Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

What Do Canadians Care About?

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The loudest voices don't always represent majority opinions. In this episode of Real Talk, we find out what Canadians actually think about a parent's ...

Bursting at the Seams: Alberta’s Overcrowded Classrooms

06 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's richest province spends the least per student on education. Classrooms are packed, teachers are stretched, and kids aren't getting the suppor...

Canada in 2060: Summers Lost, Biblical Floods, Political Turmoil

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Science says it's too late to avoid some of the inevitable impacts of climate change. Journalist Anne Shibata Casselman spent six months investigating...

Best of Real Talk: Scandal at the Calgary Stampede

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For decades, officials at the Calgary Stampede knew a predator was working with the famed Young Canadians, but covered it up. Strategist Stephen Carte...

Best of Real Talk: The Mind-Boggling Massacre of Twitter

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Of all the ways to blow $44 billion... Social media experts Kathleen Smith, Karly Watson, and Beverley Theresa give us the goods on the future of Twit...

Best of Real Talk: The Energy Debates

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz tells us about her closed door meeting with federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. NDP Energy C...

Best of Real Talk: The Fight for Queer Rights

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mayor Bob Young wasn't tolerating any lunacy at a recent Leduc Council meeting. Randy Boissonnault lets us know what he thinks about the "Straight Pri...

Best of Real Talk: Wild Weather Stories!

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Aaron Jayjack's death-defying storm chasing blows our mind. Chris Gloninger tells us why he walked away from a big broadcasting job in the States. Enj...

Trash Talk - Real Talkers Are All Riled Up!

26 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Real Talkers are riled up about a whole bunch of things - from our David Parker interview to gun control to the CFL to "platforming" - in a raucous ed...

What’s So Special About Prairie Food?

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's just something about a farm family recipe. Whether the food is inspired by a cultural or ethnic tradition, season, or region, nothing compares...

Why Representation Matters

23 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"I don't think it matters." Sports talk veteran Jason Gregor was trending across Canada last week after CBC host Mark Connolly asked him why there wer...

The Argument FOR Alberta’s Wind & Solar Moratorium

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Imagine what a boring world it'd be if we all agreed on everything all the time! In this episode of Real Talk, we read your takes on our August 21 int...

Take Back Alberta Founder David Parker

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you follow Alberta politics, you've no doubt heard about Take Back Alberta. The group has taken over the United Conservative Party board, and claim...

Listener Lashes Out at Ryan!

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Brad's pissed at Ryan's comment about incels, Kathy's pissed off at a bunch of politicians,  and Michael's pissed off at the idea of moving the Grey ...

Canada’s On Fire: Yellowknife & Kelowna Evacuated

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tens of thousands of Canadians have fled their homes as wildfires destroy Kelowna and threaten Yellowknife.  3:50 | Kelowna is burning as Ryan and Jo...

Should Birth Control Be Free?

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"This is where health care meets human rights." Dr. Rupinder Toor and her colleagues are lobbying the feds to make birth control free. She tells us wh...

Why Are Jordan Peterson & Pierre Poilievre So Popular?

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In just a few years, Jordan Peterson has amassed a following of millions of disciples. Pierre Poilievre dominated the Conservative Party's most recent...

Is the CFL Dying?

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it too late to save Canadian football? Attendance is down in almost every market, and there doesn't appear to be a "next generation" of fans. The w...

Why Is Your Power Bill So High?

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Everything costs more these days. Mortgages, gas, groceries...you name it, you're probably paying more for it. You've no doubt noticed your power bill...

Albertans All Fired Up About the Green Energy Ban

12 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You've got a LOT to get off your chest when it comes to green energy. Mikey can't hold his tongue about the UCP moratorium on green energy. Garry says...

Alberta’s New Myrnam School: Top Ten in the WORLD

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What an "electrifying" week it's been on Real Talk! Prompted by political and industry developments, we've spent a bunch of time talking about renewab...

What’s the Secret to Growing Alberta’s Energy Future?

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What can Alberta do to position itself for another century's worth of jobs, investment, and affordable living? Our "electrifying" week of Real Talk co...

Alberta Environment Minister Rebecca Schulz

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's led the nation by a country mile in renewable energy development. So, how does it make sense to impose a seven-month moratorium on new wind ...

Locked Out: UCP Stops Wind & Solar in its Tracks

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's UCP government announces a six month moratorium on wind and solar projects, citing rural concerns including loss of agricultural land and im...

Chuck the Chucks!

05 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

| Lesley's got a burr under her saddle about the Calgary Stampede in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services.  KE...

How To Fix Edmonton: Crime, City Council, K-Days, The Elks, & More

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Crime rates are skyrocketing in Alberta's capital city. Attendance was way down at K-Days, the annual summer fair. The CFL's Edmonton Elks have lost t...

Why Don’t People Seem To Care About the Stampede Scandal?

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Seems like everybody's giving the Calgary Stampede a pass for covering up a sexual abuse scandal for nearly 30 years. Donald Trump's facing serious ch...

Calgary Stampede Abuse Scandal: Decades-Long Coverup Exposed

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An adult staffer with The Calgary Stampede's Young Canadians performing arts group sexually assaulted dozens of teens for more than 20 years before th...

Man of the People: Will Pierre Poilievre’s Shtick Stick?

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre says he'll "always support whistleblowers" after the public learned his team covered the legal costs of the perso...

Fiery Takes on Energy, Cannabis, & Politics

29 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's got a message for the federal environment minister, Cyndi's got a wake-up call for the cannabis industry, Mike says people need to chill out...

Brand Power: How Good and Bad Design Influences Us

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're influenced by marketing way more than we realize. From brands and logos to jingles and taglines, there's a ton of science and strategy behind ho...

”A Ridiculous Argument” - Rachel Notley On Medical Clinic Memberships

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A Calgary medical clinic is charging $5,000 for annual memberships. Sinead O'Connor's gone. Kevin Spacey's acquitted from all charges. PMJT's blown up...

Up in Smoke: Why Canada’s Cannabis Industry is in Trouble

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why are so many Canadian cannabis growers and retailers closing up shop? Five years post-legalization, what's holding the industry back? Speaking of h...

#cdnpoli Roundup: Another Rate Hike, Poilievre’s Winning Play, & PMJT Security Threats

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How are the Hollywood strikes impacting Canadians? When can we expect a break on interest rates? Is Pierre Poilievre right or wrong about the Bank of ...

Twitter X, The Brutes of Belleville, & Bill C-18

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is perfect for road trips, bike rides, and dog walks. We check in with talented storytellers Charles Adler and Matt Cundill to get up to ...

Real Talker Rips Trump’s Plans for 2024

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wayne's choked at Charles Adler and wants Ryan to put his money where his mouth's at in this week's Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Servic...

Battle of the Billionaires & Other Social Media Storylines

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who'll be left standing in the Battle of the Billionaires - Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg? Will Zuck's Threads app ultimately take down Musk's Twitter...

Hidden Harm: Alberta’s Methane Problem

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta has a significant and largely invisible methane measurement and management problem. Here's the thing: it doesn't have to be this way. There ar...

The Future of Oil, Energy, and Journalism in Canada

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You don't have to work in oil and gas or journalism to know big changes are coming. Whether you're talking about a net-zero plan including emissions c...

Into The Eye Of The Didsbury Tornado With Storm Chaser Aaron Jayjack

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's hard to describe the power of an EF4 tornado, but Aaron Jayjack's videos speak for themselves. The professional storm chaser takes us into his wi...

”Leaders Lead”: Straight Pride, Climate Action, & Cost of Living

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

News is supposed to slow down in the summer, but lucky for us, that's not happening. Politicians are posing for controversial photos at the Calgary St...

Why Canada’s Oil Profits Could Collapse

08 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Garth's got strong feelings about snow clearing, Kristie's ticked at people taking shots at her town, and Janice has a warning about oil prices in thi...

Steele & Vance: Hot Takes on Canada’s Biggest Stories

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should the feds order striking BC port workers back to work? How bad is the CBC vs. Danielle Smith situation? Did Canadians deserve a break from the c...

Danielle Smith’s Win Over the CBC

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's a clear winner in the standoff between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the CBC. Seven months after reporting Smith's office had emailed Cro...

Downtown Turnaround: How Calgary’s Transforming Its Core

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Calgary is looking to convert six million square feet of vacant office space for new use. The city's already a third of the way there, capturing the a...

The Sunshine List: Do We Deserve To Know What You Make?

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We're all about transparency...but are Sunshine Lists the right way to go about it? Alberta Health Services just released its annual list of employees...

Pissed Off About Pride

01 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Frosty and Garry are upset at our Pride talk, while Lauren and Kat have a lot to say about the Titan sub disaster. Brace yourself for Trash Talk prese...

Alberta Doctors Want An Apology

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's former Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw was unceremoniously dismissed from a new position in Indigenous health, prompting t...

It’s Time To Talk: How Do We Fix Our Communities?

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's not "broken," but our communities are hurting. Crime rates are up, police are taking longer to respond to rural calls, many community support...

Triggered: Why Are People Losing Their Minds Over Pride?

28 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Unruly people spewing hateful conspiracy theories about the Pride flag forced Leduc Mayor Bob Young to abruptly cancel a recent council meeting. This,...

$2 Billion Boondoggle: Edmonton’s Valley Line LRT

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the most mind-boggling build in Edmonton's recent history. The Valley Line LRT, a $1.8 billion expansion to the city's light rail network, is now...

What’s Next for Putin?

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The world watched over the weekend as tension between several of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most loyal lieutenants spilled into the streets,...

Crazy Wildfire Conspiracy

24 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anne's hot under the collar about the latest wildfire conspiracy theory, Tracey won't be muzzled over masks in senior's centres, and Jeff's got a mess...

Canada’s Unremembered Terrorist Attack: Air India 182

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lost at sea, will the passengers aboard a small vessel bound for Titanic's wreckage survive? Why haven't the 280 Canadians killed in the Air India 182...

Are You Future Ready?

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ten years after the southern Alberta floods, what have we learned from one of the costliest natural disasters in Canadian history? How did the disaste...

Our New Century of Fire Has Only Just Begun

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's among the worst developed nations when it comes to government transparency. We're also in the beginning stages of a new century of fire that ...

Whistleblower: Frances Haugen’s Plan To Protect Teens

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A couple years ago, data engineer Frances Haugen blew the whistle on Facebook, disclosing thousands of her employer's internal documents to the SEC an...

Fact Check: Danielle Smith Called Out

10 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan got a call from a certain former Deputy Premier of Alberta after yesterday's interview with Danielle Smith. It set the table for today's Fact Che...

Pride Is Protest: A Real Talk Round Table

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

June is Pride month. Chances are, you're seeing more rainbow flags, news coverage, and maybe even a controversial email or pamphlet referencing the an...

Premier Danielle Smith in the Real Talk Studio

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What are Danielle Smith's plans for Cabinet, an Alberta pension plan, and a "new relationship" with Ottawa and the media? Alberta's Premier joins Ryan...

How The NDP Won Calgary: Insights From An Insider

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following a couple recounts, it's official: the Alberta NDP won 14 of 26 seats in Calgary. How did the party most closely tied to success in Edmonton ...

Time To Step Down? David Johnston Says No Way

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

David Johnston says he's staying on as Special Rapporteur despite a House of Commons motion calling for his resignation (and a public inquiry). The fo...

Populism: Is What’s Good For Politicians Good For You?

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Populist politicians like Danielle Smith, Doug Ford, and Ron DeSantis have won support by appealing to everyday people. But do average, ordinary folks...

GIV’ER! A Post-Election Edition of Trash Talk

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's the first edition of Trash Talk since the Alberta election, and Real Talkers have a lot to say! Ryan busts out the flame thrower and gets into th...

Alberta & Ottawa: Bad + Bitchy Takes on a Big Week

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What can we expect to see from Premier Danielle Smith, Rachel Notley (and the Alberta NDP), and Justin Trudeau vs. Pierre Poilievre? Find out from Bad...

Where Does Rachel Notley Go From Here?

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In politics, is it possible to win and lose at the same time? You might describe the Alberta NDP's 2023 campaign in such a way. Rachel Notley's party ...

Why She Won: The Secret To Danielle Smith’s Success

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The results are in: Danielle Smith and the UCP will form Alberta's next government. What can Albertans expect? What message does the election outcome ...

Election Day in AB: Which Ridings Will Determine the Outcome

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

By the time most of us fall asleep tonight, we'll know which party will form the next government in Alberta. Will it be Premier Danielle Smith or Prem...

We Deserve A Voice

27 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lauren says it's gotta be people ahead of profits, and Catalina didn't love the tone of one of our interviews this week. Both Real Talkers sound off i...

Inform Your Vote: UCP & NDP Plans for Alberta

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Alberta election is just days away. More than a half-million people have already voted in advance polls, suggesting this election could see record...

Why PC Minister Doug Griffiths Is Backing the NDP

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's a helluva thing for a high-profile Progressive Conservative cabinet minister to go on the record endorsing the New Democrats. But that's exactly ...

Worst Fire Season Ever: Why 2023 Is So Bad

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's making national news on two fronts this month. With more than a million hectares already burned before June (that's 2.5 million football fie...

Who’s Going To Win The Alberta Election?

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Even the most experienced pollsters and pundits are having a hard time calling this one. As advance polls open today, with less than a week 'til Elect...

Politics Ain’t Sports!

21 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tania's got a strong message - delivered out of love (!) - for our Thursday Round Table guests (and Ryan), and Ned's sick of politics as sport. Both s...

The Strategists: Alberta Election Debate Recap

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Both the UCP and NDP are claiming a win at the only televised debate of the 2023 Alberta Election. Who's right? How do you gauge success? Did either l...

Fight Night: The Battle for the Soundbite

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The only televised debate of the 2023 Alberta Election goes down tonight. What can we expect from Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley? Who has the upper ...

Unethical Oil: Alberta’s Secret Shame

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's a total disaster. For decades, Alberta has allowed oil and gas companies to ignore their legal obligation to clean up old wells, tailings ponds, ...

”Lightning Rod” Journalist Rachel Gilmore

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Nobody will blame you for being confused about voter intention across the province. Duelling polls from Abacus Data and Janet Brown have the UCP eithe...

Two Weeks To Go: NDP Leads, UCP Bleeds

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Could the UCP really be blowing a big lead in Calgary? Will the NDP be able to hold on and win the election on May 29? Do you even believe what the po...

UCP Leadership Losers ”Part of the Problem”

13 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff says people need to chill over the new Canadian passports, Laurie argues school buses are getting less safe in Alberta, and Monty's wondering wha...

Alberta Mayors Reveal Election Wish Lists

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What do Alberta's towns and cities most need right now? A solution to violent crime? Better access to healthcare? $30 billion to save essential infras...

Will There Ever Be Peace in the Middle East?

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Violence is escalating again in the Gaza Strip, as Israel airstrikes target the militant Islamic Jihad group. UN Secretary-General António Guterres c...

Win or Lose, Is Danielle Smith Toast?

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sources inside the United Conservative Party say a faction's already organizing against Danielle Smith. Rumour has it if the UCP doesn't win big on Ma...

Is Danielle Smith Her Own Worst Enemy?

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Another day, another apology from Danielle Smith. The UCP leader is facing fire for comments in November of 2021 comparing vaccinated people with foll...

Fighting Fires: Literal and Political

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alberta's on fire. More than 100 wildfires are burning, more than 30 of them out of control. We look at the front-line and long-term storylines, as we...

Tired of Politics!

06 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the UCP and NDP polling neck and neck, and the Alberta election less than four weeks away, it's no surprise this week's Trash Talk presented by L...

The Art of Innovation: AI, Accessibility & Law

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is our personal information at risk of being stolen? (Probably.) Do we truly understand the barriers people using wheelchairs encounter every day? (Pr...

How the Force Can Fix the World

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

May the 4th be with you! (Don't worry, even if you're not a Star Wars geek like Ryan, you'll still find plenty of value in this episode.) What can we ...

Hurtin’ Albertan: Corb vs. Coal

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

1:25 | He's had his life threatened, but Corb Lund ain't backing down. The award-winning singer-songwriter is on a mission to stop coal mining in the ...

Head to Head: NDP vs. UCP

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Senior campaign advisors Erika Barootes (UCP) and Cheryl Oates (NDP) aren't messing around on today's show. The senior campaign advisors come out punc...

It’s Go Time! Alberta Politics Super Episode

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Election season is officially underway in Alberta. Real Talk has you covered with comprehensive analysis of key storylines on Day One of the campaigns...

Stirrin’ It Up: Quick Dick McDick & Brett Kissel

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Quick Dick McDick and Brett Kissel are used to big reactions. Quick Dick's YouTube videos see six-figure views on a regular basis, and Kissel's Juno A...

TikTok Therapy, Before I Change My Mind

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ashley Wanamaker never thought millions of people would check out her TikTok videos about mental health. The self-described "accidental TikTok therapi...

Living Well: Schizophrenia, Alcoholism, and Healthy Families

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What's the secret to living well in the face of adversity? How can we manage mental illness, disease, and other factors standing in the way of healthy...

The Bold Ones

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We feature three forces of nature in this episode of The Best of Real Talk. It's impossible not to be inspired by Shawn Kanungo, Bean Gill, and Brian ...

Tech Addiction & ChatGPT

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tens of millions of people have watched Johann Hari’s TED Talks about our collective addiction to technology. The evidence is all around us. In this...

TRASH TALK: Greenwashing & White Woman Privilege

22 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michael's choked about our conversation this week about hydrogen, and Avery's antagonized by our 4/20 episode. Both Real Talkers sound off in a "clap ...

How To Save Planet Earth

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you overwhelmed by stories of the eventual demise of human life on Planet Earth? Could you use a little encouragement, or even evidence that our g...

4/20: Real Talk About Cannabis

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Happy 4/20! Whether you celebrate the annual "Weed Day" or not, you're guaranteed to learn something in this special episode of Real Talk.  5:30 | Ch...

Political Enemies & Drinking Buddies

19 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is it even possible to succeed in politics without being nasty? Thomas Lukaszuk and Brian Mason locked horns at the Alberta Legislature for years. In ...