

Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Relay
Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 30min
EXCLUSIVE: Prime Minister Mark Carney
Mark Carney's got his hands full. Canada's Prime Minister joins Ryan in the Real Talk studio to talk about pressing pause on the EV mandate (0:30), finding a balance between industry and environmental priorities (4:30), Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's list of nine demands (7:00), and negotiating a new deal with the U.S. (11:15). Carney tells us about "the coolest experience of (his) life" (13:15), his new Major Projects Office in Calgary (14:00), the new Liberal climate caucus (16:00), bail reforms (17:30), promised gun reform (19:30), the Alberta separation movement (21:00), and Israel bombing targets in Qatar (27:15). Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespesen.com
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 37min
Carney Called Out by Climate Action Group
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is facing criticism over its emissions reduction plan, after pausing Canada's EV mandate and appearing to waffle on meeting its obligation to the Paris agreement by 2030. Have the Carney Liberals gone soft on their climate commitment?
2:30 | Caroline Brouillette, executive director of Climate Action Network Canada, says Canada's climate commitment is a matter of sovereignty. She lays out what her group's hoping to see from the feds in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
READ MORE: https://climateactionnetwork.ca/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
32:15 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on "fun runs," Carney pausing Canada's EV mandate (40:30), and new polling on Carney vs. Poilievre (44:00). We share a big announcement (48:00) before getting to Real Talker "Lucy's Mom" on our Aaron Paquette interview, Real Talker Amanda's take on party-affiliated vs. independent candidates for council (1:18:00), and Real Talker Rob's feedback from southern Ontario (1:28:30).
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 53min
Minister Evan Solomon on Canada's AI Future
Canada's first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Evan Solomon, says AI is the nation's "Gutenberg moment". How will the feds best equip and enable Canadian businesses to maximize its impact? How will legislation protect institutions like banking and healthcare from nefarious forces? What role will Alberta play in Canada's AI and digital innovation strategy? We get into it all with Minister Evan Solomon (1:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
24:00 | Minister Solomon and Ryan reflect on the career and legacy of the great Ken Dryden, who succumbed to cancer on September 5.
34:30 | Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power share how AI is impacting their workplaces and everyday lives.
SHARE YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
49:00 | Did you see President Trump's "Chipocolypse Now" post? We hear what conservative pundit Megyn Kelly has to say about Trump's plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago.
1:14:00 | After linking autism to Tylenol use, is RFK Jr. on borrowed time as Trump's health secretary?
1:30:00 | Are Alberta teachers set to strike? Real Talker "Pete" gives us the goods from the inside.
1:46:00 | Real Talker Roxanne shares how an episode of the show potentially saved her life. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby.
WATCH OUR EPISODE with DRS. SHAZMA MITHANI & SHEILA WAJAYASINGHE: https://rtrj.info/081125DocTalk
SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sep 6, 2025 • 6min
On Rural Crime: "Shoot, Shovel, and Shut Up!"
Rural Resident Ryan has a hot take on dealing with rural crime, (Urban) Robert says "woke" city people don't deserve the heat, Wendy calls Danielle Smith to the carpet, and Matthew wants Jespo to be better on the "Blatchford boondoggle". It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS!
https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 50min
Calgary Election Insights // 3 Pinters Round Table
Veteran news anchor Lynda Steele set off a firestorm when she called out Alberta conservatives in our September 4 episode. We lead with the loudest responses (3:10), before turning our attention to a wide-open mayoral race in Calgary. Later in the episode, crack a cold one with Jespo's basketball teammates who bring insights on craft beer, inter-provincial trade, and vibrant communities.
WATCH LYNDA on REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/090425Lynda
15:00 | Jeremy Klaszus, founder and editor of The Sprawl, identifies Cowtown's number one election issue, and weighs in on the introduction of municipal political parties in Alberta. Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
READ THE SPRAWL: https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
36:00 | Prepare to be entertained! Three of Jespo's beer league basketball teammates - Andrew Ironmonger, Adam Corsaut, and Ryan Huska - talk craft beer, inter-provincial trade, and half-billion dollar community investments.
ALBERTA BEER GUIDE on IG: https://www.instagram.com/abbeerguide/?hl=en
DOG ISLAND BREWING: https://www.dogislandbrewing.com/
ANALOG BREWING: https://analogbrewing.ca/
1:42:15 | Rural Resident Ryan has a hot take on dealing with rural crime, (Urban) Robert says "woke" city people don't deserve the heat, Wendy calls Danielle Smith to the carpet, and Matthew wants Jespo to be better on the "Blatchford boondoggle". It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 39min
Lynda Steele: Epstein List, Cable Costs, Alberta Election
Could Donald Trump's history with Jeffrey Epstein ultimately cost him the presidency? Are you paying too much for cable? Are municipal parties polluting Alberta's political landscape? Veteran broadcaster Lynda Steele (2:00) gets Real in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
CHECK OUT LYNDA'S NEW PROJECT: https://killeenandsteele.ca/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
56:00 | On top of its prosperous past and present thanks to oil and gas, Alberta's established itself as Canada's renewable energy leader. We highlight the bright future of Alberta's energy sector in the inaugural edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.
DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP: https://playalberta.ca/
SHARE YOUR "ALBERTA WINS" STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:00:30 | The Alberta Chambers of Commerce are driving discussion on municipal red tape and business supports ahead of the election on October 20. President and CEO Shauna Feth outlines what members are telling them, with her Eye on Alberta Business.
TAKE THE SURVEY: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_0MNEx5aZQcA3axU?Source=EOB
ALBERTA JOBS STRATEGY: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-jobs-strategy
ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/
1:27:15 | We hear how Real Talkers are cutting cable and telecom costs via the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 42min
Alberta’s Book Ban Backfires
Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government presses pause on a Ministerial Order targeting school library books, as Edmonton Public Schools pull 200 titles from shelves, including works by Margaret Atwood, Maya Angelou, and Ayn Rand. Smith calls the move "vicious compliance," promising new, more specific rules to come. Is this anything but a losing battle for the UCP?
7:30 | Political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt assesses the UCP's pivot, and potential longer-term impact on the government's popularity.
36:15 | Jespo's gaggle of "nerds and geeks" made Jasper the number one stop on their annual hockey pool getaway. Check out the highlights (including a must-visit sandwich stop) in this edition of #MyJasper Memories proudly presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.
BOOK YOUR NEXT JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/
42:15 | Pundit Rob Breakenridge tells us why he thinks the UCP's book ban is "disastrous". Stick around for Rob's take on Pierre Poilievre's "Stand on Guard" proposal and Alberta's ballooning spending.
CHECK OUT ROB'S WORK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/
1:26:00 | Real Talker Marie's sick and tired of city slickers ripping on rural Albertans.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 38min
Supriya Dwivedi: Book Ban, Trump v. Newsom, Poilievre
We're thrilled to welcome Supriya Dwivedi back to our regular rotation, starting with this episode (2:30), where the former senior advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes on Alberta's school library book ban, PM Mark Carney's negotiations with President Donald Trump, California Governor Gavin Newsom's Trumpian social media strategy, and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre's "Stand on Guard" proposal to address violent crime in Canada.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
57:00 | Jespo and Johnny catch up after the long weekend, and discuss an email from Real Talker Jeff, who doesn't think they should take any days off.
1:34:00 | Real Talker Lynda talks "solidarity" in a Labour Day edition of Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/solar
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Aug 31, 2025 • 8min
"Carney has failed miserably!"
Trevour Bouds has words for Max Fawcett (and Mark Carney), Adam C. and Cole chime in on infill, Alberta Gengar's hardly a fan of Return To Work policies, Gillian's bracing for (looking forward to?) a teachers' strike, Lisa says no pay for work travel is nothing new, and Alex has a word of warning for vapers. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 49min
Mayor Amarjeet Sohi // Rahim Jaffer
5:30 | Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi responds to criticism from business leaders during our August 27 episode, counters criticism around the $400M Fan Park deal with the province, and tells us why he despises the word "woke," in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
42:45 | Rahim Jaffer tells us what lured him back into politics after 17 years out of the spotlight, explains how his troubles with the law shaped who he is today, and lays out his plan to trim the fat as Edmonton's next mayor.
CHECK OUT RAHIM'S CAMPAIGN: https://www.votejaffer.ca/
1:26:10 | Jespo and Johnny share two major announcements.
1:39:00 | Trevour Bouds has words for Max Fawcett (and Mark Carney), Adam C. and Cole chime in on infill, Alberta Gengar's hardly a fan of Return To Work policies, Gillian's bracing for (looking forward to?) a teachers' strike, Lisa says no pay for work travel is nothing new, and Alex has a word of warning for vapers. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen
REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch
RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors
The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.