Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Episodes
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...
Puff or Pass? The Truth About Vaping
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've probably seen those big, flavoured vape clouds rising from commuters at the bus stop and kids outside the mall. Cigarette smoking is down acros...
Doc Talk: Measles, E. coli, Salmonella, and More
11 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta has more measles cases than the ENTIRE United States this summer. Seventy people are sick with E. coli after eating at a popular Calgary resta...
"The UCP is Taking Alberta Down A Slippery Slope!"
09 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kyle gets graphic (like, "slobbery, blow job, circle jerk" graphic) in his assessment of our Gaza coverage, Michael's sick of personal questions, Patr...
The Fight To Keep Alberta in Canada
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A team of Albertans is on a mission to collect 300,000 signatures and trigger a referendum supporting Alberta's future in Canada. We talk to former Pr...
What Jews & Palestinians Don’t Want To Know About Each Other
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
More than 60,000 Palestinians are dead. Hundreds and hundreds of Israeli families are grieving the loss and abduction of their loved ones from Hamas' ...
Wrongfully Convicted in Canada // USA Losing Trade War
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Roy Allan Sobotiak spent 35 years in prison for a murder he's always insisted he did not commit. It's the longest sentence served by a victim of wrong...
Sharan Kaur: Gaza, Bill 21, Poilievre By-election
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the first time, just hours before this episode, Canadian Armed Forces made a humanitarian airdrop over Gaza using a CC-130J Hercules aircraft that...
Alberta's Book Ban a "Gross Overreach"
02 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers Rebecca and Brandon have hot takes on Alberta banning graphic books in school libraries, BDP and Alberta Gengar respond to our coverage o...
Road Trip Round-Up: The Best of Real Talk
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This one's for all you August Long Weekend road trippers, along with everybody who's been too busy through the summer to catch every single episode of...
Misconduct: Breaking Down the Hockey Canada Verdict
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not guilty doesn't mean innocent. In one of our most important episodes to date, we take on the Hockey Canada verdict with Sexual Assault Centre of Ed...
Tales of the Trans-Canada Hwy // Poilievre Debates
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You've no doubt driven it, perhaps for an hour, perhaps for more than a week straight. But how much do you know about the history of the Trans-Canada ...
Convoy Lawyer Debanked // Book Ban Debated
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nothing but hot button issues in this episode, as we check in with Freedom Convoy lawyer Eva Chipiuk (4:00) after she was "debanked" by RBC, and get i...
Jasper’s Harsh Reality // Immigration & Housing
28 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode's all about building. Jasper's rebuild. Canada's housing crunch. The truth about immigration. Oh, and Jespo's Happy Gilmore 2 review. As ...
Two Sides of the Hockey Canada Verdict
26 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Karen and Les have strong words for Danielle Smith, while Anne and Clinton see the Hockey Canada verdict differently. It's The Flamethrower presented ...
Politics Round Table // Disability Pride Month
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We tackle the Hockey Canada verdict, shenanigans in the Battle River--Crowfoot by-election, Edmonton's "low key, low energy" mayoral race, and rumours...
Jasper: One Year After the Fire
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's been a year since wildfire tore through Jasper, one of Canada's crown jewels. In this special episode, we connect with Mayor Richard Ireland (3:0...
Extremists in the Canadian Forces
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is Canada's military compromised? As four men (including two active members) face terrorism charges in Quebec, we talk to an expert on extremism and w...
EXCLUSIVE: Michael Walters Enters Mayoral Race
21 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
1,000 episodes! THANK YOU, Real Talkers. In another Alberta politics exclusive, former Edmonton councillor Michael Walters announces his campaign for ...
"Stampede Ain't Just Cowboy Cosplay!"
12 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Colleen in Calgary has fightin' words for critics of the Calgary Stampede. Garth calls Jespo to the carpet for "running interference for the Liberals"...
Real Talk Rumour Mill™
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's about to be a serious new entry into Edmonton's mayoral race (4:30). Is Danielle Smith's top advisor really returning to an MLA role (7:30)? A...
Stampede Politics and a “National Betrayal”
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Calgary Stampede has long been a must-attend event for industry and political movers and shakers, but the vibe's been different this year...in a g...
She’s Gunning for Pierre Poilievre…
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Who the heck is Bonnie Critchley? In this episode, you'll meet the military trailblazer (2:00) who's aiming to take down Conservative leader Pierre Po...
FUTURE WATCH: America Party, Poilievre, Pipelines, and EVs
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will Elon Musk actually move the US away from a two-party system with his America Party (26:30)? Is the Electric Vehicle market losing momentum (32:30...
"Canada Must Cut Deeper, Tax Harder, Borrow More."
07 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canada's committed to increasing its military investment to 5% of GDP. That won't come without some tough decisions (that will undoubtedly affect ever...
"Happy Fourth of July to our Loud, Lovable, Slightly Unstable Neighbours!"
05 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chantal's pissed off about Airdrie's Canada Day parade, Wes has NO time for a Progressive Conservative revival (or EVs), Blahsheep's keen on Danielle ...
Fourth of July Special: Repairing the Canada/U.S. Relationship
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This Fourth of July feels different, doesn't it? As President Donald Trump reignites his trade war with Canada, we check in with a special guest south...
Alberta’s Conservative Showdown
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can the rising-from-the-ashes Progressive Conservatives interrupt Danielle Smith's tenure as Alberta's premier (11:00)? Will a new provincial police s...
EXCLUSIVE: Alberta's Progressive Conservatives Are Back
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ousted (former) UCP MLAs Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair are reviving the PC Party of Alberta, saying they'll restore "balance and normalcy" to polit...
"You've Become the SNOWFLAKES You Warned Us About!"
28 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talkers Rosie and Cactus Sheriff are fired up over the UCP's library book distraction, while Jennifer and AJ trade barbs after our Don Iveson int...
Indigenous History // Real Talkers Split on Infill
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Elected Ontario school board councillor Catherine Kronas has been suspended for speaking out against land acknowledgements. She's mounting a legal cha...
Supriya Dwivedi: Mark Carney’s “Rookie Mistake”
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Supriya Dwivedi says PM Mark Carney made a "rookie mistake" on India, and lays out her argument (36:00) along with her thoughts on Carney's "nation-bu...
Mayoral Candidate Wants Moratorium on Infill Development
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tim Cartmell wants to press pause infill development. The Edmonton mayor candidate says council has lost the public's trust, and it's time to re-evalu...
Trump Irate at Iran & Israel // AB By-elections
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Iran and Israel "don't know what the f*ck they're doing," says (an agitated) U.S. President Donald Trump, after the two nations violated what POTUS cl...
Oilers Crushed // G7 // Iran & Israel
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
UGGGGGHHHHHHH. If you're looking to commiserate with fellow Oilers fans, Jespo and Johnny have you covered (2:22) after a devastating loss in Game Six...
Teachers Set to Strike // Trump Leaves G7 Early
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
95% of Alberta teachers have voted to strike - but will they? If so, could it happen before the end of this school year? In this episode, we ask Alber...
Corb Lund & Alberta’s Coal Controversy
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After Alberta Premier Danielle Smith runs into rowdy opposition at a recent town hall in southern Alberta, we invite experts Dr. Bill Dohanue and Corn...
"Workplaces Get the Unions They Deserve!"
14 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"Interested Meow" has a beef with school librarians, Lynne says you don't have to have kids to have an opinion, Karen's calling out Alberta's Educatio...
Pride in Business: 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurs
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nearly 35% of 2SLGBTQI+ business owners report hiding their identity due to fear of discrimination. 25% say they’ve lost contracts because of who th...
Have We Milked Supply Management for Too Long?
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canada's close to legally locking in supply management rules on egg, dairy, and chicken imports...but is it the right move? We've fiercely protected t...
Mayor Jyoti Gondek: G7, the UCP, and Re-Election
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta welcomes the most powerful leaders on planet earth as the G7 summit touches down in Kananaskis Country. We talk to Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek ...
Donald Trump vs. California (and Democracy)
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's a dare/double-dare showdown, as California Governor Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump clash over a National Guard crackdown on immigration ...
"Enough of this MAGA Stupidity!"
07 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rob's had enough of "MAGA stupidity," Dave and Ted have hot takes on the Alberta library book controversy, Nesen says it's time to rethink Canada's ex...
Edmonton: The Next Dubai? (Hear Us Out.)
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta's capital city has the potential to boom just like Dubai. So says Dr. Murtaza Haider, the newly-installed Radhe Krishna Gupta Executive Chair ...
Alberta Ed Minister on Library Controversy & Looming Strike
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Critics say the Alberta government is being heavy handed in flagging controversial books found in school libraries. They say teachers and librarians, ...
Carney’s Promise, Pierre’s Empty Mug, and Canada Post
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How is Alberta's demand for a better deal landing across the country? Why is Pierre Poilievre pretending to drink from an empty coffee mug? Will this ...
Intellectual Freedom Under Attack in Alberta
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Parents' rights groups are pressuring the Alberta government to pull what they deem to be "pornographic" books from school libraries. The government's...
Charles Adler: Mark Carney Meets with the Premiers
02 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What's at stake as Mark Carney meets in person with Canada's premiers for the first time since becoming Prime Minister? What happens if the first mini...
All Aboard the FREEDOM TRAIN
31 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alllllll aboard! 7th Pilot dares Jespo to board the Freedom Train, Alex is pissed at the province for pulling library books, Gerald has a message for ...
Oilers Advance // Mind-Blowing Innovations
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For the second year in a row, the Edmonton Oilers will face off against the Florida Panthers for the Stanley Cup. Jespo and Johnny, who first worked t...
The Case for Canada Post
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
55,000 Canada Post employees are set to strike as labour negotiations continue to stall out. A looming second strike in less than a year has millions ...
Throne Speech Takeaways
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
"The True North is indeed strong and free." Delivering his first Throne Speech in Canada, King Charles reiterates Canada's sovereignty in a dramatical...
Alberta Government Targets “Explicit” Library Books
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Danielle Smith's UCP is targeting school library books it deems "graphic and age-inappropriate". The government is surveying the public before rolling...
"What Would A Mass Exodus Do To Alberta's Economy?"
24 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
David's demanding an election NOW, Don's "outraged" at Real Talk guest Sharan Kaur, and Michael's dropping bombs on one of Jespo's loudest critics. It...
Can "Nice Guy" Andrew Knack Finish First?
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Andrew Knack wants to be Edmonton's next mayor. The longtime city councillor tells us (2:10) why he entered the race after initially announcing he wou...
The Fight to Keep Alberta in Canada
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A longtime Conservative cabinet minister is stepping back into the spotlight to save Alberta's place in Canada. Thomas Lukaszuk tells us why he's spea...
What’s Mark Carney’s Game Plan?
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canada's joining the UK and France in threatening Israel with sanctions if aid doesn't start flowing into Gaza. Israel says it's "taken aback" by the ...
Sean Speer on Mark Carney's Missed Opportunity
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canada's ramping up pressure on Israel alongside France and the UK. Mark Carney's new cabinet is sworn in, and the PM's got less than six weeks to ful...
"The UCP is DICKING AROUND with our Traffic Laws!"
17 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Les is choked at a Carney cabinet exclusion, Taylor wants an election NOW, Michael's losing it over the politics behind his traffic ticket, and Sunil'...
Doc Talk: Measles Outbreak, Menopause & Mental Health
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Canada declared measles completely eliminated thirty years ago. Not anymore. Public health experts say the disease could become endemic once again, wi...
Canada’s New Foreign Policy
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet is making waves—not just at home, but around the world. From military spending signals to the careful cho...
The Menopause Mission
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This special episode peels back the curtain on a chapter of life that impacts every woman but still too often gets ignored or misunderstood. Menopause...