Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

"Call An Election, Danielle!"

HOT TAKE ALERT. Patty's got a years-old axe to grind with Jespo. Real Talkers Blahsheep, Ontario James, Pedro, KP, Jake, Cactus Sheriff, and Darian sound off on Danielle Smith, separation talk, and Liberal voters. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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When 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.

Prepare to Pay More for Car Insurance

Your car insurance is about to get a whole lot more expensive. With no mandate to do so, Alberta's government plans to transition to a no-fault auto insurance system by January 2027. The change aims to shift the focus from litigation to providing care and support for those injured in vehicle collisions, with benefits payable regardless of who is at fault. But here's the thing...nobody believes that's going to happen. 
5:30 | We get into the numbers with Nik Nanos from Nanos Research and Jenny McCordie from the Canadian Bar Association. 
READ MORE: https://rtrj.info/050925Nanos
OUR INTERVIEW w/ PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER MARK McCOURT: https://rtrj.info/112024Insurance
37:00 | Did your car insurance go up this year? Jespo and Johnny's sure did (but Jespo deserved it). We dive into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
51:30 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about our May 8 interview with Premier Danielle Smith. 
WATCH THE INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/050825Smith
TAKE OUR TWITTER POLL on ALBERTA SEPARATION: https://x.com/ryanjespersen/status/1920884060311670853
1:17:20 | HOT TAKE ALERT. Patty's got a years-old axe to grind with Jespo. Real Talkers Blahsheep, Ontario James, Pedro, KP, Jake, Cactus Sheriff, and Darian sound off on Danielle Smith, separation talk, and Liberal voters. 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! 
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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: Premier Danielle Smith on Alberta Separation

2:00 | Is toying with separation talk the biggest political risk Danielle Smith's ever taken? We ask her in an exclusive interview in the Real Talk studio.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
24:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, get into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power, and check our email inbox.
SAVE on ELECTRICITY, NATURAL GAS, and INTERNET: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
47:00 | It's Opening Day at Northwest Film Fest! We sit down with directors Darrin Hagen, Scott Portingale, and Lowell Dean - finalists for the Edmonton Film Prize. (If you support Real Talk on Patreon, check your email for details on claiming your free tickets to the movies!)
CHECK OUT NWFF: https://www.northwestfest.ca/
1:27:00 | We get to more of your comments on the Danielle Smith interview (and Alberta separation talk)...oh, and there's a new Pope! 
EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: 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.

Carney Torpedoes Trump's 51st State Idea

Is everything going to be okay after all? Donald Trump and Mark Carney play nice in their first Oval Office meeting following the Liberals' election victory, giving hope Canada-U.S. tensions will soon ease. In this episode, we present a cross-border conversation on our shared economic future.
9:00 | NAIOP CEO Marc Selvitelli and Eric Schmutz, both Washington, D.C. residents, join Edmonton's Alex Thomson in the Real Talk studio to talk trade, policy, and partnerships. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT NAIOP: https://www.naiop.org/
57:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:07:00 | May 8 marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Our friends at the Juno Beach Centre tell us about their powerful "He Lived Where You Live" campaign. 
SUPPORT THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/
1:26:45 | We LOVE hearing about the memories you've made in Jasper! Real Talker Chad shares about his family's recent trip, and Jespo has details for rafting enthusiasts, in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
SHARE YOUR JASPER MEMORIES WITH US: talk@ryanjespersen.com
BOOK YOUR JASPER RAFTING ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/
EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: 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.

Danielle Smith's "Reckless Referendum" // Disability Round Table

Premier Danielle Smith says her Canada includes Alberta...but she'll trigger a referendum question on separation if enough Albertans petition her to do so. This, just days after her UCP government made it (much) easier to do exactly that. Meantime, as Alberta sovereigntists grow louder after Mark Carney's election win, First Nations leaders are pushing back with a reminder about treaty agreements. Advocates fighting poverty, inequality, and inaction are crying foul over political stunts and distractions. Where is all of this headed? We approach from a couple different angles in this episode of Real Talk. 
3:30 | Jespo picks out a few key moments from Premier Smith's live TV address and shares his thoughts. 
WHAT DO YOU THINK? talk@ryanjespersen.com 
13:10 | Grand Chief Greg Desjarlais says Smith's referendum talk is "reckless" and the Confederation of Treaty Six First Nations is prepared to fight in court. 
41:50 | Jespo and Johnny get into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 
SAVE on ELECTRICITY, NATURAL GAS, and INTERNET: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
45:50 | Albertans with disabilities are living with more challenges than ever due to funding cuts, dwindling supports, and lack of accessibility legislation. We connect with advocates Zachary Weeks and Michelle Kristinson ahead of a rally at the Alberta Legislature.
LEARN MORE: https://www.barrierfreeab.ca/
1:13:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, including a look at Real Talkers' lived experiences as shared in the Live Chat. (Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be part of the conversation!)
1:25:30 | Real Talkers Tom and Ron have thoughts - many thoughts - after Premier Smith's live address.
EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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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.

Naheed Nenshi // Billy Morin // Rachel Notley

It's been ten years to the day since Rachel Notley's NDP ended a 40+ year Conservative dynasty at the Alberta Legislature. In this episode, the province's 17th premier reflects on how that win changed politics on the prairies forever. 
3:30 | But first...does separating from the federal NDP help the Alberta NDP's chances next election? Could Alberta ever separate from Canada? How would an NDP provincial government address Alberta's unemployment issue? Current Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi joins us on the heels of the party's annual convention in Edmonton. 
22:00 | Chief Billy Morin, the first Indigenous Conservative MP in Edmonton's history, talks to us about Alberta sovereignty and treaty rights, First Nations' investment in energy projects, and Pierre Poilievre's plan to seek a Commons seat via byelection in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding.  
39:30 | Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley looks back ten years to one of the biggest upsets in Canadian political history, tells us how she feels about the death of the carbon tax and the return of union and corporate political donations, and tells us who she'd endorse as next leader of the federal NDP. 
1:19:00 | Real Talker Brandon thought the story of Randy the Guinea Pig would make for a perfect Positive Reflection...and we agree! Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by Solar by Kuby. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/
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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.

"Here's to More Taxes, Light Sentences & Scandals!"

Kenny's not sold on Mark Carney, Other Ken feels differently, Darian's seeing doom and gloom on the horizon, David wants Danielle to call a by-election, Steve calls Jespo out re: a recent interview, and Jenny wants you to join the Alberta Resistance. 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!
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.

Does Canada Need the NDP? // Energy Round Table

All but burned to the ground on Election Night, the NDP faces an existential crisis. Is Canada a two-party system moving forward, or does our democracy need the NDP? 
6:30 | Shannon Phillips and Ken Boessenkool disagree on the future of politics in Canada. Who do you agree with? Leave a comment below! Note: this episode was recorded one hour before Pierre Poilievre announced he'll seek a seat in Alberta's Battle River-Crowfoot constituency, with MP-elect Damien Kurek stepping aside.
KEN'S GLOBE & MAIL PIECE: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-as-canada-moves-to-a-two-party-system-the-conservatives-need-new/
SHANNON'S SUBSTACK: https://substack.com/inbox/post/162343551?r=7eevt&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=true
MAKE BETTER POLICY: https://mbpolicy.com/
50:00 | How are election results landing in Canada's largest industrial park? Jespo talks politics, pipelines, and the future of the trades with two "blue collar" energy industry leaders.
GET TICKETS to the NISKU ENERGY SHOW on MAY 14/15: https://business.yourchamber.ca/chamber-events/Details/2025-nisku-energy-show-1234907?sourceTypeId=Website
1:33:05 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a wild week. 
1:43:25 | Kenny's not sold on Mark Carney, Other Ken feels differently, Darian's seeing doom and gloom on the horizon, David wants Danielle to call a by-election, Steve calls Jespo out re: a recent interview, and Jenny wants you to join the Alberta Resistance. 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! 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 
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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.

What’s Danielle Smith Up To?

It sure looks like Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is trying to make life easier for Alberta separatists. Her UCP government's removing barriers to trigger a referendum (on Alberta sovereignty, obviously) at the same time she's rattling her sabre at Prime Minister Mark Carney. Folks grounded in reality know Alberta's not going anywhere...so why would Smith stick her neck out there? 
4:30 | The Discourse co-hosts Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes get into the UCP's Bill 54 including union/corporate donations and referendum triggers (20:45). We analyze NDP MLA Jodi Calahoo-Stonehouse's tactical takedown of Premier Danielle Smith (26:00) and a cease and desist from two First Nations chiefs (36:00). How about Jamil Jivani's flamethrower attack on Ontario Premier Doug Ford (41:30)! After losing the election and his seat, where does Pierre Poilievre go from here (49:30)? We look at top post-election Alberta storylines (1:02:20), and debate whether or not Rachel Notley should seek the federal NDP leadership (1:06:00). 
1:17:20 | Jespo reads a couple awesome emails from Real Talkers G and Joel. 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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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.

Campaign Autopsies with Stephen Carter

Stephen Carter doesn't do podcasts to make new friends. That's obvious early in his appearance here, which proves to be one of the most entertaining episodes we've ever released. A veteran campaign strategist, Carter tells us what each party did wrong (and what they should have done instead) leading up to the 2025 federal election. 
3:20 | But first...POLITICO's Mickey Djuric and Nick Taylor-Vaisey recap their 2025 election experience, having travelled the country covering the campaigns. Will Pierre Poilievre trigger a by-election in Alberta? Will Mark Carney's cabinet differ greatly from Justin Trudeau's? 
READ POLITICO: https://www.politico.com/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
33:33 | Nobody offers up political commentary quite like longtime strategist and podcast personality Stephen Carter. Not an actual doctor, Carter conducts a Conservative campaign autopsy (38:20), and responds to the Real Talk Rumour Mill report that Edmonton-Griesbach MP-elect Kerry Diotte has offered his seat to Pierre Poilievre. 
SUBSCRIBE to THE STRATEGISTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-strategists/id1514440943
1:01:40 | Mother's Day is fast approaching - May 11 - and there's no better place to treat Mom than Jasper National Park! Ryan shares a few special family memories and lays out a perfect Mother's Day weekend itinerary in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK MOTHER'S DAY in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/
1:06:00 | "Doctor Carter" continues his campaign autopsies with a look at the Liberals' disappointing performance on the prairies, including Amarjeet Sohi's defeat in Edmonton Southeast (1:10:50). Where does the NDP go from here after a disastrous performance (1:27:30)? 
1:35:30 | What on earth is Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi doing (or not doing)? What's with the UCP's Bill 54, making life easier for would-be separatists to trigger a referendum? And what can we expect to see in Edmonton and Calgary's mayoral races (1:52:00)? 
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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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.