Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

"Canada Isn't the 51st Anything!"

Martin in Manitoba's had enough of Trump trolling Canada, Gerald says we owned the Americans last time The Donald was President, Dolly's done with provinces operating as lone wolves, and Menchie - a former security guard - says the industry's a mess. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
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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.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Premier Danielle Smith

We talk wins and losses, and look to the past, present, and future with Edmonton's Mayor and Alberta's Premier in this power-packed episode of Real Talk. Mike Stelter - Ben's dad - talks to us about his son's remarkable legacy and the first-ever Ben's Cup in support of the Ben Stelter Foundation. We wrap 2024 with one of the fieriest Flamethrowers of the year presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. 
3:00 | Mayor Amarjeet Sohi talks property tax increases, downtown safety, rezoning and housing starts, his council's relationship with the province, council colleague Tim Cartmell looking to dethrone him, and plans for his political future.
24:40 | Premier Danielle Smith talks municipal funding, deficit potential in 2025, timeline for her promised tax cuts, Donald Trump disrespecting Canada, Kevin O'Leary's proposed $70B Wonder Valley data centre, and the future of the Alberta Pension Plan.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:07:20 | Mike Stelter talks to us about his son Ben's legacy, and the first-ever Ben's Cup in support of the Ben Stelter Foundation. 
CHECK OUT BEN'S CUP: https://benscup.com/
BEN STELTER FOUNDATION: https://benstelterfoundation.com/
1:27:20 | Martin in Manitoba's had enough of Trump trolling Canada, Gerald says we owned the Americans last time The Donald was President, Dolly's done with provinces operating as lone wolves, and Menchie - a former security guard - says the industry's a mess. 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, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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.

TOP STORIES: Trudeau, Trump, and Foreign Interference

Late December's typically a slow time of year for the news cycle. Not this year! 2024's top stories are playing out in front of us as Christmas break approaches, including Justin Trudeau fighting to keep his party's confidence, and Donald Trump fighting...pretty much everybody. 
3:50 | Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, talks Trudeau, Trump, foreign interference, byelections, and more. 
SUPPORT MO'S SHOW: https://www.thisisvancolour.com/
1:03:05 | Real Talkers chime in via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
1:08:45 | Have you heard about the Canmore Liveability Tax? Think it's the right move to make housing more affordable for locals? Ryan's not so sure.
1:13:40 | Real Talker Jared drags science into our ongoing conversation about photo radar. (Unfortunately for us, his facts are tough to dispute.)
1:28:00 | QUALIFY TO WIN OILERS / MAPLE LEAFS TICKETS: register for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic before January 1!
DETAILS: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho...
1:32:45 | Johnny clarifies a detail re: a new book about Chrystia Freeland, as discussed on our December 17 episode. (Thanks to Real Talker Karen for the heads up!)
EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: 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.

Brace Yourself for a Painful Year Ahead

Justin Trudeau's on his way out. Donald Trump's on his way in. Alberta's headed toward deficit territory, and consumers across Canada are looking at higher prices for pretty much everything in 2025. We don't mean to bum you out, but we want you to be prepared. Look no further than this Real Talk Round Table with three of the sharpest knives in the drawer. 
3:10 | Economics professor Trevor Tombe, Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO Candace Laing, and Alberta Chambers of Commerce CEO Shauna Feth give us their frank assessment of the year ahead.
CHECK OUT ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/
36:50 | How could Donald Trump's tariffs impact Canadian producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers? Our panel lays it out before pitching a solution to potential economic woes. 
1:04:55 | Did you see the hilarious holiday roast delivered in the House of Commons by MP Darren Fisher? HILARIOUS. 
1:08:45 | Chrystia Freeland's publisher is bumping up the date of her book release. Instead of February, it'll now be available in time for Christmas. A coincidence? Jespo and Johnny discuss.
1:22:45 | QUALIFY TO WIN OILERS / MAPLE LEAFS TICKETS: register for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic before January 1!
DETAILS: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.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.

Trudeau's Cabinet Collapsing

Two of Justin Trudeau's highest-profile cabinet ministers have jumped ship. Are we watching this government collapse in real time? 
4:40 | (Now-former) Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is out, as is (now-former) Housing Minister Sean Fraser. Who and what is next? Ryan gets into it.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
32:20 | Sprawl Calgary founder/editor Jeremy Klaszus tells us a survival story of sorts, including his first-hand take on government subsidies for media. We dig into the province's updated plan for Calgary's Green Line LRT, and the three (and counting?) new political parties organizing ahead of the municipal election in October 2025. 
SUPPORT THE SPRAWL: https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/
1:29:40 | Real Talker Emily's email warmed our hearts on this cold December morning - we hope it has the same effect on you! Her testimony on the value of this community is a perfect Positive Reflection, proudly presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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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.

Swiftie Snaps after Real Talk Guest Disses Taylor!

Tammy's got Taylor Swift's back, Lauren's not sold on Mr. Wonderful's $70B Wonder Valley, John says Donald Trump and Danielle Smith better check themselves, and Anne says Poilievre and Trudeau need to grow backbones. 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
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.

GROUP CHAT ROUND TABLE: "Don't Call Me A C*nt!"

Sarah Hamilton's tipping point into politics was a behind-the-scenes bully who called her one of the nastiest names going. The Edmonton city councillor tells us the story (6:35) in one of our most candid Real Talk Round Tables in a long time, recognizing three members of the 2024 Edify Top 40 Under 40. 
2:16 | Jespo's favourite group chat gets together for its annual holiday Real Talk Round Table. Sarah Hamilton, Harman Kandola, and Jarrett Campbell take on the top stories, including Rachel Notley's retirement, Kevin O'Leary's proposed $70B Wonder Valley data centre (26:15), Edmonton's Mayoral race (34:00), the intersection of business and politics with cameos from group chat members Jenny Adams and Katherine O'Neill (42:45), the senseless murder of security guard Harshandeep Singh (48:50), and the healthcare CEO murder in NYC (59:49). 
1:12:00 | Tammy's got Taylor Swift's back, John says Donald Trump and Danielle Smith better check themselves, and Anne says Poilievre and Trudeau need to grow backbones. 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
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.

Rookie Security Guard Murdered by Career Criminal

20-year-old Harshandeep Singh was pushed down a flight of stairs, shot in the back, and killed just three days into a new job as a security guard. The suspect charged by Edmonton Police is a dangerous, repeat offender with a history of violent crimes. Amidst public outrage, people are questioning the role Mr. Singh's employer, the Government of Alberta, and Ottawa played in this tragedy.
4:10 | Mike Byrne, founder of Scope Safety & Security, exposes the shortcomings in training and accountability for security guards in Canada.
23:30 | Rich LaForge, Chair at ASIS Chapter 156, says under-trained, inexperienced security guards are being sent into dangerous situations across the country. He tells us who's responsible, and what needs to change. 
39:00 | Ryan shares his thoughts on judicial reform in Canada, and shares comments from the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
44:30 | We ask Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton about that $70B data centre Kevin O'Leary's promising to build a half hour outside her city. Mayor Clayton claps back at critics saying it'd be tough to attract an international workforce to GP. 
DETAILS ON WONDER VALLEY: https://rtrj.info/121124Max
1:19:30 | Order Real Talk merch by December 16, and we'll have it at your door by Christmas! 
SHOP NOW: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/merch
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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.

Kevin O'Leary's Not-So-Serious $70B Plan for Alberta

Kevin O'Leary - the TV star otherwise known as "Mr. Wonderful" - says he's bringing a $70 billion data centre to northern Alberta. Premier Danielle Smith is over the moon, celebrating what would be the largest real estate investment in the province's history. But critics say there's no chance the Wonder Valley project will ever materialize. 
1:55 | Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer, tells us why he's not sold on Kevin O'Leary's $70B plan. 
READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/12/10/opinion/kevin-oleary-playing-alberta-70-billion-fool
33:45 | Max gives us his take Luigi Mangione (allegedly) murdering UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, and what it says about the healthcare conversation in the United States.
51:09 | Jasper's chilliest season often delivers the warmest memories! We highlight holiday favourites waiting for you and your loved ones in Jasper National Park in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
CHECK OUT THE JASPER PONY EXPRESS: https://www.jasper.travel/ponyexpress/
54:00 | How serious is President-Elect Trump about Canada as the "51st state"? 
1:08:45 | We ask Max what he makes of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's GST holiday, and the ensuing division between the PMO and Minister Chrystia Freeland. 
1:14:30 | Does the fall of Bashar al-Assad mean peace for Syria? Experts say not necessarily. Max tells us what he's keeping an eye on.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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.

Big Tobacco: Pay Up!

Canada is on the brink of a landmark $32.5B settlement with Big Tobacco, designed to address decades of health care costs and personal damages caused by smoking. Does the settlement go far enough? 
2:55 | Rob Cunningham, author of "Smoke and Mirrors: the Canadian Tobacco War" gives us the good, the bad, and the ugly of the proposed $32.5B settlement.  
34:10 | Jespo and Johnny take a look at the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
43:00 | 20-year-old security guard Harshandeep Singh was killed in cold blood on just his third day on the job. Ryan shares his thoughts on this horrific story. 
SUPPORT THE GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-harshandeep-singh-anttals-family
53:15 | An insurance CEO is gunned down on the street in NYC, and the general public...laughs? Ryan's having a hard time wrapping his mind around this story. What do you think? 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:06:40 | Did you hear the latest development in that case of 1979 hockey cards that a Saskatchewan family sold for more than $3M?
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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.