Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Terror Attack in Australia // Poilievre Speaks on Defections

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At least 15 people are dead and dozens more injured after gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Australia's famed Bondi Beach. We talk to Su...

"These Decisions Should Be Made by Doctors...NOT Politicians!"

13 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers Pedro, Margaret, Alison, and Les are all fired up over our Danielle Smith interview on December 9. It's The Flamethrower presented by the...

Another MP Crosses to Carney. Is Poilievre Cooked?

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PM Mark Carney is one seat away from a majority government as Ontario MP Michael Ma crosses the floor to the Liberals. How badly does this hurt Pierre...

Exclusive: Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"If there was an election today, we would win." You're about to hear from Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi (2:15), who's confident Alberta is ready fo...

Holiday Hangout with Quick Dick McDick

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

He's a farmer, a stand-up comedian, and one of Canada's most-watched YouTube creators. We shoot the shit with Quick Dick McDick (live from his calving...

Exclusive: Premier Danielle Smith

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Booed at her party's AGM after signing an energy agreement with Ottawa, Premier Danielle Smith finds herself in a tough spot. Is the UCP now a "separa...

Did Canada “Bow to the Bros” Or Not?

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PM Mark Carney says he "wouldn't describe (Canada's) foreign policy as feminist foreign policy"...but what does that actually mean? Is it a move in th...

"Boot Quebec, Keep the Country, Thank Me Later!"

06 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trent and Erin have fightin' words for Quebec, Robert rips our interview with Minister Adriana LaGrange, and Kimm calls out journalists for backing do...

Is Party Loyalty Polluting Politics?

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Political parties are managing members like never before. Elected representatives toe the party line or face consequences. Floor crossings swing vote ...

Results Are In: Best of Alberta Politics // Referendum Details

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Who's the Best MLA in Alberta? How about the Best Cabinet Minister? Who's the Most Effective Opposition MLA or the Best Question Period Performer? We ...

Dual-Delivery Health Care // MLAs Sued by UCP

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta is moving to a "dual-delivery" healthcare model, blending public and private delivery of select surgeries. Meantime, two former UCP MLAs are b...

The Method to Mark Carney’s Madness

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did P.M. Mark Carney pull the wool over Premier Danielle Smith's eyes with the Ottawa-Alberta pipeline agreement? Max Fawcett thinks so. In this episo...

Separatists Dividing the United Conservatives

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've seen this play before. The right-wing flank of a Conservative party, feeling underrepresented and dissatisfied, breaks away from the "mainstream...

"A Pipeline is a Nation-Building Artery!"

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers Michael, Robert, Kurt, and Cal chime in on the pipeline deal, while Bryn has an important message about addiction. It's The Flamethrower ...

Pipeline Deal Debated // Can We Solve Homelessness?

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ottawa and Alberta have signed off on an agreement to build a new pipeline to northwest B.C. How long 'til shovels are in the ground? Who will pay for...

Pipeline Power Play // Food Insecurity

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's official: Alberta and Ottawa have jointly agreed on a path forward for a new bitumen pipeline to the B.C. coast. In this episode, Politico's Otta...

Poilievre & Alberta Separatists Push Back on Pipeline Deal

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No wonder Pierre Poilievre is unhappy. Mark Carney took a page from Poilievre's playbook and axed the (carbon) tax, and now the Liberal Prime Minister...

Poll: Conservatives Dissatisfied with Democracy

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just 52% of Conservatives polled believe democracy is working in Canada. That's down from nearly 90% just over a decade ago. Pollster Janet Brown and ...

Supriya in Studio: Party, Pipeline, and Other Politics

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talk turns five! Our pal Supriya Dwivedi makes the trip from Toronto to hang out in our Edmonton studio for this special episode presented by our...

Supriya in Studio: Party, Pipeline, and Other Politics

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talk turns five! Our pal Supriya Dwivedi makes the trip from Toronto to hang out in our Edmonton studio for this special episode presented by our...

"Going after trans kids is just WRONG!"

22 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth May reversed course on Mark Carney's first budget, ultimately voting in favour of it (helping the Liberals' minority government survive). Wh...

Elizabeth May // Corb Lund Fights Big Coal

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth May reversed course on Mark Carney's first budget, ultimately voting in favour of it (helping the Liberals' minority government survive). Wh...

Alberta Overrides Courts Again // New Pipeline News

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's UCP government is going back to the notwithstanding clause for the second time in three weeks, in this case to protect three laws dealing sp...

Carney Survives Nailbiter // Alberta's Pipeline Math

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your holiday plans won't be interrupted by another federal election, as Mark Carney's minority Liberal government survives its third confidence vote i...

Liberals’ Make or Break Budget Vote

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today's the day we'll find out if PM Mark Carney's minority government survives. Will the Liberals be able to find those two votes outside their caucu...

"People Should Defy the Law if the Law is Wrong!"

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Cam in a Pizzeria says public debates about minimum wage are missing major details, Coreen and Robert have thoughts on our Nov. 12 Brian Lilley interv...

“Big” Oil Betrays Landowners and Taxpayers

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rural Alberta is not backing down. In recent town halls, long-time farmers and landowners jeered senior UCP political staffers pitching the government...

Where Has Naheed Nenshi Been?

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many Albertans expected more of a splash from Naheed Nenshi. The leader of Alberta's Official Opposition NDP - formerly the mayor of Calgary - hasn't ...

Epstein & Trump, Canada's EV Mandate, & Caucus Revolts

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bombshell emails released just moments before we started streaming this episode suggest Donald Trump hasn't exactly been truthful about his friendship...

Remembrance Day: Lest We Forget

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this special Remembrance Day edition of Real Talk, we highlight the stories that shape who we are as Canadians. In our feature interview presented ...

Carney Triggers Pipeliners // Trump Stadium (??)

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Mark Carney calls pipelines "boring" in front of a Toronto audience, triggering protests from Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre and co...

"We're Being Eroded by Progressives!"

08 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rick from the Sticks draws a line from NYC's new mayor to Alberta separation, Kara's looking for more from Pierre Poilievre, Michael's not so sincere ...

Matt Jeneroux's Out // Future-Shaping Millennials

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Another blow to Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives, as longtime Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux announces his resignation. What does this mean for PM Mark Carn...

Will More MPs Cross the Floor to the Liberals?

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Real Talk Rumour Mill reports multiple Conservative MPs are being approached by the Liberals to join MP Chris d'Entremont and cross the floor. Rum...

Budget 2025 Breakdown: Jobs, the Economy, Housing, and More

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Carney’s first federal budget is out, and it’s a bold statement from a Prime Minister trying to prove he’s not just the banker-in-chief, bu...

Doug Ford: “I’d Never Apologize to Donald Trump.”

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's federal Budget Day - will PM Mark Carney secure enough support outside his Liberal caucus to maintain confidence in his minority government? We o...

Another Federal Election? Already??

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's possible Canadians could be headed BACK to the polls less than eight months after the most recent federal election. It all hinges on whether or n...

"Alberta is a Laughingstock!"

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers are FIRED UP over teachers being ordered back to class. We've got hot takes from Tobias, Travis, Perry, KP, JP, Tavis, Rob, Brandon, Just...

Energy, the Economy, and the Environment

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is it possible to protect jobs and save the planet at the same time? Do Canadians have to choose between low emissions and affordable energy? Are we d...

Albertans Cry Foul on UCP Teachers’ Strike Tactics

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's official: we've received more emails and YouTube comments about Alberta's teachers' strike (and the way the UCP ended it) than any other subject ...

Alberta Teachers Head Back to Class "Demoralized"

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

740,000 students and 51,000 teachers are back in Alberta classrooms after an emotional three weeks away. In this episode, we hear from politicians, pa...

Teachers Ordered Back - General Strike Looming?

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Labour leaders are calling it an "act of war," as Premier Danielle Smith invokes the notwithstanding clause, orders teachers back to work, and imposes...

Trump Hissy Fit // Alberta Separatists Rally

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump says he "doesn't want to talk to Mark Carney anytime soon" after Doug Ford ran World Series ads quoting Ronald Reagan on tariffs. Not onl...

"If anyone needs a spanking, it's this government!"

25 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers Robb and AJ are choked at how Election Day played out; Mr. Dad and Mike are following the money Alberta spends on education; Vera and Mar...

Teachers Choked, Nenshi Back, Trump Pissed

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Voters (and candidates) are demanding a third party audit after Edmonton's election was marred by long waits, missing ballot boxes, and dramatic recou...

Mayors-Elect Andrew Knack & Jeromy Farkas

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talk brings you exclusives with Edmonton mayor-elect Andrew Knack (2:00) and Calgary mayor-elect Jeromy Farkas (19:25), who share thoughts on the...

City Hall Insider // Private School Funding

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will Mayor-elect Andrew Knack be able to improve Edmonton's relationship with the province? Is there reason to believe city council will operate more ...

Albertans Wait for Results // Jays Punch Their Ticket

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We may not yet know the results of every municipal election in Alberta, but there's still a lot to talk about. Karen Leibovici, Tim Querengesser, and ...

Election Day In Alberta

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Voters are headed to the polls across Alberta (9:30) as the teachers' strike enters its third week. The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from the Wo...

"I'm Embarrassed To Be From Alberta!"

18 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's got a message for "progressives;" Katie, Laura, and Amanda are all fired up over the teachers' strike, and KT says we were bang on about condi...

Teachers Rally Outside Premier’s Event

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jespo and Johnny had a front row seat as thousands of Alberta teachers rallied outside our studio in the historic Mercer Warehouse, sending a message ...

Real Talk from Alberta School Trustees

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a wild four years for Alberta school trustees. COVID, exploding class sizes, a contentious relationship with the province, a teachers' strik...

Inside Carney's 'Chaotic' Egypt Trip

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

World leaders including PM Mark Carney scrambled to get to Egypt at the behest of President Donald Trump in what's been described as a "chaotic" Gaza ...

Behind the Scenes: Teachers’ Negotiations

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What will it take for Alberta's teachers and the UCP government to get a deal done and end this strike? Athabasca University labour expert Dr. Jason F...

"The Alberta Educational Advantage is GONE!"

11 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's an all-teachers' strike edition of The Flamethrower, as KP, "Confidential," Ross, Carmen, Jay, "Different Carmen," and Justin give us their hotte...

Real Talk Calgary Mayoral Debate

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a hotly contested race for the Calgary Mayor's office. In this special presentation, you'll hear from the five highest-polling candidates for the...

Strike Scuttlebutt // Carney & Trump // Election Insiders

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The US government shutdown continues into its second week, as Canada and the U.S. continue to work toward a trade deal (we hope). We've got you covere...

Alberta’s Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How long is this Alberta teachers' strike going to last? What are the sticking points? Where is the government refusing to budge, and what are the ter...

Teachers Strike // Jyoti Gondek // Stephen Mandel

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've got Alberta covered in this episode, including your thoughts on the teachers strike, Jyoti Gondek's mission to secure a second term as Calgary's...

How Long Could the Alberta Teachers Strike Last?

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The largest strike in Alberta history is officially underway, as 51,000 teachers start the week outside the classroom. How long could this last? What ...

"Gaslighting, Lies, and Old Man Grievances!"

04 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Andy in B.C. says "Hell no" to a new bitumen pipeline; Robert, Thomas, Justin, Chris and Kimberly have hot takes on the Alberta Next town hall debacle...

Real Talk Edmonton Mayoral Debate

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Cartmell, Andrew Knack, and Michael Walters want to be Edmonton's next mayor. In this special episode, you'll hear details of their vision for the...

Pipeline Politics: BC and Alberta At Odds Again

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's got plans for a new pipeline to the west coast, and wants Ottawa to get on board. B.C. and Quebec are predictably pushing back, in what Albe...

"Disgraceful!" UCP Panel Silences Alberta Student

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Smith's government is facing fire after a Calgary high school student was silenced, humiliated, and dismissed at an Alberta Next town hall. I...

Stories of Truth and Reconciliation

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

September 30 is a day to reflect, to listen, and to confront the truths of Canada’s history. On this special episode, we mark the National Day for T...

Right Wing “Attack Machine” Targets Rachel Gilmore

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel Gilmore has to be the most-trolled journalist in Canada. It's impossible to ignore the vitriol around everything she posts, let alone criticism...

"She Says One Thing (and Does Another)!"

27 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talker Gordon is so fired up about the UCP's school library book ban that he wrote a song about it. For the first time ever, we present an origin...

EXCLUSIVE: Bif Naked Live in Studio

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

She's Canadian punk royalty. A fearless, unapologetic icon. An activist. A survivor. And an incredible human being. We welcome Bif Naked and producer ...

Big Lead in YYC Mayor Race / Did Carney Lie to Us?

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prominent firearms lawyer Ian Runkle says Prime Minister Mark Carney lied to us about the government's gun buyback program. In this episode, we welcom...

UFC at the White House // Palestine // Sonya Sharp

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump will host a UFC event on the South Lawn of the White House in July (2:00). Canada will officially recognize the State of Palestine (6:00)...

"How Much Did They Pay You to Deceive Us, Ryan??"

20 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Wayne has a word of warning for podcasters, Ross says Jimmy Kimmel deserves his fate, Robert has words of warning about a "both sides" approach, "29 T...

TFWs, CDA/MX Deal, Alberta & Notwithstanding Clause

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are Temporary Foreign Workers standing in the way of Canadians finding work? As premiers of different political stripes call for an overhaul to Canada...

MAGA Critic Jimmy Kimmel Suspended

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Popular late night TV host Jimmy Kimmel is off the air after delivering a monologue on the Charlie Kirk murder suspect and MAGA. President Donald Trum...

Election “Underdogs” Omar Mohammad & Brian Thiessen

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Polling tells part, but not all, of an election story. It's not entirely unusual for a perceived "underdog" to surprise on Election Day, having captur...

Relentless Outreach, Remarkable Transformations

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

YOUCAN Youth Services is literally changing lives. In this special episode of Real Talk, we shine a light on this remarkable organization helping youn...

Parliament Resumes: Here's What to Keep An Eye On

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the consumer carbon tax gone and the EV mandate already paused, where will Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives hammer PM Mark Carney's Liberals as P...

"Is hate speech against minorities a political belief?"

13 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers Jake, "Tranquil Vibration," Cameron, KP, and Darren respond to the comments they've seen (including in our Live Chat) about Charlie Kirk'...

EXCLUSIVE: Premier Danielle Smith

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Whaaaaat is going on. Alberta's (Conservative) Premier Danielle Smith says she and (Liberal) Prime Minister Mark Carney have found "unprecedented comm...

Charlie Kirk Killed // PM Carney & Pipelines

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The political world was rocked on September 10th with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, during a speaking event at ...

EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Mark Carney

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Carney's got his hands full. Canada's Prime Minister joins Ryan in the Real Talk studio to talk about pressing pause on the EV mandate (0:30), fi...

Carney Called Out by Climate Action Group

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is facing criticism over its emissions reduction plan, after pausing Canada's EV mandate and appearing to waff...

Minister Evan Solomon on Canada's AI Future

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Evan Solomon, says AI is the nation's "Gutenberg moment". How will the feds best equip and en...

On Rural Crime: "Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up!"

06 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rural Resident Ryan has a hot take on dealing with rural crime, (Urban) Robert says "woke" city people don't deserve the heat, Wendy calls Danielle Sm...

Calgary Election Insights // 3 Pinters Round Table

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Veteran news anchor Lynda Steele set off a firestorm when she called out Alberta conservatives in our September 4 episode. We lead with the loudest re...

Lynda Steele: Epstein List, Cable Costs, Alberta Election

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could Donald Trump's history with Jeffrey Epstein ultimately cost him the presidency? Are you paying too much for cable? Are municipal parties polluti...

Alberta’s Book Ban Backfires

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government presses pause on a Ministerial Order targeting school library books, as Edmonton Public Schools pull 200 title...

Supriya Dwivedi: Book Ban, Trump v. Newsom, Poilievre

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're thrilled to welcome Supriya Dwivedi back to our regular rotation, starting with this episode (2:30), where the former senior advisor to Prime Mi...

"Carney has failed miserably!"

31 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trevour Bouds has words for Max Fawcett (and Mark Carney), Adam C. and Cole chime in on infill, Alberta Gengar's hardly a fan of Return To Work polici...

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi // Rahim Jaffer

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

5:30 | Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi responds to criticism from business leaders during our August 27 episode, counters criticism around the $400M Fan ...

Get Rich: Alberta Edition

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Calgary's ten years ahead of Edmonton when it comes to economic development. Can Alberta's capital city catch up? What happens if it doesn't? Ahead of...

Infill Controversy // Elbows…Down?

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Density and infill might be the most divisive issue in Canada's major urban centres right now...or at least it feels that way. After a heated exchange...

"These Wackos Can 'Fix Canada' by F*cking Off to the US!"

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers Robert, Travis, James, Touring Zebra, Gerry, and Jan have a LOT to say about the Alberta separation movement and its spokesperson Jeff Ra...

Return of the Group Chat Round Table

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jespo's real life political Group Chat returns to the Real Talk studio for an entertaining and enlightening look at the top headlines, including our A...

Calgary's Big Advantage and A Plan To Save Edmonton

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a tale of two cities in Alberta: Calgary spends a BILLION dollars more than Edmonton every year, while the capital city struggles with its bottom...

Alberta Separatist Jeff Rath

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What would life in Alberta look like if the province made good on threats to leave Canada? What would Alberta separation mean for industry, trade, rea...

Poilievre Toootally Redeems Himself. Now What?

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pierre Poilievre is headed back to the House of Commons, having won the Battle River--Crowfoot by-election with 80% of the vote. But his future as Con...

"Big Tobacco Found A New Way to Get Its Money!"

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers Jake, Andrew, and Bruce have lots to say about Jespo's vaping interview with Dr. Mark Tyndall. Tarra's demanding fairness for folks with ...

Max Fawcett: Canada Isn't Losing the Trade War...Yet

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Carney's taking punches from political opponents, who say the Prime Minister hasn't delivered on his promise to "deal with" Donald Trump. Max Faw...

Sneaky New Tax Targets Alberta Wine Lovers

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know some of the world's best gin and whisky is distilled just outside Edmonton? Did you know Alberta boasts some of the best wine selection o...

Air Canada Strike, Trump/Putin Summit, Free Trade

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two of the most powerful people on Planet Earth will meet one-on-one, as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin convene in Alaska. With so much at stake, inc...