Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's taking his "Axe the Tax" rallies across the country ahead of another carbon tax increase on April 1. Meantime, more than 200 economists have signed an open letter criticizing Poilievre's message and calling for "sound evidence and facts" in the debate around carbon pricing. Predictably, prominent Conservatives like Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are questioning the credibility of the economists who've signed the letter. SO...who's telling the truth, and who's deliberately misleading Canadians?  4:20 | Max Fawcett gives us his unflinching takes on Pierre Poilievre's "Spike the Hike" rallies (and Justin Trudeau's carbon tax communication breakdown). Max and Ryan dig into Alberta's fuel tax increase (33:30), how provincial governments are fuelling inflation (37:30), the possibility of a President Trump-PM Poilievre-Premier Smith scenario (39:30), Rakhi Pancholi pulling out of the Alberta NDP leadership race and endorsing Naheed Nenshi (57:13), Poilievre and Nenshi both drawing big crowds in Edmonton (1:08:40), and an RCMP report on risks facing Canada (1:12:50).  READ MAX IN THE NATIONAL OBSERVER: https://www.nationalobserver.com/ 1:19:30 | Real Talker Kathy emails in re: our coverage of the Alberta NDP leadership race. EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected]  1:23:03 | Real Talker Kimberly gives us a heads up on how the town of Westlock, AB is responding to a recent plebiscite banning Pride flags on public property. 1:24:30 | Gabriel's sick of Jespo and Adler "blowing smoke" up Elon Musk's ass, Pam says it's time for Adler to "say the g-word" re: the Israel-Hamas war, Carolyn says Ryan's driving her crazy with comments on plastic bag bans, Gillian wonders if "dudebro comedians" would survive poking fun at themselves instead of punching down, and Paul's got a hot take on Alberta's plan for municipal political parties. 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, make sure you let 'em know Real Talk sent you!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch