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
Trump Tariffs: Does Canada Need to Toughen Up?
A couple of days out from another deadline, Canada is facing a new round of pressure from Donald Trump, with key sectors pushing for relief from U.S. tariffs…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"
Real Talkers Optimus, Wayne, and Rob C. are fired up over Premier Danielle Smith chastising Edmonton Police, Leslie's fighting for small family farms, and…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Caylan Ford: Politics, Media, and a $7.65M Lawsuit
Caylan Ford was a rising political candidate in Alberta in 2019. The UCP nominee was running under new leader Jason Kenney in Calgary-Mountain View and was…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Fight For A Vibrant Downtown
Downtowns are booming across Canada. Except for Alberta's capital city, that is. Why is Edmonton's core unable to attract and tap into the same energy enjoyed…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Is Hate Speech "Free Speech" in Alberta?
A bit of a wild situation in Alberta, as Premier Danielle Smith and her Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis clap back at an Edmonton Police campaign encouraging…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
B.C. is Burning. Can We Stop This?
More than 90 active wildfires are burning across British Columbia, with tens of thousands forced from their homes (many of which are destroyed). It's prompted…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Should Canada Lift its Ban on American Booze?
Should Canada lift its restrictions on American alcohol as part of a deal with the Trump administration? Jespo and Supriya Dwivedi break down the latest…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"The UCP's double standard needs to be called out!"
Don calls out Jespo's flippant comment about separatists claiming the "old" Canada flag, Joe from Alliston calls out Danielle Smith's interference, Mr. T…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Who's Causing the Strikes?
What if business and labour actually agree on more than they admit? Following our August 5 conversation with Edmonton Chamber CEO Doug Griffiths, Alberta…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Rural Revolt Over AI Data Centre
Vulcan County residents are taking their Council to court, alleging rules were broken with the approval of a controversial AI data centre to be constructed on…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
WestJet Strike Sparks Bigger Warning // Regina Call to Prayer
WestJet and its flight attendants have reached a tentative agreement, with flights beginning to resume and thousands of disrupted travellers hoping to get home…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Is Flying the Alberta Flag Bad for Business?
The union representing 32,000 Alberta grocery workers has filed a grievance against Sobeys, arguing the grocery chain's use of Alberta flags to promote locally…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"It's Not About Pancakes: It's About Policies!"
Crazy Fast Eddy takes toilet talk to a whole new level with his climate change commentary, Sheldon D has questions about that $13B AI data centre, Gail says…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Heartbreaking Discovery in Calgary // Animal Rights Unravelling
For nearly two weeks, thousands of Calgarians joined the search for Parker Wells. Millions of Canadians hoped and prayed the missing 11-year-old would be…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Forever Canadian: A Status Update
Three months out from Alberta's referendum, the campaign to keep the province in Canada is shifting into high gear. Forever Canadian founder Thomas Lukaszuk…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Lynda Steele on AI, Climate, Trump, and "Elbows Up"
Alberta separation. "Elbows Up". Wildfires and climate change. AI data centres. Media layoffs. Veteran broadcaster (now podcaster) Lynda Steele (3:45) gets…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Bridge Over Troubled Border
Did Canada strike a smart deal with the U.S. over the Gordie Howe International Bridge, or give away too much? Supriya Dwivedi joins Jespo (3:00) to unpack the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"I support MAGA: Make America Go Away!"
It's an all-Ambassador edition of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers James from Ontario, Fat Dave, Julie, Anne, Joe from Alliston formerly Airdrie, Robert, and…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Treaty Rights vs. Alberta Separation // Photo Radar Debate
As Alberta's independence referendum nears, there's a fundamental question most separatists (and arguably the provincial government) hasn't answered: what…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Pushback on Return to Office // AI-Proof Your Career
The workplace is changing fast, and we're digging into it from two very different perspectives. First, we revisit the debate over Return to Office mandates…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
What's Killing Edmonton's Restaurants? // Canadian Stocks Are Booming
At least 15 Edmonton restaurants have closed in 2026 alone. What's going on? Restauranteurs Kristina Botelho (kb&co), Chris Decock (GRETA), and Nate Box (Fox…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Trump Slams Canada With 50% Tariffs
Donald Trump is threatening Canada with 50% tariffs, citing "discriminatory trade policies" on American booze, dairy, and automobiles. How should Canada…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra
Canada's relationship with the United States is being tested like never before. Trade tensions, tariffs, defence spending, Arctic security, energy, and the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Albertans Push Back on UCP Bike Lane Survey
Janice and David say the UCP needs to stay in its lane on bike infrastructure; Robert backs anti-SLAPP legislation in Alberta; Gerald says Meta's $13B data…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta's War on Bike Lanes // RELENTLESS Round Table
Hate bike lanes? You'll love what the Alberta government just rolled out: a web portal for people to complain about the bike lanes they loathe the most…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Speak Out. Get Sued? Why Alberta Needs Anti-SLAPP Legislation.
Are powerful interests using lawsuits to silence criticism? Investigative journalist Luke LeBrun joins Ryan (3:30) to explain why a broad coalition (including…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Arctic Needs Defending. Canada Isn’t Ready.
Canada's Arctic is emerging as one of the world's most strategically important regions, but is Canada prepared to defend it? Maclean's contributor Anne Shibata…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Court Freezes Assets of Separatist Lawyer Jeff Rath // Min. Eleanor Olszewski
An Alberta judge has frozen more than $8.5 million in assets linked to one of Alberta's most prominent separatist advocates, lawyer Jeffrey Rath, amid…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Road Trip Recap // Sen. Lindsey Graham Dead at 71
The inaugural Real Talk Road Trip is in the books - we recap the highs and lows of Stampede 2026 with Supriya Dwivedi (3:30) in our feature interview presented…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Quick Dick McDick's Stampede Best & Worst Dressed
Our pal Quick Dick McDick presents his Calgary Stampede 2026 Best & Worst Dressed in a special edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
EXCLUSIVE: Premier Danielle Smith
A looming referendum, new pipeline proposals, a $13B AI data centre announcement...it's been a big Calgary Stampede for Premier Danielle Smith. We get into it…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alison Redford // Meta's $13B AI Data Centre
Meta's historic $13 billion AI data centre announcement - the largest private-sector technology project in Alberta's history - has people talking about jobs…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Which Politician is Winning Stampede?
The Calgary Stampede isn't just Canada's biggest party. It's also the country's biggest networking event, where prime ministers, premiers, cabinet ministers…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Strategists // Corb Lund
The Strategists co-hosts Zain Velji and Stephen Carter (00:30) are all fired up. Corb Lund (42:00) is all fired up. It's Episode Two on the Real Talk Road Trip…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk Road Trip: Calgary
Real Talk is on the road at Calgary's stunning National Music Centre! We get the inside scoop on the first weekend of Stampede and that big pipeline…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Who's Paying for Alberta's Pipeline?
Alberta's going it alone...at least for now. The province will be the initial proponent of a new pipeline to the West Coast, according to The Globe and Mail…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Should Canada Save 24 Sussex?
For more than a decade, 24 Sussex Drive has sat empty - a crumbling symbol of political paralysis, complete with asbestos, mould, and even rats. Now Prime…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Calgarians SOUND OFF on Stampede Tent Squabble
Real Talkers sound off on the Stampede Cowboys tent controversy, with fiery takes from Robert, Ruthann, Teryl, Natalie, and Julie. The Flamethrower is proudly…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The True Cost of Separation Talk // Primates vs. Humans
Is Alberta's separation debate driving economic uncertainty, or is it simply exposing deeper problems with Canada's competitiveness? We sit down (9:15) with…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Who's Controlling Your Feed?
Guest host Supriya Dwivedi talks AI, algorithms, and online harms with McGill University's Taylor Owen in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Oilers Bet on Babcock // Farkas v. Smith
The Mike Babcock era in Edmonton begins, as the Oilers officially onboard the controversial Stanley Cup champion coach. Will Babcock's baggage hurt the team…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Stampede Tent Brawl // Montreal Shooting // Starmer Resigns
It's a pre-Stampede showdown, as Premier Danielle Smith and Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas trade barbs ahead of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Smith says…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta's Outsized Contribution // CBC Loses HNIC
Did you know Alberta's net contribution to Ottawa effectively saves taxpayers in the rest of Canada about $1,000 a year? Guest host Rob Breakenridge digs into…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"They're Trying to Steal Your Right to Vote!"
Pat in Airdrie is fuming over changes to Alberta's electoral boundaries, Jan lacks faith ahead of the fall referendum, Gillian says it's worth fighting for…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Future of Energy DEBATE: Fawcett v. Exner-Pirot
Canada’s energy future is one of the most consequential—and contentious—questions facing the country. Is global demand for oil and gas set to remain strong for…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canada Bans Kids from Social Media // Should You Invest in SpaceX?
Canada's new Online Safety Act could fundamentally change how Canadians (especially young people) experience the internet. From age restrictions on social…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Republic of Alberta: An Idea That Won't Go Away
Alberta separatism isn't a new concept. Even before Alberta became a province, critics were sounding off against "the horde of grafters connected with the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta's Future: Split or Connected?
How many Albertans are actually ready to leave Canada? And what do the latest numbers tell us about the state of the separation movement? Guest host Rob…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Poilievre's Plan to Keep Alberta in Canada
Strength in numbers. That's Pierre Poilievre's call to the provinces as a nation-wide alternative to Alberta separation. Will Quebec play along? We get into an…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Canada's Too Important to Make This Partisan!"
Real Talkers are fired up over separatist talking points and Mark Carney's position on Donald Trump. Tyler W., Michael in Calgary, Geoff in Toronto, and Garth…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas // HOPE in Edmonton
Did you know a third of Calgary residents were born outside North America? Mayor Jeromy Farkas joins Jespo in our historic Mercer Warehouse studio (3:45) to…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
J.J. McCullough on B.C., Alberta, and Canada’s Future
How did the media get it so wrong with B.C.'s Conservative leadership race? Does Alberta separation really deserve this much attention? Does Canada's Online…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Can Cities Separate from Alberta? (Seriously.)
If Alberta can talk about leaving Canada, can cities talk about leaving Alberta? That's the question Edmonton councillor Aaron Paquette is putting on the table…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Is Ottawa Selling Out Ranchers?
Canadian ranchers are warning Ottawa not to sacrifice domestic beef producers in ongoing trade talks with Mercosur, the South American bloc including Brazil…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"It's like losing your virginity. No going back!"
Red hot takes on Alberta separation from Jesse, Geoff, Anna Banana, Alberta Maverick, Peaches, Chris, Colin, Alex, AJ, and a heart-wrenching appeal from…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Senator Charles Adler: Canadian Common Sense™
Premiers in BC, Manitoba, and Ontario are calling out Alberta's Danielle Smith. The Americans can't believe Canadians aren't buying their booze. And legendary…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta Voices Urge “Lead Not Leave”
Prominent Alberta business, political, and community leaders may not agree on everything - but they agree on the most important thing - and that's Alberta's…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Right Response to Separation
It may be too late to stamp out separatist sentiment in Alberta, but we don't have to fan the flames. Guest host Supriya Dwivedi hashes it out with strategist…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Energy is Canada's Global Superpower: Dr. David Knight Legg
Canada is at a "strategic crossroads" as an energy superpower, says Dr. David Knight Legg. The former principal advisor to Premier Jason Kenney argues Canada…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Premiers Clash Over Alberta Separatism
Premiers in B.C. and Ontario are calling out their colleague in Alberta for her "bad behaviour". This, as Western premiers gather in Kananaskis for their…