Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Life or Death: The Truth About Homeless Encampments

People across Canada are watching Edmonton Police dismantle homeless encampments as temperatures drop below -30C. Amid the outcry, we've seen fires, fatalities, weapons seizures, and other disturbing trends. Advocates say the shelter system is broken. The general public knows the whole situation is unsustainable. So...what's the fix? 
2:50 | Edmonton Councillor Aaron Paquette and Renee Vaugeois of the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights get real about root causes, symptoms, systemic issues, and potential solutions. 
COALITION FOR JUSTICE.& HUMAN RIGHTS: https://www.coalition4jhr.org/
53:35 | Peter Burgess lost his daughter Elan under shocking and tragic circumstances in July of 2007. Since then, he's raised more than $150,000 for the Stollery Children's Hospital through his "Freezing Father" initiative. Peter tells us Elan's story live from his winter camp. 
DONATE: https://www.freezingfather.org/
1:11:00 | Jasper in January kicks off this weekend! Ryan highlights a few of the amazing events available to visitors through the month. 
JASPER IN JANUARY DETAILS: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
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.
 

WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT THIS?

Canada's plummeting in global rankings of gender parity in politics. Talented women are walking away from elected office. MP Leslyn Lewis is backing a conspiracy theory involving vaccines, sex ed, and the United Nations. Nobody appears to have a solution to the housing crisis. And BC politicians are up in arms after receiving magic mushrooms in the mail. WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT THIS? We connect with two of Canada's most to-the-point political commentators in this episode of Real Talk. 
5:10 | Supriya Dwivedi's back to discuss her feature in Chatelaine and Dr. Leslyn Lewis joining forces with a loon. 
READ SUPRIYA'S PIECE IN CHATELAINE: https://chatelaine.com/longforms/female-politicians-canada-safety/
PRESS PROGRESS PIECE ON THE UN PETITION AUTHOR: https://pressprogress.ca/conservative-mp-helped-draft-text-of-conspiratorial-united-nations-petition-author-of-petition-says/
43:00 | Mo Amir explains why landlord Pierre Poilievre won't lower your rent, why Lululemon's stock is soaring without Chip Wilson, and why shrooms should be legal. 
MARCH 4/21 REAL TALK ROUND TABLE ON PSYCHEDELICS: https://rtrj.info/030421Shrooms
CHECK OUT THIS IS VANCOLOUR: https://www.thisisvancolour.com/
EMAIL THE SHOW: 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.

Should Canada Leave the UN?

Dr. Leslyn Lewis can't be serious. The high-profile Conservative MP is backing a petition calling for Canada to walk away from the United Nations. Dr. Lewis' critics (like Liberal MP Rob Oliphant) are calling on opposition leader Pierre Poilievre to speak out against Lewis' endorsement, wondering aloud if Conservative foreign policy would be to “abandon our international obligations on human rights, women’s rights, children and so much more". 
6:07 | Does Canada need the UN? Does the UN need Canada? What might be the consequences of leaving the UN? Do questions like this even deserve our valuable time and attention? Charles Adler chimes in. 
35:30 | Premier Danielle Smith isn't ruling out changes to Alberta's liquor retail regulations which would pave the way for supermarkets and convenience stores to enter the booze business. What's the ripple effect for entrepreneurs, including liquor store owners? The CEBA repayment deadline is looming. How many businesses will be able to meet their obligations...and what if they can't? Alberta Chambers of Commerce President and CEO Shauna Feth has her Eye on Alberta Business. 
CHECK OUT ALBERTA CHAMBERS: https://www.abchamber.ca/
1:06:50 | We love this Positive Reflection submitted by Real Talker Justin about an orphaned cat that found a home amongst capybaras at a Malaysian zoo! 
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
SIGN UP TO PLAY, VOLUNTEER, OR SPONSOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC (FEB 3): https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
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.

Get Your Head Out Of Your Exhaust Pipe!

Real Talker Gerald's demanding details from Ryan, and Real Talkers Stephen and Cameron have strong words for people pooh-poohing renewables. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com

Solving the World’s Problems with Steele and Vance

What's the right move with homeless encampments and open drug use? Should Canada ban cigarettes for good? Is it really that outrageous to suggest certain clothing brands aren't for everybody? Veteran broadcasters Lynda Steele and Jody Vance tackle these hot button questions and more in our first Real Talk Round Table of 2024. 
0:15 | But first...got plans on Saturday, February 3? 
SIGN UP TO PLAY, VOLUNTEER, OR SPONSOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC (FEB 3): https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
2:45 | Jody Vance and Lynda Steele talk Alzheimer's, drug use in playgrounds, tent cities, Surrey's policing debacle, political parties at the municipal level, Health Canada's proposed cigarette ban, and billionaire Chip Wilson's controversial comments about Lululemon's marketing. 
CHECK OUT STEELE AND VANCE: https://www.cheknews.ca/shows/steele-and-vance/
1:07:55 | Real Talker Gerald's demanding details from Ryan, and Real Talkers Stephen and Cameron have strong words for people pooh-poohing renewables. It's 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
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
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.

Conservatives and Climate Change

Andrew MacDougall held the highest-profile communications job in Canada, as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's director of comms. His boss is generally remembered as tight-lipped around media and hostile toward scientific researchers. 
5:13 | Now a director at Trafalgar Strategy in the UK, MacDougall tells us about the evolution of his position on the politics of climate action, how the Harper era compares to the Trudeau (and Poilievre) era, the UK's renewables boon, and the future of Canada's energy industry. 
WATCH OUR JUNE 20 INTERVIEW WITH "FIRE WEATHER" AUTHOR JOHN VAILLANT: rtrj.info/062023Vaillant 
40:03 | Real Talker Garth says the oil and gas industry is being treated unfairly. Real Talker Gabe says Canadians need to give their heads a shake re: emissions. Ryan reads their emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
51:00 | Real Talker Carolyn says Charles Adler deserves a spanking. Ryan reads her email about Chuck's call to deport the driver responsible for the Humboldt Broncos bus crash. 
1:01:38 | Real Talker Gillian is "finally" able to enjoy hockey again! Ryan reads her email about the PWHL. 
SIGN UP TO PLAY, VOLUNTEER, OR SPONSOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC (FEB 3): https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
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.

Innovation, Disruption, and You: What To Expect in 2024

What is the next great disruption? Which new innovation will be most transformative? Exactly how will AI continue to change the game? What are the updated secrets to success in 2024? 
2:00 | Innovation strategist and best-selling author Shawn Kanungo tells us how this year will be most different from the year previous. He explains why strategy is energy, predicts The Death of Superstars, and tells us how to best position ourselves in a dynamic, competitive job market. 
CHECK OUT SHAWN'S BOOK: https://shawnkanungo.com/
43:55 | It's a magical time of year to visit Jasper! Ryan lays out the perfect weekend itinerary in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT JASPER IN JANUARY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
1:08:50 | A Mom keeps her son's memory alive by shipping his vinyl collection around the world: it's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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.

BEST YEAR END RANTS!

We're shaking things up in the final Flamethrower of 2023, presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! Jenny, Sarah, KO, Johnny, and Jespo give us their own personal rants. (Ryan really turns up the temperature at the end!)
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk send you!

YEAR IN REVIEW: Group Chat Round Table!

It's our final episode of 2023! Enjoy what is arguably The Most Entertaining Real Talk Round Table of the Year.
2:30 | Jenny Adams, Sarah Hamilton, and Katherine O'Neill give us their top news stories - in Alberta, across the country, and around the world. 
1:07:10 | We're shaking things up in the final Flamethrower of 2023, presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! Jenny, Sarah, KO, Johnny, and Jespo give us their own personal rants. (Ryan really turns up the temperature at the end!)
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
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.

Fact Check: How Clean (or Dirty) is Alberta Oil?

It's a recurring conversation in Canada, if not around the world: is Canadian oil more "ethical" than oil from elsewhere, is activity in Alberta's oil sands "clean" enough...and does any of this actually matter on the international stage? A couple of episodes ago, David Knight Legg argued the world needs more Alberta for three main reasons. In this episode, our guests fact check those three points. 
CHECK OUT THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/121823DKL
2:45 | Markham Hislop, publisher of Energi Media, takes issue with DKL's claim that Alberta's producing the cleanest barrels of oil in the world. 
READ MARKHAM'S WORK: https://energi.media/
22:55 | Dr. Andrew Leach says he agrees with some of what DKL had to say, but not all. The author of "Between Doom & Denial: Facing Facts About Climate Change" lays it out. 
ORDER ANDREW'S BOOK: https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/between-doom-and-denial/
48:35 | It's a magical time of year to visit Jasper! We highlight some of the most spectacular holiday culinary options in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
51:00 | Would you choose to work 100% from home, 100% at the office, or a mix of both? Ryan reads comments after our December 19 Real Talk Round Table with Heather Thomson, Puneeta McBryan, and Cory Wosnack. 
56:35 | An overwhelming majority of Real Talkers think Jaskirat Singh Sidhu should be allowed to stay in Canada. Ryan reviews the results of our unofficial, unscientific Twitter poll. 
1:01:10 | Ryan reads one of the most powerful emails we've ever received, from Real Talker Brandon, a family member of killer Robert Svekla. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
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