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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 · E220
Thursday · 1 hr 56 min
Who Pays the Price for Alberta’s Energy Boom? // Pete Hegseth Reprimanded
Alberta is accelerating energy development, but are the farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners hosting that development being left behind? Advocate Mark Dorin joins us (14:00) to discuss aging wells, unpaid leases, reclamation, regulatory oversight, and the province’s Mature Asset Strategy...and why the Alberta Surface Rights Federation says the longstanding bargain between industry and landowners is breaking down. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HELP JESPO AND TEAM HANSEN RAISE FUNDS FOR MEN'S HEALTH THIS MOVEMBER! PICK UP A BOTTLE OF "SECRET STASH" SPICED SPIRIT TODAY: https://hansendistillery.com/ SUPPORT JESPO'S MOVEMBER CAMPAIGN: https://ca.movember.com/mospace/225633 MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ ALBERTA SURFACE RIGHTS FEDERATION: https://www.albertasurfacerights.org/ LANDOWNERS EVENT on NOV. 18: https://www.cleanupyourmess.ca/ WATCH ECOJUSTICE CANADA'S STORY ON THE SMITH BISON RANCH: https://youtu.be/e8VFqQXxvwE?si=IETWwKiKv8CFzb7o TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:10:00 | Did you know Alberta leads the country in small businesses? We celebrate all of you taking big risks - like Alicia's Snack Attack - in a special edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE ALBERTANS CAN PLAY OVER 1,000 CASINO GAMES, BET ON THEIR FAVOURITE SPORTS, AND GET ON-DEMAND LOTTERY TICKETS - ALL IN ONE APP. LEARN MORE: https://playalberta.ca/ MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, USE YOUR GAMESENSE. 1:19:45 | We turn our attention stateside with Pete Hegseth being reprimanded in Arlington, VA (1:19:45) and President Donald Trump's remarkable 60 Minutes interview (1:50:30). SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E219
Tuesday · 1 hr 33 min
Canadian ER Doctor at COP31: Joe Vipond // CFB Wainwright Heritage Minute
Dr. Joe Vipond is an emergency physician in Calgary, a longtime climate activist, and one of the people behind Alberta's phase-out of coal-fired electricity. He joins us (5:00) from Antalya, Türkiye, where he's attending COP31 - the annual United Nations climate conference - where world leaders are wrestling with the future of fossil fuels, climate commitments, energy security and the health consequences of a warming planet. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 30:30 | Real Talkers chime in on COP31 and Canada's climate policy in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 46:00 | Captain Jonathan Snyder's heroism is featured in the newest Heritage Minute, filmed at CFB Wainwright and released just ahead of Remembrance Day. Filmmaker Brent Kawchuk and Historica Canada CEO Anthony Wilson-Smith take us behind the scenes of the production, talk about the (tragic) timeliness of the CFB Wainwright angle, and reflect on the cultural institution that Heritage Minutes have become. HISTORICA CANADA: https://www.historicacanada.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E218
Monday · 1 hr 21 min
Dana White: Press Secretary? // The Science of Sleep
PLEASE let this one be real. Donald Trump's latest spectacle involves Dana White and the White House press secretary's job. Trump says he's joking about giving the UFC CEO his top comms job, but beneath the absurdity are more serious questions about political accountability, foreign intelligence operations and even Canada's vulnerability to foreign interference. Supriya Dwivedi joins us (3:15) to unpack the Nvidia CEO story, the tactics used to compromise influential people, her own experience in government, and growing anxiety among Quebec's Indo-Canadian community. Plus, where does gamesmanship end and cruelty begin? We discuss the ugly allegations surrounding taunts about a CFL quarterback's deceased father in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED BOTTLES TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 57:30 | A week into the time change, many of us are still adjusting to the new clocks...but what is that disruption actually doing to our bodies? Sleep expert Dr. Michael Antle joins us to unpack circadian rhythms, the science of healthy sleep, and why consistently sleeping too little OR too long could be associated with an increased risk of premature death. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ LIKE JESPO'S HOODIE? ORDER YOURS TODAY! 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 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 · E217
November 7 · 13 min
Canadians FIRED UP Over U.S. Midterms
Real Talkers Michael, Dev, Jeff, Idris, Jan, Bradley, Scott in Sherwood Park, ScoobertDoobert, Heather, Mike, Funky Blue Moon, and Anonymous are all fired up about the U.S. Midterms, no time change, DEI dying in Alberta, MAiD, logging old growth forests, Jespo “dragging” a former NDP MLA, and critics of Danielle Smith’s coffee events. It’s The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! THE NEXT TIME YOU POP INTO A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD TO GRAB A TURTLES BLIZZARD AND A FLAMETHROWER SIGNATURE STACKBURGER, LET ’EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! GET YOUR “PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN.” HOODIES, REAL TALK SNAPBACKS and MUGS: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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 · E217
November 6 · 2 hr 1 min
Carney’s Budget: Who Actually Wins?
Mark Carney's federal budget promises a bold new economic direction for Canada. But who's actually going to benefit? Is Ottawa making the right bets? Senator Charles Adler, (8:20) Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas (37:15), Business Council of Alberta Chief Economist Mike Holden (57:20), and YEG VP James Jackson (1:12:15) break down the budget's impact on affordability, business investment, Alberta's economy, and Canada's fiscal future in feature interviews presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com FLY YEG: https://flyyeg.com/feature/pictures-never-do-it-justice/ 1:40:10 | Jespo and Johnny share memories of Sean Arceta, honoured in Edify's 2026 list of Edmonton's Top 40 Under 40. ATTEND the TOP 40 UNDER 40 EVENT on NOVEMBER 18: https://tickets.edifyedmonton.com/top-40-under-40-2026/ 1:47:00 | Real Talkers Michael, Dev, Jeff, Idris, Jan, Bradley, Scott in Sherwood Park, ScoobertDoobert, Heather, Mike, Funky Blue Moon, and Anonymous are all fired up about the U.S. Midterms, no time change, DEI dying in Alberta, MAiD, logging old growth forests, Jespo "dragging" a former NDP MLA, and critics of Danielle Smith's coffee events. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! THE NEXT TIME YOU POP INTO A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD TO GRAB A TURTLES BLIZZARD AND A FLAMETHROWER SIGNATURE STACKBURGER, LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E216
November 5 · 1 hr 35 min
Budget Day in Canada // U.S. Midterms Fallout
It’s Budget Day in Canada, as Mark Carney’s government lays out its vision for the country’s economic future. Affordability, investment, and Canada’s place in an increasingly uncertain world are in the spotlight. What does that mean for you? Meanwhile, the U.S. midterms (11:45) have delivered a political wake-up call for Donald Trump and the Republicans. What happens next in Washington, and what does it mean for Canada? Jespo opens the show with his thoughts and comments from some of North America's top newsmakers. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED BOTTLES TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/ FEATURE INTERVIEWS ON REAL TALK ARE PRESENTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 29:40 | How will America's changing political landscape impact Alberta businesses? What are the top prairie business priorities in the federal budget? With the referendum vote behind us, what needs to happen next? Alberta Chambers of Commerce president and CEO Shauna Feth and chair Robin Bobocel join Ryan in the Real Talk studio with their Eye on Alberta Business. RESERVE YOUR SPOT AT THE 2026 TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM and ALBERTA CHAMBERS' FALL BOARD MEETING AND DEPUTY MINISTERS DINNER: https://www.abchamber.ca/events/ 1:05:30 | "Life is incredibly short and precious, and a stroke at 39 really sends that home." Jespo reads a powerful email from Real Talker Brad in response to our November 3 interview with stroke survivor and Athabasca University health researcher Dr. Jeff Vallance. WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/110326Stroke 1:11:15 | Russell Brand is off to prison. Jespo and Johnny discuss, and Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:29:00 | An Alberta teen is doing something remarkable for families affected by the tragedy at CFB Wainwright. Real Talker "Explorer Hollis" celebrates 14-year-old Liam Herman's efforts in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY PLACE WHERE ALBERTANS CAN PLAY OVER 1,000 CASINO GAMES, BET ON THEIR FAVOURITE SPORTS, AND GET ON-DEMAND LOTTERY TICKETS - ALL IN ONE APP. LEARN MORE: https://playalberta.ca/ MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, USE YOUR GAMESENSE. SUPPORT LIAM'S FUNDRAISER FOR CFB WAINWRIGHT: https://www.supportourtroops.ca/?give=KJEZYJD2 GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E215
November 4 · 2 hr 4 min
Americans Rebuke Trump; Dems Sweep Midterms // Military Historian Ted Barris
Americans deliver a stunning rebuke to Donald Trump as Democrats sweep the midterms, reclaiming both chambers of Congress and scoring a series of historic firsts. What do the results tell us about Trump's political standing, the future of the Republican Party, and the direction of the United States (including trade negotiations with Canada)? Jespo opens with his own thoughts (and yours, as shared in our Live Chat powered by Park Power). We check in with Alex Keeney, host of Eventual (32:00), who uses prediction markets to make sense of politics and forecast what happens next, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CHECK OUT EVENTUAL: https://eventual.news/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 53:45 | Real Talker Janelle is ALL fired up about the "big beautiful blue". Jespo reads her email (sent at 2:52am) and Real Talkers keep the party going in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:06:00 | There's something for everybody at the Rebuild Jasper Run on November 28! REGISTER TO RUN: https://www.rebuildjasper.ca/ PLAN YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:09:45 | The tragedy at CFB Wainwright. The fight to keep Alberta in Canada. Increased investment in our Canadian Armed Forces. In light of current events, will this Remembrance Day feel different to you? Award-winning author and historian Ted Barris joins us to explore the stories of Canadian veterans who served in Afghanistan and the Second World War, and the experiences many carried home but rarely talked about. We also examine Canada's remarkable, often overlooked contribution to the Allied air war through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. GET TICKETS TO SEE TED in ST. ALBERT on NOV. 5: https://tedbarris.com/ OUR INTERVIEW with D-DAY VETERAN MARTY JONES: https://rtrj.info/forgivenessandgrace JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E214
November 3 · 1 hr 49 min
Outcry Over Alberta's "Gerrymandered" Electoral Map // Dr. Paul Parks, MLA?
Alberta's new electoral boundary map is raising serious questions about fairness, representation, and the political motivations behind the process. Political scientist Dr. Feo Snagovsky (4:00) breaks down the most controversial changes, allegations of gerrymandering, and what the new map could mean for Alberta's 2027 election. Later in the episode, Dr. Paul Parks (42:00), past president of the Alberta Medical Association, tells us why he's hoping to step out of full-time ER duty and become the next MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED BOTTLES TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/ FEATURE INTERVIEWS PRESENTED BY MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com DR. JARED WESLEY'S SUBSTACK on GERRYMANDERING: https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/ DAVEBERTA: https://daveberta.substack.com/ 1:20:00 | Dr. Jeff Vallance was a healthy, non-smoking 42-year old out for a weekend run when disaster struck. A congenital hole in his heart called a patent foramen ovale (PFO) triggered a stroke, which altered the course of his personal and professional life forever. He takes us into the experience and explains how it's shaping his research at Athabasca University. READ MORE about DR. VALLANCE: https://www.athabascau.ca/news/research-and-innovation/health-and-well-being/au-prof-suffers-stroke-uses-experience-to-advance-research.html SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E213
November 2 · 1 hr 32 min
Canada's EU Agreement // Could a U.S. Trade Deal Get Done by Christmas?
Mark Carney says he had a "good conversation" with Donald Trump about a Canada-U.S. trade deal, which could be delivered "in the coming weeks". Will we see something signed by year's end? How does the new Alliance for the Future agreement with the EU factor into it all? Plus, for the first time in a long time, Canadians have no idea what time it is elsewhere in Canada. We talk time changes (or not), Toronto's mayoral election results, looming U.S. midterm elections, and the possibility of a new political party in Alberta with former PMO senior advisor Supriya Dwivedi (2:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:08:00 | Real Talkers chime in on the time change and a new Alberta political party in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E212
October 31 · 11 min
"Ignorant or intentionally spreading disinformation?"
"Who is this guy?!" Real Talkers are FIRED UP after our October 29 interview with John Carpay from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. Dr. Harry, Jake, Zev, Janelle, Ambustion, Bob, L De, and Lara sound off in this edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. THE NEXT TIME YOU POP INTO A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD TO GRAB A TURTLES BLIZZARD AND A FLAMETHROWER SIGNATURE STACKBURGER, LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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 · E212
October 30 · 1 hr 42 min
Demand for a "Back On Track" Budget // Indian Film Stars in Studio
"This is the budget that will make us or break us." Edmonton's business community is demanding the city get "back on track" with its four-year budget, expected to be released on November 2. Edmonton Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths, Chris Yeung from Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels, and Jordan Beatty from Sherlock Holmes Hospitality Group (5:00) explain where they think the city's getting it wrong, and what needs to happen next. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED BOTTLES TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/ FEATURE INTERVIEWS PRESENTED BY MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ EDMONTON CHAMBER BACK ON TRACK BUDGET: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/advocacy/back-on-track-budget/ 41:00 | Some of India's biggest film stars are in Edmonton for the India Film Festival of Alberta. Legendary actor Radikaa Sarathkumar, award-winning director Srijit Mukherji, Academy Award nominee Ishita Deshmukh, and festival founder Madham Selvaraj take us into one of the world's biggest entertainment industries in a special edition Real Talk Round Table. INDIA FILM FESTIVAL of ALBERTA: indiafilmfestival.ca 1:29:30 | "Who is this guy?!" Real Talkers are FIRED UP after our October 29 interview with John Carpay from the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms. Dr. Harry, Jake, Zev, Janelle, Ambustion, Bob, L De, and Lara sound off in this edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. THE NEXT TIME YOU POP INTO A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD TO GRAB A TURTLES BLIZZARD AND A FLAMETHROWER SIGNATURE STACKBURGER, LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E211
October 29 · 2 hr 4 min
Canada’s EU Pivot // John Carpay on MAiD and DEI
Canada and the European Union are looking to strengthen ties as the global order shifts and the relationship with the U.S. grows more complicated. What comes out of the meetings in Montreal, and what could a closer Canada-EU partnership mean for trade, security, and Canada's place in the world? Jespo sets the table off the top. Then, John Carpay of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms joins (33:15) for a wide-ranging conversation about Canadian sovereignty, online legislation and personal freedoms, healthcare conscience rights versus patient rights, DEI policies, and moving past the Indian Act. Where should individual liberty take precedence, and where do competing rights collide? Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com JCCF: https://www.jccf.ca/ 1:40:45 | Pedesting is a Calgary-based company developing accessibility-focused navigation technology to help people find accessible routes, entrances, ramps and elevators. The company recently won the Inclusion Award at the 2026 Calgary Small Business Awards for its work helping make communities more accessible, and they're in the spotlight in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. Shout out to Real Talker Dar in Calgary for the submission! PEDESTING: https://pedesting.com/ 1:44:15 | Real Talkers respond to the Carpay interview in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo takes us behind the curtain on what qualifies as a "great" interview in his mind. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E210
October 28 · 1 hr 45 min
Alberta's War on DEI // RCMP Fraud Probe // MAiD in Canada
Alberta takes aim at DEI, the RCMP investigates potential fraud and money laundering in a controversial health-care procurement deal, and Ottawa proposes changes to Canada’s MAiD legislation. We break down what’s new, what's changing, and what it all means for Albertans and Canadians, in conversation with Globe and Mail journalist Carrie Tait (16:45) and Dying With Dignity Canada CEO Helen Long (34:15). Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED BOTTLES TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 48:15 | Real Talkers share personal stories around MAiD in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:18:30 | Jasper might be the most magical place on planet Earth at Christmas. We highlight our favourite holiday activities (including the famous Jasper Mug Trail!) in this edition of MyJasper Memories proudly presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. BOOK YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:27:15 | Canada’s debate over the future of the Indian Act is intensifying, with PM Mark Carney exploring potential reforms or repeal, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew calling for its abolition, and First Nations leaders divided over what should replace it and who should decide. We take an early look at what may be coming. GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E209
October 27 · 1 hr 34 min
Smiths UCP “Has No Mandate” // Defenders of the Eastern Slopes
Alberta's referendum was "undemocratic and unfair," and Premier Danielle Smith has no mandate to pursue any changes relating to the results, says Dr. Duff Conacher, co-founder of Democracy Watch, who joins Jespo in our feature interview (8:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Real Talkers let us know what they think in our live chat (29:00) powered by Park Power. Later in the episode, Colin Smith joins us from "Bear Camp" where the Defenders of the Eastern Slopes (43:30) have been for more than a month to stop in an effort to stop clear-cut logging in the region. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ DEMOCRACY WATCH: https://democracywatch.ca/ DEFENDERS of the EASTERN SLOPES: https://www.abdoes.ca/ 1:22:00 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about the logging conversation. Jespo announces the winner of our Proud Canadian Contest in support of the Juno Beach Centre. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com SPONSOR A FLAG at the JUNO BEACH CENTRE in NORMANDY: https://www.junobeach.org/ SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E208
October 26 · 1 hr 20 min
Eby's Election Gamble Backfires: B.C. Goes Blue
In what will go down as one of the biggest political blunders in Canadian history, David Eby's New Democrats surrender government in British Columbia with a blown snap election call. Relative unknown Lorne Doerkson will lead a Conservative majority government after inheriting the interim leadership of a party in disarray just over a month ago. We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi (4:20) and former B.C. Premier Christy Clark (11:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED BOTTLES TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 37:00 | "Do I enjoy politics? No. Do I know what I'm doing? No. But am I qualified? Also no." After running a brilliant (but reluctant) campaign, Brady Rogers is now a Kelowna city councillor. Ryan and Supriya check in with the engineer-turned-entrepreneur-turned-elected official to hear more about his "why" and "what now". BRADY'S WEBSITE: https://www.bradythecreator.com/ 55:00 | Real Talkers chime in on B.C.'s provincial election in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo reads an email from Real Talker Stef in Nelson, B.C. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:05:30 | Don't get blinded by Barack Obama's love for Canada, warns Supriya ahead of U.S. midterm elections on November 3. Do you agree? GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E207
October 24 · 9 min
"Your premier legitimized a fringe movement!"
"Canada didn't need saving until your Premier legitimized and facilitated a fringe movement that demanded Alberta separate!" Real Talkers Trish, Marcello, Ron, Alberta Maverick, Justin, Amanda, Cyril, and Gary are all fired up for a "Referendum in Flames" edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! THE NEXT TIME YOU POP INTO A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD TO GRAB A TURTLES BLIZZARD AND A FLAMETHROWER SIGNATURE STACKBURGER, LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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 · E207
October 23 · 2 hr 1 min
Wainwright Emergency Response // Vegreville Rising
When disaster broke out at CFB Wainwright, hundreds of first responders across Alberta dropped everything to help. Acute Care Alberta CEO Dr. Sayeh Zielke (6:30) walks us through the medical response through the first few hours of the tragedy, and explains what it revealed about the province's hospital capacity, in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 39:00 | Have you streamed Young Farts Trailer Parts on Prime? Jagger Glowatsky makes the trip in from Vegreville to tell us how his small business blew up in the best way, and how becoming a viral sensation has changed the game for his RV parts store. YOUNG FARTS: https://youngfartsrvparts.ca/ 54:40 | What's going on in Vegreville? As many communities watch their population dwindle, this small town an hour east of Edmonton is booming. Mayor Tim MacPhee, economic development manager Jamieson Brown, and resident Rick Peterson explain why. TOWN of VEGREVILLE: https://vegreville.com/ 1:39:45 | Real Talkers have their say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power, and Jespo chats about our Canada flag contests. JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/ SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:54:00 | "Canada didn't need saving until your Premier legitimized and facilitated a fringe movement that demanded Alberta separate!" Real Talkers Trish, Marcello, Ron, Alberta Maverick, Justin, Amanda, Cyril, and Gary are all fired up for a "Referendum in Flames" edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! THE NEXT TIME YOU POP INTO A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD TO GRAB A TURTLES BLIZZARD AND A FLAMETHROWER SIGNATURE STACKBURGER, LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E206
October 22 · 1 hr 40 min
Alberta’s Other Conservatives: Meet Pete Guthrie
Are you an Alberta conservative who's concerned with the direction of the UCP? Pete Guthrie wants your support. As Premier Danielle Smith grapples with a separatist takeover within the UCP, the Alberta Tory leader (and former UCP cabinet minister) joins Ryan in studio (5:20) to lay out the vision for the province's *other* Conservative party in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED BOTTLES TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:04:20 | Real Talkers respond to the Guthrie interview in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo reads an email from Emily G (1:16:30) about our September 23 interview with Justice Sheila Greckol, and one from Stephani (1:17:00) on where Alberta goes from here. We take a look at weather specialist Kyle Brittain's analysis of the conditions leading up to the deadly wildfire disaster at CFB Wainwright (1:23:45). SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:27:30 | Jespo authors a special post-referendum edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. ALBERTA WINS WITH PLAY ALBERTA BECAUSE ALL REVENUE STAYS IN THE PROVINCE. LEARN MORE AT playalberta.ca/realtalk. 1:31:00 | Real Talker "Mark B in SLC" checks in from Utah with a message for separatist Albertans considering a move to the United States. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E205
October 21 · 1 hr 54 min
Smith's Separatist Problem
Danielle Smith has a choice to make. Either (continue to) placate separatists within her party under threat of a hostile takeover, or take the UCP back. That could involve the nuclear option of revoking a number of party memberships. What's the smartest play, and what does it mean for UCP members and Albertans in general? We break it down with Erika Barootes and Melissa Caouette (7:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, WHO IS GIVING YOU $25 WORTH OF BITCOIN, FREE AND CLEAR. OPEN A NEW ACCOUNT, COMPLETE A PURCHASE, AND THEY'LL PUT $25 WORTH OF BTC IN YOUR ACCOUNT, NO STRINGS ATTACHED: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ MELISSA CAOUETTE: https://www.melissacaouette.com/ 43:15 | Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 56:00 | Mark your calendar for these must-attend Jasper events! You've still got time to take in the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, Jespo's pretty excited about the Haunted Hotel on Oct. 30 and 31, and the Rebuild Jasper Run will be here before you know it. #MyJasper Memories is proudly presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://jasperdarksky.travel/ JASPER'S HAUNTED HOTEL: https://www.jasper.travel/blog/jaspers-haunted-hotel-astorias-new-halloween-experience/ REBUILD JASPER RUN: https://www.rebuildjasper.ca/ 59:45 | Why don't Albertans feel as rich as they are? Cary and Misha from North Road Investment Counsel bring a fresh post-referendum angle to the table, and give us a few great tips to avoid being targeted by cybercriminals. NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ ROBSON FLETCHER'S BLOG (MENTIONED BY CARY): https://robsonfletcher.com/blog/albertans-both-rich-and-falling-behind/ 1:39:00 | Jespo and Johnny connect on a few very important matters to wrap up the show. GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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 · E204
October 20 · 1 hr 46 min
Albertans Reject Separation
Albertans have spoken, and the message is clear: separation is not the future they want for this province. With roughly 76 per cent voting against moving toward separation, the October 19 referendum has delivered a decisive rejection of the separatist project. That said, the questions, frustrations, and political divisions won't simply disappear. What happens next matters enormously, not just for Alberta's relationship with Ottawa, but for the future of Canada itself. We get into it with political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt (11:30) and Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer (39:00), in feature interviews presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. GIVE YOUR CLIENTS SOMETHING THEY'LL ACTUALLY USE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. ORDER YOUR CUSTOM-LABELLED HANSEN BOTTLES TODAY - THEY'LL SHIP ANYWHERE IN CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email talk@ryanjespersen.com READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/10/19/opinion/alberta-separatism-referendum-grievances 1:23:00 | Real Talkers break down referendum results in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo rolls out an impromptu Proud Canadian Contest (1:33:00) in support of the Juno Beach Centre, and reads a powerful email from Real Talker Sheri in Wainwright (1:36:30). SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): 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 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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