Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

How Alberta and Ottawa Can Be BFFs

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For decades, the relationship between Alberta and Ottawa has been...adversarial. Can't we all just get along? Could both levels of government cooperat...

"Call An Election, Danielle!"

10 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

HOT TAKE ALERT. Patty's got a years-old axe to grind with Jespo. Real Talkers Blahsheep, Ontario James, Pedro, KP, Jake, Cactus Sheriff, and Darian so...

Prepare to Pay More for Car Insurance

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your car insurance is about to get a whole lot more expensive. With no mandate to do so, Alberta's government plans to transition to a no-fault auto i...

Exclusive: Premier Danielle Smith on Alberta Separation

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

2:00 | Is toying with separation talk the biggest political risk Danielle Smith's ever taken? We ask her in an exclusive interview in the Real Talk st...

Carney Torpedoes Trump's 51st State Idea

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Is everything going to be okay after all? Donald Trump and Mark Carney play nice in their first Oval Office meeting following the Liberals' election v...

Danielle Smith's "Reckless Referendum" // Disability Round Table

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Premier Danielle Smith says her Canada includes Alberta...but she'll trigger a referendum question on separation if enough Albertans petition her to d...

Naheed Nenshi // Billy Morin // Rachel Notley

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's been ten years to the day since Rachel Notley's NDP ended a 40+ year Conservative dynasty at the Alberta Legislature. In this episode, the provin...

"Here's to More Taxes, Light Sentences & Scandals!"

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Kenny's not sold on Mark Carney, Other Ken feels differently, Darian's seeing doom and gloom on the horizon, David wants Danielle to call a by-electio...

Does Canada Need the NDP? // Energy Round Table

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All but burned to the ground on Election Night, the NDP faces an existential crisis. Is Canada a two-party system moving forward, or does our democrac...

What’s Danielle Smith Up To?

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It sure looks like Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is trying to make life easier for Alberta separatists. Her UCP government's removing barriers to tri...

Campaign Autopsies with Stephen Carter

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Carter doesn't do podcasts to make new friends. That's obvious early in his appearance here, which proves to be one of the most entertaining e...

Election 2025: What Just Happened?

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How did Mark Carney erase a 20-point deficit in the polls and lead the Liberals to victory? Why did Pierre Poilievre's momentum hit a wall at the very...

Election Day in Canada

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Freedom is a garden planted by sacrifice, watered with courage, and kept alive by participation. It's Election Day in Canada.  4:00 | What will a Con...

"He Flipped Off Dipshits Like A Good Canadian Should!"

26 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Brantford Boomer story's being overblown, says GK. Jagmeet Singh didn't exactly win over Ross and Darian with his Real Talk interview. Heather's w...

Election Home Stretch // Fertility Round Table

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Take it to the bank: Mark Carney's Liberals will form the next federal government. So say both the left- and right-leaning experts joining us on this ...

Is Canada Doing Everything Wrong All At Once?

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A real estate bubble that never bursts. Orwellian internet laws. Controversial MAiD policies. Complex identity politics. Tristin Hopper says Canada ha...

Jagmeet Singh & Union Hero Chris Smalls

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

His NDP is languishing in the polls, his leadership's being questioned, but Jagmeet Singh's still throwing punches and pounding the pavement with just...

Election Looms // Thomas Lukaszuk // Earth Day

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're less than a week out from a hugely significant election. The Pope's just passed away. Alleged corruption plagues the Alberta government. The pla...

"The Liberals Are Losing...and They Know It!"

19 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

KP says the Liberals are losing (and they know it), Jonathan questions Jespo's patriotism, Jeremy says there's no excuse for abusers, and Johnny (not ...

Maxime Bernier and the Debates

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody expects the People's Party of Canada to win a seat this election. But don't tell that to party leader Maxime Bernier, who tells us (2:45) why h...

Debate Week: The Election Gets REAL

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here's where things get real. First in French, then in English, party leaders will thrust, parry, and try to convince Canadians they're the best bet f...

Buttongate & Pierre’s Crime Crackdown

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prank gone horribly wrong: Liberal staffers plant unflattering campaign buttons at a Conservative event, then blab all about it at the bar. What were ...

America Should Be Declared A Pariah State

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

People throw the word "fascist" around a lot these days, but does it actually fit U.S. President Donald Trump? An internationally-respected Canadian s...

"We'd Be the Masters of Our Destiny!"

12 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nesen says Pierre better get serious about policy, AJ says Jespo's out to lunch on "grey areas," Ms. B has a hot take on The Great One, Cam has an axe...

Who Killed the Carbon Tax?

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pretty much everybody agrees: the consumer carbon tax is dead in Canada. Mark Carney's getting credit for it in the polls, which has to drive Pierre P...

Ag and the Election // Market Manipulation

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everybody eats. But how many of us actually pay attention to what's going on in the Agriculture sector? There's something for everybody in this episod...

Jespo Family’s River Scare // Battleground Alberta

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jespo's family dodged a bullet just hours before this episode, nearly losing their beloved black lab Monroe in the icy, frigid North Saskatchewan Rive...

Are We Headed Toward The Great Recession?

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about the bottom line. With headlines screaming "Market Mayhem," what's the average investor supposed to think, let alone do? Is n...

Canada's Conservatives Still Want to Bet on America

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Great One is taking more shots than any goalie he ever faced for his friendship with President Donald Trump. Pierre Poilievre's boasting about cro...

Danielle Smith CALLED OUT!

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"TheSco" says Danielle Smith's Breitbart interview is a "nothing burger," Lindsay's sick of hearing so much about The Donald, "G" wants to know who wa...

Federal Election Platforms: Who's Promising What?

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Has the average Canadian learned anything about the major parties' election platforms, with talk of Trump and tariffs taking up so much space? In this...

Trump's Total Trade War // Rachel Gilmore Cancelled

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump's costing the global economy trillions of dollars. What does this trade war mean for you? We get into it from a bunch of different angles in thi...

What Will Trump's Liberation Day Cost YOU?

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump's trade war with Canada is about to level up. A popular political podcaster is throwing his hat in the ring this election. Another popular TikTo...

Liberal Candidate Quits, Conservative Candidate Booted

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Chiang is out as the Liberal candidate in Markham-Unionville after suggesting a political opponent should be turned over to Chinese authorities. ...

Is Carney Peaking Too Soon? Can Poilievre Recover?

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can Pierre Poilievre turn the Conservative campaign around in time? Are Mark Carney's Liberals peaking too soon? What does Donald Trump REALLY want? ...

"Danielle Smith would sell out Alberta in a second!"

30 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny and Nathan have no time for Premier Danielle Smith's trip to Florida, Ron doesn't like what he's hearing about Alberta separating from Canada, M...

Are the Conservatives Crumbling?

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pollsters are starting to talk about a Mark Carney majority government. What a twist from just a few months ago, when it appeared Pierre Poilievre wou...

Danielle Smith Might Want To Lay Low For A While

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Just days after her Breitbart interview raised the ire of Pierre Poilievre's campaign team, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is headed to Florida to co-...

Amarjeet Sohi // Poilievre's Message to Blue Collar Canadians

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pierre Poilievre had a Hamilton crowd all riled up, talking about "unelected" Mark Carney "acting like he owns the world," the World Economic Forum, a...

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...