Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Wheelie Peeps!

What would you do if you were suddenly paralyzed? How would you adjust to life on wheels? PUSH is a new CBC series starring Edmonton's "Wheelie Peeps". Two stars of the show - Bean Gill and "former bad boy" Brian McPherson - join Ryan in studio for a hilarious and enlightening interview. But first...
1:42 | Could Athabasca U help solve Canada's healthcare crisis? Newly-minted president Dr. Alex Clark identifies some of the main issues that need to be fixed, and explains how AU grads can make it happen. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY: https://www.athabascau.ca/
19:50 | Bean Gill and Brian McPherson aren't your average humans. It's impossible to hear them speak without being inspired. The dynamic duo tell us how they got involved in the new show PUSH, and what they hope Canadians learn about life with a disability. 
CHECK OUT PUSH: https://www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/program/push
57:00 | It's DUMPING snow at Marmot Basin! We feature our favourite ski resort in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.
PLAN YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
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.

Do You Drink Too Much?

How's your relationship with alcohol? Are you a social or a solo drinker? Is there a difference between a "heavy drinker" and an alcoholic? Are you willing to talk about it? We grapple with sensitive subject matter on this episode of Real Talk. But first...
1:33 | How do you feel about Jully Black's rendition of O Canada at the NBA All-Star Game? Replacing "home and native land" with "home on native land," the celebrated R&B singer prompted a nation-wide conversation about our national anthem. How do her custom lyrics compare to what the Canadian Tenors performed at the MLB All-Star Game in 2016? Ryan and Johnny discuss.
HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR UNSCIENTIFIC, UNOFFICIAL TWITTER POLL: https://twitter.com/ryanjespersen/status/1628055789037588482
9:05 | Like many people, Justin Bourne spent years wondering if he was an alcoholic. Four years ago, he downed his last drink. The former pro hockey player and current Sportsnet analyst tells us what led to that point, and why he decided to tell all in his new book, "Down and Back". Don't miss his insight into feeding the wolf...it's bound to make you think! 
40:30 | Our feature interview on alcoholism started with an email from Real Talker Jamie. Ryan reads her message before he and Johnny share a few thoughts of their own.
FEEL LIKE SHARING? talk@ryanjespersen.com 
49:45 | Talk about a fall from grace. Former Olympic hero Jamie Sale called for the "public execution" of several public figures including PM Justin Trudeau and President Joe Biden over the weekend. How is the average Canadian supposed to wrap their mind around her downward spiral? 
59:00 | It's not all bad news out there! This week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy celebrates three amazing stories from the animal world. Good things are happening all around us...we need only pay attention! 
GET YOUR 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.

Trash Talk - 15 Minute City Conspiracy!

Nellie the teacher is navigating a "massive political shit storm," and Marty's had enough of the paranoia around "15 minute cities". Their rants are front and centre in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Battleground Calgary

The 2023 Alberta provincial election will be won (or lost) in Calgary. Jeremy Klaszus (0:55) has his finger on that city's pulse, as editor-in-chief of The Sprawl. He digs into what'll matter to voters in May, whether or not Calgary has an insecurity issue, the slow wither of the Calgary Herald, and the likelihood of a new arena anytime soon.
SUPPORT THE SPRAWL: https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/
32:54 | Nobody does Casual Friday quite like Donovan Workun, Mark Meer, and Chris Borger. Leaping out of the gates with dog shit jokes, the trio behind March Improv Madness sets the tone early in our Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber!
GET YOUR TICKETS TO MARCH IMPROV MADNESS: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/all/?tags=marchimprovmadness
WATCH GORDON: A BATMAN FAN FILM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=E6TuT3doLYQ
CHECK OUT URBAN TIMBER'S MANTLES & CEILING BEAMS: https://www.urbantimber.ca/
1:02:20 | Nellie the teacher is navigating a "massive political shit storm," and Marty's had enough of the paranoia around "15 minute cities". Their rants are front and centre in this week's 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.

How To Win Alberta

7:44 | Alberta may still be a few months away from an election, but that doesn't mean politics aren't front of mind. Renowned strategist David Herle tells us what both Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley need to do to win. Before David joins us, Ryan reads Real Talker Andrew's response to Max Fawcett and Evan Scrimshaw's takes on yesterday's episode.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
14:07 | David Herle's quarterbacked federal and provincial campaigns for decades. Contrary to what we heard on Wednesday, he says the NDP still has a path to victory in May. Herle lays out the path to victory for both of Alberta's mainstream parties. Plus, did John Tory have to resign as Toronto's mayor? And how bad is this "stag and doe" scandal for Ontario Premier Doug Ford? 
SUBSCRIBE TO THE HERLE BURLY: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-herle-burly/id1280218816
38:04 | Parents: how did you navigate the loss of innocence around the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the like? Columnist (and mom) Shelley Cook tells us how she handled a tough question from her seven year old the other day, and why she thinks honesty is the best policy. Shelley also explains how the Winnipeg Free Press is amplifying the voices of the diverse people and communities in Manitoba through journalism.
LEARN MORE ABOUT READER BRIDGE: https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/reader-bridge
NOTE: If you're here looking for Phoenix Open streaker Mac Savage, long story short: he no-showed! 
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.

Has Rachel Notley Already Lost the Election?

Premier Smith hasn't even called the election yet...but at least a couple political commentators believe it may already be too late for Rachel Notley's NDP to win. Max Fawcett and Evan Scrimshaw explain what they think Notley needs to do to win in May.
But first...a whole bunch of you had a lot to say about our episode with Brett Kissel. Ryan recaps what happened in studio and after the interview (0:00), and reads a couple powerful emails from Real Talkers Gillian and Catherine.
13:00 | Have you ordered your Real Talk Cask #2 Maple Bourbon yet? It'll sell out soon. Don't miss your chance to sample a bottle that's sure to impress any bourbon fan! 
ORDER REAL TALK CASK #2: https://www.whiskydrop.ca/products/real-talk-cask-2-broken-barrel?_pos=1&_sid=0c7b2733d&_ss=r
14:13 | "The NDP has at best 3.5 months to get their heads out of their asses and get into the game. Every minute they waste is a minute that makes Danielle Smith more likely to win a full term." That's political writer Evan Scrimshaw, who (agree or disagree with him) makes a compelling case in his Real Talk debut.
CHECK OUT SCRIMSHAW UNSCRIPTED: https://scrimshawunscripted.substack.com/
35:27 | "Rachel Notley needs to hit the panic button." So says Max Fawcett, lead columnist for Canada's National Observer. Max and Ryan talk polling, campaigning in Edmonton v. Calgary, RStar, Just Transition, and more.
READ MAX'S PIECE: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/02/11/opinion/rachel-notley-needs-hit-panic-buttonSUBSCRIBE TO THE MAXED OUT PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/maxed-out/id1654545187
1:13:14 | Drop everything and watch the newest instalment of Tourism Jasper's "Venture Beyond" series. The winter views of Maligne Canyon will take your breath away, and you can't help but adore the featured Darrah family.
HERE'S THE FULL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rGqmsxbdQXoPLAN YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: 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.

Brett Kissel Responds to Backlash

Country music artist Brett Kissel will release four albums this year, titled The Compass Project. One track in particular, "Line in the Sand," has prompted backlash for its pandemic-related lyrics. The three-time Juno Award winner joins Ryan in studio to respond to his critics, and explain his complicated relationship with social media. 
HEAR THE ALBUM FOR YOURSELF: https://brettkissel.com/
36:23 | This week's edition of #TheLeadingEdge turns the spotlight around to celebrate our friends at Leading Edge Physiotherapy. Their commitment to the Zebra Child Protection Centre really is remarkable. In impossibly difficult circumstances, they're providing supports to children, youth, and their families. 
SUPPORT THE ZEBRA CENTRE: https://www.zebracentre.ca/LIFE SHOULDN'T HURT: https://leadingedgephysio.com/
39:00 | Photojournalist Amber Bracken and independent media outlet The Narwhal are suing the RCMP following what they describe as the arbitrary arrest and detention of Bracken while on assignment in 2021. Amber and Narwhal co-founder Emma Gilchrist tell us what led to the lawsuit, and the message they hope to send about journalism in Canada. 
SUPPORT THE NARWHAL: https://thenarwhal.ca/CHECK OUT AMBER'S WORK: https://www.amberbracken.com/
59:20 | Are you a chocoholic? Are you hoping for a big pile of chocolate this Valentine's Day? Athabasca University chemistry professor Dr. Dietmar Kennepohl says there's something about chocolate that sets it apart from all of life's other luxuries. 
READ ABOUT THE CHEMISTRY OF CHOCOLATE: https://news.athabascau.ca/faculty/faculty-of-science-and-technology/understanding-the-passion-and-chemistry-of-chocolate/
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.

How Ice Baths Saved Wes Bauman’s Life

Wes "Ice Weazel" Bauman set two World Records on the roof of an Edmonton fire hall last week: Most Cards Memorized While in an Ice Bath, and Most Rubix Cubes Solved in a 30 Minute Ice Bath. Now that he's thawed out (!), Wes joins Ryan in studio to explain how he does it, and what got him started with cold plunges in the first place. Don't miss the most interesting insights from this fascinating fella, one of five firefighters who camped out on the roof to raise more than $80,000 for Muscular Dystrophy! 
FOLLOW WES ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ice_weazel_wezley/
30:30 | Real Talk producer John Hicks was thiiiiiiis close to winning $20,000 on Sunday. He tells us about the huge parlay he built, and where it fell apart. Plus, Ryan and John review the Super Bowl halftime show everybody's talking about. 
43:10 | Was Chris Stapleton's anthem the best the Super Bowl has ever seen? Charles Adler casts his vote. The Titan of Talk tells us why he's not scared of the spy balloons that keep popping up over North America, and why he thinks Alberta Premier Danielle Smith owes Indigenous communities an apology. 
1:03:45 | Is Mac Savage the Greatest Streaker of All Time? We debate this very important question in a hilarious edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.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.

Trash Talk - Former Oil Patch Worker Tells All!

Larry's sick of sex selling, Patty's got a new definition for MAID, Brad's got his blowtorch ready re: orphan wells, and Marshall's mortified about The Handshake. Presented by our friends at Local Environmental Services, it's a high-octane edition of Trash Talk! 
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

Black History Month: Storytellers

Black creators have been underrepresented in the arts throughout history. Filmmaker Nauzanin Knight and author/actor Jesse Lipscombe tell us how they're changing that. But first...we talk handshakes and healthcare with Eric Denhoff.
1:50 | Did Premier Danielle Smith intentionally snub the Prime Minister this week? Eric Denhoff's seen it all as a former chief federal negotiator, and longtime deputy minister in BC and Alberta. He tells us what he makes of The Handshake, and how it landed in different ways across the country. Plus, will $46B from the feds fix healthcare? Eric brings the Real Talk.
36:20 | Nauzanin Knight and Jesse Lipscombe didn't see themselves represented in film, television, or books growing up. The filmmakers and creators form our Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber, in celebration of Black History Month. They didn't know each other before their paths crossed on Real Talk. The bond created over a half hour is truly something to see! 
CHECK OUT NAUZANIN'S WORK: https://www.1844studios.com/ORDER JESSE'S NEW BOOK: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000283142673/Jesse-Lipscombe-JarsCHECK OUT JESSE'S "NOT THAT FUNNY" GAME: https://notthatfunny.store/
1:10:45 | We had SO much fun at last night's Real Talk Bourbon launch! Thanks to all the Real Talk Patreon supporters that joined us at Whisky Drop for an exclusive sit-down tasting. Ryan shows off a few photos from the big night.
ORDER YOUR BOTTLE, DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR: https://www.whiskydrop.ca/products/real-talk-cask-2-broken-barrel?_pos=1&_sid=2ed7b7297&_ss=r
1:12:40 | Larry's sick of sex selling, Patty's got a new definition for MAID, Brad's got his blowtorch ready re: orphan wells, and Marshall's mortified about The Handshake. Presented by our friends at Local Environmental Services, it's a high-octane edition of Trash Talk! 
KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.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