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Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

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Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ

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S6 · E172
Thursday · 1 hr 41 min
Alberta & Saskatchewan Walk Trade War Tightrope
With the Canada-U.S. trade war escalating again (and Saskatchewan imposing a 50% tariff on American alcohol), farmers on the Prairies are once again caught in the middle of a very complicated economic relationship with our biggest customer. Alberta premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe say oil, gas, and potash are not on the table as bargaining chips. Is it a defensible or anti-Canadian position? Who better to get into it with than Saskatchewan farmer and YouTuber Quick Dick McDick (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West? THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ FOLLOW @QuickDickMcDick on YouTube and CHECK OUT HIS WEBSITE: https://quickdickmcdick.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 31:30 | Researchers and innovators are using microwave technology to improve farming outcomes. How cool is that? It is, without a doubt, an Alberta Win presented by Play Alberta. PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 34:15 | Quick Dick talks beef, booze, and supply management. 55:00 | Real Talkers have their say on it all in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:23:00 | Jespo reviews the Guns 'n Roses show at Commonwealth Stadium. 1:33:45 | Fat Dave's fired up over "Canada doesn't have a military," Matthew has a pointed message for Americans AND Canadians, Robert calls out hypocrisy where he sees it, Scott in Sherwood Park has a message for Jason Kenney, and Phillip says landowners are being silenced by the Alberta government. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E171
Wednesday · 1 hr 57 min
Canada Hits Back: $28B in U.S. Goods Tariffed // Remembering Dolly Parton
Canada is hitting back at Donald Trump with $27.6 billion worth of tariffs on American goods, but will the counter-punch actually change Washington’s approach or just make a bad trade war worse? Rob Breakenridge joins in our feature interview (4:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to unpack Canada’s strategy, who ultimately pays the price, and what comes next in this increasingly bitter fight. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ ROB'S SUBSTACK/PODCAST: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com ORDER YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 39:00 | Real Talkers have their say on Canada's counter-tariffs in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 49:45 | Businesses are bracing for inevitable impacts as the Canada-U.S. trade war intensifies. We check in with Alberta Chambers of Commerce president and CEO Shauna Feth, Lethbridge Chamber's Kevin Farrell, and Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce executive director Sherri Buckle, who have their Eye on Alberta Business. ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ 1:24:00 | Real Talkers have more to say about Canada's tariff response and Alberta's approach to it all. 1:34:40 | We celebrate the life and legacy of all-time talent Dolly Parton. REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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.
S6 · E170
Tuesday · 1 hr 26 min
Stephen Maher on Carney's FAFO Moment
The temperature's turned up at the Canada-U.S. border, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls President Donald Trump a "loser" and tells him to “kiss (his) ass.” With the trade war getting increasingly personal, we talk to journalist Stephen Maher about his feature "Carney's FAFO Moment" in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ READ STEPHEN'S SUBSTACK: https://stephenjmaher.substack.com/p/carneys-fafo-moment TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com ORDER YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 33:45 | Is Doug Ford out of line with his candid comments about Donald Trump? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:17:00 | Jason Kenney's teaming up with Rachel Notley to co-chair a business campaign opposing Alberta separation. Is Kenney gearing up for another political run? REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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.
S6 · E169
Monday · 1 hr 28 min
Canada "Going to War" with the U.S.
"You're at war when you get attacked. We were attacked." That from Prime Minister Mark Carney after negotiations collapse between Canada and the U.S. The two nations are now staring down a full-blown trade war, with 50 per cent tariffs, retaliation, and a whole lot of uncertainty on the table. Supriya Dwivedi joins in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to unpack what happened, whether Carney was right to walk away, and what this could mean for Canadian workers, businesses, and our relationship with the Americans. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com ORDER YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIE: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 51:15 | Do you think Canada's making the right move, walking away from negotiations with the Americans? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:16:00 | The CPKC Women's Open was a huge success in Edmonton over the weekend, including a $4.4M donation to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. Jespo's got some gentle feedback for city council. REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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.
S6 · E168
August 22 · 7 min
"I'm Alberta-Born & VERY Familiar With Hate Speech"
Optimus says Alberta police chiefs need to stand up for themselves; Fat Dave, Brent, and Sean have lots to say about our August 12 hate speech/hate crimes episode; and James is thinking long-term on AI data centres. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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.
S6 · E168
August 20 · 1 hr 18 min
Ten Years Since the Concert That United Canada
Ten years ago, nearly twelve million people tuned in across Canada for the Tragically Hip's final concert at the Rogers K-Rock Centre in their hometown of Kingston, Ontario. In a special episode of the show, we celebrate the tour that brought a nation together, that historic night that remains one of the most unforgettable moments in Canadian history, and Gord Downie's enduring legacy nine years after his death. GEDfest organizers Kyle Noon, Neil Brown, and Keith Dyck take centre stage in our feature interview (4:45) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR GEDfest TICKETS: https://www.gedfest.ca/ 54:00 | "Gord spent his final years reminding us that Canada is worth paying attention to. Worth fighting for. Worth celebrating." Real Talker Brett tells us why he'll be blasting The Hip on October 19 in a special edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 1:08:45 | Optimus says Alberta police chiefs need to stand up for themselves; Fat Dave, Brent, and Sean have lots to say about our August 12 hate speech/hate crimes episode; and James is thinking long-term on AI data centres. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E167
August 19 · 1 hr 52 min
Deal or No Deal? // Edmonton Marathon Debacle
Donald Trump says Canada and the U.S. have a deal, but Mark Carney says there’s still work to do as a three-day pause buys negotiators more time. What’s actually on the table, what hangs in the balance, and could Canada emerge stronger (or weaker) from the next round of talks? We check in with former Poilievre senior staffer Ben Woodfinden and former Morneau senior staffer Sharan Kaur in our feature interview (5:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ 34:45 | Are you optimistic Canada will reach an agreement with the U.S. within the next three days? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 44:00 | Talk about a tough look. Edmonton Marathon organizers have finally admitted what runners already knew - the course was 675 metres longer than it was supposed to be. 1:00:15 | Bahamas is playing a free outdoor show in Jasper! We've got everything you need to know about this year's Jasper Dark Sky Festival in this edition of #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by Tourism Jasper. LEARN MORE: https://jasperdarksky.travel/ 1:07:00 | You can't make this stuff up. Alberta's asking the other provinces for help with its independence referendum. 1:16:15 | Our new hoodies and hats are in! Jespo shows off our "Proudly Albertan. Fiercely Canadian." fits... REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 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.
S6 · E166
August 18 · 1 hr 47 min
Why the World Is Watching Edmonton // "Freedom vs. Security"
The world's best women golfers are in Alberta's capital for the CPKC Women's Open. Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship won't just wow golf fans from across the country and showcase Edmonton's Royal Mayfair Golf Club - it'll have a huge impact on the Stollery Children's Hospital's billion dollar fundraising campaign. We tee up the big tourney with Stollery CEO Karen Faulkner, CPKC's Vince Lambert, and Explore Edmonton's Janelle Janis in our feature interview (4:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ BUY TICKETS to the CPKC WOMEN'S OPEN (August 19-23): https://www.cpkcwomensopen.com/ SEE YOUR STOLLERY DONATION MATCHED: stollerykids.com/cpkcmatch 54:00 | Real Talker James is "bothered" buy the "lack of a meaningful opposing viewpoint" in our August 12 interview with StopHateAB's Nina Saini and Sunny Johal. Jespo reads his email and responds (with a bit of fire in his belly). WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/081226StopHateAB EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:16:00 | Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E165
August 17 · 1 hr 16 min
Trump Tariffs: Does Canada Need to Toughen Up?
A couple of days out from another deadline, Canada is facing a new round of pressure from Donald Trump, with key sectors pushing for relief from U.S. tariffs. Is Mark Carney taking the right approach or does Canada need to toughen up and take a harder line with Trump? We get into it with Supriya Dwivedi in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 37:00 | Shots fired! Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff name drops Donald Trump's EA to raucous applause, but was it fair game? We explore why a years-old clip from Stephen Harper is making the rounds again (42:00), and in-fighting within the current Conservative Party. The Alberta Prosperity Project is in damage control (or are they?) after a speaker says the quiet part loud during a live stream (1:04:10). SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E164
August 15 · 7 min
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"
Real Talkers Optimus, Wayne, and Rob C. are fired up over Premier Danielle Smith chastising Edmonton Police, Leslie's fighting for small family farms, and Cyrus says Canada needs to go nuclear. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! THANKS TO EVERYBODY WHO SUPPORTED MIRACLE TREAT DAY ON AUGUST 13. SHOUT OUT TO THE DQs of NORTHWEST EDMONTON AND SHERWOOD PARK, WHOSE DONATIONS TO THE STOLLERY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION NOW TOTAL MORE THAN $2.6 MILLION! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW 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 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.
S6 · E164
August 14 · 1 hr 53 min
Caylan Ford: Politics, Media, and a $7.65M Lawsuit
Caylan Ford was a rising political candidate in Alberta in 2019. The UCP nominee was running under new leader Jason Kenney in Calgary-Mountain View and was considered a serious contender. Then, about a month before Alberta's election, PressProgress published excerpts from private Facebook conversations Ford had nearly two years earlier. The story accused her of expressing sympathy for white supremacist terrorists and lamenting "the demographic replacement of white peoples". She resigned immediately. Seven years later, she's suing a considerable list of organizations and journalists as part of a $7.65 million defamation lawsuit. Caylan Ford talks about it all, exclusively on Real Talk, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 56:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Caylan Ford interview. Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:40:00 | A HUGE shout out to our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park for another AMAZING Miracle Treat Day. Those five locations have now raised more than $2.6 MILLION for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation! 1:44:30 | Real Talkers Optimus, Wayne, and Rob C. are fired up over Premier Danielle Smith chastising Edmonton Police, Leslie's fighting for small family farms, and Cyrus says Canada needs to go nuclear. It's The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E163
August 13 · 1 hr 30 min
The Fight For A Vibrant Downtown
Downtowns are booming across Canada. Except for Alberta's capital city, that is. Why is Edmonton's core unable to attract and tap into the same energy enjoyed in so many other urban centres? We hit the issues (and solutions) head on with three people who truly "give a shit" - Jay Downton, Cheryll Watson, and JoAnne Pearce - in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE: https://yegdowntown.ca/ SPILT ZERO PROOF: https://www.spilt.ca/ LITTLE BRICK: https://littlebrick.ca/ 51:30 | Two national champions. Two Alberta athletes. We celebrate historic achievements by Abby Guezen and Ryder Rattee in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 54:00 | Big changes at OilersNation, now Daily Faceoff Edmonton. Co-founder Jay Downton takes us into the evolution of the hugely successful sports media company. Conversation continues with Cheryll and JoAnne about fixing downtown. 1:11:15 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on why they do or don't take their business downtown in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E162
August 12 · 1 hr 55 min
Is Hate Speech "Free Speech" in Alberta?
A bit of a wild situation in Alberta, as Premier Danielle Smith and her Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis clap back at an Edmonton Police campaign encouraging citizens to report hate speech and hate crimes. "We believe law enforcement should...not police opinions or 'hurt feelings,'" tweeted Minister Ellis in response to the EPS initiative. Meantime, StatsCan says hate crimes are up in Alberta year-over-year, and have doubled across Canada since 2018. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, we check in with Nina Saini and Sunny Johal from StopHateAB (6:00) for an important conversation about the difference between freedom of expression and hate speech, and the reality of hate crimes in our own backyard. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR NEWEST RELEASE - DANNY R, A SMOOTH, READY TO DRINK BLOOD ORANGE WHISKY COCKTAIL WITH A DISTINCTIVE HANSEN TWIST. PROCEEDS BENEFIT MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ STOP HATE ALBERTA: https://stophateab.ca/ 35:00 | Real Talkers have their say on the difference between "free speech" and hate speech, and Danielle Smith's interference in the EPS anti-hate campaign. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:04:45 | This is your sign to bring your dog to Jasper! Jespo shares a few favourite dog-related Jasper memories through the years and we present some of the best dog-friendly activities in Jasper National Park. #MyJasper Memories is presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. BOOK YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:11:00 | Real Talkers have more to say about hate speech, hate crimes, and targeted groups across Canada. A clear message emerges aimed at the Christian community. Thoughts? EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:41:20 | Did we mention Real Talk was just listed as Canada's seventh-best political podcast? We take a look at what another top podcaster (who happens to be Stephen Harper's former comms director) is saying about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E161
August 11 · 1 hr 46 min
B.C. is Burning. Can We Stop This?
More than 90 active wildfires are burning across British Columbia, with tens of thousands forced from their homes (many of which are destroyed). It's prompted a province-wide state of emergency, yet B.C.'s not alone. More than 300 wildfires are active across Canada as we record this conversation with award-winning environmental journalist Arno Kopecky (3:00), who lays out the reality of the situation, what it'll take to turn around the "wildfire season" trend, and the political implications of it all. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ 1:19:30 | Arno takes us into his reporting for Maclean's on B.C.'s Cowichan decision and what it means for property owners in the Lower Mainland and beyond. We wrap with touching insights on Alzheimer's and Dementia (1:36:10), which prompted Arno's National Magazine Award-winning essay for The Walrus. ARNO'S PIECE on MARK CARNEY and CLIMATE CHANGE: https://thewalrus.ca/carney-endorses-pipeline/ ARNO'S COWICHAN PIECE: https://macleans.ca/longforms/richmond-cowichan-land-claim/ A SON, A SCIENTIST, and THE SECRET OF BIOLUMINESCENCE: https://thewalrus.ca/a-son-a-scientist-and-the-secret-of-bioluminescence/ OUR JUNE 2023 INTERVIEW with JOHN VAILLANT on A HOTTER, MORE FLAMMABLE WORLD: https://rtrj.info/062023JV OUR JULY 2026 INTERVIEW with BRANDI MORIN on ALBERTA SEPARATION and TREATY RIGHTS: https://rtrj.info/072426Brandi REAL TALK'S LIVE CHAT IS POWERED BY PARK POWER. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E160
August 10 · 1 hr 20 min
Should Canada Lift its Ban on American Booze?
Should Canada lift its restrictions on American alcohol as part of a deal with the Trump administration? Jespo and Supriya Dwivedi break down the latest polling, provincial implications, the trade-off facing Ottawa (and whether giving Washington what it wants could actually be worth it) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (3:00). THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:13:45 | Have you stopped buying American beer, wine, and booze as a result of Donald Trump's aggression against Canada? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We take a look at horrific wildfires in B.C. ahead of our August 11 interview with Arno Kopecky. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E159
August 8 · 7 min
"The UCP's double standard needs to be called out!"
Don calls out Jespo's flippant comment about separatists claiming the "old" Canada flag, Joe from Alliston calls out Danielle Smith's interference, Mr. T argues there's a double standard in Alberta, Ryan sticks up for the Ag industry, Claire says big corporations are killing local Ag producers, and Mark riffs on our August 6 interview about the Vulcan County AI data centre. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD FOR MIRACLE TREAT DAY ON AUGUST 13, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW 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 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.
S6 · E159
August 7 · 1 hr 55 min
Who's Causing the Strikes?
What if business and labour actually agree on more than they admit? Following our August 5 conversation with Edmonton Chamber CEO Doug Griffiths, Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan weighs in on the "Norway model" a system where business, labour, and government work together to minimize work stoppages while protecting collective bargaining. Gil pushes back where it counts, but winds up finding (surprising?) areas of agreement, in our feature interview (6:20) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ WATCH THE GRIFFITHS INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/080526ECC 1:34:00 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about strikes, wages, and more in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:45:45 | Don calls out Jespo's flippant comment about separatists claiming the "old" Canada flag, Joe from Alliston calls out Danielle Smith's interference, Mr. T says there's a double standard in Alberta, Ryan sticks up for the Ag industry, Claire says big corporations are killing local Ag producers, and Mark riffs on our August 6 interview about the Vulcan County AI data centre. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD FOR MIRACLE TREAT DAY ON AUGUST 13, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E158
August 6 · 1 hr 25 min
Rural Revolt Over AI Data Centre
Vulcan County residents are taking their Council to court, alleging rules were broken with the approval of a controversial AI data centre to be constructed on 600 acres of farm land. Little Bow AI Data Centre Committee members Sylvia Farrant and David Anderson lay out their argument in our feature interview (3:15) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CONTACT THE LITTLE BOW AI DATA CENTRE COMMITTEE: littlebow.aidc@gmail.com 37:20 | Real Talkers have their say on AI data centres, environmental oversight, and NIMBYism in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 53:15 | 15-year-old Calgary student Anie Udofia earned international accolades for her work exploring an important question: how do we make AI more sustainable? Anie's in the spotlight in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ SUBMIT YOUR ALBERTA WIN: talk@ryanjespersen.com 56:00 | You have a LOT to say about AI data centres. Jespo and Johnny jump back into the Live Chat before taking a look at shocking new federal polling - is Pierre Poilievre legit in trouble? REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E157
August 5 · 1 hr 43 min
WestJet Strike Sparks Bigger Warning // Regina Call to Prayer
WestJet and its flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement, with flights beginning to resume and thousands of disrupted travellers hoping to get home soon. But the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce says the bigger issue isn't over, and CEO Doug Griffiths joins us in our feature interview (3:50) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West to explain why Canada needs to treat reliable transportation as an economic priority, not just a labour issue. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND 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/ 22:45 | Doug shares the secret to survival for downtown businesses, lays out a huge opportunity for Alberta-based service providers, and issues a call to action ahead of Alberta's October 19 referendum. READ THE EDMONTON CHAMBER'S LETTER TO PM CARNEY: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/2026/08/01/westjet-dispute-letter-to-prime-minister/ 32:45 | Real Talkers have their say on downtown safety and more in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 47:00 | Real Talkers Kyle, Lindsey, Beaux, and Jove share details of their recent road trip through Jasper, where the town's "spirit was evident and powerful." #MyJasper Memories is proudly presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. PLAN YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 50:30 | Premier Danielle Smith says concern over foreign interference in Alberta's referendum is "fearmongering," and lectures the Edmonton Police Service over a social media post about hate speech and hate crimes. We've got thoughts. 1:09:00 | Real Talker HuskerNation puts the Regina call to prayer story on Jespo's radar. How do you feel about religious content through loudspeakers in public spaces? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:34:00 | We sign off with a tribute to all-time Canadian broadcast legend Lloyd Robertson. And that's the kind of day it's been... REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.
S6 · E156
August 4 · 1 hr 30 min
Is Flying the Alberta Flag Bad for Business?
The union representing 32,000 Alberta grocery workers has filed a grievance against Sobeys, arguing the grocery chain's use of Alberta flags to promote locally made products is "reckless and inappropriate" amid the province's separatist movement. Jespo says they might as well fly a white flag instead, and digs into the debate with Supriya Dwivedi (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Where do you stand? Let us know in the comments! THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 21:40 | WestJet passengers can breathe a sigh of relief as flight attendants return to work following a one-day strike. At what point should the feds step in on negotiations like these? Supriya gives us her take. We take a look at Pierre Poilievre's new "training" video (33:00), Supriya follows up on our July 30 interview with Jessica Scott-Reid about animal rights "unravelling" in Canada (39:15), and we learn how Canada's new approach to cybercrime could threaten human rights (42:45). READ SUPRIYA'S PIECE ON CYBERCRIME & HUMAN RIGHTS: https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-how-canadas-new-approach-to-cybercrime-could-threaten-human-rights 49:40 | Real Talkers go back-and-forth on the Alberta flag debate in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Real Talker Kyrsti shares her perspective on downtown vibrancy as a commuting hybrid worker (1:06:50), and Real Talker Brad has a warning about "Alberta's hidden AI data centre risk" (1:16:30). SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/ REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at Costco. SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.

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