Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Mayoral Candidate Wants Moratorium on Infill Development

Tim Cartmell wants to press pause infill development. The Edmonton mayor candidate says council has lost the public's trust, and it's time to re-evaluate how mature neighbourhoods are evolving. But what would a moratorium mean, big picture? Jespo gets into it right off the top of the show, and checks in with Real Talker Travis Watt (8:40), who says he's living an infill nightmare. 
THOUGHTS? talk@ryanjespersen.com 
50:00 | Former Conservative MP Rahim Jaffer wants to be Edmonton's next mayor. Does he stand a chance? 
56:00 | The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge golf course opens July 1! We feature Canada's #1 golf resort in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR TEE TIME at the FAIRMONT JPL: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/jasper/fairmont-jasper-park-lodge/golf.html
1:00:15 | What does it take to build a booming business these days? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing business in Alberta? We welcome Alberta Business Awards of Distinction winners Annie Zaidi (Tiny Toes Castle - Red Deer) and Ashley Fedorchuk (World Guardian Security Services), and Alberta Chambers CEO Shauna Feth to the Real Talk Round Table. 
ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/
ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS of DISTINCTION: https://abbusinessawards.com/
1:36:30 | Jespo and Johnny take a look at the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power, and discuss key elements to a healthy, growing city. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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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.

Trump Irate at Iran & Israel // AB By-elections

Iran and Israel "don't know what the f*ck they're doing," says (an agitated) U.S. President Donald Trump, after the two nations violated what POTUS clearly believed to be a negotiated ceasefire. In this episode, political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt explains why the U.S. is stepping in (3:15), gauges the actual threat of Iranian nukes, and touches on economic implications for Canada.
24:30 | The Alberta NDP holds two ridings in Edmonton, the UCP holds a riding in central Alberta, and Naheed Nenshi finds his way into the Legislature. Duane gives us the takeaways from recent by-election results. 
THOUGHTS? talk@ryanjespersen.com 
36:30 | Turns out you don't have to be worth a billion dollars to own downtown real estate. Former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson, engineer Tegan Martin-Drysdale, and entrepreneur Kyla Kazeil tell us how they intend to reinvent downtown revitalization with Homestead Investment Co-operative. 
LEARN MORE: https://homesteadcowork.ca/
JUNE 25 OPEN HOUSE DETAILS: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/invest-in-downtown-edmontons-future-hic-open-house-networking-event-tickets-1424658555089
1:29:15 | Jespo and Johnny debrief. 
1:38:20 | Congratulations to Real Talker Justin and his growing family! Our faces hurt from smiling at this perfect Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
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.

Oilers Crushed // G7 // Iran & Israel

UGGGGGHHHHHHH. If you're looking to commiserate with fellow Oilers fans, Jespo and Johnny have you covered (2:22) after a devastating loss in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final. 
30:10 | All things considered, what can we take away from the G7? Is the US really going to war with Iran? Political strategist and commentator Sharan Kaur brings her informed insights.
READ MORE FROM SHARAN on the G7: https://thehub.ca/2025/06/17/need-to-know-nothing-can-break-israels-resolve/
FOLLOW HER ON X: https://x.com/msSharanKaur
1:10:00 | Real Talkers have their say re: our June 17 interview with Alberta Teachers' president Jason Schilling. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:37:30 | When's an appropriate time to ask your boss for a raise? We get into the differences between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. 
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.

Teachers Set to Strike // Trump Leaves G7 Early

95% of Alberta teachers have voted to strike - but will they? If so, could it happen before the end of this school year? In this episode, we ask Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling where negotiations are breaking down (3:45), and what it'd take to keep teachers from walking out. 
53:30 | Real Talkers have their say via the Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:15:00 | U.S. President Donald Trump leaves the G7 early, missing meetings with the presidents of Ukraine and Mexico. Did Canada get what it was looking for? 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:47:15 | Mark our words: the Edmonton Oilers will win Game Six tonight in Florida. Agree or disagree?
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @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.

Corb Lund & Alberta’s Coal Controversy

After Alberta Premier Danielle Smith runs into rowdy opposition at a recent town hall in southern Alberta, we invite experts Dr. Bill Dohanue and Cornelis Kolijn and activist/musician Corb Lund for an in-depth look at the economics, environmental impact, and politics of coal mining on Alberta's eastern slopes (3:30). 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:09:30 | Real Talkers have their say on coal mining on Alberta's eastern slopes. The Real Talk Live Chat is powered by Park Power. Get exclusive discounts on internet, electricity, and natural gas at parkpower.ca/realtalk. 
1:22:00 | Jespo and Johnny get into the G7 in Kananaskis including a Chief's message to President Trump on the tarmac in Calgary. 
1:41:00 | "Lean in, not out!" Real Talker Sylvia has a Positive Reflection for Oilers fans around the world. Positive Reflections is presented by Solar by Kuby. 
BOOK A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.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.

"Workplaces Get the Unions They Deserve!"

"Interested Meow" has a beef with school librarians, Lynne says you don't have to have kids to have an opinion, Karen's calling out Alberta's Education Minister, Alberta Gengar's standing in solidarity with postal workers, Andre in Eastern Canada says build the pipeline, and Jeff says it's Danielle Smith's fault young drivers can't afford cars.
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, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersenThe 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.

Pride in Business: 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs

Nearly 35% of 2SLGBTQI+ business owners report hiding their identity due to fear of discrimination. 25% say they’ve lost contracts because of who they are. As hundreds of Queer entrepreneurs from around the world gather in Toronto for the  2SLGBTQI+ Global Business Summit, we talk to Sarah Evalina, COO at Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, award-winning storyteller and activist Sarain Fox, and Moe Yassine from the Alberta 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce for a Real Talk Round Table about Pride and business (4:00).
CANADA'S 2SLGBTQI+ CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://cglcc.ca/
ALBERTA 2SLGBTQI+ CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://ab-lgbt.com/
50:00 | Jespo and Johnny link up with the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:03:30 | On the heels of a HUGE win in Game Four of the Stanley Cup Final, we find out where Real Talkers are at, and take on a troubling story about goalie Stuart Skinner's family facing death threats.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:23:30 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith was heckled alongside a couple cabinet ministers at a Coal Town Hall. Jespo shares his thoughts on the future of coal mining on the Eastern Slopes. 
1:30:45 | "Interested Meow" has a beef with school librarians, Lynne says you don't have to have kids to have an opinion, Karen's calling out Alberta's Education Minister, Alberta Gengar's standing in solidarity with postal workers, Andre in Eastern Canada says build the pipeline, and Jeff says it's Danielle Smith's fault young drivers can't afford cars. 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, 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.

Have We Milked Supply Management for Too Long?

Canada's close to legally locking in supply management rules on egg, dairy, and chicken imports...but is it the right move? We've fiercely protected those sectors for decades, but critics (including some farmers) say it's hurting Canada's international bargaining position. Is it time to kill the sacred cow? 
3:45 | Pundit Rob Breakenridge and (Jespo's cousin) dairy farmer Graham Jespersen debate the merits of supply management. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
26:00 | Jespo and Rob get into the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Danielle Smith v. Naheed Nenshi (33:00), Calgary's population explosion and looming mayoral race (41:30). 
CHECK OUT ROB'S WORK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/
54:45 | Jespo and Johnny loop in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power re: vaping, smoking, and your thoughts on supply management.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek: G7, the UCP, and Re-Election

Alberta welcomes the most powerful leaders on planet earth as the G7 summit touches down in Kananaskis Country. We talk to Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek (3:00) about G7 security and other preparations, and what she's hoping to see emerge from the summit. We talk housing affordability, zoning bylaws, a tumultuous 2024, dissipating (?) tensions with the province, and Gondek's bid for re-election. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
35:30 | Is there any cooler way to explore Jasper's trails than on horseback! We check out Jasper Riding Stables in this episode of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
LEARN MORE: https://www.jasper.travel/experiences/pyramid-stables-trail-rides/BOOK YOUR JASPER TRAIL RIDE: https://jasperstables.com/
38:00 | More than a decade after they hung 'em up, Canadian rock band Ten Second Epic is back...for one night only! We welcome lead singer Andrew Usenik and bassist Sandy MacKinnon make the announcement exclusively on Real Talk, and share some wild stories from the glory days. 
GET YOUR TICKETS: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/ten-second-epic-reunion-union-hall-tickets/13784494?pl=UnionHall
1:18:50 | Did you see the impassioned demonstrator calling out National Guard members in California? 
1:30:30 | Premier Danielle Smith's being roasted for saying Alberta has the "lowest living standards in the world" during an interview with Vassy Kapelos. Jespo and Johnny get into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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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.

Donald Trump vs. California (and Democracy)

It's a dare/double-dare showdown, as California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump clash over a National Guard crackdown on immigration protests. How bad could this get? And what does it mean for the entire United States...and the rest of the world?
We talk to PM Stephen Harper's former federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Chris Alexander about Trump's attack on democracy in California (5:55), ramped-up Russian aggression in Ukraine (37:30), and a wild dynamic at the upcoming G7 in Kananaskis (48:50). 
CHRIS on X: https://x.com/calxandrCHRIS ONLINE: https://chrisalexander.ca/
1:06:00 | Jespo hints at a special guest tandem making an exclusive announcement on an upcoming show, and he and Johnny get mentally prepared for Game Three of the Stanley Cup Final.
WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT? talk@ryanjespersen.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.