Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Bad Bunny Triggers Trump // Jamil Jivani’s DC Trip

Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show draws a record audience AND the ire of President Donald Trump, who calls it "absolutely terrible, one of the worst EVER". We get into alllllllll the details with Supriya Dwivedi (2:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. We cover Conservative MP Jamil Jivani's trip to D.C. (21:00), Trump's now-deleted social media post depicting the Obamas as primates (38:40), Stephane Dion calling out Danielle Smith (48:45), and developments in the Canada-India relationship (1:09:00). 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
1:18:30 | Real Talker Ryan can't help but wonder what might have been, had Calgarians voted to bid on another Winter Olympic Games. Would you like to see the Olympics back in Canada? 
1:34:30 | Real Talker Garth shares a firsthand perspective on the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, and how his Alberta employer is aiding Jamaicans in need, in this week's Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. 
SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: 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 only ICE we need is for my drink!"

Jonathan chastises Jespo's "unserious" approach to the nukes-in-Canada discussion, Mike has a hot take on the Gavin McKenna assault charges story, Andrea says she'd "die for this country" were the U.S. to invade Canada, and Mary Ann checks in from Ixtapa, Mexico with thoughts on ICE. 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!
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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.

Trump Posts Racist Video Depicting Obamas As Apes

We didn't want to talk about Donald Trump during this Black History Month Round Table (15:45). But POTUS forced our hand when he posted a vile, racist AI video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes just hours before we recorded this episode. Trump's unconscionable action is a reminder we've still got a long ways to go. Darren W. Jordan, Garfield Morgan, and Lorelle Whittingham, and Renee Williams bring their artists' perspectives to this important feature interview (starting at 2:20) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/
45:25 | Edmonton Arts Council CEO Renee Williams joins Darren and Lorelle around the Real Talk Round Table. 
5 ARTISTS, 1 LOVE: https://www.5artists1love.com/
EDM. ARTS COUNCIL: https://www.edmontonarts.ca/blog/living-portraits-celebrating-black-artists-in-edmonton
SHARE YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:27:10 | Real Talkers share their thoughts (and generous Super Chat contributions) in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:32:10 | Jonathan chastises Jespo's "unserious" approach to the nukes-in-Canada discussion, Mike has a hot take on the Gavin McKenna assault charges story, Andrea says she'd "die for this country" were the U.S. to invade Canada, and Mary Ann checks in from Ixtapa, Mexico with thoughts on ICE. 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, or 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.

Would You Fight to Defend Your Mom's Honour?

Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna faces a felony assault charge following an altercation at a Pennsylvania bar. Rumour is the 18-year-old McKenna and his Mom were repeatedly harassed by the 21-year-old who reportedly wound up with a broken jaw. What would you do in a situation like this? We debate the merits of defending your family or walking away (1:10:30) in this very candid episode of Real Talk. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com 
But first...
5:00 | We check in on Jasper's fire rebuild with Edmonton MP Eleanor Olszewski, the Liberals' new Ministerial Lead for Jasper. Of course, we ask what she thinks about Consevative MP Jamil Jivani's trip to D.C. to meet with the Trump administration, too. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
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38:00 | Will you be tuning into the Olympic Winter Games? Would you like to see Canada host the Games again? We get into Liaison Strategies' new polling ahead of the Opening Ceremony for Milan Cortina. 
CHECK OUT THE RESULTS: https://www.liaison.ca/polls/canadians-love-their-hockey-but-not-enough-to-foot-the-bill-for-a-future-olympics
55:00 | Real Talkers give us their cost-benefit analysis around hosting the Olympics in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:06:00 | We focus (get it?) on Alberta photographers taking top honours in Canadian Geographic's Canadian Photos of the Year in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 
THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR WITH PLAY ALBERTA, AND ALL REVENUE STAYS RIGHT HERE IN THE PROVINCE. DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. https://playalberta.ca/
1:10:30 | What would you do if somebody hurled insults at your Mom or another beloved family member? We dig into the rumours around Gavin McKenna's felony assault charge in Pennsylvania. 
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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.

Does Canada Need Nukes?

Should Canada expand its military arsenal to include nuclear weapons? Retired general Wayne Eyre says it should be an option, but Defence Minister David McGuinty says it's not. We ask columnist Tasha Kheiriddin (3:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Tasha also explains why Pierre Poilievre needs to talk more about Donald Trump, and gives us her take on Stephen Harper's portrait unveiling in Ottawa. (Enjoy the very beginning of the interview, as Jespo learns a tough lesson about leaning on AI for simple yet important tasks.)
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/
CHECK OUT TASHA'S SUBSTACK: https://tashakheiriddin.substack.com/
47:00 | Are The Beatles the most overrated band in the world? Johnny lays out his argument, prompting a vigorous debate in our Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
57:00 | Looking to WOW your valentine? Head to the most romantic spot in Canada - Jasper National Park! Real Talker Claudette paints a picture, then Jespo highlights your best Valentine's Day options in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
PLAN YOUR VALENTINE'S DAY in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/
1:06:30 | Debate continues in our Live Chat around overrated bands and Canada going nuclear.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:12:45 | Did you hear what Melinda French Gates had to say about her ex-husband Bill and the Epstein files? We have a look at her appearance on an NPR podcast that has everybody talking, along with a remarkable exchange at the White House between President Trump and CNN's Kaitlan Collins. 
1:38:15 | Our thoughts are with the many friends and family mourning the loss of teens JJ Wright, Cameron Casorso, and Caden Fine, the Southern Alberta Mustangs hockey players killed in a crash on their way to practice. 
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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.

Poilievre’s Plan to Deport Criminals, Build Homes, and Guard the Arctic

Canada's Conservatives opened up their playbook at the party's annual Convention in Calgary, laying out plans to quell the housing crunch and defend Arctic sovereignty. Is PM Mark Carney particularly vulnerable on these files? Can Pierre Poilievre convince voters he's a better man for the job? Former UCP senior staffer Colin Aitchison was in the room for Poilievre's speech, and delivers his analysis in our feature interview (4:45) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
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48:15 | Real Talk is proud to support Heart Month at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. In this edition of Echoes of the Alex, we hear Otto's story - diagnosed with a serious heart defect in utero, the now-nine year old is alive and well thanks to specialized cardiac care at "The Alex". 
SUPPORT LIVE-SAVING CARDIAC CARE at the CK HUI HEART CENTRE: https://www.royalalex.org/heartmonth
51:55 | The visitor economy is vital to the growth of any region. Chris Yeung joins us from Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels as nominations open for the Edmonton Tourism Awards. 
NOMINATE AN EXCEPTIONAL PERSON, BUSINESS, or EXPERIENCE: https://edmontontourismawards.com/
1:20:15 | Real Talkers Edna and Jerry respond to our January 22 interview about ER wait times with Dr. Paul Parks. 
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/012226Parksy
SHARE YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com (or leave a comment below!)
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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.

Conservatives Rally Behind Pierre Poilievre

Pierre Poilievre walks away from a big weekend in Calgary with a significant boost, scoring 87.4% in his leadership review at Conservative Convention 2026. Poll analyst Philippe Fournier was there as an objective observer, and joins Ryan and Supriya with a full report (4:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
338CANADA: https://www.338canada.ca/
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45:30 | We're proud to support the Stollery Children's Hospital's No Bounds campaign, aiming to raise a BILLION dollars to build a new children's hospital in Edmonton. Stollery CEO Karen Faulkner and board chair Kevin McKee join "medical mom" Jodi Richardson and her incredibly brave daughter Emmy in the Real Talk studio as we learn more about why the new hospital is so desperately needed. 
SUPPORT the NO BOUNDS CAMPAIGN: https://www.stollerynobounds.com/
1:17:45 | A huge thank you to everybody who supported the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! We recap the highlights of a perfect Saturday in St. Albert courtesy photographer Karly Watson and videographer Brian "Noob" Schonewille. 
1:26:20 | Podcast subscribers - did you check out the bonus episode we released on February 1? Relay (Real Talk's parent company) is producing an eight-episode feature series for the Alberta Federation of Labour. You can read more about the Worker Agenda here: https://workeragenda.ca/
1:32:20 | Real Talker Rachelle has us smiling from ear to ear with her video of "the happiest of all the disappointed Denver Broncos fans". No matter which NFL team you cheer for, we guarantee wee Wyatt's expression will make your day! Positive Reflections is proudly presented by Solar by Kuby.
SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BOOK A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Worker Agenda - Affordability

Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour. Episode 1 of the Worker Agenda looks at AFFORDABILITY. Everything is getting more expensive. The dream of a secure, middle-class life is slipping away, especially for young people.
Gil McGowan and Cori Longo of the AFL join Omar Mouallem to discuss what can be done to make life more affordable for Albertans.
Follow the Worker Agenda at:https://workeragenda.ca/
Ask your MLA to make the Worker Agenda THE Agenda for the provincehttps://workeragenda.ca/get-involved/
Follow AFL Media: https://www.youtube.com/@ABFedLabour/videos
Follow AFL onFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABFedLabourInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abfedlabour/X (Twitter): https://x.com/ABFedLabourLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-federation-of-labour/
Follow the AFL and sign up for AFL News: https://afl.org/

"Is Jeff Rath's Cowboy Hat Lined with Tinfoil?"

Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes to disability benefits in Alberta; and Melvin has a geography lesson for Jespo. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Premiers Call Out Separatists // Heated Rivalry

Canada's premiers are calling out Alberta separatists en masse. BC's David Eby's calling it "treason". This, as American officials are (reportedly) meeting with an unelected, unofficial, and unserious delegation led by lawyer Jeff Rath. We get into it - along with the Canada-US relationship, the Canada-China trade deal, and the contentious F-35 fighter jet order - with longtime politician, diplomat, and CEO of the Canada West Foundation Gary Mar (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/
45:00 | Heated Rivalry is now Crave's all-time most-watched series. Prime Minister Mark Carney just appeared with one of the show's stars - Hudson Williams - on a red carpet in Ottawa. More people than ever before are talking about LGBTQ2S+ inclusion in sport. This, as Edmonton-designed Pride Tape celebrates its ten year anniversary. Pride Tape co-founders Senator Kristopher Wells and Jeff McLean join our Real Talk Round Table to discuss. 
TELL US YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
PRIDE TAPE: https://pridetape.com/
SILENT AUCTION LINK for SIX CLUB TICKETS to OILERS/WILD on JAN. 31: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/135812/auctions/195160/auction_items/6707590
1:47:00 | Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes to disability benefits in Alberta; and Melvin has a geography lesson for Jespo. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.