Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

"We're Being Eroded by Progressives!"

Rick from the Sticks draws a line from NYC's new mayor to Alberta separation, Kara's looking for more from Pierre Poilievre, Michael's not so sincere in his "thank you" to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Anne's waiting for ballroom construction to begin at the Alberta Legislature. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.comWhen 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.

Matt Jeneroux's Out // Future-Shaping Millennials

Another blow to Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives, as longtime Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux announces his resignation. What does this mean for PM Mark Carney's minority government (and the Official Opposition CPC) moving forward? We open this show with a follow up (1:30) on what the Real Talk Rumour Mill reported in our most recent episode.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/
8:30 | Alberta's Dr. Ian MacNairn joins us from a Gaza hospital, where he's working in an ER on a PAMA humanitarian mission. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
30:15 | Edify Top 40 Under 40 honourees Stephanie Bach, Sheena Fitzpatrick, and Tracy Barry talk immigration, employment supports, agriculture, heavy industry, and the arts in an insightful and inspiring edition of the Real Talk Round Table. 
CHECK OUT EDMONTON'S TOP 40 UNDER 40 CLASS of 2025: https://edifyedmonton.com/
1:22:30 | Jespo and Johnny circle back on the Jeneroux resignation (and confidence vote implications), the Carney/Smith Grey Cup target for a pipeline announcement (1:33:00), and political rumours around a certain Trailer Park Boy (not really). 
1:50:45 | Rick from the Sticks draws a line from NYC's new mayor to Alberta separation, Kara's looking for more from Pierre Poilievre, Michael's not so sincere in his "thank you" to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Anne's waiting for ballroom construction to begin at the Alberta Legislature. 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 
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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.

Will More MPs Cross the Floor to the Liberals?

The Real Talk Rumour Mill reports multiple Conservative MPs are being approached by the Liberals to join MP Chris d'Entremont and cross the floor. Rumours include two prominent Alberta MPs - one of them Conservative, one of them not. What're the chances this strategy saves PM Mark Carney from a nail-biter of a budget vote that could trigger another election? We ask Politico's Mickey Djuric (4:00) about her d'Entremont scoop, then put it all in front of strategists Zain Velji and Puneeta McBryan (11:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/
Support YWCA of Edmonton's Rose Campaign to help end violence against women and girls by purchasing a bottle (or case!) of Whisky Rose. All proceeds support the cause. Purchase in person at Hansen Distillery: 17412 111 Avenue // Edmonton, AB.
11:45 | What a story. Puneeta and Zain give us their takes on Zohran Mamdani's mercurial rise to mayor of NYC. 
CHECK OUT THE STRATEGISTS LIVE on NOV. 12: https://www.showpass.com/the-strategists-live/
CONNECT WITH PUNEETA: https://www.puneeta.co/
55:00 | Shout out to filmmaker Jenna Bailey, the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, and the creative crew at University of Lethbridge for making the new film "Brainstorm" a global success! We shine a spotlight on groundbreaking research right here in Alberta in this week's edition of Alberta Wins presented by our friends at Play Alberta.
DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP: https://playalberta.ca/
MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.
57:30 | Over the past year, there were more than nine thousand 9-1-1 calls relating to domestic violence in Edmonton alone. YWCA of Edmonton's Christine McCourt-Reid tells us why the Rose Campaign is vital to building healthy communities. 
THE ROSE CAMPAIGN: https://ywcaofedmonton.org/events/rose-campaign/
1:14:30 | Real Talker Rick emails in about "Winston Churchill -- the famous floor crosser". Jespo and Johnny get to Live Chat comments about Alberta nurses and health care aides voting 98% in favour of a strike and Indigenous Veterans Day. The Real Talk Live Chat is powered by Park Power. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
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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.

Budget 2025 Breakdown: Jobs, the Economy, Housing, and More

Mark Carney’s first federal budget is out, and it’s a bold statement from a Prime Minister trying to prove he’s not just the banker-in-chief, but a nation-builder with a plan. Billions are flowing into housing, clean energy, and industry, but does any of this actually benefit Alberta? Is Budget 2025 economic vision — or political survival disguised as one?
4:30 | We set the table by hearing from opposition party leaders Pierre Poilievre, Yves-François Blanchet, and Don Davies.
12:00 | What does this budget do to address economic lags, troubling regional trends, and Canada's housing crunch? Heather Thomson (Edmonton Chamber of Commerce), Kalen Anderson (BILD Edmonton Metro), and Mike Saunders (Qualico) give us the pros and cons of Budget 2025. We dig further into Edmonton Chamber's State of the Economy report. 
CHECK OUT THE FULL REPORT: https://economy.edmontonchamber.com/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
47:15 | There's nothing like a run in the Rockies! The Jasper Rebuild Run (formerly the Pints & Pinot Run) is set to go November 29. What a great way to support this magnificent mountain town! Also, Jasper stays until December 12 are eligible to receive a digital prepaid Mastercard up to $175 with bookings through Tourism Jasper - we've got details. 
REGISTER TO RUN: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/98763/rebuild-jasper-run
JASPER HOTEL OFFER: https://www.jasper.travel/hotel-offer/
52:15 | Building Alberta's Talent Future: Shauna Feth (Alberta Chambers of Commerce), Nancy Healy (Commissioner for Employers, Canada), Dr. Melanie Humphreys (Chair, Alberta Post-Secondary Network and President, The King's University), and Sabrina Reschny (Deloitte Canada) dig into Budget 2025 through an Alberta lens. 
TALENT DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/talent-development-task-force/
2025 TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/2025-talent-development-symposium/
1:29:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a jam-packed show, and check in with the Real Talk 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 
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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.

Doug Ford: “I’d Never Apologize to Donald Trump.”

It's federal Budget Day - will PM Mark Carney secure enough support outside his Liberal caucus to maintain confidence in his minority government? We open this episode with a look at what's at stake.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/
14:00 | Ontario Premier Doug Ford says you "could put (him) in a stretching rack...he'd never apologize to Donald Trump." This, after PM Carney apologized to President Donald Trump for Ontario's $70M World Series ad featuring Ronald Reagan on tariffs. Do you think Carney should have apologized? Leave a comment below! 
32:30 | Alberta's UCP government has denied the Chief Electoral Officer's request for an additional $13M to prepare a referendum on Alberta's future in Canada, and manage recall petitions targeting UCP MLAs. Do you want to see a referendum? 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
45:20 | Real Talk has been cc'd on dozens of emails to UCP ministers and MLAs after teachers were ordered back to work. Ryan reads a few from Casey, Sean, Mikelle, and Karen.
52:50 | The Allin family is written into the history of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in a big way. We feature Drs. Edgar Norman, Eardley, and George Allin in this week's Echoes of the Alex presented by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. 
SUPPORT THE ALEX THROUGH ITS NEXT 125 YEARS: http://givetoroyalalex.org/
57:00 | As New Yorkers elect a new mayor, we look at the dynamics at play between three main candidates, and talk bigger picture about cost of living in North America's major cities (including a cameo by DJ Alize in our Live Chat powered by Park Power). 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:19:10 | Have you been following the infill arson story in Edmonton? We get into what we know at this point. 
1:26:20 | Are you a believer in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)? Check out this highlight of David Keith and James Fann from our most recent couple episodes. 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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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.

Another Federal Election? Already??

It's possible Canadians could be headed BACK to the polls less than eight months after the most recent federal election. It all hinges on whether or not PM Mark Carney can garner enough support for his budget from Conservative, Bloc, or NDP MPs. So, what are the chances? 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/
6:00 | Former senior advisor to the PMO Supriya Dwivedi gives us her best guess on how it'll all play out...after we collectively mourn the Blue Jays' World Series game seven loss. We cover Carney's apology to Trump for Doug Ford's TV tariffs ad featuring Ronald Reagan, and Erika Kirk's controversial (?) hug with US vice president J.D. Vance. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
56:00 | Is Carbon capture and storage (CCS) all it's cracked up to be? We follow up our Oct. 31 Real Talk Round Table on energy, climate, and the economy with James Fann from the International CCS Knowledge Centre.
CHECK OUT THE CENTRE: https://ccsknowledge.com/
WATCH OUR OCT. 31 ROUND TABLE: https://rtrj.info/103125RTRT
1:31:00 | It feels like all of Canada is feeling the Blue Jays' loss. In a special edition of Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby, Jays' star Ernie Clement reminds us what sports is all about. 
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.

"Alberta is a Laughingstock!"

Real Talkers are FIRED UP over teachers being ordered back to class. We've got hot takes from Tobias, Travis, Perry, KP, JP, Tavis, Rob, Brandon, Justin, Amy, Shawn, GreeceBall, and Robert in this episode of 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
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.

Energy, the Economy, and the Environment

Is it possible to protect jobs and save the planet at the same time? Do Canadians have to choose between low emissions and affordable energy? Are we doing enough on energy and water security? How should we prepare communities for a future where extreme weather events are not the exception but the norm?
6:30 | Energy vs. Climate podcast co-hosts Ed Whittingham, Sara Hastings-Simon, and David Keith tackle these questions and more in our Real Talk Round Table presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
ENERGY vs. CLIMATE PODCAST: https://www.energyvsclimate.com/
1:11:00 | Jespo jumps into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power for your comments on the economy vs. environment debate. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:15:00 | Real Talkers are FIRED UP over teachers being ordered back to class. We've got hot takes from Tobias, Travis, Perry, KP, JP, Tavis, Rob, Brandon, Justin, Amy, Shawn, GreeceBall, and Robert in this episode of 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 
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.

Albertans Cry Foul on UCP Teachers’ Strike Tactics

It's official: we've received more emails and YouTube comments about Alberta's teachers' strike (and the way the UCP ended it) than any other subject in Real Talk's five year history. This is YOUR show, and you've got the floor throughout this episode, including emails from Real Talkers Rodger, Megan, LG, Principal D, Jill, Kyle, Shelley, and Colin. 
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/
16:15 | Political strategist Sharan Kaur analyzes Alberta's use of the notwithstanding clause, and gives us the lay of the land in Ontario, where class sizes are capped and private schools receive no public funding. We take a look at the challenges facing PM Mark Carney ahead of the budget announcement (32:30), and Pierre Poilievre's best play in Opposition. Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
47:15 | Jespo gets to more of your emails and Live Chat comments about education in Alberta. 
1:06:30 | Congratulations to Dr. David Wishart, winner of the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for Science and Engineering! We feature the U of A-educated, globally-renowned scientist in Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 
Get a $50 free bet with a $50 deposit with the promo code RYAN50 on the Play Alberta app or at https://playalberta.ca/. Must be 18+ to play. If you gamble, please use your GameSense. 
1:10:00 | Is Halloween cancelled in light of Game Six of the World Series? Jespo and Johnny debate the best way to handle such a big schedule conflict, including advice from Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
JOIN JESPO on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 at EVENING OF HOPE in support of HOPE INTERNATIONAL: https://www.hope-international.com/edmonton
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: 
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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 Teachers Head Back to Class "Demoralized"

740,000 students and 51,000 teachers are back in Alberta classrooms after an emotional three weeks away. In this episode, we hear from politicians, parents, teachers, and a high school student on the true impact of the teachers' strike and the government's use of the notwithstanding clause to end it. 
6:20 | Alberta's Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides talks about the decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause, and where the government's relationship stands with teachers moving forward. This feature interview, presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, includes email questions from Real Talkers Adam and Rob. 
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
35:00 | We see where Real Talkers are at on the first day back to school. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
39:00 | Remember Evan Li - the grade 12 student whose mic was cut during that Alberta Next town hall in Calgary? He tell us how his life changed since that moment, and how he's feeling on the first day after the strike. 
49:30 | Real Talker Gillian gives us a frontline report from her junior high classroom.
51:00 | We LOVE the new Jasper Christmas Mug Trail! Such a fun way to support Jasper businesses through the holiday season. Ryan shares details - and highlights upcoming Halloween weekend activities - in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
"CREATURES RETURN" HALLOWEEN EVENTS: https://www.jasper.travel/creatures-return/
55:30 | Nearly half a million Albertans signed the Forever Canadian petition, shattering the already-ambitious goal of 300,000. Organizer Thomas Lukaszuk tells us where the movement goes from here, including his opposition to a referendum. 
1:20:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, and dig into the Live Chat. 
1:40:30 | Real Talkers Mike, Gerry, and David share their thoughts on Alberta invoking the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers' strike. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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.