Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Danielle Smith and the Wingnuts

Danielle Smith's got a couple fires to put out. She started one of them herself, and a UCP candidate out of Lethbridge lit the match on the other. Could either situations cost the Premier the election in May?
2:07 | How bad is the video of Premier Smith's call with "pastor" Artur Pawlowski before his trial earlier this year? Ryan kicks off the show with a perspective check. 
AGREE OR DISAGREE? EMAIL US! talk@ryanjespersen.com 
12:43 | There's a mental health crisis happening all around us. We may be talking more candidly these days about mental illness and therapy, but that doesn't mean big barriers like stigma and funding aren't still factors at play. This week's Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber features CASA CEO Bonnie Blakley, psychologist Caitlin Ebbers, and "success story" Madeleine Lowe. Parents: when's the right time to reach out for help? Watch this interview to find out.  
REGISTER FOR CASA'S RED DEER GOLF TOURNEY ON JULY 27 AT ALBERTA SPRINGS: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/casagolfclassic2023-reddeer/event/reddeer/
43:14 | On March 28, labour economist Dr. Joseph Marchand explained why he thinks Alberta's energy boom isn't translating into a jobs boom. Real Talker Mike emailed the show, taking issue with Dr. Marchand's reasoning. It prompted us to reach out to Diane Francis, the National Post's Editor-at-Large, to dig into her recent piece on Alberta's next resource boom. As you'll see, the veteran columnist rolls in hot! 
READ DIANE'S COLUMN ON LITHIUM: https://financialpost.com/diane-francis/alberta-resource-boom-lithium
1:06:00 | Real Talker Sheryl isn't sure our focus is as comprehensive as it needs to be in mourning the murders of two Edmonton police officers earlier this month. Our recent interview about Saskatoon's private school scandal resonated deeply with Real Talker Hope. Ryan reads both emails sent to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
1:11:30 | This is the most "moving" Trash Talk to date...in the gnarliest way. You'll see what we mean, as Ryan reads turbocharged text on the federal budget, student burnout, constipation (yup), and the NHL's Pride problem. Trash Talk is presented by Local Environmental Services. 
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/
CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 
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PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
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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.

Secrets to Success in a Tough Business

Let's face it: budget coverage is usually pretty boring. The average person doesn't spend much time digging into how governments plan on spending their money. This episode, we focus on the real life stuff: how does the federal government's big-spending, "clean economy"-focused fiscal plan impact you and your family? 
1:18 | Erica Ifill isn't your average economist. The animated co-host of the Bad & Bitchy podcast and columnist with The Hill Times brings her signature candid commentary to the table as she and Ryan dig into Budget 2023. 
CHECK OUT ERICA'S PODCAST: https://www.badandbitchy.com/
31:57 | It's not all doom and gloom in the restaurant business! Three entrepreneurs featured in Edify's annual Best Restaurants issue join Ryan in studio to discuss post-COVID challenges, changing consumer habits, and farm-to-table menu development. Don't miss Nadine Lewis (Cafe Caribbean), Ed Donszelmann (Otto), and Blair Lebsack (RGE RD)! 
TICKETS TO EDIFY'S BEST RESTAURANT EVENT: https://edifyedmonton.com/
CAFE CARIBBEAN: https://www.cafecaribbean.ca/OTTO: https://www.ottofoodanddrink.com/RGE RD: https://www.rgerd.ca/
1:05:27 | Jasper Pride & Ski Festival is just around the corner! This week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper highlights some of the must-attend events of this ten-day annual tradition. 
LEARN MORE: https://jasperpride.ca/
1:10:50 | Real Talker Mike's not convinced oil companies are scared of big infrastructure investments. Ryan reads Mike's email taking issue with our March 29 interview with labour economist Dr. Joseph Marchand. 
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 
SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: golf@ryanjespersen.com  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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.

Donald Trump: Threat to Democracy

"Donald Trump is the biggest threat to democracy...and the greatest threat to the Canada/US relationship." That, from former US Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, who headlines this episode of Real Talk. 
2:13 | Donald Trump kicked off a rally in Waco, TX with a song by a January 6th prison choir. He's calling the 2024 election "the final battle". What the hell is going on? Former US Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman tells us about his personal experience with Trump, and why he says the former POTUS remains such a threat. You won't want to miss former Ambassador Heyman's insights on President Biden's visit to Canada (and whether or not he'll seek re-election), China brokering a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the future of Canada/US trade.
CHECK OUT AMBASSADOR HEYMAN'S BOOK: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Art-of-Diplomacy/Bruce-Heyman/9781982102678
37:40 | Why isn't this oil boom bringing jobs with it? Does a $15/hr. minimum wage have anything to do with it? Labour economist Dr. Joseph Marchand dumbs down his fascinating research so the rest of us can understand it. Why is Big Oil hesitant to spend money right now? Would Danielle Smith or Rachel Notley dare campaign on lowering or raising the minimum wage? What's Alberta's next big industry? (And how on earth does Dr. Marchand navigate life without a smart phone?!) Watch to find out! 
DIG INTO THE DATA ON ALBERTA'S JOB MARKET: https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/juecon/v71y2012i1p165-174.htmlGOVERNMENT REPORT ON $15/HR MINIMUM WAGE: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=867676DD301D0-957E-602E-B638B5039C13B9FBHERE'S MORE ON $15/HR MINIMUM WAGE: https://ideas.repec.org/p/ris/albaec/2020_015.html
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 
SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: golf@ryanjespersen.com  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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.

POTUS in Canada: The Key Moments

US President Joe Biden's 27-hour visit to Ottawa dominated the news cycle across the country: was that the whole point? Today's expert guests analyze the key moments, the distractions, and the bigger picture around POTUS in Canada. 
In other news, two Edmonton Police officers killed March 16 will be honoured today with a regimental funeral and procession. Ryan opens the show with a few thoughts about the service for Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan.
3:33 | Trade, jobs, and security were top of the list when POTUS and PMJT met in Ottawa for the first time since Biden was elected. Kathleen Petty, host of CBC's West of Centre podcast, explains how the average Canadian can evaluate the value of these visits, and makes an important point about interruptions to the news cycle. 
38:18 | No doubt provoked by Kathleen Petty's promise he'd "light the house on fire," Charles Adler rolls red hot into today's show. See for yourself what led the Titan of Talk to grab his Emmy off the shelf (literally)! Chuck says the Conservatives dropped the ball during Biden's visit. After you hear him out, let us know if you agree or disagree: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
57:55 | How did 14-year-old journalist Wyatt Sharpe wind up with a press pass to cover POTUS' visit from the front row? The host of The Wyatt Sharpe Show brings his unique blend of youthfulness and informed insight, and takes us behind the scenes of his biggest assignment to date.
CHECK OUT WYATT'S SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@thewyattsharpeshow
1:08:03 | Ryan's just a few hours removed from a visit to The Happiest Place on Earth, so this week's Positive Reflections is a no-brainer. Don't miss his family's Disneyland review, including a ride on the brand new Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway! Positive Reflections is presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/
CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 
SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: golf@ryanjespersen.com  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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.

Starving Students

Jocelyne is sticking up for all the starving students in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Community in Mourning

When a first responder is killed in the line of duty, their entire community feels the loss. This episode of Real Talk is dedicated to Edmonton Police constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, murdered while responding to a domestic call early Thursday morning. 
3:55 | John Kirkman lost friends and colleagues in Mayerthorpe, Wetaskiwin, and St. Albert over the course of his career as a first responder. The former EMT and ten-year RCMP veteran joins Ryan in studio for a powerful conversation you won't want to miss. 
GOFUNDME FOR CST. JORDAN & CST. RYAN'S FAMILIES: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cst-ryan-cst-jordan-memorial-fundraiser
30:47 | When a community experiences major loss like the deaths of Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan, people gather with loved ones to talk about it. That's the spirit of this week's Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber. Ryan connects with Katherine O'Neill, Harman Kandola, and Jarrett Campbell, who share their thoughts on the connection between police and civilians, and some of the questions that come up in tragedies like this.
57:07 | Jocelyne is sticking up for all the starving students in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/
Calling all golfers: registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic! Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's easily the most fun golf tournament in Edmonton, and it's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 
SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: golf@ryanjespersen.com  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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.

Can You Trust Canadian Election Results?

This episode, we cover the implications of China meddling in our democracy, and the future of electric vehicles in Canada. But we begin the show with tragic breaking news: the murders of two Edmonton Police officers, killed while responding to a domestic call at an apartment block west of downtown. 
0:55 | Edmonton Police constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan were shot and killed in the line of duty early Thursday morning. Ryan begins the show reflecting on our inability as civilians to truly understand the inherent risks of this profession, and the rise of domestic violence calls in Alberta and across the country. 
WATCH OUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ROUND TABLE FROM MARCH 8: https://www.youtube.com/live/ImTTTk_tYoI?feature=share&t=100
12:07 | The Government of Canada closes comments on its proposed zero-emission vehicles regulations on the day we're recording this episode. The Pembina Institute's transportation director Adam Thorn explains why the regulations matter, and what the EV landscape might look like two, five, and ten years down the road. 
OF NOTE: Edmonton experienced a minor earthquake during this interview! Check out Ryan's camera shaking around 12:12. 
CHECK OUT THE PEMBINA INSTITUTE: https://www.pembina.org/
29:40 | Did you see Ryan's camera shaking around the 12:12 mark? While we didn't feel much in the studio, astute Real Talkers like "Arty Miss" in the YouTube live chat let us know we'd experienced a minor earthquake. We take a look at the evidence from Environment Canada. Fascinating stuff! 
35:57 | Do you have confidence in Canada's democracy? Do you trust recent election results? Joanna Chiu is a B.C.-based journalist covering national and international news for the Star. A former correspondent in Hong Kong and Beijing, and a graduate of the Columbia University School of Journalism, she is the author of "China Unbound," which examines the global political impacts of China's rise. We guarantee you'll better understand the bigger picture around Beijing's end game after catching this interview. Fascinating stuff. 
FOLLOW JOANNA ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/joannachiuREAD HER WORK IN THE STAR: https://www.thestar.com/authors.chiu_joanna.htmlORDER HER BOOK: https://houseofanansi.com/products/china-unbound
1:14:40 | Are you following Real Talk on TikTok? Recent posts have been going off, including hundreds of comments from Real Talkers just like you! When we say this is Canada's most engaged talk audience, we've got the receipts! 
Calling all golfers: registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic! Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's easily the most fun golf tournament in Edmonton, and it's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 
SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: golf@ryanjespersen.com  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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 Makes Us Actually Care About Something?

Do we do enough to hold corporations, organizations, and politicians accountable when they behave badly? From toxic leaks to greasy politics, today's episode investigates some of the top stories in the country, and what Canadians are doing about them. 
4:09 | Chief Allan Adam didn't mince words on the March 6 episode of Real Talk. Straight up, he called Imperial Oil's nine-month toxic tailings pond leak "a cover-up". Chief Adam's comments have aged well, as Ottawa's stepping in to demand action while the Alberta Energy Regulator sits on its hands. We continue our coverage of this explosive story. 
18:33 | Pierre Poilievre knows China didn't throw the 2021 federal election...but that won't stop him from suggesting that's the case. Is this a Trump 2.0 "stolen election" play? Ryan looks back at a week-old op/ed from the Conservative Party's 2021 national campaign manager and stacks it up against the Opposition leader's statement yesterday. (They don't square up.)
26:40 | "Conflicts of interest run deep in Saskatchewan politics. This is why I'm grateful for Real Talk." Ryan reads an email from Real Talker Steve relating to our coverage of the Legacy Christian Academy scandal in Saskatoon. 
WATCH OUR INTERVIEW RE: THE $25M CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: https://www.youtube.com/live/_sWH8J81fSI?feature=share&t=1400
35:25 | The Jasper SkyTram opens in a week! It's one of the coolest ways to explore Jasper National Park. Get on board in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper! 
CHECK OUT THE JASPER SKYTRAM: https://www.jasper.travel/things-to-do/skytram/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw2cWgBhDYARIsALggUhovol7nGeoGrhYjmuaVEDhfBw1wmpbivyhLF00E0tccvrwmKt0CnIoaAms1EALw_wcB
37:55 | Is ESG actually worth it? Does it makes financial sense for corporations and organizations to actually invest in the Environmental, Social, & Governance movement? Onyen CEO Laurie Clark, twice named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women, gets into recent polling around how the average Canadian actually feels. Fascinating stuff. (Did this interview resonate with you? Let us know! talk@ryanjespersen.com) 
1:07:25 | Have you subscribed to Alberta Views yet? Use the promo code AVRJ to knock 50% off a one-year, ten-issue subscription to the magazine for engaged citizens.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY: https://albertaviews.ca/
1:08:30 | Calling all golfers: registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic! Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's easily the most fun golf tournament in Edmonton, and it's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 
SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic
SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: golf@ryanjespersen.com  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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.

Private School Scandal

Caitlin Erickson's been threatened, followed, and had her house set on fire after speaking out against her former school, Saskatoon's Legacy Christian Academy. She was in the courtroom yesterday for the school's former athletic director's first appearance on sexual assault and sexual exploitation charges. The spokesperson for a proposed $25M class action lawsuit brings us up to speed on this major story. But first...
1:40 | Cason Feuser was playing with his buddies near Rocky Mountain House when all of a sudden he was fighting for his life. A cougar attacked the seven-year-old from behind, inflicting multiple life-threatening injuries. Seven months later, Cason and his mom Chay share his amazing survival story.
23:20 | Fifty former students have joined a proposed $25M class action lawsuit targeting Legacy Christian Academy. Meantime, the Saskatoon private school's former athletic director had his first court appearance this week, charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation. LCA alum Caitlin Erickson tells us what it was like to be in court yesterday, and explains why she thinks the Saskatchewan government's new reporting standards for private schools fall short. 
HERE'S OUR AUG 10 INTERVIEW WITH OTHER LCA ALUMNI: https://www.youtube.com/live/dNaPsms29DA?feature=share&t=2651
51:30 | The Weeknd walks away with the most hardware at the Juno Awards of 2023, held last night in Edmonton. Don't miss Johnny's Junos Review, only here on Real Talk! 
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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.

Online Bully Sentenced

2:00 | After seven years of brutal harassment, broadcaster Jody Vance finally got to face her bully in court. She spoke with us Friday just before the court date, and returns to the show to tell us all about it. Jody shares how it felt to deliver her victim impact statement, and what she makes of Richard Sean Oliver's sentence. 
33:20 | Who pissed in Hugh Grant's Corn Flakes? Charles Adler serves up his take on the movie star's less-than-generous red carpet performance at the Oscars.
39:20 | Real Talker Jared wrote into the show after watching our February 22 interview featuring  "Wheelie Peeps" Bean Gill and Brian McPherson. He offers up great insights into "invisible disabilities". 
WATCH THE WHEELIE PEEPS SEGMENT: https://www.youtube.com/live/056zJYeNI3g?feature=share&t=1190
SEND US AN EMAIL! talk@ryanjespersen.com 
44:55 | In part two of our interview with Charles Adler, he tells us what the sentence would look like if he was the judge in Jody Vance's criminal harassment case. Plus, he explains why the Chinese election interference story is "catnip for RWNJs". 
59:00 | We love hearing about Real Talkers' Random Acts of Kindness! Dion emailed his Positive Reflection after his kids did something super cool during their trip to Las Vegas. Way to go, Kneller family! Positive Reflections is presented Mondays on Real Talk by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj
PATREON: https://www.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.