Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

The Bold Ones

We feature three forces of nature in this episode of The Best of Real Talk. It's impossible not to be inspired by Shawn Kanungo, Bean Gill, and Brian McPherson!
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersenTHANK 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.

Tech Addiction & ChatGPT

Tens of millions of people have watched Johann Hari’s TED Talks about our collective addiction to technology. The evidence is all around us. In this episode of The Best of Real Talk, the author of “Stolen Focus” explains what’s been taken from us, and how to get it back.
Are you on the ChatGPT train? More and more people are using artificial intelligence to replace "human powered" writers and other content creators. What are the implications of this AI, in particular for post-secondary institutions already on the lookout for plagiarism? Princeton student Edward Tian tells us about the app he developed to sniff out ChatGPT.
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RealTalkRJINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/RealTalkRJ/TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersenTHANK 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.

TRASH TALK: Greenwashing & White Woman Privilege

Michael's choked about our conversation this week about hydrogen, and Avery's antagonized by our 4/20 episode. Both Real Talkers sound off in a "clap back" edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

How To Save Planet Earth

Are you overwhelmed by stories of the eventual demise of human life on Planet Earth? Could you use a little encouragement, or even evidence that our grandchildren's grandchildren might still be able to survive here? Don't miss this episode's Real Talk Round Table ahead of Earth Day on April 22. But first...
0:30 | Did you lose your blue checkmark on Twitter this week? Did you pay to keep yours, or maybe get one for the first time? Does any of this matter? Recently-unverified Ryan and Johnny discuss.
7:00 | Video of the Dalai Lama inviting a young boy to "suck his tongue" prompted outrage around the world, followed by claims Tibetan culture was being misinterpreted and misrepresented. Angela Rose founded PAVE after surviving an abduction and sexual assault as a teen. She shares her thoughts on this international story. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT PAVE: https://www.shatteringthesilence.org/
31:40 | With Earth Day approaching (April 22), our Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber features movers, shakers, and difference makers in sustainability: Athabasca U researcher Dr. Gina Martin, Canopy founder Nicole Rycroft, and Emissions Reduction Alberta CEO Justin Riemer. Don't miss this ultimately encouraging conversation about packaging, deforestation, industry emissions, fast fashion, and the impact of climate change on youth mental health.
DR. MARTIN'S RESEARCH ON MENTAL HEALTH: https://youtu.be/NY2FupedpGQCANOPY'S AUDACIOUS PLAN: https://canopyplanet.org/EMISSIONS REDUCTION AB: https://eralberta.ca/
CHECK OUT URBAN TIMBER'S BOXCAR COLLECTION: https://www.urbantimber.ca/
1:16:02 | Michael's choked about our conversation this week about hydrogen, and Avery's antagonized by our 4/20 episode. Both Real Talkers sound off in a "clap back" edition of Trash Talk presented by 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.

4/20: Real Talk About Cannabis

Happy 4/20! Whether you celebrate the annual "Weed Day" or not, you're guaranteed to learn something in this special episode of Real Talk. 
5:30 | Chances are somebody you know is using  CBD for something. The market's flooded with oils, extracts, tinctures, lotions and potions promising some sort of health benefit. But what does the evidence say? Does CBD actually have healing powers? Health myth buster Tim Caulfield kicks off our 4/20 episode with a fact check. 
HERE'S MORE ON TIM: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/authors/255688/timothy-caulfield
45:45 | For years, she's been one of Canada's most well-known cannabis activists. So, why is 4/20 "bittersweet" for Jodie Giesz-Ramsay (aka Jodie Emery)? Don't miss this informative, insightful take on the pros and cons of cannabis legalization from somebody who sees it from a bunch of different angles. 
FOLLOW JODIE ON IG: https://www.instagram.com/jodieemery/
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.

Political Enemies & Drinking Buddies

Is it even possible to succeed in politics without being nasty? Thomas Lukaszuk and Brian Mason locked horns at the Alberta Legislature for years. In one well-publicized exchange, after Mason described the PC deputy premier as a "decorative hood ornament" in Premier Alison Redford's government, Lukaszuk suggested the NDP leader was more like the "Legislature's tail pipe". Despite significant ideological differences, the two always shared a friendship outside the political arena. Is such a relationship even realistic anymore? 
4:20 | Lukaszuk and Mason reunite on Real Talk to discuss the past, present, and future of Alberta politics. We cover the evolution of Alberta's Conservative and New Democratic parties, and some of the stories making headlines less than six weeks out from the election. 
44:25 | Is there a cooler way to explore Jasper National Park than on a Harley Davidson? We don't think so! This week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper shines the spotlight on Jasper Motorcycle Tours, where there's a fit for every visitor regardless of age, ability, and experience! 
BOOK YOUR JASPER MOTORCYCLE TOUR: https://jaspermotorcycletours.com/
47:15 | Did the United Conservative Party get a fair shake from Thomas and Brian? Adam Sweet, founding VP of Policy and Bylaw for the UCP, joins Ryan in studio to debrief after our opening interview. Adam's with Clean Prosperity now - he explains how a new incentive in the federal budget could mean billions of dollars and thousands of jobs for Alberta. If you're eager to learn more about the "clean energy arms race" and the future of hydrogen on the prairies, don't miss this one! 
CHECK OUT CLEAN PROSPERITY: https://cleanprosperity.ca/posts/
1:21:25 | Ryan follows up on our conversation with Globe and Mail journalist Vanmala Subramaniam re: a huge public sector strike...but not before Johnny gets something off his chest! 
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.

The Future of Work

150,000 public servants say they'll strike if they don't have a deal with the feds by tonight. The negotiations are highlighting what employees in Canada have come to expect: raises equal to (skyrocketing) inflation and flexible work from home policies. How much of an impact will an eventual agreement between PSAC and Ottawa have on other workplaces across the country? 
6:50 | Vanmala Subramaniam is the Future of Work reporter for The Globe and Mail. She tells us what led to what could be the largest strike in Canadian history, and what it means for Canadians filing taxes or applying for passports. Plus, what's the number one storyline Vanmala's keeping an eye on, trend-wise? She tells us! 
CHECK OUT VANMALA'S STORY IN THE GLOBE: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-more-than-150000-federal-public-servants-could-go-on-strike-by/
33:25 | Angie Mellen was diagnosed with an eating disorder at sixteen years old. Her personal journey includes attempts on her life, including one not too long ago. She joins Ryan in studio for Real Talk about disordered eating, manipulative marketing, and what needs to change in the fitness industry. 
EATING DISORDERS IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/online-eating-disorders-in-the-fitness-industry-tickets-538008898097
51:30 | Not everybody agrees with Ryan's take on the #DefundTheCBC movement. He gets into some of the "less gracious" replies to his take on yesterday's show. 
RYAN AND CHARLES ADLER ON "DEFUNDING THE CBC": https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=271&v=rGhaWNuWVno&feature=youtu.be
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.

Defund the CBC?

Pierre Poilievre is promising to "defund the CBC" if his Conservative party forms government. The Opposition leader is emboldened after his campaign to have the national broadcaster's Twitter account labelled as "government funded media". This is a popular refrain for populist conservative leaders...but what might the actual consequences look like? 
4:30 | "Pierre Poilievre is like that one kid in high school..." Emmy Award-winning talk host Charles Adler has lots to say about the CPC leader's promise to defund the CBC. None of it is flattering. 
27:00 | Looking to win your playoff pool? We've got NHL.com contributor Derek Van Diest in studio with his picks for who'll emerge from the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. 
54:30 | Is there anything better than dogs FaceTiming? (The answer is no.) You're guaranteed to smile at this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy! 
FREE SOLAR QUOTE: 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.

A Trash Talk Trio

A trio of banger emails this week as Marilyn wonders who's on the health care chopping block, Donna's choked at Danielle Smith, Thom's predicting a "proper shitfit," and Alison's dedicating her vote to a specific Real Talk guest. Meet the headliners of this week's Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services!
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Is Alberta Oil Ethical?

What does the future of Canada's energy industry look like? Max Fawcett tees up the good, bad, and ugly of Alberta oil and gas, then Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot and Janetta McKenzie debate whether or not Alberta oil is "ethical" in this Canadian energy super episode of Real Talk!
4:00 | We heard from a TON of you after Ryan's interview with longtime opinion columnist Licia Corbella on April 12. That included a twitter thread from Max Fawcett. The lead columnist for Canada's National Observer kicks off this episode with a few fact checks, and his own opinions on what issues will shape Alberta's upcoming election.
CHECK OUT MAX'S TWITTER THREAD: https://twitter.com/maxfawcett/status/1646537476641800193?s=20READ MAX'S COLUMN ON HOUSING PRICES: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/04/13/opinion/we-are-all-blame-canada-brutal-housing-market
29:28 | Is Alberta oil ethical? Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot and Janetta McKenzie debate yes and no respectively in this week's edition of the Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber. We hit the question from a bunch of different angles (including "Does it even matter?") with the Alberta Views contributors.
CHECK OUT THE APRIL ISSUE OF ALBERTA VIEWS: https://albertaviews.ca/Use the promo code AVRJ to save 50% off a one year subscription of Alberta Views!
1:01:13 | Marilyn wonders who's on the health care chopping block, Donna's choked at Danielle Smith, Thom's predicting a "proper shitfit," and Alison's dedicating her vote to a specific Real Talk guest. Meet the headliners of this week's Trash Talk presented by 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/@realtalkrjPATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersenTHANK 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.