Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Episodes
J.J. McCullough on B.C., Alberta, and Canada’s Future
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How did the media get it so wrong with B.C.'s Conservative leadership race? Does Alberta separation really deserve this much attention? Does Canada's ...
Can Cities Separate from Alberta? (Seriously.)
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If Alberta can talk about leaving Canada, can cities talk about leaving Alberta? That's the question Edmonton councillor Aaron Paquette is putting on ...
Is Ottawa Selling Out Ranchers?
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian ranchers are warning Ottawa not to sacrifice domestic beef producers in ongoing trade talks with Mercosur, the South American bloc including ...
"It's like losing your virginity. No going back!"
30 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Red hot takes on Alberta separation from Jesse, Geoff, Anna Banana, Alberta Maverick, Peaches, Chris, Colin, Alex, AJ, and a heart-wrenching appeal fr...
Senator Charles Adler: Canadian Common Sense™
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Premiers in BC, Manitoba, and Ontario are calling out Alberta's Danielle Smith. The Americans can't believe Canadians aren't buying their booze. And l...
Alberta Voices Urge “Lead Not Leave”
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Prominent Alberta business, political, and community leaders may not agree on everything - but they agree on the most important thing - and that's Alb...
The Right Response to Separation
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It may be too late to stamp out separatist sentiment in Alberta, but we don't have to fan the flames. Guest host Supriya Dwivedi hashes it out with st...
Energy is Canada's Global Superpower: Dr. David Knight Legg
26 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canada is at a "strategic crossroads" as an energy superpower, says Dr. David Knight Legg. The former principal advisor to Premier Jason Kenney argues...
Premiers Clash Over Alberta Separatism
25 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Premiers in B.C. and Ontario are calling out their colleague in Alberta for her "bad behaviour". This, as Western premiers gather in Kananaskis for th...
“Throwing a tantrum” is “fighting for freedom”?
23 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"The hypocrisy would be hilarious if it wasn't so embarrassing." It's an All-Referendum Edition of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers Crystal, Wayne, R...
Smith Calls Referendum on Referendum
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"Referendumb and Referendumber" is how Real Talker "Noob" describes Premier Danielle Smith's plan to ask Albertans whether or not they want to be aske...
UCP Sparks Chaos Over Separation Referendum
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fireworks at the Alberta Legislature as the UCP sends out a press release announcing a committee decision on an independence referendum...before the v...
Arlene Dickinson on Alberta Separation
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Arlene Dickinson is one of Canada's best-known entrepreneurs and investors, widely recognized from her 15-year run on Dragon's Den. Born in South Afri...
How Danielle Smith's Court Appeal Could Kill a New Pipeline
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Could Danielle Smith be the one to kill a new pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast? Max Fawcett says by jumping to appeal a court ruling against a ...
Worker Agenda - May 29th Day of Protest
18 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Worker Agenda, AFL President Gil McGowan and Secretary Treasurer Cori Longo break down the growing momentum behind Alberta’s May ...
"Smith is Fanning the Flames of Separation!"
16 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We've been SLAMMED with emails re: the court ruling against the separatist petition and the Alberta data breach. Real Talkers Reg in Calgary, Dom in C...
Game Changer? Smith and Carney's Carbon Pricing Deal
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This is a really big deal. As we record this episode, Ottawa and Alberta are closing in on an agreement that will see industrial carbon pricing rise m...
Alberta Judge Throws Out Separation Petition
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta judge Shaina Leonard delivers a blow to the separatist movement, ruling petition organizers failed to consult First Nations whose treaty right...
Elbows Up for Climate: Housing for 2050 Not 1950
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canada needs housing for 2050, not 1950. That's the message from more than 300 mayors and councillors with the Elbows Up for Climate coalition. What d...
David Parker Refuses Cease and Desist Demand
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alleged data leaker David Parker is refusing to cooperate with Elections Alberta's investigation into the voter list breach. Furthermore, the Take Bac...
Foreign Interference in Canada // Alberta's EMS Crisis
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The head of CSIS, Canada's intelligence agency, says the upcoming Alberta referendum is "rife for disinformation and foreign interference". Are we equ...
"Is Jason Kenney the Victim or the Instigator?"
09 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers are FIRED UP as separatists exploit election laws to obtain and publicize Alberta’s voters list, exposing the personal information of n...
~600 People Had Unauthorized Access to AB Voter List
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Elections Alberta issues nearly 600 cease and desist letters to individuals who accessed Alberta's electors list without authorization. The fallout is...
Major Crimes Investigator on Alberta Voter Data Leak
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brace yourself. Deputy Chief (Ret'd) Neil LeMay, a longtime RCMP major crimes investigator, shares hard truths (3:00) about the implications of a sepa...
Voter Data Leak Scandal Gets Even Crazier
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Just when you thought the Alberta voter data leak story couldn't get any crazier, we find out the UCP president and a senior staffer are connected to ...
Smith Must End Separation Talk After Data Leak
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A massive data breach exposing the personal information of nearly three million Alberta voters is now fuelling political chaos, finger-pointing, and s...
Albertans Furious as Separatists Leak Voter List
04 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of Albertans have been betrayed by bad actors fighting for separation. A major data breach involving Alberta’s voter registry is raising se...
"Rebrand the Alberta NDP!"
02 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jim's gonna need some time to get over the Oilers' round one loss to Anaheim; Russ is piiiiiiiissed about Alberta separatists releasing confidential v...
Min. Eleanor Olszewski // Mikael Colville-Andersen
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mikael Colville-Andersen has worked in more than 100 cities around the world, "putting the 'f*ck you' back into urbanism". The Fort McMurray-born Cope...
Civil Liberties Lawyer John Carpay // Poll Shows AB NDP in Trouble
30 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Seven years ago, Jespo publicly banned John Carpay from appearing on his terrestrial radio show after the two locked horns over COVID restrictions. Th...
Ottawa’s Big Bet: the Canada Strong Fund
29 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Carney’s Liberals are pouring billions into skilled trades, aiming to train up to 100,000 workers to tackle housing, infrastructure, and major ...
Is Alberta Breaking the Basic Rules of Democracy?
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The health of democracy comes down to three basic questions: Are the rules applied equally? Is government accountable? And is it actually serving the ...
Rachel Gilmore & Supriya Dwivedi on D.C. Shooting, Manitoba Ban
27 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A dramatic security breach at the White House Correspondents' Dinner has people questioning, well, everything. Supriya Dwivedi and Rachel Gilmore get ...
"This is Alberta's 'Let them eat cake' moment!"
25 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"Queen Bee" calls out Jespo's "unbridled enthusiasm" for the Alberta Whisky Act, Laura's sick of "frickin' morons" backing Big Coal, Robert brings ant...
Shaun Pinner on Surviving Russian Captivity
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Captured on the front lines of Ukraine and held for months as a prisoner of war, Shaun Pinner gives us his firsthand account of survival under extreme...
Is Reconciliation Losing Popularity in B.C.?
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
David Eby’s government sold DRIPA as a historic step toward reconciliation, but as implementation begins, the cracks are starting to show. Meantime,...
"Forever Canadian" Founder Slams UCP
22 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Forever Canadian founder and former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk says the UCP's democratic process around his referendum question is "a sham". He ex...
Why MP Billy Morin's Not Crossing the Floor // The Strategists
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Billy Morin's not going anywhere. In an exclusive interview, the Conservative MP tells us how he was recruited by the Liberals, whether or not he plan...
PM Carney: Canada's Bond with America a "Weakness"
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s deep ties to the U.S. are now a liability (and they need fixing) as Donald Trump’s tariffs keep workers i...
"If you have to redraw the map to stay in power..."
18 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers KP, Chris, and Brenda are fired up over UCP gerrymandering allegations; Nathan's taking back a couple flags; and Roger calls Jespo to the...
Mayors Round Table: Jeromy Farkas & Andrew Knack
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We didn't see the "Daddy Carney" comments coming, but you never know what you're going to get around the Real Talk Round Table. Six months after their...
Alberta Sets Its Own Whisky Standard // Pizza Shop Meltdown
16 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is there any more successful provincial branding campaign in Canadian history than Alberta Beef? Distillers are hoping Alberta Whisky sees the same in...
Remember the Epstein Files? // Floor Crossing Forecaster
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Remember the Epstein files? Those documents tied to one of the most disturbing, high-profile abuse scandals in modern history? The ones that were supp...
Carney Secures Majority: What Changes?
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PM Mark Carney has his majority after the Liberals sweep three by-elections in Ontario and Quebec. What does this mean for the government, Pierre Poil...
Will Mark Carney Get His Majority Today?
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If the Liberals sweep the by-elections in Toronto and Terrebonne, QC - or even go two for three - there'll be no looking back for PM Mark Carney. Then...
"Will private & religious schools remove bias too?"
11 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"Why Knott," Wayne and Greg in Calgary, and Robert react strongly to our April 8 interview with Alberta's Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides; Mic...
Conservative MPs Rattled // Is AB Separation Support Real?
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Close to 40 Conservative MPs fear Pierre Poilievre will cost them their seats, party insiders tell the Toronto Star. What does this mean for Mr. Poili...
MP Marilyn Gladu’s “Stunning” Floor Crossing
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"The Liberal tent is so big you can drive a truck convoy right through it." MP Marilyn Gladu's floor crossing from the Conservatives to the Liberals i...
MP Marilyn Gladu’s “Stunning” Floor Crossing
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
"The Liberal tent is so big you can drive a truck convoy right through it." MP Marilyn Gladu's floor crossing from the Conservatives to the Liberals i...
AB Education Minister // Action Star Dolph Lundgren // Another Floor Crossing
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Is it possible...or smart...to try to remove ideology from schools? What does it even mean? Whose responsibility is it to decide how and what students...
Artemis II: A Turning Point for Humanity
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
You ever notice how “going back to the Moon” somehow sounds kind of...small? Like, we already did it half a century ago. In the era of black-and-w...
Trump Posts Profane Warning to Iran // Hockeyville Controversy
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Yes, it’s real. President Donald Trump is out with a profanity-laced threat toward Iran, setting a firm deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ...
Worker Agenda - Wages
05 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour. Episode 3 of the Worker Agenda looks at WAGES. Omar Mouallem leads a compell...
"Alberta's Ban on Ideology in Schools is Laughable!"
04 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nicolaides and Smith in front of a school or something like that...or you could go with a big ghostbusters thing over a Pride flag or something like t...
Naheed Nenshi // Artemis II // Teacher Perspective on Bias
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Alberta NDP needs to change its name...right? Party leader Naheed Nenshi isn't so sure (3:30), and he explains why in our feature interview presen...
Alberta to Remove “Politics and Ideology” from Schools
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Danielle Smith's government is introducing sweeping new legislation “removing politics and ideology” from Alberta schools. Education Minister Deme...
Carbon Tax Changes // Major Project Deadline Update
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
April 1 is shaping up to be a consequential day for Canada’s energy and economic landscape. Carbon pricing is set to rise for large industrial emitt...
Prairie New Democrats Split over Avi Lewis // Air Canada CEO to Retire
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Avi Lewis will lead Canada's NDP from here. On the heels of the filmmaker's big leadership win, we talk to Supriya Dwivedi (4:15) about immediate push...
"Carney's a self-righteous authoritarian!"
28 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
KP gives PM Mark Carney a failing grade through year one; Meredith, BabyMac, Johanne, and Trucker Mike sound off on MAiD changes in Alberta, Ophelia c...
Strategist Stephen Carter // Kids’ Cancer Care
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Carney Holds Polling Lead over Poilievre // Inter-Provincial Trade Panel
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
PM Mark Carney's Liberals are enjoying a healthy lead in the polls. Can Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives close the 14-point gap? And what about the ND...
Scottish Midwife Facing Deportation from Canada
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Heather Gilchrist spent $60k of her own money moving to Canada and getting certified to work. The 58-year-old came to British Columbia, recently widow...
Oilers Crank Up Ticket Prices // Mark Carney's Report Card
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Edmonton Oilers are the third most profitable sports franchise on the planet. Team owner Daryl Katz is now worth an estimated $7.4 billion. And, a...
Air Canada Crash / Pierre on Rogan / Smith & CSIS
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Two pilots are dead after an Air Canada jet collides with a fire truck on a runway at New York's LaGuardia Airport. Pundits continue to chime in on Pi...
FLAMETHROWER: W. Brett Wilson, Coal, MAiD, & Grapes
21 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Laura, Lisa, KimB, and Jake clap back at W. Brett Wilson. Brian says Take Back Alberta is pulling the strings on MAiD. And Brent has fond memories of ...
Albertans Want Access // Women's Health Equality
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pierre Poilievre appears on Joe Rogan (5:25). Albertans with disabilities demand dignity (16:10). Women continue to be underrepresented in health rese...
Alberta to Impose MAiD Restrictions. Is It the Right Move?
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta’s changing the rules around Medical Assistance in Dying, and it’s sparking a fierce, complex debate. The UCP’s legislation is being supp...
Landowners Lock Out "Deadbeat" Oil Company
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta landowners are drawing a hard line - locking out oil and gas companies that haven’t paid what they owe. It’s a dramatic escalation in a lo...
W. Brett Wilson: Coal, Orphan Wells & AB Separation
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
W. Brett Wilson is one of Canada's most recognizable entrepreneurs. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (3:30), the form...
Does Don Cherry Deserve the Order of Canada?
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Few figures in Canadian broadcasting spark debate like Don Cherry. Now, a push to see the former Coach’s Corner star appointed to the Order of Canad...
"Where's the dignity? War isn't a video game!"
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Felicia is blown away by the White House's AI video portraying the Iran war as a video game, Michael's done with Trump insulting Canadians, Janelle wa...
Why Are Today’s Kids More Anxious and Depressed?
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Young people today are more anxious and depressed - and less resilient - than generations past. Why? Is it social media? Screens? A troubling news cyc...
What's Next in Iran? // Carney’s Liberals Level Up
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's very possible the Iranian regime could survive this war, and if so, there would be dire consequences for Iranians in Iran and around the world. D...
Iranian-Canadians Fear Regime Could Still Survive
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Watching coverage of the war in Iran can feel complicated, distant, and hard to follow. We see reports about strikes on military targets, escalating t...
Alberta Referendum 101
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
October 19, 2026 will be a huge day in Alberta. A couple million people will vote on at least nine (and probably eleven) questions that could forever ...
Mark Carney’s Shifting Stance on Iran
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pressure is mounting on Canada's Prime Minister as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its second week. Mark Carney's own MPs are reportedly concerned ab...
"Pete Hegseth's Dick-Measuring Term is Insulting!"
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Gary's gonna wash a few mouths out with soap, Don's sick of Pete Hegseth's "dick measuring," Coreen and Sharon have very different takes on unions, an...
Real Talk from Powerhouse Women
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What are you thinking about this International Women's Day? Ahead of March 8, we pick the brains of powerhouses Dr. Shazma Mithani and Jenny Adams in ...
War in Iran: Impact on Canada
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Mark Carney and Danielle Smith have nothing to do with Donald Trump's war in Iran, but both leaders will feel the impact. Political commentator Rob Br...
Legendary Adventurer Karl Bushby // Iran Update
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nobody in human history has achieved what Karl Bushby is on the verge of completing. The former British paratrooper has travelled more than 48,000 km ...
Trump, Iran, and the Return of $100 Oil
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The war in Iran could soon return oil to $100/barrel. It'll have big implications on the energy industry, international economies, and what consumers ...
War in Iran // Province-Wide Protest in Alberta
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The United States and Israel are at war with Iran. What does that mean for Canada? Supriya Dwivedi joins (3:45) in our feature interview presented by ...
Worker Agenda - Democracy
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL). Episode 2 of the Worker Agenda looks at DEMOCRACY. Gil McGowan and C...
"A $9B deficit? It's not leadership, it's gambling!"
28 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Abby says the UCP is gambling with Alberta's future, Robert's sick of "white nationalists talking shit," Don and Janice have different takes on Donald...
Alberta Budget: Winners, Losers, and What's Next
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta is prioritizing short-term pressures over long-term savings. Budget 2026 forecasts a $9.4 billion deficit as the province grapples with volati...
Canadian Detained by ICE for 100+ Days
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian Curtis Wright has been detained by ICE for more than 100 days, after he was arrested at Houston's airport returning from business in Mexico. ...
Rob Ashton: Next NDP Leader? // Comedian Henry Sir
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Can a career longshoreman and national union leader resurrect Canada's NDP? Rob Ashton tells us how (and why) he'll do it in our feature interview pre...
Paul Brandt's On A Mission // Poilievre's New Video // AI Takeover
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
People are being trafficked in your city right now. Exploitation is happening in communities across Canada and around the world. Country star Paul Bra...
Mexico Mayhem // Coal Petition // Heart Health
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Thousands of Canadians are stranded in Mexico after a wave of violence erupted following the death of a cartel leader. Supriya and Ryan check in with ...
Alberta Referendum a "Desperate, Cynical Distraction"
21 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers are FIRED UP as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces a nine-question referendum in October 2026. Collin, Taylor from Calgary, Jan, Er...
Alberta Set to Boom under Canada's New Defence Strategy
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
No province is better positioned to benefit from the Liberals' new Defence Industrial Strategy than Alberta. Across the board, Alberta will see an inf...
Conservatives Lose Another MP. What’s the Plan?
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives have lost three MPs in three months to Mark Carney's Liberals. What's the plan to stop the bleeding? And what about t...
Matt Jeneroux Crosses the Floor to the Liberals
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Jeneroux isn't resigning after all. The Edmonton Riverbend MP will instead cross the floor to join Mark Carney's Liberal caucus, as announced by ...
Is Canada Having an "Anti-American Hissy Fit"?
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jamil Jivani says Canada's shooting itself in the foot with an "anti-American hissy fit." The Conservative MP made the comments to right wing outlet B...
"Stick It to Trump with the Gordie Howe Bridge!"
14 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talker Brent's still "on the fence" with Alberta separation, Joe from Airdrie has a plan to force Donald Trump's hand on the Gordie Howe bridge, ...
Senator Charles Adler: Canadian Common Sense
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We love how Senator Charles Adler tees up this episode - as a "kitchen table conversation" about the things that really matter. If you're looking for ...
How To Talk To Your Kids About Tragedy // Separation Poll Insights
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you're like us, you're walking with a heavy heart after the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC. You may also be wondering if or how you should talk...
Tumbler Ridge, BC Rocked by Mass Shooting
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How do you begin to talk about the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, BC? Ten people are dead and another 25 sustained injuries in one of the deadliest mass sh...
NDP MP Heather McPherson // Quick Dick McDick
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We go left-to-right in this episode featuring federal NDP leadership candidate Heather McPherson (3:00) and farmer/YouTuber/comedian Quick Dick McDick...
Bad Bunny Triggers Trump // Jamil Jivani’s DC Trip
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show draws a record audience AND the ire of President Donald Trump, who calls it "absolutely terrible, one of the wors...