Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

”The Finger”

You know an iconic image the second you see it. Captured by photographer Jason Franson, the shot of a healthcare worker appearing to extend her middle finger to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has everybody talking. Healthcare will be a major theme in campaigns leading up to the election expected on May 29. Will Albertans trust Danielle Smith with one of their most important public services, or will Rachel Notley's NDP convince them otherwise? 
6:10 | The NDP is polling well in Calgary...but does it matter? Basic math suggests the UCP could win big in Alberta's rural ridings and stay in power. Political scientist Dr. Lisa Young gets into pollster Janet Brown's newest numbers, and (more importantly) explains what they mean. 
SUBSCRIBE TO LISA'S SUBSTACK: https://lisayoung.substack.com/
37:20 | Longtime opinion columnist Licia Corbella leaves no doubt around who she'll support this election. The conservative scribe joins Ryan to explain why she thinks some of Danielle Smith's most damaging recent headlines are overblown. (This interview ignited a wildfire under our live audience!)
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:11:37 | Have you ever ballet skied? You don't need any experience to participate in Marmot's Basin Ballet in Jasper this weekend! We feature this super fun throwback sport in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
REGISTER FOR THE BASIN BALLET: https://www.skimarmot.com/mountain/upcoming-events/basin-ballet/
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.

Another Bozo Eruption?

5:13 | "This might be political suicide," said UCP candidate Chelsae Petrovic before suggesting some heart attack victims should take more personal accountability. The mayor of Claresholm and candidate for the riding of Livingstone/Macleod is refusing to apologize for her statement during a podcast interview, suggesting critics are taking her remarks out of context. Charles Adler tells us how he sees the latest "bozo eruption" impacting the election landscape (if at all). Plus, Alberta's Ethics Commissioner confirms she's investigating Premier Danielle Smith's controversial phone call with Artur Pawlowski weeks before he faced charges relating to the Coutts border blockade. Will this story still be a story seven weeks from now, when Albertans go to the polls? 
35:00 | Canada's police chiefs are telling Canadian premiers much of law enforcement's work is "pointless," considering the cushy bail conditions granted to serial offenders. National Post columnist Tristin Hopper's been covering this development, and joins Ryan to talk about it. Also, why aren't more people talking about the Mass Casualty Commission's final report on the Nova Scotia massacre? 
1:01:35 | We LOVE the story Real Talker Lacey shared about a Florida boy who'd been bullied for a homemade t-shirt he made. This week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy highlights an amazing update to a story that started off in a discouraging direction. 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION! talk@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.

I Want To Die Please Fix Me

We're not talking about news, politics, or pop culture this episode. We're talking about suicide. Approximately twelve people die by suicide every day in Canada. Can those deaths be prevented? 
0:01 | Kyle Dubé lost his son Luke to suicide two years ago, at just sixteen years old. The "Relentless" podcast host joins Ryan in studio for a powerful conversation about why suicide is complicated. 
CHECK OUT KYLE'S PODCAST: https://www.youcan.ca/relentless-series/
35:14 | Anna Mehler Paperny has made multiple attempts on her life over the years. The award-winning journalist and author of "Hello I Want To Die Please Fix Me" shares why she decided to write such an intensely personal book, and what she'd say to somebody else in the same situation. 
CHECK OUT ANNA'S BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/551057/hello-i-want-to-die-please-fix-me-by-anna-mehler-paperny/9780735272828
YOU DESERVE TO BE HEARD. TALK SUICIDE IS HERE TO LISTEN: https://talksuicide.ca/
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@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.

Nightmare on Sussex Drive

Dead rodents and asbestos in the walls, fires due to outdated electrical just waiting to happen...the Prime Minister's official residence at 24 Sussex Drive is an absolute mess. Ryan says it's time to take the politics out of this discussion and fix the problem once and for all. 
Lower income-earning Albertans will soon be hit hardest when the government's temporary electricity rate cap expires. Economist Blake Shaffer argues there's a better policy approach to manage rising power costs. Plus, can our grid handle an influx of electric vehicles? Shaffer's been doing a bunch of research - he takes us into it.
CHECK OUT BLAKE'S WORK: https://www.blakeshaffer.ca/
29:20 | What would Chris Selley do if he was making the call on 24 Sussex Drive? The National Post columnist lets us know, and explains how he arrived at that decision. 
44:50 | How much do you know about how insects reproduce? Would you be surprised to learn human survival depends on bugs getting it on? Filmmaker Andrew Gregg takes us into his wild new documentary Bug Sex. (Note: this interview is temporarily interrupted by a storm near Andrew's house. It continues later in the episode.)
WATCH BUG SEX (something we never thought we'd type): https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/bug-sex
There are always a whole bunch of reasons to visit Jasper! This week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper highlights the upcoming Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon and the Jasper Pride & Ski Festival. 
REGISTER TO RUN: http://jaspercanadianrockieshalf.ca/REGISTER TO PARTY: https://jasperpride.ca/
Ryan touches on a couple stories on our radar: Donald Trump's day in court, and Galen Weston's big raise. 
Real Talker "Angry Adam" chimes in on Tik Tok - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ryan reads his email to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
FOLLOW @REALTALKRJ ON TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj  
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.

Trump Arraignment Day

It's the biggest news story in the world...or, at least it's being treated that way. Donald Trump, the first current or former president in American history to face criminal charges, appears in a NYC court for arraignment. Already, massive crowds of supporters and opponents are clashing. What's at stake? What does this mean for Trump's personal and political future, and potential unrest in the US? Don't miss our conversations with one of the "superstar brothers of #Resistance Twitter" Brian Krassenstein and talk radio legend Charles Adler.
3:54 | Alberta premier Danielle Smith says if the CBC doesn't retract and apologize for its reporting on her conversation with controversial street preacher Artur Pawlowski, she'll sue. What impact will Smith's dust-up with the national broadcaster, and her relationship with Pawlowski, have on the upcoming provincial election? Ryan tees it up. 
6:40 | Real Talker Russ says there's more to the Smith/Pawlowski story than what mainstream media's focusing on. Ryan reads Russ' email to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
12:33 | Brian Krassenstein and his twin brother Ed made a big name for themselves as thorns in Donald Trump's side for many years. The founders of hillreporter.com "uncovered multiple plots by right wing Americans to damage the credibility of those working for truth and order," including a 2018 plot to smear former FBI director Robert Mueller with false rape allegations. Brian joins Ryan for an early look at the Trump arraignment story. 
CHECK OUT KRASSENSTEIN'S DEMOCRATIC INFORMER: https://krassenstein.news/
37:48 | Charles Adler applies his classic Canadian common sense to the Trump story, then gets closer to home with the Smith/Pawlowski situation. What's the likely outcome of Smith's threat to sue the CBC? Watch or listen to find out! 
1:00:00 | The second we received Real Talker Garth's email, we knew it was a perfect fit for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. You have to hear how Garth's paying it forward after realizing the big benefits of listening to Real Talk. We LOVE it, Garth! 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
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.

The NHL’s Pride Problem

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/

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! 
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.

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.