Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Jagmeet Singh & Union Hero Chris Smalls

His NDP is languishing in the polls, his leadership's being questioned, but Jagmeet Singh's still throwing punches and pounding the pavement with just days to go until the election. What does he say to critics who hold him responsible for propping up Justin Trudeau's minority government for too long? What's his message to progressive voters inclined to "loan" their vote to the Liberals? 
2:20 | Jagmeet joins Jespo in the Real Talk studio, talking polls, key ridings, and the future of the party. 
22:22 | POLITICO's Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vasey gets into the Leafs' big win against the Sens, our interview with Jagmeet Singh, Pierre Poilievre's upcoming campaign stop in Trenton, and the Brantford Boomer. 
READ POLITICO: https://www.politico.com/canada-politics-news-updates-analysis
40:00 | Solidarity! Amazon Labour Union founder Chris Smalls and Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan share cross-border perspectives on organizing, elections, and the future of unions. 
CHRIS SMALLS on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chris.smalls_
ALBERTA FEDERATION of LABOUR: https://afl.org/
1:32:30 | The UpLift! Jasper Mural Festival is back, the Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon is coming up, the Taste of Spring culinary celebration continues, and Marmot Basin's keeping the lifts running until May 4! It's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
UPLIFT! MURAL FESTIVAL: https://www.instagram.com/uplift.fest.jasper
BOOK YOUR GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
1:36:45 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Brantford Boomer story and "real world" politics. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

Election Looms // Thomas Lukaszuk // Earth Day

We're less than a week out from a hugely significant election. The Pope's just passed away. Alleged corruption plagues the Alberta government. The planet is on a road to ruin. But fear not...we've got inspiring takes on (nearly) all of it in this episode of Real Talk! 
5:30 | Party All The Time host Vicky Mochama gives us her thoughts on Pope Francis' legacy and the significance of his death. We talk about a new Conservative ad campaign, diaspora voting, foreign policy positions, and key storylines with six days to go 'til Canada votes. 
PARTY ALL THE TIME: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/party-all-the-time/id1803891407
24:15 | What prompted former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk to file a conduct complaint with the Law Society aimed at Alberta's justice minister Mickey Amery and lawyer Matthew Lindsay? We ask him.
49:45 | Alberta researchers are advancing nature-based solutions to pressing environmental challenges facing prairie landscapes impacted by industry. Athabasca University's Dr. Srijak Bhatnagar and Lethbridge Polytechnic's Dr. Adriana Morrell explain how their collaboration could transform conservation efforts.
READ MORE: https://www.athabascau.ca/news/research-and-innovation/science-and-environment/coalmine-grassland.html?
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

"The Liberals Are Losing...and They Know It!"

KP says the Liberals are losing (and they know it), Jonathan questions Jespo's patriotism, Jeremy says there's no excuse for abusers, and Johnny (not Infamous) says we're out to lunch on rent control.
It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.comWhen you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to 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.

Maxime Bernier and the Debates

Nobody expects the People's Party of Canada to win a seat this election. But don't tell that to party leader Maxime Bernier, who tells us (2:45) why he's not cooperating with Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives. Max's critics (including Shannon Phillips and Ken Boessenkool right after the interview) say his party's too extreme to be taken seriously. Do you agree or disagree?
PPC: https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/
27:15 | Shannon Phillips and Ken Boessenkool break down the Bernier interview and get into the key storylines of the French and English debates.
MAKE BETTER POLICY: https://mbpolicy.com/
1:09:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Bernier interview and the Oilers playoff hopes, and tee up tonight's English language debate. 
1:37:00 | KP says the Liberals are losing (and they know it), Jonathan questions Jespo's patriotism, Jeremy says there's no excuse for abusers, and Johnny (not Infamous) says we're out to lunch on rent control. 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! 
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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.

Debate Week: The Election Gets REAL

Here's where things get real. First in French, then in English, party leaders will thrust, parry, and try to convince Canadians they're the best bet for Prime Minister. Will Pierre Poilievre go for the jugular or present a more measured demeanour? Does Mark Carney's proficiency in French really matter? Will anybody be moved by what Jagmeet Singh has to say? 
10:00 | Politico's Mickey Djuric joins from Stanstead, Quebec, a Canada-U.S. border town, ahead of the French language debate.
READ POLITICO: https://www.politico.com/
40:00 | Are voters missing something big this federal election? Alberta Chambers of Commerce CEO Shauna Feth tells us what ACC members are looking for out of the debates and beyond. 
ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/
1:00:00 | Do you talk politics around the Easter dinner table? 
1:12:00 | The Jasper SkyTram is open, dog friendly, and ready to welcome you this weekend! We've got details on a fantastic Stay & Soar package in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
LEARN MORE: https://www.jasper.travel/where-to-stay/
1:16:00 | Golf influencer Paige Spiranac says phones should be banned at more sporting events. Jespo agrees, Johnny does not. How about you?
TELL US: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:24:00 | We've got a follow-up on Buttongate, including your comments on Jespo's social media post.
1:32:00 | Donald Trump's ready to deport "homegrown" convicts to El Salvador. We've got an update. 
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NISKU ENERGY SHOW: https://business.yourchamber.ca/chamber-events/Details/2025-nisku-energy-show-1234907?sourceTypeId=Website
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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.

Buttongate & Pierre’s Crime Crackdown

Prank gone horribly wrong: Liberal staffers plant unflattering campaign buttons at a Conservative event, then blab all about it at the bar. What were they thinking? Pierre Poilievre says he's step outside the Charter to crack down on Canada's most violent criminals. Could he gain a few points with the public, or is it a risky move? 
4:00 | Vicky Mochama talks Buttongate, Pierre Poilievre and the notwithstanding clause, climate change, and Donald Trump eyeing up Canada's critical minerals. 
PARTY ALL THE TIME on Spotify: https://rtrj.info/PATTSpotifyPARTY ALL THE TIME on Apple Podcasts: https://rtrj.info/PATTApplePodcastsPARTY ALL THE TIME on YouTube: https://rtrj.info/041325PATT
49:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on Buttongate and Trump's hot mic gaffe with El Salvador's president. 
1:02:00 | California's governor is appealing to Canadian tourists. Would you travel to the States right now? 
TELL US: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:06:00 | Ryan's fired up on the tenth anniversary of an unsolved murder (though everybody knows who did it). 
1:23:30 | Real Talker Don's not happy about Dr. Andy Knight's characterization of the Canadian Armed Forces in our April 14, 2025 episode.
DR. ANDY KNIGHT ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/041425Knight
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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.

America Should Be Declared A Pariah State

People throw the word "fascist" around a lot these days, but does it actually fit U.S. President Donald Trump? An internationally-respected Canadian scholar says yes. 
2:35 | Dr. Andy Knight, professor of political science at the University of Alberta, tells us why he thinks the US should be declared a pariah state. We hear firsthand how USAID cuts are impacting critical programs in the Caribbean. Dr. Knight tells us what he thinks about the U of A dumping its DEI initiative, and takes us into his report for the Department of National Defence on white supremacy in the Canadian Forces.
FOLLOW ANDY ON BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/knight54.bsky.social
1:02:00 | Jespo and Johnny catch up on developments over the weekend, including the ICChange Gala and Rory's big win at The Masters. 
1:08:00 | Turns out politicians exaggerate. Do you care about revelations both the Conservatives and Liberals are stretching the truth about the number of people at their rallies?
1:20:00 | Real Talkers Morgan and Tisha respond to comments they've seen in the Real Talk Live Chat, including use of the word "Libtard". 
1:30:00 | Real Talker Sheryl tells us about her sweet lab Sidney, who survived a near-drowning in the North Saskatchewan River. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby.
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/
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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.

"We'd Be the Masters of Our Destiny!"

Nesen says Pierre better get serious about policy, AJ says Jespo's out to lunch on "grey areas," Ms. B has a hot take on The Great One, Cam has an axe to grind with Max Fawcett, and Brandon paints a picture of a sovereign Alberta. 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!
 
 

Who Killed the Carbon Tax?

Pretty much everybody agrees: the consumer carbon tax is dead in Canada. Mark Carney's getting credit for it in the polls, which has to drive Pierre Poilievre crazy. After all, he's the one who's promised to "Axe the Tax" for the past two years. In this episode, two of Canada's most credible voices on the matter debate: Who ultimately killed the carbon tax? 
3:30 | Shannon Phillips and Ken Boessenkool dig into the carbon tax, the UCP "CorruptCare" scandal, low oil prices and the Alberta budget, Mark Carney and China, Pierre Poilievre and crowd sizes, and the inevitable fate of the federal NDP. 
MAKE BETTER POLICY: https://mbpolicy.com/
1:12:20 | Jespo tells us about the time then-MP Kerry Diotte blew him up on Twitter at 3am. 
1:22:00 | Nesen says Pierre better get serious about policy, AJ says Jespo's out to lunch on "grey areas," Ms. B has a hot take on The Great One, Cam has an axe to grind with Max Fawcett, and Brandon paints a picture of a sovereign Alberta. 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! 
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JOIN US APRIL 12 at the ICCHANGE GALA: https://www.icchange.ca/2025gala
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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.

Ag and the Election // Market Manipulation

Everybody eats. But how many of us actually pay attention to what's going on in the Agriculture sector? There's something for everybody in this episode, from the city slickers to farmers and ranchers across Canada. Stick around for the second half of the show, where we take a look at wild swings in the market with massive wealth implications. 
6:00 | Shaun Haney, founder of RealAgriculture and host of RealAg Radio on SiriusXM, talks Trump, tariffs, federal election implications, and the future of Ag. 
READ SHAUN'S WORK: https://www.realagriculture.com/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
42:00 | What's the best cereal on planet Earth? 
56:00 | Did Donald Trump manipulate the markets to benefit his wealthy friends? 
1:10:00 | Does crowd size matter?
1:32:15 | Real Talker Lorne, a retired fire chief, responds to our April 9 episode with Ryan's wife Kari about their dog Monroe's near-death experience on the river.
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/040925rescue
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JOIN US APRIL 12 at the ICCHANGE GALA: https://www.icchange.ca/2025gala
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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.