Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Why Drinking Less May Work Better Than Not At All

Is "Sober October" a non-starter for you or someone you love? Are you thinking about cutting back on drinking, but not cutting it out entirely? Mike Pond is a harm reduction psychotherapist who was living on the streets 15 years ago. He and his partner, award-winning journalist Maureen Palmer, say quitting cold turkey and living sober isn't for everybody. We get personal - and explore what's healthy and what's not - in this episode of Real Talk. 
3:35 | Maureen and Mike get into their new book "You Don't Have to Quit: 20 Science-Backed Strategies to Help Your Loved One Drink Less."
CHECK OUT THE BOOK: https://youdonthavetoquit.com/
50:20 | Jespo and Johnny check in on the Real Talk YouTube Live Chat and share their own takes on drinking.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:21:15 | Did you hear Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi's suing three people? Ryan takes a look.
1:23:53 | Real Talkers Lesley and Jeff captured some of the most amazing shots of the Northern Lights we've ever seen. What a perfect Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Renewable Energy! 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.

"I Really Dislike Trudeau...But Poilievre is SMARMY!"

Ronnie's not a fan of Justin Trudeau OR Pierre Poilievre, Wendy wants less talk about war, Andrew's not a fan of how we handled the October 7th anniversary, and Coreen's all fired up over ignorant comments about educators. 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, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj

How Former NHL'er Jordin Tootoo Saved His Life

He's one of the most feared hitters in hockey history. Jordin Tootoo - or "The Tootoo Train" - endeared himself to fans around the world through his fearless play. But the first Inuk player in NHL history battled demons born from childhood trauma to the point of nearly losing his life. Tootoo talks to us about his brother's suicide, his battles with alcohol, and an entirely new life after hockey.
1:50 | Jordin Tootoo and filmmaker Adam Scorgie join us in the Real Talk studio just hours before the world premiere of "Tootoo".
TICKETS: https://bit.ly/TootooOEG 
1:02:45 | Ronnie's not a fan of Justin Trudeau OR Pierre Poilievre, Wendy wants less talk about war, Andrew's not a fan of how we handled the October 7th anniversary, and Coreen's all fired up over ignorant comments about educators. 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, make sure you tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.

Ready for Launch: Secrets to a Successful Startup

About 90% of startups fail. What's the secret for those that don't? We talk to the leaders behind three success stories in this special episode of Real Talk presented by Edmonton Unlimited. 
2:40 | Areto Labs founder Kasey Machin, vrCAVE founder Dr. Nathaniel Rossol, and Drivewyze VP Doug Johnson tell us about taking an idea to startup phase, the art of the pitch, navigating early (and existential) challenges, and the future of social media, VR, and trucking safety.
STARTUP WEEK 2024: https://www.edmontonstartupweek.com/
TICKETS TO LAUNCH PARTY 15: https://lu.ma/jfn6q4jo
ARETO LABS: https://www.aretolabs.com/
DRIVEWYZE: https://drivewyze.com/
vrCAVE: https://www.vrcave.ca/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.

Harper's Comms Boss Warns Pierre Poilievre

Nothing's guaranteed, but it sure looks like Pierre Poilievre is Canada's next Prime Minister. In this episode of Real Talk, Stephen Harper's former comms boss tells us why Poilievre better pay attention to what's happening in the UK right now if he wants to last longer than a single term (or less) as PM. 
4:00 | Andrew MacDougall served as Prime Minister Stephen Harper's director of communications through the highs and lows of minority and majority governments. He tells us why Pierre Poilievre should learn a valuable lesson from UK PM Keir Starmer.
READ ANDREW'S OP/ED: https://www.readtheline.ca/p/andrew-macdougall-poilievre-will-6a9
13:55 | Don't worry, Andrew's back in a minute once we sort out his technical glitch. In the meantime, we celebrate Johnny's cameo in the Amazon Prime NHL series "Faceoff". 
21:00 | Andrew's back with advice for Poilievre, a US election prediction, and insights on the future direction of the CBC.
51:00 | Jespo and Johnny dream about winning the lottery. What else is new.
53:05 | Thanksgiving is one of the most beautiful times of year in Jasper. Ryan shares one of his favourite family memories, we've got a few tips for responsible (post-wildfire) tourism, and we highlight Amanda Skwarok's new book raising funds for the Jasper Community Team Society: it's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 
BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
BUY A COPY OF JASPER in JASPER: https://www.amazon.ca/JASPER-Jasper-True-Canadian-Tail/dp/1069015105
59:00 | Shout out to Jessica Campbell, the first female assistant coach in NHL history! 
1:04:00 | Real Talk is proud to support Wounded Warriors Canada's Rucksack March for Remembrance via Arcadia Brewing Co's Tru Joy Irish Red Ale in honour of Tim "Loz" Lozinik. We miss you like crazy, pal, and we'll love you forever.
1:07:04 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about our October 8 episode on early childhood expulsions and inclusive education. Ryan reads emails from EA Shalaine, Nicole, and teacher Dean. 
WATCH THAT SHOW: rtrj.info/100824RTRT
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

The Preschool to Prison Pipeline

Tiffany Hansen's four year old daughter has already been expelled from SEVEN different childcare centres. Her family is far from alone. There's an epidemic of early childhood expulsion across North America, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Young learners requiring special supports are falling through the cracks from kindergarten all the way up to high school, and research shows many of those students will wind up incarcerated or worse. Meantime, many teachers are burned out and feel ill-equipped to manage increased demands in the classroom. 
2:35 | Tiffany Hansen, Dr. Kate Zisser, and GRIT CEO Amber Mack talk solutions around the Real Talk Round Table. 
GRIT: https://www.gritprogram.ca/
KATE'S BOOK: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/no-longer-welcome-9780197639719?cc=ca&lang=en&
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.

One Year Later: Israeli and Palestinian Perspectives

It's been a year since Hamas fighters attacked civilian targets in Israel, killing more than 1,400 people and kidnapping 200+ more. Israel's large-scale military response has killed at least 41,870 Palestinians including 16,756 children. The conflict has spread regionally, with Hezbollah engaging Israeli forces along its northern border with Lebanon. Tensions with Iran, a Hamas supporter, remain high. Efforts to mediate peace have largely stalled despite global protests calling for a ceasefire and an end to the occupation. Is there any reason for optimism there could one day be peace in the Middle East? 
2:20 | Meytal Novidomsky and Miri Armon join us from their homes in northern Israel. 
35:00 | Mousa Qasqas shares his perspective as a Palestinian-Canadian.
1:00:10 | Real Talker "Boyd from Saskatchewan" shares the wonderful story of Scout, a dog who found his forever home by developing skills as an escape artist! Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.

Crazy About Chemtrails!

Harry and Russ chime in on Danielle Smith's chemtrails comments, and Michael calls Alberta's Energy Regulator to the carpet. 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, let 'em know Real Talk sent you!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj

Time For Conservatives To Lead on Climate Policy

Pierre Poilievre says he'll "axe" the carbon tax...but then what? Canadians are waiting for details on how the Conservative leader will approach the climate file if he's elected Prime Minister. In this episode, we speak with two Conservative policy wonks (a compliment, not an insult) who say it's time for Poilievre and premiers like Danielle Smith and Scott Moe to step up their game. 
4:00 | But first...Jespo and Johnny touch on J.D. Vance's "You guys weren't going to fact check!" moment during the VP debate. 
12:20 | How should Danielle Smith have handled the chemtrails question at a recent UCP town hall? Real Talkers have their say via our YouTube live chat. 
26:30 | Adam Sweet and Benjamin Dachis say it's time for Conservatives to lead on climate policy. They get into what that leadership could look like, and why it's not happening already. 
READ THEIR HUB FEATURE: https://thehub.ca/2024/09/27/benjamin-dachis-and-adam-sweet-its-time-for-conservatives-to-lead-on-climate-policy-heres-why/
56:15 | Real Talker Laura's seen a lot during her ten years as a teacher. She explains exactly how students with special needs are being left behind every day. 
ATA PRESIDENT JASON SCHILLING ON REAL TALK: rtrj.info/092624ATA
1:09:00 | Harry and Russ chime in on Danielle Smith's chemtrails comments, and Michael calls Alberta's Energy Regulator to the carpet. 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, let 'em know Real Talk sent you! 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.

Behind the Scenes at Canadian Finals Rodeo

The nation's best rodeo competitors are in Edmonton for the 50th edition of Canadian Finals Rodeo. In this special episode, we hang out with three of the highest achievers in Western sports - on horseback, in front of the bulls, and behind the mic. 
2:00 | CFR defending barrel racing champion Lynette Brodoway, bullfighter Brett Monea, and 13-time Canadian Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year Brett Gardiner talk CFR, health and wellness, and the future of rodeo. 
GET YOUR TICKETS TO CFR: https://www.cfr.ca/
RAFTER U7 RANCH & WELLNESS CENTRE: https://www.rafteru7.ca/
CHASE THE GOOD: https://www.brettgardiner.com/
40:50 | Jasper is ready to welcome visitors again! We're thrilled to see many of the businesses impacted by the July wildfire opening their doors again. There are few things to keep in mind, as detailed in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
LEARN MORE: https://www.jasper.travel/wildfire/
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
REAL TALK MUGS, SNAPBACKS, and TEES: 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.