Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Boos rang down from the rafters of Rogers Place during the American anthem as the Oilers hosted the Anaheim Ducks. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says sorry not sorry. We've got an update (4:00) on day three of the trade war...

13:30 | Fresh off a trip to Washington, D.C., Sturgeon County Councillor Neal Comeau takes us behind the scenes of a diplomacy mission.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities: https://www.fcm.ca/en

37:15 | Alberta lawyer Jeff Rath says he's talking to contacts within the Trump administration about the province joining the USA. Obviously, we've got thoughts. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

43:15 | How much do you know about Black history in Alberta? Athabasca University writer in residence Bertrand Bickersteth talks cowboys, cattle brands, Black settlements, stereotypes, and more in one of our favourite interviews in a long time. 

AU WRITER IN RESIDENCE: https://www.athabascau.ca/news/university-news/news-and-announcements/bertrand-bickersteth-named-athabasca-universitys-2024-25-writer-in-residence.html

BERTRAND'S WORK: https://www.bertrandbickersteth.com/

1:25:00 | Spring Break is a perfect time to visit Jasper! We feature five awesome Spring activities in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

BOOK YOUR JASPER SPRING BREAK: https://www.jasper.travel/blog/5-keys-unforgettable-spring-break-jasper/

1:30:30 | Donald Trump says the U.S. will get its hands on Greenland "one way or another". Meantime, markets are down across the board and there's already talk of tariffs being reversed. 

REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC on JUNE 19: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-ta...

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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.

Canada's officially in a trade war. As President Donald Trump makes good on threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods, it's never been more evident the relationship between our two nations is drastically different than even a month ago. What does this (what SHOULD this) mean for Canada? We discuss throughout this episode. Also...

10:10 | Jeromy Farkas still wants to be Mayor of Calgary. He tells us how losing the last election changed him as a person (and a candidate), and how he'd navigate a contentious relationship between the province and Alberta's municipalities. 

CHECK OUT JEROMY'S CAMPAIGN: https://www.jeromy.ca/

49:10 | Mark Hall didn't love our coverage of a controversial cougar hunt outside Canmore. He tells us why.

JOHN E. MARRIOTT ON REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/021325Cougar

BLOOD ORIGINS CANADA: https://bloodorigins.org/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:34:45 | How are you bracing for impact re: Trump's tariffs? Tell us in the comments! 

REGISTER FOR THE REAL TALK GOLF CLASSIC on JUNE 19: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-golf-classic

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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.

As POTUS and his VP pile on Ukraine's president in the Oval Office, the world is rightfully re-evaluating the role of the USA in global affairs. Alberta's budget is out as Trump's tariffs loom. Who are the winners and losers? And, are people actually serious about re-naming Wayne Gretzky Drive? 

5:15 | Political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt talks Trump vs. everybody except Putin, Ukraine and the rest of the world, Alberta budget implications, and that pesky UCP/AHS story. 

37:45 | Edmonton Chamber president and CEO Doug Griffiths, a former PC cabinet minister, digs into the "business" of the Alberta budget with Trump's threatened tariffs on Canada looming. 

EDMONTON CHAMBER PROVINCIAL BUDGET LUNCHEON: https://rtrj.info/030325ECCluncheon

57:30 | Is this Liberal bounce back legit? Could Mark Carney actually defeat Pierre Poilievre in a general election? Might Poilievre and the CPC learn something from Doug Ford's PCs? Is Danielle Smith's UCP in trouble if Poilievre's Conservatives form the next federal government? Poll analyst Philippe Fournier of 338 Canada tells us what Canadians are saying. 

READ PHILIPPE'S WORK: https://338canada.com/

1:20:00 | Jespo and Johnny check out the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power for your insights on federal polling, Poilievre v. Carney, and the proper response to Canada's fentanyl crisis. 

1:32:20 | Should The Great One have expected this blowback after publicly supporting Donald Trump? We discuss. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:50:00 | It's been twenty years since RCMP officers Peter Schiemann, Brock Myrol, Leo Johnston, and Anthony Gordon were gunned down near Mayerthorpe, Alberta. We reflect on one of the darkest days in Canadian history. 

1:54:50 | Inspired by a record-breaking cold snap, Real Talker Karen has a reality check for this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. 

SUBMIT 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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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.

Tracey's got strong opinions about cougar hunts, Jim blows our mind with his take on humanity, Brent says quit yer bitchin' about Donald Trump, Garth's got a sovereign solution, and Ronnie has a direct question for Danielle Smith. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!

FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]

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.

It's the most anticipated international hockey showdown in 15 years. When Canada and the U.S.A. clash in the 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston, they'll be fighting for more than a gold medal. We kick off this episode with a perspective check on what's at stake. Later in the show (23:00), we shine a spotlight on life-changing (and life-saving) research advancements in women's health. 

2:25 | But first...Chris LaBossiere's wearing a special jersey at TD Garden for the big game. The president of the Juno Beach Centre talks about the price of freedom, why it matters, and a little bit about hockey. 

SUPPORT THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE: https://www.junobeach.org/

23:00 | Drs. Sofia Ahmed, Colleen Norris, and Jane Schulz join Ryan for one of the most informative and interesting Real Talk Round Tables in a long time. We talk about the past, present, and future of women's health research ahead of the Luminaries Luncheon on March 7 in support of the Alberta Women's Health Foundation.

TICKETS: https://www.albertawomenshealthfoundation.org/events

1:11:30 | Jespo and Johnny recap Premier Danielle Smith's news conference about the alleged healthcare scandal, and update the orphaned cougars story out of Canmore. 

1:19:00 | Tracey's got strong opinions about cougar hunts, Jim blows our mind with his take on humanity, Brent says quit yer bitchin' about Donald Trump, Garth's got a sovereign solution, and Ronnie has a direct question for Danielle Smith. 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, make 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.

Nobody's giving Karina Gould a fighting chance, but don't tell that to the Liberal leadership candidate. The youngest female cabinet minister in Canadian history tells us (2:00) how she'd deal with Donald Trump, her plan for pipelines, and how she'd "unleash" a million entrepreneurs. 

MORE: https://karinagould.ca/

34:20 | Don't miss your chance to attend the Devour! Food & Film Festival (April 4-6) and the Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon (April 26)! We feature both of these amazing events in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 

DEVOUR: https://rtrj.info/devour2025

HALF MARATHON: https://jaspercanadianrockieshalf.ca/

40:10 | Have you seen the new polling showing which cities/provinces will be hardest hit by Trump's tariffs, and what businesses want the feds to do about it? We've got our Eye on Alberta Business with Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

POLITICAL ACTION DAY: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/2025-political-action-day-mla-dinner/

ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS of DISTINCTION: https://abbusinessawards.awardify.io/

US TARIFFS IMPACTS SURVEY: https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/reports/RC/public/YWJjaGFtYmVyLTY3OWJmZDNjNWEwNWQxMDAwODBhYTI4Yi1VUl8xRG9LTFhyQlYwSXgxUGI=

MOST-AFFECTED CITIES: https://chamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CMA_Blog.pdf

1:08:00 | Real Talker AJ has an idea for everybody who wants to shop local. 

EMAIL THE SHOW ANYTIME: [email protected] 

1:16:00 | We check back in on the hunted cougar story with an update on the orphaned cubs. Stick around for some wild video submitted by Real Talker Davis. What would you do in that situation? 

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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.

Emergency rooms are over capacity. Major surgeries are being delayed or cancelled. Allegations of shady government dealings are being investigated (or are they?). Health care in Alberta is an absolute mess. 

6:25 | AMA past president Dr. Paul Parks understands the assignment - Real Talk - as he diagnoses the root of the rot in Alberta Health Services. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

1:13:00 | Canada will square off against the Americans for 4 Nations Face-Off supremacy in a couple days. We recap a WILD showdown between the two countries over the weekend, and fantastic turnout for a PWHL game in Edmonton. 

1:35:25 | Crazy scene at Toronto Pearson, as a flight arriving from Minneapolis crashed in flames sending 20+ people to hospital. It's the fourth aviation disaster in the past few weeks. What's going on? 

1:44:20 | Our faces hurt from smiling thanks to Real Talker Stefanie, who passed along this week's Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. 

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFi9GufOkvM/?igsh=eWo1ZmdocGVteXo4

SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] 

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

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

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.

Markus says it's time to switch from defence to offence with the U.S.A., Brent says it ain't all Trump's fault, R.H. is fighting for independence, Don takes on "Alberta's Death Cult," Angie's sick over cougar hunts, and Les is putting the premier up for sale. 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 Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!

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

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.

Here's to the risk takers. The industry shakers. The business and community leaders whose insights and investments are positively impacting the world around them. In partnership with Edify and the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, we present this Real Talk Round Table: Edifiers Edition.

2:40 | We talk small business, DEI, tariffs, refugees, lost wedding rings, and more with the dynamic trio of Edifier Award winners Sina Zere and Jorgia Moore, and Edmonton Chamber of Commerce VP Laura Kinghorn. 

2025 EDIFIERS: https://edifyedmonton.com/people/edifiers/2025/

EDMONTON CHAMBER of COMMERCE: https://www.edmontonchamber.com/

DON'YA UKRAINE'S KITCHEN: https://donyaukraine.ca/

BUFF WAX SPOT: https://buffwaxspot.com/

1:12:00 | Jespo and Johnny talk 4 Nations Face-Off, the alleged UCP-AHS scandal, a response from a Salt Lake City-based Real Talker to our "51st state" chat with economist Todd Hirsch, and our Mark Carney TikTok with 100,000 views and 800 comments (!).

1:43:30 | Markus says it's time to switch from defence to offence with the U.S.A., Brent says it ain't all Trump's fault, R.H. is fighting for independence, Don takes on "Alberta's Death Cult," Angie's sick over cougar hunts, and Les is putting the premier up for sale. 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 Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! 

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

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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

Alberta's new regulations allow hunters to target female cougars with cubs. That's exactly what happened to a cat John E. Marriott had been tracking for the past four years. The renowned wildlife conservation photographer tells us why he believes the hunt was "legal but unethical," and what he's doing about it. Later in this episode, we get details on a stunning betrayal as a U-11 soccer coach (allegedly) steals two years' worth of fundraising, burying plans for a tournament in Vegas. 

3:30 | John E. Marriott tells us about an emotional few days, and his mission to save orphaned cougar cubs (and reverse changes to Alberta's hunting laws). 

TELL US HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT COUGAR HUNTS: [email protected] 

FOLLOW JOHN ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/johnemarriott

EXPOSED WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY: https://exposedwildlifeconservancy.com/

46:10 | A U-11 soccer team's dream of playing in the Mayor's Cup tournament in Las Vegas is dead, after their coach allegedly stole close to $50,000. We talk to parent Adam Scorgie about the loss and the silver linings that have followed.

SUPPORT THE GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/U11SOCCER

JORDIN TOOTOO on REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/101124TootsAdam

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

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & LINKEDIN: @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.