Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

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 Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (6:20). 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

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40:20 | Fuck yeah, bud! Comedian Henry Sir joins Jespo in the Real Talk studio in the historic Mercer Warehouse to chat about the meteoric rise of his "Current Events Chirped by a Canadian" series. 

FOLLOW HENRY on IG: https://www.instagram.com/henrysircomedy/

SEE HENRY in CALGARY on APRIL 2: https://www.showpass.com/henry-sir-4/

1:23:40 | You've got to see Tourism Jasper's new cozy cabin experience at Gate 16 at Edmonton International Airport! We feature the new installation in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

CHECK OUT THE CABIN CAPITAL OF CANADA: https://www.jasper.travel/where-to-stay/cabins-lodges/

A note from Ryan: Our hearts are broken for our friends in Jasper and Hinton who lost two beloved friends, daughters, sisters, and teammates in a tragic crash after hockey practice on February 23. 

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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.

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 been working to end trafficking for 20 years. He tells us how it's happening and how it can be stopped (2:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. (As you'd expect, Ryan hits the recent teachers' speech cancellation/Alberta separation story right off the top.)

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY -- EDMONTON'S ORIGINAL DISTILLERY -- ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT. PROUDLY LOCAL, ALWAYS ORIGINAL. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS MADE RIGHT, RIGHT HERE. https://hansendistillery.com/

37:30 | Pierre Poilievre's got a new video taking on "fake refugees" enjoying "deluxe healthcare" (50:15). The B.C. Supreme Court's Cowichan Decision is making international headlines, and causing a huge stir over property rights. We get into both stories with journalist Arno Kopecky, who leads off by telling us about being rejected for a press pass at the recent Conservative Convention in Calgary. 

FOLLOW ARNO ON IG: https://www.instagram.com/arnokopecky/

1:12:40 | Did we just see the biggest month in AI history? Cary Williams is in from North Road Investment Counsel with insights into software vs. energy stocks, and takeaways for investors and everyday citizens. 

COULD YOUR INVESTMENTS USE A SECOND SET OF EYES? REAL TALKERS ENJOY A DISCOUNTED RATE WHEN BOOKING A SECOND OPINION WITH NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL. JUST TELL THEM JESPO SENT YOU! https://www.northroadic.com/

1:47:40 | What do you think about the new Meta glasses? Real Talker Jackassica tells us how hers have changed the way she works and plays. 

EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected]

1:53:30 | Kudos to Real Talkers Kyle, Chantal G., and Chantal V. for being the first to correctly answer our impromptu trivia question about Alberta Conservative MPs crossing the floor to the Liberals. All three will receive a Real Talk prize pack. 

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

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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.

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 Murray Billett (5:00) with smoke still lingering over Puerto Vallarta. We go on to discuss Canada's silver medal in Olympic men's hockey, ChatGPT's warning ahead of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, Alberta's referendum on immigration policy in October 2026, and Punch, the baby monkey that went viral. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]

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42:00 | Corb Lund updates us on the status of his "no new coal" petition, including details he says are being misrepresented in mainstream media reports. 

GET INVOLVED with the WATER NOT COAL PETITION: https://www.waternotcoal.ca/

1:00:30 | We talk heart health with Dr. Ben Tyrrell, chief of cardiology at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and Lindsay Robertson, VP at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. 

BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz

HEARTBEAT HIDEAWAY TICKETS for FEB. 27: https://trellis.org/heartbeat-hideaway-2026

1:31:00 | Jespo and Johnny recap the Olympic men's hockey gold medal game. 

1:49:20 | Real Talker Anne shines a light on cold weather heroes in this week's Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. 

SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected]

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

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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.

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 Harry sound off on blaming immigrants, the confusing "Alberta is Calling" campaign, and Christian Nationalism 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, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU!

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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.

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 capital, jobs, top talent, and opportunity as Canada invests more in itself than ever before. Nathan Mison (Diplomat Consulting), Ian Smith (U of A Engineering), and Jason Pincock (Logican Technologies) join our Real Talk Round Table (4:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]

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39:00 | As the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs, Wyatt Sharpe joins us from Washington, D.C. 

CHECK OUT  @thewyattsharpeshow : https://www.youtube.com/@thewyattsharpeshow

FOLLOW WYATT ON X: https://x.com/wyattsharpe8

48:00 | Real Talkers chime in on national defence spending in Alberta via our Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

59:30 | Could the moon be blown to smithereens by an asteroid within the next six years? Could a solar storm shut down our power grid, pipelines, and comms infrastructure? Athabasca University's Dr. Martin Connors and Dr. Darcy Cordell blow our minds with insights on space weather hazards, the northern lights, and more. 

CHECK OUT AU's LIVE SKY CAM: http://weather.athabascau.ca/

LEARN MORE about the AU ADVANTAGE: https://www.athabascau.ca/index.html

1:30:15 | Jespo and Johnny touch on a couple Olympic headlines, including the "Boo Eileen Gu" movement in the U.S. 

1:50:30 | 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 Harry sound off on blaming immigrants, the confusing "Alberta is Calling" campaign, and Christian Nationalism 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, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

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REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

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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.

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 (understandably) disgruntled Conservative supporters calling for automatic by-elections when floor crossings occur? We check in with strategist (and former Liberal senior staffer) Carlene Variyan in Ottawa (5:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

44:00 | Real Talker Kathryn shines a spotlight on Alberta athletes competing in Milano Cortina in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 

SEND US YOUR ALBERTA WIN: [email protected] 

THERE'S A MAJOR CASINO WINNER EVERY HOUR WITH PLAY ALBERTA, AND ALL REVENUE STAYS RIGHT HERE IN THE PROVINCE. DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP TODAY TO GET STARTED WITH CASINO, SPORTS, AND LOTTERY ALL IN ONE APP. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. https://playalberta.ca/

48:45 | International Man of Mystery Greg Mackinnon joins us from the Milano Speed Skating Stadium with a few stories from his 2026 Winter Olympic adventure thus far.

58:40 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Matt Jeneroux defection.

1:33:20 | "MetaModern" poses a very specific question about our new Real Talk mugs in the Live Chat. Jespo conducts a live experiment to give MetaModern their answer.

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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.

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 Minister just a few minutes into this live stream. Jespo's got a lot to say about it, as does commentator Spencer Fernando (3:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

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8:45 | Spencer gives us his take on MP Jamil Jivani's trip to D.C., PM Mark Carney's new defence strategy, and the difference between Christian nationalism in the States and civic nationalism in Canada. 

READ SPENCER'S WORK: https://www.spencerfernando.com/

43:00 | Jespo and Johnny respond to Spencer sharing about his personal evolution as a conservative commentator.

57:45 | Real Talker James shares details of his fantastic few days in Jasper, visiting from Ontario, in a special edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

BOOK YOUR JASPER ADVENTURE: https://www.jasper.travel/

1:02:00 | A group of Edmonton firefighters is battling blizzard conditions on the roof of Fire Hall #2 in support of Muscular Dystrophy research. We connect with (absolute beauties) Liam Troy, Mike Berg, AJ Moretti, Mike Denoncourt, and Mitch Burgess.

DONATE TO THE ROOFTOP CAMPOUT: https://www.edmontonrooftopcampout.ca/

FOLLOW THE FIREFIGHTERS on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/edmfiremusculardystrophy

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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.

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 after meeting with his college pal (and current US vice-president) JD Vance and President Donald Trump during a solo mission to D.C. earlier this month. Supriya Dwivedi tells us how she thinks Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre should respond to the Jivani situation (26:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS WISHING CANADA'S ATHLETES BEST OF LUCK AT THE 2026 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. RAISE A GLASS TO TEAM CANADA: https://hansendistillery.com/

3:00 | We lead with Tumbler Ridge, BC, where Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre joined hundreds of mourners in person (and millions more across the country), offering a commitment to support town residents over the long term. We tackle new developments in the Canada-India saga (43:00), including what Supriya says is a disastrous photo opp involving Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. Are you as nervous as Ryan is about Meta's new facial recognition glasses (51:15)? We get into it with Supriya first, then Real Talkers have their say (1:02:00) in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:30:30 | Real Talker Tiffany celebrates Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy with a Positive Reflection just hours after the civil rights activist's passing. Positive Reflections is presented weekly by our friends at Solar by Kuby.

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: https://kuby.ca/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen 

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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.

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 Spotify calls out Johnny's pacifism, G Money has a warning about Surrey, BC, and Les wants Alberta separatists to grow up. It's 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, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or 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.

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, empathetic insights into the Tumbler Ridge tragedy (5:10), you'll find them from the Emmy Award-winning broadcast legend in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

WIN BIG. CHANGE LIVES. BUY YOUR FULL HOUSE LOTTERY TICKETS TODAY: https://bit.ly/4sWLHOz

1:20:15 | Adler gives us his take on Donald Trump's threat to block the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge and Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show. 

1:48:00 | Johnny's got a fantastic Instagram/TikTok vid from @gringocorridos featuring Bad Bunny's lyrics delivered in English. Enjoy!

1:55:00 | The Prince of Puns tapped Jespo on the shoulder at Edmonton Opera's Dianne Kipnes Valentine's Gala! Jespo presents an impromptu love letter to Gene Principe.

2:00:30 | Brent's back with more of why he's "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 Spotify calls out Johnny's pacifism, G Money has a warning about Surrey, BC, and Les wants Alberta separatists to grow up. It's 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, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or 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.