Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

As Alberta's independence referendum nears, there's a fundamental question most separatists (and arguably the provincial government) hasn't answered: what about First Nations' treaty rights? As a group of First Nations chiefs calls for an RCMP investigation into allegations of treason involving Danielle Smith, warning they're prepared to physically resist a separation referendum, journalist Brandi Morin (4:15) digs into who has the legal and moral authority to redraw Canada's map. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/

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

BRANDI'S SUBSTACK: https://indigenousinsider.substack.com/

1:05:00 | Grande Prairie is re-launching photo radar enforcement, this time in-house. Mayor Jackie Clayton explains why, and updates us on the city's transition away from the RCMP. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com

1:18:00 | Real Talkers have their say on photo radar in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

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

1:39:40 | Mikayla Resists, the inspiration behind the "Fuck Your Fascist Pancakes" meme, tells us why she confronted Premier Danielle Smith in that pancake breakfast line. 

1:45:15 | It's an all-Ambassador edition of The Flamethrower, as Real Talkers James from Ontario, Fat Dave, Julie, Anne, Joe from Alliston formerly Airdrie, Robert, and Keith sound off on our July 20 interview with Pete Hoekstra. The Flamethrower is proudly presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. 

THE NEXT TIME YOU VISIT DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 

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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.

The workplace is changing fast, and we're digging into it from two very different perspectives. First, we revisit the debate over Return to Office mandates (10:30) following our July 22 conversation on downtown vibrancy. Then, AI educator Ruth Orekogbe explains the skills and mindset that can help future-proof your career in the age of artificial intelligence.

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

37:00 | It's not just Canadians pushing back on Donald Trump's tariffs. We hear from Meidas Touch's Brett Meiselas and Congressman Adam Smith (along with B.C. premier David Eby) on the heels of our July 20 interview with Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

47:20 | Are you concerned AI is going to take your job? Are you looking for the best way to integrate AI into your business? Are you starting from square one, using AI in your personal life? AI educator Ruth Orekogbe lays out her AI for All strategy and offers tips to AI-proof your career in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

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

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

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco.

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

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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.

At least 15 Edmonton restaurants have closed in 2026 alone. What's going on? Restauranteurs Kristina Botelho (kb&co), Chris Decock (GRETA), and Nate Box (Fox Burger, District) give us the lay of the land in our feature interview (3:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/

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

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 

58:30 | The Wedewer family from Aberdeen, Saskatchewan shares the highlights of their Jasper summer adventure in a special edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 

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

1:04:15 | Canadian stocks are booming. What's the best play? Marshall McAlister's in from North Road Investment Counsel with a fascinating case study.

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

1:27:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Edmonton Restaurants Round Table and see what Real Talkers are saying in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

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

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco.

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

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.

Donald Trump is threatening Canada with 50% tariffs, citing "discriminatory trade policies" on American booze, dairy, and automobiles. How should Canada respond? Is this just another negotiation tactic by an erratic U.S. President, or further degradation of the Canada-U.S. relationship? We get into it with political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt (3:45) and Bianca Parsons of the Alberta Food Processors Association (37:30) in feature interviews presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, AND YOUR TRUST IN AN EXCHANGE SHOULDN'T BE A GAMBLE. RapidEX IS SECURE, FINTRAC-REGISTERED, AND NON-CUSTODIAL. SAVE 50% ON FEES ON ONLINE INTERAC E-TRANSFER TRADES WITH PROMO CODE RYAN50 AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/.

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

AFPA: https://www.afpa.com/

1:19:00 | Real Talkers have their say on tariff threats and the closure of a bunch of Edmonton restaurants in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.

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

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

REAL TALK HIGHLIGHTS ARE PRESENTED BY KUBY ENERGY AND CANADIAN GREEN TECH. If you're looking for solar, visit https://kuby.ca/solar and Costco.

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.

Canada's relationship with the United States is being tested like never before. Trade tensions, tariffs, defence spending, Arctic security, energy, and the rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C. have left many Canadians asking what comes next. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Canada-U.S. relationship in an exclusive interview (1:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/

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

40:00 | Supriya Dwivedi joins Jespo to debrief after the Hoekstra interview. Real Talkers have their say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power.

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

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email talk@ryanjespersen.com

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.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.