Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

It's our final episode of 2023! Enjoy what is arguably The Most Entertaining Real Talk Round Table of the Year. 2:30 | Jenny Adams, Sarah Hamilton, and Katherine O'Neill give us their top news stories - in Alberta, across the country, and around the world.  1:07:10 | We're shaking things up in the final Flamethrower of 2023, presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! Jenny, Sarah, KO, Johnny, and Jespo give us their own personal rants. (Ryan really turns up the temperature at the end!) FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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 a recurring conversation in Canada, if not around the world: is Canadian oil more "ethical" than oil from elsewhere, is activity in Alberta's oil sands "clean" enough...and does any of this actually matter on the international stage? A couple of episodes ago, David Knight Legg argued the world needs more Alberta for three main reasons. In this episode, our guests fact check those three points.  CHECK OUT THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/121823DKL 2:45 | Markham Hislop, publisher of Energi Media, takes issue with DKL's claim that Alberta's producing the cleanest barrels of oil in the world.  READ MARKHAM'S WORK: https://energi.media/ 22:55 | Dr. Andrew Leach says he agrees with some of what DKL had to say, but not all. The author of "Between Doom & Denial: Facing Facts About Climate Change" lays it out.  ORDER ANDREW'S BOOK: https://sutherlandhousebooks.com/product/between-doom-and-denial/ 48:35 | It's a magical time of year to visit Jasper! We highlight some of the most spectacular holiday culinary options in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  BOOK YOUR JASPER GETAWAY: https://www.jasper.travel/january/ 51:00 | Would you choose to work 100% from home, 100% at the office, or a mix of both? Ryan reads comments after our December 19 Real Talk Round Table with Heather Thomson, Puneeta McBryan, and Cory Wosnack.  56:35 | An overwhelming majority of Real Talkers think Jaskirat Singh Sidhu should be allowed to stay in Canada. Ryan reviews the results of our unofficial, unscientific Twitter poll.  1:01:10 | Ryan reads one of the most powerful emails we've ever received, from Real Talker Brandon, a family member of killer Robert Svekla.  EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen SIGN UP FOR THE REAL TALK POND HOCKEY CLASSIC: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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

What does the future look like for workers, job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs, and property owners? Is it really a doomsday scenario for downtowns? When will we see restored confidence in new business ventures? Will employers ever expect a full "return to work" scenario? We explore the most relevant and interesting trends in this episode of Real Talk.  1:45 | Heather Thomson, Puneeta McBryan, and Cory Wosnack look back at 2023, then ahead to 2024, through their expert lenses (and crystal balls).  EDMONTON DBA: https://www.edmontondowntown.com/ CENTRE FOR CITIES & COMMUNITIES: https://www.ualberta.ca/business/centres/cities-communities/index.html AVISON YOUNG: https://www.avisonyoung.ca/web/edmonton EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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.

Jaskirat Singh Sidhu is responsible for one of the most horrific collisions in Canadian history. He was handed an eight-year sentence in 2019 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm in the April 6, 2018 crash that killed 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey club and injured 13 others. Now, he faces deportation to India. Is that justice served?  3:00 | But first, David Knight Legg, former principal advisor to Premier Jason Kenney, tells us why he thinks Canada blew a big opportunity at COP28.  READ DKL'S PIECE IN THE POST: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/david-knight-legg-if-guilbeault-actually-cared-about-coal-burning-hed-back-natural-gas 42:15 | Charles Adler doesn't need more than a minute to tell us how he feels about Jaskirat Singh Sidhu being deported: it's black and white for Chuck. Not so for Ryan.  TAKE OUR TWITTER POLL: https://twitter.com/ryanjespersen/status/1736786168170299434 1:26:30 | Ryan reads a feel-good email from Real Talker Stef, checking in from Nelson, BC.  1:28:00 | We love the Fresh Nets initiative, highlighted in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. CHECK IT OUT: https://freshnets.ca/ SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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.

Why can't people figure out how to zipper merge? When did conservatism become radicalism? And what the hell are we going to do about sick kids on mattresses in hospital hallways? Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers, courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park: Newcastle, Westmount, Palisades, Namao, and Baseline Road.  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

As long as oil rides high, Alberta's flush. But while the province is on pace for a $5B+ budget surplus, property taxes are on the rise in virtually every community, as everyday folks struggle to pay their basic monthly bills. As you'll see early in this episode, our Real Talk Round Table is sounding the alarm.  3:20 | Mayor Tyler Gandam (Wetaskiwin), Councillor Andrew Knack (Edmonton), and Councillor Krista Gardner (Calmar) explain what Alberta municipalities will soon look like if the province doesn't pony up $1.75B in infrastructure funding. Our Alberta Municipalities panel gives us their top political storylines for 2023, including policing and public safety, healthcare shortages, and political parties infiltrating municipal elections.  CHECK OUT ALBERTA MUNICIPALITIES ONLINE: https://www.abmunis.ca/ 1:16:00 | Why can't people figure out how to zipper merge? When did conservatism become radicalism? And what the hell are we going to do about sick kids on mattresses in hospital hallways? Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers, courtesy the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park: Newcastle, Westmount, Palisades, Namao, and Baseline Road.  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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.

Hospitals are bursting at the seams. Patients are waiting a year and a half for surgery. Doctors, nurses, and paramedics are walking away from careers they once dreamed of having. Meantime, Ottawa's spending billions on a new dental care plan - but Canadians have a ton of questions. We get the straight goods from Alberta doctors and dentists in this episode of Real Talk.  0:30 | But first...today's a great day to sign up for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic! You won't want to miss this amazing annual event on Saturday, February 3 in St. Albert, all in support of a great cause.  REGISTER TO PLAY, SPONSOR, OR VOLUNTEER: https://ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 4:40 | Dr. Paul Parks, president of the Alberta Medical Association, tells us about the province-wide tour he just completed, his recent meeting with the Health Minister, concerns around public funding for naturopaths, pushback on nurse practitioner clinics, and questions around why the Chief Medical Officer of Health hasn't been seen in public for weeks.  CHECK OUT THE AMA ONLINE: https://www.albertadoctors.org/services/media-publications/presidents-letter/pl-archive/acute-care-we-are-acting-for-you 31:45 | Are you looking for a different holiday gift this season? Real Talk is proud to support the work of HOPE International. Ryan talks about his personal experience with their giving catalogue.  SUPPORT HOPE INTERNATIONAL: https://gifts.hope-international.com/ 36:40 | Ottawa's spending billions of dollars on a new Canadian Dental Care Plan. Despite Monday's announcement, details are sparse regarding who's eligible and when, implications for existing dental insurance, etc. We talk to Dr. Jenny Doerksen from the Alberta Dental Association.  MORE ON THE CANADIAN DENTAL CARE PLAN: https://www.albertadentalassociation.ca/2023/12/11/dentists-and-their-patients-still-have-questions-about-the-canadian-dental-care-plan/ 56:35 | "Life comes at you fast...especially in dog years." Real Talker Jared sent us this amazing email just hours after losing his beloved dog Augie. EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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.

In just six weeks, Premier Danielle Smith's government hit the (nuclear) reset button on healthcare delivery, invoked the Sovereignty Act over federal clean electricity regulations, kinda sorta committed to a referendum on an Alberta Pension Plan, and took a record-setting delegation to COP28 in Dubai.  5:50 | The Discourse hosts Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes lay out the biggest stories to come out of Fall Session, and give their predictions for what to expect in Alberta politics in 2024. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DISCOURSE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1WjKtBGH6U0S6HDePuLjkw  THE DISCOURSE PODCAST: https://thediscoursepod.podbean.com/ 57:00 | There's a new dinner and theatre experience in Jasper...but don't delay, or you'll miss it! We take a look at a wonderful holiday offering from Jasper Theater Productions in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  GET YOUR TICKETS: https://jaspertheater.ca/ 1:00:55 | Real Talker Riley's heartbroken after hearing our interview with Tristin Hopper on December 12. Real Talkers Brad and Jason have something to say about Charles Adler's comments about plastic straws on December 11. Ryan reads their emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com.  BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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.

This episode is all about optics. How bad is it when the federal NDP leader (the "working class" party) rocks a Versace tote bag in public? How about when the mayor of Calgary pulls out of a Hanukkah celebration? And why are everyday moderates leaving The Left?  5:24 | National Post columnist Tristin Hopper takes on the politics of Hannukah in 2023, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh's expensive taste (25:00), and why moderates are fleeing The Left (38:00).  READ HOPPER'S PIECE ON THE VERSACE BAG: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/satire-dear-diary-versace-bag 56:20 | Real Talker "Travis" is pissed about our climate change conversation with Charles Adler on December 11, and Real Talker "Lauren" expects more from our discussions about homelessness. Ryan reads their emails (cursing and all).  EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  SUPPORT REAL TALK ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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.

Should Mayor Jyoti Gondek have told a little white lie to get out of Calgary's annual menorah lighting at City Hall? How many more university presidents need to resign across the United States? Have climate change doomsday prophets lost the room?  3:50 | Charles Adler gives us a healthy dose of Canadian Common Sense - the language around climate change (7:20), Mayor Gondek's menorah lighting snub (28:30), UPenn president's resignation (39:45), Indian interference in Canada (38:40), and carbon tax = inflation (49:40).  1:07:40 | We love it when a lottery win goes to the person who needs it more than anybody else. That's the case in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.  TELL US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kubyenergy.ca/ ORDER YOUR REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM: @realtalkrj  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.