio tax.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.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

BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

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.