Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ
Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ
Episodes

Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Solving Canada's ER Waits // Alberta’s Recall Mistake
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Tuesday Jan 27, 2026
Canadians are waiting way too long in emergency rooms. Dr. Andrew Boozary, executive director at the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at Toronto's University Health Network and founder of Dunn House, explains how they've cut ER visits by 52% and length of stays by 79% (5:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
Stick around for former Jason Kenney staffer Blaise Boehmer's behind-the-scenes story (42:00) of the then-Alberta premier introducing recall legislation (and why Blaise thought it was a mistake from the start).
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
MORE on DUNN HOUSE: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/building-affordable-homes/housing-initiatives/supportive-housing-developments/90-dunn-ave/
CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW on BRIDGE HEALING at the ROYAL ALEX: https://rtrj.info/112825Bridge
1:17:00 | Are you an audiophile? Are you looking for the best bang-for-buck headphones on the market? Real Talker MetaModern tees up an interesting conversation. ($60,000 for headphones?!)
1:32:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to hear Cassandra's story of living on the edge of homelessness.
SHARE YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Monday Jan 26, 2026
US Official Stokes Alberta Separatism
Monday Jan 26, 2026
Monday Jan 26, 2026
It's been a wild few days in the United States. Another U.S. citizen is dead at the hands of ICE agents, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is publicly endorsing Alberta separatism, and President Donald Trump is threatening 100% tariffs on Canada following PM Mark Carney's deal with China. We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi (3:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
1:15:00 | Real Talkers share their family's rules on screen time, social media access, etc. in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS:
1:32:30 | Real Talker Lisa in B.C. has this week's Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. We love to hear it - welcome to the family, Lisa!
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Saturday Jan 24, 2026
"F*ck ICE and F*ck Dementia Donny!"
Saturday Jan 24, 2026
Saturday Jan 24, 2026
Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the real world cost of Alberta separation talk, Gerald's torn on the "leaked classroom audio" story, and Watty's got a proposal for a PST in Alberta. 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Friday Jan 23, 2026
Poll: UCP and NDP Neck and Neck
Friday Jan 23, 2026
Friday Jan 23, 2026
Alberta's two main parties - the UCP and NDP - are polling neck and neck. We dig into the new numbers with Liaison Strategies pollster David Valentin (3:00), before taking a look at updated federal numbers and a shocking reality around hospital emergency rooms across Canada. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/
LIAISON STRATEGIES: https://www.liaison.ca/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
42:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to see what you have to say about Liaison's polling numbers. We get into high-profile responses to PM Mark Carney's Davos speech (1:09:30) and President Donald Trump's inaccurate and offensive statement about NATO member nations. (Make sure you stick around for Jespo's poop analogy.)
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
2:05:00 | Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the real world cost of Alberta separation talk, Gerald's torn on the "leaked classroom audio" story, and Watty's got a proposal for a PST in Alberta. 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Leaked Report: Albertans Dying Waiting for Healthcare
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Alberta emergency rooms are described as "death zones" in a shocking report leaked to Real Talk. Six deaths and a few dozen "critical near-misses" over a two week period are front and centre in our extended conversation with Dr. Paul Parks (4:00), a southern Alberta ER doc and past-president of the Alberta Medical Association. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
SHARE YOUR HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:12:40 | Did you know Alberta's U18 boys AND girls football teams won national championships in overtime this past season? This incredible achievement is shared by Real Talker Johnny K for Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.
THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR WITH PLAY ALBERTA, AND ALL REVENUE STAYS RIGHT HERE IN THE PROVINCE. DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. https://playalberta.ca/
1:15:50 | What are your early money memories? What are your family values around finances? Cary Williams from North Road Investment Counsel joins Ryan in our historic Mercer Warehouse studio with great insights for a new year. Let us know what you think about his comments on tightwads and spendthrifts - leave a reply below!
SNOWBIRDS! CHECK OUT NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL's MEXICO WORKSHOPS: https://www.northroadic.com/mxevents
We've got room for ONE more team at the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on Saturday, January 31 in St. Albert!
SIGN UP TODAY: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Carney Speech Heard 'Round the World // Avi Lewis, NDP Leader?
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
Wednesday Jan 21, 2026
More than two dozen Alberta MLAs are facing recall petitions. Is this really the best way to hold politicians accountable? We ask AB Resistance founder Marg Tokar - a "lifelong Conservative" - why she's helping organize campaigns across the province (4:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
CHECK OUT AB RESISTANCE: https://abresistance.ca/
1:10:00 | We dip into our Live Chat presented by Park Power to see what Real Talkers think about the recall process. (Not everybody agrees.)
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:26:30 | Did you hear what U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said about Canada's North? Or Greenlandic politician Tillie Martinussen's comment about American greed? How about Beijing's response to the "China threat" Trump's using to justify his position on Greenland? And then there's California Governor Gavin Newsom's rant at WEF meetings in Davos, Switzerland. We've got you covered.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Recall Petitions Target 26 Alberta MLAs
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
More than two dozen Alberta MLAs are facing recall petitions. Is this really the best way to hold politicians accountable? We ask AB Resistance founder Marg Tokar - a "lifelong Conservative" - why she's helping organize campaigns across the province (4:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
CHECK OUT AB RESISTANCE: https://abresistance.ca/
1:10:00 | We dip into our Live Chat presented by Park Power to see what Real Talkers think about the recall process. (Not everybody agrees.)
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:26:30 | Did you hear what U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said about Canada's North? Or Greenlandic politician Tillie Martinussen's comment about American greed? How about Beijing's response to the "China threat" Trump's using to justify his position on Greenland? And then there's California Governor Gavin Newsom's rant at WEF meetings in Davos, Switzerland. We've got you covered.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Monday Jan 19, 2026
Canada/China Deal // Trump's Eyes on Canada // Freedom Convoy Court Decision
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Monday Jan 19, 2026
Did PM Mark Carney's "Canola for EVs" deal with China really split Canadians? Auto workers in Ontario may not love lifting tariffs on Chinese EVs, but that doesn't make it the wrong move, argues Supriya Dwivedi (3:00). We talk Trump's Board of Peace proposal (43:00), Steve Bannon's inflammatory comments about Canada (51:20), Iran (1:00:30), and the Federal Court of Appeal's ruling on the Emergencies Act ending the Freedom Convoy Ottawa Occupation (1:04:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
1:13:20 | Jespo and Johnny debrief and dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:33:10 | Did you catch that remarkable moment in the Jacksonville Jags' news conference following the Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills? Real Talker Justin submits reporter Lynn Jones-Turpin's comments to coach Liam Coen for this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Saturday Jan 17, 2026
"Doug Ford Needs to STFU!"
Saturday Jan 17, 2026
Saturday Jan 17, 2026
Real Talkers Erin and AJ have thoughts on the Canada-China trade deal; Laura, Lisa, Natasha, and Gerald are fired up over the "defund private schools" debate; Josef is "terrified" of civil war in the USA, Travis has heard enough excuses about Edmonton's snow clearing debacle, the "thesco" has a direct question for Jespo. 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.

Friday Jan 16, 2026
Leaked Classroom Audio // Transit Safety Round Table
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Friday Jan 16, 2026
Audio leaked from an Alberta classroom is causing a stir, as a high school teacher parodies Conservative stereotypes including references to the oil and gas industry. Premier Danielle Smith uses her X account to amplify the 90-second clip originally shared by a right wing content creator, stating she's "deeply disappointed" by "profanity, partisan attacks, or insults toward Alberta’s ethical energy workers and their families." What do you think about it? We hit the story out of the gates (3:30) and later (1:19:30) in this episode of Real Talk.
THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
27:30 | Are you comfortable using public transit? Transit safety is a key concern for riders, operators, and city officials across Canada. We talk solutions with experts and advocates David Cooper, Denis Agar, and Daniel Witte to our Real Talk Round Table presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
LEADING MOBILITY: https://www.leadingmobility.com/
MOVEMENT - METRO VANCOUVER TRANSIT RIDERS: https://movementyvr.ca/
EDMONTON TRANSIT RIDERS: https://edmontontransitriders.org/
MICHAEL JANZ EVENT DETAILS: https://www.michaeljanz.ca/movementAMA
"ON THE FRONT LINE" DOCUMENTARY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e63FFFZdHg
1:56:15 | Real Talkers Erin and AJ have thoughts on the Canada-China trade deal; Laura, Lisa, Natasha, and Gerald are fired up over the "defund private schools" debate; Josef is "terrified" of civil war in the USA, Travis has heard enough excuses about Edmonton's snow clearing debacle, the "thesco" has a direct question for Jespo. 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
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.









