Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Who can even afford to live anymore? Groceries are up. Utilities are up. Insurance is up. Mortgages are up. Rents are up. Tuition's up. What's NOT up? Disposable incomes. This episode of Real Talk is dedicated to finding solutions for Canadians just barely getting by. 
3:00 | Yasmin Abraham, Cherise Burda, and Dr. Brendan Haley are taking action on affordability. The members of the IRPP's new Affordability Action Council talk solutions on our Real Talk Round Table. 
LEARN MORE: https://irpp.org/affordability/
1:11:15 | Our November 16 conversation about anti-Semitism with Tasha Kheiriddin resonated with Real Talker Charlie. 
1:13:50 | Real Talker Mitzi isn't sure about Manslaughter charges for Matt Petgrave, but she says something needs to be done in the wake of Adam Johnson's tragic death. 
1:22:20 | Shots fired! Lance from The Pas has thoughts on the APP, Gerald's not sold on private healthcare, Kyle wants hands off his TFSAs, and Judy just wants a wave! Real Talkers are all fired up for this week's Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 
VISIT THE DAIRY QUEENS IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, & BASELINE ROAD...tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 
BUST OUT YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

There's no "quick fix" for the issues leading the headlines. Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia is on the rise, news outlets are dying on the vine, and politics are infiltrating your pension plan. Senator Paula Simons and Tasha Kheiriddin share potential solutions in this thought-provoking episode of Real Talk. 
3:00 | Senator Paula Simons explains why the Liberals' Online News Act is such a disaster, why an Alberta Pension Plan might be an even bigger disaster, what she makes of rampant anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Canada, and her annual Yegquest initiative. 
READ PAULA'S PENSION COLUMN: https://albertaviews.ca/pension-folly/
PARTICIPATE IN YEGQUEST: https://www.instagram.com/hendayyegchick/
45:00 | Real Talker Rob is riled up over Alberta's threat to pull out of the Canada Pension Plan. 
EMAIL US: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
48:30 | Real Talker Robb has a theory around the UCP's changes to Alberta Health Services.
51:35 | Ryan touches on the Red Deer Catholic School Board turfing controversial (former) trustee Monique LaGrange. 
55:45 | We love hearing from our haters! Ryan and Johnny have some fun with a message from Don after our November 15 chat with Toronto Star columnist Bruce Arthur. 
59:25 | Political analyst, author, and lawyer Tasha Kheiriddin says Gen Z has "nothing to remember" about the Holocaust. We talk about the rise of anti-Semitism in Canada, and the international community's role in pursuing peace in the Middle East. 
READ TASHA'S OP/ED: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/we-said-wed-never-forget-the-holocaust-but-gen-z-has-nothing-to-remember
1:21:05 | Real Talker Crystal says she's never been more scared to be Jewish. 
1:26:50 | Ryan responds to criticism around Real Talk's coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

It's a horrific story: hockey player Adam Johnson dies after an opposing player's skate slashes his neck. Two weeks after the tragedy, British police arrest a man on suspicion of manslaughter. The hockey world (and society at large) is split: was a crime committed on the ice that night? 
2:45 | Toronto Star columnist Bruce Arthur tells us why he doesn't think Matt Petgrave should face charges in Adam Johnson's death. Plus, we get into Bruce's column on how the internet (and social media) is making the Israel-Hamas war even worse. 
READ BRUCE IN THE STAR: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/what-will-help-ease-the-latest-mideast-crisis-well-it-won-t-be-the-internet/article_39c7beba-7f29-5cb5-9df1-4b0fe313fb16.html
1:09:00 | Marmot Basin opens tomorrow! Learn more about the new Knob Quad and family-friendly details (including discounts and child care) in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 
CHECK OUT LIVE WEB CAMS AT MARMOT BASIN: https://www.skimarmot.com/
1:12:10 | Real Talker Michael says we need to "do better" in covering the Israel-Hamas war. Ryan reads Michael's email to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
1:23:20 | Real Talker Karen tells a first-hand story about her support of the Juno Beach Centre. 
SUPPORT THE FLAG SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM: https://www.junobeach.org/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

This episode of Real Talk includes updates on two people we've featured in past. One international, one closer to home - both are tough pills to swallow, but are important stories to be told.
3:20 | Ryan opens the Charles Adler interview with an update on Vivian Silver, who was believed to be taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Later, Charles tells us why he was so put off by Piers Morgan's interview with Jeremy Corbyn about the terrorist group. Before signing off, Adler explains why he was so impacted by recent ageism aimed at the Princess of Wales.
20:50 | Real Talker Chris wonders what "old school Conservatives" were *actually* like. Ryan reads his email to Charles, who answers without hesitation.  
48:00 | At just 35 years of age, family physician (and Real Talker) Dr. Bradley Martin is walking away from his rural clinic. He tells us why he made the difficult decision, what might have changed his mind, and what he thinks of the UCP's overhaul of Alberta Health Services. 
1:30:00 | We feature the wonderful story of Annie the dog, shared by Real Talker Brayden from Coquitlam, in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 
SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

Calgary Chris is convinced privatized healthcare is coming to Alberta, Lisa is dead set against an APP, and Darrell's wondering where all the poppies are. We fire up The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com

Remembrance Day has evolved over the years. Canada's role in international peacekeeping missions, along with Afghanistan, Kosovo, Latvia, and other parts of the world has reminded a new generation of the sacrifices our military members and their families make every day. You'll hear three very different and powerful perspectives during this special episode as Real Talk Remembers.
1:04 | Real Talk is proud to join our presenting sponsor We Know Training in supporting the Juno Beach Centre Association's Flags for Juno 80 effort. Ryan opens the show with details on how you can help honour the sacrifices made by Canadians who contributed to victory in the Second World War. 
DONATE TO THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/
2:55 | Lt. Col. (Ret.) Laurie Hawn, Col. Chris Hunt, and Hon. Col. J'lyn Nye join us for a Remembrance Day edition of the Real Talk Round Table. Don't miss this meaningful conversation about the past, present, and future of Canadians serving at home and around the world. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANADIAN FORCES: https://forces.ca/en/
NO STONE LEFT ALONE: https://www.nostoneleftalone.ca/
MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE: https://cfmws.ca/
LEARN ABOUT RAY GILBERT: https://themilitarymuseums.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=311:w80-ray-gilbert&catid=113:second-world-war
1:12:25 | Calgary Chris is convinced privatized healthcare is coming to Alberta, Lisa is dead set against an APP, and Darrell's wondering where all the poppies are. We fire up The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

It's happening: the Danielle Smith government is completely overhauling Alberta Health Services, starting from the top all the way down. While nobody can claim the current system is working flawlessly, there are a million different concerns around how the changes may affect frontline workers and the millions of patients that rely on the system every year. 
2:28 | Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange takes questions on expert policy consultation, recruiting and retaining healthcare workers, preserving system integration, service delivery beyond acute care, privatization, and political ideology influencing health policy. 
19:17 | Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Paul Parks tells us how Alberta doctors feel about the UCP's plan to overhaul healthcare delivery. 
CHECK OUT THE AMA ONLINE: https://www.albertadoctors.org/
45:27 | Is Alberta's renewables landscape really as "Wild West" as the province would have us believe? Is the moratorium on new wind and solar projects defensible, or is the regulator (AUC) already doing its job? Dr. Ian Urquhart takes us into his Alberta Views feature "Where to Put a Solar Farm". 
REAL TALKERS: KNOCK 50% OFF A ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO ALBERTA VIEWS WITH THE PROMO CODE "AVRJ" -- https://albertaviews.ca/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen 
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

Information leaked to the NDP put Albertans on notice: the province is overhauling Alberta Health Services in dramatic fashion. Hours later, Health Minister Adriana LaGrange confirmed the UCP is replacing executive leadership, redirecting oversight and accountability, and considering foundational changes across the board. 
0:25 | Ryan opens the show with his own thoughts on the UCP plan to blow up and rebuild AHS, and what it means for you.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
UPDATE: Minister LaGrange joins Ryan on Thursday's show. Watch or listen live at 8:30am MT or later on demand. 
16:00 | Filmmaker Nisreen Baker tells us why she made "Arab Women Say What?!," and explains its relevance to the Israel-Hamas war. 
SEE THE FILM ON NOV. 9 IN EDMONTON: https://www.metrocinema.org/production/arab-women-say-what/
LEARN MORE: https://www.nfb.ca/film/arab-women-say-what/
41:30 | MLA David Shepherd, Opposition Critic for Health, tells us what troubles him most about the government's plan for AHS. 
1:00:50 | Jasper's Veterans Appreciation Event is underway, with events all the way through 'til November 12. We highlight the many different ways you can thank Canadian veterans in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.
DETAILS & ITINERARY: https://www.jaspervetfest.com/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen 
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

ome voters love the fact there's no political party influence at the municipal level in Alberta. Other voters can't stand it - they'd prefer a bit more predictability. Amid rumblings the Alberta government's considering changing the rules to allow party influence at city halls, we investigate the pros and cons.
3:20 | Pollster Janet Brown and Alberta Municipalities president Tyler Gandam dig into the results of a new survey asking Albertans how they feel about political parties at the municipal level of government. 
DETAILED RESULTS: https://www.abmunis.ca/system/files/2023-09/Political%20Parties%20in%20Alberta%20Municipal%20Elections%20-%20Sep%202023.pdf
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALBERTA MUNICIPALITIES: https://www.abmunis.ca/
52:45 | Ryan and Johnny commiserate over the hapless Edmonton Oilers. 
56:12 | Real Talker "Garth," an immigrant from Jamaica, says he's hesitant to support EDI initiatives at work. Ryan reads his email, then he and Johnny share their own thoughts.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
1:09:40 | Real Talk is proud to support the Flags for Juno 80 initiative through the Juno Beach Centre Association. Ryan explains how you can receive a Canadian flag that flew over the museum in Normandy, complete with a certificate of authenticity. 
DONATE TO THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.

In what's believed to be the largest political convention in Alberta history, nearly 4,000 people gathered in Calgary for the United Conservative Party AGM. By the end of the weekend, the David Parker-led Take Back Alberta had taken control of the UCP board, and the party's most ardent supporters had passed several controversial resolutions. 
3:05 | What does this all mean for Premier Danielle Smith and everyday Albertans? The Discourse co-hosts Erika Barootes and Cheryl Oates approach the story from very different angles.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE DISCOURSE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDiscoursePod
SUBSCRIBE TO THE DISCOURSE ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-discourse/id1713385479?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=podtail_podcasts
20:10 | Charles Adler explains why the UCP AGM was a "Social Conservative orgy," and how he expects federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to respond. 
48:40 | One week into fall session at the Alberta Legislature, what do the UCP government's priorities mean for small and medium-sized businesses? Alberta Chambers CEO Shauna Feth shines a spotlight on Alberta business.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ACC: https://www.abchamber.ca/
1:05:06 | What a survival story! We love this submission from Real Talker "Delaney," featured in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON:  https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen
WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj 
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.