

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

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 26min
Sneaky New Tax Targets Alberta Wine Lovers
Did you know some of the world's best gin and whisky is distilled just outside Edmonton? Did you know Alberta boasts some of the best wine selection on the planet? In this special episode of Real Talk, we connect with experts and entrepreneurs in wine, spirits, and "ready to drink" cocktails and mocktails to better understand what it takes to make it in the booze business.
1:00 | Anohka Distillery's Gurpreet Ranu, Vino al Vino's Joe Gurba, and Clink Beverage Co's Karli Remeika talk about the process behind their favourite products, trade barriers standing in the way of growing their distribution, and innovation in the beverage space. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
ANOHKA: https://www.anohka.ca/
VINO AL VINO: https://www.vinoalvino.ca/
CLINK BEVERAGE CO: https://www.clinkbeverageco.com/
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
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 13, 2025 • 1h 46min
Air Canada Strike, Trump/Putin Summit, Free Trade
Two of the most powerful people on Planet Earth will meet one-on-one, as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin convene in Alaska. With so much at stake, including the future of Ukraine, can either President be trusted? We ask Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and Senator Charles Adler (11:30) where his head's at ahead of the summit in Anchorage.
1:00 | But first...is Alberta headed for an early election? Jespo chimes in on a trending Alberta political rumour.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
HELP SAVE the HORSES: https://horseshit.ca/
43:40 | Real Talkers Craig and Robyn share (incredible) photos from their recent Jasper trip, where they completed the Skyline Trail in an impressive nine hours. You can experience the same thing, with as much time as you need, with an experienced guide! We have all the details in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.
CANADIAN SKYLINE ADVENTURES: https://www.canadianskylineadventures.com/skyline-trail
TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/
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 12, 2025 • 1h 42min
Puff or Pass? The Truth About Vaping
You've probably seen those big, flavoured vape clouds rising from commuters at the bus stop and kids outside the mall. Cigarette smoking is down across the board, but more and more people are vaping. Critics say vapes are a gateway to addiction, while others point to their value as a smoking cessation tool. What does the evidence say?
2:30 | Dr. Mark Tyndall, firner Director of the BC Centre for Disease Control and author of Vaping: Behind the Smoke and Fears explains how he became an "accidental advocate" for vaping. We cover nicotine vs. cannabis vapes, "popcorn lung," nicotine lip pouches, and more.
MORE from DR. TYNDALL: https://drmarktyndallauthor.com/
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
38:00 | Jespo and Johnny give us their personal takes on vapes and other vices, and get into the 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.

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 32min
Doc Talk: Measles, E. coli, Salmonella, and More
Alberta has more measles cases than the ENTIRE United States this summer. Seventy people are sick with E. coli after eating at a popular Calgary restaurant. Pistachios are being recalled due to salmonella concerns. Young people are drinking less...but vaping more. A surprising number of Canadians are dying from melanoma (skin cancer). And the Alberta government is continuing its fight against gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
1:00 | Drs. Shazma Mithani and Sheila Wijayasinghe, co-hosts of The Doc Talk podcast, are in the house to take on all these stories and more in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE DOC TALK: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-doc-talk-podcast/id1775772809
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
1:27:45 | Real Talker Marie shares a Positive Reflection - her view as an Albertan and a proud Canadian - following our August 3 episode with former premier Ed Stelmach and Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk. Positive Reflections is proudly presented weekly on Real Talk by Solar by Kuby.
CHECK OUT THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/080825ForeverCdn
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.

Aug 9, 2025 • 10min
"The UCP is Taking Alberta Down A Slippery Slope!"
Kyle gets graphic (like, "slobbery, blow job, circle jerk" graphic) in his assessment of our Gaza coverage, Michael's sick of personal questions, Patrick stands up for Quebec, Coreen calls out Premier Danielle Smith's library book policy, and Bob says a new Jasper documentary is an "exploitative hack job". 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.

15 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 58min
The Fight To Keep Alberta in Canada
Join former Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk and ex-Premier Ed Stelmach as they tackle the intense debate over Alberta's future in Canada. They discuss a bold initiative aiming to gather 300,000 signatures for a referendum on the province's unity. The conversation dives into the complexities of Alberta's relationship with the federal government, the grassroots movements advocating for unity, and the emotional sentiments tied to Canadian identity amidst rising separatist talks.

Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 1min
What Jews & Palestinians Don’t Want To Know About Each Other
More than 60,000 Palestinians are dead. Hundreds and hundreds of Israeli families are grieving the loss and abduction of their loved ones from Hamas' horrific October 7 attack. Civilians on both sides are paying the highest price. But this war is not new. It's another chapter in a generational tragedy. How do we even begin to talk about it?
2:30 | In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, Dr. Jeffrey Wilkinson and Raja Khouri take us into their book The Wall Between: What Jews and Palestinians Don't Want to Know About Each Other.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
48:00 | Ryan shares an exciting update about the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship, and introduces us to one of Real Talk's youngest audience members Rhett.
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 6, 2025 • 1h 37min
Wrongfully Convicted in Canada // USA Losing Trade War
Roy Allan Sobotiak spent 35 years in prison for a murder he's always insisted he did not commit. It's the longest sentence served by a victim of wrongful conviction in Canadian history. How many other innocent people are currently behind bars? Has the judicial system evolved to prevent these types of situations? Is Susan Kaminsky's killer still at large?
1:30 | Innocence Canada's Stéphanie Nowak and Pamela Zbarsky take us into Mr. Sobotiak's case, and explain how their advocacy led to his release in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.
INNOCENCE CANADA: https://www.innocencecanada.com/
CHECK OUT MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/
36:40 | Beneath Donald Trump's bluster, the United States is losing the trade war. Political economist Dr. John Rapley makes the argument, and gives an informed take on the evolution of global commerce.
READ RAPLEY'S PIECE in THE GLOBE & MAIL: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-beneath-the-bluster-the-us-is-losing-the-trade-war/
59:00 | This year's wildflowers in Jasper aren't just beautiful...they're symbolic. We celebrate nature's healing power in this edition of MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.
FIND WILDFLOWERS in JASPER NATIONAL PARK: https://www.jasper.travel/blog/where-to-find-wildflowers-jasper-national-park/
Grab a coffee at Otto's Cache before you head out: https://www.jasper.travel/dining/ottos-cache/
1:04:00 | Jespo and Johnny join forces with the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to discuss President Trump's plan for a $200M ballroom, shingles and gout (!), and Mr. Big sting operations.
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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 45min
Sharan Kaur: Gaza, Bill 21, Poilievre By-election
In this engaging conversation, Sharan Kaur, a former senior advisor to the finance minister and political commentator, discusses the recent humanitarian airdrop to Gaza and Canada's evolving stance on Palestine. She unpacks Quebec's Bill 21 and its implications for religious freedom while addressing the ongoing fallout from the Hockey Canada verdict. Additionally, Kaur analyzes the effects of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports and the shift to a write-in ballot for the upcoming by-election, providing keen insights into pressing political issues.

Aug 2, 2025 • 8min
Alberta's Book Ban a "Gross Overreach"
Real Talkers Rebecca and Brandon have hot takes on Alberta banning graphic books in school libraries, BDP and Alberta Gengar respond to our coverage of the Hockey Canada verdict, Jasper Rob's begging forgiveness from Premier Danielle Smith, and RA says a Trump-supporting Christian musician should be banned from performing in Alberta's public spaces.
It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!
FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com
The next time 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.