Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Sean Speer on Mark Carney's Missed Opportunity

Canada's ramping up pressure on Israel alongside France and the UK. Mark Carney's new cabinet is sworn in, and the PM's got less than six weeks to fulfill his promise of "free trade in Canada before Canada Day". And, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have to wait (yet) another year for a shot at Lord Stanley's Cup. We catch up on the top stories in Canada with The Hub's editor at large Sean Speer (3:00).
THE HUB: https://thehub.ca/2025/05/15/sean-speer-the-maple-leafs-playoff-woes-are-a-microcosm-of-a-bigger-set-of-canadian-problems/
JOIN SEAN & RYAN at the EDMONTON REAL ESTATE FORUM on MAY 27: https://informaconnect.com/edmonton-real-estate-forum/
31:30 | Jespo and Johnny catch up after the May Long weekend, including the heartbreaking *and* heartwarming story involving Jets' star Mark Scheifele, and the Oilers' date with Dallas. 
54:00 | Add another layer to the UCP/AHS story. We take a look at the Globe and Mail's report on Premier Danielle Smith's former chief of staff Marshall Smith living in a home owned by the sister of Sam Mraiche (the guy at the centre of the alleged procurement scandal). 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:19:00 | We're accepting applications for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship!
DETAILS: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/scholarship
1:22:00 | Real Talker Brenda makes our day with a firsthand report of an act of kindness at a dog park. It's a perfect Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby! 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.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.

"The UCP is DICKING AROUND with our Traffic Laws!"

Les is choked at a Carney cabinet exclusion, Taylor wants an election NOW, Michael's losing it over the politics behind his traffic ticket, and Sunil's taking aim at recent guest Markham Hislop. 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, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic
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.

Doc Talk: Measles Outbreak, Menopause & Mental Health

Canada declared measles completely eliminated thirty years ago. Not anymore. Public health experts say the disease could become endemic once again, with hundreds of cases confirmed in Alberta and Ontario. What happened? 
2:15 | Drs. Shazma Mithani and Sheila Wijayasinghe talk vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, menopause (31:00), and mental health (41:30). 
THE DOC TALK PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-doc-talk-podcast/id1775772809
FOLLOW DOC TALK on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thedoctalkpod/
55:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, check out YouTube comments from our recent Alberta separation interviews, and read an email from Jim in Vernon about Canada's new foreign policy. 
1:10:15 | Les is choked at a Carney cabinet exclusion, Taylor wants an election NOW, Michael's losing it over the politics behind his traffic ticket, and Sunil's taking aim at recent guest Markham Hislop. 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, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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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.

Canada’s New Foreign Policy

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet is making waves—not just at home, but around the world. From military spending signals to the careful choreography with Washington, New Delhi, and Beijing, these picks aren’t just about portfolios—they’re about priorities. In this episode, we dig into what Carney's picks tell us about Canada’s place on the world stage.
3:45 | But first...we take a look at new polling on the "Wexit" movement with 338 Canada's Philippe Fournier, including shocking numbers from UCP supporters in Alberta. 
CHECK OUT PHILIPPE'S WORK: https://www.338canada.ca/
22:00 | It's the perfect time of year to take your kids to Jasper! Ryan shares some of his favourite memories (including a trip to Spirit Island), and lays out some of Jasper's family-friendly activity options. #MyJasper Memories is presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
MAKE JASPER MEMORIES: https://www.jasper.travel/
25:30 | What do Mark Carney's cabinet picks tell us about the PM's approach to foreign relations? Dr. Bob Murray gets into military spending and our relationships with the U.S., India, and China. 
FOLLOW DR. BOB: https://x.com/DrRWM
54:00 | Two Alberta boys are about to embark on a remarkable mission: ten marathons in ten consecutive days in ten different provinces. We meet Mike Hanson and Dave Morin. 
SUPPORT TEN in TEN in TEN: https://www.10in10in10.ca/
1:09:00 | Jespo and Johnny debate the "Nine/Nine/Nine" challenge, and read emails from Real Talkers Lisa (menopause), Mark (bitumen), and Tana (pipelines and Alberta separation). 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

The Menopause Mission

This special episode peels back the curtain on a chapter of life that impacts every woman but still too often gets ignored or misunderstood. Menopause advocate Jesse Schewchuk joins us (2:50) to talk about the raw, real, and often isolating experience of perimenopause and menopause—and why breaking the silence could be life-changing. This conversation is about more than hot flashes and hormone shifts—it’s about dignity, identity, and the right to be heard. If you love someone going through it, or you're in it yourself, this one’s for you.
TELL US YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
Use promo code RYAN15 to save on The Menopause Mission Summit in Calgary on Sunday, May 25: https://rtrj.info/051325MMevent
55:00 | Jespo and Johnny take a look at Mark Carney's new cabinet and do a vibe check following the Oilers' dominant 3-0 win over Vegas. 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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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.

How Alberta and Ottawa Can Be BFFs

For decades, the relationship between Alberta and Ottawa has been...adversarial. Can't we all just get along? Could both levels of government cooperate, with shared perspective and priorities, to benefit everybody? What might that look like?  
4:00 | Energy and climate journalist Markham Hislop maps out a path to partnership between the Alberta and federal governments. 
READ MORE: https://energi.media/
57:00 | It's official: Real Talk has preserved Alberta's place in Canada. Jespo and Johnny review the results of our latest unscientific, unofficial Twitter poll. 
1:10:00 | "Insurance Lawyer X" pushes back on our May 9 interview about changes to Alberta's auto insurance system.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:25:00 | Shout out to all the nurses in a special edition of Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

"Call An Election, Danielle!"

HOT TAKE ALERT. Patty's got a years-old axe to grind with Jespo. Real Talkers Blahsheep, Ontario James, Pedro, KP, Jake, Cactus Sheriff, and Darian sound off on Danielle Smith, separation talk, and Liberal voters. 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, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic
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.

Prepare to Pay More for Car Insurance

Your car insurance is about to get a whole lot more expensive. With no mandate to do so, Alberta's government plans to transition to a no-fault auto insurance system by January 2027. The change aims to shift the focus from litigation to providing care and support for those injured in vehicle collisions, with benefits payable regardless of who is at fault. But here's the thing...nobody believes that's going to happen. 
5:30 | We get into the numbers with Nik Nanos from Nanos Research and Jenny McCordie from the Canadian Bar Association. 
READ MORE: https://rtrj.info/050925Nanos
OUR INTERVIEW w/ PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER MARK McCOURT: https://rtrj.info/112024Insurance
37:00 | Did your car insurance go up this year? Jespo and Johnny's sure did (but Jespo deserved it). We dive into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
51:30 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about our May 8 interview with Premier Danielle Smith. 
WATCH THE INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/050825Smith
TAKE OUR TWITTER POLL on ALBERTA SEPARATION: https://x.com/ryanjespersen/status/1920884060311670853
1:17:20 | HOT TAKE ALERT. Patty's got a years-old axe to grind with Jespo. Real Talkers Blahsheep, Ontario James, Pedro, KP, Jake, Cactus Sheriff, and Darian sound off on Danielle Smith, separation talk, and Liberal voters. 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, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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.

Exclusive: Premier Danielle Smith on Alberta Separation

2:00 | Is toying with separation talk the biggest political risk Danielle Smith's ever taken? We ask her in an exclusive interview in the Real Talk studio.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
24:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, get into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power, and check our email inbox.
SAVE on ELECTRICITY, NATURAL GAS, and INTERNET: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
47:00 | It's Opening Day at Northwest Film Fest! We sit down with directors Darrin Hagen, Scott Portingale, and Lowell Dean - finalists for the Edmonton Film Prize. (If you support Real Talk on Patreon, check your email for details on claiming your free tickets to the movies!)
CHECK OUT NWFF: https://www.northwestfest.ca/
1:27:00 | We get to more of your comments on the Danielle Smith interview (and Alberta separation talk)...oh, and there's a new Pope! 
EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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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.

Carney Torpedoes Trump's 51st State Idea

Is everything going to be okay after all? Donald Trump and Mark Carney play nice in their first Oval Office meeting following the Liberals' election victory, giving hope Canada-U.S. tensions will soon ease. In this episode, we present a cross-border conversation on our shared economic future.
9:00 | NAIOP CEO Marc Selvitelli and Eric Schmutz, both Washington, D.C. residents, join Edmonton's Alex Thomson in the Real Talk studio to talk trade, policy, and partnerships. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT NAIOP: https://www.naiop.org/
57:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:07:00 | May 8 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Our friends at the Juno Beach Centre tell us about their powerful "He Lived Where You Live" campaign. 
SUPPORT THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/
1:26:45 | We LOVE hearing about the memories you've made in Jasper! Real Talker Chad shares about his family's recent trip, and Jespo has details for rafting enthusiasts, in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
SHARE YOUR JASPER MEMORIES WITH US: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BOOK YOUR JASPER RAFTING ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/
EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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.