Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

What on Earth is the Alberta Government Up To?

Why on earth is Danielle Smith's government opening up the Eastern Slopes to coal mining again, when the majority of Albertans oppose it and the government makes next to nothing from it? In this episode, straight-shooting High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass (6:15) tells us why he opposes coal mining in the Rockies, and tells us about his ongoing conversations with Premier Danielle Smith and Energy Minister Brian Jean. 
1:16:30 | Real Talkers have their say on the coal story, including an email from Kyle, a former coal miner.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:37:20 | Our bucket is full after this email from Real Talker Lyndsi - a perfect fit for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 
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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.

"I'm happy Danielle flipped off those Eastern f*cks!"

Tonie hated our interview with Western Standard founder Derek Fildebrandt, Anna Banana peels paint over Danielle Smith's trip to D.C., and KP's got "liberals, dippers, easterners, greenies, Jespo and Johnny" in his sights over "fake love for Canada". It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
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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.

Danielle in D.C. / Lame Duck Liberals / Mountain Mining / Two Genders?

We've got today's top political stories teed up for Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes, including Doug Ford's early election call, a lacklustre Liberal leadership race, Pierre Poilievre's "two genders" interview, and Danielle Smith's visit to D.C. 
1:30 | But first...everybody's talking about what a great job our buddy Marty Jones did with Gene Principe during the January 23 Oilers broadcast! Jespo and Johnny recap our interview with the 99-year-old D-Day veteran in November.
MARTY JONES on REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/111124MartyJones
JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/
9:45 | Erika and Cheryl get into Trump's tariff threats, Canada's military spending, and Danielle Smith's D.C. appearances. Is "lame duck" fair to describe the federal government (24:00), and is Mark Carney the next P.M.? Is Doug Ford right to call an early election (33:45)?
41:45 | If 80% of Albertans oppose coal mining in the Eastern Slopes, how can the UCP possibly defend it? 
58:45 | What did you think of that Pierre Poilievre "two genders" moment during a CP24 interview? 
1:11:45 | We're a week away from the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! Ryan and Johnny share a few details about the big day. Spectators are welcome between 9:30am-3:30pm Saturday, February 1 at Larry Olexiuk Field in St. Albert! 
1:16:00 | Ryan throws Johnny under the bus for a cold-hearted comment. 
1:19:00 | Tonie hated our interview with Western Standard founder Derek Fildebrandt, Anna Banana peels paint over Danielle Smith's trip to D.C., and KP's got "liberals, dippers, easterners, greenies, Jespo and Johnny" in his sights over "fake love for Canada". 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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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.

Alberta Re-Opens the Rockies to Coal Mining

Ranchers, land owners, conservationists, and everyday Albertans are joining forces to protest the Alberta government re-opening the Eastern Slopes to coal mining. With more than 80% of Albertans opposed to these projects, how can the UCP justify lifting its ban on coal exploration? 
5:00 | We talk to the Alberta Wilderness Association's Kennedy Halvorson about the history and ecological impacts of coal mining in Alberta, and the lobby against new mining in the Eastern Slopes. 
AWA: https://albertawilderness.ca/
33:00 | Dr. Sarah Elmeligi, MLA for Banff-Kananaskis and Opposition Critic for Environment, Parks and Climate, talks about the politics around Alberta lifting its coal mining moratorium. 
Real Talk's January 2021 interview with Robin Campbell: https://rtrj.info/011421Coal
1:10:00 | Real Talker Mario, a P.Eng. working for an oil company, explains why doubling Alberta's oil production is a "pipe dream". 
1:04:20 | Real Talker Nancy explains how our January 22 episode led to a "significant moment in (her) life". Amazing. 
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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.

Heads Up, Canada: America's Coming for the Arctic

Canada will look a whole lot different 50 years from now. Our claim to Arctic sovereignty is threatened, existing trade relationships will be forced to evolve, and our population is forecasted to explode (like it or not). 
4:00 | Before we get into the future of Canada, Ryan opens this episode with a prayer...sort of. Did you hear Right Rev. Marianne Budde's message to Donald Trump at the inaugural prayer service? 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjspersen.com 
7:00 | Dr. Thomas P.M. Barnett has advised the U.S. Department of Defence for decades. He talks to us about Trump's ambitions involving Canada, climate change opening up the Arctic, and demographic shifts fuelling public opinion. 
READ THOMAS IN POLITICO: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/01/16/logic-trump-global-ambitions-canada-europe-greenland-00198656
38:00 | "What's with all the talk about white people?!" Jespo and Johnny dive into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power for your takes on what Thomas had to say. 
55:45 | The town of Jasper is hosting a street party you won't want to miss for the final weekend of Jasper in January! We feature some of the upcoming highlights in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
CHECK OUT JASPER in JANUARY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/
1:00:30 | The Alberta government quietly rescinded its coal mining moratorium as the world watched Donald Trump take the oath of office. We take a look at what it all means, and early pushback from environmental groups. 
1:29:45 | Real Talkers Jenny and Caroline respond to our interview on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Garth La Beach a couple episodes ago. 
WATCH GARTH'S FULL INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/011625Garth
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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.

What Does Trump's Promised "Golden Age" Mean for Canada?

President Donald Trump is guaranteeing a "Golden Age" for the United States of America. Does that promised prosperity come at the expense of allies and neighbours like Canada? 
2:55 | We run through Trump's inauguration speech with Dr. Bob Murray, political scientist and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: 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.

Trump's Inauguration Day: Key Storylines

No need to speculate any more. Canadians will soon know exactly what Donald Trump's return to the White House will mean for trade with the United States, border security, and more. We take a look at early storylines in this episode of Real Talk. 
3:30 | Wyatt Sharpe tells us what he's seeing behind-the-scenes in Washington, D.C. 
THE WYATT SHARPE SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@UCEI-thoRF6_EGuhc_1eMQYw 
25:00 | Derek Fildebrandt responds to his Western Standard correspondent being hauled away from Mark Carney's campaign launch by police. 
WESTERN STANDARD: https://www.westernstandard.news/
1:07:30 | What did you think of Chrystia Freeland's campaign launch?
1:22:00 | Real Talker Brytani shares a remarkable story out of Red Deer in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: 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.

"Political Commentators Want Albertans to be Cucks!"

Real Talkers are ALL fired up from ALL different angles as Danielle Smith tells her fellow premiers to pound sand. 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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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 v. Freeland: Is This Just Trudeau 2.0?

Will voters think "Justin Trudeau" every time they see Mark Carney or Chrystia Freeland? Both Liberal leadership contenders will do everything they can to differentiate themselves from the outgoing PM...but will it work? 
3:20 | We talk to political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt about Mark Carney's campaign launch (including a Rolls Royce limo publicity stunt and the cops showing up to remove a "journalist"), Jagmeet Singh's inevitable demise (35:00), Chrystia Freeland's chances in the Liberal leadership race (41:30), Danielle Smith snubbing her fellow premiers (57:45), and Joe Biden leaving the keys for Donald Trump (1:13:45). 
1:30:00 | Real Talkers are ALL fired up from ALL different angles as Danielle Smith tells her fellow premiers to pound sand. 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 POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-ho...
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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.

Team Canada...Minus Alberta

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith snubs her fellow premiers, as Alberta abstains from a cross-country collective effort to dissuade Donald Trump from imposing tariffs on Canadian goods and services. 
5:00 | Is Smith out of line, embarrassing Alberta, or doing exactly what a premier is supposed to do in circumstances like this? We hear from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Smith herself, and Ryan shares his own thoughts. 
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
26:00 | What alternatives does Alberta (and Canada) have, in dealing with Donald Trump? What should Pierre Poilievre be doing? Is the Canadian dollar about to plummet? And is Wayne Gretzky risking his legacy, being tied to Trump? Economist Moshe Lander lays it out. 
55:50 | Real Talker Garth La Beach had some challenging questions for us re: DEI in our January 15 Live Chat powered by Park Power. We figured it made sense to bring him on the show. Turned out to be one of our best conversations in a long time. Thanks, Garth, for being such a valued member of the Real Talk community! 
1:16:53 | What would Naheed Nenshi do differently if he was Premier? We hear from the Alberta NDP leader. 
1:21:21 | That selfie of Trump, Danielle Smith, and Kevin O'Leary is fake, friends. We have some fun (and wind up with a wake up call of our own) with AI image generation. 
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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.