Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Up, Up, and Away: This Is A Game Changer!

REAL TALK EXPANSION NEWS: our live stream is now available on SEVEN different platforms! As of this episode, you can catch us LIVE on YouTube, X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Mixlr weekdays at 8:30am MT. And, of course, you can find us wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 
3:40 | Even cooler: our Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power will include comments from all platforms. It'll be interesting to see if our viewers on X differ from the crew in our YouTube chat, or if our Facebook audience aligns with our viewers on LinkedIn...
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
9:20 | Join us at the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic presented by Molson Canadian on Saturday, February 2 in St. Albert, and you could win SIX TICKETS to the Oilers/Leafs game at Rogers Place later that evening! Sign up your team today to qualify: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
11:20 | The days of Edmonton losing air travellers to Calgary could be numbered. Edmonton International Airport (EIA) announces its largest schedule ever, including direct flights to Chicago and Salt Lake City, as WestJet increases its overall seat capacity in Alberta's capital by nearly 25%. We ask EIA CEO Myron Keehn and WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech how the expansion came about, and what it could mean for business and tourism. 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @ryanjespersen 
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Were We Swindled by Mike Tyson and Jake Paul?

More than 60 million people streamed (or tried to stream) Mike Tyson and Jake Paul's fight over the weekend. Widely panned as a pathetic spectacle, a few things are for sure: even Mike Tyson can't stop Father Time, Jake Paul still draws huge crowds, and streaming platforms are disrupting absolutely every traditional model. 
2:00 | Jespo and Johnny recap the Tyson-Paul fight (and the entire Netflix event), Jon Jones presenting his UFC Championship belt to Donald Trump (19:30), Alex Ovechkin inching even closer to Gretzky's all-time goals record (20:50), the 111th Grey Cup including the Jonas Brothers' halftime show (23:15), and Taylor Swift touching down in Toronto (32:20). Just wait until you hear how much Ryan's friend made re-selling her tickets...
JOIN US WEDNESDAY @ EDIFY'S TOP 40 EVENT: https://tickets.edifyedmonton.com/top-40-under-40-2024/
38:20 | Energy journalist Markham Hislop explains why Alberta's economy desperately needs a Plan B.
READ MARKHAM'S WORK: https://energi.media/
1:09:15 | A group of full-blown Nazis paraded through Columbus, Ohio over the weekend. What's the best way to combat such a public display of hate? 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:12:40 | Real Talker "Touring Zebra" is considering moving their entire life to downtown Edmonton, but they need to see a few things happen first. Ryan reads Zebra's email in response to our November 15 Real Talk Round Table about the $427M Downtown Investment Plan. 
WATCH THAT REAL TALK ROUND TABLE: https://rtrj.info/111524YEGDT
1:17:30 | We love reunions! Shout out to Real Talker Amy, who shared this heartwarming story of a cancer survivor reconnecting with their beloved pup. Positive Reflections is presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

"Politicians Need More Common Sense!"

"Tranquil Vibration," Travis, and Keith have hot takes on the U.S. election, Michael's fired up about the RCAF, and Dwayne says Danielle Smith doesn't deserve that 91.5% on her leadership review. 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, Westmount, Newcastle, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/ryanjespersen

Bold Moves: The $427M Plan to Fix Downtown Edmonton

Let's be Real: many people don't feel safe in downtown Edmonton. Investment is stalled out, vacancy rates are unsustainable, and social issues dominate the narrative. Is downtown Edmonton dead, or is a revival on the horizon? 
3:05 | Alex Hryciw, Heather Thomson, and Tim Shipton dig into the past, present, and potential future of Edmonton's downtown. 
CHECK OUT THE PLAN: https://yegdowntown.ca/
WINTERVAL: https://exploreedmonton.com/event-calendar/winterval-2024
1:03:30 | Connor McDavid becomes the fourth-fastest player to 1000 points in NHL history. Jespo and Johnny recap a special performance against the Nashville Predators. 
1:22:38 | "Tranquil Vibration," Travis, and Keith have hot takes on the U.S. election, Michael's fired up about the RCAF, and Dwayne says Danielle Smith doesn't deserve that 91.5% on her leadership review. 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, Westmount, Newcastle, and Baseline Road, tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Is Canada in Trouble Under Trump?

Former Invest Alberta CEO David Knight Legg says Canada's trade situation is a "disaster," and the federal government is ill-equipped to work effectively with U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump. 
3:45 | DKL tells us where the Trump campaign got it right, the Harris campaign got it wrong, and what Trump's return to the White House means for Canada. 
36:20 | What's the real reason Alberta Premier Danielle Smith fired AIMCo's CEO and board? What's the smartest move forward from here? Is Stephen Harper the right fit for AIMCo's next chair? How should Alberta's Heritage Savings Trust Fund be deployed? David shares his take. 
54:45 | Real Talkers Alex and Brent tell us why they think Trump won the election. 
59:10 | Real Talker Carmen is choked at Ryan's comments about Rotary on our November 13 episode.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:10:00 | Real Talker Marie responds to our November 7 conversation with Kevin Van Tighem about coal mining on the Eastern Slopes.
WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/110724KVT
PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Could Stephen Harper Steer an Alberta Pension Plan?

The rumour mill has former Prime Minister Stephen Harper taking over as the next chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). What does this say about Danielle Smith's goal of an Alberta Pension Plan, and what might it mean for your retirement income? 
2:45 | Veteran political columnist Graham Thomson digs into the AIMCo story, including the Harper rumour. We get into the implications of Premier Smith's leadership review, and the likelihood of deficit budgets in Alberta's future. 
READ GRAHAM'S COLUMN: https://rtrj.info/111324GTStar
34:00 | You've got a brand new opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring areas of Jasper, and witness the dramatic and transformational effects of the July wildfire. Get the details on Sundog's new, limited-time tour "Wildlife of Jasper and the Ecology of Fire" in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR TOUR - WILDLIFE OF JASPER and the ECOLOGY OF FIRE: https://www.sundogtours.com/package/wonders-of-jasper-and-the-ecology-of-fire
36:15 | How might a second Trump presidency impact Canada? Graham tells us what he's keeping an eye on. How about former Liberal finance minister (and future Liberal leader?) Bill Morneau calling out environment minister Stephen Gilbeault's emissions cap? We wrap with details on Alberta adding two seats in its Legislature, and some of the politicking going on behind the scenes. 
55:55 | Have you heard about Mary McEachern's plight? The Rotary Foundation is refusing to respect Mary's husband Steve's dying wishes re: the allocation of their $40M estate. Ryan's all fired up. 
SUPPORT MARY McEACHERN vs. ROTARY: https://www.steveandmarysgift.ca/
1:02:45 | Registration for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic is now open! We'd love to see you in St. Albert on Saturday, February 1, 2025. 
PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER at the REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

Doc Talk: Is It Even Possible To Heal Healthcare?

More than six million Canadians don't have a family doctor. Millions more are waitlisted to see specialists and surgeons. We've never spent so much on healthcare as a nation, yet access to care has never been worse. How do we begin to heal healthcare? 
2:45 | Drs. Shazma Mithani and Sheila Wijayasinghe, hosts of The Doc Talk podcast, tell us how the average Canadian can better know their rights and advocate for themselves and their loved ones. We cover today's top healthcare-related stories, including the first case of H5 bird flu in Canada, and Alberta cutting off publicly-funded vaccines for community health centres. Plus, is that $2,000 full body scan you're considering actually worth it? 
CHECK OUT THE DOC TALK PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-doc-talk-podcast/id1775772809
1:06:00 | Real Talkers Ken and Mark share why our Remembrance Day episodes had such an impact on them, and Real Talker Don fact checks a comment Ryan made about former astronaut and federal cabinet minister Marc Garneau. 
D-DAY VET MARTY JONES ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/111124MartyJones
REMEMBRANCE DAY ROUND TABLE: https://rtrj.info/110824NSLA
1:13:00 | Real Talker Keith from Leduc tells us why he was "aggravated" by our episode after the U.S. presidential election. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:   / 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.

99-year-old D-Day Veteran Marty Jones

At just 19 years old, Marty Jones stared down Nazi artillery the morning of June 6, 1944 as a gunner aboard the HMCS Prince Henry, one of the ships that led the assault at Juno Beach. Eighty years later, he tells us why he enlisted at 16, and how he navigated life after WWII.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
SUPPORT THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE'S PROJECT CONCORDIA: https://www.junobeach.org/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsorsThe 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.

Red Hot Takes on Trump's Big Win

It's an all-Presidential Election version of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers share their hottest takes on Trump's return to the White House. The Flamethrower is presented weekly on Real Talk 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 let 'em know Real Talk sent you!
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS: uofa.ca/nominate
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrjREAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.

Do We Truly Grasp the Meaning of Remembrance Day?

Ten years from now, when nearly every WWII veteran is gone, who will tell their stories? Does the average Canadian understand the sacrifices of those who fought in the First World War? Or Afghanistan, for that matter? In this special edition of the Real Talk Round Table, we explore the true meaning of Remembrance Day, and the importance of educating the next generation of Canadians. 
1:08 | Are you familiar with Project Concordia? The Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France is looking to create an outdoor interpretive space that honours Canadian veterans on the beaches where they fought. Project Concordia isn't just about preserving the past - it's about creating a lasting, living memory. If you were moved by the Save Juno Beach campaign, now is the time to pitch in to Project Concordia. 
DETAILS: https://www.junobeach.org/
3:50 | Lt. Col. (Ret'd) Laurie Hawn, Randall Purvis, and Jenn Roggeveen share their personal perspectives on Remembrance Day and highlight the remarkable work being done by No Stone Left Alone. 
JOIN US AT A DANCE TO REMEMBER: https://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/a-dance-to-remember
LEARN MORE ABOUT NO STONE LEFT ALONE: https://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/
1:01:55 | It's an all-Presidential Election version of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers share their hottest takes on Trump's return to the White House. The Flamethrower is presented weekly on Real Talk 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 let 'em know Real Talk sent you! 
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS: uofa.ca/nominate
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/c/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.