Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Calgary's ten years ahead of Edmonton when it comes to economic development. Can Alberta's capital city catch up? What happens if it doesn't? Ahead of municipal elections on October 20, we check in with the City of Calgary's Thom Mahler, Edmonton Downtown Business Association's Puneeta McBryan, and Heather Thomson from the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce (1:00). 

CHECK OUT THE EDMONTON CHAMBER'S MUNICIPAL ACTION PLAN: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/municipal-action-plan-2025/

1:05:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, including Jespo's story of a nightmare real estate investment 20 years ago. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:32:43 | Jespo shares details of his family's recent Jasper getaway and the upcoming Jasper Folk Music Festival in #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 

JASPER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperfolkmusicfestival.ca/

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

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

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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.

Density and infill might be the most divisive issue in Canada's major urban centres right now...or at least it feels that way. After a heated exchange during our August 22 Group Chat Round Table, we check in with Athabasca University political scientist Dr. Alex Rivard, who lays out what national polling actually tells us about where Canadians stand on the issue (17:30). 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

47:30 | As the Prime Minister lowers his elbows by dropping reciprocal tariffs aimed at Americans, do Doug Ford, Mark Carney, and progressives across Canada owe Alberta Premier Danielle Smith an apology? Her supporters sure think so. Dr. Rivard tells us what he thinks before analyzing a new report on Canadian relations with China (57:45). 

1:34:30 | Real Talker Janine tells us why she's so grateful for that August 18 by-election in Battle River--Crowfoot that saw Pierre Poilievre secure his seat in the House of Commons. Positive Reflections is presented by our friends at Solar by Kuby.

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

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

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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 Robert, Travis, James, Touring Zebra, Gerry, and Jan have a LOT to say about the Alberta separation movement and its spokesperson Jeff Rath. 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

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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.

Jespo's real life political Group Chat returns to the Real Talk studio for an entertaining and enlightening look at the top headlines, including our August 20 interview with Alberta separatist Jeff Rath, a looming teachers' strike, council races across the province, Edmonton's infill debate (this one gets heated), and Pierre Poilievre's by-election win in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

7:00 | But first, Katherine O'Neill tells Jespo, Jenny Adams, and Harman Kandola all about her recent journey to Lake O'Hara. 

1:25:30 | Real Talkers Robert, Travis, James, Touring Zebra, Gerry, and Jan have a LOT to say about the Alberta separation movement and its spokesperson Jeff Rath. 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! 

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.

It's a tale of two cities in Alberta: Calgary spends a BILLION dollars more than Edmonton every year, while the capital city struggles with its bottom line. That translates into fewer services and higher property taxes. One Edmonton councillor says he's got the formula to fix the discrepancy. 

14:30 | Aaron Paquette lays out his plan to save Edmonton. 

CHECK OUT PAQUETTE'S VISION FOR AN ECONOMICALLY-STRONG EDMONTON: https://www.aaron4dene.ca/blog-2-1/blog-post-title-one-7rmn9

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:03:30 | Would Albertans ACTUALLY have more money in their pockets if the province separated from Canada? Marshall McAlister, CFA from North Road Investment Counsel shares his informed perspective. 

CONNECT WITH NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/

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.

What would life in Alberta look like if the province made good on threats to leave Canada? What would Alberta separation mean for industry, trade, real estate, social programs, treaties with First Nations, and a million other things? 

6:00 | Jeff Rath of the Alberta Prosperity Project lays out his group's vision for a sovereign Alberta. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:15:20 | You've still got time to enjoy Jasper this summer! Jespo shares a few of his favourite Jasper activities in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

PLAN YOUR JASPER TRIP: https://www.jasper.travel/

1:20:20 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about the interview with Jeff Rath. Jespo and Johnny dig into 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.

Pierre Poilievre is headed back to the House of Commons, having won the Battle River--Crowfoot by-election with 80% of the vote. But his future as Conservative leader is not guaranteed. We dig into the numbers - and the storylines - in this episode of Real Talk. 

3:00 | National post correspondent Rahim Mohamed argues Poilievre's by-election win quells Alberta separation sentiment and internal dissent within the Conservative Party.

AGREE or DISAGREE? LET US KNOW: [email protected] 

37:30 | Zain Velji and Stephen Carter of The Strategists podcast explain why Poilievre hasn't yet entered "smooth sailing" territory as Conservative leader. We find out why Carter thinks Thomas Lukaszuk's "Forever Canadian" petition is doing Danielle Smith a favour, and wrap with insights into mayoral races in Calgary and Edmonton. 

CHECK OUT THE STRATEGISTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-strategists/id1514440943

1:33:10 | Shout out to our friends at the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road for surpassing $2.5 MILLION raised for the Stollery Childrens' Hospital via Miracle Treat Day! Positive Reflections is presented by Solar by Kuby. 

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

SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] 

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 Talkers Jake, Andrew, and Bruce have lots to say about Jespo's vaping interview with Dr. Mark Tyndall. Tarra's demanding fairness for folks with disabilities. Neil calls Jespo out (and he's absolutely correct), and Kinnerit writes in from Israel after our Gaza interview with Sharan Kaur. 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!

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

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 Talkers Jake, Andrew, and Bruce have lots to say about Jespo's vaping interview with Dr. Mark Tyndall. Tarra's demanding fairness for folks with disabilities. Neil calls Jespo out (and he's absolutely correct), and Kinnerit writes in from Israel after our Gaza interview with Sharan Kaur. 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!

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

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.

Mark Carney's taking punches from political opponents, who say the Prime Minister hasn't delivered on his promise to "deal with" Donald Trump. Max Fawcett, lead columnist at Canada's National Observer, says it's too early to say whether or not Carney's plan has failed.

Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]

READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/13/opinion/canada-trade-war-mark-carney

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

We wrap with another fiery edition of The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. Real Talkers Jake, Andrew, and Bruce have lots to say about Jespo's vaping interview with Dr. Mark Tyndall. Tarra's demanding fairness for folks with disabilities. Neil calls Jespo out (and he's absolutely correct), and Kinnerit writes in from Israel after our Gaza interview with Sharan Kaur.

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!

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.