Shows / Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ
Episodes
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canada’s EU Pivot // John Carpay on MAiD and DEI
Canada and the European Union are looking to strengthen ties as the global order shifts and the relationship with the U.S. grows more complicated. What comes…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta's War on DEI // RCMP Fraud Probe // MAiD in Canada
Alberta takes aim at DEI, the RCMP investigates potential fraud and money laundering in a controversial health-care procurement deal, and Ottawa proposes…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Smiths UCP “Has No Mandate” // Defenders of the Eastern Slopes
Alberta's referendum was "undemocratic and unfair," and Premier Danielle Smith has no mandate to pursue any changes relating to the results, says Dr. Duff…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Eby's Election Gamble Backfires: B.C. Goes Blue
In what will go down as one of the biggest political blunders in Canadian history, David Eby's New Democrats surrender government in British Columbia with a…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Your premier legitimized a fringe movement!"
"Canada didn't need saving until your Premier legitimized and facilitated a fringe movement that demanded Alberta separate!" Real Talkers Trish, Marcello, Ron…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Wainwright Emergency Response // Vegreville Rising
When disaster broke out at CFB Wainwright, hundreds of first responders across Alberta dropped everything to help. Acute Care Alberta CEO Dr. Sayeh Zielke…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta’s Other Conservatives: Meet Pete Guthrie
Are you an Alberta conservative who's concerned with the direction of the UCP? Pete Guthrie wants your support. As Premier Danielle Smith grapples with a…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Smith's Separatist Problem
Danielle Smith has a choice to make. Either (continue to) placate separatists within her party under threat of a hostile takeover, or take the UCP back. That…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Albertans Reject Separation
Albertans have spoken, and the message is clear: separation is not the future they want for this province. With roughly 76 per cent voting against moving…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Tragedy in Wainwright // Referendum Day
It's a difficult and consequential day for Alberta. As we acknowledge the tragedy at CFB Wainwright and the lives impacted, we also recognize a referendum day…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"There should be an eligibility test to vote!"
"A more apt show title would be Real Propaganda!" Real Talkers sound off on the referendum, the separation movement, Jespo's bias, a new Real Talk drinking…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Exclusive: Prime Minister Mark Carney
Prime Minister Mark Carney talks to Ryan Jespersen about the looming Alberta referendum, Western alienation, foreign interference, the Pacific Link pipeline…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Keith Wilson & Tanya Clemens: Alberta’s Exit Plan
Keith Wilson and Tanya Clemens want Alberta to separate from Canada. The co-chairs of Let Alberta Decide join Ryan and political scientist Dr. Feo Snagovsky…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Separation and the Economy: Naheed Nenshi and Deborah Yedlin
Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi (5:30) says the first nine questions on Alberta's referendum ballot are more dangerous than the tenth question on national…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Strategists: T-Minus Five Days 'til The Referendum
What happens if Alberta's referendum results are closer than expected? What happens if there's a blowout? Does the UCP go full separatist regardless of what…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Separation, Treason, and Canada's Future
Less than a week out from the referendum, Premier Danielle Smith is urging Albertans to vote to stay in Canada...but does anybody believe her? Prime Minister…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Worker Agenda - Alberta Referendum
In episode 5 of The Worker Agenda, host Omar Mouallem joins AFL President Gil McGowan and Secretary-Treasurer Cori Longo for a look back at the May 29th Day of…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"How can anyone have faith in this government?"
"Thanks Boomers!" Real Talkers Tyler, David, Rob, Wayne, Robert, Chris, Scott, and Lorne give us their hottest takes on infill, Albertan "traitors" in D.C…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Mega Episode: Premier Danielle Smith, Mayors Andrew Knack & Jeromy Farkas
Buckle up, Real Talkers. Premier Danielle Smith (3:30), Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack (34:30), and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas (52:00) talk infill…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
UCP Set To Stomp on City Zoning Bylaw
Who gets to decide how Edmonton grows? Danielle Smith's UCP is stepping into the city’s zoning fight, overriding municipal authority over how neighbourhoods…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Carol Off: What Does It Mean to Love Canada? // Jana Pruden: Police Breach of Trust
What does it mean to be Canadian when Quebec is debating sovereignty, Alberta is heading toward a referendum, and a trade war with the United States is forcing…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Hon. Anne McLellan on Quebec & Alberta // Downtown Safety Solutions
Quebecers elect a separatist minority government - what does this mean for the rest of the country? We talk QC politics, renegade Alberta delegations to D.C…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Separatists’ Secret Plan to Sell Out Alberta
An unelected, unappointed delegation of Alberta separatists offered up Alberta's oil royalties and fresh water in exchange for American support, per an…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Nobody wants a government-funded pipeline!"
Real Talkers Squatch, FoxFacedAB, AlbertaFirst, and Kevin V have hot takes on the Pacific Link pipeline. GoodMama calls Jespo to the carpet re: Poilievre's AI…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Will Pacific Link Actually Get Built? // Stephen Mandel's "Sh*thole" Comment
Is "national interest" being confused with "approved"? Just because PM Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith announced the Pacific Link pipeline as Canada's…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Carney's Major Projects Balancing Act
A proposed Alberta-to-West Coast pipeline is now a project of national interest, with Ottawa and Alberta planning to share ownership of the $35-44B Pacific…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Truth & Reconciliation: The Conversation
What does reconciliation actually look like in Canada today? On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Ryan is joined by podcasters Jessica Vandenberghe…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Is David Eby’s Early Election Call Backfiring?
David Eby's early election may not work out as he planned. Ryan and Supriya check in with Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, on the heels of a tough first…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta Spends Millions on Referendum Ads
Real Talkers are FIRED UP over the Alberta government's $4M ad spend leading up to the referendum and Premier Danielle Smith's emotional speech about oil and…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Thomas Lukaszuk // BC’s “Stunning” Election Call
Guest host Rob Breakenridge cues up conversation about the political stories shaping Western Canada as they come to a head in late October. THIS EPISODE IS…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Mayors Jeromy Farkas & Andrew Knack
The mayors of Alberta's two biggest cities join Ryan as the Alberta Municipalities Convention continues in Edmonton. We get the inside scoop from Calgary mayor…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Before You Vote: What Albertans Need to Know
Alberta's less than a month away from a referendum with ten questions that could have major consequences for the province’s future (and reputation). Before You…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Todd Babiak: What Turns Young Men Into Incels?
Young men are being radicalized online: pulled into communities built around grievance, misogyny, loneliness, and “toxic masculinity.” Figures like Andrew Tate…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Danielle Smith in Tears // Canada's Airport Sell-Off
"Does this country actually want us?" Everybody's talking about Alberta premier Danielle Smith's emotional speech at the Alberta and the West Assembly hosted…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Why hitch our wagon to a failing experiment?"
Pink Pirate, Chad, and Kyle say Mark Carney's on the wrong track; Bradley and ForECanadian have strong words for Danielle Smith; RavenRuled and Jessica have…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Separatist Summer Road Trip
What happens when you spend seven months travelling Alberta and talking to people who want out of Canada? Dani Paradis and Tim Querengesser take us inside…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta Separation: What Would It Actually Take?
What would Alberta separation from Canada ACTUALLY look like: legally, economically, re: Indigenous treaty rights, trade, workers, travellers, and everyday…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
EU Courting Canada // Demand Dropping for AB Oil? // Ed Sheeran Controversy
The president of the European Commission all but endorsed Canada as an "associate member" of the EU two days after Canadian PM Mark Carney downplayed a Wall…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Fight for Canada’s Data // Carney’s Conservative Turn
Guest host Supriya Dwivedi and James McLeod of The Canadian Shield Institute dig into Canada’s digital sovereignty, examining who controls Canadians’ data, the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Can Carney Actually Fix Canada's Economy? // Jivani Gunning for Poilievre?
Mark Carney is making a massive pitch to global investors: Canada is open for business, rich in resources, talent and opportunity, and ready to attract a…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"We had to sign one of Hockey Canada's Infamous Five?"
Jamie says the Edmonton Oilers don't need to be a "desperate, last-chance stop on disgraced athletes' list of options," Scott's appalled by separatists…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Remembering 9/11 // Alberta's "Nasty" Referendum Questions
Hard to believe it's been 25 years since the September 11 attacks. We reflect on "the day that everything changed" with Senator Paula Simons (5:40) in our…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Curtis Wright's ICE Detention Nightmare // What is "AI Literacy," Anyway?
Curtis Wright was born in Edmonton, built a life in Texas, and just spent nine months in ICE detention before being deported to Canada over a decades-old…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
AB Referendum "Meant To Divide" // Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne
Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum isn’t just about separation. There are 10 questions on the ballot, including five that target immigrants and raise serious…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canada Hits Back: What Will It Cost Us?
Canada’s trade war with the United States just escalated, with Ottawa imposing billions in new retaliatory tariffs as Donald Trump spends the weekend firing…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"I'm worried about the rhetoric out of Alberta"
Tyler calls out former MLA Ian Donovan's tone re: AI data centres, T.S. says it's time to put politicians in the penalty box, and Harry finally hits send on…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Labour Day: Why Unions Still Matter
Do unions still matter in 2026? Do they matter now more than ever? Against the backdrop of a tough August jobs report, rising youth unemployment, and growing…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta's Classroom Crunch // B.C. Conservative Party Crumbling
Alberta’s population boom is putting pressure on just about every part of the province’s infrastructure, and schools are no exception. With more than 87,000…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Former Little Bow MLA Backs Controversial Data Centre // Clayton Bellamy
Not everybody's seeing eye to eye in the southern Alberta community of Little Bow, just outside Vulcan. Some residents opposed to the project are taking their…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Economic Case Against Separation // Farm Talk with Jeff Nonay
What would Alberta separation actually cost...and who would pay the price? Economist Jim Stanford joins us (5:00) to break down the enormous economic risks of…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Lake Ontario Debacle // Alberta Separatists Unite!
If you check Google Maps south of the Canada-U.S. border, you'll see the body of water formerly known as Lake Ontario now named Lake America. It's the latest…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Danielle Smith's gone so far into treason territory..."
Fat Dave's fired up over "Canada doesn't have a military," Matthew has a pointed message for Americans AND Canadians, Robert calls out hypocrisy where he sees…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta & Saskatchewan Walk Trade War Tightrope
With the Canada-U.S. trade war escalating again (and Saskatchewan imposing a 50% tariff on American alcohol), farmers on the Prairies are once again caught in…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canada Hits Back: $28B in U.S. Goods Tariffed // Remembering Dolly Parton
Canada is hitting back at Donald Trump with $27.6 billion worth of tariffs on American goods, but will the counter-punch actually change Washington’s approach…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Stephen Maher on Carney's FAFO Moment
The temperature's turned up at the Canada-U.S. border, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls President Donald Trump a "loser" and tells him to “kiss (his) ass.”…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canada "Going to War" with the U.S.
"You're at war when you get attacked. We were attacked." That from Prime Minister Mark Carney after negotiations collapse between Canada and the U.S. The two…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"I'm Alberta-Born & VERY Familiar With Hate Speech"
Optimus says Alberta police chiefs need to stand up for themselves; Fat Dave, Brent, and Sean have lots to say about our August 12 hate speech/hate crimes…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Ten Years Since the Concert That United Canada
Ten years ago, nearly twelve million people tuned in across Canada for the Tragically Hip's final concert at the Rogers K-Rock Centre in their hometown of…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Deal or No Deal? // Edmonton Marathon Debacle
Donald Trump says Canada and the U.S. have a deal, but Mark Carney says there’s still work to do as a three-day pause buys negotiators more time. What’s…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Why the World Is Watching Edmonton // "Freedom vs. Security"
The world's best women golfers are in Alberta's capital for the CPKC Women's Open. Canada’s National Women’s Open Golf Championship won't just wow golf fans…