Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Real Talk turns five! Our pal Supriya Dwivedi makes the trip from Toronto to hang out in our Edmonton studio for this special episode presented by our friends at RapidEx Financial. In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, Supriya and Ryan get into drama at Real Talk's Fifth Birthday Bash, Mark Carney and Danielle Smith's pipeline deal, the PM's dismissive comments about trade talks with Donald Trump, Canada abandoning "feminist foreign policy," and right-wing podcasters jumping ship from SS Trump.  Ryan wraps the episode with a Positive Reflection on Real Talk's fifth anniversary. Positive Reflections is presented weekly by our friends at Solar by Kuby. 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.

Elizabeth May reversed course on Mark Carney's first budget, ultimately voting in favour of it (helping the Liberals' minority government survive). What went on behind the scenes? The Green Party leader and longtime MP tells us what changed her mind (6:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, a proud made in Alberta solution offering crypto your way. First-time users get 50% off with the exclusive code RYAN50 at https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 41:00 | Corb Lund's fight against Big Coal continues. The country music star tells us why he believes politicians and coal companies are lying to Albertans, and lays out his plan to stop mining in the Eastern Slopes.  1:12:40 | Shout out to Team You Need A BBQ for their perfect score at "the Super Bowl of BBQ" in Kansas City! The Sherwood Park team's first place win at the Royal World Series of BBQ is this week's Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  SCORE A $50 CASINO BONUS WHEN YOU MAKE A MINIMUM $50 DEPOSIT WITH CODE RYAN50 ON THE PLAY ALBERTA APP OR AT https://playalberta.ca/ 1:16:00 | Jespo sounds off on the closure of a supervised consumption site for inpatients at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. We debrief on Elizabeth May's comments about Pierre Poilievre (1:25:00) and the West Coast tanker ban (1:47:00). Johnny has thoughts on Marjorie Taylor Greene's "turnaround" (1:53:00). Who was the lone vote against releasing the Epstein files (1:55:30)? Did you see the remarkable moment in the Oval Office involving Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and ABC's Mary Bruce (2:01:00)?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  2:14:00 | It's an all-Bill 9 edition of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers Jill, Erin, Robert, Josef, "Ins Piration," Brian, Karen, and Joe unload hot takes on the UCP invoking the notwithstanding clause to protect bills affecting trans Albertans. The Flamethrower is proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. 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.

Elizabeth May, a longtime Green Party leader and MP for Saanich—Gulf Islands, shares what influenced her surprising vote in favor of the federal budget, revealing behind-the-scenes negotiations. Meanwhile, Corb Lund, the Canadian country music star and environmental advocate, passionately discusses his ongoing campaign against coal mining in Alberta's eastern slopes and the dishonesty he's witnessed from politicians and coal companies. He emphasizes the necessity of grassroots effort with a citizens' petition aimed at protecting the environment.

Alberta's UCP government is going back to the notwithstanding clause for the second time in three weeks, in this case to protect three laws dealing specifically with transgender youth. Supporters of Premier Danielle Smith's strategy with Bill 9 say it ensures parents are involved in major decisions. Critics say it's an attack on rights and protections the LGBTQ2S+ rely on.  9:00 | Dr. Glynnis Lieb and Anna Murphy talk about the very real impacts they expect these laws to have on vulnerable youth in Alberta.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FYREFLY INSTITUTE: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/fyrefly-institute/index.html 42:00 | Rumour has it Alberta and Ottawa are close to a deal that includes a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast. Arno Kopecky, author of The Oil Man and the Sea, tells us about his four-month sailing expedition through B.C.'s north coast, and lays out opposition PM Mark Carney and Premier Smith can expect once the deal's announced. (Arno jumps back in at 1:26:00 to comment on Angus Reid polling on Canadians' support/opposition re: a new pipeline.) CHECK OUT ARNO'S BOOK: https://douglas-mcintyre.com/products/9781771001076?srsltid=AfmBOooXsUSpgerNAkCSDuQf0pD2Cf3OiJX13RPAqffax9KA2lmHIl5B 1:16:00 | Jespo and Johnny dive into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power for your takes on what we're hearing.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:31:20 | If you haven't yet checked out The Maligne Range in Jasper, drop everything and head out there! We feature this stunning new distillery in this week's MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  THE MALIGNE RANGE: https://themalignerange.com/ EXPLORE JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:38:00 | We get to more of your comments on new pipelines and the notwithstanding clause. If you missed chiming in live, leave a comment below!  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.

Your holiday plans won't be interrupted by another federal election, as Mark Carney's minority Liberal government survives its third confidence vote in as many weeks, passing the federal budget by a vote of 170-168. We talk to Canada's National Observer lead columnist Max Fawcett (6:20) about the factors at play (including promises made), and where everything goes from here. 38:30 | Max argues Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's pipeline math doesn't add up. We take a quick look at Globe & Mail reporter Carrie Tait's exclusive on "flexibly-participating doctors" who'd work a parallel public/private format.  READ MAX'S WORK: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/18/opinion/alberta-pipeline-economics-danielle-smith 1:19:15 | Adele was 24 weeks pregnant with identical twins when she was admitted to the Royal Alexandra Hospital's Antepartum Unit. For the next 62 days, amid considerable stress, she found something beautiful. Adele's story is this week's Echoes of the Alex presented by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.  GIVE TO THE ROYAL ALEX: http://givetoroyalalex.org/ SHARE YOUR ECHO of the ALEX 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.

Today's the day we'll find out if PM Mark Carney's minority government survives. Will the Liberals be able to find those two votes outside their caucus, or will enough Opposition MPs abstain from voting to allow Carney's minority government survive? Minister Eleanor Olszewski (4:00) tells us where her head's at heading into the vote.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. Support the YWCA of Edmonton's Rose Campaign by purchasing a limited-edition bottle of Whisky Rose. Pick them up in person at Hansen Distillery -- 17412 111 Avenue in Edmonton. https://hansendistillery.com/ 32:00 | Supriya Dwivedi's got takes on Grey Cup, the budget vote (37:30), Trump, Epstein, and MTG (51:00), and Wayne Gretzky's recent podcast interview (58:00).  1:00:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Marjorie Taylor Greene story. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:11:00 | Wayne Gretzky (sort of) talks about his friendship with Donald Trump on the 100% Hockey podcast. We get takes from Jespo, Johnny, and Real Talkers in the Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:39:00 | Real Talker Travis (co-host of the 2 and Out CFL Podcast) shares his Positive Reflection after watching his Riders win the 112th Grey Cup in person. Positive Reflections is proudly presented by our friends at Solar by Kuby.  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: 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.

Cam in a Pizzeria says public debates about minimum wage are missing major details, Coreen and Robert have thoughts on our Nov. 12 Brian Lilley interview, Jason has a theory about MP Matt Jeneroux's early retirement, Chris has a message for would-be homebuyers, and Laura says she's willing to go to jail to fight for workers' rights. 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.

Rural Alberta is not backing down. In recent town halls, long-time farmers and landowners jeered senior UCP political staffers pitching the government’s plan for cleaning up decades of oil and gas well problems. They see broken trust — and they’re demanding real accountability. In this episode, we’re joined by Drew Anderson of The Narwhal (3:00), who’s been in the thick of this coverage. He’ll help us make sense of the divide: the Alberta of tight-knit rural communities, and the Alberta of big-oil power brokers. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL. GET CRYPTO YOUR WAY - ANYTIME, ANYWHERE - WITH MADE-IN-ALBERTA RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 39:00 | Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. Jespo shares a personal story about activist Wiebo Ludwig.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 48:30 | We dig into a story that's flying under the radar, but it’s hitting a lot of Canadian veterans right where it hurts — literally. Veterans Affairs has quietly rolled out major changes to its coverage of shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment many vets say has been the only thing that’s actually kept them moving, working, and out of chronic pain. Echelon Wellness CEO Igor Gimelshtein tells us why he thinks VAC is making a mistake.  1:15:45 | Cam in a Pizzeria says public debates about minimum wage are missing major details, Coreen and Robert have thoughts on our Nov. 12 Brian Lilley interview, Jason has a theory about MP Matt Jeneroux's early retirement, Chris has a message for would-be homebuyers, and Laura says she's willing to go to jail to fight for workers' rights. 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.

Many Albertans expected more of a splash from Naheed Nenshi. The leader of Alberta's Official Opposition NDP - formerly the mayor of Calgary - hasn't secured as much of the spotlight as some expected. Look no further than the very first comments in our Real Talk Live Chat the minute this episode started streaming. That's exactly where we begin our conversation with Nenshi (12:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. Pick up a bottle of their limited-edition Whisky Rose in support of the YWCA's Rose Campaign. Purchase in person at the distillery -- 17412 111 Avenue in Edmonton.  HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/ ROSE CAMPAIGN: https://ywcaofedmonton.org/events/rose-campaign/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 9:00 | Why is the Alberta NDP releasing a campaign video right now? Real Talkers see it here first as we tee up our conversation with Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi. 12:15 | Nenshi talks minimum wage, pipelines, municipalities' relationship with the province, recall legislation, and classroom complexities.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  41:40 | Did you know an Alberta scientist deserves credit for saving literally millions of lives over the past hundred years? Real Talker "Dr. D" shares the story of Dr. James Collip in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. SCORE A $50 CASINO BONUS WHEN YOU DEPOSIT MINIMUM $50 WITH CODE RYAN50 ON THE PLAY ALBERTA APP OR WEBSITE: https://playalberta.ca/ Must be 18+ to play. If you gamble, please use your GameSense.  45:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Nenshi interview, including Real Talkers' takes on minimum wage.  48:15 | We heard a lot about "classroom complexities" through the Alberta teachers' strike. What's the right way to invest in and manage complex classrooms? Public School Boards' Association of Alberta president Dennis MacNeil and Kids Included CEO Amber Mack lay it out in a Real Talk Round Table discussion.  PSBAA: https://public-schools.ab.ca/ KIDS INCLUDED: https://www.kidsincluded.ca/ 1:26:45 | Real Talkers share their firsthand experiences with complex classrooms, and we discuss Canada's military recruitment woes based on comments in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:45:00 | What about a MAXIMUM wage in Canada? Let us know what you think - leave a comment below!  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.

Bombshell emails released just moments before we started streaming this episode suggest Donald Trump hasn't exactly been truthful about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and his knowledge of what was going on. Jespo and Johnny open the show with what the emails (released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee) imply, and what remains to be seen.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 33:45 | Sounds like Pierre Poilievre isn't the only federal party leader staring down a caucus revolt. Conservative commentator Brian Lilley dishes on blowback Mark Carney's facing from Liberal MPs unhappy about the direction of Canada's EV mandate. Real Talk feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 57:45 | Brian takes on the Trump/Epstein story, and tells us what he's hearing about Liberal efforts to recruit unhappy Conservative MPs. Plus, in a Real Talk scoop, Brian lays out the real reason* Chris d'Entremont crossed the floor.  *may not actually be the real reason READ BRIAN'S WORK: https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/chris-dentremont-crosses-floor-liberals-politics-over-principle 1:16:30 | Now's the perfect time to shop in Jasper for the perfect Christmas gift! We've got details - including Moonlight Madness on November 21 - in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  PLAN YOUR JASPER SHOPPING GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/christmas-in-jasper/ 1:33:00 | Did you see the UCP-branded wreath at the St. Albert Remembrance Day ceremony? It wasn't on Ryan's radar until Real Talkers brought it up in the Live Chat powered by Park Power. What do you think about it? Leave a comment below! SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:35:45 | Real Talker Carmen - a Canadian veteran - says we need to do so much more for those who served in Afghanistan. Jespo reads his email to talk@ryanjespersen.com  WATCH OUR REMEMBRANCE DAY SPECIAL: rtrj.info/111125LestWeForget 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.