Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Sarah Hoffman: "I'm Fat, Sassy, and Bad at Pretending!"

We've never seen a campaign video quite like Sarah Hoffman's. The former Deputy Premier, now Alberta NDP Leadership hopeful, introduces herself as "fat, sassy, and bad at pretending to be something (she's) not" before promising she'll continue to "work (her) f*cking ass off." She's got everybody's attention...but what's her plan for the party, and if she's elected Premier? 
2:27 | Sarah Hoffman talks details on healthcare, climate, housing, the carbon tax, reaching rural voters, past controversies, and a rumour she's considering a Mayoral run in Edmonton. 
SARAH'S SITE: https://www.sarahhoffman.ca/
38:56 | Ryan reads emails from Real Talkers Stean and Dan after our February 14 interview with Dr. Michael Kehler about masculinity and the next generation of men. 
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW:  https://rtrj.info/021424Masculinity
50:46 | Real Talker Tom voted for Jyoti Gondek in the 2021 Mayoral election. He just signed the recall petition everybody's talking about. Tom tells us what turned his allegiance around. 
OUR FEB. 13 INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR GONDEK: rtrj.info/021324Gondek
1:00:30 | We're thrilled at the response to our February 14 interview "for the birds" with Sean Feagan from the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Check out these super cool hummingbird videos from Real Talkers Brian and Laurie in Wainwright, AB and Kate and Peter in Victoria, BC! 
AN INTERVIEW FOR THE BIRDS: https://rtrj.info/021424Birds
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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.

Masculinity and the Next Generation of Men

Dr. Michael Kehler doesn't like the phrase "toxic masculinity". But he does think we need to have a national conversation about how boys and men act and learn about masculinity in schools, sport, and beyond. 
4:00 | Is Dr. Kehler advocating for a future generation of wimps? The research chair in Masculinities Studies at the University of Calgary's Werklund School of Education makes us think about a whole lot of things. 
MICHAEL'S HOCKEY CANADA PIECE: https://theconversation.com/hockey-canada-scandal-highlights-toxic-masculinity-in-sports-192712
47:26 | How often do you notice the birds in your backyard? Sean Feagan from the Nature Conservancy of Canada explains why we should all contribute to The Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend. (WARNING: super fun and informative interview!)
PARTICIPATE: https://www.birdscanada.org/event/great-backyard-bird-count-gbbc
1:14:05 | Family Day weekend is a perfect time to visit Jasper! Ryan runs through some of the best options for activities, including an awesome new offering from Marmot Basin! 
MAKE YOUR MARMOT PLAN: https://www.skimarmot.com/
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.

Exclusive: Mayor Jyoti Gondek Responds to Recall Petition

Is Jyoti Gondek getting any sleep these days? The Mayor of Calgary is the target of a recall petition, for which organizers have fewer than 60 days to collect more than 500,000 signatures. The petition comes amid a 30% approval rating for Gondek, who's facing criticism for a 7.8% property tax increase and a densification bylaw intended to address the city's housing crunch. 
2:23 | Mayor Gondek gets into the recall petition, her public squabble with Councillor Dan McLean, her 30% approval rating, the quick repeal of Calgary's single-use items bylaw, transit safety, and the looming (drought fuelled) wildfire season. 
TRANSIT SURVEY INFO: https://newsroom.calgary.ca/perceptions-of-safety-on-calgary-transit-improving-new-survey-shows/
43:45 | Charles Adler was spitting fire re: Bell Media's mass layoffs on our February 12 episode. Jasper Local publisher Bob Covey tells us why it resonated so strongly with him.
JASPER LOCAL: https://www.jasperlocal.com/
49:55 | Is Joe Biden too old for office? Ryan gets into a New York Times op/ed recommended by Real Talker Dr. Rick Spooner.
1:08:45 | Rakhi Pancholi raised eyebrows when she announced a plan to cancel Alberta's consumer carbon tax in an exclusive interview on Real Talk on February 8. It prompted a response from "Old stock, severely normal Albertan" Jason T, who writes in to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen 
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FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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: Super Bowl, Bell Layoffs, and Biden's Mental Fitness

We tackle the top stories in this entertaining episode of Real Talk, including: was Usher lip syncing at the Super Bowl (and does anybody care)? What should Ottawa do about "blood-sucking, corporate vampires"? Is the Alberta NDP leadership Rakhi's race to lose? Is it time for Joe Biden to throw in the towel? 
2:30 | Charles Adler tells us what he really thinks about show business and the Super Bowl, sweeping layoffs at Bell Media, early contenders in the Alberta NDP leadership race, a damning special counsel report targeting President Joe Biden's mental acuity, Donald Trump's comments about Russia and NATO, and Tucker Carlson's interview with Vladimir Putin. 
1:08:45 | This Positive Reflection will give you chills! Ryan shares a video posted by disability advocate Brad Bartko from Bucerias, Mexico. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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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.

"Immature Crybabies" and Single-Use Plastics Bans

Leckie's fed up with the "immature crybabies" fighting single-use plastics bans, Kyle claps back at David after being called out in last week's Flamethrower, and David thinks we need to do better with uncomfortable conversations. It's another fiery edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com

Survivors: Spencer Beach and Kelly Falardeau's Remarkable Lives

Kelly Falardeau sustained life-altering injuries at just two years old when her dress caught on fire at a family gathering. Spencer Beach's life was dramatically and forever changed when he was caught in an explosion at work. Their stories will invoke a wide range of emotions, from tears to laughter, in this must-watch episode of Real Talk. 
3:55 | But first...it's another gut punch for Canada's beleaguered media industry. Nearly 5,000 employees laid off by Bell Media, and multiple local newscasts cancelled across the country. Ryan and Johnny open the show with their own thoughts on the state of the fourth estate. 
16:23 | Talk about a tough look. A company owned by Darryl Katz, owner of the Edmonton Oilers, is taking Boyle Street Community Services to court, claiming it shouldn't have to make good on a $5M promise it made to the non-profit outreach agency. Ryan gets into the details. 
25:57 | Spencer Beach and Kelly Falardeau are two of the most incredible people you'll ever met. The burn survivors have turned tragedy into triumph, making it their life's work to educate and inspire countless people. Spencer and Kelly join Ryan in studio for an interview you won't want to miss. 
SPENCER: https://spencerspeaks.ca/
KELLY: http://kellyfalardeau.com/
DONATE: https://www.efbts.ca/
1:16:55 | Leckie's fed up with the "immature crybabies" fighting single-use plastics bans, Kyle claps back at David after being called out in last week's Flamethrower, and David thinks we need to do better with uncomfortable conversations. It's another fiery edition 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, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen 
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 

CARBON TAX: "Albertans have never been on board"

Talk about making a splash! Real Talk's got the exclusive as Rakhi Pancholi officially launches her campaign for the Alberta NDP leadership, and announces if elected Premier, she'll axe Alberta's consumer carbon tax. 
2:00 | The Edmonton-Whitemud MLA hits the ground running, laying out what the NDP will look like under her leadership. 
LEARN MORE: https://www.voterakhi.ca/
46:10 | Pancholi's plan to axe the carbon tax is a major critique of Rachel Notley's signature policy initiative. How will it land? We ask Max Fawcett, Leah Ward, and Sabrina Grover. 
1:22:50 | We had a couple pretty big deals visit the Real Talk studio after hours. Ryan can't help but name drop as we wrap the show. 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

NDP Leadership Race: Kathleen Ganley's Vision for Alberta

The race is on to replace Rachel Notley. Kathleen Ganley - MLA for Calgary-Mountain View and former Minister of Justice - is the first to toss her hat in the ring. In this episode of Real Talk, she tells us why it was important to announce first, how she'll fix the NDP's reputation in rural areas, how she'll address Alberta's talent shortage, what she'd do about the housing crisis, and which industry she sees as having the most potential into the future. 
KATHLEEN'S CAMPAIGN: https://teamganley.ca/
30:25 | Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day idea? Look no further than #MyJasper Memories presented by  @JasperAlberta ! 
PLAN YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/things-to-do/
36:15 | Ryan responds to Real Talkers' criticism of "softball questions" and a hypothetical interview with Adolf Hitler. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:02:15 | For the first time ever, Ryan shares the story of the endorsement he HAD to drop. 
1:14:00 | Got plans for Super Bowl Sunday? Join Ryan and Johnny at The Cabin! 
GET YOUR TICKETS: https://thecabinyeg.com/product/cabin-bowl-big-game-party/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

The Real Life Impacts of Alberta's Trans Policies

"Seek to understand." It's one of Stephen Covey's Seven Steps of Highly Effective People. It's also a solid life principle for anybody looking to make a positive impact in the world. It's what we try to do every episode of Real Talk. It's safe to say nobody will be more affected by Alberta's new Trans policies than Trans youth. In this episode, we talk to a Trans journalist born and raised in Red Deer, AB.
3:48 | Mel Woods is a senior editor at Xtra Magazine, Canada's largest LGBTQ2S+ publication. They share their personal and professional perspectives on the real life impacts of the UCP's new policies on parents and pronouns, Trans healthcare, Sex Ed, and Trans women in sport.
CHECK OUT MEL'S WORK: https://xtramagazine.com/
1:04:50 | Ryan responds to a live chat comment about Take Back Alberta's influence on Premier Smith's policy announcement, and reads a few of the best emails we've received after our February 2 Real Talk Round Table. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:20:30 | It's pretty unusual to see a Chief of Police issue a public apology to the victim of an alleged sexual assault, but that's exactly what happened in London, Ontario. 
1:26:40 | A group of Calgarians is attempting to run Mayor Jyoti Gondek out of office. We take a look at what's required to reverse an election result in Alberta. 
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 / ryanjespersen    
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

Is Naheed Nenshi the Alberta NDP's Next Leader?

Former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi appeared at a rally over the weekend, calling out Premier Danielle Smith for her recently-announced policies on pronouns and parents rights, Sex Ed, and Trans women in sport. It's got people wondering if the winner of the 2014 World Mayor Prize might be gearing up for an Alberta NDP leadership run. If that is the case, it's safe to suggest Nenshi would immediately be seen as a formidable candidate. But is he a good fit? 
6:04 | Charles Adler tells us why he thinks a Nenshi leadership run would be the most interesting political story in Canada. (Plus, Ryan, Chuck, and Johnny recap the top stories from the 2024 Grammy Awards and pick their Super Bowl winners.)
50:27 | Shauna Feth has her eye on Alberta business. The president and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce takes us into new Labour Market Information (LMI) research insights, tees up Alberta Budget 2024, explains why ACC is lobbying the province to drop the Insurance Premium Tax, and tells us about a couple upcoming events. 
TAKE THE ALBERTA PERSPECTIVES SURVEY: https://rtrj.info/ACCsurvey0224
CHECK OUT ACC: https://www.abchamber.ca/
1:16:30 | Our inbox is jammed after the past few episodes about Alberta's new Trans policies. Ryan reads a couple emails we received over the weekend, including a clap-back following our most recent edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton & Sherwood Park.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:27:50 | Congratulations to Team Kuby Energy - "Hat Trick Swayze" - champions of the 2024 Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! We show off video highlights (courtesy Steve Ricketts) of our sold-out event in support of Uncles & Aunts at Large and KidSport St. Albert.
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.