Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Episodes
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...
Are You "Middle Class"? Here's How You Can Tell...
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More than 70% of Canadians believe they're "middle class". Are you one of them? New polling shows most of us feel "less wealthy" than our fellow Canad...
Charles Adler Changes His Tune on the Humboldt Driver
27 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything," wrote George Bernard Shaw. This is one of the most honest episodes of Real Talk to date,...
Man Duped into Signing Poilievre Petition: Fires Up Flamethrower!
25 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rob's choked about being duped into signing a petition, Stephen and Robyn have spicy takes on fighting in hockey, and Deaner wants you to GET OUT OF T...
Founders Round Table: "What's the Best Advice You've Ever Received?"
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's one thing to have a million (or billion) dollar idea. It's another thing to turn that idea into a legitimate business. So, what's the secret to a...
Majority of Canadians Want Fighting Banned from Hockey
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Full disclosure: Ryan feels strongly that fighting is an important part of hockey. But, there are several compelling arguments to ban fighting from th...
Alberta's Disappearing Advantage
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is the "Alberta Advantage" disappearing? For decades, the province has boasted higher wages, lower unemployment, and a lower cost of living than the r...
Should Speaker Greg Fergus Resign?
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is this strike three for House Speaker Greg Fergus? The Opposition Conservatives are crying foul after yet another partisan display from the Liberal M...
"Jespo and His Slimy Old Tricks!"
18 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
KP says police were right to break up campus demonstrations, Jeff says Charles Adler's out to lunch on Jerry Seinfeld, Dave calls out Jespo for "slimy...
The Truth About Edmonton
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths visit the Real Talk studio for a candid conversation about the present and fut...
"Drug War" Brewing Between Ontario PCs & City of Toronto
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Premier Doug Ford's government is prepared to wage war on the City of Toronto if it proceeds with plans to decriminalize minor possession of hard drug...
Placemaking: Cities of the Future
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Star actor Nathan Fillion shone a spotlight on his hometown of Edmonton the other day, posting a video of the brand new Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavili...
Has the Alberta NDP Lost Its Way?
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have the federal Liberals taken over the Alberta NDP? Could a Naheed Nenshi leadership win spell the end of the so-called "worker's party"? Hours afte...
Tough Look: Cops Clear Pro-Palestine Protest at U of A
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you seen the video of baton-wielding police officers clearing a pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Alberta? Current and former student...
"Caving to the Delusional Demands of the Far Right Fringe!"
11 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gerald things Jerry Seinfeld needs to "grow a pair," Alison says we need to get serious about rail options for rural Albertans, and Peter says the gov...
Planet Protectors: It's Not Too Late!
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do not despair! Human life on Earth may not be doomed, after all. We connect with five Planet Protectors in this edition of The Best of Real Talk. We ...
HOT SEAT: Must-See Political Moments on Real Talk
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We get it: not everybody has time to catch every single episode of Real Talk. That's why we've put together The Best of Real Talk: Politics Edition. T...
B.C. Walks Back Illicit Drug Pilot. Who Wins?
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ottawa has approved the B.C. government's request to recriminalize the use of illicit drugs in public spaces. This, about a year and a half after the ...
What Are Danielle Smith & Pierre Poilievre Up To?
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is about the WHY. Why is it newsworthy (or not) that senior officials were pressured to support Alberta's wind and solar moratorium? Why ...
Did the Extreme Left Kill Comedy?
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Political correctness is killing comedy. So says one of the all-time greats, Jerry Seinfeld, in an interview with The New Yorker. Is he right? We ask ...
"This Conflict of Interest: It Makes Me Sick!"
04 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Colin's wondering where all the money's going, LD's fed up with UCP suck-ups, Gabriel just can't take a certain Real Talk panel seriously, and James s...
The Art of Storytelling: A Filmmakers Round Table
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When's the last time a film really moved you? Documentaries in particular have a way of connecting with us and inspiring us to action. In this special...
War of Words: Poilievre and Trudeau Ramp It Up
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Did Pierre Poilievre deserve to get kicked out of the House of Commons for calling Justin Trudeau a "wacko PM"? Should Greg Fergus resign as Speaker o...
Kristi Noem Shoots Her Dog; Danielle Smith Kills Low-Income Transit Program
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does shooting a puppy and writing about it in a book automatically kill South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's shot at the Vice Presidency? Does defundin...
Who's Behind Alberta's First Municipal Political Party?
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the first time in Alberta's history, political parties will be players in the October 2025 municipal elections. TAPYEG is the first party to intro...
"The female version of Putin"?!?
27 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gabriel sounds off on 15 Minute Cities, James is nervous about the feds selling TMX, and Angela has a message for Alberta's duly-elected mayors and co...
The Pros & Cons of UCP Bills 18 & 20
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Another wild week in Alberta politics, as Premier Danielle Smith's government introduces sweeping changes to how city and town councils are elected, o...
Danielle Smith's Plan to Control Alberta's Cities
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you better off with partisan politics at the local level? Will Alberta benefit from its provincial government inserting itself into funding agreem...
Don't Look Away from Gaza
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire Porter Robbins is just back from Jerusalem, where she's been covering the Israel-Hamas war for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Globe &...
Replacing the RCMP
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All eyes are on Grande Prairie as the northern Alberta city bids adieu to the RCMP and welcomes its own municipal police service. "GP" becomes the fir...
Can We Reverse the Damage We’ve Done to Planet Earth?
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you think of the state of Planet Earth, do you feel optimism or dread? We couldn't blame you for having a bit of a pit in your stomach, consideri...
"F*cking Woke Babies!"
20 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dwayne says Danielle Smith is a threat to medical research in Alberta, KP and Rene say Premier Smith's bang on with Bill 18, and Gabe has a bone to pi...
Kathleen Ganley to Jespo: Quit Counting Me Out!
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kathleen Ganley's team is fed up with Jespo talking like their campaign's cooked. They say while the former Justice Minister might not be the favourit...
Is the Carbon Tax ACTUALLY Effective in Reducing Emissions?
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of Canadians are feeling the effects of a serious housing crunch. And every single one of us is feeling the effects of climate change. The fe...
Winners and Losers: We Dig Into Federal Budget 2024
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There's a lot to understand in Budget 2024, delivered April 16 by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Are you a renter hoping to buy your first home? ...
Bill 18: A Direct Attack on Academic Freedom?
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You've seen the headlines: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says all federal funding to universities, school boards, health and housing authorities, and...
Danielle Smith Tells Trudeau: "Get Out Of My Backyard!"
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says federal funding for things like housing, harm reduction, and research needs to flow through the province. Her gove...
"I Don't Need Govt Protecting Me from Vodka Jugs!"
13 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mike has a message for the "F Trudeau" crowd, Michael and Bob the Builder think Danielle Smith's out of line with the Provincial Priorities Act, dog l...
Does Canada Need A "Centrist" Political Party?
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a conservative turned off by the current tone of the Conservative Party of Canada? Are you a liberal who just can't support the Justin Trudeau...
The Future of Politics in Canada
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How bad is foreign election interference in Canada? What are we learning from the inquiry underway in Ottawa? Do polls even matter 18 months out from ...
Death Threats Force BC Mayors To Push Back
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"I'll literally find that grease ball and hook a chain around his ankle and drag him behind my pickup truck," reads a post from Liam Brennan on an Oso...
The REAL Problem with the Carbon Tax
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justin Trudeau's said it a million times: eight out of ten Canadians receive more from the Canada Carbon Rebate than what they pay in carbon taxes. If...
Should Dog Owners Be Charged in Fatal Attacks?
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An 11-year-old boy is dead after two Cane Corsos owned by his dad's roommate attacked him during a Spring Break visit. The dogs, subjects of two other...
"You Have the Liberals to Thank for That!"
06 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Real Talker Clyde is ALL fired up about the carbon tax increase, and has a message for his customers and fellow Canadians. It's The Flamethrower prese...
100% Hydrogen-Fuelled Community the First in Canada
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Within the next couple of years, people will be moving into new homes in the 100% Hydrogen-fuelled community of Bremner, just east of Edmonton. It'll ...
$60M ArriveCAN App Debacle: Hon. Anita Anand
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do the Feds plan to invest their way out of a housing crisis? What proof do we have the $10/day childcare program is paying off? What does the fut...
MLA David Shepherd Endorses Nenshi // Alberta is Burning
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Experts are predicting one of the worst wildfire seasons in Canadian history in 2024. We find out why (and what we can do about it) in this episode. B...
All Fired Up: Calgary Mayor Booed at Flames Game
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A rough reception for Mayor Jyoti Gondek, booed during an appearance at centre ice during the Calgary Flames South Asian Celebration game. It's the la...
"Two Men Blowing Smoke Up the Ass of a Billionaire!"
30 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's taking his "Axe the Tax" rallies across the country ahead of another carbon tax increase on April 1. Meantime, ...
Fact Checking Pierre Poilievre's "Axe the Tax" Plan
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's taking his "Axe the Tax" rallies across the country ahead of another carbon tax increase on April 1. Meantime, ...
Why Did Rakhi Pancholi Leave the Alberta NDP Leadership Race?
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Were you shocked to see Rakhi Pancholi pull out of the Alberta NDP leadership race with three months to go? (We were!) Many people saw the popular Edm...
Gil McGowan's In; Rakhi Pancholi's Out
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gil's in, and Rakhi's out. On an eventful day in the Alberta NDP leadership race, we find out why the president of the Alberta Federation of Labour fi...
Mayor Gondek Meets with Recall Organizer: What's Next?
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Landon Johnston thinks Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek's doing such a lousy job, he organizes a petition to recall her from office. Instead of ignoring the...
"Jespo, I hate you...but I respect you!"
23 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This edition of The Flamethrower is a healthy mix of love letters and hate mail based on our recent Justin Trudeau and Danielle Smith interviews. Enjo...
Fight For Your Right (Not) To Party!
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been paying attention to what's going on in Alberta? Premier Danielle Smith's government is kinda sorta rolling out a provincial police force...
WATER WARS: The Fight for Our Most Valuable Natural Resource
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is there anything more important to human survival than water? Water is everything - without it, ecosystems, industry, and individuals would die. So, ...
Backroom Political Conspiracy Exposed!
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leaked documents show a direct link between Take Back Alberta, the Recall Gondek campaign, and the push for municipal political parties in Alberta. Wh...
Should Canada Clamp Down on the Sex Trade?
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should prostitution be outlawed in Canada? Canadians are split on the issue: some believe sex work should be legalized, regulated, and taxed, while ot...
Pierre Poilievre: Poverty Fighter or Phony Bologna?
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pierre Poilievre wants BC Premier David Eby to join his fight against the carbon tax. Eby declines, citing Poilievre's "bologna politics". Poilievre f...
This Francophone's All Fired Up!
16 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by Edify's annual Best Restaurants issue, we talk about the business of food in this episode of Real Talk. What's the secret to creating an i...
The Secrets Behind the Most Successful Restaurants
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by Edify's annual Best Restaurants issue, we talk about the business of food in this episode of Real Talk. What's the secret to creating an i...
EXCLUSIVE: Premier Danielle Smith
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith joins us in the Real Talk studio just hours after meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 1:37 | What did the PM ...