Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

"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...

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...