

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

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 18min
Charles Adler: Mark Carney Meets with the Premiers
What's at stake as Mark Carney meets in person with Canada's premiers for the first time since becoming Prime Minister? What happens if the first ministers' meeting wraps without a deal to advance Canada's role as a "global energy superpower," or progress toward "free trade in Canada," as Carney promised on election night?
Senator Charles Adler gets into it (13:00) with his trademark brand of Canadian common sense.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:00:00 | Would you travel to see the Oilers on the road in Florida, all things considered? Jespo and Johnny tee up the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, and highlight Real Talkers' feedback in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:18:45 | "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit." Jespo shares a personal story for this edition of Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.
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.

May 31, 2025 • 8min
All Aboard the FREEDOM TRAIN
Alllllll aboard! 7th Pilot dares Jespo to board the Freedom Train, Alex is pissed at the province for pulling library books, Gerald has a message for ready-to-strike Canada Post workers, Rik calls out Citizens Against Virtually Everything (CAVEs), and Jenny wants YOU to join the resistance. It's The Flamethrower presented by our 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, 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

May 30, 2025 • 1h 47min
Oilers Advance // Mind-Blowing Innovations
For the second year in a row, the Edmonton Oilers will face off against the Florida Panthers for the Stanley Cup. Jespo and Johnny, who first worked together as the team's in-game host and DJ, set the table (2:00) for the Stanley Cup Final.
23:00 | It's Canadian Innovation Week! In partnership with Athabasca University, we learn about innovation in networking from James McInnes (Prompty), DNA genealogy and cold case files from Bradley Pierson (Trouvay), and micro business marketing from Dr. Raewyn Sleeman (Stratagease).
PROMPTY: https://www.prompty.ca/
TROUVAY: https://www.trouvay.ca/
STRATAGEASE: https://www.stratagease.com/
ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY: https://www.athabascau.ca/
1:11:30 | Jespo and Johnny talk AI and national security, and get into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:38:15 | 7th Pilot has a hot take on Jespo's proposed Alberta referendum Bitcoin bet, Alex is pissed at the province for pulling library books, Gerald has a message for ready-to-strike Canada Post workers, Rik calls out Citizens Against Virtually Everything (CAVEs), and Jenny wants YOU to join the resistance. It's The Flamethrower presented by our 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, 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.

May 29, 2025 • 1h 58min
The Case for Canada Post
55,000 Canada Post employees are set to strike as labour negotiations continue to stall out. A looming second strike in less than a year has millions of Canadians questioning the future of the institution. In this episode, we sit down with CUPW Local 730 president James Ball (59:00) who presents the case for Canada Post.
24:00 | But first...a couple thousand city and town councillors are in Ottawa for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities annual meeting. Ryan checks in with FCM president Rebecca Bligh to talk about the housing and opioid crises, and the future of rural Canada.
FCM: https://fcm.ca/en
WATCH OUR SIX-MEMBER HOMELESSNESS REAL TALK ROUND TABLE: https://rtrj.info/012121housing
1:50:00 | Remember Sarah Bisbee, the mom who ditched her minivan to become a full-time cycle commuter? She has a challenge for Jespo and Johnny...
WATCH SARAH on REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/011524cycling
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.

May 28, 2025 • 1h 37min
Throne Speech Takeaways
"The True North is indeed strong and free." Delivering his first Throne Speech in Canada, King Charles reiterates Canada's sovereignty in a dramatically changing world. It's also the first Throne Speech for PM Mark Carney, who won the election a month ago with a promise to kickstart the economy. What does it all mean for investors, entrepreneurs, and everyday Canadians?
2:30 | Supriya Dwivedi digs into the throne speech, Canada's relationship with the Monarchy, Pierre Poilievre's upcoming byelection in Alberta, and viral video of PM Mark Carney "dismissing" Mélanie Joly.
51:40 | The Maligne Lake Boat Cruise is now open! There's no better way to see one of Canada's most iconic attractions - Spirit Island. Ryan shares his family's personal experience in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.
BOOK YOUR BOAT CRUISE: https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/maligne-lake-cruise/
54:10 | Doing business on the prairies? Shauna Feth has her Eye on Alberta Business, as we take a closer look at the throne speech, Premier Danielle Smith's cabinet shuffle, and Ottawa's plan to knock over inter-provincial trade barriers.
TAKE THE ALBERTA PERSPECTIVES SURVEY: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_1Ceh0sP5z3sYyKq
ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS of DISTINCTION: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/alberta-business-awards-of-distinction-2025/
1:21:10 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a decisive Oilers win in Game Four of the Western Conference Final, including tough news about Oilers star Zach Hyman.
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.

May 27, 2025 • 40min
Alberta Government Targets “Explicit” Library Books
Danielle Smith's UCP is targeting school library books it deems "graphic and age-inappropriate". The government is surveying the public before rolling out new standards ahead of the next school year.
2:30 | Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer, says there's more to this story than "banning books". What do YOU think?
EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com
READ CANADA'S NATIONAL OBSERVER: https://www.nationalobserver.com/
22:00 | Remember Mike Hanson and Dave Morin? They're back after completing TEN marathons in TEN days in TEN provinces, raising ONE MILLION DOLLARS along the way!
READ MORE: https://www.10in10in10.ca/
35:40 | A complete stranger made Real Talker Sarah's day, prompting her to email the show. We love it! Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby.
SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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.

May 24, 2025 • 6min
"What Would A Mass Exodus Do To Alberta's Economy?"
David's demanding an election NOW, Don's "outraged" at Real Talk guest Sharan Kaur, and Michael's dropping bombs on one of Jespo's loudest critics. 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!
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic
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.

May 23, 2025 • 1h 31min
Can "Nice Guy" Andrew Knack Finish First?
Andrew Knack wants to be Edmonton's next mayor. The longtime city councillor tells us (2:10) why he entered the race after initially announcing he wouldn't return to City Hall, and how he'll shake off the unflattering reputation the current council has earned.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
53:00 | Jespo and Johnny check in on the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.
SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/
1:23:20 | David's demanding an election NOW, Don's "outraged" at Real Talk guest Sharan Kaur, and Michael's dropping bombs on one of Jespo's loudest critics. 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!
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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.

May 22, 2025 • 1h 25min
The Fight to Keep Alberta in Canada
A longtime Conservative cabinet minister is stepping back into the spotlight to save Alberta's place in Canada. Thomas Lukaszuk tells us why he's spearheading a petition to keep Alberta in Canada (5:30), and how he plans on collecting more than 600,000 signatures. The former Alberta deputy premier gives us his take on a Globe and Mail report on Danielle Smith's former chief of staff living in a mansion owned by the sister of Sam Mraiche, the entrepreneur at the centre of the alleged AHS procurement scandal.
REBOOT ALBERTA: https://reboootalberta.wordpress.com/
55:50 | If Canada Post workers go on strike, will you have their backs? Jespo and Johnny take a look at our latest unofficial, unscientific Twitter poll.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
JOIN THE RUN for H20 in SHERWOOD PARK on JUNE 14: https://secured.hope-international.com/ui/sherwoodpark
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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.

May 20, 2025 • 1h 32min
Sean Speer on Mark Carney's Missed Opportunity
Canada's ramping up pressure on Israel alongside France and the UK. Mark Carney's new cabinet is sworn in, and the PM's got less than six weeks to fulfill his promise of "free trade in Canada before Canada Day". And, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have to wait (yet) another year for a shot at Lord Stanley's Cup. We catch up on the top stories in Canada with The Hub's editor at large Sean Speer (3:00).
THE HUB: https://thehub.ca/2025/05/15/sean-speer-the-maple-leafs-playoff-woes-are-a-microcosm-of-a-bigger-set-of-canadian-problems/
JOIN SEAN & RYAN at the EDMONTON REAL ESTATE FORUM on MAY 27: https://informaconnect.com/edmonton-real-estate-forum/
31:30 | Jespo and Johnny catch up after the May Long weekend, including the heartbreaking *and* heartwarming story involving Jets' star Mark Scheifele, and the Oilers' date with Dallas.
54:00 | Add another layer to the UCP/AHS story. We take a look at the Globe and Mail's report on Premier Danielle Smith's former chief of staff Marshall Smith living in a home owned by the sister of Sam Mraiche (the guy at the centre of the alleged procurement scandal).
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com
1:19:00 | We're accepting applications for the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship!
DETAILS: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/scholarship
1:22:00 | Real Talker Brenda makes our day with a firsthand report of an act of kindness at a dog park. It's a perfect Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby!
GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/
REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...
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.


