Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ
Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ
Episodes

Oct 21, 2022
Oct 21, 2022
1hr 16 min
0:22 | FIVE HUNDRED EPISODES. Hard to believe! We're so grateful for the Real Talk audience, sponsors, and guests that have made this independent talk show such a success story.
7:42 | Ryan kicks off the show with a look back at five of the most memorable moments through Real Talk's first five hundred episodes. We know your list may look different than his, and we'd love to hear what your most memorable Real Talk moment is! Shoot us an email to talk@ryanjespersen.com
23:12 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ruffled feathers at an Edmonton Chamber of Commerce luncheon yesterday, encouraging business leaders to "get on board" with her plan to increase human rights protections for unvaccinated workers. We take a look at how her message landed with entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
28:24 | Would you believe Rachel Notley's getting more credit for "economic leadership abilities" than Conservative Premier Danielle Smith? Team Navigator (Rosa Ellithorpe, Jason Hatcher, and Graham Fox) joins the Real Talk Round Table to dig into polling numbers that indicate an unpopular premier, dwindling support for Alberta "sovereignty," lack of public appetite for a fight with Ottawa, and a window of opportunity for Alberta's NDP.
CHECK OUT NAVIGATOR: https://navltd.com/
THE REAL TALK ROUND TABLE IS PRESENTED BY URBAN TIMBER: https://www.urbantimber.ca/
1:11:23 | We've got Real Talkers ripping Rush, calling out cops, and dialing in on Premier Danielle Smith in this week's edition of Trash Talk. Buckle up and press play!
TRASH TALK IS PRESENTED BY LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: https://localenvironmental.ca/
SEND US YOUR TRASH TALK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 20, 2022
Oct 20, 2022
1hr 13 min
0:22 | The lettuce wins! As British PM Liz Truss resigns after just 44 days in office, Real Talk leads with early takes on her short tenure, including a statement from Lizzy Lettuce. IYKYK.
11:00 | The Battle of Alberta is expanding to the hardcourt with the arrival of the Calgary Surge. Edmonton Stingers president Reed Clarke and Surge president Jason Ribeiro talk about the connection between pro sports and community, and how to build a loyal fanbase in 2022.
THE STINGERS: https://www.thestingers.ca/THE SURGE: https://www.calgarysurge.ca/
30:56 | Parents these days spend 70% less time looking into their kids' eyes than parents from two generations ago. Psychologist, author, and public speaker Dr. Jody Carrington checks in from Yellowknife, NWT with Real Talk on connection, community, and post-pandemic healing. Do yourself a favour and set aside a half-hour to watch this one in full.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. JODY: https://www.drjodycarrington.com/
1:07:25 | Just over a week ago, Premier Danielle Smith sat in our studio and said she'd stop the trend of blocking her critics on social media. Dozens of Albertans have been in touch with us since, wondering when the new policy goes into place...because they're still blocked. Ryan analyzes the optics of Smith's staffers doing what they're doing.
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 19, 2022
Oct 19, 2022
1hr 9 min
5:35 | Why did journalist Brandi Morin have to go to international media outlets to find support for telling Indigenous stories in Canada? The Cree-Iroquois-French storyteller joins us just days after accepting the Edward R. Murrow Award in NYC. Brandi and Ryan talk about her years-long fight to bring Indigenous stories to the forefront. She also updates us on the Wet'Suwet'en/Coastal Gas Link story, and reflects on her time spent working for now-Premier Danielle Smith.
CHECK OUT BRANDI'S MINI-SERIES ON MMIWG: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/longform/2022/1/5/if-she-was-white-she-would-still-be-here-canadas-mmiwg
READ HER RECENT REPORTING ON WET'SUWET'EN: https://ricochet.media/en/3886/gut-wrenching-drilling-starts-under-wetsuweten-river
ORDER BRANDI'S BOOK: https://houseofanansi.com/products/our-voice-of-fire
51:19 | Why does Real Talk producer John Hicks hate art? Of course he doesn't...but a tweet from Real Talker "Laurel" got us thinking about how and why we value art the way we do. Have a listen, and let us know what you think: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:02:56 | The second weekend of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival is almost upon us! Ryan shares details of a few keynotes you won't want to miss. If you're out exploring Jasper, be sure to include #MyJasper and #RealTalkRJ on your Instagram or Twitter posts, and you could see your content featured on a future Wednesday edition of Real Talk!
CHECK OUT THE JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://jasperdarksky.travel/
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 18, 2022
Oct 18, 2022
1hr 22 min
0:20 | Will Liz Truss outlast a head of lettuce? We kick off the show with a look at a YouTube live feed capitalizing on the British PM's political woes. Plus, Ontario Premier Doug Ford goes on the record in support of PM Trudeau invoking the Emergencies Act. Ryan explores the early political implications.
CHECK OUT THE FEED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm-RE95lKJ0
9:02 | Last month, a patron at a comedy show in Sylvan Lake, AB flipped a table at comedian Lisa Baker mid-set. It's yet another example of a troubling trend: comedians being attacked on stage. Baker tells us the story, and talks about what needs to happen in the industry and beyond to keep performers safe.
37:22 | In a new column, Max Fawcett argues Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's strategy should "scare" Albertans. We ask the National Observer's lead columnist exactly why, and dig into what appears to be a potential act of political suicide. Keep watching to find out why Premier Scott Moe's carbon tax "cost" claims are out of whack, and what Max thinks about Conservative Premier Doug Ford's support of a Liberal Prime Minister.
READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2022/10/18/opinion/danielle-smith-anti-urban-agenda-should-scare-albertans
1:12:21 | What a remarkable young talent! This week's edition of The Leading Edge features Meihuam Yu, a 16-year-old making computer technology more accessible for amputees. The Leading Edge is presented by Leading Edge Physiotherapy.
LIFE SHOULDN'T HURT: https://leadingedgephysio.com/
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 17, 2022
Oct 17, 2022
1hr 12 min
0:18 | Activists made international news on Friday when they splashed tomato soup on Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" at the National Gallery. Was the stunt effective in influencing public opinion on the climate and cost of living crises? Ryan and John hash it out.
16:35 | Why does misinformation spread so quickly on TikTok in particular? Author, TV host, and professor Tim Caulfield gives us a sneak peek of a study his team's releasing tomorrow (after analyzing hundreds of hours of videos posted to the social media site). We talk COVID revisionist history too, including Caulfield's conviction around "intellectual humility".
CHECK OUT TIM'S BOOK: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51865405-relax-dammit
CHECK OUT TIM'S NETFLIX SERIES: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7532396/
47:26 | Nobody cuts to the heart of a story quite like Charles Adler. We get into Premier Danielle Smith's controversial comments about Ukraine, the tomato soup incident at the National Gallery, and Steve Bannon's upcoming sentencing.
1:09:12 | Shout out to Real Talker "Anabel," who sent us a HILARIOUS video from the French TV show C'est Mon Choix. It was a no-brainer for this week's edition of Positive Reflections, presented by our good friends at Kuby Energy.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 15, 2022
Trash Talk - October 14, 2022
Oct 15, 2022
Oct 15, 2022
7 min
Real Talkers are fired up this week! From the design of our new studio to Premier Smith's comments and a call for more women in politics, this week's Trash Talkers have a lot to say! Trash Talk is presented every Friday by our friends at Local Environmental Services.
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Oct 14, 2022
Oct 14, 2022
1hr 20 min
7:38 | Nothing but intellectual heavyweights on this Friday edition of Real Talk, starting with Supriya Dwivedi. With a public inquiry examining the use of the Emergencies Act, we explore why this actually matters to the average Canadian. With COVID cases rising (including hospital admissions) across the country, what might this winter look like? The co-hosts of Seriously get into those stories and more in typical candid fashion.
SUBSCRIBE TO SERIOUSLY: https://seriouslypod.com/
36:54 | This might be the best Real Talk Round Table of 2022. The Strategists co-hosts Stephen Carter, Zain Velji, and Corey Hogan return for a hilarious (and insightful) look at Premier Danielle Smith's first week in office, and what a smart counter-strategy for Rachel Notley might look like. We kick off the conversation (presented by Urban Timber) with a look at Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland's controversial comments about African nations from Washington, D.C. earlier this week.
CHECK OUT THE STRATEGISTS: https://thestrategists.ca/
EXPLORE URBAN TIMBER: https://www.urbantimber.ca/
1:12:30 | Real Talkers are fired up this week! From the design of our new studio to Premier Smith's comments and a call for more women in politics, this week's Trash Talkers have a lot to say! Trash Talk is presented every Friday by our friends at Local Environmental Services.
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 13, 2022
Oct 13, 2022
1hr 12 min
10:25 | Do people debate ideas anymore? Have we lost our ability to respectfully disagree? Entrepreneur, podcaster, and former political staffer Sarah Elder-Chamanara explains why she's walking away from her political and feminist fashion brand. Regardless of where you land on the political spectrum, you're bound to find this conversation relevant.
CHECK OUT MADAME PREMIER: https://www.madamepremier.com/CHECK OUT SARAH'S PODCAST "ELLECTED": https://www.madamepremier.com/blogs/ellected
47:24 | What's your "Big Why"? How would you build (and fund) a healthy community? Do you see your priorities respected and reflected by different levels of government? "Priority Based Budgeting" expert Kelly Rudyk gives us food for thought ahead of budget season, including the number one question to ask the next politician that knocks on your door.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PBB: https://www.itslogical.ca/
1:03:17 | Conspiracy theorist and alt-right radio host Alex Jones has been ordered to pay nearly a billion dollars to families of several Sandy Hook victims. What do you even say about this guy? Ryan and John try to find the words.
SEND US YOUR THOUGHTS: talk@ryanjespersen.com
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 12, 2022
Oct 12, 2022
1hr 18 min
6:36 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the unvaccinated population is "the most discriminated-against group" she's ever seen in her lifetime. What does the controversial comment say about how Smith intends to govern? Her former radio colleague Charles Adler joins for a candid (and bang on) assessment of the premier's first day in office.
34:55 | Real Talker "Cheryl" wasn't impressed with what she heard from Premier Smith on Tuesday's Real Talk. Ryan reads Cheryl's email, submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com.
40:15 | Now that its CEO and board has stepped down, how does Hockey Canada begin to rebuild? How is the average Canadian supposed to wrap their mind around not just the sexual assault scandal, but the bigger picture culture problems? Toronto Star columnist and TSN contributor Bruce Arthur provides plenty of food for thought.
1:02:48 | The Jasper Dark Sky Festival is just days away! This week's #MyJasper Memories features the must-attend event, including details on keynote speakers and fun family activities.
GET YOUR TICKETS: https://jasperdarksky.travel/
1:06:26 | Do you believe in the supernatural? Ryan shares a personal experience that forever changed the way he "sees" the spirit world.
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.

Oct 11, 2022
October 11, 2022 - Premier Danielle Smith
Oct 11, 2022
Oct 11, 2022
59 min
It's a new era for Real Talk! The first show from our new location features Alberta Premier-designate Danielle Smith, who joins us in studio just a couple hours before her swearing-in ceremony.
4:07 | What is Premier-designate Danielle Smith's first order of business once she swears in? What's her message to Albertans who say she's not yet earned a mandate to govern? What did she say to Prime Minister Trudeau during their first official phone call? Why won't she seek the open seat in Calgary-Elbow? Will she unblock people on Twitter, now that she'll be leading Alberta's government? We cover a lot of ground in our first interview since Smith's UCP leadership victory.
42:43 | Huupe is the world's first "smart" basketball hoop, and it's transforming how people play one of the most popular sports on the planet. The technological innovations and interpersonal implications place Huupe in the spotlight of this week's The Leading Edge presented by Leading Edge Physiotherapy.
LIFE SHOULDN'T HURT: https://leadingedgephysio.com/
55:51 | If you've heard Brandi Morin on Real Talk before, you know she's a force of nature. The journalist (and member of our Real Talk Editorial Board) was in New York City over the weekend accepting an Edward R. Murrow Award for her six-part Al Jazeera series on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We're proud to feature Brandi in this week's edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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.









