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
"Where's the dignity? War isn't a video game!"
Felicia is blown away by the White House's AI video portraying the Iran war as a video game, Michael's done with Trump insulting Canadians, Janelle wants to…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Why Are Today’s Kids More Anxious and Depressed?
Young people today are more anxious and depressed - and less resilient - than generations past. Why? Is it social media? Screens? A troubling news cycle? Are…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
What's Next in Iran? // Carney’s Liberals Level Up
It's very possible the Iranian regime could survive this war, and if so, there would be dire consequences for Iranians in Iran and around the world. Dr. Thomas…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Iranian-Canadians Fear Regime Could Still Survive
Watching coverage of the war in Iran can feel complicated, distant, and hard to follow. We see reports about strikes on military targets, escalating tensions…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta Referendum 101
October 19, 2026 will be a huge day in Alberta. A couple million people will vote on at least nine (and probably eleven) questions that could forever alter the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Mark Carney’s Shifting Stance on Iran
Pressure is mounting on Canada's Prime Minister as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its second week. Mark Carney's own MPs are reportedly concerned about the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Pete Hegseth's Dick-Measuring Term is Insulting!"
Gary's gonna wash a few mouths out with soap, Don's sick of Pete Hegseth's "dick measuring," Coreen and Sharon have very different takes on unions, and Minnie…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk from Powerhouse Women
What are you thinking about this International Women's Day? Ahead of March 8, we pick the brains of powerhouses Dr. Shazma Mithani and Jenny Adams in our…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
War in Iran: Impact on Canada
Mark Carney and Danielle Smith have nothing to do with Donald Trump's war in Iran, but both leaders will feel the impact. Political commentator Rob…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Legendary Adventurer Karl Bushby // Iran Update
Nobody in human history has achieved what Karl Bushby is on the verge of completing. The former British paratrooper has travelled more than 48,000 km over the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Trump, Iran, and the Return of $100 Oil
The war in Iran could soon return oil to $100/barrel. It'll have big implications on the energy industry, international economies, and what consumers pay at…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
War in Iran // Province-Wide Protest in Alberta
The United States and Israel are at war with Iran. What does that mean for Canada? Supriya Dwivedi joins (3:45) in our feature interview presented by…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Worker Agenda - Democracy
Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL). Episode 2 of the Worker Agenda looks at DEMOCRACY. Gil McGowan and Cori Longo…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"A $9B deficit? It's not leadership, it's gambling!"
Abby says the UCP is gambling with Alberta's future, Robert's sick of "white nationalists talking shit," Don and Janice have different takes on Donald Trump's…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta Budget: Winners, Losers, and What's Next
Alberta is prioritizing short-term pressures over long-term savings. Budget 2026 forecasts a $9.4 billion deficit as the province grapples with volatile oil…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canadian Detained by ICE for 100+ Days
Canadian Curtis Wright has been detained by ICE for more than 100 days, after he was arrested at Houston's airport returning from business in Mexico. A lawful…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Rob Ashton: Next NDP Leader? // Comedian Henry Sir
Can a career longshoreman and national union leader resurrect Canada's NDP? Rob Ashton tells us how (and why) he'll do it in our feature interview presented by…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Paul Brandt's On A Mission // Poilievre's New Video // AI Takeover
People are being trafficked in your city right now. Exploitation is happening in communities across Canada and around the world. Country star Paul Brandt has…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Mexico Mayhem // Coal Petition // Heart Health
Thousands of Canadians are stranded in Mexico after a wave of violence erupted following the death of a cartel leader. Supriya and Ryan check in with snowbird…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta Referendum a "Desperate, Cynical Distraction"
Real Talkers are FIRED UP as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces a nine-question referendum in October 2026. Collin, Taylor from Calgary, Jan, Erin, and…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Alberta Set to Boom under Canada's New Defence Strategy
No province is better positioned to benefit from the Liberals' new Defence Industrial Strategy than Alberta. Across the board, Alberta will see an influx of…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Conservatives Lose Another MP. What’s the Plan?
Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives have lost three MPs in three months to Mark Carney's Liberals. What's the plan to stop the bleeding? And what about the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Matt Jeneroux Crosses the Floor to the Liberals
Matt Jeneroux isn't resigning after all. The Edmonton Riverbend MP will instead cross the floor to join Mark Carney's Liberal caucus, as announced by the Prime…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Is Canada Having an "Anti-American Hissy Fit"?
Jamil Jivani says Canada's shooting itself in the foot with an "anti-American hissy fit." The Conservative MP made the comments to right wing outlet Breitbart…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Stick It to Trump with the Gordie Howe Bridge!"
Real Talker Brent's still "on the fence" with Alberta separation, Joe from Airdrie has a plan to force Donald Trump's hand on the Gordie Howe bridge, Chevy on…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Senator Charles Adler: Canadian Common Sense
We love how Senator Charles Adler tees up this episode - as a "kitchen table conversation" about the things that really matter. If you're looking for real…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
How To Talk To Your Kids About Tragedy // Separation Poll Insights
If you're like us, you're walking with a heavy heart after the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC. You may also be wondering if or how you should talk about it…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Tumbler Ridge, BC Rocked by Mass Shooting
How do you begin to talk about the tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, BC? Ten people are dead and another 25 sustained injuries in one of the deadliest mass shootings…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
NDP MP Heather McPherson // Quick Dick McDick
We go left-to-right in this episode featuring federal NDP leadership candidate Heather McPherson (3:00) and farmer/YouTuber/comedian Quick Dick McDick (43:00)…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Bad Bunny Triggers Trump // Jamil Jivani’s DC Trip
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show draws a record audience AND the ire of President Donald Trump, who calls it "absolutely terrible, one of the worst EVER"…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"The only ICE we need is for my drink!"
Jonathan chastises Jespo's "unserious" approach to the nukes-in-Canada discussion, Mike has a hot take on the Gavin McKenna assault charges story, Andrea says…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Trump Posts Racist Video Depicting Obamas As Apes
We didn't want to talk about Donald Trump during this Black History Month Round Table (15:45). But POTUS forced our hand when he posted a vile, racist AI video…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Would You Fight to Defend Your Mom's Honour?
Top NHL prospect Gavin McKenna faces a felony assault charge following an altercation at a Pennsylvania bar. Rumour is the 18-year-old McKenna and his Mom were…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Does Canada Need Nukes?
Should Canada expand its military arsenal to include nuclear weapons? Retired general Wayne Eyre says it should be an option, but Defence Minister David…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Poilievre’s Plan to Deport Criminals, Build Homes, and Guard the Arctic
Canada's Conservatives opened up their playbook at the party's annual Convention in Calgary, laying out plans to quell the housing crunch and defend Arctic…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Conservatives Rally Behind Pierre Poilievre
Pierre Poilievre walks away from a big weekend in Calgary with a significant boost, scoring 87.4% in his leadership review at Conservative Convention 2026…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Worker Agenda - Affordability
Real solutions for Alberta workers from the Alberta Federation of Labour. Episode 1 of the Worker Agenda looks at AFFORDABILITY. Everything is getting more…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Is Jeff Rath's Cowboy Hat Lined with Tinfoil?"
Real Talkers Glenn and Tractor Dave have hot takes on Alberta's separatist movement; Keltie, Laura, and Les are fired up over our coverage of changes to…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Premiers Call Out Separatists // Heated Rivalry
Canada's premiers are calling out Alberta separatists en masse. BC's David Eby's calling it "treason". This, as American officials are (reportedly) meeting…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
How Will Poilievre Manage Trump & AB Separation Supporters at Convention?
There's little doubt Pierre Poilievre will survive his leadership review at Conservative Convention in Calgary. The question is, what tone will he set, how…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canada's Richest Province Cuts Disability Supports
Alberta's rolling back benefits for nearly 80,000 people with disabilities with its new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). Amidst steep cost of…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Solving Canada's ER Waits // Alberta’s Recall Mistake
Canadians are waiting way too long in emergency rooms. Dr. Andrew Boozary, executive director at the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at Toronto's University…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
US Official Stokes Alberta Separatism
It's been a wild few days in the United States. Another U.S. citizen is dead at the hands of ICE agents, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is publicly endorsing…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"F*ck ICE and F*ck Dementia Donny!"
Real Talker Michael deploys more f-bombs per minute than anybody in Flamethrower history with his message to the White House, Brendon lays out the real world…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Poll: UCP and NDP Neck and Neck
Alberta's two main parties - the UCP and NDP - are polling neck and neck. We dig into the new numbers with Liaison Strategies pollster David Valentin (3:00)…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Leaked Report: Albertans Dying Waiting for Healthcare
Alberta emergency rooms are described as "death zones" in a shocking report leaked to Real Talk. Six deaths and a few dozen "critical near-misses" over a two…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Carney Speech Heard 'Round the World // Avi Lewis, NDP Leader?
More than two dozen Alberta MLAs are facing recall petitions. Is this really the best way to hold politicians accountable? We ask AB Resistance founder Marg…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Recall Petitions Target 26 Alberta MLAs
More than two dozen Alberta MLAs are facing recall petitions. Is this really the best way to hold politicians accountable? We ask AB Resistance founder Marg…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Canada/China Deal // Trump's Eyes on Canada // Freedom Convoy Court Decision
Did PM Mark Carney's "Canola for EVs" deal with China really split Canadians? Auto workers in Ontario may not love lifting tariffs on Chinese EVs, but that…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
"Doug Ford Needs to STFU!"
Real Talkers Erin and AJ have thoughts on the Canada-China trade deal; Laura, Lisa, Natasha, and Gerald are fired up over the "defund private schools" debate…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Leaked Classroom Audio // Transit Safety Round Table
Audio leaked from an Alberta classroom is causing a stir, as a high school teacher parodies Conservative stereotypes including references to the oil and gas…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
The Fight to Defund Private Schools // Mayhem in MN
Alberta funds private and independent schools at a higher level than any other province, but spends less per public school student than anywhere else in the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Journalist Sues the RCMP // Should Canada Ban X?
RCMP arrested award-winning photojournalist Amber Bracken in 2021 while she was covering the Wet’suwet’en pipeline standoff in Northern B.C. for The Narwhal…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Carney, Coastal First Nations, China and Venezuela
Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with Coastal First Nations leaders before heading to China for Canada's first formal PM visit since 2017. This, amid…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Is the U.S. Headed Toward A Breaking Point?
Venezuela. Greenland. Iran. A Minnesota mom is dead, and ICE protests continue across the country. POTUS is threatening to indict the Federal Reserve Chair…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
ICE KILLING: "George Orwell Warned Us About This!"
Denise is appalled by the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, KP's thrilled to see the US in Venezuela, Don's bracing for WWIII, and Joe from Airdrie figures we…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Athana Reaction / ICE Killing / Venezuela / Chinese EV Tariffs
Former Poilievre comms director Ben Woodfinden and former Notley cabinet minister Shannon Phillips respond to our exclusive with former AHS CEO Athana…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
EXCLUSIVE: Former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos
Athana Mentzelopoulos is the former President and CEO of Alberta Health Services. She was fired by the Alberta government exactly one year ago for what the…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Is Pierre Poilievre Setting a Dangerous Precedent?
Did Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre put Canada in a tough spot by praising President Donald Trump's action in Venezuela? Sharan Kaur argues yes (3:30) in…
- Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Trump Wants Greenland // "Treason" in Alberta? // Co-Existing with Bears
Donald Trump wants Greenland. European leaders are pushing back. What's Canada's best play, all things considered? National Post columnist Rahim Mohamed leads…