Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Can Alberta Become the Wind Capital of Canada?

One of Canada's biggest wind farms is set to fire up in Alberta. At peak generation, it'll provide enough juice to power 160,000 homes. But it wasn't smooth sailing getting the $600M project built. The province continues to treat renewables differently than its golden goose: oil and gas. With jurisdictions around the world competing for billions of dollars of investment in wind and solar, will Alberta still be Canada's Energy Capital fifty years from now? 
2:55 | Thomas LoTurco, EVP for Eastern US, Canada, and Government Affairs for EDP Renewables introduces us to their Sharp Hills wind farm, and talks about the implications of Alberta's regulatory red tape and renewables moratorium, landowner negotiations, and public skepticism. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT SHARP HILLS: https://www.edpr.com/north-america/news/2024/01/22/edp-renewables-north-america-announces-operations-commencement-sharp-hills-wind
34:30 | In one of the more creative emails we've received about healthcare and education, Real Talker "Edgar" says Albertans are a lot like the beef they're so proud of.
BE LIKE EDGAR...SEND US AN EMAIL: 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.

Liberals Retreat, Notley Resigns, DeSantis Bows Out

Justin Trudeau's Liberal Cabinet is in Montreal, trying to figure out how to gain back the ground they've lost to Pierre Poilievre. Alberta NDP supporters are taking a closer look than ever before at their up-and-comers, with Rachel Notley's resignation official. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis takes a hint from the people of Iowa, and bows to kiss Trump's ring. 
2:20 | Charles Adler nails down what the Liberals need to figure out at their Cabinet retreat, predicts the dynamic of the Alberta NDP leadership race, takes a few swipes at Take Back Alberta founder David Parker, and summarizes Ron DeSantis' brief run at the Presidency. 
57:45 | We've got an update following Sarah Bisbee's appearance on the show (she told us all about her suburban family of six going completely car-free), including an email from Real Talker Coreen. Plus, Real Talker Ken tells us why he supports the show on Patreon despite the fact he "could get it for free." You're the best, Ken! Ryan lays out a few great reasons to become a Real Talk Patron. 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
1:07:30 | Real Talker Shalaine's email made our week. Ryan shares it as a Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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WEBSITE: https://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.

Pointing Fingers After Alberta's Near-Power Outage!

A cold snap just about broke Alberta's power grid. Deportation looms for the man that caused a high-profile tragedy. People still don't know how to zipper merge. Real Talkers are fired up for The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
 
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Developing the Workforce of the Future

What does the workforce of the future look like? What will drive growth, retain talent, and ultimately dictate success? What are the world's leading jurisdictions doing? Why are others being left in the dust? When does government need to lead, and when should it get out of the way? What are today's post-secondary students looking for, and what's the best way for industry to connect with tomorrow's brightest minds? 
2:10 | Alberta Chambers of Commerce CEO Shauna Feth, NorQuest College CEO Carolyn Campbell, and Deloitte's Elise Sethna discuss talent development and retention, and how it relates to Alberta's future prosperity. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALBERTA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/
TAKE THE ALBERTA PERSPECTIVES SURVEY: https://www.albertaperspectives.ca/hub
CHECK OUT NORQUEST: https://www.norquest.ca/home.aspx
59:00 | A cold snap just about broke Alberta's power grid. Deportation looms for the man that caused a high-profile tragedy. People still don't know how to zipper merge. 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 
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.

Hangin' with Quick Dick McDick

Quick Dick McDick is one of Canada's most-watched YouTubers. Millions of people have watched his videos on farming, politics, cooking, and more. And, he's the only Real Talk guest (as far as we know) who's released a video of themselves taking a poop in the woods. 
2:10 |  @QuickDickMcDick  joins us live from his farm near Tuffnell, Saskatchewan to talk about the future of prairie New Democrats, the impact of the carbon tax on family farms, a life-saving rescue involving his friend, and his booming stand-up comedy career. 
GIT YER QUICK DICK GEAR: https://quickdickmcdick.ca/
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

End of an Era: What's Next for the Alberta NDP?

Rachel Notley took the Alberta NDP from four to 54 seats in the Legislature. She took an unlikely bunch from obscurity to a majority government, and put her progressive stamp on a province that had seen back-to-back conservative dynasties. Upon announcing her intent to resign as leader of the now-Official Opposition, she triggers a race of legitimate contenders vying to be Alberta's next NDP premier. 
2:40 | Former Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd, former Notley senior advisor Leah Ward, and founding president of the UCP Erika Barootes talk to us about Rachel's legacy, the scuttlebutt around potential leadership candidates, and the future of the Alberta NDP. 
39:00 | Ryan shares some photos and a dance floor video (!) from his recent trip to Jasper. #MyJasper Memories is presented Wednesdays on Real Talk by our friends at  @JasperAlberta  @JasperAlberta . 
BOOK YOUR JASPER IN JANUARY GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
51:00 | Real Talker Gillian moved to Alberta months before Rachel Notley's NDP formed government in 2015. She tells us what she thinks sets Notley apart from other politicians. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  
56:03 | With a former Minister of Energy in studio, we can't help but address the near-blackout situation Alberta faced with its electricity grid under strain over the weekend. 
1:04:10 | We bumped the originally-scheduled guest for this episode when Rachel Notley announced her resignation. He's one of Canada's most-watched YouTubers, so it's no surprise Quick Dick McDick had a little fun with our request to move his interview to Thursday, January 18. Ryan plays the response we received from  @QuickDickMcDick . (It's amazing.)
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
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.

Should Danielle Smith Meet with Tucker Carlson?

When right-wing media personality Tucker Carlson visits Edmonton, Danielle Smith will be joining him on stage. Is it a mistake for Alberta's Premier to make a public appearance with the man who called immigrants "dirty" and white supremacy "a hoax"? 
3:10 | Matthew Hays and Peter McCaffrey hash it out. 
READ MATTHEW'S PIECE: https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-should-smith-be-elevating-american-brand-of-misinformation
CHECK OUT THE ALBERTA INSTITUTE: https://www.albertainstitute.ca/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

Power Down: Why is Alberta's Electricity Supply in Peril?

Why did Alberta need to issue an emergency alert about electricity amidst a deep freeze? How did the energy capital of Canada get to the point it can't meet its own power demand when extreme weather hits? Is it Rachel Notley's fault for moving away from coal? Is it past (or present) Conservative government's fault for deregulating the market and failing to secure reliable backup power? 
4:00 | Energy economist David Gray takes the politics out of the conversation about Alberta's electricity grid, and explains why the province is in such a perilous position. 
FOLLOW DAVID ON TWITTER: @TheRealDKGray 
27:08 | As Donald Trump looks to own the Iowa caucuses, is the writing on the wall for Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis? Charles Adler calls it how he sees it. 
55:57 | Eighteen months ago, Sarah Bisbee and her family said goodbye to their minivan. Since then, they've logged more than 10,000 km on their electric bikes. She tells us what prompted the move, and why it's not as difficult as most people might think. 
FOLLOW SARAH ON INSTAGRAM, TIK TOK and TWITTER: @mommypedals 
1:21:00 | Inspired by our January 11, 2024 conversation about Magic Mushrooms and Coca leaves, Real Talker Cyrus shares his Macchu Pichu memories in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BOOK YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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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.

Real Talker Claps Back at the ”Eco-Police”!

Alexandra's had enough from the "eco-warrior" at the dog park, Larry thinks Ryan crossed the line with his Shrooms talk, and Garth says he's being misportrayed as an "oil-drunken hillbilly". All three fire up their Flamethrowers, presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
In Edmonton or Sherwood Park? Visit a DQ in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, or on Baseline Road!

Should Canada Legalize Magic Mushrooms?

The world didn't end when Canada legalized Cannabis. Should we do the same with Shrooms? Researchers tout mental health benefits from Psilocybin, yet the naturally-occurring psychedelic found in more than 200 species of fungi remains outlawed. 
4:20 | Dana Larsen raised eyebrows when he mailed Shrooms and cocoa leaves to every MLA in BC. He tells us why he did it, talks about the fallout from Vancouver police raiding his mushroom dispensaries, and explains why he thinks all drugs should be legal. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT DANA'S DISPENSARY: https://mushroomdispensary.com/
39:40 | Does Alberta really need more liquor stores? David Clement thinks the people should decide. The North American Director for the Consumer Choice Center explains why he thinks Premier Danielle Smith should loosen restrictions to allow grocery and convenience stores to sell booze. 
CHECK OUT THE CCC: https://consumerchoicecenter.org/
57:35 | Brandi Morin was arrested by Edmonton Police, detained, and charged with Obstruction at an encampment site in Edmonton on January 10. The award-winning journalist (and Real Talk Editorial Board member) tells us what happened, and what she's seen and heard as the sites are being dismantled. 
1:20:46 | Ryan's brother Kyle, along with Real Talkers "Stunt Doc" and Stean chime in on our January 10 Real Talk Round Table with Edmonton Councillor Aaron Paquette and Renee Vaugeois from the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights. 
1:28:54 | Alexandra's had enough from the "eco-warrior" at the dog park, Larry thinks Ryan crossed the line with his Shrooms talk, and Garth says he's being misportrayed as an "oil-drunken hillbilly". All three fire up their Flamethrowers, presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park - Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
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.