Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

"Poor taste. People are hurting. Let them grieve!"

Martin says it's time to politicize wildfires, while Brad says that's "incredibly poor taste". Two different takes responding to the Jasper wildfire in this week's edition of (sorry) The Flamethrower presented by our good friends at 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!

Jasper Wildfire: The Immediate Aftermath

One of Canada's crown jewels sustained devastating damage on July 24, as wildfire tore though the beloved mountain town of Jasper. In this episode, with firefighters still battling the blaze, we speak with evacuees, an extreme weather expert, a veteran fire chief, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 
2:37 | Jasper town councillor Wendy Hall joins us from a cabin near Valemount just hours after losing her home in the fire. 
12:30 | Extreme weather expert and former wildland firefighter Kyle Brittain explains how the Jasper wildfire spread so quickly, ultimately generating its own lightning storm. 
CHECK OUT KYLE'S WORK: 
25:00 | Jamie Coutts was Slave Lake's fire chief when the town was levelled by wildfire in 2011. He gets real about why these fires happen, and who's responsible. 
37:45 | Tyler Riopel, CEO of Tourism Jasper, has a message for his fellow Jasper residents and business owners. 
FOLLOW TOURISM JASPER ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/tourismjasper
43:37 | Real Talker Cyrus has us a bit misty-eyed with his Ode to Jasper. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
48:20 | Premier Danielle Smith got emotional during a media availability about the Jasper wildfire. We take a look. 
50:30 | Premier Smith joins Ryan from the road en route to Hinton, about 45 minutes east of Jasper. 
1:03:10 | Ryan and Johnny debrief, and touch on public criticism around Premier Smith's emotional news conference. 
1:07:20 | Jasper's a very special place for the Jespersen family. Ryan shares a few of his most memorable moments. 
1:13:30 | We drop into our YouTube live chat to see what Real Talkers are saying about Jasper.
1:26:00 | Why did the Jasper wildfire spread so quickly? Who's responsible? What role may the mountain pine beetle play in all this? We look at some of the questions people are asking.
1:28:30 | Martin says it's time to politicize wildfires, while Brad says that's "incredibly poor tastes". Two different takes responding to the Jasper wildfire in this week's edition of (sorry) The Flamethrower presented by our good friends at 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! 
Do you know a post-secondary student in Canada who's lost a parent to cancer? They could qualify to receive financial assistance from the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. Application deadline is August 1. 
APPLY FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

Can Kamala Harris win? Will Danielle Smith survive?

It's a whole new ball game now that Joe Biden's out. Does Kamala Harris have what it takes to knock off Donald Trump and keep the Democrats in charge? Closer to home, could Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's goose be cooked with this hockey ticket controversy? 
4:30 | Charles Adler tells us how he thinks the presidential race changes with Biden pulling out, what a Harris candidacy means for the Democrats and America as a whole, why JD Vance misses the mark as Trump's running mate (30:00), and why the latest headlines around Danielle Smith could inflict permanent damage on her political career (39:40). Charles Adler is presented on Real Talk by Tice Automotive Consulting. 
BUYING A VEHICLE SHOULD BE FUN: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/
51:00 | Wyatt Sharpe joins us live from the White House with insights on Kamala Harris "snubbing" Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, the youth vote, and more. 
CHECK OUT THE WYATT SHARPE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@thewyattsharpeshow
1:05:30 | The Edmonton Oilers have added another controversial figure to the mix, hiring Stan Bowman as the team's general manager. Ryan and Johnny discuss the cost vs. potential payoff. 
1:16:30 | Jasper's under an evacuation order as a wildfire threatens the town. We update the situation. 
MORE INFO ON THE JASPER WILDFIRE: https://linktr.ee/tourismjasper
1:20:40 | Ryan's beloved pup Moses crossed the Rainbow Bridge on July 22. We celebrate the beautiful impact our pets have on our lives in this edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 
WHAT'S YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION? talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/
Do you know a post-secondary student in Canada who's lost a parent to cancer? They could qualify to receive financial assistance from the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. Application deadline is August 1. 
APPLY FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

"An Inch Away from Civil War!"

The Sco's at odds with Adler, Paul cracks on our coverage, Kyle's angry at the liberals and "so-called centrists," and Merrick the Red Headed Prick says moral decay isn't limited to lefties. Real Talkers are alllllll fired up in this all-Trump edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you beat the heat by grabbing a Blizzard at the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

Senator Paula Simons' Expenses Revealed!

Before she became a Canadian Senator, Paula Simons was an investigative journalist and National Newspaper Award-winning columnist. It's clear she approaches accountability around her role in the Red Chamber differently than most of her colleagues. Right out of the gates in this must-watch episode, Senator Simons opens up her own expense reports, talks about her Senate salary, and confronts her critics in the Real Talk live chat. 
2:10 | Senator Simons talks supply managment and free trade, food security and soil, Medical Assistance in Dying, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, municipalities vs. provinces, and more in her signature candid fashion. 
PAULA'S ALBERTA VIEWS PIECE ON SOIL: https://albertaviews.ca/the-real-dirt-land/
Save 50% off a one-year subscription to Alberta Views with the promo code AVRJ! 
"CRITICAL GROUND" - SENATE REPORT ON SOIL: https://rtrj.info/071924CriticalGround
1:14:30 | The Sco's at odds with Adler, Paul cracks on our coverage, Kyle's angry at the liberals and "so-called centrists," and Merrick the Red Headed Prick says moral decay is alive and well. Real Talkers are alllllll fired up in this all-Trump edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
When you beat the heat by grabbing a Blizzard at the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
Do you know a post-secondary student in Canada who's lost a parent to cancer? They could qualify to receive financial assistance from the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. Application deadline is August 1. 
APPLY FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

MAID To Order: More Canadians Choosing Assisted Death Every Year

Has someone close to you chosen a medically-assisted death? The total number of Canadians requesting MAID rises 30% or so every year, accounting for just over 4% of all deaths in Canada in 2022. While concerns remain - including implications for people living with mental health challenges, severe disabilities, or in extreme poverty - MAID appears to be accepted by the general public as a relatively uncontroversial end of life decision. Is it? We get into it with National Post columnist Tristin Hopper in this episode of Real Talk. 
0:45 | But first...what do vaccines have to do with a family doctor shortage across the country? Probably nothing...but Ryan's noticing a trend in the responses to our July 17 episode with Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Paul Parks. 
WATCH THAT EPISODE: rtrj.info/071724HEALTHCARE
9:20 | Did you catch our show about workplace fatalities in Canada? Real Talker Erin writes in with just a few examples of unsafe scenarios she's encountered on the job. 
WATCH THAT EPISODE: rtrj.info/062724HRO
TELL US YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
16:15 | National Post commentator Tristin Hopper talks MAID, Canada's family doc crunch, Trump's attempted assassination (and his VP pick JD Vance), metric vs. imperial, and his obsession with estate sales in Victoria, B.C.
1:05:11 | Do you know a post-secondary student in Canada who's lost a parent to cancer? They could qualify to receive financial assistance from the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. Application deadline is August 1. 
APPLY FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.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.

The Alberta Disadvantage: Health Care Crisis Explained

Good luck finding a family doctor if you live in Alberta, let alone getting an MRI, surgery, or cancer care right when you need it. Health care professionals are leaving in droves, thousands of patients are stuck on waitlists, and some rural communities are declaring a state of local health care crisis. In this episode of Real Talk, we find out how Alberta wound up in this mess, and whether or not it can be cleaned up. 
2:45 | Dr. Paul Parks, an ER doctor and president of the Alberta Medical Association, tells us why the health care system is "as bad as it's ever been," and how it can be fixed. 
THE AMA: https://www.albertadoctors.org/
49:00 | There's a new culinary hot spot in Jasper! We shine the spotlight on the fabulous Peacock Cork and Fork in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
51:30 | How does our health care delivery model stack up internationally? Ryan and Dr. Parks take a look at the world's top performers, and what might work in Canada. 
BOOK YOUR RESO: https://thepeacockjasper.com/
LEARN MORE ABOUT JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

What We Know: the Trump Shooter, the RNC, and Project 25

We get you up to speed on the FBI investigation into the attempt on Donald Trump's life, buzz from Republicans and Democrats days removed from the attack, and growing focus on "Project 2025". 
4:40 | The Republican National Convention is underway, and Trump is front and centre (and trying to stay awake). We check out a compelling cross-aisle message from U.S. Representative Jeff Jackson (D), and criticism around Trump's handling of the civilian fatality at his Pennsylvania rally (20:30). TikTok Trump critic @danasinspired has a lot to say about supercharged political rhetoric, while former Republican representative Adam Kinzinger (Illinois) says American democracy is under threat. He's not the only one: did you read George Clooney's piece in the NY Times (33:45)? Many of you have emailed the show about Project 2025. We take a look at Canadian journalist Ali Velshi's coverage (41:45) on MSNBC. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
51:15 | Looking for fact-based discussion about grizzly bears in Alberta? We look at a couple of the most enlightening moments from our July 10 episode featuring wildlife photographer John E. Marriott and MLA Dr. Sarah Elmeligi, and read an email from Real Talker Travis, a (talented) amateur wildlife photographer. 
THE GRIZZLY EPISODE: rtrj.info/071024Grizzlies
1:01:10 | With an 8-33 record over the past three CFL seasons, it's no wonder (now former) Elks GM and coach Chris Jones was sent packing. Ryan and Johnny muse about what the organization needs to do to build back its fanbase. 
1:11:25 | Ahead of our July 17 interview with Dr. Paul Parks, president of the Alberta Medical Association, Ryan reads an email from Real Talker Brock about user-pay MRIs. 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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 Assassination Attempt Changes Everything

"I'm supposed to be dead." Not only did Donald Trump survive an attempt on his life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania over the weekend...he appears to be more motivated than ever to retake the White House. In this episode of Real Talk, we explore the many different angles of the Trump assassination attempt, including what it means for the Republican National Convention, Joe Biden, and the Secret Service. 
2:30 | Charles Adler appears on Real Talk courtesy of our friends at Tice Automotive Consulting. 
BUYING A VEHICLE SHOULD BE FUN. TICE CAN MAKE THAT HAPPEN: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/
36:00 | Real Talker Barbara, a lifelong Republican who moved to Canada in 2019, takes issue with our coverage of Trump challenging Biden to a golf game. She explains why. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
57:45 | Should we ban rodeo? Ryan and Johnny look back at our July 12 Real Talk Round Table featuring animal rights attorney Camille Labchuk and author Aritha van Herk. 
SAVE 50% ON A SUBSCRIPTION TO ALBERTA VIEWS WITH PROMO CODE AVRJ: https://albertaviews.ca/
1:08:30 | How long would it take you to chug a gallon (four litres) of lemonade? Likely a heck of a lot longer than it takes Eric "Badlands" Booker, the 2024 Nathan's Lemonade Chug Contest Winner. Geeeeez.
1:09:50 | Real Talker Celine in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan loved the story of a letter carrier in Nova Scotia who went above and beyond to make a grandparent's day. So do we! Positive Reflections is presented on Real Talk by our friends at Kuby Renewable Energy. 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

Mean Tweets: Jespo Edition

If you're going to publicly challenge healthcare delivery in Canada, approach with caution. Ryan's July 9 remarks about waitlists and other barriers to care enraged more than a few folks. Many took to Twitter to throw a grenade. In this edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park, we get into a few of those tweets before Ryan responds.
CHECK OUT RYAN'S INITIAL COMMENTS: https://rtrj.info/070924Healthcare
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!