Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Our New Century of Fire Has Only Just Begun

Canada's among the worst developed nations when it comes to government transparency. We're also in the beginning stages of a new century of fire that will forever alter the way we interact with the planet. You're guaranteed to learn something on both fronts in this episode of Real Talk. But first...
0:00 | Did you catch Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen on our June 19th episode? We open with her warning about the negative effects of social media on youth mental health. You don't have to be a parent to be alarmed at the evidence she presents. 
4:00 | Canadians are being denied their "right to know" about thousands of files. In fact, Canada doesn't even rank in the Top 50 nations when it comes to transparency. Robyn Doolittle and her colleague Tom Cardoso at The Globe and Mail have spent nearly two years filing hundreds of Freedom of Information requests. The findings of their Secret Canada project are shocking. 
CHECK IT OUT FURTHER: https://www.secretcanada.com/
47:30 | In May 2016, Fort McMurray was overrun by wildfire. In his new book Fire Weather, John Vaillant argues the costliest disaster in Canadian history was a shocking preview of what we must prepare for in a hotter, more flammable world. As hundreds of wildfires continue to burn across the country, you won't want to miss this reality check from one of Canada's best nonfiction writers. 
ORDER FIRE WEATHER: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/554938/fire-weather-by-john-vaillant/
1:21:30 | We're SO grateful when you subscribe to our YouTube channel and our podcast, especially when you take the time to rate and review the show. Ryan and Johnny have some fun reading a few one-star reviews (they ain't pretty)! 
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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.

Whistleblower: Frances Haugen’s Plan To Protect Teens

A couple years ago, data engineer Frances Haugen blew the whistle on Facebook, disclosing thousands of her employer's internal documents to the SEC and The Wall Street Journal. Was it worth it? 
4:45 | The author of "The Power of One" tells us why she took such a gutsy step, and whether or not anything's changed since "The Facebook Files" series ran in the WSJ. What's the worst case scenario if platforms like Facebook and Instagram aren't held to higher standards of accountability and transparency? Frances shines a light on the ugly underbelly of social media like very few can.
ORDER THE POWER OF ONE: https://www.franceshaugen.com/
CHECK OUT THE WSJ SERIES: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-facebook-files-11631713039
42:00 | How does Charles Adler navigate the negative aspects of social media? Chuck and Ryan debrief after the Haugen interview before getting into Adler's Father's Day column in the Winnipeg Free Press. Plus, what impact will today's four by-elections have on the federal political landscape? 
1:09:10 | A British grandfather went from barely surviving COVID to winning gold at the European Arm Wrestling Championships less than three years later. We celebrate his remarkable story in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
KUBY'S HIRING! https://kubyenergy.ca/
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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.

Fact Check: Danielle Smith Called Out

Ryan got a call from a certain former Deputy Premier of Alberta after yesterday's interview with Danielle Smith. It set the table for today's Fact Check edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Pride Is Protest: A Real Talk Round Table

June is Pride month. Chances are, you're seeing more rainbow flags, news coverage, and maybe even a controversial email or pamphlet referencing the annual celebration. Where should our focus be? We welcome three LGBTQ+ community members to the Real Talk Round Table for an unflinching look at the work that still needs to be done in Canada and around the world. 
2:20 | Imagine coming to Canada as an immigrant or refugee, fleeing your country of origin because of discrimination against yourself and other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Those are the new Canadians Basel Abou Hamrah supports through the Rainbow Refugee program at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers. He joins Outloud St. Albert's Bekah Marcellus and Robertson-Wesley United Church member Angela Glasel for a very personal, powerful conversation about Pride.
CHECK OUT RAINBOW REFUGEE: https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/
LINK TO OUTLOUD ST. ALBERT: https://www.outloudstalbert.ca/
LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY & CONNECTION: https://www.communityandconnection.com/
1:09:50 | Ryan got a call from a certain former Deputy Premier of Alberta after yesterday's interview with Danielle Smith. It set the table for today's Fact Check edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/
SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC ON JUNE 22: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...
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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.

Premier Danielle Smith in the Real Talk Studio

What are Danielle Smith's plans for Cabinet, an Alberta pension plan, and a "new relationship" with Ottawa and the media? Alberta's Premier joins Ryan in studio for an interview you won't want to miss.
2:00 | But first...we hear so many people declare society is more polarized now than ever before. Is that actually true? If so, how did we get to this point? More importantly, how do we move from polarization to collaboration? New York Times best-selling author Irshad Manji joins Ryan in studio for an interview she barely made. Find out why! 
ATTEND IRSHAD'S JUNE 8 EVENT AT THE CITADEL THEATRE: https://www.epl.ca/speaker-series/
31:50 | Danielle Smith defied early polls, and won the Alberta election on May 29. Alberta's Premier talks to Ryan on the eve of her Cabinet announcement to discuss rural vs. urban representation, attracting "progressive conservatives" back to the UCP, plans to heal healthcare delivery, job losses in oil and gas, cooperation with PM Justin Trudeau and the federal government, a controversial "council of advisors" in Edmonton, her threatened lawsuit targeting the CBC, an Alberta pension plan, and unblocking her critics on Twitter.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
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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.

How The NDP Won Calgary: Insights From An Insider

Following a couple recounts, it's official: the Alberta NDP won 14 of 26 seats in Calgary. How did the party most closely tied to success in Edmonton take down high-profile UCP incumbents in south Calgary? 
4:00 | Esmahan Razavi managed the NDP campaigns in Calgary-Acadia and Calgary-Glenmore, where Diana Batten beat Tyler Shandro and Nagwan Al-Guneid beat Whitney Issik. The NDP won both ridings by 25 and 42 votes, respectively. How'd they do it? When did they know they were going to win? What put them over the hump? What do these wins do for the party moving forward? 
40:10 | There's no cooler way to explore the Athabasca Glacier than with Rockaboo Mountain Adventures. We take you to the Columbia Icefield in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.
BOOK YOUR GLACIER ADVENTURE: https://rockaboo.ca/
42:50 | It's one of the more mind-boggling stories in sports history. How did the PGA go from banning golfers bound for the LIV Tour to partnering with the Saudi-owned enterprise in less than a year? Ryan and Johnny discuss.
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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.

Time To Step Down? David Johnston Says No Way

David Johnston says he's staying on as Special Rapporteur despite a House of Commons motion calling for his resignation (and a public inquiry). The former Governor General says questions around his integrity and independence are off base. With such loud criticism around Johnston's "so called" friendship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, will the average Canadian trust his investigation into alleged foreign interference with our democracy? Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley joins us (23:50) to discuss.
7:20 | But first...did you know 82% of Prairie Grasslands in Canada have disappeared? Grasslands are one of the world's most threatened ecosystems, yet they remain the least protected. Why does it seem nobody cares? Nature Conservancy of Canada's Jeremy Hogan explains why native Prairie Grasslands are so important, what the world might look like without them, and what's being done to save them. 
CHECK OUT THE NATURE CONSERVANCY OF CANADA: https://natureconservancy.ca/en/
23:50 | NDP, Conservative, and Bloc Quebecois MPs are sending a clear message to Special Rapporteur David Johnston: resign. But the former Governor General, appointed by the Liberals to investigate allegations of foreign interference in Canadian democracy, says he won't. Are the optics of Johnston's alleged longtime friendship with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enough to invalidate his efforts in this important role?  Plus, will Trudeau stay on to battle Pierre Poilievre in the next federal election? Toronto Sun columnist Brian Lilley lets us know what he thinks. 
CHECK OUT BRIAN'S PODCAST "FULL COMMENT": https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/full-comment/id1561204292
57:45 | We need to give doctors a pay raise. Ryan explains why.
1:05:50 | Would you pay $4,700 for Apple's new Vision Pro headset? Ryan and Johnny debate.
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.

Populism: Is What’s Good For Politicians Good For You?

Populist politicians like Danielle Smith, Doug Ford, and Ron DeSantis have won support by appealing to everyday people. But do average, ordinary folks actually benefit from this brand of politics? 
4:40 | Dr. Lisa Young's been writing about Danielle Smith's ascent to United Conservative Party leader and Premier of Alberta for the past six months. The political scientist joins Ryan to talk about populism, winning and losing campaign strategies, and her latest piece for Alberta Views. 
USE PROMO CODE "AVRJ" FOR 50% OFF A ONE YEAR SUBSCRIPTION OF ALBERTA VIEWS: https://albertaviews.ca/subscribe/
36:30 | Charles Adler will be the first to tell you the Alberta election didn't go the way he'd hoped. The Emmy Award-winning talk radio host tells Ryan about his hopes for Alberta moving forward. Chuck chimes in on recent comments about "cultural Marxism" by Florida governor Ron DeSantis, and a comment on trans youth by presidential hopeful Nikki Haley at a CNN town hall over the weekend. Finally, should Justin Trudeau be held responsible for killer Paul Bernardo's transfer to medium-security prison? Pierre Poilievre says yes. Find out what Charles has to say about that. 
1:14:00 | It's fascinating to see sights, sounds, or smells reignite the memory of someone living with dementia. We feature a heartwarming story out of Essex, UK over the weekend in this week's edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 
KUBY RENEWABLE ENERGY IS HIRING: 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.

GIV’ER! A Post-Election Edition of Trash Talk

It's the first edition of Trash Talk since the Alberta election, and Real Talkers have a lot to say! Ryan busts out the flame thrower and gets into the hottest takes submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. Trash Talk is presented by our friends at Local Environmental Services.
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/ 

Alberta & Ottawa: Bad + Bitchy Takes on a Big Week

What can we expect to see from Premier Danielle Smith, Rachel Notley (and the Alberta NDP), and Justin Trudeau vs. Pierre Poilievre? Find out from Bad + Bitchy podcast hosts Erica Ifill and Kristin Raworth in this crossover episode of Real Talk.
3:40 | But first...is Taylor Swift's boyfriend really a Nazi sympathizer?
9:30 | Erica, born and raised in Edmonton, now calls Ottawa home. She says national coverage of Alberta's election fell short. Is that a CBC issue, or something bigger? 
13:00 | What should we expect to see from Premier Danielle Smith and her UCP government? 
26:10 | How about Rachel Notley? What might her future look like, and could it include a run at the federal NDP leadership? 
42:35 | Will Danielle Smith survive a rumoured coup within her caucus? Can she outlast Jason Kenney, Jim Prentice, Dave Hancock, Alison Redford, and Ed Stelmach, and actually complete a full term? 
44:15 | We turn our attention to federal politics, and get Erica and Kristin's take on the Liberal affordable housing plan, the future of $10/day childcare, and more. 
52:00 | Did Pierre Poilievre cross the line with a blast aimed at PM Justin Trudeau in the House yesterday? Kristin explains why she's so turned off by the comment, and Erica chimes in on "unserious" people.
1:05:40 | It's the first edition of Trash Talk since the Alberta election, and Real Talkers have a lot to say! Ryan busts out the flame thrower and gets into the hottest takes submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. Trash Talk is presented by our friends at Local Environmental Services.
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.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.