Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

"Time For Trudeau To Go!"

26 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers Colin, KP, and Michelle chime in on our Calgary arena debate, Tom says his MP is trying to cut his family's income, and Ron says Trudeau'...

Trump and Harris Deadlocked Down to the Wire

25 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With less than two weeks to go 'til November 5, a New York Times poll has Donald Trump and Kamala Harris dead even. Who stands a better chance of a la...

The Politics of Natural Disasters

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jasper-based journalist Bob Covey fired up his Flamethrower after our October 16 episode with retired foresters Ken Hodges and Emil Begin. We figured ...

Should the Public Pay for New Arenas?

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should public dollars go toward new arena districts that'll benefit billionaires?  2:35 | Calgary Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Deborah Yedli...

The CBC's Reputation Problem // Rev. Michael Coren

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are the CBC's days numbered? Its outgoing CEO is arguing with MPs over millions of dollars in bonuses paid to more than a thousand staff, while its in...

B.C.'s Wild Election // Crisis in Lebanon // Man Builds Bear Door

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

id David Eby's NDP win and lose the B.C. election at the same time? You could make the argument, with an outcome as tight as it gets. What does such a...

"How Can Canadians Trust This Guy?"

19 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Daintre insists Pierre Poilievre gets his security clearance, Garth calls Justin Trudeau derelict in duty, Rod wants Danielle Smith to quit wasting hi...

Police Raids, Foreign Interference, and Fighting for Rights

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We tackle Canada's top news stories in this supercharged episode of Real Talk. Bryan Baeumler tells us about his brand new TV show, but not before Dan...

Danielle Smith Fights Ottawa's Emissions Cap

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Danielle Smith says if Justin Trudeau's so confident in his energy policy, he should call an election. Alberta's Premier dared the Prime Minister to d...

Could the Next Big Wildfire Hit Banff?

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What have we learned from the Jasper wildfire, and the devastating fires before that? Could Banff, Lake Louise, or Whistler burn next?  3:15 | Retire...

Why Drinking Less May Work Better Than Not At All

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is "Sober October" a non-starter for you or someone you love? Are you thinking about cutting back on drinking, but not cutting it out entirely? Mike P...

"I Really Dislike Trudeau...But Poilievre is SMARMY!"

12 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ronnie's not a fan of Justin Trudeau OR Pierre Poilievre, Wendy wants less talk about war, Andrew's not a fan of how we handled the October 7th annive...

How Former NHL'er Jordin Tootoo Saved His Life

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

He's one of the most feared hitters in hockey history. Jordin Tootoo - or "The Tootoo Train" - endeared himself to fans around the world through his f...

Ready for Launch: Secrets to a Successful Startup

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

About 90% of startups fail. What's the secret for those that don't? We talk to the leaders behind three success stories in this special episode of Rea...

Harper's Comms Boss Warns Pierre Poilievre

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nothing's guaranteed, but it sure looks like Pierre Poilievre is Canada's next Prime Minister. In this episode of Real Talk, Stephen Harper's former c...

The Preschool to Prison Pipeline

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tiffany Hansen's four year old daughter has already been expelled from SEVEN different childcare centres. Her family is far from alone. There's an epi...

One Year Later: Israeli and Palestinian Perspectives

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's been a year since Hamas fighters attacked civilian targets in Israel, killing more than 1,400 people and kidnapping 200+ more. Israel's large-sca...

Crazy About Chemtrails!

05 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Harry and Russ chime in on Danielle Smith's chemtrails comments, and Michael calls Alberta's Energy Regulator to the carpet. It's The Flamethrower pre...

Time For Conservatives To Lead on Climate Policy

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pierre Poilievre says he'll "axe" the carbon tax...but then what? Canadians are waiting for details on how the Conservative leader will approach the c...

Behind the Scenes at Canadian Finals Rodeo

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The nation's best rodeo competitors are in Edmonton for the 50th edition of Canadian Finals Rodeo. In this special episode, we hang out with three of ...

The Unsolved Murder of Amber Tuccaro

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A young mom accepts a ride into the city from a stranger, and is never seen again. Two years later, her body is discovered south of Edmonton. Seven ye...

"Underfund Education = Underfund Our Future!"

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brent's heard enough from the teachers, and Lynette sounds the alarm on underfunding education. Stick around for Jespo's rant after a night at the the...

Truth, Reconciliation, Tradition, and Technology

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we connect with two people blending Indigenous and Western knowledge to make a big difference ...

Crisis in Alberta Classrooms // B.C.'s Bizarre Election

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's set to spend nearly $9 billion on new schools, but teachers say it won't fix a system in crisis. Meantime, voters in B.C. are deadlocked lea...

Jagmeet Singh Accused of Stealing!

21 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

G-Money says Jagmeet Singh stole a page right outta the WWE playbook. RMC has a message for the "American right wing wannabes" in Ottawa. First Class ...

Trump v. Harris // Jagmeet Snaps // BC Election

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Not everybody nerds out on politics as much as we do. This episode is for those folks (and the nerds like us). We talk "real life" angles on the US pr...

The Politics of Resentment: Urban vs. Rural Voters

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we allow politicians to drive wedges between us? Why do we listen when they try to convince us cities are the enemy of rural communities, and v...

Singh Snaps: Was Jagmeet Wrong to Confront Hecklers?

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

agmeet Singh goes toe-to-toe with a protestor outside Parliament, after being called a "corrupted bastatrd". Was it the right move, or could the feder...

"Fact Check Drinking Game? I'd Be Unconscious!"

14 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lindsey's got a hot take on Trump at the debate, Concerned Citizen's not sold on the UCP hospital plan, and Jo-Jo and Debra are all fired up about the...

Star Power: Making It in Music

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The way music is made, distributed, monetized, and enjoyed is dramatically different than even five years ago. We get Real with CCMA nominees JJ Shipl...

Is Andrew Knack Running for the Alberta NDP?

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You have to assume Andrew Knack has his next move planned out...but what is it? We sit down with the long-time Edmonton councillor just hours after hi...

Russian Interference, Danielle Smith, and Justin Trudeau

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Russia's paying Canadian influencers to sway public opinion. Danielle Smith's government just delivered a death blow to a multi-billion dollar transit...

"We need Senate reform...NOW!"

07 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

KP hates Trudeau's Senate appointments, Lauren and Erin respond to our coverage of the Covid vaccine injury class action, Brenda's had it with horn ho...

What Are Trudeau, Singh, and Danielle Smith Doing?

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Buckle up: Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes are back to break down the top political stories across the country, including Justin Trudeau's Senate appo...

MAiD in Canada

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More than 13,000 Canadians chose Medical Assistance in Dying last year. That's up 30% from the year before. People don't tend to talk much about MAiD,...

Real Talk Exclusive: Senator Kristopher Wells

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is Dr. Kristopher Wells the most controversial Senate appointee in Canadian history? That's what his critics say. In fact, the loudest ones are callin...

What's the Right Way to Have REAL Talk About Vaccines?

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Was our August 28 interview with Covid vaccine class action lawyers Eva Chipiuk and Jeff Rath a mistake? Toronto Star columnist Bruce Arthur explains ...

About That Covid Vaccine Class Action Interview...

31 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Covid vaccine class action lawyer Jeff Rath lit a fire under a bunch of you during his August 28 appearance on the show, to say the least. Real Talker...

The Future of Food

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The future is now. The way we grow, purchase, and eat food could be drastically different in just a few years. Experts say the food-ag transition will...

Danielle Smith Threatens AHS...Will It Work?

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's got at least two disasters to manage, with the Jasper rebuild and an overburdened healthcare system dominating news headlines. We go straigh...

Lawyers Launch Covid Vaccine Class Action

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you know somebody who experienced a negative health side effect from the Covid vaccine? Alberta lawyers are suing the provincial and federal govern...

Teachers Say Alberta's New Curriculum is Flawed

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's rolling out controversial new Social Studies curriculum for K-6 students this fall. It's the culmination of a years-long journey to rewrite ...

People are FIRED UP over Adler's Senate Appointment!

24 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Garth, Tobias, and Clay aren't exactly thrilled with PM Justin Trudeau's latest Senate appointment. It's an all-Adler edition of The Flamethrower pres...

Ready Or Not: Canada's Energy Transition

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Like it or not, the world's weaning itself off fossil fuels. While that doesn't mean oil companies will be out of business next month, or your job wil...

Top Ten Show Stopping Moments on Real Talk!

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach 1,000 episodes of Real Talk, we count down the top ten show stopping statements uttered on the show..  Find all these interviews and m...

Healthcare in the Future

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Meet Pulkit Kumar. Just 24 years old, the surgical student has already been featured in Forbes for his innovative work in healthcare. He also happens ...

Jeromy Farkas: Reinventing Yourself in the Public Eye

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We call politicians hypocrites, flip-flops, and worse when they change their tune. We expect our elected (and appointed) officials to stand by what th...

Exclusive: Senator Charles Adler

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Longtime talk radio host Charles Adler is headed to Ottawa to serve as a Senator, after being appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It's an inte...

Pet Store Owner Claps Back at Pride Critic!

17 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Merrick's miffed about paying too much for gas, Wendy's not sure about Adler's take on science, Gerald says Pierre Poilievre is hardly a genius on Bit...

Behind the Lens at the Paris Olympic Games!

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We go behind the scenes at the Paris Olympics with photojournalists Leah Hennel and Candice Ward!  2:15 | Leah's still in Paris. Candice just returne...

Why Do We Demolish So Many Historic Buildings?

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's government plans to knock down the former Royal Alberta Museum, replacing the magnificent Manitoba Tyndall stone structure with (more) green...

Hunting Advocate Defends Alberta's Controversial "Problem" Grizzly Plan

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta will allow hunters to target "problem" Grizzly bears that have shown aggression to humans or livestock. The controversial changes to the Wildl...

Vax Under Attack in Alberta

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

UCP MLA Eric Bouchard says he's working to have the COVID vaccine banned in Alberta. In a recent podcast interview, the Calgary-based politician claim...

Our Most Inspiring Paris Olympic Moments

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

C'est fini! With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the books, we take a look at the athletes and stories that captured our attention and won our hearts....

TEARS and JEERS

03 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's an Alberta politics version of The Flamethrower! Travis says Jespo needs to "stop carrying water," Sheryl's calling for "voices of sanity," and G...

Ashley Callingbull // Hon. Marc Miller // The Strategists

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

2:10 | Royalty in the house! Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull joins us in studio to talk about why her big win means so much. The first Indigen...

Are You Being Scammed?

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Scammers are more active now than ever before. Opportunists are trying to steal donations after natural disasters like the Jasper wildfire, romance an...

Dr. Jody Carrington: The Loneliness Epidemic

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Natural disasters like wildfires impact us in many different ways. On top of the obvious physical devastation, communities typically experience increa...

The Jasper Wildfire: EXPLAINED

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We go behind the scenes of the Jasper wildfire: how did it start, why did it grow so quickly, and how did crews manage to save 60% of the town, includ...

Jeers for Tears, Olympic Drone Debacle, and "Cat Ladies" Clap Back

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How do you feel about Canada's Olympic women's soccer team's cheating scandal? Surprised? Embarrassed? Or, did the team get busted doing what every co...

"Poor taste. People are hurting. Let them grieve!"

27 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Martin says it's time to politicize wildfires, while Brad says that's "incredibly poor taste". Two different takes responding to the Jasper wildfire i...

Jasper Wildfire: The Immediate Aftermath

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of Canada's crown jewels sustained devastating damage on July 24, as wildfire tore though the beloved mountain town of Jasper. In this episode, wi...

Can Kamala Harris win? Will Danielle Smith survive?

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's a whole new ball game now that Joe Biden's out. Does Kamala Harris have what it takes to knock off Donald Trump and keep the Democrats in charge?...

"An Inch Away from Civil War!"

20 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Sco's at odds with Adler, Paul cracks on our coverage, Kyle's angry at the liberals and "so-called centrists," and Merrick the Red Headed Prick sa...

Senator Paula Simons' Expenses Revealed!

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Before she became a Canadian Senator, Paula Simons was an investigative journalist and National Newspaper Award-winning columnist. It's clear she appr...

MAID To Order: More Canadians Choosing Assisted Death Every Year

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Has someone close to you chosen a medically-assisted death? The total number of Canadians requesting MAID rises 30% or so every year, accounting for j...

The Alberta Disadvantage: Health Care Crisis Explained

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Good luck finding a family doctor if you live in Alberta, let alone getting an MRI, surgery, or cancer care right when you need it. Health care profes...

What We Know: the Trump Shooter, the RNC, and Project 25

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We get you up to speed on the FBI investigation into the attempt on Donald Trump's life, buzz from Republicans and Democrats days removed from the att...

Trump Assassination Attempt Changes Everything

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"I'm supposed to be dead." Not only did Donald Trump survive an attempt on his life at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania over the weekend...he appears t...

Mean Tweets: Jespo Edition

13 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're going to publicly challenge healthcare delivery in Canada, approach with caution. Ryan's July 9 remarks about waitlists and other barriers t...

Should We Ban Rodeo?

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Animals die every year at rodeos around the world. And, stands are packed every year at rodeos around the world. As protests against animal exploitati...

Trump v. Biden: Golf Edition; Trudeau AWOL at Stampede

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should Joe Biden accept Donald Trump's challenge to play 18 holes of golf? Is it important for Justin Trudeau to attend the Calgary Stampede? What'll ...

In the Crosshairs: Alberta To Allow Grizzly Hunts

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

They're one of the most magnificent animals on the planet. For years, they've been a threatened species in Alberta. But grizzly bears will soon be hun...

Naheed Nenshi: Fact Checked

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Was Naheed Nenshi accurate and fair in his criticism of Danielle Smith's government when he joined us on June 24? In this episode, we task two UCP sup...

Do Religious Monuments Belong in Public Spaces?

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does a monument of the Ten Commandments belong in Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park? We tackle the developing story - and fifteen others - in this episode o...

"Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's comments...made me RAGE!"

29 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers are FIRED UP over Sophie Grégoire Trudeau's comments about ADHD on Real Talk (June 26). Robyn, Sara, and Travis sound off, then "Raging ...

Is There Really An "Alberta Advantage" in business?

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For more than a century, Albertans have celebrated a collective entrepreneurial spirit. A bold, scrappy, "never say die" attitude. But does that hard-...

Killed at Work: Why Do So Many Canadians Die on the Job?

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's rate of workplace fatalities is among the worst in the developed world. More workers die in Alberta alone every year than the entire UK. Why ...

One on One with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coming up on a year since her separation from Canada's Prime Minister, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau talks to us about her own public and personal journey,...

The Oilers Fan's Guide to Navigating Heartbreak

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ugggggh. Connor McDavid and the Oilers will have to wait another year for a shot at the team's first Stanley Cup in decades. We talk it out - and get ...

BIG WINS: One Down, One To Go

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Naheed Nenshi just RAN AWAY with the Alberta NDP leadership. Connor McDavid's poised to hoist his first Stanley Cup. We've got the two biggest stories...

"Jespo Doesn't Know WTF He's Talking About!"

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anne's sick of crybabies in Calgary, and Don schools Ryan on the Royal Canadian Navy in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton an...

Stand Up to Cancer: Comedian Kathleen McGee

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan's longtime friend Kathleen McGee joins (2:00) for REAL Talk about living with cancer. You'll laugh, you might cry, and we guarantee you'll be ins...

Trudeau on the Ropes; Poilievre Takes the Dare

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is Justin Trudeau done in the next two months? Paul Wells, one of Canada's best political writers, takes us into his new book "Trudeau on the Ropes: G...

Water Fight: Calgary Laying Pipe Ahead of Stampede

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anybody who's ever been to Calgary knows there's no way the Stampede's getting cancelled, water shortage or not. We look at how that major water main ...

What's A Canadian Warship Doing in Cuba?

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why is a Canadian warship docked beside Russian vessels in Cuba? And why didn't Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly even know about it, when asked ...

RIP Energy War Room!

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talker Sierra delivers a eulogy for the Canadian Energy Centre - aka The War Room - in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonto...

Danielle Smith: Fact Checked

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fact or fiction? We task two of Alberta's most experienced journalists with scrutinizing our recent interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 3:3...

SPITTIN' CHICLETS on REAL TALK!

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The stars of Spittin' Chiclets - the biggest hockey podcast in the world - join Jespo and Johnny in studio for a special Stanley Cup Final edition of ...

One on One with Premier Danielle Smith

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why did Premier Danielle Smith appoint her one-time nemesis Alison Redford to the board of Invest Alberta? How is Calgary's water main disaster impact...

Should We BAN Smartphones in Schools?

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does your family have rules for phones and tablets? Does your kid's school (or even your own workplace) try to cut back on distraction by limiting acc...

"Who Is the Other Randy??"

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There's nothing funny about alleged corruption and shady business deals involving elected officials. But that's not stopping Jespo, Johnny, and Charle...

"Keep That P*ssy-Grabbing Convict Out of Office!"

08 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Debra checks in from the States with strong words (!!!) for Donald Trump; Ray, Ed, and Jim take issue with our May 31 Group Chat Round Table's take on...

Good News for People with Climate Anxiety!

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From 1-10, where's your "climate anxiety" at? In this episode, we meet three "Climate Action Figures" who remind us it's never too late to take action...

How to Grieve: Survival Tools to Keep Living After Loss

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is the most personal and powerful episode of Real Talk we've ever released. Ryan shares his thoughts after the sudden and tragic death of his dea...

Edmonton Oilers: Canada's Team

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Now that Connor and crew punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final, are the Edmonton Oilers officially Canada's Team?  2:45 | Everybody's talking...

"Peter Lougheed is Rolling in his Grave!"

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cher can't fly her Canadian flag anymore, Tobias has no mercy, Garth calls out "Flip Flop Adler," Commish Daddy says there is no middle class, and Nat...

Trump Guilty, Poilievre & Abortion Rights, Phones in Schools

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump is now a convicted felon. He can still run for President, and might very well win. Our Group Chat Round Table digs into the difference be...

How Pierre Poilievre Redefined "Conservative" in Canada

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Love him or hate him, you can't deny Pierre Poilievre's riding major momentum these days. The Conservative leader claims to have doubled the party's m...

No Charges for Cops who Targeted Alberta Politician

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Three Lethbridge cops are off the hook for using police databases to improperly access a politician's personal information, despite Alberta's police w...