Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Forever Canadian founder and former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk says the UCP's democratic process around his referendum question is "a sham". He explains why alongside NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (26:00). 
But first...what's going on with the teachers' court case against the Alberta government? Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling (5:15) has an update and a response to Bill 25 - An Act to Remove Politics and Ideology from Classrooms.
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/.
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1:11:00 | Experience the Taste of Spring in Jasper with a lineup of events designed to captivate and inspire! Jespo's particularly excited about the Alberta Beer & Spirits Trail on May 1. 
TASTE of SPRING in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/taste-of-spring/
1:15:30 | We've got an update on Doug Ford's private jet. Real Talker Graham pushes back on Jespo's patio rant on April 21. Real Talkers chime in on the Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
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.

Billy Morin's not going anywhere. In an exclusive interview, the Conservative MP tells us how he was recruited by the Liberals, whether or not he planned on getting caught on that hot mic, and why he's sticking to his guns supporting Pierre Poilievre. 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/
26:00 | Stephen Carter has a "grievance" re: Max Fawcett's April 13 Real Talk interview. He leads off with an unauthorized ad read. Zain Velji joins for a frank and candid conversation about the "ten alarm fire" in Alberta politics. (You'll want to tell your friends about this interview.)
FORWARD WEEKLY: https://forwardweekly.ca/
ALBERTA LIBERALS: https://www.albertaliberal.com/
57:00 | Carter sticks around with action items for motivated Albertans. 
1:12:30 | Johnny's got a Round One Game One Oilers Playoff Report from the best DJ booth in the city. Jespo sounds off on Edmonton City Council's restaurant patio tax. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....
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.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s deep ties to the U.S. are now a liability (and they need fixing) as Donald Trump’s tariffs keep workers in our auto, steel, and lumber sectors squarely in the crosshairs. Is this any different than the PM's message over the past year? We get into the strategy behind it with Supriya Dwivedi (3:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
37:15 | Was Pierre Poilievre a winner at UFC Winnipeg alongside Canadian fighter Mike Malott? Supriya takes us into the optics - good and bad - of the Conservative leader's very public appearance. We discuss Canada's next potential Olympic hosting bids, and allegations Alberta's UCP government is gerrymandering (1:04:20). 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
1:15:00 | Jespo and Johnny are all geared up for Game One of the Oilers' playoff run. We check in with Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk
1:26:00 | Jespo's got a personal Positive Reflection after a very meaningful hockey game over the weekend. Positive Reflections is proudly presented by Solar by Kuby.
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/
BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....
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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.

Real Talkers KP, Chris, and Brenda are fired up over UCP gerrymandering allegations; Nathan's taking back a couple flags; and Roger calls Jespo to the carpet for his comment about adult autograph seekers. 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
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We didn't see the "Daddy Carney" comments coming, but you never know what you're going to get around the Real Talk Round Table. Six months after their election wins, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack (3:30) dig into infrastructure woes, electoral boundary changes, provincial relations, infill strategy, a potential Winter Olympics bid, high speed rail, Alberta separation, and more in our feature interview 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/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:08:00 | Does the new One Project, One Review agreement between Alberta and Ottawa - and Alberta's proposed 120-day approval legislation - actually make the province more competitive? Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce, has her Eye on Alberta Business. 
REGISTER for the AB CHAMBERS AGM in MAY: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/2026-agm-and-policy-plenary-session-in-whitecourt/
1:25:00 | Jespo tees up a big event he's hosting, including a tip for anybody getting dressed up in a tux. Real Talkers tell us how they feel about door-to-door sales in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk
1:47:00 | Real Talkers KP, Chris, and Brenda are fired up over UCP gerrymandering allegations; Nathan's taking back a couple flags; and Roger calls Jespo to the carpet for his comment about adult autograph seekers. 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! 
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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.

Is there any more successful provincial branding campaign in Canadian history than Alberta Beef? Distillers are hoping Alberta Whisky sees the same international uptick with the (pending) passage of the Alberta Whisky Act, which sets strict standards for anything branded Alberta Whisky. We get into it with Minister Dale Nally, Bryce Parsons from the Alberta Craft Distillers Association and True Wild Distilling, and Bill Eaton and Kris Sustrik from Hansen Distillery in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (2:30). 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
1:01:00 | Real Talker Jenni in Grande Prairie might be more excited than anybody else in Canada for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey! She authors this week's Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 
ALBERTA WINS WITH PLAY ALBERTA. WITH HUNDREDS OF POPULAR CASINO GAMES TO CHOOSE FROM, THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR. GET STARTED TODAY WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP: https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. WHEN YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. 
SHARE YOUR ALBERTA WIN: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:05:30 | Have you been following the public meltdown of Airdrie pizza shop owner Farouk Elsaghir? Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
THE REAL TALK LIVE STREAM is presented by CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY: https://californiaclosets.ca/
REGISTER for the HEARTS & HANDS POKER TOURNEY on APRIL 16/17: https://benstelterfoundation.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.

Remember the Epstein files? Those documents tied to one of the most disturbing, high-profile abuse scandals in modern history? The ones that were supposed to bring accountability, transparency, maybe even a little justice? Funny how they seem to keep…slipping out of focus. The Trump administration has been accused of doing its best to keep those files buried (or at least conveniently out of reach). And just when it felt like the story was fading for good, First Lady Melania Trump steps up to the mic with a press conference that raises more eyebrows than it answers questions.
So, what’s actually going on here? Who’s being protected? And why does “sorry” seem to be the go-to response when accountability is nowhere to be found? Leah Eichler joins in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (6:00) to talk about her piece in The Globe and Mail. Make sure you stick around for her shocking expose on "alpine divorce". 
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/.
LEAH'S EPSTEIN COLUMN: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/social-trends/article-epstein-files-apologies/
LEAH'S ALPINE DIVORCE COLUMN: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/social-trends/article-alpine-divorce-is-a-soft-term-for-a-much-darker-cruel-act/
MORE FROM LEAH: https://leaheichler.com/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
36:00 | Is it only a matter of time until Pierre Poilievre loses more MPs to the Liberals? Tasha Kheiridden tells us what she's hearing out of Quebec. 
TASHA'S FEATURE on "CARNEY UNENCUMBERED": https://nationalpost.com/opinion/tasha-kheiriddin-get-ready-for-mark-carney-unencumbered
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
TODAY'S THE LAST DAY TO BUY FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz
1:03:00 | Jespo and Johnny see what Real Talkers are saying about future floor crossings in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:17:30 | The Jasper SkyTram opens today! Jespo shares a few of his favourite memories from this iconic Jasper experience in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR VISIT: https://jasperskytram.com/
TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/experiences/jasper-skytram/
1:22:30 | Real Talker Scott in Sherwood Park says people should give Avi Lewis a fair shake. Do you agree? 
1:35:00 | It's "Mean Tweets," Real Talk edition! Jespo shares more than a few responses to our conversation with Max Fawcett about Alberta separation. 
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/041326Max
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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.

PM Mark Carney has his majority after the Liberals sweep three by-elections in Ontario and Quebec. What does this mean for the government, Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives, and everyday Canadians? We get into it with Shannon Phillips, Tyler Meredith, and Ken Boessenkool (4:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY OUR FRIENDS AT HANSEN DISTILLERY, THE FIRST DISTILLERY EVER TO RELEASE A SEVEN-YEAR AGED ALBERTA WHISKY. SHOP THEIR ALBERTA WHISKY LINEUP TODAY AT https://hansendistillery.com/.
BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz
52:00 | Is Canada even prepared to actually build the major projects everybody's talking about? Is a skilled labour shortage hampering our economy? We check in with Sean Strickland from Canada's Building Trades Unions. 
LEARN MORE: https://buildingtrades.ca/
1:29:00 | We can't help but check out a couple trending videos - Pierre Poilievre calling Mark Carney "badly educated on economics," and Donald Trump gaslighting everybody about his AI photo as Jesus Christ. Real Talkers have a lot to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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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.

If the Liberals sweep the by-elections in Toronto and Terrebonne, QC - or even go two for three - there'll be no looking back for PM Mark Carney. Then, there's the possibility even more MPs could cross the floor to what would be a majority government. What's the likelihood it all plays out this way? We ask National Observer lead columnist Max Fawcett (4:15) in our feature interview 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/.
READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/04/13/opinion/alberta-separatism-canada-response
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
51:30 | Cardiac surgeon Dr. Steven Meyer and University Hospital Foundation president/CEO Dr. Jodi Abbott give us a perspective check on the importance of cardiac care (including heart transplant surgeries) at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, and how the Full House Lottery plays a critical role in fundraising. 
GET YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz
1:13:20 | What a weekend! Jespo and Johnny recap Justin Bieber, Justin Trudeau, and Katy Perry at Coachella, Artemis II returning to Earth, and Rory McIlroy going back-to-back at The Masters. 
1:31:00 | Real Talker Emily G passes along a curious photo from Pierre Poilievre's adopted riding of Battle River-Crowfoot. What do you think is going on?
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:37:00 | MAGA's officially lost Megyn Kelly. 
1:44:00 | Real Talkers Mike and Sabrina share their thoughts on the true value of the Artemis II mission. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby.
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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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.

"Why Knott," Wayne and Greg in Calgary, and Robert react strongly to our April 8 interview with Alberta's Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides; Michael says "both sides" don't need to be better with online harrassment, Kyle's worried Iran will be rebuilt before his back alley, and Les says Jespo's off the mark with his Kraft Hockeyville comments. 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!
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.