Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Should We Ban Rodeo?

Animals die every year at rodeos around the world. And, stands are packed every year at rodeos around the world. As protests against animal exploitation increase, many circuses and zoos have been shut down. Is it time to ban rodeo? 
2:45 | Prompted by their Dialogue feature in the summer issue of Alberta Views, animal rights attorney Camille Labchuk and author Aritha van Herk debate the future of rodeo.
REAL TALKERS: knock 50% off a one-year subscription to Alberta Views with the promo code AVRJ!
SUBSCRIBE: https://albertaviews.ca/
CHECK OUT ARITHA'S WORK: https://www.arithavanherk.com/
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANIMAL JUSTICE: https://animaljustice.ca/
1:17:18 | 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
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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.

Trump v. Biden: Golf Edition; Trudeau AWOL at Stampede

Should Joe Biden accept Donald Trump's challenge to play 18 holes of golf? Is it important for Justin Trudeau to attend the Calgary Stampede? What'll Naheed Nenshi's first big move be as leader of the Alberta NDP?
2:14 | We talk about the presidential race (2:40), Trudeau v. Poilievre (13:45), our "Naheed Nenshi: Fact Checked" episode (28:30), making sense of utility bills (48:00), Nenshi's plan for Fall Session (1:01:40), and water security issues (1:10:40) with Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer.
WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH "FIRE WEATHER" AUTHOR JOHN VAILLANT: https://rtrj.info/062023Fire
READ MAX'S WORK: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/06/14/opinion/alberta-energy-war-room-waves-white-flag
1:16:55 | Ryan and Johnny respond to a comment about Bitcoin from Real Talker James in our YouTube live chat.
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.

In the Crosshairs: Alberta To Allow Grizzly Hunts

They're one of the most magnificent animals on the planet. For years, they've been a threatened species in Alberta. But grizzly bears will soon be hunted again after the UCP government quietly lifted a 20 year ban. In this episode, we investigate changes to the Wildlife Act allowing "problem" bears to be targeted by sport hunters, and learn what wildlife biologists and other experts think about Alberta's plan.
3:15 | Renowned wildlife photographer John E. Marriott tells us why he thinks Alberta's making a big mistake allowing selective grizzly hunts. 
CHECK OUT "IN THE CROSSHAIRS": https://youtu.be/7G61twkGsGI?si=hFSSWt3rz9wSTLlQ
FOLLOW JOHN ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/johnemarriott/?hl=en
BUY JOHN & SARAH'S BOOK: https://rmbooks.com/book/what-bears-teach-us-2/
36:28 | We highlight our favourite ways to beat the summer heat in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper!
MAKE YOUR OWN JASPER MEMORIES: https://www.jasper.travel/
39:46 | Dr. Sarah Elmeligi, bear biologist and MLA for Banff-Kananaskis, tells us about her research as a biologist and takes us behind the scenes of the politics of the Wildlife Act. 
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.

Naheed Nenshi: Fact Checked

Was Naheed Nenshi accurate and fair in his criticism of Danielle Smith's government when he joined us on June 24? In this episode, we task two UCP supporters with "fact checking" the Alberta NDP leader's comments and providing alternative perspectives. 
2:25 | Former UCP president Cynthia Moore and Alberta Institute's Peter McCaffrey respond to Naheed Nenshi's comments on infrastructure, schools, electricity rates, healthcare, carbon capture, and Premier Danielle Smith's time spent in her riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat. 
WATCH OUR NENSHI INTERVIEW: rtrj.info/062424Nenshi
34:50 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, including a closer look at the state of EMS, cancer care, and surgery wait times in Alberta. 
53:40 | Did you catch Charles Adler's comments on Winnipeg's Ten Commandments controversy? Ryan reveals the results of our unscientific, unofficial Twitter poll, and reads your comments (including an email from "Traveling Zebra"). 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:04:50 | How do you feel about rodeo? Ahead of our July 12 Real Talk Round Table, Jespo and Johnny discuss changing attitudes around that sport, zoos, and circuses. 
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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.

Do Religious Monuments Belong in Public Spaces?

Does a monument of the Ten Commandments belong in Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park? We tackle the developing story - and fifteen others - in this episode of Real Talk. 
6:16 | Charles Adler wastes no time chiming in on Russia bombing a children's hospital in Ukraine, the UK's new Prime Minister (10:35), former minister Marc Garneau's scathing indictment of Justin Trudeau's tenure as PM (13:50), an update on The Other Randy story (17:30), Winnipeg's Ten Commandments controversy (23:00), and Greece's new six-day work week (34:30). Charles Adler is presented weekly on Real Talk by Tice Automotive Consulting. 
BUYING A VEHICLE SHOULD BE FUN: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/
41:37 | Alberta's business community is the most optimistic it's been in years. Alberta Chambers of Commerce's Jason Leslie explains why, as Real Talk gets a sneak peek of the results of the most recent Provincial Priorities research. 
TAKE THE HIRING INTENTIONS SURVEY: https://albertaperspectives.ca/
CHECK OUT ALBERTA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/
1:01:10 | Real Talker Alexandra shares the story of the Hartman family out of Texas, who spent $34M of their own money to build an inclusive theme park. What a perfect Positive Reflection, presented by Kuby Renewable Energy! 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.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.

"Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's comments...made me RAGE!"

Real Talkers are FIRED UP over Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's comments about ADHD on Real Talk (June 26). Robyn, Sara, and Travis sound off, then "Raging Grannie" Karen chimes in on our Spittin' Chiclets interview (June 13). 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 on Baseline Road, let 'em know Real Talk sent you!

Is There Really An "Alberta Advantage" in business?

For more than a century, Albertans have celebrated a collective entrepreneurial spirit. A bold, scrappy, "never say die" attitude. But does that hard-wired reputation actually translate into a better business environment? We talk to Alberta's best in class in this episode - a Real Talk Round Table featuring Alberta Business Award of Distinction winners. 
2:15 | How does a good idea evolve into a profitable business? What's the best way to navigate innovation and disruption? How do you turn passion into purpose? We get into it with Ayman Ammoura (The Driving Force), Kevin Fritz (Fritz Tiny Homes), Kaley Beisiegel (Bird Creatives), Alana Tollenaar (Backyard Birds Nature Shop), and Shauna Feth (Alberta Chambers of Commerce). 
CHECK OUT ALBERTA CHAMBERS: https://www.abchamber.ca/
ACC ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@albertachambersofcommerce520/playlists
ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS: https://abbusinessawards.com/
58:25 | Real Talkers are FIRED UP over Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's comments about ADHD on Real Talk (June 26). Robyn, Sara, and Travis sound off, then "Raging Grannie" Karen chimes in on our Spittin' Chiclets interview (June 13). 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 on Baseline Road, let 'em know Real Talk sent you! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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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.

Killed at Work: Why Do So Many Canadians Die on the Job?

Canada's rate of workplace fatalities is among the worst in the developed world. More workers die in Alberta alone every year than the entire UK. Why is Canada's safety record so poor? Why haven't we learned from tragedy after tragedy? Where's the accountability? How do we turn this trend around? 
2:55 | Nicole Gnazdowsky's brother Andrew was killed at a Nova Scotia power dam site where he was working as an engineer. Julie Hamilton's son Tim died when a party tent he was erecting hit a power line. They join behavioural scientist Rob Stewart to expose Canada's atrocious safety record, and propose a way forward. 
REGISTER FOR THE HRO TRAINING WEBINAR ON AUGUST 2: https://hro.training/webinars
MISSING TIM: https://missingtim.com/
36:40 | Wyatt Sharpe checks in from Atlanta, where he's covering the Presidential Debate. (This young fella is somethin' else!)
SUBSCRIBE TO THE WYATT SHARPE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@UCEI-thoRF6_EGuhc_1eMQYw 
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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.

One on One with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

Coming up on a year since her separation from Canada's Prime Minister, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau talks to us about her own public and personal journey, and her new book Closer Together. 
2:30 | Sophie tells us about her conversations with experts on ADHD, infertility, eating disorders, "mindful masculinity," and more. 
LEARN MORE: https://sophiegregoiretrudeau.com/
39:15 | We explore the myriad of wellness and mental health benefits of being in the mountains in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
42:30 | Though the Game Seven loss still stings, Real Talkers are finding positives from the Oilers' incredible playoff run. Ryan and Johnny take a look at what you're telling us. 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
50:45 | We LOVE hearing how the show is improving your life. Real Talker Jason tells us how a recent episode on grief helped him ace a tough assignment. 
WATCH THAT EPISODE: rtrj.info/060624Loz
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
59:10 | Conspiracy theory quashed! Real Talker Martin works in the oil sands, and explains why pipe in Nisku wouldn't work for Calgary's water main repairs. 
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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 Oilers Fan's Guide to Navigating Heartbreak

Ugggggh. Connor McDavid and the Oilers will have to wait another year for a shot at the team's first Stanley Cup in decades. We talk it out - and get an update on the water main mess in Calgary - in this episode of Real Talk. 
1:17 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a heartbreaking Game Seven. 
6:55 | The Globe and Mail's Carrie Tait tells us about some of the amazing Oilers fans she met through the team's magical run to the Stanley Cup Final. 
28:12 | Will Calgary be able to keep up with water demand during the Stampede? Carrie updates us on repairs and related storylines following a catastrophic water main collapse.
READ CARRIE'S REPORTING ON THIS STORY: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-calgary-water-pipes-are-vulnerable-to-failure/
51:23 | Real Talker Andi's email made our day (and not just because it throws a bit of shade at our good friends The Strategists). 
WATCH THAT BEST RESTAURANTS EPISODE: https://www.youtube.com/live/AujyStHcr_s?si=E0uNGGQWwT3bGujc&t=192
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.