Episodes

9 hours ago
9 hours ago
Premier Danielle Smith says reports tying her to alleged wrongdoing related to Alberta Health Services' procurement and contracting are "false, baseless and defamatory". Meantime, Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi is calling for an RCMP investigation into allegations Smith’s government dismissed the head of AHS two days before she was scheduled to meet with the province’s Auditor-General to discuss her investigation into procurement contracts and deals for private surgical facilities. We get into what's at stake in this episode of Real Talk.
3:30 | Journalist Carrie Tate takes us into her exclusive story in The Globe and Mail.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
28:00 | Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
52:00 | What a bizarre Super Bowl. Jespo and Johnny recap the game, Kendrick Lamar's halftime show, and the party at On the Rocks.
1:00:00 | Whatever happened to pausing tariffs for a month? U.S. President Donald Trump says he's hitting steel and aluminum right now.
1:10:30 | Speaking of Trump, more Canadians want Mark Carney negotiating with POTUS, not Pierre Poilievre. So says a new Nanos Research poll. Do you buy it?
1:15:30 | Ryan reads more of your thoughts on the AHS story, including an insider insight into demand for surgical facilities in Alberta.
1:25:00 | A Jasper business will be back in the water (in a good way!) this spring thanks to an amazing group of people who got together over the weekend to Raise the Raft. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Kuby Energy.
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.

3 days ago
3 days ago
Sheryl schools us on dead chickens and dancing monkeys, Jenny wants you to join the resistance, Alanna's spitting fire over the newest Alberta Health scandal, Steve's sick of being robbed, Stephanie's had enough of the "treacherous tangerine," and Cody wants everybody to rethink a specific, recurring chore.
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!

4 days ago
What's Going On with Jasper's Rebuild?
4 days ago
4 days ago
More than 600 families remain displaced after wildfire ripped through Jasper in July of 2024. As clean-up continues and rebuilds begin, officials are at odds over the "right way" to rebuild one of Canada's most magnificent tourism destinations. With hundreds of millions of dollars hanging in the balance, we check in with federal, provincial, and municipal leaders to figure out what they agree on, and what they don't.
2:45 | Minister Terry Duguid, federal lead on Jasper recovery efforts, tells us about his trip to the mountain town and conditions around $160M in new funding.
23:10 | We ask Hon. Ric McIver, Alberta's Minister of Municipal Affairs, why the province is withholding the $112M it promised for housing.
46:10 | Mayor Richard Ireland talks housing crunch, tax shortfalls, and the future vision for Jasper.
1:16:45 | The next generation isn't drinking like generations before did. Why is that?
1:31:30 | Sheryl schools us on dead chickens and dancing monkeys, Jenny wants you to join the resistance, Alanna's spitting fire over the newest Alberta Health scandal, Steve's sick of being robbed, Stephanie's had enough of the "treacherous tangerine," and Cody wants everybody to rethink a specific, recurring chore. 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!
HANG OUT WITH JESPO AT OTR ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: https://ontherocksyeg.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.

5 days ago
Businesses Pivot to Survive Trump Chaos
5 days ago
5 days ago
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
HANG OUT WITH JESPO AT OTR ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY: https://ontherocksyeg.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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

6 days ago
6 days ago
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/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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

7 days ago
7 days ago
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/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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

Monday Feb 03, 2025
This Means (Trade) War
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
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.
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.

Saturday Feb 01, 2025
"Fight for Canada and Canadian Jobs!"
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
Saturday Feb 01, 2025
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!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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

Friday Jan 31, 2025
Trump Imposes Tariffs, Blames DEI for Deadly Crash
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
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
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Doctors Silenced in COVID Report
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
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/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.