Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Harper's Comms Boss Warns Pierre Poilievre

Nothing's guaranteed, but it sure looks like Pierre Poilievre is Canada's next Prime Minister. In this episode of Real Talk, Stephen Harper's former comms boss tells us why Poilievre better pay attention to what's happening in the UK right now if he wants to last longer than a single term (or less) as PM. 
4:00 | Andrew MacDougall served as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's director of communications through the highs and lows of minority and majority governments. He tells us why Pierre Poilievre should learn a valuable lesson from UK PM Keir Starmer.
READ ANDREW'S OP/ED: https://www.readtheline.ca/p/andrew-macdougall-poilievre-will-6a9
13:55 | Don't worry, Andrew's back in a minute once we sort out his technical glitch. In the meantime, we celebrate Johnny's cameo in the Amazon Prime NHL series "Faceoff". 
21:00 | Andrew's back with advice for Poilievre, a US election prediction, and insights on the future direction of the CBC.
51:00 | Jespo and Johnny dream about winning the lottery. What else is new.
53:05 | Thanksgiving is one of the most beautiful times of year in Jasper. Ryan shares one of his favourite family memories, we've got a few tips for responsible (post-wildfire) tourism, and we highlight Amanda Skwarok's new book raising funds for the Jasper Community Team Society: it's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
BUY A COPY OF JASPER in JASPER: https://www.amazon.ca/JASPER-Jasper-True-Canadian-Tail/dp/1069015105
59:00 | Shout out to Jessica Campbell, the first female assistant coach in NHL history! 
1:04:00 | Real Talk is proud to support Wounded Warriors Canada's Rucksack March for Remembrance via Arcadia Brewing Co's Tru Joy Irish Red Ale in honour of Tim "Loz" Lozinik. We miss you like crazy, pal, and we'll love you forever.
1:07:04 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about our October 8 episode on early childhood expulsions and inclusive education. Ryan reads emails from EA Shalaine, Nicole, and teacher Dean. 
WATCH THAT SHOW: rtrj.info/100824RTRT
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

The Preschool to Prison Pipeline

Tiffany Hansen's four year old daughter has already been expelled from SEVEN different childcare centres. Her family is far from alone. There's an epidemic of early childhood expulsion across North America, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Young learners requiring special supports are falling through the cracks from kindergarten all the way up to high school, and research shows many of those students will wind up incarcerated or worse. Meantime, many teachers are burned out and feel ill-equipped to manage increased demands in the classroom. 
2:35 | Tiffany Hansen, Dr. Kate Zisser, and GRIT CEO Amber Mack talk solutions around the Real Talk Round Table. 
GRIT: https://www.gritprogram.ca/
KATE'S BOOK: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/no-longer-welcome-9780197639719?cc=ca&lang=en&
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.

One Year Later: Israeli and Palestinian Perspectives

It's been a year since Hamas fighters attacked civilian targets in Israel, killing more than 1,400 people and kidnapping 200+ more. Israel's large-scale military response has killed at least 41,870 Palestinians including 16,756 children. The conflict has spread regionally, with Hezbollah engaging Israeli forces along its northern border with Lebanon. Tensions with Iran, a Hamas supporter, remain high. Efforts to mediate peace have largely stalled despite global protests calling for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation. Is there any reason for optimism there could one day be peace in the Middle East? 
2:20 | Meytal Novidomsky and Miri Armon join us from their homes in northern Israel. 
35:00 | Mousa Qasqas shares his perspective as a Palestinian-Canadian.
1:00:10 | Real Talker "Boyd from Saskatchewan" shares the wonderful story of Scout, a dog who found his forever home by developing skills as an escape artist! Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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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.

Crazy About Chemtrails!

Harry and Russ chime in on Danielle Smith's chemtrails comments, and Michael calls Alberta's Energy Regulator to the carpet. 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, let 'em know Real Talk sent you!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj

Time For Conservatives To Lead on Climate Policy

Pierre Poilievre says he'll "axe" the carbon tax...but then what? Canadians are waiting for details on how the Conservative leader will approach the climate file if he's elected Prime Minister. In this episode, we speak with two Conservative policy wonks (a compliment, not an insult) who say it's time for Poilievre and premiers like Danielle Smith and Scott Moe to step up their game. 
4:00 | But first...Jespo and Johnny touch on J.D. Vance's "You guys weren't going to fact check!" moment during the VP debate. 
12:20 | How should Danielle Smith have handled the chemtrails question at a recent UCP town hall? Real Talkers have their say via our YouTube live chat. 
26:30 | Adam Sweet and Benjamin Dachis say it's time for Conservatives to lead on climate policy. They get into what that leadership could look like, and why it's not happening already. 
READ THEIR HUB FEATURE: https://thehub.ca/2024/09/27/benjamin-dachis-and-adam-sweet-its-time-for-conservatives-to-lead-on-climate-policy-heres-why/
56:15 | Real Talker Laura's seen a lot during her ten years as a teacher. She explains exactly how students with special needs are being left behind every day. 
ATA PRESIDENT JASON SCHILLING ON REAL TALK: rtrj.info/092624ATA
1:09:00 | Harry and Russ chime in on Danielle Smith's chemtrails comments, and Michael calls Alberta's Energy Regulator to the carpet. 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, let 'em know Real Talk sent you! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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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.

Behind the Scenes at Canadian Finals Rodeo

The nation's best rodeo competitors are in Edmonton for the 50th edition of Canadian Finals Rodeo. In this special episode, we hang out with three of the highest achievers in Western sports - on horseback, in front of the bulls, and behind the mic. 
2:00 | CFR defending barrel racing champion Lynette Brodoway, bullfighter Brett Monea, and 13-time Canadian Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year Brett Gardiner talk CFR, health and wellness, and the future of rodeo. 
GET YOUR TICKETS TO CFR: https://www.cfr.ca/
RAFTER U7 RANCH & WELLNESS CENTRE: https://www.rafteru7.ca/
CHASE THE GOOD: https://www.brettgardiner.com/
40:50 | Jasper is ready to welcome visitors again! We're thrilled to see many of the businesses impacted by the July wildfire opening their doors again. There are few things to keep in mind, as detailed in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
LEARN MORE: https://www.jasper.travel/wildfire/
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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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.

The Unsolved Murder of Amber Tuccaro

A young mom accepts a ride into the city from a stranger, and is never seen again. Two years later, her body is discovered south of Edmonton. Seven years after that, the RCMP apologizes for bungling the investigation. To this day, there's been no arrest, no charges, and no peace for her family. 
3:00 | Investigative journalist Jana Pruden takes us into the unsolved murder of Amber Tuccaro. 
CHECK OUT THE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/in-her-defence-50th-street/id1707875517
READ MORE IN THE GLOBE & MAIL: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-in-her-defence-amber-tuccaro-investigation/
43:00 | Real Talker Kyle responds to our September 27 episode re: the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 
50:15 | Does Danielle Smith really believe the chemtrails conspiracy theory? Jespo and Johnny get into the Alberta Premier's response to an audience question at a UCP town hall. 
1:11:55 | Star Wars enthusiasts will love this edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. Thanks to Real Talker Bernie for the belly laugh! 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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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.

"Underfund Education = Underfund Our Future!"

Brent's heard enough from the teachers, and Lynette sounds the alarm on underfunding education. Stick around for Jespo's rant after a night at the theatre in this edition of 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!

Truth, Reconciliation, Tradition, and Technology

Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we connect with two people blending Indigenous and Western knowledge to make a big difference in their communities. Later in the episode, we hear from a Real Talk subscriber in grade 12 re: Jason Schilling's "education in crisis" comments on our September 26 episode.
1:50 | Linea Xaysana and Twylla Soosay explain how tradition and technology influence their personal and professional lives. 
AU FEATURE ON HERIZON HEALING SOCIETY: https://www.athabascau.ca/news/convocation/counselling-grad-fights-against-human-trafficking
AU FEATURE ON TWYLLA'S WORK: https://youtu.be/jdPc-artIiQ?si=YB893N2IASs7CB41
AU INDIGENOUS SUPPORTS & SERVICES: https://www.athabascau.ca/indigenous/index.html
TRC CALLS TO ACTION: https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
44:00 | Real Talker "EC," a rural high school student, responds to Ryan's September 26 interview with ATA president Jason Schilling. 
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: rtrj.info/092624ATA 
1:01:30 | Did you hear about the Edmonton woman who nailed TWO holes-in-one during a single round of golf? Jespo and Johnny discuss what they'd do in a similar circumstance. 
1:09:10 | Brent's heard enough from the teachers, and Lynette sounds the alarm on underfunding education. Stick around for Jespo's rant after a night at the theatre in this edition of 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! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
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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.

Crisis in Alberta Classrooms // B.C.'s Bizarre Election

Alberta's set to spend nearly $9 billion on new schools, but teachers say it won't fix a system in crisis. Meantime, voters in B.C. are deadlocked leading up to one of the most bizarre elections the province has ever seen. We try to make sense of it all in this episode of Real Talk. 
2:35 | Alberta Teachers' Association president Jason Schilling explains why 90 new schools won't fix Alberta's classroom crunch. We talk about controversial funding for private schools, over-tested students, new curriculum, and smartphone bans. 
OUR CURRICULUM INTERVIEW w/ DR. CARLA PECK & LAURENCE MIALL: https://rtrj.info/082724AbEd
HOW TO DETECT CHATGPT: https://rtrj.info/011023Tian
50:15 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, including a response to our YouTube live chatters demanding more name calling during interviews. 
55:00 | How is anybody supposed to keep up with the B.C. election storylines? This is VANCOLOUR host Mo Amir gets into the nitty gritty of John Rustad's position on climate change, David Eby's drug policy "flip flop," and the collapse of B.C. United.
CHEK OUT MO'S SHOW: https://cheknews.ca/this-is-vancolour/
1:30:10 | Ryan shares a few thoughts after a backcountry trip to scatter his friend Loz's ashes.
HOW TO GRIEVE: https://rtrj.info/060624Loz
1:34:55 | Real Talker Treena has a message for Jasper residents and business owners in this week's edition of Positive Reflections presented by our friends at Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.