Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

By Relay

What's Real Talk Ryan Jespersen about?

Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Real Talk Ryan Jespersen episodes:

06.25.2024
The Oilers Fan's Guide to Navigating Heartbreak
Ugggggh. Connor McDavid and the Oilers will have to wait another year for a shot at the team's first Stanley Cup in decades. We talk it out - and get an update on the water main mess in Calgary -...
06.24.2024
BIG WINS: One Down, One To Go
Naheed Nenshi just RAN AWAY with the Alberta NDP leadership. Connor McDavid's poised to hoist his first Stanley Cup. We've got the two biggest stories in Canada covered (plus a recap of the sold-out Real Talk Golf Classic!) in this...
06.24.2024
"Jespo Doesn't Know WTF He's Talking About!"
Anne's sick of crybabies in Calgary, and Don schools Ryan on the Royal Canadian Navy in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount,...
06.20.2024
Stand Up to Cancer: Comedian Kathleen McGee
Ryan's longtime friend Kathleen McGee joins (2:00) for REAL Talk about living with cancer. You'll laugh, you might cry, and we guarantee you'll be inspired. FOLLOW KATHLEEN ON IG: https://www.instagram.com/kathleen_mcgee DONATE TO HER GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/june-dresses-for-the-alberta-cancer-foundation?member=34764567&sharetype;=teams&utm;_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm;_medium=copy_link&utm;_source=customer GRINDSTONE COMEDY FESTIVAL: https://www.grindstonecomedyfest.com/ 1:02:10 | Anne's sick of...
06.19.2024
Trudeau on the Ropes; Poilievre Takes the Dare
Is Justin Trudeau done in the next two months? Paul Wells, one of Canada's best political writers, takes us into his new book "Trudeau on the Ropes: Governing in Troubled Times". 2:50 | We get Paul's opinion on the Canadian warship...
06.18.2024
Water Fight: Calgary Laying Pipe Ahead of Stampede
Anybody who's ever been to Calgary knows there's no way the Stampede's getting cancelled, water shortage or not. We look at how that major water main break's been impacting communities (and neighbourly relations) in this episode (18:40). Ahead of that,...
06.17.2024
What's A Canadian Warship Doing in Cuba?
Why is a Canadian warship docked beside Russian vessels in Cuba? And why didn't Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly even know about it, when asked over the weekend? Defence Minister Bill Blair says it's a "smart" move, while the opposition...
06.17.2024
RIP Energy War Room!
Real Talker Sierra delivers a eulogy for the Canadian Energy Centre - aka The War Room - in The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] When you visit the DQs in Palisades,...
06.14.2024
Danielle Smith: Fact Checked
Fact or fiction? We task two of Alberta's most experienced journalists with scrutinizing our recent interview with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. 3:30 | Veteran commentators Graham Thomson and Markham Hislop dig into our June 12 interview with Premier Smith, including her...
06.13.2024
SPITTIN' CHICLETS on REAL TALK!
The stars of Spittin' Chiclets - the biggest hockey podcast in the world - join Jespo and Johnny in studio for a special Stanley Cup Final edition of Real Talk. Paul "BizNasty" Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney, Rear Admiral, and Mike Grinnell...
06.12.2024
One on One with Premier Danielle Smith
Why did Premier Danielle Smith appoint her one-time nemesis Alison Redford to the board of Invest Alberta? How is Calgary's water main disaster impacting how she'll approach the province's infrastructure deficit? Is Alberta even ready for a population boom...and if...
06.11.2024
Should We BAN Smartphones in Schools?
Does your family have rules for phones and tablets? Does your kid's school (or even your own workplace) try to cut back on distraction by limiting access to tech? As Ontario and Quebec take the lead on banning phones in class,...
06.10.2024
"Who Is the Other Randy??"
There's nothing funny about alleged corruption and shady business deals involving elected officials. But that's not stopping Jespo, Johnny, and Charles Adler from having a chuckle over the "Other Randy" story. We get to that, millionaire conspiracy peddler Alex Jones liquidating...
06.08.2024
"Keep That P*ssy-Grabbing Convict Out of Office!"
Debra checks in from the States with strong words (!!!) for Donald Trump; Ray, Ed, and Jim take issue with our May 31 Group Chat Round Table's take on Pierre Poilievre, and Dr. Jennifer delivers an unofficial diagnosis of the...
06.07.2024
Good News for People with Climate Anxiety!
From 1-10, where's your "climate anxiety" at? In this episode, we meet three "Climate Action Figures" who remind us it's never too late to take action. 5:10 | But first...it's another Real Talk scoop: Alberta will introduce policy on phones in...
06.06.2024
How to Grieve: Survival Tools to Keep Living After Loss
This is the most personal and powerful episode of Real Talk we've ever released. Ryan shares his thoughts after the sudden and tragic death of his dear friend Loz (2:00), and we check in with grief educator Jeremy Allen (18:00). SUICIDE...
06.03.2024
Edmonton Oilers: Canada's Team
Now that Connor and crew punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final, are the Edmonton Oilers officially Canada's Team? 2:45 | Everybody's talking about the Oilers around the water cooler - why would our weekly check-in with Charles Adler be...
06.01.2024
"Peter Lougheed is Rolling in his Grave!"
Cher can't fly her Canadian flag anymore, Tobias has no mercy, Garth calls out "Flip Flop Adler," Commish Daddy says there is no middle class, and Nathan's wondering if Peter Lougheed is rolling in his grave. It's The Flamethrower presented...
05.31.2024
Trump Guilty, Poilievre & Abortion Rights, Phones in Schools
Donald Trump is now a convicted felon. He can still run for President, and might very well win. Our Group Chat Round Table digs into the difference between legal strategy and public opinion strategy. Plus, is Pierre Poilievre unbeatable? Are...
05.30.2024
How Pierre Poilievre Redefined "Conservative" in Canada
Love him or hate him, you can't deny Pierre Poilievre's riding major momentum these days. The Conservative leader claims to have doubled the party's membership, and virtually every poll forecasts a convincing win the next time Canadians go to the...
05.29.2024
No Charges for Cops who Targeted Alberta Politician
Three Lethbridge cops are off the hook for using police databases to improperly access a politician's personal information, despite Alberta's police watchdog recommending charges. Then-Energy Minister Shannon Phillips was first targeted when on-duty officers eavesdropped on a private conversation, then...
05.28.2024
Are You "Middle Class"? Here's How You Can Tell...
More than 70% of Canadians believe they're "middle class". Are you one of them? New polling shows most of us feel "less wealthy" than our fellow Canadians...but is that accurate? In this episode, we learn how our feelings and other...
05.27.2024
Charles Adler Changes His Tune on the Humboldt Driver
"Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything," wrote George Bernard Shaw. This is one of the most honest episodes of Real Talk to date, as Charles Adler does a 180 on his previous comments about deporting Jaskirat Singh...
05.25.2024
Man Duped into Signing Poilievre Petition: Fires Up Flamethrower!
Rob's choked about being duped into signing a petition, Stephen and Robyn have spicy takes on fighting in hockey, and Deaner wants you to GET OUT OF THE PASSING LANE. Real Talkers fire up their Flamethrowers courtesy the DQs of...
05.24.2024
Founders Round Table: "What's the Best Advice You've Ever Received?"
It's one thing to have a million (or billion) dollar idea. It's another thing to turn that idea into a legitimate business. So, what's the secret to a successful startup? We talk inspiration, team building, problem solving, and growth strategies...
05.23.2024
Majority of Canadians Want Fighting Banned from Hockey
Full disclosure: Ryan feels strongly that fighting is an important part of hockey. But, there are several compelling arguments to ban fighting from the game. We know more about short- and long-term effects of repeated blows to the head. We've...
05.22.2024
Alberta's Disappearing Advantage
Is the "Alberta Advantage" disappearing? For decades, the province has boasted higher wages, lower unemployment, and a lower cost of living than the rest of Canada. But the numbers show a troubling trend. We investigate what's behind it, and what...
05.21.2024
Should Speaker Greg Fergus Resign?
Is this strike three for House Speaker Greg Fergus? The Opposition Conservatives are crying foul after yet another partisan display from the Liberal MP serving in what's supposed to be a non-partisan role. Ryan and Charles Adler debate whether or...
05.18.2024
"Jespo and His Slimy Old Tricks!"
KP says police were right to break up campus demonstrations, Jeff says Charles Adler's out to lunch on Jerry Seinfeld, Dave calls out Jespo for "slimy old tricks," Todd has a message for The Discourse host Erika Barootes, Ron says...
05.17.2024
The Truth About Edmonton
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Chamber of Commerce CEO Doug Griffiths visit the Real Talk studio for a candid conversation about the present and future of Alberta's capital city. 3:07 | The State of the City: we talk about Edmonton's population...
05.16.2024
"Drug War" Brewing Between Ontario PCs & City of Toronto
Premier Doug Ford's government is prepared to wage war on the City of Toronto if it proceeds with plans to decriminalize minor possession of hard drugs. This, as Premier David Eby's government in British Columbia is all but trashing its...
05.15.2024
Placemaking: Cities of the Future
Star actor Nathan Fillion shone a spotlight on his hometown of Edmonton the other day, posting a video of the brand new Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion on historic Whyte Avenue. The "parklet" is just one of many placemaking initiatives, part...
05.14.2024
Has the Alberta NDP Lost Its Way?
Have the federal Liberals taken over the Alberta NDP? Could a Naheed Nenshi leadership win spell the end of the so-called "worker's party"? Hours after pulling out of the Alberta NDP leadership race, labour leader Gil McGowan joins Ryan in...
05.13.2024
Tough Look: Cops Clear Pro-Palestine Protest at U of A
Have you seen the video of baton-wielding police officers clearing a pro-Palestine encampment at the University of Alberta? Current and former students and professors are speaking out, ripping the U of A for calling in the cops. Meantime, University president...
05.11.2024
"Caving to the Delusional Demands of the Far Right Fringe!"
Gerald things Jerry Seinfeld needs to "grow a pair," Alison says we need to get serious about rail options for rural Albertans, and Peter says the government is "caving to the delusional demands of the far-right fringe". Real Talkers are...
05.10.2024
Planet Protectors: It's Not Too Late!
Do not despair! Human life on Earth may not be doomed, after all. We connect with five Planet Protectors in this edition of The Best of Real Talk. We talk about our plastic problem, the future of wildfires, and our...
05.09.2024
HOT SEAT: Must-See Political Moments on Real Talk
We get it: not everybody has time to catch every single episode of Real Talk. That's why we've put together The Best of Real Talk: Politics Edition. These are the key moments from our highest-profile political interviews of 2024, including...
05.08.2024
B.C. Walks Back Illicit Drug Pilot. Who Wins?
Ottawa has approved the B.C. government's request to recriminalize the use of illicit drugs in public spaces. This, about a year and a half after the province introduced a pilot project allowing adults to carry up to 2.5 grams of...
05.07.2024
What Are Danielle Smith & Pierre Poilievre Up To?
This episode is about the WHY. Why is it newsworthy (or not) that senior officials were pressured to support Alberta's wind and solar moratorium? Why might the government be walking back its controversial Bill 20? Why might Premier Danielle Smith...
05.06.2024
Did the Extreme Left Kill Comedy?
Political correctness is killing comedy. So says one of the all-time greats, Jerry Seinfeld, in an interview with The New Yorker. Is he right? We ask Charles Adler and our live audience (24:07). Later in the episode, Jason Leslie of...
05.04.2024
"This Conflict of Interest: It Makes Me Sick!"
Colin's wondering where all the money's going, LD's fed up with UCP suck-ups, Gabriel just can't take a certain Real Talk panel seriously, and James says Liberal corruption is making him sick. Real Talkers are all fired up for The...
05.03.2024
The Art of Storytelling: A Filmmakers Round Table
When's the last time a film really moved you? Documentaries in particular have a way of connecting with us and inspiring us to action. In this special edition of the Real Talk Round Table, we hang out with filmmakers whose...
05.02.2024
War of Words: Poilievre and Trudeau Ramp It Up
Did Pierre Poilievre deserve to get kicked out of the House of Commons for calling Justin Trudeau a "wacko PM"? Should Greg Fergus resign as Speaker of the House? How much responsibility should the Prime Minister take for the tone...
05.01.2024
Kristi Noem Shoots Her Dog; Danielle Smith Kills Low-Income Transit Program
Does shooting a puppy and writing about it in a book automatically kill South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's shot at the Vice Presidency? Does defunding a public transit program designed for low-income and senior Albertans make any sense - optically,...
04.30.2024
Who's Behind Alberta's First Municipal Political Party?
For the first time in Alberta's history, political parties will be players in the October 2025 municipal elections. TAPYEG is the first party to introduce itself to voters in Edmonton. In this episode, we meet some of the people behind...
04.27.2024
"The female version of Putin"?!?
Gabriel sounds off on 15 Minute Cities, James is nervous about the feds selling TMX, and Angela has a message for Alberta's duly-elected mayors and councillors. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP...
04.26.2024
The Pros & Cons of UCP Bills 18 & 20
Another wild week in Alberta politics, as Premier Danielle Smith's government introduces sweeping changes to how city and town councils are elected, operate, and are held accountable. The UCP's Bill 20 opens the door for municipal political parties, restores union...
04.25.2024
Danielle Smith's Plan to Control Alberta's Cities
Are you better off with partisan politics at the local level? Will Alberta benefit from its provincial government inserting itself into funding agreements between municipalities and the feds? As Premier Danielle Smith's UCP government rolls out Bill 18 - the...
04.24.2024
Don't Look Away from Gaza
Claire Porter Robbins is just back from Jerusalem, where she's been covering the Israel-Hamas war for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Globe & Mail. Prior to that, she worked for Doctors Without Borders in Gaza. 2:15 | Claire tells...
04.23.2024
Replacing the RCMP
All eyes are on Grande Prairie as the northern Alberta city bids adieu to the RCMP and welcomes its own municipal police service. "GP" becomes the first Alberta city since Camrose in 1956 to introduce a new police service, and...

What's Real Talk Ryan Jespersen about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Real Talk Ryan Jespersen episodes:

The Oilers Fan's Guide to Navigating Heartbreak

BIG WINS: One Down, One To Go

"Jespo Doesn't Know WTF He's Talking About!"

Stand Up to Cancer: Comedian Kathleen McGee

Trudeau on the Ropes; Poilievre Takes the Dare

Water Fight: Calgary Laying Pipe Ahead of Stampede

What's A Canadian Warship Doing in Cuba?

RIP Energy War Room!

Danielle Smith: Fact Checked

SPITTIN' CHICLETS on REAL TALK!

One on One with Premier Danielle Smith

Should We BAN Smartphones in Schools?

"Who Is the Other Randy??"

"Keep That P*ssy-Grabbing Convict Out of Office!"

Good News for People with Climate Anxiety!

How to Grieve: Survival Tools to Keep Living After Loss

Edmonton Oilers: Canada's Team

"Peter Lougheed is Rolling in his Grave!"

Trump Guilty, Poilievre & Abortion Rights, Phones in Schools

How Pierre Poilievre Redefined "Conservative" in Canada

No Charges for Cops who Targeted Alberta Politician

Are You "Middle Class"? Here's How You Can Tell...

Charles Adler Changes His Tune on the Humboldt Driver

Man Duped into Signing Poilievre Petition: Fires Up Flamethrower!

Founders Round Table: "What's the Best Advice You've Ever Received?"

Majority of Canadians Want Fighting Banned from Hockey

Alberta's Disappearing Advantage

Should Speaker Greg Fergus Resign?

"Jespo and His Slimy Old Tricks!"

The Truth About Edmonton

"Drug War" Brewing Between Ontario PCs & City of Toronto

Placemaking: Cities of the Future

Has the Alberta NDP Lost Its Way?

Tough Look: Cops Clear Pro-Palestine Protest at U of A

"Caving to the Delusional Demands of the Far Right Fringe!"

Planet Protectors: It's Not Too Late!

HOT SEAT: Must-See Political Moments on Real Talk

B.C. Walks Back Illicit Drug Pilot. Who Wins?

What Are Danielle Smith & Pierre Poilievre Up To?

Did the Extreme Left Kill Comedy?

"This Conflict of Interest: It Makes Me Sick!"

The Art of Storytelling: A Filmmakers Round Table

War of Words: Poilievre and Trudeau Ramp It Up

Kristi Noem Shoots Her Dog; Danielle Smith Kills Low-Income Transit Program

Who's Behind Alberta's First Municipal Political Party?

"The female version of Putin"?!?

The Pros & Cons of UCP Bills 18 & 20

Danielle Smith's Plan to Control Alberta's Cities

Don't Look Away from Gaza

Replacing the RCMP