Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Alberta’s Book Ban Backfires

Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government presses pause on a Ministerial Order targeting school library books, as Edmonton Public Schools pull 200 titles from shelves, including works by Margaret Atwood, Maya Angelou, and Ayn Rand. Smith calls the move "vicious compliance," promising new, more specific rules to come. Is this anything but a losing battle for the UCP? 
7:30 | Political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt assesses the UCP's pivot, and potential longer-term impact on the government's popularity. 
36:15 | Jespo's gaggle of "nerds and geeks" made Jasper the number one stop on their annual hockey pool getaway. Check out the highlights (including a must-visit sandwich stop) in this edition of #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.
BOOK YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/
42:15 | Pundit Rob Breakenridge tells us why he thinks the UCP's book ban is "disastrous". Stick around for Rob's take on Pierre Poilievre's "Stand on Guard" proposal and Alberta's ballooning spending. 
CHECK OUT ROB'S WORK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/
1:26:00 | Real Talker Marie's sick and tired of city slickers ripping on rural Albertans. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

Supriya Dwivedi: Book Ban, Trump v. Newsom, Poilievre

We're thrilled to welcome Supriya Dwivedi back to our regular rotation, starting with this episode (2:30), where the former senior advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes on Alberta's school library book ban, PM Mark Carney's negotiations with President Donald Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom's Trumpian social media strategy, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's "Stand on Guard" proposal to address violent crime in Canada. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
57:00 | Jespo and Johnny catch up after the long weekend, and discuss an email from Real Talker Jeff, who doesn't think they should take any days off. 
1:34:00 | Real Talker Lynda talks "solidarity" in a Labour Day edition of Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/solar
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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.

"Carney has failed miserably!"

Trevour Bouds has words for Max Fawcett (and Mark Carney), Adam C. and Cole chime in on infill, Alberta Gengar's hardly a fan of Return To Work policies, Gillian's bracing for (looking forward to?) a teachers' strike, Lisa says no pay for work travel is nothing new, and Alex has a word of warning for vapers. 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!
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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.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi // Rahim Jaffer

5:30 | Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi responds to criticism from business leaders during our August 27 episode, counters criticism around the $400M Fan Park deal with the province, and tells us why he despises the word "woke," in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
42:45 | Rahim Jaffer tells us what lured him back into politics after 17 years out of the spotlight, explains how his troubles with the law shaped who he is today, and lays out his plan to trim the fat as Edmonton's next mayor.
CHECK OUT RAHIM'S CAMPAIGN: https://www.votejaffer.ca/
1:26:10 | Jespo and Johnny share two major announcements.
1:39:00 | Trevour Bouds has words for Max Fawcett (and Mark Carney), Adam C. and Cole chime in on infill, Alberta Gengar's hardly a fan of Return To Work policies, Gillian's bracing for (looking forward to?) a teachers' strike, Lisa says no pay for work travel is nothing new, and Alex has a word of warning for vapers. 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! 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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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.

Get Rich: Alberta Edition

Calgary's ten years ahead of Edmonton when it comes to economic development. Can Alberta's capital city catch up? What happens if it doesn't? Ahead of municipal elections on October 20, we check in with the City of Calgary's Thom Mahler, Edmonton Downtown Business Association's Puneeta McBryan, and Heather Thomson from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce (1:00). 
CHECK OUT THE EDMONTON CHAMBER'S MUNICIPAL ACTION PLAN: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/municipal-action-plan-2025/
1:05:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, including Jespo's story of a nightmare real estate investment 20 years ago. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:32:43 | Jespo shares details of his family's recent Jasper getaway and the upcoming Jasper Folk Music Festival in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
JASPER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperfolkmusicfestival.ca/
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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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.

Infill Controversy // Elbows…Down?

Density and infill might be the most divisive issue in Canada's major urban centres right now...or at least it feels that way. After a heated exchange during our August 22 Group Chat Round Table, we check in with Athabasca University political scientist Dr. Alex Rivard, who lays out what national polling actually tells us about where Canadians stand on the issue (17:30). 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
47:30 | As the Prime Minister lowers his elbows by dropping reciprocal tariffs aimed at Americans, do Doug Ford, Mark Carney, and progressives across Canada owe Alberta Premier Danielle Smith an apology? Her supporters sure think so. Dr. Rivard tells us what he thinks before analyzing a new report on Canadian relations with China (57:45). 
1:34:30 | Real Talker Janine tells us why she's so grateful for that August 18 by-election in Battle River--Crowfoot that saw Pierre Poilievre secure his seat in the House of Commons. Positive Reflections is presented by our friends at Solar by Kuby.
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/solar
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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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.

"These Wackos Can 'Fix Canada' by F*cking Off to the US!"

Real Talkers Robert, Travis, James, Touring Zebra, Gerry, and Jan have a LOT to say about the Alberta separation movement and its spokesperson Jeff Rath. 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!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Return of the Group Chat Round Table

Jespo's real life political Group Chat returns to the Real Talk studio for an entertaining and enlightening look at the top headlines, including our August 20 interview with Alberta separatist Jeff Rath, a looming teachers' strike, council races across the province, Edmonton's infill debate (this one gets heated), and Pierre Poilievre's by-election win in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
7:00 | But first, Katherine O'Neill tells Jespo, Jenny Adams, and Harman Kandola all about her recent journey to Lake O'Hara. 
1:25:30 | Real Talkers Robert, Travis, James, Touring Zebra, Gerry, and Jan have a LOT to say about the Alberta separation movement and its spokesperson Jeff Rath. 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! 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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.

Calgary's Big Advantage and A Plan To Save Edmonton

It's a tale of two cities in Alberta: Calgary spends a BILLION dollars more than Edmonton every year, while the capital city struggles with its bottom line. That translates into fewer services and higher property taxes. One Edmonton councillor says he's got the formula to fix the discrepancy. 
14:30 | Aaron Paquette lays out his plan to save Edmonton. 
CHECK OUT PAQUETTE'S VISION FOR AN ECONOMICALLY-STRONG EDMONTON: https://www.aaron4dene.ca/blog-2-1/blog-post-title-one-7rmn9
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:03:30 | Would Albertans ACTUALLY have more money in their pockets if the province separated from Canada? Marshall McAlister, CFA from North Road Investment Counsel shares his informed perspective. 
CONNECT WITH NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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.

Alberta Separatist Jeff Rath

What would life in Alberta look like if the province made good on threats to leave Canada? What would Alberta separation mean for industry, trade, real estate, social programs, treaties with First Nations, and a million other things? 
6:00 | Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project lays out his group's vision for a sovereign Alberta. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:15:20 | You've still got time to enjoy Jasper this summer! Jespo shares a few of his favourite Jasper activities in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
PLAN YOUR JASPER TRIP: https://www.jasper.travel/
1:20:20 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about the interview with Jeff Rath. Jespo and Johnny dig into our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 
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.