Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

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!

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
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!
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 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 
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.

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 
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.

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. 
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.