Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Episodes
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...
"The only ICE we need is for my drink!"
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan chastises Jespo's "unserious" approach to the nukes-in-Canada discussion, Mike has a hot take on the Gavin McKenna assault charges story, And...
"The only ICE we need is for my drink!"
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan chastises Jespo's "unserious" approach to the nukes-in-Canada discussion, Mike has a hot take on the Gavin McKenna assault charges story, And...
Trump Posts Racist Video Depicting Obamas As Apes
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We didn't want to talk about Donald Trump during this Black History Month Round Table (15:45). But POTUS forced our hand when he posted a vile, racist...
Would You Fight to Defend Your Mom's Honour?
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna faces a felony assault charge following an altercation at a Pennsylvania bar. Rumour is the 18-year-old McKenna and his...
Does Canada Need Nukes?
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Should Canada expand its military arsenal to include nuclear weapons? Retired general Wayne Eyre says it should be an option, but Defence Minister Dav...
Poilievre’s Plan to Deport Criminals, Build Homes, and Guard the Arctic
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canada's Conservatives opened up their playbook at the party's annual Convention in Calgary, laying out plans to quell the housing crunch and defend A...
Conservatives Rally Behind Pierre Poilievre
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Pierre Poilievre walks away from a big weekend in Calgary with a significant boost, scoring 87.4% in his leadership review at Conservative Convention ...
Worker Agenda - Affordability
01 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour. Episode 1 of the Worker Agenda looks at AFFORDABILITY. Everything is getting...
"Is Jeff Rath's Cowboy Hat Lined with Tinfoil?"
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes ...
Premiers Call Out Separatists // Heated Rivalry
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canada's premiers are calling out Alberta separatists en masse. BC's David Eby's calling it "treason". This, as American officials are (reportedly) me...
How Will Poilievre Manage Trump & AB Separation Supporters at Convention?
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There's little doubt Pierre Poilievre will survive his leadership review at Conservative Convention in Calgary. The question is, what tone will he set...
Canada's Richest Province Cuts Disability Supports
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta's rolling back benefits for nearly 80,000 people with disabilities with its new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). Amidst steep cos...
Solving Canada's ER Waits // Alberta’s Recall Mistake
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Canadians are waiting way too long in emergency rooms. Dr. Andrew Boozary, executive director at the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at Toronto's U...
US Official Stokes Alberta Separatism
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a wild few days in the United States. Another U.S. citizen is dead at the hands of ICE agents, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is publicly ...
"F*ck ICE and F*ck Dementia Donny!"
24 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the rea...
Poll: UCP and NDP Neck and Neck
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta's two main parties - the UCP and NDP - are polling neck and neck. We dig into the new numbers with Liaison Strategies pollster David Valentin ...
Leaked Report: Albertans Dying Waiting for Healthcare
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta emergency rooms are described as "death zones" in a shocking report leaked to Real Talk. Six deaths and a few dozen "critical near-misses" ove...
Carney Speech Heard 'Round the World // Avi Lewis, NDP Leader?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
More than two dozen Alberta MLAs are facing recall petitions. Is this really the best way to hold politicians accountable? We ask AB Resistance founde...
Recall Petitions Target 26 Alberta MLAs
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
More than two dozen Alberta MLAs are facing recall petitions. Is this really the best way to hold politicians accountable? We ask AB Resistance founde...
Canada/China Deal // Trump's Eyes on Canada // Freedom Convoy Court Decision
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Did PM Mark Carney's "Canola for EVs" deal with China really split Canadians? Auto workers in Ontario may not love lifting tariffs on Chinese EVs, but...
"Doug Ford Needs to STFU!"
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers Erin and AJ have thoughts on the Canada-China trade deal; Laura, Lisa, Natasha, and Gerald are fired up over the "defund private schools"...
Leaked Classroom Audio // Transit Safety Round Table
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Audio leaked from an Alberta classroom is causing a stir, as a high school teacher parodies Conservative stereotypes including references to the oil a...
The Fight to Defund Private Schools // Mayhem in MN
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta funds private and independent schools at a higher level than any other province, but spends less per public school student than anywhere else ...
Journalist Sues the RCMP // Should Canada Ban X?
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
RCMP arrested award-winning photojournalist Amber Bracken in 2021 while she was covering the Wet’suwet’en pipeline standoff in Northern B.C. for T...
Carney, Coastal First Nations, China and Venezuela
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Coastal First Nations leaders before heading to China for Canada's first formal PM visit since 2017. This, amid ...
Is the U.S. Headed Toward A Breaking Point?
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Venezuela. Greenland. Iran. A Minnesota mom is dead, and ICE protests continue across the country. POTUS is threatening to indict the Federal Reserve ...
ICE KILLING: "George Orwell Warned Us About This!"
10 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Denise is appalled by the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, KP's thrilled to see the US in Venezuela, Don's bracing for WWIII, and Joe from Airdrie f...
Athana Reaction / ICE Killing / Venezuela / Chinese EV Tariffs
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former Poilievre comms director Ben Woodfinden and former Notley cabinet minister Shannon Phillips respond to our exclusive with former AHS CEO Athana...
EXCLUSIVE: Former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Athana Mentzelopoulos is the former President and CEO of Alberta Health Services. She was fired by the Alberta government exactly one year ago for wha...
Is Pierre Poilievre Setting a Dangerous Precedent?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Did Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre put Canada in a tough spot by praising President Donald Trump's action in Venezuela? Sharan Kaur argues yes (...
Trump Wants Greenland // "Treason" in Alberta? // Co-Existing with Bears
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump wants Greenland. European leaders are pushing back. What's Canada's best play, all things considered? National Post columnist Rahim Moham...
Venezuela Now, Canada Next? // Deadly ER Delays
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As dictator Nicolás Maduro appears before a New York judge, the international community is debating American military intervention in Venezuela, and ...
Randy Boissonnault’s Redemption Tour
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Randy Boissonnault just endured "the worst year of (his) life". The embattled former Trudeau cabinet minister and Edmonton-Centre MP makes Real Talk h...
Airing of Grievances: Alberta Edition!
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers Todd and Jenny are fired up over our December 9 interview with Premier Danielle Smith, Laura takes issue with Jespo's comments on private...
Senator Charles Adler's 2025 Year in Review
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before he was a Senator, Charles Adler held court as one of Canada's most prominent talk radio hosts. In this episode, the longtime purveyor of "Canad...
Trump's Venezuela Demands Threaten Alberta Economy
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whatever Donald Trump's doing in Venezuela, it'll have a major effect on Alberta's bottom line. We break it down in a special year-end edition of the ...
Justice Min. Sean Fraser: Guns, Notwithstanding Clause, Alberta Police
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Minister of Justice Sean Fraser has "real concerns" about provinces using the Charter's Notwithstanding Clause to circumvent Canada's courts. He talks...
Healing Alberta Healthcare // Corb Lund’s Choked
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Raj Sherman's been working in Emergency Rooms for more than 30 years. He's served as an MLA for two different parties, and he recently wrapped his...