In this episode, Scott and Dan sit riverside in Edmonton’s fall colors to tackle some big and timely issues. After scrapping a first attempt (because they realized they were “grossly wrong” on a key point), the brothers return with a candid conversation that blends politics, education, policing, and a call for compassion.
Topics Covered
Alberta Teacher Strike
Why teachers are without a contract and heading toward a strike.
Class sizes, class complexity, and the wage gap.
How underfunding impacts not just teachers, but kids, families, and long-term social outcomes.
Personal stories from inside the education sector and why being “pro-teacher” matters.
Book Bans in Alberta
From The Handmaid’s Tale to 1984: why banning books is never just about books.
The slippery slope of censorship and distractions from real educational issues.
Gun Buybacks in Canada
Evidence from around the world: why buybacks don’t reduce crime.
The problem of performative politics vs. evidence-based policing.
New Edmonton Police Chief
The appointment of Warren Dreichel.
Mental health and wellness in policing—why it matters more than ever.
The importance of second chances and leadership rooted in lived experience.
Truth and Reconciliation Day
Beyond checkboxes and land acknowledgments.
Walking daily with Indigenous peoples in a spirit of love and compassion.
Key Takeaways
Education is the strongest crime prevention tool we have.
Teachers are not babysitters—they’re professionals shaping the future.
Political parties on both sides have failed educators, and it’s time for accountability.
Performative policies, whether book bans or gun buybacks, don’t solve real problems.
Compassion—in classrooms, police services, and communities—has to be our starting point.
Closing Thought
“Truth and Reconciliation isn’t a day—it’s how we live, walk, and honor history every single day.”