Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Voters are headed to the polls across Alberta (9:30) as the teachers' strike enters its third week. The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from the World Series. Recall petitions are targeting three UCP MLAs (29:30), and rumours are swirling around Pierre Poilievre's future as leader of the federal Conservatives (50:00). We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:04:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a busy weekend including their collaboration at the Camp for a Cause mental health fundraiser at Bar Trove (1:08:00). We discuss the risk union members (and governments) take when labour negotiations lead to a strike. What do you think? Leave a comment below! 1:36:00 | Shout out to whoever was operating Hazel Mae's camera for the Vlad Guerrero Jr. interview after Game Six! It's a perfect Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.

Brent's got a message for "progressives;" Katie, Laura, and Amanda are all fired up over the teachers' strike, and KT says we were bang on about conditions at the Misericordia Hospital. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.

Jespo and Johnny had a front row seat as thousands of Alberta teachers rallied outside our studio in the historic Mercer Warehouse, sending a message to Premier Danielle Smith, who was attending the Edmonton Chamber's State of the Province luncheon across the street at Rogers Place. Jespo opens this episode with a first-hand account of what it was like both outside and inside that event. 21:20 | Are Temporary Foreign Workers really stealing jobs from Canadian teens? Does Canada have a program we can truly be proud of? Marcello Di Cintio tells us what he discovered writing his new book "Precarious: The Lives of Migrant Workers." CHECK OUT THE BOOK: https://lighthousebooksbrighton.ca/item/N8KJ1y9ScrwdX7eoxviRkQ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:20:45 | Donald Trump's decision to recognize only male and female on documents like visas and passports is creating headaches for some Canadians. It's prompting a bigger sovereignty conversation around Nexus cards and more. Senator Paula Simons and Marni Panas explain why it matters. WATCH PAULA'S SENATE ADDRESS: https://youtu.be/yInsw13pkI4?si=xpjdMok0zA5oW6xm 1:20:45 | Jespo returns fire after "Redneck Philosopher" drops a "woke" bomb in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. Pure entertainment ensues. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: 1:48:30 | Brent's got a message for "progressives;" Katie, Laura, and Amanda are all fired up over the teachers' strike, and KT says we were bang on about conditions at the Misericordia Hospital. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.

It's been a wild four years for Alberta school trustees. COVID, exploding class sizes, a contentious relationship with the province, a teachers' strike...and increased polarization from the left and the right, citizens critical of every move the school boards make. 5:15 | We talk to Julie Kusiek in Edmonton, Marilyn Dennis in Calgary, and Tammy Henkel in High Prairie in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. ASBA: https://www.asba.ab.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:05:00 | How do you grow a 1,368.5 pound pumpkin?? We feature one of our favourite stories in a long time in Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. DOWNLOAD the PLAY ALBERTA APP: https://playalberta.ca/ GET A $50 FREE BET when you deposit $50 using code RYAN50. Must be 18+ to play. If you gamble, please use your GameSense. 1:09:00 | What's happening with Mark Carney's nation-building projects? Jason Leslie from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce has his Eye on Alberta Business. CONNECT with ACC: https://www.abchamber.ca/ 1:27:00 | Jespo and Johnny reflect on the passing of Bruce Saville, world-record pumpkin growing techniques, and the Blue Jays big win against Seattle. 1:44:00 | Real Talkers Kayley and KT in Calgary - both teachers - give us their first-hand perspectives midway through week two of the Alberta teachers' strike. 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.

World leaders including PM Mark Carney scrambled to get to Egypt at the behest of President Donald Trump in what's been described as a "chaotic" Gaza Peace Summit. This, as Foreign Minister Anita Anand lays out Canada's priorities in high-level meetings in India and China. Politico's Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey (3:30) digs into the details in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. SUBSCRIBE to the CANADA PLAYBOOK: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/canada-playbook MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 33:30 | Jespo looks to the our Live Chat powered by Park Power for Real Talkers' takes on the meetings in Egypt, India, and China before sharing more teachers' strike emails submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 44:30 | Marmot Basin is rolling out some incredible deals to kick off the 2025-26 ski and snowboard season! We've got details in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. SKI MARMOT: https://www.skimarmot.com/ 49:00 | NorthwestFEARfest is officially underway! We welcome "The Movie Guy" Lavallee and directors Linus O'Brien and Brandon Christensen to a spooky, scary, and super fun edition of the Real Talk Round Table. GET YOUR TICKETS: https://www.northwestfest.ca/fearfest 1:35:00 | What's your favourite scary movie? Jespo, Johnny, and Real Talkers checking out our live stream share their must-watch Halloween flicks. 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 will it take for Alberta's teachers and the UCP government to get a deal done and end this strike? Athabasca University labour expert Dr. Jason Foster gives us an informed take (45:30), including why he's skeptical the two sides are anywhere close. But first... 3:30 | Supriya Dwivedi tells us what she's keeping an eye on as an Israel/Hamas peace deal is signed, Canada looks to repair its relationship with India, Canada's Supreme Court justices undergo a makeover of sorts, and former PM Justin Trudeau is spotted smooching pop superstar Katy Perry on a yacht. Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 42:00 | Brent Kelland thought he'd seen it all as a retired paramedic. That is, until he became a patient at the CK Hui Heart Centre at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. We feature Brent's story in this week's Echoes of the Alex, celebrating 125 years of care, compassion, and community at the Royal Alex. HELP ENSURE STORIES LIKE BRENT'S CONTINUE: http://givetoroyalalex.org/ 45:30 | AU professor Dr. Jason Foster compares the 2002 and 2025 Alberta teachers' strikes. CHECK OUT THE AU ADVANTAGE: http://athabascau.ca/ 1:14:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief re: the teachers' strike, the Jays' back-to-back losses against the Mariners, and the Trudeau/Perry romance. GET YOUR TICKETS TO NorthWestFearFest: https://www.northwestfest.ca/fearfest 1:40:15 | Shout out to everybody who worked through the Thanksgiving weekend! Ryan shares a firsthand story about a power outage in rural Saskatchewan in Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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 an all-teachers' strike edition of The Flamethrower, as KP, "Confidential," Ross, Carmen, Jay, "Different Carmen," and Justin give us their hottest takes. The Flamethrower is presented weekly by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.

It's a hotly contested race for the Calgary Mayor's office. In this special presentation, you'll hear from the five highest-polling candidates for the top job at City Hall as Jeromy Farkas, Jyoti Gondek, Brian Thiessen, Sonya Sharp, and Jeff Davison square off in our Real Talk Calgary Mayoral Debate. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:12:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the debate before kicking off another - white vs. dark turkey meat, apple vs. pumpkin vs. pecan pie, and other matters of Thanksgiving importance. 1:35:30 | Donald Trump is not the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. We hear why. 1:45:00 | It's an all-teachers' strike edition of The Flamethrower, as KP, "Confidential," Ross, Carmen, Jay, "Different Carmen," and Justin give us their hottest takes. The Flamethrower is presented weekly by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.

The US government shutdown continues into its second week, as Canada and the U.S. continue to work toward a trade deal (we hope). We've got you covered with Wyatt Sharpe reporting live from the White House (2:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 13:30 | It's day four of the Alberta teachers' strike, and the Real Talk Rumour Mill is fuelled by your emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com following our interview with Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides. WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/100825Minister 28:10 | Jespo's still buzzing after the Battle of Alberta, and it shows in this week's edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. GET A $50 FREE BET WHEN YOU DEPOSIT $50 USING THE PROMO CODE RYAN50: https://playalberta.ca/ -- MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE. 31:30 | Municipal elections across Alberta are looming - October 20 - so we check in with independent media voices Omar Mouallem from Edify and Karen Unland from Taproot Edmonton to see how they're covering it differently from the mainstream outlets. CHECK OUT EDIFY: https://edifyedmonton.com/ TAKE THE TAPROOT ELECTION SURVEY: https://edmonton.taproot.news/ 1:30:30 | Jespo and Johnny are in the mood to chew the fat, including thoughts on the Blue Jays dispatching the Yankees from the MLB post-season, the Flames taking down the Oilers in their NHL season openers, tips to never pay for parking, and the best bra store in the whole wide world (yeah, you heard us right). TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com CHECK OUT THE JASPER HOTEL OFFER: https://www.jasper.travel/hotel-offer/ SUPPORT THE ROYAL ALEXANDRA HOSPITAL: http://givetoroyalalex.org/ 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.

How long is this Alberta teachers' strike going to last? What are the sticking points? Where is the government refusing to budge, and what are the terms both sides agree to? Will the government ultimately order teachers back to work? We ask Alberta's Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides (5:00) in this episode of Real Talk. NOTE: Our YouTube live stream experienced an interruption 45 minutes into this episode. You can catch the full episode wherever you get your podcasts, and you can always catch our audio live stream on the Mixlr audio app. APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/real-talk-ryan-jespersen/id1540709742 SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/03RyuWqhe4YBI7mS48VDBA REAL TALK on MIXLR: https://realtalkrj.mixlr.com/ 29:00 | Ryan reads some of the MANY emails we've received to talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.

We've got Alberta covered in this episode, including your thoughts on the teachers strike, Jyoti Gondek's mission to secure a second term as Calgary's mayor, and former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel's total dissatisfaction with the state of the capital city. Ryan leads off with a message from an Edmonton principal experiencing "the worst and most difficult day of (her) 23-year career," a gut check on student hunger from Brittany in Red Deer, Teacher Andrea's real reason for voting "no" to the province's most recent deal, and and Robyn's note re: charter schools. EMAIL THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com 6:00 | In our fifth of five interviews with the leading candidates for Calgary mayor, Jyoti Gondek shares her thoughts on the teachers strike, cost of living in Calgary, blanket rezoning, and polling leading up to the October 20 election. DON'T MISS OUR REAL TALK CALGARY MAYORAL DEBATE on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 CHECK OUT THE GONDEK CAMPAIGN: https://jyotigondek.ca/ 24:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on mayoral races in Calgary and Edmonton, and Rahim Jaffer's public release calling out his exclusion from our Real Talk Edmonton Mayoral Debate. WATCH THE REAL TALK EDMONTON MAYORAL DEBATE: https://rtrj.info/100325YEGCC 42:30 | Stephen Mandel is ready to blow a gasket. The former Edmonton mayor tells us what he REALLY thinks about the state of the city, and how it got here. 1:01:00 | The Royal Alexandra Hospital is celebrating 125 years, and every Tuesday on Real Talk, we're highlighting the Echoes of the Alex. This week, it's the story of Joyce Helton. TELL US YOUR ROYAL ALEX STORY: talk@ryanjespersen.com DONATE TODAY: http://givetoroyalalex.org/ 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.

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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.

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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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: talk@ryanjespersen.com 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.