Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Police Raids, Foreign Interference, and Fighting for Rights

We tackle Canada's top news stories in this supercharged episode of Real Talk. Bryan Baeumler tells us about his brand new TV show, but not before Dana Larsen and our Group Chat Round Table sound off on what's leading the headlines.
2:00 | Dana Larsen tells us about the police raid on his Vancouver mushroom dispensary, and why he thinks he's being targeted. 
DANA'S BUSINESS: https://mushroomdispensary.com/
GET YOUR DRUGS TESTED: https://getyourdrugstested.com/
7:45 | Our wildly popular Group Chat Round Table is back, as Jenny Adams, Katherine O'Neill, and Harman Kandola talk legalized shrooms, BC and Saskatchewan elections, foreign interference, and the ongoing fight for rights and equality in Canada. 
54:00 | Builder and TV star Bryan Baeumler tells us if he'd ever enter politics, how his family manages life in the spotlight, and what spouses have in common with houses. 
SEE BRYAN AT THE EDMONTON HOME SHOW: https://www.edmontonfallhomeshow.com/
1:13:40 | Daintre insists Pierre Poilievre gets his security clearance, Garth calls Justin Trudeau derelict in duty, Rod wants Danielle Smith to quit wasting his money, and Bob's got words for the loggers we talked to about the Jasper wildfire. Real Talkers are all fired up for 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, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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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.

Danielle Smith Fights Ottawa's Emissions Cap

Danielle Smith says if Justin Trudeau's so confident in his energy policy, he should call an election. Alberta's Premier dared the Prime Minister to do exactly that just hours before our interview with federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. We get into the next chapter of Alberta's longstanding feud with Ottawa over emissions caps, renewables, and the future of the economy.
2:15 | Minister Wilkinson tells us how he really feels about Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and the Prime Minister's testimony at a public inquiry into foreign interference. 
29:00 | Are some conflicts unresolvable? In this day and age, you might think so. But professional mediators Janine Fraser, Paulette deKelver, and Don Schapira say anything's possible with the right approach. We talk pugilistic politics, corporate conflict, and fiery family disputes on Conflict Resolution Day. 
MORE INFO: https://conflictresolutionday.weebly.com/
57:35 | Did you know Ryan was a young offender? True story. 
1:02:56 | At just 14 years of age, Lily Grace has already published her first novel and delivered her first TED Talk. She opens up about her anxiety diagnosis and her journey as a teen mental health advocate.
CHECK OUT LILY'S WORK: https://lilyreadsya.my.canva.site/author-lily-grace
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: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Could the Next Big Wildfire Hit Banff?

What have we learned from the Jasper wildfire, and the devastating fires before that? Could Banff, Lake Louise, or Whistler burn next? 
3:15 | Retired foresters Ken Hodges and Emile Begin wrote letters to the federal government in late 2017 warning of a devastating fire in Jasper National Park. We talk to them on the heels of Ken's testimony before a Parliamentary Hearing related to the July 2024 Jasper fire.  
JASPER WILDFIRE EXPLAINED: https://rtrj.info/073024Jasper
52:45 | Did you catch our October 15 episode with psychotherapist Mike Pond and author Maureen Palmer? Real Talker Sheryl responds to their comments on 12-step programs for heavy drinkers. 
WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/101524Soberish
1:04:45 | Real Talker Mary Ann taught for 34 years. She gives us the straight goods on inclusive classrooms after our October 8 episode - The Preschool to Prison Pipeline.
WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/100824RTRT
1:11:45 | It's a PERFECT time of year to stargaze in Jasper! There are a few new elements to this year's edition of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival. We've got you covered in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/
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.

Why Drinking Less May Work Better Than Not At All

Is "Sober October" a non-starter for you or someone you love? Are you thinking about cutting back on drinking, but not cutting it out entirely? Mike Pond is a harm reduction psychotherapist who was living on the streets 15 years ago. He and his partner, award-winning journalist Maureen Palmer, say quitting cold turkey and living sober isn't for everybody. We get personal - and explore what's healthy and what's not - in this episode of Real Talk. 
3:35 | Maureen and Mike get into their new book "You Don't Have to Quit: 20 Science-Backed Strategies to Help Your Loved One Drink Less."
CHECK OUT THE BOOK: https://youdonthavetoquit.com/
50:20 | Jespo and Johnny check in on the Real Talk YouTube Live Chat and share their own takes on drinking.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:21:15 | Did you hear Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi's suing three people? Ryan takes a look.
1:23:53 | Real Talkers Lesley and Jeff captured some of the most amazing shots of the Northern Lights we've ever seen. What a perfect Positive Reflection presented by 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.

"I Really Dislike Trudeau...But Poilievre is SMARMY!"

Ronnie's not a fan of Justin Trudeau OR Pierre Poilievre, Wendy wants less talk about war, Andrew's not a fan of how we handled the October 7th anniversary, and Coreen's all fired up over ignorant comments about educators. 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, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj

How Former NHL'er Jordin Tootoo Saved His Life

He's one of the most feared hitters in hockey history. Jordin Tootoo - or "The Tootoo Train" - endeared himself to fans around the world through his fearless play. But the first Inuk player in NHL history battled demons born from childhood trauma to the point of nearly losing his life. Tootoo talks to us about his brother's suicide, his battles with alcohol, and an entirely new life after hockey.
1:50 | Jordin Tootoo and filmmaker Adam Scorgie join us in the Real Talk studio just hours before the world premiere of "Tootoo".
TICKETS: https://bit.ly/TootooOEG 
1:02:45 | Ronnie's not a fan of Justin Trudeau OR Pierre Poilievre, Wendy wants less talk about war, Andrew's not a fan of how we handled the October 7th anniversary, and Coreen's all fired up over ignorant comments about educators. 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, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
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.

Ready for Launch: Secrets to a Successful Startup

About 90% of startups fail. What's the secret for those that don't? We talk to the leaders behind three success stories in this special episode of Real Talk presented by Edmonton Unlimited. 
2:40 | Areto Labs founder Kasey Machin, vrCAVE founder Dr. Nathaniel Rossol, and Drivewyze VP Doug Johnson tell us about taking an idea to startup phase, the art of the pitch, navigating early (and existential) challenges, and the future of social media, VR, and trucking safety.
STARTUP WEEK 2024: https://www.edmontonstartupweek.com/
TICKETS TO LAUNCH PARTY 15: https://lu.ma/jfn6q4jo
ARETO LABS: https://www.aretolabs.com/
DRIVEWYZE: https://drivewyze.com/
vrCAVE: https://www.vrcave.ca/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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.

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 
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.

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/
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.