Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Businesses Pivot to Survive Trump Chaos

Countless Canadian businesses are taking a closer look at their supply chains, export markets, profit margins, and more in light of a potential trade war with the United States. 
We talk to entrepreneurs Lane Edwards (Pura Botanicals), Justine Barber (Poppy Barley), and Curtis Hrdlica (Honomobo) about Trump's tariff chaos, "Buy Canadian" messaging, and how they're America-proofing their businesses.
PURA BOTANICALS: https://www.purabotanicals.ca/
POPPY BARLEY: https://poppybarley.com/
HONOMOBO: https://www.honomobo.com/ca/home
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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TRUMP'S SECRET WEAPON: Unelected Elon Musk

Elon Musk isn’t just shaping the future of technology—he’s wielding unprecedented influence over American policy with an official role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. With deep economic stakes in transportation, social media, satellite technology, and space exploration, his personal interests are increasingly intertwined with national policy, raising serious ethical red flags. Critics warn that his unchecked access to private data, his ability to control information sharing through X (formerly Twitter), and his lack of accountability pose a grave risk to democracy itself. We get into it with cybersecurity expert Nejolla Korris. 
5:20 | But first...President Donald Trump sent shock waves around the world with his candid comments about the U.S. "owning" Gaza and displacing 1.8 million Palestinians along the way.
16:20 | The world's richest man has a huge influence on America's domestic and foreign policy as an unelected official. We talk to cybersecurity expert Nejolla Korris about Elon Musk's relationship with Donald Trump, America's move toward a tech oligarchy, and the rise of bots on social media sites. 
NEJOLLA'S WORK: https://www.interveritas.com/
1:03:30 | Got plans for Family Day weekend? Why not head out to Jasper! Ryan gives a sneak peek of his family's video collaboration with Tourism Jasper, and has details on an Edmonton fundraiser for Jasper Raft Tours.
FAMILY DAY in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/blog/5-ways-celebrate-family-day-jasper-national-park/
RAISE THE RAFT: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1207727644688155&set=pcb.1207727728021480
1:11:11 | When should government fund or defund media? Jespo pulls back the curtain on Real Talk's position, including whether or not we receive a federal media subsidy. 
1:32:20 | Do you engage when a friend or family member shares misinformation on social media? Ryan shares details of a current conundrum. 
1:39:45 | Did you catch the awkward exchange between journalist Lauren Boothby and Edmonton Police Chief Dale McFee? 
1:46:45 | Tough look for Edmonton, as Donald Trump's National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett takes a big swipe at Alberta's capital city on an international news broadcast. 
GUY FELICELLA on REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/051723GuyF
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
HANG OUT WITH JESPO AT OTR ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: https://ontherocksyeg.com/
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Protect Your Investments Against Trump's Chaos

With U.S. President Donald Trump delaying tariffs on Canada, how should Canadian businesses and investors approach the next month (and beyond)? 
8:45 | Edmonton Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths says this entire ordeal should be a wake-up call for every business. 
CHECK OUT THE CHAMBER: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/
41:15 | What are the markets telling us right now? What's in store for the Canadian dollar? North Road Investment Counsel president Marshall McAlister presents it all in plain language. 
NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/
1:00:00 | Twin sisters Cortney Drover and Connie Claeys fought and survived the exact same rare cancer. They've got a challenge for all of us on World Cancer Day. 
LEARN MORE: https://breastcancerprogress.ca/know_more_stories/twin-sisters-and-both-carriers-of-the-brca2-gene/
TELL US YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
HANG OUT WITH JESPO AT OTR ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: https://ontherocksyeg.com/
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This Means (Trade) War

Stormy seas ahead, as Canada and the U.S. prepare to lock horns. We get three different takes (plus dozens in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power) on the implications of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, and the Canadian counter-offensive announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Don't miss Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy near the end of the episode, as we recap the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic, where an incredible crew of players, sponsors, and volunteers came together in wild winter weather to raise $30,000 for charity! 
4:50 | Is Canada the next Ukraine? Political commentator Tasha Kheiriddin gets into it. 
TASHA'S SUBSTACK: https://tashakheiriddin.substack.com/p/is-canada-the-next-ukraine
33:00 | Former Harper cabinet minister and longtime diplomat Chris Alexander gives us his take on Trudeau's response to Trump's tariffs, and Canada's evolving role in Ukraine. 
FOLLOW CHRIS ON X: https://x.com/calxandr
1:00:30 | Athabasca University political scientist Dr. Mark Crawford wonders what a one-month pause on tariffs in Mexico might mean for Canada. 
CHECK OUT ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY: https://www.athabascau.ca/
1:35:00 | WHAT A WEEKEND. $30,000 raised for charity in -25C temperatures at the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic presented by Molson Canadian! Ryan and Johnny recap a wonderful day in St. Albert. 
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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

"Fight for Canada and Canadian Jobs!"

Scott has words for former PM Jean Chretien, Greg's not buying the UCP's COVID task force report, Karen's head's about to explode over coal, Wayne's getting ready to burn tires and poach grizzly bears, Pilot One has a reminder for Westerners, and Ronnie's ready to chase neo-Nazis out of town. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.comWhen you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates

Trump Imposes Tariffs, Blames DEI for Deadly Crash

It's Tariffs Eve. Will Donald Trump actually make good on his threats? If so, who will ultimately pay the most? We present an international edition of the Real Talk Round Table featuring guests on both sides of the border. Plus, what was with Trump's bizarre political attacks after that deadly D.C. plane crash? HR consultant Dante King (39:30) explains why 47 is way off base. 
8:00 | Sabine El-Chidiac (in Ottawa) and Elizabeth Hicks (in Detroit) lay out the true costs of tariffs on both sides of the border. 
READ THEIR OP/ED: https://consumerchoicecenter.org/tomorrows-tariffs-will-hurt-everyone/
39:30 | As recovery efforts were still underway, U.S. President Donald Trump was linking a deadly aviation disaster on DEI initiatives. HR consultant Dante King responds...with receipts. 
CHECK OUT DANTE'S BOOK: https://www.danteking.com/diagnosingwhiteness
54:00 | Johnny and Jespo draw the winners of the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic Early Bird Prize: tickets for six to the Oilers/Leafs game with limo bus transport. 
Join us at the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on Saturday, February 1 at Larry Olexiuk Field in St. Albert from 9am-3:30pm! Spectators are more than welcome at this family-friendly event. 
59:15 | Scott has words for former PM Jean Chretien, Greg's not buying the UCP's COVID task force report, Karen's head's about to explode over coal, Wayne's getting ready to burn tires and poach grizzly bears, Pilot One has a reminder for Westerners, and Ronnie's ready to chase neo-Nazis out of town. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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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.

Doctors Silenced in COVID Report

A $2M report commissioned by the Alberta government advocates for limiting COVID-19 vaccinations, and suggests that health professionals should not face repercussions for promoting alternative treatments. Critics, including the Alberta and Canadian Medical Associations are calling the 269-page report "anti-science," suggesting it attempts to "rewrite history" by downplaying the importance of vaccines.
2:45 | Dr. Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, explains why the COVID report is flawed. 
AMA: https://www.albertadoctors.org/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:04:00 | We're so proud to partner with YouCan Youth Services. Meet Ethan, a young man transforming his life with supports from YouCan. 
DONATE TO YOUCAN: https://youcan.ca/
1:10:00 | A horrific crash near Washington, D.C. involving a passenger jet and military helicopter claimed every life on board. What can you say in a situation like this? 
1:17:30 | Join Jespo at On the Rocks Super Bowl Sunday!
TICKETS: https://ontherocksyeg.com/
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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.

Bombshell Report Exposes Foreign Meddling

Foreign interference IS a thing in Canada, and Ottawa's dragged its heels doing anything about it. That's the general finding of Justice Marie-Josee Hogue's inquiry, which wasn't all bad. Turns out there aren't "traitors" in Parliament, but we're not out of the woods. We get into common sense conclusions with Mo Amir. 
8:30 | But first...how about our new live stream pre-roll? This episode marks the debut of a new feature available exclusively to our live-tuning audience. (We've kept it on this YouTube episode so everybody can see it for the first time, but moving forward you'll only see it on the Real Talk Live Stream presented by California Closets.)
15:30 | Are you rattled, relieved, or "other" over the foreign interference final report? We welcome Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, to tackle that story, Trump's tariffs, Pierre Poilievre's Hamas blast aimed at Anthony Housefather, and the awkward interaction between MPs Melissa Lantsman and Nathanial Erskine-Smith. 
CHECK OUT MO'S SHOW: https://chekplus.ca/m/xPrh1pKc/this-is-vancolour?r=r1jM6cSC
1:20:30 | This new ice climbing wall in Jasper is UNREAL! We feature the new installation by Rockaboo Mountain Adventures in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
PLAN YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
1:23:15 | Pierre Poilievre says Energy East might not be dead, and it might be time to get serious about lithium mining. Meantime, ICE agents are rounding up illegal migrants in the US. What does that mean for the US-Canada border? Jespo and Johnny open up the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
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The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

What's Your Move if Hatemongers Hit Your Community?

Did you see those clowns flashing Nazi salutes in St. Albert over the weekend? What's the right way to respond when that happens in your community? Mayor Cathy Heron tells us where her head's at after the "Deport Them All" demonstrators were ushered away by RCMP. 
But first...federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson (2:40) tells us what he thinks about Premier Danielle Smith's trips to the States, why he's endorsing Mark Carney for Canada's next P.M., and whether or not the feds would intervene to stop coal mining in Alberta's Eastern Slopes. 
30:10 | Real Talker Kimberly and Mayor Cathy Heron respond to recent anti-immigration demonstrations in St. Albert. 
48:00 | Did you catch Pierre Poilievre's plan to combat Trump's tariffs, and his thoughts on Mark Carney's plan to ditch the carbon tax? We take a look at his interview with CTV's Todd Battis. 
1:13:30 | Peavey Mart is closing all it's locations?! Turns out Real Talkers are pretty big fans of the place. What other Canadian institutions do you miss? Leave a comment below! 
1:18:10 | Real Talker Kathy says Alberta's at a breaking point. Ryan reads her email about our January 27 interview with High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass about coal. 
WATCH THE SNODGRASS INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/012725Coal
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

What on Earth is the Alberta Government Up To?

Why on earth is Danielle Smith's government opening up the Eastern Slopes to coal mining again, when the majority of Albertans oppose it and the government makes next to nothing from it? In this episode, straight-shooting High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass (6:15) tells us why he opposes coal mining in the Rockies, and tells us about his ongoing conversations with Premier Danielle Smith and Energy Minister Brian Jean. 
1:16:30 | Real Talkers have their say on the coal story, including an email from Kyle, a former coal miner.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:37:20 | Our bucket is full after this email from Real Talker Lyndsi - a perfect fit for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/solar
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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.