Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Foreign Interference & Group Chat Bombings

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

NEW SHOW ALERT! We're proud to be partnering with host Vicky Mochama on a brand new weekly news and politics show about the big personalities, bigger ...

Randy's Out. Amarjeet's In. What's Danielle Doing?

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're pedal to the metal with federal election coverage from now until April 28. In this episode, we tackle the top political stories in Edmonton, Alb...

Danielle Smith's Ransom Note to Mark Carney

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Carolyn's hot in more ways than one, Gabe wonders if Albertans are "too stupid to know," Russ says Poilievre needs to free up his plane, RMc has the b...

Carney's Kid Attacked // Neurodiversity // Danielle's Demands

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most folks agree politicians' families are off limits when it comes to public criticism. But not all folks. A right wing media outlet in Canada made i...

Buckle Up: Carney to Call Election for April 28

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This could be the closest federal election in decades. After a decade of Justin Trudeau, Canadians will choose Mark Carney or Pierre Poilievre to lead...

"Guns First" - Grizzly Management in Alberta

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We cover a LOT of ground in this episode of Real Talk, starting with Alberta allowing hunters to target "problem" Grizzly Bears. If the federal electi...

NEW POLLS: Carney Climbs, Poilievre Plummets

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Talk about a turnaround. New polls from Leger and Angus Reid suggest the Liberals could form a majority government under Mark Carney. Could it be?  9...

Behind the Scenes of the PMO with Supriya Dwivedi

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In her first interview since officially leaving the Prime Minister's Office, our pal Supriya Dwivedi is back with a behind the scenes look at what was...

"I'm tired of your jokes about Teslas!"

15 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Blahsheep says corruption is everywhere, Paul's pissed he's paying to demo the Coliseum, Jan calls Jespo and Johnny to the carpet over Tesla, and Mich...

Trump is Screwing American Farmers

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody's hurting American farmers more than President Donald Trump. His trade war with Canada is raising prices, and his cuts to USAID are hitting U.S...

Sarah Hamilton Wants Out // YEG Wants London

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A familiar name will be missing from the ballot the next time Edmontonians elect a city council.  3:30 | Sarah Hamilton tells us why she decided agai...

Canada vs. USA: How Bad Could It Get?

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're not used to this. The President of the United States calling Canada "a very bad abuser" and a poor trading partner, a bad neighbour, and a futur...

Mind-Blowing Space Business // COVID Review

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine being able to detect pine beetles or gold deposits from space. Imagine using satellite data to boost crops around the world. An Alberta-based ...

Carney's Landslide Win // Exclusive: Outsted UCP MLA

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Carney is Canada's next Prime Minister after a landslide 86% Liberal leadership win. Will he still be Prime Minister after an election as early a...

MAPLE MAGA: "You're TRAITORS to the Toque!"

08 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lucky's proudly flying the flag, Janey has a message for "traitors to the toque," Ron says Canada could become Puerto Rico, Jake's up for revoking cit...

Chrystia Freeland // Legacy of The Fallen Four

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chrystia Freeland says Donald Trump is underestimating Canada's strength. The Liberal leadership candidate tells us her plan for Trump, Ukraine, and t...

Protect Yourself from Getting Scammed!

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The little old lady loses her life savings to someone she THOUGHT was her grandson. The retiree transfers hundreds of thousands of dollars to who he T...

Canada Strong // Black History in Alberta

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Boos rang down from the rafters of Rogers Place during the American anthem as the Oilers hosted the Anaheim Ducks. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says ...

Trade War // Jeromy Farkas // Cougar Hunt

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's officially in a trade war. As President Donald Trump makes good on threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, it's never been more evident ...

Oval Office Disaster // Boom Bust Alberta

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As POTUS and his VP pile on Ukraine's president in the Oval Office, the world is rightfully re-evaluating the role of the USA in global affairs. Alber...

"Fix Our Own House! Canada First!"

22 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tracey's got strong opinions about cougar hunts, Jim blows our mind with his take on humanity, Brent says quit yer bitchin' about Donald Trump, Garth'...

Canada vs. USA // Future of Women's Health

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's the most anticipated international hockey showdown in 15 years. When Canada and the U.S.A. clash in the 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston, they'...

Karina Gould: Underdog // Orphaned Cougar Cubs Update

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody's giving Karina Gould a fighting chance, but don't tell that to the Liberal leadership candidate. The youngest female cabinet minister in Canad...

Dr. Paul Parks: "Chaos" Bringing AHS to its Knees

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Emergency rooms are over capacity. Major surgeries are being delayed or cancelled. Allegations of shady government dealings are being investigated (or...

"They're PIMPING our country out!"

15 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Markus says it's time to switch from defence to offence with the U.S.A., Brent says it ain't all Trump's fault, R.H. is fighting for independence, Don...

Movers - Shakers - Edifiers

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here's to the risk takers. The industry shakers. The business and community leaders whose insights and investments are positively impacting the world ...

Hunters Kill Beloved Cat // Coach Robs Kids

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's new regulations allow hunters to target female cougars with cubs. That's exactly what happened to a cat John E. Marriott had been tracking f...

Tesla Tariffs and $2,000 Shoes

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pierre Poilievre's calling out Mark Carney for wearing $2,000 shoes. This, as Poilievre campaigns in a $2,000 parka (and Carney surges in the polls). ...

Quick Dick McDick Talks Trump, Trudeau, and Tariffs

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Forget about that one month pause on Donald Trump's tariffs. The President shook everything up (again) with an off-the-cuff announcement aboard Air Fo...

Alleged AHS Interference Puts Smith in the Hot Seat

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Premier Danielle Smith says reports tying her to alleged wrongdoing related to Alberta Health Services' procurement and contracting are "false, basele...

"Who the Hell Picks A Fight with CANADA?!"

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sheryl schools us on dead chickens and dancing monkeys, Jenny wants you to join the resistance, Alanna's spitting fire over the newest Alberta Health ...

What's Going On with Jasper's Rebuild?

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More than 600 families remain displaced after wildfire ripped through Jasper in July of 2024. As clean-up continues and rebuilds begin, officials are ...

Businesses Pivot to Survive Trump Chaos

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Countless Canadian businesses are taking a closer look at their supply chains, export markets, profit margins, and more in light of a potential trade ...

TRUMP'S SECRET WEAPON: Unelected Elon Musk

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elon Musk isn’t just shaping the future of technology—he’s wielding unprecedented influence over American policy with an official role in Trump’...

Protect Your Investments Against Trump's Chaos

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With U.S. President Donald Trump delaying tariffs on Canada, how should Canadian businesses and investors approach the next month (and beyond)?  8:45...

This Means (Trade) War

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stormy seas ahead, as Canada and the U.S. prepare to lock horns. We get three different takes (plus dozens in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park ...

"Fight for Canada and Canadian Jobs!"

01 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Scott has words for former PM Jean Chretien, Greg's not buying the UCP's COVID task force report, Karen's head's about to explode over coal, Wayne's g...

Trump Imposes Tariffs, Blames DEI for Deadly Crash

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's Tariffs Eve. Will Donald Trump actually make good on his threats? If so, who will ultimately pay the most? We present an international edition of...

Doctors Silenced in COVID Report

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A $2M report commissioned by the Alberta government advocates for limiting COVID-19 vaccinations, and suggests that health professionals should not fa...

Bombshell Report Exposes Foreign Meddling

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Foreign interference IS a thing in Canada, and Ottawa's dragged its heels doing anything about it. That's the general finding of Justice Marie-Josee H...

What's Your Move if Hatemongers Hit Your Community?

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you see those clowns flashing Nazi salutes in St. Albert over the weekend? What's the right way to respond when that happens in your community? Ma...

What on Earth is the Alberta Government Up To?

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why on earth is Danielle Smith's government opening up the Eastern Slopes to coal mining again, when the majority of Albertans oppose it and the gover...

"I'm happy Danielle flipped off those Eastern f*cks!"

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tonie hated our interview with Western Standard founder Derek Fildebrandt, Anna Banana peels paint over Danielle Smith's trip to D.C., and KP's got "l...

Danielle in D.C. / Lame Duck Liberals / Mountain Mining / Two Genders?

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've got today's top political stories teed up for Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes, including Doug Ford's early election call, a lacklustre Liberal l...

Alberta Re-Opens the Rockies to Coal Mining

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ranchers, land owners, conservationists, and everyday Albertans are joining forces to protest the Alberta government re-opening the Eastern Slopes to ...

Heads Up, Canada: America's Coming for the Arctic

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Canada will look a whole lot different 50 years from now. Our claim to Arctic sovereignty is threatened, existing trade relationships will be forced t...

What Does Trump's Promised "Golden Age" Mean for Canada?

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Donald Trump is guaranteeing a "Golden Age" for the United States of America. Does that promised prosperity come at the expense of allies an...

Trump's Inauguration Day: Key Storylines

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No need to speculate any more. Canadians will soon know exactly what Donald Trump's return to the White House will mean for trade with the United Stat...

"Political Commentators Want Albertans to be Cucks!"

18 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers are ALL fired up from ALL different angles as Danielle Smith tells her fellow premiers to pound sand. It's The Flamethrower presented by ...

Carney v. Freeland: Is This Just Trudeau 2.0?

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Will voters think "Justin Trudeau" every time they see Mark Carney or Chrystia Freeland? Both Liberal leadership contenders will do everything they ca...

Team Canada...Minus Alberta

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith snubs her fellow premiers, as Alberta abstains from a cross-country collective effort to dissuade Donald Trump from imp...

Danielle Smith's Quest for Control

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When does swift and sweeping political reform cross the line to authoritarianism? Is Premier Danielle Smith on a troubling quest to control everything...

Here's Why the U.S. Supreme Court's about to BAN TikTok...

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

170 million Americans who use TikTok will likely have to find another favourite app, as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to ban the popular Chinese-...

Danielle Smith Meets with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Smith says Canada needs to be prepared for tariffs threatened by Donald Trump. This, after Alberta's premier met with the President-elect at ...

"Message to Trump: Canada Will Never Surrender!"

11 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

7th Pilot, Jake, Travis, and David are ALL FIRED UP over Donald Trump's disrespect for Canada. This might be the fieriest edition in Flamethrower hist...

TRUMP & the Future of Canada's Energy Exports

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump's turning everything upside down, including America's relationship with Canada, and he hasn't even sworn in yet. What do Trump's bluff, b...

Could a Liberal-NDP Merger Actually Happen?

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Should the federal Liberals and NDP work even more closely together? Does a merger represent the left's best chance at forming the next federal govern...

Should Canada Join the U.S.?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump figures it's time Canada became the 51st state. He's calling the Canada/U.S. border an "artificially-drawn line," says America spends hun...

What's Next for Canada?

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's a lousy time for the federal government to flounder. As Donald Trump's inauguration date approaches, the Liberal Party's kicking off a leadership...

Time's Up: Trudeau Stepping Down as PM

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader, and is proroguing Parliament as the Liberal Party of Canada embarks on the journey t...

"Canada Isn't the 51st Anything!"

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Martin in Manitoba's had enough of Trump trolling Canada, Gerald says we owned the Americans last time The Donald was President, Dolly's done with pro...

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Premier Danielle Smith

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We talk wins and losses, and look to the past, present, and future with Edmonton's Mayor and Alberta's Premier in this power-packed episode of Real Ta...

TOP STORIES: Trudeau, Trump, and Foreign Interference

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Late December's typically a slow time of year for the news cycle. Not this year! 2024's top stories are playing out in front of us as Christmas break ...

Brace Yourself for a Painful Year Ahead

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Justin Trudeau's on his way out. Donald Trump's on his way in. Alberta's headed toward deficit territory, and consumers across Canada are looking at h...

Trudeau's Cabinet Collapsing

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Two of Justin Trudeau's highest-profile cabinet ministers have jumped ship. Are we watching this government collapse in real time?  4:40 | (Now-forme...

Swiftie Snaps after Real Talk Guest Disses Taylor!

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tammy's got Taylor Swift's back, Lauren's not sold on Mr. Wonderful's $70B Wonder Valley, John says Donald Trump and Danielle Smith better check thems...

GROUP CHAT ROUND TABLE: "Don't Call Me A C*nt!"

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Hamilton's tipping point into politics was a behind-the-scenes bully who called her one of the nastiest names going. The Edmonton city councillo...

Rookie Security Guard Murdered by Career Criminal

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

20-year-old Harshandeep Singh was pushed down a flight of stairs, shot in the back, and killed just three days into a new job as a security guard. The...

Kevin O'Leary's Not-So-Serious $70B Plan for Alberta

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin O'Leary - the TV star otherwise known as "Mr. Wonderful" - says he's bringing a $70 billion data centre to northern Alberta. Premier Danielle Sm...

Big Tobacco: Pay Up!

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Canada is on the brink of a landmark $32.5B settlement with Big Tobacco, designed to address decades of health care costs and personal damages caused ...

Real Talk Welcomes Rob Breakenridge

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jespo reunites with longtime talk radio colleague Rob Breakenridge in this episode, just a few weeks after Rob was unceremoniously laid off.  2:05 | ...

A WARNING about ChatGPT!

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Don't let ChatGPT run your show! Heed this warning from Real Talker Bernard (sort of). It's a ChatGPT-fuelled edition of The Flamethrower presented by...

Who's Going to Heal Healthcare (and How)?

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why are Canadians forced to wait more than a year for a hip replacement? Why does it take 18 months to get an MRI? How is it possible that 6.5M Canadi...

ALS & MAiD // Bipolar Disorder & Cannabis Addiction

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

He was ordering food in a drive-thru and all of a sudden he couldn't remember how to say "lettuce". That's where Glenn Grant's ALS journey started jus...

Daveberta Unveils the Best of Alberta Politics 2024

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What's Alberta's top political story for 2024? Who's been Alberta's Best MLA? How about the top-performing UCP cabinet minister? And what about the mo...

Trudeau "Axes" the Tax // Pardon Me, Mr. President?

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you feel about Justin Trudeau gifting most Canadians $250 and a holiday break from the GST? Sure, you'll keep more money in your pocket (at an ...

Oilers Fan Sounds Off: "Where's the Fire?!"

23 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rob in Leduc is sick of oil spills. JC in Edmonton predicts "carnage" next provincial election prompted by insurance reforms. Brandt thinks it's time ...

This Financial Advice Could Change Your Life!

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What's your biggest money mistake? For some, it's drowning in credit card debt. For others, it may be waiting until later in life to start investing. ...

Is Tim Cartmell the Next Mayor of Edmonton?

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tim Cartmell wants to be Mayor of Edmonton. The two-term city councillor (and former engineer) says Council has lost its way and spending is out of co...

The True Cost of Alberta's Auto Insurance Overhaul

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Has your car insurance skyrocketed over the past few years? Albertans are already paying among the highest rates in the country, and it's about to get...

Up, Up, and Away: This Is A Game Changer!

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

REAL TALK EXPANSION NEWS: our live stream is now available on SEVEN different platforms! As of this episode, you can catch us LIVE on YouTube, X, Inst...

Were We Swindled by Mike Tyson and Jake Paul?

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More than 60 million people streamed (or tried to stream) Mike Tyson and Jake Paul's fight over the weekend. Widely panned as a pathetic spectacle, a ...

"Politicians Need More Common Sense!"

16 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"Tranquil Vibration," Travis, and Keith have hot takes on the U.S. election, Michael's fired up about the RCAF, and Dwayne says Danielle Smith doesn't...

Bold Moves: The $427M Plan to Fix Downtown Edmonton

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let's be Real: many people don't feel safe in downtown Edmonton. Investment is stalled out, vacancy rates are unsustainable, and social issues dominat...

Is Canada in Trouble Under Trump?

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Former Invest Alberta CEO David Knight Legg says Canada's trade situation is a "disaster," and the federal government is ill-equipped to work effectiv...

Could Stephen Harper Steer an Alberta Pension Plan?

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The rumour mill has former Prime Minister Stephen Harper taking over as the next chair of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). What ...

Doc Talk: Is It Even Possible To Heal Healthcare?

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More than six million Canadians don't have a family doctor. Millions more are waitlisted to see specialists and surgeons. We've never spent so much on...

99-year-old D-Day Veteran Marty Jones

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

At just 19 years old, Marty Jones stared down Nazi artillery the morning of June 6, 1944 as a gunner aboard the HMCS Prince Henry, one of the ships th...

Red Hot Takes on Trump's Big Win

09 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's an all-Presidential Election version of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers share their hottest takes on Trump's return to the White House. The Fla...

Do We Truly Grasp the Meaning of Remembrance Day?

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ten years from now, when nearly every WWII veteran is gone, who will tell their stories? Does the average Canadian understand the sacrifices of those ...

The Truth About The Alberta Advantage

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Van Tighem was portrayed by his political opponents as an "enemy" of Alberta when he ran to become an MLA in 2023. Now-Minister Jason Nixon pull...

Trump Wins. What now?

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

So much for "too close to call". Donald Trump soundly defeats Kamala Harris, and will serve as the 47th President of the United States. What does the ...

US Election Day with Quick Dick McDick

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling US Election anxiety? We recommend this candid, entertaining, insightful episode of Real Talk with one of Canada's most-watched YouTube comment...

Danielle Smith Dodges Trouble; Dominates UCP AGM Vote

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Smith's leadership review went so well at the UCP AGM, some of her loudest critics are invoking Russia and North Korea in their social media ...

"Jordan Peterson is a Professional Mental Gymnast!"

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brendon and David have zero tolerance for Danielle Smith's "Jordan Peterson Law," Brent is sick and tired of "lazy Canadians and liberal media," and T...

Is Danielle Smith in Trouble?

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Conservative premiers may not lose many elections in Alberta, but more than a few have "met their maker" at party AGMs. Amid coordinated attacks from ...

Controversial Trapping Contest Targets Wolves

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you feel about trapping? Have you thought about it much at all? There's a long history of trapping across the country, including Indigenous tra...

FIRED UP! Pierre Poilievre and Sean Fraser Lock Horns

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The leader of Canada's Conservatives and the Liberal Housing Minister were at each other's throats in the House of Commons. Could it be a preview of p...

Premiers Moe and Eby Survive. Higgs Doesn't. Will Danielle Smith?

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Moe loses...but wins in Saskatchewan. Same with David Eby in BC. Blaine Higgs loses in New Brunswick, period. What's in store for Danielle Smith...

What's the Deal with the UCP's "Jordan Peterson Law"?

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It may not be among the Top 100 Most Important Issues Facing Albertans, but the UCP's so-called "Jordan Peterson Law" will steal more than its fair sh...