Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Return of the Group Chat Round Table

Jespo's real life political Group Chat returns to the Real Talk studio for an entertaining and enlightening look at the top headlines, including our August 20 interview with Alberta separatist Jeff Rath, a looming teachers' strike, council races across the province, Edmonton's infill debate (this one gets heated), and Pierre Poilievre's by-election win in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
7:00 | But first, Katherine O'Neill tells Jespo, Jenny Adams, and Harman Kandola all about her recent journey to Lake O'Hara. 
1:25:30 | Real Talkers Robert, Travis, James, Touring Zebra, Gerry, and Jan have a LOT to say about the Alberta separation movement and its spokesperson Jeff Rath. 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! 
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.

Calgary's Big Advantage and A Plan To Save Edmonton

It's a tale of two cities in Alberta: Calgary spends a BILLION dollars more than Edmonton every year, while the capital city struggles with its bottom line. That translates into fewer services and higher property taxes. One Edmonton councillor says he's got the formula to fix the discrepancy. 
14:30 | Aaron Paquette lays out his plan to save Edmonton. 
CHECK OUT PAQUETTE'S VISION FOR AN ECONOMICALLY-STRONG EDMONTON: https://www.aaron4dene.ca/blog-2-1/blog-post-title-one-7rmn9
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:03:30 | Would Albertans ACTUALLY have more money in their pockets if the province separated from Canada? Marshall McAlister, CFA from North Road Investment Counsel shares his informed perspective. 
CONNECT WITH NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/
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.

Alberta Separatist Jeff Rath

What would life in Alberta look like if the province made good on threats to leave Canada? What would Alberta separation mean for industry, trade, real estate, social programs, treaties with First Nations, and a million other things? 
6:00 | Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project lays out his group's vision for a sovereign Alberta. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:15:20 | You've still got time to enjoy Jasper this summer! Jespo shares a few of his favourite Jasper activities in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
PLAN YOUR JASPER TRIP: https://www.jasper.travel/
1:20:20 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about the interview with Jeff Rath. Jespo and Johnny dig into our 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 
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.

Poilievre Toootally Redeems Himself. Now What?

Pierre Poilievre is headed back to the House of Commons, having won the Battle River--Crowfoot by-election with 80% of the vote. But his future as Conservative leader is not guaranteed. We dig into the numbers - and the storylines - in this episode of Real Talk. 
3:00 | National post correspondent Rahim Mohamed argues Poilievre's by-election win quells Alberta separation sentiment and internal dissent within the Conservative Party.
AGREE or DISAGREE? LET US KNOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
37:30 | Zain Velji and Stephen Carter of The Strategists podcast explain why Poilievre hasn't yet entered "smooth sailing" territory as Conservative leader. We find out why Carter thinks Thomas Lukaszuk's "Forever Canadian" petition is doing Danielle Smith a favour, and wrap with insights into mayoral races in Calgary and Edmonton. 
CHECK OUT THE STRATEGISTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-strategists/id1514440943
1:33:10 | Shout out to our friends at the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road for surpassing $2.5 MILLION raised for the Stollery Childrens' Hospital via Miracle Treat Day! Positive Reflections is presented by Solar by Kuby. 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: 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.

"Big Tobacco Found A New Way to Get Its Money!"

Real Talkers Jake, Andrew, and Bruce have lots to say about Jespo's vaping interview with Dr. Mark Tyndall. Tarra's demanding fairness for folks with disabilities. Neil calls Jespo out (and he's absolutely correct), and Kinnerit writes in from Israel after our Gaza interview with Sharan Kaur. 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!
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: @ryanjespersenREAL 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.

Max Fawcett: Canada Isn't Losing the Trade War...Yet

Mark Carney's taking punches from political opponents, who say the Prime Minister hasn't delivered on his promise to "deal with" Donald Trump. Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer, says it's too early to say whether or not Carney's plan has failed.But first, as Trump and Vladimir Putin sit down in Alaska, we ask Max what's at stake for the world (including Canada). We get into Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's tweet about Canadian energy shut out in Europe, and MP Michelle Rempel Garner poking Carney about increased tariffs despite his "elbows up" campaign. Plus, believe it or not...Max agrees with cranky columnist Lorne Gunter about Edmonton's "woke" city council, and gives us his assessment of the mayoral and council races in Calgary and Edmonton.
Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/13/opinion/canada-trade-war-mark-carney
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
We wrap with another fiery edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. Real Talkers Jake, Andrew, and Bruce have lots to say about Jespo's vaping interview with Dr. Mark Tyndall. Tarra's demanding fairness for folks with disabilities. Neil calls Jespo out (and he's absolutely correct), and Kinnerit writes in from Israel after our Gaza interview with Sharan Kaur.
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!
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.

Sneaky New Tax Targets Alberta Wine Lovers

Did you know some of the world's best gin and whisky is distilled just outside Edmonton? Did you know Alberta boasts some of the best wine selection on the planet? In this special episode of Real Talk, we connect with experts and entrepreneurs in wine, spirits, and "ready to drink" cocktails and mocktails to better understand what it takes to make it in the booze business. 
1:00 | Anohka Distillery's Gurpreet Ranu, Vino al Vino's Joe Gurba, and Clink Beverage Co's Karli Remeika talk about the process behind their favourite products, trade barriers standing in the way of growing their distribution, and innovation in the beverage space. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
ANOHKA: https://www.anohka.ca/
VINO AL VINO: https://www.vinoalvino.ca/
CLINK BEVERAGE CO: https://www.clinkbeverageco.com/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
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.

Air Canada Strike, Trump/Putin Summit, Free Trade

Two of the most powerful people on Planet Earth will meet one-on-one, as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin convene in Alaska. With so much at stake, including the future of Ukraine, can either President be trusted? We ask Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and Senator Charles Adler (11:30) where his head's at ahead of the summit in Anchorage. 
1:00 | But first...is Alberta headed for an early election? Jespo chimes in on a trending Alberta political rumour. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
HELP SAVE the HORSES: https://horseshit.ca/
43:40 | Real Talkers Craig and Robyn share (incredible) photos from their recent Jasper trip, where they completed the Skyline Trail in an impressive nine hours. You can experience the same thing, with as much time as you need, with an experienced guide! We have all the details in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
CANADIAN SKYLINE ADVENTURES: https://www.canadianskylineadventures.com/skyline-trail
TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/
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.

Puff or Pass? The Truth About Vaping

You've probably seen those big, flavoured vape clouds rising from commuters at the bus stop and kids outside the mall. Cigarette smoking is down across the board, but more and more people are vaping. Critics say vapes are a gateway to addiction, while others point to their value as a smoking cessation tool. What does the evidence say? 
2:30 | Dr. Mark Tyndall, firner Director of the BC Centre for Disease Control and author of Vaping: Behind the Smoke and Fears explains how he became an "accidental advocate" for vaping. We cover nicotine vs. cannabis vapes, "popcorn lung," nicotine lip pouches, and more.
MORE from DR. TYNDALL: https://drmarktyndallauthor.com/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
38:00 | Jespo and Johnny give us their personal takes on vapes and other vices, and get into the 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 
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.

Doc Talk: Measles, E. coli, Salmonella, and More

Alberta has more measles cases than the ENTIRE United States this summer. Seventy people are sick with E. coli after eating at a popular Calgary restaurant. Pistachios are being recalled due to salmonella concerns. Young people are drinking less...but vaping more. A surprising number of Canadians are dying from melanoma (skin cancer). And the Alberta government is continuing its fight against gender-affirming care for transgender youth. 
1:00 | Drs. Shazma Mithani and Sheila Wijayasinghe, co-hosts of The Doc Talk podcast, are in the house to take on all these stories and more in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
SUBSCRIBE TO THE DOC TALK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-doc-talk-podcast/id1775772809
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
1:27:45 | Real Talker Marie shares a Positive Reflection - her view as an Albertan and a proud Canadian - following our August 3 episode with former premier Ed Stelmach and Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk. Positive Reflections is proudly presented weekly on Real Talk by Solar by Kuby. 
CHECK OUT THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/080825ForeverCdn
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: 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.