Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

We're not talking about news, politics, or pop culture this episode. We're talking about suicide. Approximately twelve people die by suicide every day in Canada. Can those deaths be prevented? 

0:01 | Kyle Dubé lost his son Luke to suicide two years ago, at just sixteen years old. The "Relentless" podcast host joins Ryan in studio for a powerful conversation about why suicide is complicated. 

CHECK OUT KYLE'S PODCAST: https://www.youcan.ca/relentless-series/

35:14 | Anna Mehler Paperny has made multiple attempts on her life over the years. The award-winning journalist and author of "Hello I Want To Die Please Fix Me" shares why she decided to write such an intensely personal book, and what she'd say to somebody else in the same situation. 

CHECK OUT ANNA'S BOOK: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/551057/hello-i-want-to-die-please-fix-me-by-anna-mehler-paperny/9780735272828

YOU DESERVE TO BE HEARD. TALK SUICIDE IS HERE TO LISTEN: https://talksuicide.ca/

EMAIL THE SHOW: [email protected] 

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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.

Dead rodents and asbestos in the walls, fires due to outdated electrical just waiting to happen...the Prime Minister's official residence at 24 Sussex Drive is an absolute mess. Ryan says it's time to take the politics out of this discussion and fix the problem once and for all. 

Lower income-earning Albertans will soon be hit hardest when the government's temporary electricity rate cap expires. Economist Blake Shaffer argues there's a better policy approach to manage rising power costs. Plus, can our grid handle an influx of electric vehicles? Shaffer's been doing a bunch of research - he takes us into it.

CHECK OUT BLAKE'S WORK: https://www.blakeshaffer.ca/

29:20 | What would Chris Selley do if he was making the call on 24 Sussex Drive? The National Post columnist lets us know, and explains how he arrived at that decision. 

44:50 | How much do you know about how insects reproduce? Would you be surprised to learn human survival depends on bugs getting it on? Filmmaker Andrew Gregg takes us into his wild new documentary Bug Sex. (Note: this interview is temporarily interrupted by a storm near Andrew's house. It continues later in the episode.)

WATCH BUG SEX (something we never thought we'd type): https://www.cbc.ca/natureofthings/episodes/bug-sex

There are always a whole bunch of reasons to visit Jasper! This week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper highlights the upcoming Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon and the Jasper Pride & Ski Festival. 

REGISTER TO RUN: http://jaspercanadianrockieshalf.ca/

Ryan touches on a couple stories on our radar: Donald Trump's day in court, and Galen Weston's big raise. 

Real Talker "Angry Adam" chimes in on Tik Tok - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Ryan reads his email to [email protected]. 

FOLLOW @REALTALKRJ ON TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@realtalkrj  

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: [email protected]  

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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 the biggest news story in the world...or, at least it's being treated that way. Donald Trump, the first current or former president in American history to face criminal charges, appears in a NYC court for arraignment. Already, massive crowds of supporters and opponents are clashing. What's at stake? What does this mean for Trump's personal and political future, and potential unrest in the US? Don't miss our conversations with one of the "superstar brothers of #Resistance Twitter" Brian Krassenstein and talk radio legend Charles Adler.

3:54 | Alberta premier Danielle Smith says if the CBC doesn't retract and apologize for its reporting on her conversation with controversial street preacher Artur Pawlowski, she'll sue. What impact will Smith's dust-up with the national broadcaster, and her relationship with Pawlowski, have on the upcoming provincial election? Ryan tees it up. 

6:40 | Real Talker Russ says there's more to the Smith/Pawlowski story than what mainstream media's focusing on. Ryan reads Russ' email to [email protected]. 

12:33 | Brian Krassenstein and his twin brother Ed made a big name for themselves as thorns in Donald Trump's side for many years. The founders of hillreporter.com "uncovered multiple plots by right wing Americans to damage the credibility of those working for truth and order," including a 2018 plot to smear former FBI director Robert Mueller with false rape allegations. Brian joins Ryan for an early look at the Trump arraignment story. 

CHECK OUT KRASSENSTEIN'S DEMOCRATIC INFORMER: https://krassenstein.news/

37:48 | Charles Adler applies his classic Canadian common sense to the Trump story, then gets closer to home with the Smith/Pawlowski situation. What's the likely outcome of Smith's threat to sue the CBC? Watch or listen to find out! 

1:00:00 | The second we received Real Talker Garth's email, we knew it was a perfect fit for Positive Reflections presented by Kuby Energy. You have to hear how Garth's paying it forward after realizing the big benefits of listening to Real Talk. We LOVE it, Garth! 

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

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE SHOW: [email protected] 

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: [email protected]  

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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.

This is the most "moving" Trash Talk to date...in the gnarliest way. You'll see what we mean, as Ryan reads turbocharged text on the federal budget, student burnout, constipation (yup), and the NHL's Pride problem. Trash Talk is presented by Local Environmental Services. 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Danielle Smith's got a couple fires to put out. She started one of them herself, and a UCP candidate out of Lethbridge lit the match on the other. Could either situations cost the Premier the election in May?

2:07 | How bad is the video of Premier Smith's call with "pastor" Artur Pawlowski before his trial earlier this year? Ryan kicks off the show with a perspective check. 

AGREE OR DISAGREE? EMAIL US! [email protected] 

12:43 | There's a mental health crisis happening all around us. We may be talking more candidly these days about mental illness and therapy, but that doesn't mean big barriers like stigma and funding aren't still factors at play. This week's Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber features CASA CEO Bonnie Blakley, psychologist Caitlin Ebbers, and "success story" Madeleine Lowe. Parents: when's the right time to reach out for help? Watch this interview to find out.  

REGISTER FOR CASA'S RED DEER GOLF TOURNEY ON JULY 27 AT ALBERTA SPRINGS: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/casagolfclassic2023-reddeer/event/reddeer/

43:14 | On March 28, labour economist Dr. Joseph Marchand explained why he thinks Alberta's energy boom isn't translating into a jobs boom. Real Talker Mike emailed the show, taking issue with Dr. Marchand's reasoning. It prompted us to reach out to Diane Francis, the National Post's Editor-at-Large, to dig into her recent piece on Alberta's next resource boom. As you'll see, the veteran columnist rolls in hot! 

READ DIANE'S COLUMN ON LITHIUM: https://financialpost.com/diane-francis/alberta-resource-boom-lithium

1:06:00 | Real Talker Sheryl isn't sure our focus is as comprehensive as it needs to be in mourning the murders of two Edmonton police officers earlier this month. Our recent interview about Saskatoon's private school scandal resonated deeply with Real Talker Hope. Ryan reads both emails sent to [email protected]. 

1:11:30 | This is the most "moving" Trash Talk to date...in the gnarliest way. You'll see what we mean, as Ryan reads turbocharged text on the federal budget, student burnout, constipation (yup), and the NHL's Pride problem. Trash Talk is presented by Local Environmental Services. 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: [email protected]  

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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.

Let's face it: budget coverage is usually pretty boring. The average person doesn't spend much time digging into how governments plan on spending their money. This episode, we focus on the real life stuff: how does the federal government's big-spending, "clean economy"-focused fiscal plan impact you and your family? 

1:18 | Erica Ifill isn't your average economist. The animated co-host of the Bad & Bitchy podcast and columnist with The Hill Times brings her signature candid commentary to the table as she and Ryan dig into Budget 2023. 

CHECK OUT ERICA'S PODCAST: https://www.badandbitchy.com/

31:57 | It's not all doom and gloom in the restaurant business! Three entrepreneurs featured in Edify's annual Best Restaurants issue join Ryan in studio to discuss post-COVID challenges, changing consumer habits, and farm-to-table menu development. Don't miss Nadine Lewis (Cafe Caribbean), Ed Donszelmann (Otto), and Blair Lebsack (RGE RD)! 

TICKETS TO EDIFY'S BEST RESTAURANT EVENT: https://edifyedmonton.com/

CAFE CARIBBEAN: https://www.cafecaribbean.ca/

1:05:27 | Jasper Pride & Ski Festival is just around the corner! This week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper highlights some of the must-attend events of this ten-day annual tradition. 

LEARN MORE: https://jasperpride.ca/

1:10:50 | Real Talker Mike's not convinced oil companies are scared of big infrastructure investments. Ryan reads Mike's email taking issue with our March 29 interview with labour economist Dr. Joseph Marchand. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE SHOW: [email protected] 

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: [email protected]  

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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.

"Donald Trump is the biggest threat to democracy...and the greatest threat to the Canada/US relationship." That, from former US Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman, who headlines this episode of Real Talk. 

2:13 | Donald Trump kicked off a rally in Waco, TX with a song by a January 6th prison choir. He's calling the 2024 election "the final battle". What the hell is going on? Former US Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman tells us about his personal experience with Trump, and why he says the former POTUS remains such a threat. You won't want to miss former Ambassador Heyman's insights on President Biden's visit to Canada (and whether or not he'll seek re-election), China brokering a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and the future of Canada/US trade.

CHECK OUT AMBASSADOR HEYMAN'S BOOK: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Art-of-Diplomacy/Bruce-Heyman/9781982102678

37:40 | Why isn't this oil boom bringing jobs with it? Does a $15/hr. minimum wage have anything to do with it? Labour economist Dr. Joseph Marchand dumbs down his fascinating research so the rest of us can understand it. Why is Big Oil hesitant to spend money right now? Would Danielle Smith or Rachel Notley dare campaign on lowering or raising the minimum wage? What's Alberta's next big industry? (And how on earth does Dr. Marchand navigate life without a smart phone?!) Watch to find out! 

DIG INTO THE DATA ON ALBERTA'S JOB MARKET: https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/juecon/v71y2012i1p165-174.html

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THE SHOW: [email protected] 

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: [email protected]  

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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.

US President Joe Biden's 27-hour visit to Ottawa dominated the news cycle across the country: was that the whole point? Today's expert guests analyze the key moments, the distractions, and the bigger picture around POTUS in Canada. 

In other news, two Edmonton Police officers killed March 16 will be honoured today with a regimental funeral and procession. Ryan opens the show with a few thoughts about the service for Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan.

3:33 | Trade, jobs, and security were top of the list when POTUS and PMJT met in Ottawa for the first time since Biden was elected. Kathleen Petty, host of CBC's West of Centre podcast, explains how the average Canadian can evaluate the value of these visits, and makes an important point about interruptions to the news cycle. 

38:18 | No doubt provoked by Kathleen Petty's promise he'd "light the house on fire," Charles Adler rolls red hot into today's show. See for yourself what led the Titan of Talk to grab his Emmy off the shelf (literally)! Chuck says the Conservatives dropped the ball during Biden's visit. After you hear him out, let us know if you agree or disagree: [email protected] 

57:55 | How did 14-year-old journalist Wyatt Sharpe wind up with a press pass to cover POTUS' visit from the front row? The host of The Wyatt Sharpe Show brings his unique blend of youthfulness and informed insight, and takes us behind the scenes of his biggest assignment to date.

CHECK OUT WYATT'S SHOW: https://www.youtube.com/@thewyattsharpeshow

1:08:03 | Ryan's just a few hours removed from a visit to The Happiest Place on Earth, so this week's Positive Reflections is a no-brainer. Don't miss his family's Disneyland review, including a ride on the brand new Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway! Positive Reflections is presented by Kuby Renewable Energy.

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

CALLING ALL GOLFERS! Registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic. Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: [email protected]  

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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.

Jocelyne is sticking up for all the starving students in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

When a first responder is killed in the line of duty, their entire community feels the loss. This episode of Real Talk is dedicated to Edmonton Police constables Travis Jordan and Brett Ryan, murdered while responding to a domestic call early Thursday morning. 

3:55 | John Kirkman lost friends and colleagues in Mayerthorpe, Wetaskiwin, and St. Albert over the course of his career as a first responder. The former EMT and ten-year RCMP veteran joins Ryan in studio for a powerful conversation you won't want to miss. 

GOFUNDME FOR CST. JORDAN & CST. RYAN'S FAMILIES: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cst-ryan-cst-jordan-memorial-fundraiser

30:47 | When a community experiences major loss like the deaths of Brett Ryan and Travis Jordan, people gather with loved ones to talk about it. That's the spirit of this week's Real Talk Round Table presented by Urban Timber. Ryan connects with Katherine O'Neill, Harman Kandola, and Jarrett Campbell, who share their thoughts on the connection between police and civilians, and some of the questions that come up in tragedies like this.

57:07 | Jocelyne is sticking up for all the starving students in this week's edition of Trash Talk presented by Local Environmental Services! 

KEEP IT LOCAL: https://localenvironmental.ca/

Calling all golfers: registration is officially open for the second-annual Real Talk Golf Classic! Join us Thursday, June 22 at 2pm at The Ranch Golf & Country Club in support of the Real Talk Julie Rohr Scholarship. It's easily the most fun golf tournament in Edmonton, and it's guaranteed to sell out. Secure your foursome today! 

SIGN UP: https://ryanjespersen.com/real-talk-g...

SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES: [email protected]  

WEBSITE: https://ryanjespersen.com/

PATREON: https://www.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.