Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

July 7, 2022 - Patrick Brown; Dr. Duane Bratt

9:41 | Patrick Brown's fighting to keep his spot in the Conservative Party of Canada leadership race. As Brown's lawyers appeal his disqualification, the Brampton mayor tells Ryan why he knows "for a fact" the Pierre Poilievre campaign is involved, and how far he's willing to go. Brown also comments on a letter from five Brampton councillors urging him not to seek re-election. 
38:53 | Boris Johnson is out as British Prime Minister. Political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt lays out the factors that forced BoJo's resignation, and what it means for the UK. Dr. Bratt also touches on Patrick Brown's CPC leadership disqualification, the United Conservative Party leadership race in Alberta, and the "cowboy cosplay" element of the Calgary Stampede.
1:20:16 | Real Talk fan Jenny says "restricting access to reproductive care infringes on Jews' religious freedom". Ryan reads her email to talk@ryanjespersen.com. 
SEND YOUR THOUGHTS TO THE SHOW, AND YOU COULD WIN AN OFFICIAL REAL TALK STUDIO MUG IF YOUR MESSAGE IS SELECTED AS THE REAL TALK EMAIL OF THE MONTH!

July 6, 2022 - Overhauling the RCMP; Intercepting Online Predators; Women in Politics & Glass Cliffs

4:08 | Is it time to overhaul the RCMP? In April of 2020, Twenty-two people were killed when a gunman driving a replica police cruiser rampaged through several Nova Scotia communities. The subsequent public inquiry shone a light on communication failures, organizational breakdowns, and alleged political interference. Dr. Eli Sopow has twenty years of experience examining the inner workings of Canada's national police force. He says significant change is much needed and long-overdue. 
READ DR. SOPOW'S PIECE ON RESTRUCTURING THE RCMP: https://theconversation.com/alleged-political-interference-in-the-n-s-mass-shootings-means-the-rcmp-must-be-restructured-185674
21:27 | Ryan touches on overnight developments, as Patrick Brown is disqualified from the Conservative Party of Canada's leadership race.
29:29 | Do you know who your kids are talking to online? Anna Savage and her husband didn't, until parental "spidey senses" kicked in, prompting a review of their teenage daughter's Instagram messages. What happened next is chilling. Don't miss this interview, a follow up to our conversation with RCMP Sgt. Kerry Shima on July 4.
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 
52:15 | Are women in politics and other leadership positions set up to fail? Political science professor Dr. Lisa Young talks about the "glass cliff," including how to identify and avoid it. Dr. Young also touches on Patrick Brown's leadership disqualification, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson's early tenure, and AFN National Chief Roseanne Archibald's suspension.
READ DR. YOUNG'S "GLASS CLIFF" PIECE: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/opinion-ucp-women-leadership-glass-cliff-1.6496317
1:20:59 | Does the epidemic of mass shootings in the United States impact your desire to live, or even visit, south of the border? Ryan and John review Twitter feedback from Real Talkers following the July 4th parade attacks in Highland Park, IL.
1:28:31 | "Whatever you do, don't come to Jasper!" That's the warning being hilariously spread by the Danish duo behind Jasper's newest theatre experience. Learn about "From Jasper, With Love" in this week's edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.
CHECK OUT THE VENTURE BEYOND SERIES: https://www.jasper.travel/discover-jasper/venture-beyond-series/
BOOK YOUR TRIP TO JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/realtalk/

July 5, 2022 - Abortion Access in Canada; Taxes, Inflation, and Cost of Living: Dr. Gillian Petit

8:58 | Another mass shooting in the US, this time at a July 4th parade in Highland Park, Illinois. Ryan and John start the show talking about whether or not they'd be able to raise a family in the States. 
20:52 | The US Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade is having an impact around the world. Joyce Arthur of the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada outlines conversations happening around women's health in Canada, and the political lobbying her group is focusing on. 
CHECK OUT ARCC: https://www.arcc-cdac.ca/
48:15 | Canadians are paying more for goods and services now than they have in decades. With inflation skyrocketing, household budgets are tighter than usual. University of Calgary economist Dr. Gillian Petit rolls out new research suggesting it's time for Alberta's government to "re-index" income tax. 
CHECK OUT THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY: https://www.policyschool.ca/
1:07:20 | The Breast Friends Edmonton Dragon Boat Racing Team is on The Leading Edge this week! The team's made up of breast cancer survivors proving life can be full, vigorous, and joyful after diagnosis and treatment. 
CHECK OUT BREAST FRIENDS: http://www.breastfriendsedmonton.org/
CHECK OUT LEADING EDGE PHYSIOTHERAPY: https://leadingedgephysio.com/

July 4, 2022 - Internet Child Exploitation: How To Protect Your Kids; Charles Adler

A 13-year-old Edmonton girl is back with her family after she was allegedly abducted by a 41-year-old man. On this episode of Real Talk: how to spot the signs of attempted child luring online, and prevent it from happening in your own home. 
0:15 | Ryan and John catch up after a COVID-related week away from the studio. 
6:25 | Emmy Award-winning talk host Charles Adler joins in his regular Monday spot to review the news of the past few days, including an "unconventional" video posted by Conservative leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre. Will the messaging aimed at "old stock Canadians" resonate with the general population? Charles also chimes in on Alberta politician Brian Jean's assertion that "vaccines killed people," and recent polling showing just 38% of our southern neighbours are "extremely proud" to be American.
35:45 | Do you know who your child is talking to online, or how to spot the signs of attempted child luring? The recent abduction (and recovery) of an Edmonton teen found in Portland, Oregon prompted us to reach out to Sgt. Kerry Shima. You won't want to miss his assessment of today's digital landscape, including how parents can protect their household from predators. 
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALERT'S ICE UNIT: https://alert-ab.ca/about-alert/teams/internet-child-exploitation-ice/
CHECK OUT PROJECT ARACHNID: https://www.projectarachnid.ca/en/
1:25:08 | In this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy, we recap our inaugural Real Talk Golf Classic including photos of the event and total funds raised for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. A huge thank you to the golfers, sponsors, and volunteers that made our first-ever tournament a smashing success! 
APPLY FOR THE REAL TALK JULIE ROHR SCHOLARSHIP: https://ryanjespersen.com/scholarship
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/

Trash Talk - June 23, 2022

Real Talk is off Friday morning, so it's a rare Thursday edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental! Ryan dedicates the entire segment to Lonnie's rant about "pay to play" democracy.

June 23, 2022 - UCP Leadership Candidate Rebecca Schulz

Rebecca Schulz wants to be Alberta's next Premier. The former Minister of Children's Services, who resigned this week to enter the UCP leadership race, makes her Real Talk debut to talk about what government would look like under her leadership. 
4:39 | Ryan and John feel the pain of motorsport enthusiasts who watched dozens of dirtbikes and scooters crushed under a bulldozer in NYC. Why does New York's Mayor think such a display of destruction is important? Hear what Eric Adams says, then let us know what you think to talk@ryanjespersen.com! 
18:23 | Rebecca Schulz, MLA from Calgary-Shaw, joins Ryan to talk about her UCP leadership campaign. The conversation touches on the alleged "Old Boys Club" at the Alberta Legislature, culture concerns within Jason Kenney's government, Alberta warring with Ottawa, the potential of a female leader for the party, and the future of AISH, Supervised Consumption Services, the draft curriculum, and a provincial police force. 
42:12 | Ryan and Johnny debrief after the Schulz interview, and touch on Charles Adler's Twitter grenade tossed toward his former colleague Danielle Smith.
50:35 | Real Talk is off Friday morning, so it's a rare Thursday edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental! Ryan dedicates the entire segment to Lonnie's rant about "pay to play" democracy.
Thanks in advance to everybody joining us at The Ranch Golf & Country Club for today's inaugural Real Talk Golf Classic! We're so proud to be raising funds for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship: https://www.ecfoundation.org/funds/the-real-talk-julie-rohr-scholarship-fund/

June 22, 2022 - Canada’s Political Future: Philippe Fournier; Elder Irene Morin & Jeffrey Sundquist

7:48 | Quebec and Alberta: it's complicated. Philippe Fournier, the pundit and poll analyst behind 338Canada, shares his insights into "sovereignty" discussions in both Canadian provinces. Philippe speculates on the future of Quebec Premier Francois Legault, Alberta's United Conservative Party (and Rachel Notley's NDP), the Conservative Party of Canada, and PM Justin Trudeau's Liberal government. 
CHECK OUT 338CANADA: https://338canada.com/
38:22 | We continue our discussion on Indigenous and non-Indigenous business partnerships, on the heels of our June 21 interview with Indigenous Tourism Alberta CEO Shae Bird. Enoch Cree Nation Elder Irene Morin and Edmonton Chamber CEO Jeffrey Sundquist join to talk about Elder Morin's new role as the Chamber's Elder in Residence, and what economic recovery looks like through a Reconciliation lens. 
57:02 | We love when past guests and Real Talk audience members keep us posted on their adventures! Ryan highlights a special family experience from last night's NHL Awards shared by June 9 guest Kelsie Snow, and an update from Aleppo, Syria from March 31 guest Raija-Liisa Schmidt-Teigen. 
1:00:10 | Through human history, countless people have tapped into the healing powers of the mountains. In this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper, we learn how living in Jasper helps Stephanie Sophocleous manage a serious health challenge. 
SEE STEPH'S FULL STORY: https://www.jasper.travel/discover-jasper/venture-beyond-series/
CHECK OUT "SYMPHONY UNDER THE SUN" ON JUNE 28: https://www.jasper.travel/realtalk/

June 21, 2022 - Nat’l Indigenous Peoples Day: Shae Bird, Chevi Rabbit, Katherine Swampy, Sage Morin

It's National Indigenous Peoples Day! On today's show, we celebrate Indigenous people making big impacts in their communities and beyond. 
9:05 | Shae Bird is CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta. He explains what "Indigenous tourism" is, and what international travellers to Canada are looking for. Shae talks about balancing economic opportunities with cultural sensitivities, and how investment in Indigenous tourism fits into the Reconciliation model.
CHECK OUT INDIGENOUS TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES IN ALBERTA: https://indigenoustourismalberta.ca/
38:20 | Human rights activist Chevi Rabbit checks in ahead of a traditional Cree Sundance to talk about her community advocacy. Chevi shares what prompted her to start the "Hate to Hope" campaign, and how Pride Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day intersect in her world. Don't miss the cameo from Samson Cree Nation Councillor Katherine Swampy! 
52:08 | Sage Morin's life was turned upside down when her son Geo was killed in 2013. The years following have been tumultuous, to say the least. Today, she celebrates 19 months sober, and a new career in professional wrestling as "The Matriarch". Sage shares how reconnecting with her Indigenous culture got her to where she is now. 
WATCH "THE MATRIARCH" WRESTLE ON JULY 2: https://business.facebook.com/MonsterProWrestling/
1:07:35 | On The Leading Edge this week: the Revolve Air Wheelchair. One of TIME's Best Inventions for 2021, this product is literally reinventing the wheel. Check out why its inventor believes the Revolve Air will transform air travel for people who use wheelchairs. 
The Leading Edge is presented by Leading Edge Physiotherapy: Life shouldn't hurt! 
https://leadingedgephysio.com/

June 20, 2022 - Charles Adler; Paleontologist Steve Brusatte

8:41 | Whose side is Charles Adler on, anyway? What's he doing talking to people of different political stripes?! The legendary talk host joins Ryan after mixing it up with his critics on Twitter over the weekend. 
39:43 | Steve Brusatte has been fascinated by dinosaurs since he was a little boy. You can imagine how excited he was to sign on as scientific consultant for the new Jurassic World blockbuster! The University of Edinburgh paleontologist joins Ryan live from Scotland to talk about working on the film, and writing his new book The Rise and Reign of the Mammals.
CHECK OUT STEVE'S BOOK: https://www.harpercollins.ca/9780062930170/the-age-of-dinosaurs-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-worlds-most-remarkable-animals/
1:11:00 | Turns out not every Real Talker is comfortable enough to return to indoor entertainment venues like movie theatres. We get into the results of our most recent Get Real: Question of the Week presented by Y Station, and find out which summer movie our audience is most excited to see.
1:14:15 | It's a Stanley Cup Final edition of Positive Reflections, presented by Kuby Energy!
GET YOUR FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kubyenergy.ca/

Trash Talk - June 17, 2022

Buckle up, baby! Time for another edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Waste!