Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

In times of turmoil, Fred Rogers' mom used to tell him to "look for the helpers". The legendary children's entertainer shared the story many times through his television career, most especially when the cruelty of real life felt like too much for his young (and older) audience to bear. 

3:30 | Mark Cherrington is one of those helpers. The Edmonton man has dedicated his life to helping marginalized people. From babies without diapers to kids without winter boots, from teens being sexually exploited to seniors who'd otherwise starve, Mark's on call 24 hours a day whenever a serious need arises. Mark joins Ryan in studio to share real life stories from the street, explain how he got started, why he operates independently, and why he's often seen as an enemy of the establishment. 

SUPPORT MARK'S WORK: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/john-humphrey-centre-for-peace-and-human-rights/

FOLLOW MARK: https://twitter.com/MarkCherrington

SUPPORT HARVEST HILLS CARES CALGARY: https://harvesthillscares.ca/

1:24:30 | The Jasper Dark Sky Festival is wrapping up in style this weekend, with the first-ever Jasper Dark Sky Festival Space Ball! Get details on this hilarious, super fun, interactive, adult-only event in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.

SPACE BALL DETAILS: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/event/jasper-dark-sky-space-ball

EMAIL US: [email protected] 

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GET TICKETS TO BARNEY BENTALL ON OCTOBER 28 @ FESTIVAL PLACE: https://casamentalhealth.org/events/barney-bentall-concert/

FAIRMONT JPL FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION RATE: https://www.jasper-park-lodge.com/off...

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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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.

If Canadians were voting today, polling shows Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives would form a massive majority government, while Justin Trudeau's Liberals would see their seats cut in half. What's behind such a surge for the CPC? Is the solution to the Liberal Party's woes as simple as a leadership change? And how does Jagmeet Singh's NDP factor into all of this? 

2:35 | Professional poll analyst Philippe Fournier says the Conservatives would win 205 seats (up from 117) if an election was held right now, while the Liberals would plummet from 158 to just 81. The editor-in-chief at 338Canada explains what's driving momentum in both directions, and what might turn the tide over the next couple of years. 

CHECK OUT 338CANADA: https://338canada.com/

38:35 | We've received more feedback from our October 19 interview with Ghada Sasa than any other segment in recent memory. Ryan reads emails from Real Talkers Crystal, Marco, Cyrus, Cheryl, Mariah, Jason, Rene, and Jared. 

EMAIL US: [email protected] 

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GET TICKETS TO BARNEY BENTALL ON OCTOBER 28 @ FESTIVAL PLACE: 

FAIRMONT JPL FIRST RESPONDERS APPRECIATION RATE: https://www.jasper-park-lodge.com/off...

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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.

Chen Zeigen and his family are holding out hope his mother, Vivian Silver, is still alive. The longtime peace activist is believed to be among those taken hostage from a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip on October 7. In this episode of Real Talk, Chen tells us about Vivian's lifelong commitment to campaigning for peace in the region, and what he thinks she'd say about what's happening right now.

2:25 | But first...Charles Adler talks to us about a rise in antisemitic sentiments on North America, Pierre Poilievre's "apple munching" interview, and both Poilievre and Justin Trudeau warning Alberta about leaving the Canada Pension Plan. 

30:22 | Chen Zeigen joins us from Tel Aviv, where he and his family are doing everything they can to secure the safe release of his mother Vivian Silver, believed to be among Israeli hostages being held somewhere in Gaza. 

49:20 | Pride tape was spotted on an NHL player's stick over the weekend. Will Commissioner Gary Bettman do anything about it? Ryan and Johnny discuss. 

52:30 | Thanks to Real Talker Landi for sharing this week's Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Renewable Energy. We love the story of a mom's 30 year mission to help her son achieve his goal of becoming a pilot! 

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

SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] 

BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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 have a lot to say about Ryan's October 19 interview with Ghada Sasa from Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. Adam, Clay, Garth, Pam, Cam, and Catalina fire up The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

SEND US YOUR BEEF: [email protected]

You wouldn't think bike lanes would be so divisive. Urban planners and cycling advocates make compelling arguments why every community should prioritize pedal-powered transportation. But still, we see outcry every time a Canadian city (like Edmonton or Calgary) invests in that type of infrastructure. What's missing from public debate? Is it possible to get everybody on the same page? 

2:30 | No matter how you feel about bikes, bike lanes, public transit, or city planning, we guarantee you'll learn something from our Real Talk Round Table: Dutch Cycling Embassy's Chris Bruntlett, MADE's Danielle Soneff, and Paths for People's Stephen Raitz.

CHECK OUT DCE: https://dutchcycling.nl/

CHECK OUT MADE: https://joinmade.org/

CHECK OUT PATHS FOR PEOPLE: https://pathsforpeople.org/

1:00:56 | Real Talkers have a lot to say about Ryan's October 19 interview with Ghada Sasa from Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. Adam, Clay, Garth, Pam, Cam, and Catalina fire up The Flamethrower presented by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

SEND US YOUR BEEF: [email protected] 

BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen

FAIRMONT JPL FIRST RESPONDERS RATE: https://www.jasper-park-lodge.com/offers/first-responders-appreciation-rate/

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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.

You've seen the signs at protests around the world: "Decolonize Palestine". What does that actually mean? What are the implications? What is the right way to pursue peace in the region? When can violence be justified, if ever, and what role should the international community play in the Israel-Hamas war? 

1:52 | Ghada Sasa is completing her PhD in Political Science at McMaster University, and sits on the board at Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. The third-generation Palestinian refugee talks to us about decolonization, genocide, and what she thinks Canadians should be doing about the Israel-Hamas war. 

CHECK OUT CJPME: https://www.cjpme.org/

35:00 | Ryan debriefs with the audience after Ghada's interview. 

EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 

55:26 | Law professor Martin Olszynski made waves calling for a public review of the Alberta Energy Regulator in his October 18 Real Talk interview. We take a look at what you have to say about it. 

BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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.

“If you believe in fairness, common sense and the sanctity of the Canadian Constitution, today is a great day,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, after the Supreme Court ruled 5-2 that the federal government's Impact Assessment Act was unconstitutional and intrusive. That's the angle you'd expect from a politician who's long argued the Feds overstep their boundaries into provincial jurisdictions. But what does the ruling actually mean for new pipelines, natural gas plants, and other energy infrastructure in Canada? 

2:15 | But first...as the IDF and Hamas blame each other for a deadly explosion at a hospital in Gaza, Real Talker Brendan pleads for humanity in the region. Ryan opens the show with Brendan's email to [email protected]. 

8:30 | Law professor Martin Olszynski represented World Wildlife Fund Canada as an intervenor in front of the Supreme Court. He dumbs down the decision so we can understand what it means moving forward. Do provinces get a free pass to approve whatever they like? Martin says not exactly...

READ MARTIN'S BLOG: https://ablawg.ca/2023/10/16/wait-what-what-the-supreme-court-actually-said-in-the-iaa-reference/

41:00 | How will innovation and technology shape where we'll live, how we'll look, and who we'll be? Longtime science broadcaster and author Jay Ingram blows our minds ahead of his presentation on October 21 at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival. This interview is presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper. 

CHECK OUT THE JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/

ORDER JAY'S BOOK: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Future-of-Us/Jay-Ingram/9781668003350

1:17:50 | Turns out the Holy Spirit told a Red Deer School Trustee to "go for it" and post a meme comparing Hitler Youth to students at Pride celebrations. At least, that's what Monica LaGrange claims. Ryan tells us what's new about this ridiculous story out of Central Alberta.  

EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 

BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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.

For nearly a decade, Calgarians have seen arena talks gain momentum, then fall apart. Then, just a short time ago, a deal. Approved by council in a unanimous vote with no public debate, the city will front more than $830M - more than three times what it agreed to in 2019 - while the Flames will kick in $40M. 

2:40 | So, what changed? What prompted the about face from formerly-critical councillors like Courtney Walcott and Jasmine Mian? What does the agreement do to Calgary's bottom line? Jeremy Klaszus, founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Sprawl, takes us into the real costs of Calgary's new arena deal. 

SUPPORT THE SPRAWL: https://www.sprawlcalgary.com/

55:45 | Ryan and Johnny take a look at the top story in Alberta politics over the past 24 hours: the disappearance of MLA Janis Irwin's cat Oregano. Ryan asks an important question being ignored by the mainstream media. 

EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 

BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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.

The death toll of Israelis and Palestinians - many of them innocent civilians - killed over the past ten days is staggering, and you get the sense this war is only just beginning. As everyday Canadians publicly declare their support for Palestine *or* Israel, it's easy to feel like society is painfully divided. Who really wants to pick a side when it comes to children and the elderly being killed by missile strikes? 

5:00 | Charles Adler tells us what prompted his newspaper column "Never Again. Again" over the weekend. Plus, we look at the Supreme Court's decision against the federal government's Impact Assessment Act (remember the "No More Pipelines" bill?), Premier Scott Moe invoking the notwithstanding clause in Saskatchewan, Heather Stefanson's apology to Manitobans, and Jagmeet Singh's dwindling popularity among NDP members. 

59:45 | We love the story of 72-year-old Sam Kaplan keeping his promise to his 99-year-old Mom. It's this week's Positive Reflection presented by Kuby Renewable Energy! 

SEND US YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected] 

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

BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: https://www.patreon.com/ryanjespersen

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

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.

Russ calls Ryan's interview with Alberta's finance minister "tepid tea" (buuuurn) in this week's edition of Trash Talk. Plus, Jon and Marie tell us how they're responding to the NHL's ban on Pride Tape. SEND US YOUR RANT: [email protected]