Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Mark Carney’s Shifting Stance on Iran

Pressure is mounting on Canada's Prime Minister as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its second week. Mark Carney's own MPs are reportedly concerned about the PM's initial support for the strikes, and confused by a shift over the following days. What's the right move for Carney...and for Canada? We get into it with Supriya Dwivedi in our feature interview (3:45) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
37:30 | Where is the best or worst place to live in Canada as a woman? Ryan and Supriya dig into the data with researcher Katherine Scott from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.
PANDEMIC IMPACT on WOMEN (2023): https://www.policyalternatives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/still-in-recovery-FINAL.pdf
BEST/WORST PLACES in CANADA to be a WOMAN: https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/the-best-and-worst-places-to-be-a-woman-in-canada-2019/
1:12:30 | Jespo and Johnny chat about changing attitudes through generations.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:28:00 | Real Talker Marie shares what she's doing for community members in Tumbler Ridge, BC in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. 
SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.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.

"Pete Hegseth's Dick-Measuring Term is Insulting!"

Gary's gonna wash a few mouths out with soap, Don's sick of Pete Hegseth's "dick measuring," Coreen and Sharon have very different takes on unions, and Minnie has a reality check on doctors' salaries. 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!
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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.

Real Talk from Powerhouse Women

What are you thinking about this International Women's Day? Ahead of March 8, we pick the brains of powerhouses Dr. Shazma Mithani and Jenny Adams in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (2:30). 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUOR, NOW AVAILABLE AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
45:00 | Women still experience discrimination while navigating the healthcare system. Dr. Mithani gets into it. 
SUBSCRIBE to THE DOC TALK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-doc-talk-podcast/id1775772809
1:03:20 | Real Talk is proud to support the Ben Stelter Foundation's Hearts & Hands Poker Tournament on April 16 & 17. 
REGISTER to PLAY or SPONSOR: https://benstelterfoundation.com/
1:05:10 | Jespo, Johnny, and Real Talkers in our Live Chat share what they'll be thinking about on International Women's Day. 
WATCH OUR MENOPAUSE EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/051325Schewchuk
1:39:00 | Gary's gonna wash a few mouths out with soap, Don's sick of Pete Hegseth's "dick measuring," Coreen and Sharon have very different takes on unions, and Minnie has a reality check on doctors' salaries. 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, or 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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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.

War in Iran: Impact on Canada

Mark Carney and Danielle Smith have nothing to do with Donald Trump's war in Iran, but both leaders will feel the impact. Political commentator Rob Breakenridge gets into it all in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (5:00).
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR, AVAILABLE MARCH 6 AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
CHECK OUT ROB'S SUBSTACK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
1:03:45 | We debrief re: Naheed Nenshi's NDP leadership, Rakhi Pancholi's rise, Sec. Stephen Miller's comments about the "woke Pentagon," and more. Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:30:00 | Pierre Poilievre says Net Zero is "all BS," and a conspiracy by "green grifters" to "take everybody's money away." Does the Conservative leader need to update his understanding to appeal to more voters? 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:42:30 | Real Talk is proud to support the Ben Stelter Foundation's Hearts and Hands Poker Tournament on April 16 and 17. 
REGISTER to PLAY and/or SPONSOR: https://benstelterfoundation.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.

Legendary Adventurer Karl Bushby // Iran Update

Nobody in human history has achieved what Karl Bushby is on the verge of completing. The former British paratrooper has travelled more than 48,000 km over the past 28 years, walking around the world with human power alone. No flights, no boats, no vehicles. He takes us into his Goliath Expedition in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (3:00). 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR, AVAILABLE THE SECOND WEEK OF MARCH AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
SEE KARL in EDMONTON: https://secure.citadeltheatre.com/overview/10719
SEE KARL (and SAM ROBERTS) in BANFF: https://www.banffcentre.ca/karl-bushby-get-him-home
48:00 | Marmot Basin offers the absolute best spring skiing in Canada. Ryan lays out the top five reasons you need to drop everything and head to Jasper in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.
SKI MARMOT: https://www.skimarmot.com/
PLAN YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/
53:40 | What's the greatest adventure you've ever embarked upon? Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Bushby interview, and see what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
59:00 | Did you hear Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's characterization of American strikes in Iran? We bring you updated comments from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy, and Prime Minister Mark Carney. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: 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.

Trump, Iran, and the Return of $100 Oil

The war in Iran could soon return oil to $100/barrel. It'll have big implications on the energy industry, international economies, and what consumers pay at the pump. Max Fawcett argues it should also prompt politicians like Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and federal Energy Minister Tim Hodgson to rethink their entire strategy on renewables. He explains why in our feature interview (3:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/03/03/opinion/trump-iran-attack-fossil-fuels#
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
31:30 | It's Kyle Dube Day. Ryan reflects on Kyle's incredible legacy at YOUCAN Youth Services.
SUPPORT YOUCAN: https://youcan.ca/
36:20 | Max tells us why he chose now to take aim at Naheed Nenshi's NDP leadership, and why he doesn't care one bit about whether or not Alberta stays on Daylight Saving Time. 
1:17:30 | Jespo and Johnny debate the merits of staying on Standard or Daylight Saving Time. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:21:45 | Jespo reads emails from Dr. Charles in Calgary and Dr. Andrew in Edmonton, responding to Real Talker Laura's email last week about physician salaries. 
1:30:00 | Jespo recaps his visit to E2 Academy.
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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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.

War in Iran // Province-Wide Protest in Alberta

The United States and Israel are at war with Iran. What does that mean for Canada? Supriya Dwivedi joins (3:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. We also cover a curious statement from a senior government official implying Indian foreign interference is no longer a thing in Canada, and wild findings that just a handful of social media accounts are responsible for the majority of misinformation and online conspiracies. (Are you suprised?)
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THEIR NEW, LIMITED-RELEASE "MINI YEGGS" MILK CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR, AVAILABLE THE SECOND WEEK OF MARCH AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
CHECK OUT THE MEDIA ECOSYSTEM OBSERVATORY REPORT ON CONSPIRATORIAL CLAIMS: https://meo.ca/work/conspiratorial-claims-and-institutional-distrust-in-canadas-online-ecosystem
53:10 | The Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL) is calling for a province-wide day of protest against the UCP government. President Gil McGowan explains why fighting is the only option.
LEARN MORE: fightbacknow.ca 
CHECK OUT THE NEWEST EPISODE OF WORKER AGENDA -- DEMOCRACY: https://youtu.be/1C3Tynn69qg?si=IoWi35wzvFUs3UHX
1:44:00 | Real Talker Sheryl shares how Real Talk has "made (her) life better," including a "lovely and brilliant PhD student" renting a room in her home as a result of our May 2024 Real Talk Round Table: "What's the Best Advice You've Ever Received?"
WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/052424ADVICE
SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
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.

Worker Agenda - Democracy

Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL). Episode 2 of the Worker Agenda looks at DEMOCRACY.
 Gil McGowan and Cori Longo of the AFL and Mandy Lamoureux, president of CUPE Local 3550, join Omar Mouallem to discuss the authoritarian threat of the Alberta separatist movement, how unions are a vital safeguard for democracy, and much more!
The Worker Agenda is brought to you by the unions of the Alberta Federation of Labour.
Follow the Worker Agenda at:https://workeragenda.ca/
Ask your MLA to make the Worker Agenda THE Agenda for the provincehttps://workeragenda.ca/get-involved/
 Join Fight Back Now! https://fightbacknow.ca/
 
Follow AFL Media: https://www.youtube.com/@ABFedLabour/videos
Follow the AFL on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABFedLabourInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abfedlabour/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ABFedLabour LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-federation-of-labour/
Follow the AFL and sign up for AFL News: https://afl.org/*

"A $9B deficit? It's not leadership, it's gambling!"

Abby says the UCP is gambling with Alberta's future, Robert's sick of "white nationalists talking shit," Don and Janice have different takes on Donald Trump's locker room call to the American hockey players, and Eddie's "fed up" with Edmonton City Council on the infill file. 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, or 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.

Alberta Budget: Winners, Losers, and What's Next

Alberta is prioritizing short-term pressures over long-term savings. Budget 2026 forecasts a $9.4 billion deficit as the province grapples with volatile oil revenues, increased spending, and a softer-than-expected energy price outlook. With record spending on healthcare, new and increased fees, and a pause on contributions to the Heritage Savings Trust Fund, Albertans are right to question if they'll actually see better outcomes. 
This isn't your average budget recap episode. If you're looking to nerd out over spreadsheets, you'll be disappointed. We present real life budget implications - what the UCP's fiscal plan means for your household, your business, and Alberta's economic future.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
3:40 | Official Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi comes out guns blazing, accusing the UCP of "waste, fraud, and corruption." He tells us what an NDP government would do differently, and responds to calls from "progressive" political commentators to resign. 
FEATURE INTERVIEWS ON REAL TALK ARE PRESENTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
37:00 | What does Budget 2026 do for entrepreneurs, affordable housing advocates, and industries outside of oil and gas (including Alberta's massive food and beverage business)? Edmonton Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths, Jaffer Group's Alim Somji, and Alberta Food Processors Association's Bianca Parsons join our Real Talk Round Table. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
EDMONTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/
1:29:20 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the our Live Chat powered by Park Power to see what Real Talkers have to say about a PST in Alberta, physician salaries (prompted by an email from listener Laura), and more.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
2:01:35 | Abby says the UCP is gambling with Alberta's future, Robert's sick of "white nationalists talking shit," Don and Janice have different takes on Donald Trump's locker room call to the American hockey players, and Eddie's "fed up" with Edmonton City Council on the infill file. 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, or 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.