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Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

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Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
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  • Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

    Game Changer? Smith and Carney's Carbon Pricing Deal

    2026-05-15 | 1h 22 mins.
    This is a really big deal. As we record this episode, Ottawa and Alberta are closing in on an agreement that will see industrial carbon pricing rise more gradually (reportedly to $130 a tonne by 2040 instead of $170 by 2030). Industry says certainty matters. Investors say pricing matters. And politically? The timing is impossible to ignore. With separatist sentiment simmering and talk of a referendum this fall, some see this as Ottawa finally showing flexibility with Alberta — maybe even an example of Confederation actually working. But not everybody’s celebrating. BC Premier David Eby says Alberta may be getting special treatment that could put other provinces at a competitive disadvantage. So now the question becomes: is this smart economic policy, political damage control, or both? We unpack what this deal could mean for Alberta’s economy, emissions targets, national unity, and the broader future of carbon pricing in Canada with political commentator Rob Breakenridge (4:10) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

    THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT 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/.

    READ ROB'S WORK: https://robbreakenridge.substack.com/

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

    40:00 | Supriya Dwivedi joins us outside her regular Monday appearance with an inside scoop on a media controversy that’s raising serious questions about newsroom culture, editorial independence, and the blurry line between reporting and opinion. After publicly criticizing a Toronto Star report on Mark Carney and Nate Erskine-Smith, Supriya says the paper pulled her column over a tweet that challenged the story’s accuracy — even after the Star later issued a correction. We get into what happened behind the scenes, the Star’s social media policy, and whether legacy media organizations are struggling to handle internal dissent in an era of real-time commentary and public accountability. (And, of course, we ask her about the Alberta-Ottawa emissions deal.)

    TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]

    1:11:30 | We've been SLAMMED with emails re: the court ruling against the separatist petition and the Alberta data breach. Real Talkers Reg in Calgary, Dom in Calgary, Peaches in Alberta Beach, K-Park, Anne, Jeff, Alex, JJ Needs a Nap, and Michael sound off in The Flamethrower proudly presented by the DQs in Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 

    FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] 

    WHEN YOU VISIT THE DQs IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! 

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

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

    ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO OPENING NIGHT OF "SIEGFRIED" PRESENTED BY EDMONTON OPERA ON MAY 25: Email [email protected] with RealTalkRJEO in the subject line. Winner will be drawn Tuesday, May 19 and notified by email.

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

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 

    REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

    SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

    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 Talk Ryan Jespersen

    Alberta Judge Throws Out Separation Petition

    2026-05-14 | 1h 40 mins.
    Alberta judge Shaina Leonard delivers a blow to the separatist movement, ruling petition organizers failed to consult First Nations whose treaty rights would be directly impacted by Alberta leaving Canada. Premier Danielle Smith immediately vows to appeal, suggesting the ruling is "undemocratic". Jespo leads off with a few thoughts (including the political calculus behind Smith's statement), and we connect with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam (41:20), who says the court's decision should close the chapter on separation talk once and for all. 

    TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

    THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN, WITH A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITING WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/.

    12:30 | Are you "cognitively surrendering" to Artificial Intelligence? Author Leah Eichler gives us something important to think about re: our relationship with AI in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

    READ LEAH'S PIECE in THE GLOBE: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/social-trends/article-is-ai-coming-for-our-thinking-behold-the-age-of-cognitive-surrender/

    CONNECT with LEAH: https://leaheichler.com/

    MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwes...

    41:20 | Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam comments on Justice Leonard's ruling on the separatist petition and Premier Danielle Smith's vow to appeal.

    TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

    53:40 | Real Talker Cara shouts out volunteer and full-time firefighters and EMTs in a timely edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 

    PLAY ALBERTA IS THE ONLY APP IN THE PROVINCE THAT PUTS ALL REVENUE DIRECTLY BACK INTO SUPPORTING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES THAT ALBERTANS RELY ON EVERY DAY. VISIT playalberta.ca/realtalk TO LEARN MORE. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, USE YOUR GAMESENSE.

    56:45 | What do you think about Justice Leonard's decision on the separation petition? Real Talkers chime in via our Live Chat powered by Park Power.

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

    1:27:15 | As MLA Scott Sinclair is welcomed back to the UCP caucus, Jespo shares what he suspects went into the decision. Agree or disagree? 

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

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

    ENTER TO WIN TWO TICKETS TO OPENING NIGHT OF "SIEGFRIED" PRESENTED BY EDMONTON OPERA ON MAY 25: Email [email protected] with RealTalkRJEO in the subject line. Winner will be drawn Tuesday, May 19 and notified by email.

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

    JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen 

    REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

    SHOPPING FOR LUXURY CASUAL WEAR OR A CUSTOM SUIT? SAVE 10% ONLINE WITH PROMO CODE REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

    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 Talk Ryan Jespersen

    Elbows Up for Climate: Housing for 2050 Not 1950

    2026-05-13 | 1h 48 mins.
    Canada needs housing for 2050, not 1950. That's the message from more than 300 mayors and councillors with the Elbows Up for Climate coalition. What does building for 2050 actually mean? What does it cost? Are government and industry players both on board? We ask former Toronto mayor David Miller and Jasper mayor Richard Ireland in our feature interview (11:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. 

    But first...Jespo opens with a praise report out of Strathcona County, where a recent (May 11) Real Talk episode factored into a big council decision.

    WATCH THAT SHOW: https://rtrj.info/051126APFFPA

    APFFPA: https://www.apffpa.ca/

    THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT 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/

    ELBOWS UP for CLIMATE: https://elbowsupforclimate.ca/

    49:30 | If you loooooove glamping but don't love hauling a trailer through the mountains, you NEED to connect with Peas in a Pod Trailer Rentals in Jasper! We officially welcome the kickoff to camping season - May Long Weekend - in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.

    BOOK YOUR PARKS CANADA CAMPSITE in JASPER: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/passez-stay/camping?mc_cid=b9c050200d&mc_eid=UNIQID

    CHECK OUT PEAS IN A POD TRAILER RENTAL: https://www.peasinapodjasper.com/

    TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/

    53:45 | Are investors actually buying into Alberta's promise to approve major projects within 120 days? Shauna Feth, president and CEO of Alberta Chambers of Commerce, has her Eye on Alberta Business. 

    ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/

    1:16:10 | Jespo's trying to sell his car...but not...but maybe. Watch him squirm as we dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

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

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

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

    BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

    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 Talk Ryan Jespersen

    David Parker Refuses Cease and Desist Demand

    2026-05-12 | 1h 48 mins.
    Alleged data leaker David Parker is refusing to cooperate with Elections Alberta's investigation into the voter list breach. Furthermore, the Take Back Alberta and Centurion Project founder is rejecting a cease and desist letter from Alberta's chief electoral officer. What the hell? In our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, we talk to three of the nearly 40 Alberta academics who signed an open letter demanding a public inquiry - Dr. Melanee Thomas, Professor Lori Williams, and Dr. Jared Wesley (6:00). 

    THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. LOOK FOR HANSEN'S BRAND NEW "DISTILLED BY HER" GIN, WITH A PORTION OF PROCEEDS BENEFITING WIN HOUSE. VISIT https://hansendistillery.com/.

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

    TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

    1:02:30 | Real Talkers have a LOT to say about David Parker and the data leak. Jespo and Johnny dip into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. 

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

    1:28:45 | Real Talker Lyndsey expects more from Arts, Culture, and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir. She lays it out in an email to [email protected]

    1:41:15 | Alberta firefighters warn changes to the integrated fire-paramedic model will hurt frontline emergency services. We revisit our eye-opening Real Talk Round Table from May 11. 

    WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/051126APFFPA

    APFFPA: https://www.apffpa.ca/

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

    FLYING OUT OF EDMONTON? SIGN UP FOR CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT LOYALTY PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

    BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

    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 Talk Ryan Jespersen

    Foreign Interference in Canada // Alberta's EMS Crisis

    2026-05-11 | 1h 53 mins.
    The head of CSIS, Canada's intelligence agency, says the upcoming Alberta referendum is "rife for disinformation and foreign interference". Are we equipped as a nation to address that? Supriya Dwivedi lays out what it all means in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (4:30). 

    THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RapidEX FINANCIAL. THE CRYPTO WORLD MOVES FAST, BUT 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/

    20:00 | American lawmakers are calling out the Carney Liberals for Bill C-22, saying the Lawful Access Bill is, well, crazy. Supriya tells us why she agrees with the Americans. We get into the bizarre developments early in the Ontario Liberal leadership race (27:15), and take a quick look at growing calls from British Labour MPs for PM Keir Starmer to step down (35:00). 

    TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

    SIGN UP for YEGplus - THE FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM IN CANADA: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

    44:10 | Fire fighters across Alberta are sounding the alarm as a number of municipalities prepare to vote on the future of their emergency medical response. They say the changes could (and will) impact integrated firefighter-paramedic response models that Albertans rely on every day. We welcome APFFPA president Elliott Davis, Strathcona County's Eric Lowe, Lethbridge's Patrick Musira, and Red Deer's Brad Readman. 

    AB PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS ASSOCIATION: https://www.apffpa.ca/

    1:48:30 | Real Talker Kimm shares a bouquet with the show and sprinkles some salty language at the end of this week's Positive Reflection proudly presented by Solar by Kuby.

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

    BOOK YOUR FREE CALIFORNIA CLOSETS CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

    BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT at EDMONTON CONVENTION CENTRE: https://www.edmontonconventioncentre....

    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.
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About Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
Real Talk about news, politics, and pop culture. Hosted by Ryan Jespersen from Edmonton, Alberta. Live weekday mornings at 8:30am MT. #RealTalkRJ
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