Episodes
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Conservatives and Climate Change
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Thursday Jan 04, 2024
Andrew MacDougall held the highest-profile communications job in Canada, as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's director of comms. His boss is generally remembered as tight-lipped around media and hostile toward scientific researchers.
5:13 | Now a director at Trafalgar Strategy in the UK, MacDougall tells us about the evolution of his position on the politics of climate action, how the Harper era compares to the Trudeau (and Poilievre) era, the UK's renewables boon, and the future of Canada's energy industry.
WATCH OUR JUNE 20 INTERVIEW WITH "FIRE WEATHER" AUTHOR JOHN VAILLANT: rtrj.info/062023Vaillant
40:03 | Real Talker Garth says the oil and gas industry is being treated unfairly. Real Talker Gabe says Canadians need to give their heads a shake re: emissions. Ryan reads their emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com.
51:00 | Real Talker Carolyn says Charles Adler deserves a spanking. Ryan reads her email about Chuck's call to deport the driver responsible for the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
1:01:38 | Real Talker Gillian is "finally" able to enjoy hockey again! Ryan reads her email about the PWHL.
SIGN UP TO PLAY, VOLUNTEER, OR SPONSOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC (FEB 3): https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
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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.
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Innovation, Disruption, and You: What To Expect in 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
What is the next great disruption? Which new innovation will be most transformative? Exactly how will AI continue to change the game? What are the updated secrets to success in 2024?
2:00 | Innovation strategist and best-selling author Shawn Kanungo tells us how this year will be most different from the year previous. He explains why strategy is energy, predicts The Death of Superstars, and tells us how to best position ourselves in a dynamic, competitive job market.
CHECK OUT SHAWN'S BOOK: https://shawnkanungo.com/
43:55 | It's a magical time of year to visit Jasper! Ryan lays out the perfect weekend itinerary in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JASPER IN JANUARY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
1:08:50 | A Mom keeps her son's memory alive by shipping his vinyl collection around the world: it's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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 Dec 23, 2023
BEST YEAR END RANTS!
Saturday Dec 23, 2023
Saturday Dec 23, 2023
We're shaking things up in the final Flamethrower of 2023, presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! Jenny, Sarah, KO, Johnny, and Jespo give us their own personal rants. (Ryan really turns up the temperature at the end!)
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk send you!
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
YEAR IN REVIEW: Group Chat Round Table!
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
Thursday Dec 21, 2023
It's our final episode of 2023! Enjoy what is arguably The Most Entertaining Real Talk Round Table of the Year.
2:30 | Jenny Adams, Sarah Hamilton, and Katherine O'Neill give us their top news stories - in Alberta, across the country, and around the world.
1:07:10 | We're shaking things up in the final Flamethrower of 2023, presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! Jenny, Sarah, KO, Johnny, and Jespo give us their own personal rants. (Ryan really turns up the temperature at the end!)
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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.
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Fact Check: How Clean (or Dirty) is Alberta Oil?
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
It's a recurring conversation in Canada, if not around the world: is Canadian oil more "ethical" than oil from elsewhere, is activity in Alberta's oil sands "clean" enough...and does any of this actually matter on the international stage? A couple of episodes ago, David Knight Legg argued the world needs more Alberta for three main reasons. In this episode, our guests fact check those three points.
CHECK OUT THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/121823DKL
2:45 | Markham Hislop, publisher of Energi Media, takes issue with DKL's claim that Alberta's producing the cleanest barrels of oil in the world.
READ MARKHAM'S WORK: https://energi.media/
22:55 | Dr. Andrew Leach says he agrees with some of what DKL had to say, but not all. The author of "Between Doom & Denial: Facing Facts About Climate Change" lays it out.
ORDER ANDREW'S BOOK: https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/between-doom-and-denial/
48:35 | It's a magical time of year to visit Jasper! We highlight some of the most spectacular holiday culinary options in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
51:00 | Would you choose to work 100% from home, 100% at the office, or a mix of both? Ryan reads comments after our December 19 Real Talk Round Table with Heather Thomson, Puneeta McBryan, and Cory Wosnack.
56:35 | An overwhelming majority of Real Talkers think Jaskirat Singh Sidhu should be allowed to stay in Canada. Ryan reviews the results of our unofficial, unscientific Twitter poll.
1:01:10 | Ryan reads one of the most powerful emails we've ever received, from Real Talker Brandon, a family member of killer Robert Svekla.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
TRENDWATCH: Jobs, Retail, & Real Estate in 2024
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
What does the future look like for workers, job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and property owners? Is it really a doomsday scenario for downtowns? When will we see restored confidence in new business ventures? Will employers ever expect a full "return to work" scenario? We explore the most relevant and interesting trends in this episode of Real Talk.
1:45 | Heather Thomson, Puneeta McBryan, and Cory Wosnack look back at 2023, then ahead to 2024, through their expert lenses (and crystal balls).
EDMONTON DBA: https://www.edmontondowntown.com/
CENTRE FOR CITIES & COMMUNITIES: https://www.ualberta.ca/business/centres/cities-communities/index.html
AVISON YOUNG: https://www.avisonyoung.ca/web/edmonton
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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.
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Should the Man who Caused the Humboldt Crash Be Deported?
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Jaskirat Singh Sidhu is responsible for one of the most horrific collisions in Canadian history. He was handed an eight-year sentence in 2019 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm in the April 6, 2018 crash that killed 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey club and injured 13 others. Now, he faces deportation to India. Is that justice served?
3:00 | But first, David Knight Legg, former principal advisor to Premier Jason Kenney, tells us why he thinks Canada blew a big opportunity at COP28.
READ DKL'S PIECE IN THE POST: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/david-knight-legg-if-guilbeault-actually-cared-about-coal-burning-hed-back-natural-gas
42:15 | Charles Adler doesn't need more than a minute to tell us how he feels about Jaskirat Singh Sidhu being deported: it's black and white for Chuck. Not so for Ryan.
TAKE OUR TWITTER POLL: https://twitter.com/ryanjespersen/status/1736786168170299434
1:26:30 | Ryan reads a feel-good email from Real Talker Stef, checking in from Nelson, BC.
1:28:00 | We love the Fresh Nets initiative, highlighted in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.
CHECK IT OUT: https://freshnets.ca/
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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 Dec 16, 2023
”Figure Out the F*@king Zipper Merge!”
Saturday Dec 16, 2023
Saturday Dec 16, 2023
Why can't people figure out how to zipper merge? When did conservatism become radicalism? And what the hell are we going to do about sick kids on mattresses in hospital hallways? Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers, courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park: Newcastle, Westmount, Palisades, Namao, and Baseline Road.
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
Friday Dec 15, 2023
The Alberta Disadvantage: Budget Surplus, Crumbling Communities
Friday Dec 15, 2023
Friday Dec 15, 2023
As long as oil rides high, Alberta's flush. But while the province is on pace for a $5B+ budget surplus, property taxes are on the rise in virtually every community, as everyday folks struggle to pay their basic monthly bills. As you'll see early in this episode, our Real Talk Round Table is sounding the alarm.
3:20 | Mayor Tyler Gandam (Wetaskiwin), Councillor Andrew Knack (Edmonton), and Councillor Krista Gardner (Calmar) explain what Alberta municipalities will soon look like if the province doesn't pony up $1.75B in infrastructure funding. Our Alberta Municipalities panel gives us their top political storylines for 2023, including policing and public safety, healthcare shortages, and political parties infiltrating municipal elections.
CHECK OUT ALBERTA MUNICIPALITIES ONLINE: https://www.abmunis.ca/
1:16:00 | Why can't people figure out how to zipper merge? When did conservatism become radicalism? And what the hell are we going to do about sick kids on mattresses in hospital hallways? Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers, courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park: Newcastle, Westmount, Palisades, Namao, and Baseline Road.
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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 Dec 14, 2023
Check-Up: Real Talk with Alberta Doctors & Dentists
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Hospitals are bursting at the seams. Patients are waiting a year and a half for surgery. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics are walking away from careers they once dreamed of having. Meantime, Ottawa's spending billions on a new dental care plan - but Canadians have a ton of questions. We get the straight goods from Alberta doctors and dentists in this episode of Real Talk.
0:30 | But first...today's a great day to sign up for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! You won't want to miss this amazing annual event on Saturday, February 3 in St. Albert, all in support of a great cause.
REGISTER TO PLAY, SPONSOR, OR VOLUNTEER: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
4:40 | Dr. Paul Parks, president of the Alberta Medical Association, tells us about the province-wide tour he just completed, his recent meeting with the Health Minister, concerns around public funding for naturopaths, pushback on nurse practitioner clinics, and questions around why the Chief Medical Officer of Health hasn't been seen in public for weeks.
CHECK OUT THE AMA ONLINE: https://www.albertadoctors.org/services/media-publications/presidents-letter/pl-archive/acute-care-we-are-acting-for-you
31:45 | Are you looking for a different holiday gift this season? Real Talk is proud to support the work of HOPE International. Ryan talks about his personal experience with their giving catalogue.
SUPPORT HOPE INTERNATIONAL: https://gifts.hope-international.com/
36:40 | Ottawa's spending billions of dollars on a new Canadian Dental Care Plan. Despite Monday's announcement, details are sparse regarding who's eligible and when, implications for existing dental insurance, etc. We talk to Dr. Jenny Doerksen from the Alberta Dental Association.
MORE ON THE CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN: https://www.albertadentalassociation.ca/2023/12/11/dentists-and-their-patients-still-have-questions-about-the-canadian-dental-care-plan/
56:35 | "Life comes at you fast...especially in dog years." Real Talker Jared sent us this amazing email just hours after losing his beloved dog Augie.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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.