Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

The largest strike in Alberta history is officially underway, as 51,000 teachers start the week outside the classroom. How long could this last? What are the main sticking points? Ryan sits down with Alberta Teachers Association president Jason Schilling (1:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

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

36:30 | Ryan reads Real Talkers' emails and comments from our Live Chat powered by Park Power before checking in with Supriya Dwivedi. We get to her thoughts on the strike (and similarities between Alberta and Ontario on the education file), before discussing PM Mark Carney's upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump, Pierre Poilievre's pushback on the Liberals' Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2), and protests around Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. 

1:17:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Supriya interview, celebrate the Toronto Blue Jays' dominant performance against the Yankees in the first two games of the ALDS, and muse about Connor McDavid's future with the Oilers. (NOTE: The Oilers announced a two-year, $25M extension with Connor McDavid just moments after this episode was recorded.)

1:40:00 | Ryan speaks from the heart to 51,000 striking Alberta teachers in this edition of Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.

SHARE YOUR OWN POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] 

GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: 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.

Andy in B.C. says "Hell no" to a new bitumen pipeline; Robert, Thomas, Justin, Chris and Kimberly have hot takes on the Alberta Next town hall debacle in Calgary, Aaron might be the next Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Brendan calls Ryan to the carpet, and Tobias sniffs out hypocrisy. 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, and 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.

Tim Cartmell, Andrew Knack, and Michael Walters want to be Edmonton's next mayor. In this special episode, you'll hear details of their vision for the capital city's future, criticism of their opponents platforms, and their Big Promise to Edmontonians, in the Real Talk Edmonton Mayoral Debate presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

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

CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW WITH RAHIM JAFFER: https://rtrj.info/082825Jaffer

CHECK OUT OUR INTERVIEW WITH DR. OMAR MOHAMMAD: https://rtrj.info/091725Omar

1:10:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the debate, and chat about Taylor Swift's new album (how could we not??).

1:13:45 | Andy in B.C. says "Hell no" to a new bitumen pipeline; Robert, Thomas, Justin, Chris and Kimberly have hot takes on the Alberta Next town hall debacle in Calgary, Aaron might be the next Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Brendan calls Ryan to the carpet, and Tobias sniffs out hypocrisy. 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, and 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.

Alberta's got plans for a new pipeline to the west coast, and wants Ottawa to get on board. B.C. and Quebec are predictably pushing back, in what Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is calling "a test if Canada still works". What're the chances this pipeline will actually get built? We ask public affairs commentator Tasha Kheiridden (2:40) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

READ TASHA'S WORK: https://tashakheiriddin.substack.com/

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

34:30 | Jespo and Johnny dig deeper into pipeline politics, and see what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We revisit our October 1 discussion about the teen whose mic was cut at the Alberta Next town hall in Calgary. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

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

59:00 | Shout out to the town of Innisfail for a big win on the national stage! We highlight the prestigious honour from Carbon Capture Canada in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.

Play Alberta is offering odds boosts on every Oilers game all season long! And for a limited time only, Real Talkers can get an exclusive $50 free bet when they deposit $50 using the code RYAN50. Alberta Wins with Play Alberta!

DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP TODAY or visit https://playalberta.ca/. Please play responsibly. 

1:06:30 | Jespo was spicier than usual on X (@ryanjespersen) after our October 1 episode. He shares why. 

1:21:30 | Legendary human Jane Goodall passes away at 91 while on a speaking tour. We celebrate her remarkable life. 

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.

Danielle Smith's government is facing fire after a Calgary high school student was silenced, humiliated, and dismissed at an Alberta Next town hall. Is Alberta's freedom-loving premier (and her event moderator Bruce McAllister) practicing what her government preaches? Ryan opens with a some quick thoughts off the top before really digging into the story (32:00). But first...

3:10 | PM Mark Carney's popularity is down since he was elected, but Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has his own problems. There's also a curious trend south of the border, as President Donald Trump's secretary of health is actually less popular than POTUS himself among Canadians. Liaison Strategies' David Valentin takes us into his latest polling. 

READ MORE: https://www.liaison.ca/

32:00 | How can anybody take the results of the UCP's Alberta Next panels seriously after what went down in Calgary? Ryan pulls no punches in his assessment of the Evan Li debacle. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:03:00 | It's never been more affordable to enjoy fall at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge! We've got details on a 30%-off promotion through the first two weeks of October, and a free (!) TALK concert during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

BOOK at the JPL: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/jasper/fairmont-jasper-park-lodge/offers/fall-getaways.html

JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/

1:07:00 | Jespo gives Real Talkers the floor re: the town hall censorship story via our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

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

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.

September 30 is a day to reflect, to listen, and to confront the truths of Canada’s history. On this special episode, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with honest, challenging, and hopeful conversations about where we’ve come from and where we go next.

This is more than a day off—it’s a call to remembrance, responsibility, and renewal. Ryan welcomes journalist Dani Paradis and artist, politician, and community leader Aaron Paquette for a candid discussion on the stories that shape us, the role of media and art in reconciliation, and what meaningful action looks like in 2025.

CONNECT WITH DANI: https://www.daniparadis.com/

WATCH RE-KEN-SI-LE-A-SHEN on APPLE TV: https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/re-ken-si-le-a-shen/umc.cmc.1ujmxfg99gse2nx975ea9kh2h 

WATCH RE-KEN-SI-LE-A-SHEN on AMAZON PRIME: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/RE-KEN-SI-LE-A-SHEN/0NTYMDEOXTX3R6VG4I1C413YTT

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.

Rachel Gilmore has to be the most-trolled journalist in Canada. It's impossible to ignore the vitriol around everything she posts, let alone criticism from high-profile voices like MP Andrew Scheer and TV host Ben Mulroney. Rachel joins Ryan and Supriya Dwivedi (2:30) to talk about organized opposition to her work, and how it impacts her personally and professionally. We get into Irish hip hop group Kneecap's "ban" from performing in Canada, and criticism aimed at Erica Kirk. 

READ RACHEL'S WORK: https://rachelgilmore.substack.com/

1:03:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Gilmore interview, and take a look at other news headlines, including Premier Doug Ford pulling the plug on photo radar in Ontario. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:37:30 | Jespo was at Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays clinch their first AL East division championship in a decade. We toast Canada's Team in this week's Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. 

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

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.

Real Talker Gordon is so fired up about the UCP's school library book ban that he wrote a song about it. For the first time ever, we present an original tune as this week's 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, and 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.

She's Canadian punk royalty. A fearless, unapologetic icon. An activist. A survivor. And an incredible human being. We welcome Bif Naked and producer Adam Scorgie to the Real Talk studio (2:30) in the historic Mercer Warehouse ahead of the Edmonton Film Festival premiere of a new documentary chronicling her remarkable life. 

GET TICKETS TO BIF NAKED at EIFF: https://2025eiff.eventive.org/films/689b7c33db2368453d0eebc5

1:06:00 | There's no better place to see the stars than Jasper National Park. We've got details ahead of the fifteenth Jasper Dark Sky Festival in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 

LEARN MORE: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/

1:18:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Bif Naked interview and Jimmy Kimmel's return to late night. We celebrate the life and mourn the loss of a dear friend of the show, Dr. Darren Markland.

1:42:00 | Real Talker Gordon is so fired up about the UCP's school library book ban that he wrote a song about it. For the first time ever, we present an original tune as this week's 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, and 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.

Prominent firearms lawyer Ian Runkle says Prime Minister Mark Carney lied to us about the government's gun buyback program. In this episode, we welcome the host of the popular "Runkle of the Bailey" YouTube channel (39:00) to clarify where he says the PM isn't shooting straight. 

5:00 | But first...new polling shows one horse pulling away from all the others in the race to be Calgary's next mayor. 338 Canada's Philippe Fournier lays out how mayoral campaigns are resonating with voters in Calgary and Edmonton. We get into national polling on Mark Carney's minority government, Pierre Poilievre ahead of a January leadership review, and how Canadians feel about our future relationship with the United States. 

READ MORE: https://www.338canada.ca/

33:00 | Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province won't cooperate with the feds in any sort of firearm confiscation. Prime Minister Mark Carney says nobody's confiscating anything. We set the table for our conversation with Ian Runkle. 

39:00 | Criminal defence (and firearms) attorney Ian Runkle says the PM lied in his Real Talk interview on September 10. We get into it in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

WATCH THE CARNEY INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/091025PMCarney

CHECK OUT IAN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUVdcsH5X1a76V1-KnF3heA 

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

1:33:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief with ammo (ha) from the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

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

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.