Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Pierre Poilievre walks away from a big weekend in Calgary with a significant boost, scoring 87.4% in his leadership review at Conservative Convention 2026. Poll analyst Philippe Fournier was there as an objective observer, and joins Ryan and Supriya with a full report (4:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  338CANADA: https://www.338canada.ca/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 45:30 | We're proud to support the Stollery Children's Hospital's No Bounds campaign, aiming to raise a BILLION dollars to build a new children's hospital in Edmonton. Stollery CEO Karen Faulkner and board chair Kevin McKee join "medical mom" Jodi Richardson and her incredibly brave daughter Emmy in the Real Talk studio as we learn more about why the new hospital is so desperately needed.  SUPPORT the NO BOUNDS CAMPAIGN: https://www.stollerynobounds.com/ 1:17:45 | A huge thank you to everybody who supported the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! We recap the highlights of a perfect Saturday in St. Albert courtesy photographer Karly Watson and videographer Brian "Noob" Schonewille.  1:26:20 | Podcast subscribers - did you check out the bonus episode we released on February 1? Relay (Real Talk's parent company) is producing an eight-episode feature series for the Alberta Federation of Labour. You can read more about the Worker Agenda here: https://workeragenda.ca/ 1:32:20 | Real Talker Rachelle has us smiling from ear to ear with her video of "the happiest of all the disappointed Denver Broncos fans". No matter which NFL team you cheer for, we guarantee wee Wyatt's expression will make your day! Positive Reflections is proudly presented by Solar by Kuby. SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com BOOK 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.

Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour. Episode 1 of the Worker Agenda looks at AFFORDABILITY. Everything is getting more expensive. The dream of a secure, middle-class life is slipping away, especially for young people. Gil McGowan and Cori Longo of the AFL join Omar Mouallem to discuss what can be done to make life more affordable for Albertans. Follow the Worker Agenda at: https://workeragenda.ca/ Ask your MLA to make the Worker Agenda THE Agenda for the province https://workeragenda.ca/get-involved/ Follow AFL Media: https://www.youtube.com/@ABFedLabour/videos Follow AFL on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABFedLabour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abfedlabour/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/ABFedLabour LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alberta-federation-of-labour/ Follow the AFL and sign up for AFL News: https://afl.org/

Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes to disability benefits in Alberta; and Melvin has a geography lesson for Jespo. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at 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, or 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.

Canada's premiers are calling out Alberta separatists en masse. BC's David Eby's calling it "treason". This, as American officials are (reportedly) meeting with an unelected, unofficial, and unserious delegation led by lawyer Jeff Rath. We get into it - along with the Canada-US relationship, the Canada-China trade deal, and the contentious F-35 fighter jet order - with longtime politician, diplomat, and CEO of the Canada West Foundation Gary Mar (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/ 45:00 | Heated Rivalry is now Crave's all-time most-watched series. Prime Minister Mark Carney just appeared with one of the show's stars - Hudson Williams - on a red carpet in Ottawa. More people than ever before are talking about LGBTQ2S+ inclusion in sport. This, as Edmonton-designed Pride Tape celebrates its ten year anniversary. Pride Tape co-founders Senator Kristopher Wells and Jeff McLean join our Real Talk Round Table to discuss.  TELL US YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com  PRIDE TAPE: https://pridetape.com/ SILENT AUCTION LINK for SIX CLUB TICKETS to OILERS/WILD on JAN. 31: https://www.32auctions.com/organizations/135812/auctions/195160/auction_items/6707590 1:47:00 | Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes to disability benefits in Alberta; and Melvin has a geography lesson for Jespo. It's The Flamethrower presented by our amazing friends at 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, or 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.

Erika Barootes, political commentator and founding president of Alberta's UCP, breaks down Conservative Convention politics. She discusses how Poilievre might handle Trump-aligned supporters and Alberta separatists. They debate tone, party direction, messaging on affordability and public safety, and the optics that will shape the leadership review.

Alberta's rolling back benefits for nearly 80,000 people with disabilities with its new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). Amidst steep cost of living increases, benefits are being cut by 10% alongside a 67% cut to fully-exempt employment income. We talk to Inclusion Alberta CEO Trish Bowman and Real Talker Averie, an advocate for adults with mental illness, in our feature interview (4:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. SHARE YOUR STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ INCLUSION ALBERTA: https://inclusionalberta.org/adap-facts-and-take-action/ ADAP: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program 47:00 | Get your neon ski suits out of storage - it's Retro Day in Jasper on January 31! We've got details in #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  JASPER in JANUARY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/ MARMOT BASIN: https://www.skimarmot.com/ 52:15 | The Bank of Canada maintains the key interest rate at 2.25%. Premiers in Saskatchewan and Ontario have very different takes on Mark Carney's deal with China. Alberta separatists are ramping up efforts around their petition. What does it all mean for Alberta businesses? Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce, has her Eye on Alberta Business.  CONNECT with ACC: https://www.abchamber.ca/ TAKE THE HOT BUTTON ISSUE SURVEY: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_0GOnjhL52yHpCm2 1:19:20 | Real Talkers have a lot to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:52:15 | We're auctioning off six club tickets to the Oilers game vs. the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, January 31 along with (optional) Golden Bus transportation from Central Social Hall St. Albert to Rogers Place that evening. All proceeds from this amazing auction item generously donated by Play Alberta will go toward the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic's fundraising for KidSport and Uncles and Aunts at Large.  ENTER YOUR BID: https://www.32auctions.com/RTPondHockey2026 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.

Canadians are waiting way too long in emergency rooms. Dr. Andrew Boozary, executive director at the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at Toronto's University Health Network and founder of Dunn House, explains how they've cut ER visits by 52% and length of stays by 79% (5:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  Stick around for former Jason Kenney staffer Blaise Boehmer's behind-the-scenes story (42:00) of the then-Alberta premier introducing recall legislation (and why Blaise thought it was a mistake from the start).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ MORE on DUNN HOUSE: https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/housing-shelter/building-affordable-homes/housing-initiatives/supportive-housing-developments/90-dunn-ave/ CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW on BRIDGE HEALING at the ROYAL ALEX: https://rtrj.info/112825Bridge 1:17:00 | Are you an audiophile? Are you looking for the best bang-for-buck headphones on the market? Real Talker MetaModern tees up an interesting conversation. ($60,000 for headphones?!) 1:32:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to hear Cassandra's story of living on the edge of homelessness.  SHARE YOUR STORY: 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.

It's been a wild few days in the United States. Another U.S. citizen is dead at the hands of ICE agents, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is publicly endorsing Alberta separatism, and President Donald Trump is threatening 100% tariffs on Canada following PM Mark Carney's deal with China. We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi (3:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/. 1:15:00 | Real Talkers share their family's rules on screen time, social media access, etc. in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: 1:32:30 | Real Talker Lisa in B.C. has this week's Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. We love to hear it - welcome to the family, Lisa!  SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: 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.

Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the real world cost of Alberta separation talk, Gerald's torn on the "leaked classroom audio" story, and Watty's got a proposal for a PST in Alberta. 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, or 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.

Alberta's two main parties - the UCP and NDP - are polling neck and neck. We dig into the new numbers with Liaison Strategies pollster David Valentin (3:00), before taking a look at updated federal numbers and a shocking reality around hospital emergency rooms across Canada. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/ LIAISON STRATEGIES: https://www.liaison.ca/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 42:00 | Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to see what you have to say about Liaison's polling numbers. We get into high-profile responses to PM Mark Carney's Davos speech (1:09:30) and President Donald Trump's inaccurate and offensive statement about NATO member nations. (Make sure you stick around for Jespo's poop analogy.) TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 2:05:00 | Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the real world cost of Alberta separation talk, Gerald's torn on the "leaked classroom audio" story, and Watty's got a proposal for a PST in Alberta. 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, or 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.