Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Albertans Cry Foul on UCP Teachers’ Strike Tactics

It's official: we've received more emails and YouTube comments about Alberta's teachers' strike (and the way the UCP ended it) than any other subject in Real Talk's five year history. This is YOUR show, and you've got the floor throughout this episode, including emails from Real Talkers Rodger, Megan, LG, Principal D, Jill, Kyle, Shelley, and Colin. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/
16:15 | Political strategist Sharan Kaur analyzes Alberta's use of the notwithstanding clause, and gives us the lay of the land in Ontario, where class sizes are capped and private schools receive no public funding. We take a look at the challenges facing PM Mark Carney ahead of the budget announcement (32:30), and Pierre Poilievre's best play in Opposition. Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
47:15 | Jespo gets to more of your emails and Live Chat comments about education in Alberta. 
1:06:30 | Congratulations to Dr. David Wishart, winner of the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for Science and Engineering! We feature the U of A-educated, globally-renowned scientist in Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 
Get a $50 free bet with a $50 deposit with the promo code RYAN50 on the Play Alberta app or at https://playalberta.ca/. Must be 18+ to play. If you gamble, please use your GameSense. 
1:10:00 | Is Halloween cancelled in light of Game Six of the World Series? Jespo and Johnny debate the best way to handle such a big schedule conflict, including advice from Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
JOIN JESPO on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 at EVENING OF HOPE in support of HOPE INTERNATIONAL: https://www.hope-international.com/edmonton
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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.

Alberta Teachers Head Back to Class "Demoralized"

740,000 students and 51,000 teachers are back in Alberta classrooms after an emotional three weeks away. In this episode, we hear from politicians, parents, teachers, and a high school student on the true impact of the teachers' strike and the government's use of the notwithstanding clause to end it. 
6:20 | Alberta's Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides talks about the decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause, and where the government's relationship stands with teachers moving forward. This feature interview, presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, includes email questions from Real Talkers Adam and Rob. 
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
35:00 | We see where Real Talkers are at on the first day back to school. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
39:00 | Remember Evan Li - the grade 12 student whose mic was cut during that Alberta Next town hall in Calgary? He tell us how his life changed since that moment, and how he's feeling on the first day after the strike. 
49:30 | Real Talker Gillian gives us a frontline report from her junior high classroom.
51:00 | We LOVE the new Jasper Christmas Mug Trail! Such a fun way to support Jasper businesses through the holiday season. Ryan shares details - and highlights upcoming Halloween weekend activities - in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
"CREATURES RETURN" HALLOWEEN EVENTS: https://www.jasper.travel/creatures-return/
55:30 | Nearly half a million Albertans signed the Forever Canadian petition, shattering the already-ambitious goal of 300,000. Organizer Thomas Lukaszuk tells us where the movement goes from here, including his opposition to a referendum. 
1:20:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, and dig into the Live Chat. 
1:40:30 | Real Talkers Mike, Gerry, and David share their thoughts on Alberta invoking the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers' strike. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

Teachers Ordered Back - General Strike Looming?

Labour leaders are calling it an "act of war," as Premier Danielle Smith invokes the notwithstanding clause, orders teachers back to work, and imposes a four-year collective contract. What's the average Albertan to make of the UCP government's move? Will other unions across the province go on strike to support the teachers? We get into it with political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt (4:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/
39:40 | Real Talkers have a LOT to say, as we dive into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power and our email inbox (talk@ryanjespersen.com). 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:07:30 | Did you know the Royal Alexandra Hospital is home to Northern Alberta's only inpatient mental health unit for children and teens? We hear Ashley, Maddie, and Wyatt's story in this week's Echoes of the Alex. 
DONATE to the ROYAL ALEX: http://givetoroyalalex.org/
1:39:20 | Did you stay up to watch the Blue Jays lose to the Dodgers in the bottom of the 18th inning? Jespo has a confession...
1:52:00 | Donald Trump says it'd be "too cute" to run for VP next election. We follow up on our October 27 conversation with Supriya Dwivedi. 
WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/102725Supriya
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

Trump Hissy Fit // Alberta Separatists Rally

Donald Trump says he "doesn't want to talk to Mark Carney anytime soon" after Doug Ford ran World Series ads quoting Ronald Reagan on tariffs. Not only is the Canada-U.S. relationship not improving...it's getting worse, as POTUS announced additional tariffs in response to the ad campaign. So, what now? We ask former senior advisor to the PMO Supriya Dwivedi (4:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/
34:00 | Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry were spotted out and about over the weekend. We spend the obligatory two minutes talking about how they deserve their privacy (ha). 
38:00 | Several thousand Alberta separatists gathered on the Legislature grounds over the weekend. What do you make of the movement? 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:00:30 | Alberta's public sector workers will be 100% back in the office starting in February. Real Talker Russ tells us how working from home actually benefits his employer. 
1:18:30 | Real Talker Nejolla takes us behind the scenes of the mayoral vote count following Edmonton's rocky municipal election on October 20. 
1:35:00 | Real Talker "Union Activist Laura" sets the record straight on the differences between government offers to Alberta's nurses and teachers. 
1:40:00 | Real Talker Erika - a mom, teacher, and municipal councillor - tells us how she found inspiration amist tears while listening to a recent episode of the show. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby.
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
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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.

"If anyone needs a spanking, it's this government!"

Real Talkers Robb and AJ are choked at how Election Day played out; Mr. Dad and Mike are following the money Alberta spends on education; Vera and Marcus have strong opinions on the teachers' strike, and Tracey is just tiiiiiiiiired of it all. 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!
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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.

Teachers Choked, Nenshi Back, Trump Pissed

Voters (and candidates) are demanding a third party audit after Edmonton's election was marred by long waits, missing ballot boxes, and dramatic recounts. Thousands of teachers rally outside the Legislature (22:00) as the Throne Speech is read, days ahead of being ordered back to work. And President Donald Trump says trade talks are off with Canada after Ontario Premier Doug Ford taps Ronald Reagan on the shoulder for an American ad campaign (39:00). 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/
3:45 | Political insiders and podcast hosts Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes get into it all in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
CHECK OUT THE DISCOURSE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-discourse/id1713385479
49:45 | We're days away from the deadline for the Forever Canadian movement to gather the required 300,000 signatures. Founder Thomas Lukaszuk tells us what he's heard from Albertans through the process, and shares his thoughts on the teachers' strike as a former Minister of Education. 
1:11:00 | We jump into our Live Chat powered by Park Power in what winds up being a VERY EXPENSIVE EXERCISE as Real Talk steps up to match donations to the Forever Canadian movement. Jespo and Johnny share where their heads are at ahead of the AMPIA Awards (with Real Talk nominated in three categories). 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:30:00 | Real Talker Gillian draws a direct line between the Blue Jays' World Series run and calls for Canada to revoke birthright citizenship. 
1:36:45 | Real Talkers Robb and AJ are choked at how Election Day played out; Mr. Dad and Mike are following the money Alberta spends on education; Vera and Marcus have strong opinions on the teachers' strike, and Tracey is just tiiiiiiiiired of it all. 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 
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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.

Mayors-Elect Andrew Knack & Jeromy Farkas

Real Talk brings you exclusives with Edmonton mayor-elect Andrew Knack (2:00) and Calgary mayor-elect Jeromy Farkas (19:25), who share thoughts on their wins (a big one and a nail-biter), and their plan through the first 100 days. Plus, we dig into a mind-boggling story in Edmonton, where reports of missing/discovered ballot boxes and big-swing recounts have many voters questioning the credibility of the entire process. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/
23:00 | Shout out to the thousands of first-time candidates, campaign volunteers, election workers, and others who gave their time to the 2025 Alberta municipal elections. Alberta Wins is proudly presented by Play Alberta. 
Get a $50 free bet with a $50 deposit with the promo code RYAN50 on the Play Alberta app or at https://playalberta.ca/. Must be 18+ to play. If you gamble, please use your GameSense. 
26:30 | From 2.5 hour line-ups to missed ballot boxes and dramatically-different recount totals, Edmonton's election was far from flawless. Jespo shares what we're hearing from sources on the front lines, and Real Talkers responses on X and in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
44:15 | Are you familiar with the 4% rule? North Road Investment Counsel's Cary Williams shares sage advice that could save you from the nastiest finance problem. 
CONNECT with NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/
55:15 | Real Talkers share their own realities around household finances and retirement planning. The conversation continues at 1:10:20. 
1:15:20 | Did you catch our October 22 conversation with John Jagersma about private school funding in Alberta? Real Talkers Cowie and Chris respond with emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com.
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/102225AISCA
1:29:30 | Here's an idea to save money on K-12 education in Alberta...
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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.

City Hall Insider // Private School Funding

Will Mayor-elect Andrew Knack be able to improve Edmonton's relationship with the province? Is there reason to believe city council will operate more smoothly than it has over the past four years? Should Alberta consider defunding private schools in light of sustained budget pressures, or should the education portion of property taxes "follow the student"? We take on these big questions and more in this episode of Real Talk. 
This episode is presented by RapidEX Financial: https://rapidexfinancial.com/
5:30 | Sarah Hamilton is the only Edmonton city councillor (aside from Mayor Sohi) that did not seek re-election. She gives us the inside scoop on alleged "dysfunction" with the previous council, how she thinks Mayor-elect Andrew Knack will navigate relations with the provincial government, and what was behind her high-profile dispute with fellow councillor Jo-Anne Wright. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
38:30 | You've still got time to check out the Jasper Dark Sky Festival! We've got details on the upcoming (free!) TALK concert, dinner with former astronaut Robert Thirsk, and more in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. We also tee up the first-ever Halloween event in Jasper, Creatures Return, running October 31-November 2. 
JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/
CREATURES RETURN: https://rtrj.info/MyJasperCreaturesReturn
42:00 | More Albertans are debating funding for private schools in light of budget restraints relating to the teachers' strike. John Jagersma from the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta (AISCA) lays out the argument for continued support for independent education in the province. 
AISCA: https://www.aisca.ab.ca/
1:36:00 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on private school funding in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We hear what you have to say about Alberta's new proposed license plate design. 
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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.

Albertans Wait for Results // Jays Punch Their Ticket

We may not yet know the results of every municipal election in Alberta, but there's still a lot to talk about. Karen Leibovici, Tim Querengesser, and Max Fawcett join our Real Talk Round Table presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (3:30). 
THIS EPISODE OF REAL TALK IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
50:15 | Unit 36 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital is Edmonton's only inpatient mental health unit for children and teens. We share Avery's story in this week's Echoes of the Alex presented by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
SUPPORT HOPE FOR CHILDREN WHO NEED IT MOST: http://givetoroyalalex.org/
52:45 | WHAT A GAME! Jespo and Johnny debrief after a wild Game Seven in Toronto, as the Blue Jays advance to the World Series. Real Talkers share their Election Day voting experiences in our Live Chat Powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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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.

Election Day In Alberta

Voters are headed to the polls across Alberta (9:30) as the teachers' strike enters its third week. The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from the World Series. Recall petitions are targeting three UCP MLAs (29:30), and rumours are swirling around Pierre Poilievre's future as leader of the federal Conservatives (50:00). We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
1:04:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a busy weekend including their collaboration at the Camp for a Cause mental health fundraiser at Bar Trove (1:08:00). We discuss the risk union members (and governments) take when labour negotiations lead to a strike. What do you think? Leave a comment below! 
1:36:00 | Shout out to whoever was operating Hazel Mae's camera for the Vlad Guerrero Jr. interview after Game Six! It's a perfect Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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.