Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Are You "Middle Class"? Here's How You Can Tell...

More than 70% of Canadians believe they're "middle class". Are you one of them? New polling shows most of us feel "less wealthy" than our fellow Canadians...but is that accurate? In this episode, we learn how our feelings and other factors contribute to our perception of financial security, and how that's changed in recent years. 
5:20 | Margaret Chapman, COO at Narrative Research, takes us into the numbers showing the majority of Canadians feel "less wealthy" than their neighbours...and why. Plus, we look at polling on smartphones in schools (24:00). Do you think they should be banned? 
CHECK OUT MARGARET'S POLLING RESULTS: https://narrativeresearch.ca/a-majority-of-canadians-consider-themselves-less-wealthy-than-the-average-canadian-with-many-in-the-highest-income-categories-feeling-less-wealthy-than-the-average/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
39:00 | Ryan and Johnny jump into the YouTube live chat to debrief. 
49:35 | New Real Talk Patron Paul (thanks Paul!), a cancer survivor, responds to comments from our May 16 episode about Darren Dutchyshen's death. 
52:05 | Real Talker "Merger" and Jasper Councillor Wendy Hall respond to our May 17 Real Talk Round Table featuring Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Edmonton Chamber CEO Doug Griffiths. 
WATCH THAT ROUND TABLE: rtrj.info/051724SOTC
58:00 | Real Talker Deena shares the best business advice she ever received, in response to our May 24 Founders Round Table presented by Edmonton Unlimited. 
SECRETS TO A SUCCESSFUL STARTUP: rtrj.info/052424FoundersRTRT
1:01:18 | Ryan and Johnny are still processing Charles Adler's 180 on deporting the trucker that caused the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. We get into the YouTube comments on our May 27 episode with Chuck. 
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.

Charles Adler Changes His Tune on the Humboldt Driver

"Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything," wrote George Bernard Shaw. This is one of the most honest episodes of Real Talk to date, as Charles Adler does a 180 on his previous comments about deporting Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the driver who caused the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. Chuck, Ryan, and Johnny talk about PGA golfer Grayson Murray's death by suicide (17:55), filmmaker Ken Burns' captivating comments about Donald Trump (44:45), and the former POTUS getting boo'd at the Libertarian National Convention in D.C. (51:00). 
CHARLES ADLER IS PRESENTED ON REAL TALK BY TICE AUTOMOTIVE CONSULTING: https://www.ticeautomotive.com/
57:55 | Were you at one of the Enough is Enough political rallies over the weekend? 
TELL US ABOUT IT: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:02:25 | Put down your lunch for a second. This is the grossest sports bet payout we've seen in a while. 
1:05:05 | Johnny (aka former Oilers DJ Johnny Infamous) tells us why he spoke out in support for the Dallas Stars DJ who invoked controversy by playing La Bamba (the Oilers' win song) when the Stars won Game Two of their playoff series. 
1:15:30 | The Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship is already paying dividends! What a wonderful update from inaugural scholarship recipient Hana Bombaywala, who tells us how she's making a difference in healthcare. What a perfect Positive Reflection presented by our friends at Kuby Energy! 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
REGISTER TO PLAY, SPONSOR, OR VOLUNTEER AT THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: 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: 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.

Man Duped into Signing Poilievre Petition: Fires Up Flamethrower!

Rob's choked about being duped into signing a petition, Stephen and Robyn have spicy takes on fighting in hockey, and Deaner wants you to GET OUT OF THE PASSING LANE. Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. If you find yourself in need of a summer fix, look no further: The new Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard Treat is here to dazzle your taste buds! Visit a DQ in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, or Baseline Road today!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com

Founders Round Table: "What's the Best Advice You've Ever Received?"

It's one thing to have a million (or billion) dollar idea. It's another thing to turn that idea into a legitimate business. So, what's the secret to a successful startup? We talk inspiration, team building, problem solving, and growth strategies in a special Founders edition of the Real Talk Round Table. 
2:31 | My Fertility Labs CEO Sarah Harper, Elev Homes co-founder Jean Bruce Koua, and Gummy Nutrition Lab CEO Jolene Ali tells us how they went from idea to startup, how they're getting past early hurdles, and the best advice they've ever received. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT EDMONTON UNLIMITED: https://edmontonunlimited.com/
MY FERTILITY LABS: https://www.myfertilitylabs.com/GUMMY NUTRITION LAB: https://www.gummynutritionlab.com/ELEV HOMES: https://www.elevhomes.ca/
55:45 | Forget Pride...Erika has no shame! We take a look at a particularly fiery moment between Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes on the newest episode of The Discourse as they discuss Pride organizations banning the United Conservative Party. 
CHECK OUT THE DISCOURSE: https://rtrj.info/052324Discourse
1:01:00 | The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 
REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th...
1:04:34 | Rob's choked about being duped into signing a petition, Stephen and Robyn have spicy takes on fighting in hockey, and Deaner wants you to GET OUT OF THE PASSING LANE. Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! If you find yourself in need of a summer fix, look no further: The new Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard Treat is here to dazzle your taste buds!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: 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

Majority of Canadians Want Fighting Banned from Hockey

Full disclosure: Ryan feels strongly that fighting is an important part of hockey. But, there are several compelling arguments to ban fighting from the game. We know more about short- and long-term effects of repeated blows to the head. We've lost several former NHL heavyweights to suicide, while many more suffer long-term effects of CTE. Maybe it's not surprising a majority of Canadians polled (including self-identified "true hockey fans") would take fighting out of the game for good. 
5:25 | Mario Canseco gets into the nitty gritty of Research Co's polling on fighting in hockey. 
READ MORE: https://researchco.ca/2024/05/17/canada-hockey-2/
31:00 | Where do you stand on toppling statues of controversial figures in Canadian history? Mario takes us into their polling on this polarizing topic. 
READ MORE: https://researchco.ca/2024/05/03/statue-toppling-canada/
55:20 | Real Talker Gilles wants to know how Ryan reconciles his views on fighting in hockey and his approach to parenting. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
59:22 | Have you seen the new portrait of Princess Kate? How about that one of King Charles? Ryan and Johnny take a look. 
1:03:45 | Real Talker Sheryl's note about our NorthwestFest Filmmakers' Round Table is one of Ryan's favourite emails of the year. Find out why!
WATCH THAT FILMMAKERS ROUND TABLE: rtrj.info/050324NWF
GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 
REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
STEP UP YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE SHOW - 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

Alberta's Disappearing Advantage

Is the "Alberta Advantage" disappearing? For decades, the province has boasted higher wages, lower unemployment, and a lower cost of living than the rest of Canada. But the numbers show a troubling trend. We investigate what's behind it, and what the future could look like, in this episode of Real Talk. 
3:03 | Why is Alberta's minimum wage the lowest in the country? Why aren't private sector workers sharing in their employers' record profits? Is Alberta inherently anti-union? Economist Dr. Jim Stanford takes us into his report, "Alberta's Disappearing Advantage". 
READ THE REPORT: https://afl.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Alberta-Disappearing-Advantage-Jim-Stanford.pdf
42:15 | It's the perfect time of year to spot wildlife in Jasper! We feature some amazing options to tour, hike, or paddle your way to the perfect photograph in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
44:48 | Can Justin Trudeau possibly regain ground he's lost to Pierre Poilievre? What do the Alberta NDP's new membership numbers mean for its leadership race? Could Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe lose his job? What the heck is going on in B.C. politics? And, is Quebec really trending toward another referendum? 338Canada's Philippe Fournier joins us from Montreal. 
CHECK OUT PHILIPPE'S SUBSTACK: https://www.338canada.ca/
1:23:05 | We're celebrating 10,000 followers on our RealTalkRJ TikTok! Ryan and Johnny revisit our recent post about a political mixer aimed at "youth" aged 14-25. 
SGT. KERRY SHIMA ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/070422Shima
GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 
REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
STEP UP YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE SHOW - 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

Should Speaker Greg Fergus Resign?

Is this strike three for House Speaker Greg Fergus? The Opposition Conservatives are crying foul after yet another partisan display from the Liberal MP serving in what's supposed to be a non-partisan role. Ryan and Charles Adler debate whether or not it's time for Fergus to go (13:30). But first...
3:30 | How bad are the optics around a political "youth mixer" aimed at 14-25 year olds? (Just kidding..they're SUPER BAD). Ryan, Chuck, and Johnny talk about a now-cancelled event planned in Clive, Alberta. We get into the Fergus flare-up (13:30) before touching on the question everybody's asking: can the Edmonton Oilers beat the Dallas Stars (22:20)? Later in the show, Ryan asks Charles if the death of Iran's president and a potential International Criminal Court date for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu could advance peace in the Middle East (37:00). We wrap with an update on serial killer Robert Pickton (39:50). 
47:00 | Who doesn't love a good reunion story? Shout out to Real Talker Brinley for passing along a feel-good story out of Australia. It's perfect for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy! 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 
REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
STEP UP YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE SHOW - 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

"Jespo and His Slimy Old Tricks!"

KP says police were right to break up campus demonstrations, Jeff says Charles Adler's out to lunch on Jerry Seinfeld, Dave calls out Jespo for "slimy old tricks," Todd has a message for The Discourse host Erika Barootes, Ron says the Liberals have themselves to blame for poor polling, and Rene says Pierre Poilievre and Gil McGowan have something in common. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.comWhen you visit the Dairy Queens in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

The Truth About Edmonton

Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths visit the Real Talk studio for a candid conversation about the present and future of Alberta's capital city. 
3:07 | The State of the City: we talk about Edmonton's population growth (100,000 new residents over the past two years!), the housing crunch, strains on social services, a 9% property tax hike, challenges in the downtown core, trends in transit ridership, Council's relationship with the provincial government, the new TAPYEG political party, and Premier Danielle Smith's musings about expanding rail service across Alberta.
EDMONTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/
1:07:05 | KP says police were right to break up campus demonstrations, Jeff says Charles Adler's out to lunch on Jerry Seinfeld, Dave calls out Jespo for "slimy old tricks," Todd has a message for The Discourse host Erika Barootes, Ron says the Liberals have themselves to blame for poor polling, and Rene says Pierre Poilievre and Gil McGowan have something in common. 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 Dairy Queens in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 
REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
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.

"Drug War" Brewing Between Ontario PCs & City of Toronto

Premier Doug Ford's government is prepared to wage war on the City of Toronto if it proceeds with plans to decriminalize minor possession of hard drugs. This, as Premier David Eby's government in British Columbia is all but trashing its plan to do the exact same thing. What's the right move, amid an opioid crisis that's killed 43,000 Canadians since 2016? We get into it (36:25) in this episode, in addition to a whole bunch of your feedback on city building, cancer, journalism, research funding, and the pains of parenting. 
4:56 | Who would have thought rezoning bylaws could light a fire under so many people? Ryan and Johnny circle back on Calgary's marathon (sixteen-day!) Council meeting, and your response to our May 15, 2024 Real Talk Round Table on placemaking. 
WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/051524RTRT
20:11 | RIP Dutchy. Ryan and Johnny celebrate the life and career of Darren Dutchyshen, dead at 57.
30:12 | Why are so many young people dying from Cancer? Ryan reads an email from Real Talker Harry. 
36:25 | Ontario's PC government says it'll fight Toronto tooth and nail if the city proceeds with plans to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. We revisit our recent conversation with Guy Felicella and Mo Amir about B.C. recriminalizing possession, and how the two stories fit together. 
GUY AND MO ON REAL TALK: rtrj.info/050824BCPOLI
54:10 | How can we stop journalism from dying a slow death in Canada? Real Talker Shane has a few thoughts after our May 14, 2024 interview with Amber Bracken.
AMBER ON REAL TALK: rtrj.info/051424Bracken
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:00:45 | Maybe it's not such a bad thing after all for Premier Danielle Smith's government to review how research is funded at Alberta post-secondaries. Real Talker Cyril makes the case. 
REAL TALK ROUND TABLE ON BILLS 18 & 20: rtrj.info/041624RTRT
1:11:03 | We wrap the show with powerful messages from Real Talkers Jay and Sheryl about our March 19, 2024 interview with sex trade abolitionist Andrea Heinz.
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: rtrj.info/031924Heinz
GOLFERS: The Real Talk Golf Classic presented by CWB Wealth is close to selling out! We'd love for you to join us Thursday, June 20 at The Ranch G&CC for Edmonton's Best Golf Tournament in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. 
REGISTER TODAY: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/th...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
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.