Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Could a Liberal-NDP Merger Actually Happen?

Should the federal Liberals and NDP work even more closely together? Does a merger represent the left's best chance at forming the next federal government? Or are the parties too ideologically-opposed for such a relationship to actually work? 
3:30 | Mario Canseco, president of Research Co, takes us into polling on Canada joining the U.S., Conservative support following Trudeau's resignation, and a potential merger between the Liberals and the NDP. 
CHECK OUT MARIO'S WORK: https://researchco.ca/
33:20 | You can now watch Real Talk on Spotify! Johnny has details on our new offering for podcast subscribers. 
REAL TALK ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/03RyuWqhe4YBI7mS48VDBA
37:00 | Did you hear Fox News host Jesse Watters' ridiculous comments about Canada? We can't help but comment...
40:20 | Maxime Bernier's got no time for Trump's comments about Canada. Ryan takes a look at the PPC leader's tweet.
44:30 | Add Stephen Harper to the list of current or former party leaders and PMs speaking out against Trump. We look back at a CPC campaign ad re-released by Harper this week.
51:45 | A special guest returns to Real Talk on January 13! Ryan makes the announcement to everybody (including Johnny). 
53:45 | We're so grateful for you, our amazing audience. Ryan reads a hand-written card from Real Talker Karen that knocked our socks off. 
59:20 | Meta's new standards prohibit insults about someone's intellect or mental illness UNLESS they're a member of the LGBTQ community. Ryan tells us what he thinks about it. 
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT? 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.

Should Canada Join the U.S.?

Donald Trump figures it's time Canada became the 51st state. He's calling the Canada/U.S. border an "artificially-drawn line," says America spends hundreds of billions "protecting Canada," and is threatening "economic force" to make a merger happen. What's the right way for Canada to respond? 
5:00 | Jespo and Johnny open the show with their own thoughts on Trump's comments and responses from PM Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
18:15 | International trade lawyer Martha Harrison gives us an informed take on the history of the Canada/U.S. trade relationship, Donald Trump's version of diplomacy, and the true costs of tariffs. 
MARTHA'S FIRM: https://www.mccarthy.ca/en
47:00 | Real Talkers respond to Martha's interview and Trump's comments via our Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
57:15 | It's a personal edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper, as Ryan shares video and photos from his family's New Year's trip to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Marmot Basin. 
JOIN US at JASPER in JANUARY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
CHECK OUT MARMOT BASIN: https://www.skimarmot.com/
1:04:00 | Ryan reads some of the calm, reasonable, totally normal replies to his tweets about Donald Trump's comments about Canada. 
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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.

What's Next for Canada?

It's a lousy time for the federal government to flounder. As Donald Trump's inauguration date approaches, the Liberal Party's kicking off a leadership race as opposition leaders call for an election. What does Justin Trudeau's resignation mean for his party, Pierre Poilievre, Jagmeet Singh, and you?
3:35 | Timothy Caulfield gives us his perspective on Justin Trudeau's tenure as Prime Minister, Meta cancelling fact checks on Facebook and Instagram, and his new book The Certainty Illusion. 
CHECK OUT TIM'S BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/713451/the-certainty-illusion-by-timothy-caulfield/9780735245884
41:40 | What's next for Canada in the wake of Justin Trudeau's resignation? Conservative pundit Tasha Kheiriddin, former NDP staffer Julien Newman, and political strategist Sharan Kaur tell us what they're expecting. 
TASHA'S SUBSTACK: https://tashakheiriddin.substack.com/p/the-trudeau-circus-cannot-go-on
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.

Time's Up: Trudeau Stepping Down as PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader, and is proroguing Parliament as the Liberal Party of Canada embarks on the journey to replace him. Trudeau will stay on as prime minister until a new leader is chosen. 
3:50 | Former Trudeau advisor Tyler Meredith, former Harper advisor Ken Boessenkool, and former Alberta cabinet minister Shannon Phillips discuss the implications of Trudeau's historic announcement. 
CHECK OUT MBP: https://mbpolicy.com/
58:50 | Jespo and Johnny take a look at Pierre Poilievre's interview with Jordan Peterson. 
1:26:30 | Ryan recounts meeting Real Talker Shalaine in real life in the first Positive Reflections of 2025, proudly presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: 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.

"Canada Isn't the 51st Anything!"

Martin in Manitoba's had enough of Trump trolling Canada, Gerald says we owned the Americans last time The Donald was President, Dolly's done with provinces operating as lone wolves, and Menchie - a former security guard - says the industry's a mess. 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!
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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.

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Premier Danielle Smith

We talk wins and losses, and look to the past, present, and future with Edmonton's Mayor and Alberta's Premier in this power-packed episode of Real Talk. Mike Stelter - Ben's dad - talks to us about his son's remarkable legacy and the first-ever Ben's Cup in support of the Ben Stelter Foundation. We wrap 2024 with one of the fieriest Flamethrowers of the year presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. 
3:00 | Mayor Amarjeet Sohi talks property tax increases, downtown safety, rezoning and housing starts, his council's relationship with the province, council colleague Tim Cartmell looking to dethrone him, and plans for his political future.
24:40 | Premier Danielle Smith talks municipal funding, deficit potential in 2025, timeline for her promised tax cuts, Donald Trump disrespecting Canada, Kevin O'Leary's proposed $70B Wonder Valley data centre, and the future of the Alberta Pension Plan.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:07:20 | Mike Stelter talks to us about his son Ben's legacy, and the first-ever Ben's Cup in support of the Ben Stelter Foundation. 
CHECK OUT BEN'S CUP: https://benscup.com/
BEN STELTER FOUNDATION: https://benstelterfoundation.com/
1:27:20 | Martin in Manitoba's had enough of Trump trolling Canada, Gerald says we owned the Americans last time The Donald was President, Dolly's done with provinces operating as lone wolves, and Menchie - a former security guard - says the industry's a mess. 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, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.

TOP STORIES: Trudeau, Trump, and Foreign Interference

Late December's typically a slow time of year for the news cycle. Not this year! 2024's top stories are playing out in front of us as Christmas break approaches, including Justin Trudeau fighting to keep his party's confidence, and Donald Trump fighting...pretty much everybody. 
3:50 | Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, talks Trudeau, Trump, foreign interference, byelections, and more. 
SUPPORT MO'S SHOW: https://www.thisisvancolour.com/
1:03:05 | Real Talkers chime in via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
1:08:45 | Have you heard about the Canmore Liveability Tax? Think it's the right move to make housing more affordable for locals? Ryan's not so sure.
1:13:40 | Real Talker Jared drags science into our ongoing conversation about photo radar. (Unfortunately for us, his facts are tough to dispute.)
1:28:00 | QUALIFY TO WIN OILERS / MAPLE LEAFS TICKETS: register for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic before January 1!
DETAILS: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho...
1:32:45 | Johnny clarifies a detail re: a new book about Chrystia Freeland, as discussed on our December 17 episode. (Thanks to Real Talker Karen for the heads up!)
EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: 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.

Brace Yourself for a Painful Year Ahead

Justin Trudeau's on his way out. Donald Trump's on his way in. Alberta's headed toward deficit territory, and consumers across Canada are looking at higher prices for pretty much everything in 2025. We don't mean to bum you out, but we want you to be prepared. Look no further than this Real Talk Round Table with three of the sharpest knives in the drawer. 
3:10 | Economics professor Trevor Tombe, Canadian Chamber of Commerce CEO Candace Laing, and Alberta Chambers of Commerce CEO Shauna Feth give us their frank assessment of the year ahead.
CHECK OUT ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/
36:50 | How could Donald Trump's tariffs impact Canadian producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers? Our panel lays it out before pitching a solution to potential economic woes. 
1:04:55 | Did you see the hilarious holiday roast delivered in the House of Commons by MP Darren Fisher? HILARIOUS. 
1:08:45 | Chrystia Freeland's publisher is bumping up the date of her book release. Instead of February, it'll now be available in time for Christmas. A coincidence? Jespo and Johnny discuss.
1:22:45 | QUALIFY TO WIN OILERS / MAPLE LEAFS TICKETS: register for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic before January 1!
DETAILS: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
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.

Trudeau's Cabinet Collapsing

Two of Justin Trudeau's highest-profile cabinet ministers have jumped ship. Are we watching this government collapse in real time? 
4:40 | (Now-former) Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is out, as is (now-former) Housing Minister Sean Fraser. Who and what is next? Ryan gets into it.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
32:20 | Sprawl Calgary founder/editor Jeremy Klaszus tells us a survival story of sorts, including his first-hand take on government subsidies for media. We dig into the province's updated plan for Calgary's Green Line LRT, and the three (and counting?) new political parties organizing ahead of the municipal election in October 2025. 
SUPPORT THE SPRAWL: https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/
1:29:40 | Real Talker Emily's email warmed our hearts on this cold December morning - we hope it has the same effect on you! Her testimony on the value of this community is a perfect Positive Reflection, proudly presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
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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.

Swiftie Snaps after Real Talk Guest Disses Taylor!

Tammy's got Taylor Swift's back, Lauren's not sold on Mr. Wonderful's $70B Wonder Valley, John says Donald Trump and Danielle Smith better check themselves, and Anne says Poilievre and Trudeau need to grow backbones. 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: @realtalkrj
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.