Advertise on podcast: Real Talk Ryan Jespersen

Real Talkers Squatch, FoxFacedAB, AlbertaFirst, and Kevin V have hot takes on the Pacific Link pipeline. GoodMama calls Jespo to the carpet re: Poilievre's AI dance video, and Carmen rewrites Danielle Smith's emotional address from a teacher's perspective. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW 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 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.

Is "national interest" being confused with "approved"? Just because PM Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith announced the Pacific Link pipeline as Canada's first project designated in the national interest doesn't mean shovels are in the ground today. Would this project be where it is without a looming separation referendum in Alberta? Energy Minister Tim Hodgson lays out the feds' position in our feature interview (7:30) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. Then, Jespo's got an exclusive with former Edmonton mayor, provincial health minister, and Alberta Party leader Stephen Mandel (50:30), who shares the story behind his "s******e" comment targeting the city's downtown. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected] MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 23:00 | Real Talkers have their say on Pacific Link in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We dip back into the Live Chat at 1:34:00. We love hearing from you, Real Talkers!  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:43:00 | Real Talkers Squatch, FoxFacedAB, AlbertaFirst, and Kevin V have hot takes on the Pacific Link pipeline. GoodMama calls Jespo to the carpet re: Poilievre's AI dance video, and Carmen rewrites Danielle Smith's emotional address from a teacher's perspective. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

A proposed Alberta-to-West Coast pipeline is now a project of national interest, with Ottawa and Alberta planning to share ownership of the $35-44B Pacific Link project. The proposed line would carry up to one million barrels of oil a day to the coast, opening access to more international markets. The next step is a federal review focused on ownership, Indigenous rights, and environmental protections, with construction targeted for 2032. Jespo opens the show with a look at what we know at this point, and what it means for Alberta and the rest of Canada. This episode's opening remarks are 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/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected] MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 34:00 | What does progress on a new pipeline mean for businesses not directly connected to oil and gas? James Keirstead (Levven Electronics) and Debora Rice-Salomons (MVE The Heritage Centre) join Alberta Chambers of Commerce president and CEO Shauna Feth in the Real Talk studio, offering first-hand perspectives on growing business in the face of adversity. ALBERTA BUSINESS AWARDS of DISTINCTION: https://abbusinessawards.com/ ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ LEVVEN: https://levven.com/ MVE THE HERITAGE CENTRE: https://mvetheheritagecentre.com/ 1:10:00 | An Edmonton junior high is the top fundraising school in the country for the Terry Fox Foundation! Proud teacher Gillian shares this week's 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ 1:21:30 | Jespo reflects on our September 30 episode, recognizing the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation. Real Talker Sharon shares her family's story in an email to [email protected]. Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

What does reconciliation actually look like in Canada today? On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Ryan is joined by podcasters Jessica Vandenberghe, George Lee, and Michelle Robinson for an honest conversation (11:15) about Indigenous identity, history, racism, treaties, and the distance between acknowledging the past and changing the present. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM LIQUEUR IS BACK! SECURE YOUR BOTTLE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ NATIVE CALGARIAN PODCAST: https://www.nativecalgarian.com/podcast UNSETTLED PODCAST: https://unsettledjourneys.buzzsprout.com/ WATCH our JULY 24 INTERVIEW with BRANDI MORIN on ALBERTA SEPARATION and TREATY RIGHTS: rtrj.info/072426Brandi GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 38:45 | Jasper is home to a rich Indigenous history, with deep connections to the land that long predate the national park itself. We highlight a few Indigenous-led tours and cultural experiences in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. Plus, the 2026 Jasper Dark Sky Festival is nearly upon us! Ryan shines a light on a fascinating presentation coming up October 16 featuring astronaut-in-training Manju Bangalore.  INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES in JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/things-to-do/tours-sightseeing/Indigenous-Experiences/ JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://jasperdarksky.travel/ 43:30 | Our Real Talk Round Table continues, including conversation about land aknowledgements. Real Talkers have their say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email [email protected]  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

David Eby's early election may not work out as he planned. Ryan and Supriya check in with Mo Amir, host of This is VANCOLOUR, on the heels of a tough first week on the campaign trail for B.C.'s premier (15:00). We lead off with a look at a white nationalist rally on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc reserve, just east of Kamloops (4:30). Plus, what happens if interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson wins the election - does he still need to officially win the party leadership (34:00)? How are B.C.'s parallel municipal and provincial elections influencing each other (43:00)? And what sort of impact would a Conservative government in B.C. have on the rest of the country (56:00)? We wrap with a look at Pierre and Ana Poilievre's intriguing AI dance post (1:01:30), and Donald Trump's latest insults aimed at Canada. Feature interviews on Real Talk are 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/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected] MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

Real Talkers are FIRED UP over the Alberta government's $4M ad spend leading up to the referendum and Premier Danielle Smith's emotional speech about oil and gas. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW 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 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.

Guest host Rob Breakenridge cues up conversation about the political stories shaping Western Canada as they come to a head in late October. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. IT'S PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM LIQUEUR IS BACK! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch Former Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk joins Rob to chat about Forever Candian becoming a thrid party advertsiser ahjead of the Oct. 19 referendum, the separatist support shift, and what’s at stake in the debate over the province’s future. Then, political journalist Rob Shaw joins the show for a look at BC politics, Premier David Eby, and the issues putting pressure on his early election campaign. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email [email protected]  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

The mayors of Alberta's two biggest cities join Ryan as the Alberta Municipalities Convention continues in Edmonton. We get the inside scoop from Calgary mayor Jeromy Farkas and Edmonton mayor Andrew Knack (2:00) on potential changes to the Municipal Government Act, provincial oversight (overreach?) on roads (bike lanes), libraries under threat, cities taking a stand against separation, and councillors leaking confidential budget information. Feature interviews on Real Talk are 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/. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected] MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 57:00 | Oilers legend Mark Messier says he's "horrified" over the hiring of coach Mike Babcock. How do you feel about it?  1:13:00 | We celebrate Acro Canine Crew's remarkable run on America's Got Talent in this week's Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. Shout out to Real Talker Jessalyn for the submission! 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:26:00 | Real Talkers are fired up over the Alberta government's ad spend leading up to the referendum and Premier Danielle Smith's emotional speech about oil and gas. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

Alberta's less than a month away from a referendum with ten questions that could have major consequences for the province’s future (and reputation). Before You Vote co-founders Doug Stollery, Sheila Greckol, Marie Gordon, and Peggy Garrity (5:45) apply decades of experience in law, public policy, and communications to examine what Albertans are actually being asked, what could happen next, and what you need to know before you cast your ballot. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. IT'S PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM LIQUEUR IS BACK! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ BEFORE YOU VOTE: https://beforevoting.ca/ REQUEST YOUR MAIL-IN BALLOT BY SEPTEMBER 25: https://www.elections.ab.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 51:45 | This is your sign to bring your family to Jasper for the 2026 Jasper Dark Sky Festival! We highlight some of the many family-friendly activities (most of them free!) set to launch in Jasper from October 16-25. #MyJasper Memories is proudly presented every Wednesday on Real Talk by our amazing friends at Tourism Jasper.  JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://jasperdarksky.travel/ FAMILY ACTIVITIES BLOG POST: https://www.jasper.travel/blog/family-friendly-events-2026-jasper-dark-sky-festival/ 56:00 | Real Talkers respond to our Before You Vote Round Table in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:14:30 | Will David Eby's early election call blow up in his face? Jespo invokes the 2015 provincial election in Alberta. How do you think this will play out?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email [email protected]  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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

Young men are being radicalized online: pulled into communities built around grievance, misogyny, loneliness, and “toxic masculinity.” Figures like Andrew Tate have turned the so-called manosphere into a powerful cultural and political force, raising difficult questions about why these messages resonate with so many young men...and where they lead. Award-winning novelist Todd Babiak joins us (2:45) to discuss his new book, What Gentlemen Do, and how it relates to the Alberta separation movement. Feature interviews on Real Talk are 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/ CHECK OUT TODD'S BOOKS: https://www.toddbabiak.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected] GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

"Does this country actually want us?" Everybody's talking about Alberta premier Danielle Smith's emotional speech at the Alberta and the West Assembly hosted by Preston Manning and former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell. We get into it with Supriya Dwivedi (4:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, before discussing Kerry-Lynne Findlay's resignation as B.C. Conservative leader (24:00), Canada's great airport sale...ish (38:30), right to strike under threat (57:30), Parliament resuming (1:01:45), and Canada's proposed EU associate membership (1:06:15).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. IT'S PUMPKIN SPICE CREAM LIQUEUR IS BACK! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:18:20 | Real Talkers have their say on Danielle Smith's emotional speech and privatizing Canada's major airports in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment below or email [email protected]  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

Pink Pirate, Chad, and Kyle say Mark Carney's on the wrong track; Bradley and ForECanadian have strong words for Danielle Smith; RavenRuled and Jessica have thoughts on the Ed Sheeran-Macklemore debacle, and Tyler calls out Jespo's take on AI. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU! GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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 happens when you spend seven months travelling Alberta and talking to people who want out of Canada? Dani Paradis and Tim Querengesser take us inside their new podcast, Separation Anxiety, sharing what they heard from separatists (4:00) about their frustrations, their hopes for Alberta, and why they believe independence is the answer. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WINNERS OF THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE INAUGURAL ALBERTA WHISKY AWARDS! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ SUBSCRIBE to SEPARATION ANXIETY: https://separationanxietypodcast.substack.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected] 55:00 | Real Talkers chime in on our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:04:15 | Pink Pirate, Chad, and Kyle say Mark Carney's on the wrong track; Bradley and ForECanadian have strong words for Danielle Smith; RavenRuled and Jessica have thoughts on the Ed Sheeran-Macklemore debacle, and Tyler calls out Jespo's take on AI. It's The Flamethrower proudly presented by our amazing friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  WHEN YOU SWING BY A DQ IN PALISADES, NAMAO, NEWCASTLE, WESTMOUNT, OR BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO LET 'EM KNOW REAL TALK SENT YOU!  GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

What would Alberta separation from Canada ACTUALLY look like: legally, economically, re: Indigenous treaty rights, trade, workers, travellers, and everyday Albertans? We dig into the Canada West Foundation’s new Alberta in Confederation report (4:45) with Gary Mar, Dr. Ted Morton, Dr. Audrey Doerr, Dr. Greg Anderson and Dr. Herb Emery in our feature interview 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/ READ THE REPORT: https://cwf.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: leave a comment here or email [email protected] 36:30 | Gary, Audrey, and Greg dig deeper into the idea of Alberta as an American state, and the reality of Treaties in any separation debate. 1:05:15 | Real Talker Shannon checks in from the Carbon Capture Canada 2026 conference with a timely Alberta Win. Alberta Wins is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at 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. LEARN MORE AT https://try.playalberta.ca/lp/realtalk/ GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:08:00 | Real Talker Matthew wants Jespo to switch over to Gander Social. Real Talkers respond to our Round Table in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.

The president of the European Commission all but endorsed Canada as an "associate member" of the EU two days after Canadian PM Mark Carney downplayed a Wall Street Journal report on the possibility...so what's the truth? Politico's Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey tells us what he's hearing (4:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, including the possibility of Carney calling an election. We recap the first Canada Investment Summit, including former PM Stephen Harper's participation (34:45), and dig into MP Jamil Jivani's future with the Conservative Party (48:00).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. IF YOU LOVE CAESARS, YOU MUST CHECK OUT DISTILLED BY HER, BATCH TWO: TOMATO, DILL & HOT PEPPER GIN! LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ SUBSCRIBE to POLITICO's PLAYBOOK CANADA PODCAST: https://www.politico.com/podcasts/playbook-canada 53:00 | The Jasper Dark Sky Festival is reaching new heights in 2026 with amazing new culinary options, a guided overnight stay under the stars, and a free Bahamas concert. We lay out the perfect Jasper Dark Sky Festival itinerary in this edition of #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://rtrj.info/091626MyJasperURL 57:30 | We check in with Energi Media's Markham Hislop re: the Alberta NDP's byelection win in Calgary-Shaw. Markham tells us what he's demanding before he'll seriously consider the case for a new West Coast pipeline.  SUBSCRIBE to  @EnergiMedia  on YouTube. GET YOUR "PROUDLY ALBERTAN. FIERCELY CANADIAN." HOODIES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT (AGAIN): https://ryanjespersen.com/merch 1:29:00 | Have you been paying attention to the Ed Sheeran controversy? Jespo and Johnny hash it out with input from Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 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, YOUR TRUSTED SOLAR PROVIDERS. LEARN MORE AT https://kuby.ca/ or in-store at 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.