Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Episodes
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...
"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...