Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the political landscape in Canada, focusing on rising independent candidates and the impact of recent controversies. Delve into the challenges of accountability within the hockey community and the necessity for cultural changes. Discover insights on immigration issues affecting local agriculture and communities, alongside nostalgic reminiscing about favorite Canadian TV shows. Discuss the implications of political debates, progressive conservatism, and the significance of community engagement in the Edmonton mayoral race.

Not guilty doesn't mean innocent. In one of our most important episodes to date, we take on the Hockey Canada verdict with Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton (SACE) CEO Mary Jane James and sexual violence survivor/advocate Kristin Raworth. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS: talk@ryanjespersen.com  SACE: https://www.sace.ca/ SAiF SOCIETY: https://www.saifsociety.ca/ SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ HAVE YOUR SAY: 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.

Joining the conversation are Craig Baird, a passionate Canadian historian and podcaster known for his insights on Canadian history, and Shauna Feth, the savvy President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. They dive into the fascinating history of the Trans-Canada Highway and its role in uniting the nation. Craig shares stories from his book, while Shauna discusses the political landscape and economic opportunities in Alberta, including insights from a recent candidates forum. They also explore the cultural quirks and tourism potential of Jasper National Park.

Nothing but hot button issues in this episode, as we check in with Freedom Convoy lawyer Eva Chipiuk (4:00) after she was "debanked" by RBC, and get into the nitty gritty of Alberta's controversial new school library book policy.  35:30 | Provincial Education Minister Dimitrios Nicolaides and Library Association of Alberta past president Laura Winton debate Alberta's so-called "book ban."  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:09:40 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the library book story and highlight comments in 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.

This episode's all about building. Jasper's rebuild. Canada's housing crunch. The truth about immigration. Oh, and Jespo's Happy Gilmore 2 review. As always, we want to know what you think... EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  3:30 | Some of the most important stories relating to Jasper's rebuild are being buried. Or, at least, they were until Lisa MacGregor released "Crown Jewel in Ashes: Jasper One Year After the Fire". The veteran journalist paints a shocking picture of the hoops and hurdles displaced residents continue to encounter as they attempt to rebuild their lives. Real Talk feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  WATCH CROWN JEWEL IN ASHES: https://youtu.be/FRAV8s1XswA?si=FbK7YVxsSLqzEIaY MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 50:00 | Are immigrants to blame for Canada's housing crunch? Sabine Benoit, advisor to two federal immigration ministers, says there's way more to the story.  1:29:00 | Jespo and Johnny catch up, including comments from the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:42:00 | Have you seen Happy Gilmore 2 yet? Jespo offers his review (without spoilers), and we debate the best sequels of all time.  HAVE YOUR SAY: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:55:30 | Real Talker Lenore shares a perfect Positive Reflection following her weekend visit to Jasper. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our amazing friends at Solar by Kuby.  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.