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

Mar 5, 2024
Mar 5, 2024
1hr 30 min
What's wrong with rehab? After all, isn't getting people "clean" an obvious solution to Canada's opioid crisis? As the Alberta government heavily invests in drug treatment facilities (at the expense of Supervised Consumption Sites), we take a look at what's working and what's not in addressing a health crisis claiming 21 lives every day across the country.
3:25 | Euan Thomson and Anthony Furey discuss Euan's feature in the March issue of Alberta Views and debate different approaches to the opioid crisis across Canada.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH REHAB: https://albertaviews.ca/whats-wrong-with-rehab/
SAVE 50% on a subscription to Alberta Views with the promo code AVRJ: https://albertaviews.ca/subscribe/
EACH AND EVERY: https://www.eachandevery.org/
35:00 | The Discourse co-hosts Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates give us their take on Anthony and Euan's debate about the drug crisis. Plus, we get into Alberta Budget 2024, the national Pharmacare plan, the ArriveCAN debacle, and more.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE DISCOURSE: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1WjKtBGH6U0S6HDePuLjkw
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Mar 4, 2024
Is Charles Adler the next CEO of the CBC?
Mar 4, 2024
Mar 4, 2024
1hr 19 min
Have you seen the job posting on LinkedIn for president and CEO of the CBC? We can't help but wonder if it might be a perfect fit for our pal Charles Adler. We ask him about that - plus other, more serious subject matter - in this informative and elucidating episode of Real Talk.
3:50 | Adler explains why he's wearing sunglasses inside, what he doesn't love about the Alberta budget, when he'll apply to be the next CEO of CBC, and what he'll be looking for in President Joe Biden's State of the Union address.
48:30 | Business owners: what does the Alberta budget mean for you? Shauna Feth, CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, digs into the details.
SKILL UP: https://www.abchamber.ca/talent-development-task-force/
POLITICAL ACTION DAY: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/2024-political-action-day-mla-dinner/
1:13:55 |
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Mar 2, 2024
Mar 2, 2024
9 min
Real Talkers are fired up about the Alberta budget, our Trudeau interview, our Black History Month Round Table, skilled labour shortages, and Ryan's "blind, biased support of Pierre Poilievre" (LOL). It's The Flamethrower presented by the Dairy Queens of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

Mar 1, 2024
What Does the Alberta Budget Mean For You?
Mar 1, 2024
Mar 1, 2024
1hr 8 min
Everybody's got their own interpretation of a provincial budget. There's a long list of communities, projects, and organizations deserving of big investments. And, inevitably, there's a long list of communities, projects, and organizations that won't wind up with the cash they say they need. In this episode, we lay out the implications of the 2024 Alberta Budget and attempt to answer one Real Talker's astute question posted in our live chat: "I'm confused...is Alberta rich or poor?"
2:30 | Edmonton Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths and Edmonton Downtown Business Association CEO Puneeta McBryan dig into the budget, from the top headlines to the storylines flying under the radar.
CHECK OUT THE CHAMBER: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/
CHECK OUT THE DBA: https://www.edmontondowntown.com/
16:29 | Alberta's Minister of Finance Nate Horner gives us the government's explanation for a delay in income tax cuts, minimal infrastructure funding for cities, a new EV tax, disparity in funding for Calgary vs. Edmonton, and public safety issues.
56:50 | Real Talkers are fired up about the Alberta budget, our Trudeau interview, our Black History Month Round Table, skilled labour shortages, and Ryan's "blind, biased support of Pierre Poilievre" (LOL). It's The Flamethrower presented by the Dairy Queens of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
VISIT THE DQs in PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, and BASELINE ROAD!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Feb 29, 2024
The Truth About Ukraine
Feb 29, 2024
Feb 29, 2024
51 min
Sarah Lawrynuik's coverage of Russia's war in Ukraine is personal. Her family's from there. She's been there multiple times over the past two years, covering the conflict as a freelance journalist. She can't ignore what she's seen since she last joined us in March of 2023. The country is battered, its people demoralized. The death toll - children included - is unimaginable. How much longer can Ukraine defend itself?
2:04 | Sarah joins us live from London, days after returning from Ukraine.
SARAH'S AUDIO DOC: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-63-the-current/clip/16045850-the-next-war-sexual-violence-ukraine
SARAH'S FIRST REAL TALK INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/030323Sarah
35:30 | Real Talkers Gabriel, Kristie, Ronnie, and Gerald have a lot to say about our recent shows featuring Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, the Danger Cats comedy show cancellation, and oil sands innovator Kevin Krausert.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Feb 28, 2024
Feb 28, 2024
1hr 24 min
Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse isn't your average politician. She says what she really thinks, she's not afraid to rattle a few cages, and her energy is off the charts. Despite her relative inexperience in the Legislature (she was elected in May 2023), Calahoo Stonehouse is vying for the leadership of the Alberta NDP. Does she have what it takes as an underdog to emerge victorious?
2:10 | The MLA from Edmonton-Rutherford tells us all about her vision for Alberta.
CHECK OUT JODI'S CAMPAIGN: https://voteforjodi.ca/
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
48:37 | Did you see Jasper featured on The Bachelor on February 26? We dedicate this week's #MyJasper Memories to the hit ABC series touching down in the Rocky Mountains, and look ahead to the upcoming Oilers 50/50 in support of Jasper charities.
54:10 | Ryan takes a look at new polling on a proposed Alberta Pension Plan.
57:10 | Everybody's talking about Jon Stewart's tribute to his dog. Have you seen Jimmy Stewart's similar appearance on The Tonight Show way back when? Ryan and Johnny talk pets.
1:04:00 | Premier Danielle Smith's responding to Take Back Alberta founder David Parker's social media attack on Pierre Poilievre. Ryan updates the story.
1:12:10 | Have you heard about the Danger Cats comedy group's shows getting cancelled? Ryan and Johnny talk about free speech, good taste, comedic license, and capitalism.
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Feb 27, 2024
Feb 27, 2024
1hr 11 min
Not everybody agrees with what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had to say about Canada's oil and gas sector during his February 21 interview on Real Talk. That includes former roughneck-turned-chief executive Kevin Krausert. Named a "Top 50 Global Changemaker Working in Canada" by the Globe & Mail in 2023, Krausert says traditional oil and gas companies do care about sustainability, and the environment, and a bright future for their workers.
6:05 | Kevin tells us what he thinks PMJT got wrong on Real Talk, and explains how his company is unlocking energy transition solutions in oil and gas for investment, commercialization, and scale.
LEARN MORE: https://www.avatarinnovations.energy/
MINISTERS GUILBEAULT & BOISSONNAULT ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/120723rewind
51:00 | Ryan and Johnny shout out Real Talkers Garth and Graham for their Super Chat contributions, and Ryan reads an email from Real Talker Carrie, who tells us why she signed up to support the show on Patreon (she makes a great point!).
54:50 | Shameless name drop from Ryan, who tells a quick story about his dinner date with a national news personality.
57:40 | Real Talkers Michael, Ken, and Randi tell us what the PMJT interview got them thinking about.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:05:00 | Remember our episode about that Saskatchewan family that found the big, unopened box of hockey cards? Johnny has an update for us!
HOCKEY CARDS WORTH MILLIONS: https://rtrj.info/013024rewins
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Feb 26, 2024
Feb 26, 2024
1hr 11 min
Did you see David Parker's Twitter attack targeting Pierre Poilievre, his wife Anaida, and his advisor Jenni Byrne? The Take Back Alberta founder got personal, all but declaring war against the federal Conservative leader. What's Parker's end game? Is this a fight he can possibly win, or does the attack mark the beginning of the end of his group's influence? We discuss in this episode of Real Talk.
4:38 | Charles Adler tells us which part of our Trudeau interview most resonated with him, whether or not he thinks David Parker's days of influence are numbered, and what he makes of Westlock, Alberta residents voting to ban Pride flags in public spaces.
49:10 | Ryan reads more of your emails about our Trudeau exclusive.
53:25 | Real Talker Elaine is a paramedic working exclusively with Edmonton's homeless population. Ryan reads her powerful email responding to our February 23 Real Talk Round Table.
WATCH THAT EPISODE: rtrj.info/022324RTRT
1:06:35 | Ryan pens a love letter to Northern Chicken in this week's Positive Reflections 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 MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.

Feb 24, 2024
THE FLAMETHROWER: Justin Trudeau Edition!
Feb 24, 2024
Feb 24, 2024
6 min
On the heels of our exclusive interview with the Prime Minister, it's an all-Justin Trudeau edition of The Flamethrower presented by the Dairy Queens of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
VISIT THE DQs in PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, and BASELINE ROAD!

Feb 23, 2024
Feb 23, 2024
1hr 26 min
More than 300,000 Canadians will experience homelessness this year. More than 300 people will die on the street this year in Edmonton alone. Why haven't we been able to solve this national disaster?
2:07 | Tim Richter, Jordan Reiniger, Dr. Monty Ghosh, and Peggy Garritty talk solutions around our Real Talk Round Table.
CHECK OUT THE CHANCELLOR'S FORUM: https://rtrj.info/02224CF
CDN. ALLIANCE to END HOMELESSNESS: https://caeh.ca/
BOYLE STREET COMMUNITY SERVICES: https://www.boylestreet.org/
1:06:55 | Ryan and Johnny recap a wild week on the show, including some of the most hilarious chirps from our loudest critics.
1:18:19 | On the heels of our exclusive sit-down with the Prime Minister, it's an all-Justin Trudeau edition of The Flamethrower presented by the Dairy Queens of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
VISIT THE DQs in PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, and BASELINE ROAD!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: 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.









