Randy Boissonnault just endured "the worst year of (his) life". The embattled former Trudeau cabinet minister and Edmonton-Centre MP makes Real Talk his first stop on a redemption tour (3:15) following a court ruling in his favour in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR SEASONAL LIMITED RELEASES - GINGERBREAD COOKIE CREAM LIQUEUR and MINT CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR: https://hansendistillery.com/ 34:00 | Santa Claus joins us from the Fairmont Banff Springs, and gives Real Talk an exclusive sneak peek into what the highest-profile politicians can expect under the tree this year... 43:00 | Jespo and Supriya Dwivedi discuss Randy Boissonnault's potential return to politics, year-end interviews from PM Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre, and whether or not Australia's new law re: kids and social media would be a good fit in Canada.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:18:00 | Jespo and Johnny get into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:31:30 | We appreciate you, Real Talkers! Ryan shares some mind-blowing stats from Spotify Wrapped in a year-end edition of 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 Talkers Todd and Jenny are fired up over our December 9 interview with Premier Danielle Smith, Laura takes issue with Jespo's comments on private laundry services at hospitals, Michael's frustrated with "culture wars of the week," Marion supports Skate Canada's decision to boycott Alberta, Dwight sounds the alarm on orphan well clean-up, and Brian has thoughts on being forced to pay for the COVID vaccine. It's an "airing of grievances" edition of 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, or BASELINE ROAD, BE SURE TO TELL 'EM REAL TALK SENT YOU! Register your team for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic before New Year's Eve and qualify for our early bird prize including six tickets (and Golden Bus transportation) to the Oilers/Wild game on January 31! SIGN UP to PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 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.

Before he was a Senator, Charles Adler held court as one of Canada's most prominent talk radio hosts. In this episode, the longtime purveyor of "Canadian Common Sense" gives us his take on recent federal floor crossings (3:45), Pierre Poilievre's upcoming leadership review (10:00), rumblings around a Jason Kenney Conservative leadership run (18:20), and the differences between Liberal and Conservative platforms (aided by emails from Real Talkers Cliff and Kyle at 23:45).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR SEASONAL LIMITED RELEASES - GINGERBREAD COOKIE CREAM LIQUEUR and MINT CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR: https://hansendistillery.com/ Real Talk feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 29:30 | Register your team for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic before New Year's Eve and qualify for our early bird prize including six tickets (and Golden Bus transportation) to the Oilers/Wild game on January 31!  SIGN UP to PLAY, SPONSOR, or VOLUNTEER: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 35:15 | Senator Adler gets personal about the Bondi Beach terror attack before commenting on what's happening in Venezuela (46:30), and sharing his Canadian Political Story of 2025 (51:00). We hear MP Michelle Rempel Garner's take on floor crossings back in 2011 (1:08:30), and discuss a potential Alberta independence referendum in 2026 (1:13:00).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:28:00 | Real Talkers Todd and Jenny are fired up over our December 9 interview with Premier Danielle Smith, Laura takes issue with Jespo's comments on private laundry services at hospitals, Michael's frustrated with "culture wars of the week," Marion supports Skate Canada's decision to boycott Alberta, Dwight sounds the alarm on orphan well clean-up, and Brian has thoughts on being forced to pay for the COVID vaccine. It's an "airing of grievances" edition of 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, or 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.

Whatever Donald Trump's doing in Venezuela, it'll have a major effect on Alberta's bottom line. We break it down in a special year-end edition of the Real Talk Round Table (6:00) with Nathan Mison (Diplomat Consulting), Michaela Frey (Alberta Counsel), Jason Hatcher (Navigator), and Shauna Feth (President and CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, A PROUD MADE-IN-ALBERTA SOLUTION OFFERING CRYPTO YOUR WAY. FIRST-TIME USERS SAVE 50% WITH THE EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODE RYAN50 ON THE ONLINE PORTAL AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/ ALBERTA CHAMBERS of COMMERCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/ Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:06:00 | We dive into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power to see what you have to say about Alberta's outlook for 2026. 1:19:45 | Did you see the insane dunk grade 12 student Jordan Hunter threw down at Jasper Place High School? How could we not feature it in Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta?!  USE PROMO CODE RYAN50 TO SCORE A $50 CASINO BONUS WITH MINIMUM $50 DEPOSIT ON THE PLAY ALBERTA APP OR AT https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.  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.

Minister of Justice Sean Fraser has "real concerns" about provinces using the Charter's Notwithstanding Clause to circumvent Canada's courts. He talks to us about that, gun regulation (and reflections on the Bondi Beach attack), and plans for an Alberta provincial police service (2:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR SEASONAL LIMITED RELEASES - GINGERBREAD COOKIE CREAM LIQUEUR and MINT CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 22:00 and 31:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Fraser interview, including what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 29:45 | Registration is open for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on Saturday, January 31 in St. Albert! Sign up by New Year's Eve to qualify for our early bird prize including six tickets to the Oilers/Wild game that night and transportation to the rink in the Golden Bus.  RTPHC: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 50:00 | Tough one for Stuart Skinner in his first game against the Edmonton Oilers. We take a second to toast Leon Draisaitl's 1000th point. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: 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.

Dr. Raj Sherman's been working in Emergency Rooms for more than 30 years. He's served as an MLA for two different parties, and he recently wrapped his term as chair of Health Quality Alberta. He explains why Alberta's making a big move in the wrong direction on healthcare reform in our feature interview (4:00) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. CHECK OUT THEIR SEASONAL LIMITED RELEASES - GINGERBREAD COOKIE CREAM LIQUEUR and MINT CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR: https://hansendistillery.com/ READ DR. SHERMAN'S OP/ED: https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-fix-health-cares-foundation-before-adding-dual-practice 41:00 | "There is something that goes on between life and death." We share a remarkable story from the Royal Alexandra Hospital ER in this edition of Echoes of the Alex presented by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.  GIVE THE GIFT OF HISTORY: https://www.royalalex.org/125years DONATE IN HONOUR OF SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT: https://www.royalalex.org/year-end-giving 46:00 | Country star Corb Lund is all fired up over his previously-approved petition against coal mining in the Eastern Slopes being cancelled. He's got a thing or two to say about our December 9 interview with Premier Danielle Smith, too.  JOIN CORB'S FIGHT: https://www.coalpetition.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: 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.

At least 15 people are dead and dozens more injured after gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Australia's famed Bondi Beach. We talk to Supriya Dwivedi (3:00) about a rise in anti-Semitism, perceived connections to the Israel-Hamas war, and tightened gun laws in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, A PROUD MADE-IN-ALBERTA SOLUTION OFFERING CRYPTO YOUR WAY. FIRST-TIME USERS SAVE 50% WITH THE EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODE RYAN50 ON THE ONLINE PORTAL AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 24:30 | Did you catch Pierre Poilievre's interview with Rosie Barton on CBC? Could his "blame Carney" approach to MP floor crossings actually work?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  45:45 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the top stories, including a look at our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:15:00 | Real Talker Helene has a correction on NDP membership in response to our December 11 episode with Naheed Nenshi. 1:31:00 | Real Talker Eileen tells us what she values most about the Real Talk community in a very personal edition of Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: 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 Talkers Pedro, Margaret, Alison, and Les are all fired up over our Danielle Smith interview on December 9. 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, or 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.

PM Mark Carney is one seat away from a majority government as Ontario MP Michael Ma crosses the floor to the Liberals. How badly does this hurt Pierre Poilievre (and the Conservatives) about six weeks out from his leadership review? We get into it with The Discourse co-hosts Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes (2:20) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, A PROUD MADE-IN-ALBERTA SOLUTION OFFERING CRYPTO YOUR WAY. FIRST-TIME USERS SAVE 50% WITH THE EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODE RYAN50 ON THE ONLINE PORTAL AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 27:00 | We dig into Naheed Nenshi's bold prediction in our December 11 episode, and Premier Danielle Smith's comments (37:00) about changing laws in our December 9 episode. Could a resurgent Alberta Party make an impact (52:30)? And how on earth are property tax increases so different in Calgary and Edmonton (1:02:45)?  CHECK OUT THE DISCOURSE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@UC1WjKtBGH6U0S6HDePuLjkw  1:13:45 | Jespo and Johnny see what Real Talkers have to say about an Alberta sales tax and sex ed (yup, you read it right) in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 1:41:15 | Real Talkers Pedro, Margaret, Alison, and Les are all fired up over our Danielle Smith interview on December 9. 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, or 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.

"If there was an election today, we would win." You're about to hear from Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi (2:15), who's confident Alberta is ready for another political upheaval. We ask the Opposition Leader whether or not this is the wildest time in Alberta political history off the top, then cover debate stifled at the Legislature, his plan to recruit more doctors (without spending more), and what his NDP colleagues cross Canada are saying about plans for a new pipeline. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY, WHO'S BRINGING THE HEAT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE GINGERBREAD COOKIE CREAM LIQUEUR, MINT CHOCOLATE CREAM LIQUEUR, AND THEIR LIMITED-EDITION NORTHERN EYES SEVEN-YEAR WHISKY. PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 42:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Nenshi interview, and see what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 59:00 | Did you see the Poilievre/Carney exchange in the House of Commons earlier this week? Conservative columnist Lorne Gunter tore Pierre a new one after the "stunt". Do you agree with Lorne?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:09:30 | The Holiday Train is rolling through Alberta this week! Real Talker Brenna submits a perfect Alberta Win presented by our friends at Play Alberta. USE PROMO CODE RYAN50 TO SCORE A $50 CASINO BONUS WITH MINIMUM $50 DEPOSIT ON THE PLAY ALBERTA APP OR AT https://playalberta.ca/. MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, PLEASE USE YOUR GAMESENSE.  1:10:30 | Firefighter Terry has a warning for winter drivers. Take heed!  1:19:30 | Should Real Talk host a Round Table debate on Alberta separation? Ryan discusses lawyer Keith Wilson's proposal submitted via X. 1:24:40 | Should the Freedom Convoy be recognized with a stat holiday? BC MLA Tara Armstrong thinks so. We get into it (and Ryan has a message for everybody dreading drama through the holidays)... 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.

He's a farmer, a stand-up comedian, and one of Canada's most-watched YouTube creators. We shoot the shit with Quick Dick McDick (live from his calving barn) on the Alberta-Ottawa Energy Agreement (17:15), Saskatchewan separation talks (is that a thing?), the real life impact of tariffs, and this year's harvest and hunting season in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, A PROUD MADE-IN-ALBERTA SOLUTION OFFERING CRYPTO YOUR WAY. FIRST-TIME USERS SAVE 50% WITH THE EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODE RYAN50 ON THE ONLINE PORTAL AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CHECK OUT QDM ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@QuickDickMcDick 5:40 | Jespo starts the show with a recap of our December 9 exclusive with Premier Danielle Smith. What did you think? Leave a comment! WATCH OUR SMITH INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/120925PDS 1:12:20 | Jespo surprises Johnny with a festive treat from our friends at The Maligne Range. We highlight what might be the two most beautiful skating ponds on planet earth. It's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper!  THE MALIGNE RANGE: https://themalignerange.com/ PYRAMID LAKE RESORT: https://www.jasper.travel/accommodations/pyramid-lake-lodge/ FAIRMONT JASPER PARK LODGE: https://www.jasper.travel/accommodations/fairmont-jasper-park-lodge/ 1:28:00 | We have some fun in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 1:51:45 | Registration is open for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on January 31, 2026 in St. Albert! Register by December 31 to qualify for our early bird prize including six tickets to the January 31 Oilers/Wild game, Golden Bus transportation from Central Social Hall St. Albert to Rogers Place, and more: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 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.

Booed at her party's AGM after signing an energy agreement with Ottawa, Premier Danielle Smith finds herself in a tough spot. Is the UCP now a "separatist party," like her political opponents say? Does she personally support Alberta remaining in Canada? That's where we begin our exclusive interview with Alberta's Premier (1:15) presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. HANSEN IS PROUD TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT AS THE PROVINCE ROLLS OUT ITS MADE-IN-ALBERTA WHISKY MANDATE. HANSEN DISTILLERY IS WHERE ALBERTA'S SPIRIT IS MADE: https://hansendistillery.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 27:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the Smith interview and see what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 55:15 | Nurse Eliza Newton, Alberta's first formally-trained nurse, arrived in the late 1800s, bringing knowledge, compassion, and Nightingale principles to a frontier community desperately in need. Nurse Newton represents one of the first-ever Echoes of the Alex, proudly presented Tuesdays on Real Talk by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. GIVE THE GIFT OF HISTORY: https://www.royalalex.org/125years 1:08:45 | Pop superstar Katy Perry and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau are "Instagram official". We take a break from politics (for a brief moment) to evaluate the global impact of a couple photos posted to social media.  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.

PM Mark Carney says he "wouldn't describe (Canada's) foreign policy as feminist foreign policy"...but what does that actually mean? Is it a move in the right direction, or not so much?  3:20 | Supriya Dwivedi and Sharan Kaur debate the tone (and make-up) of PM Mark Carney's inner circle in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk @ryanjespersen   MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 57:30 | Is your employer ordering you back to the office? Supriya and Jespo talk pros and cons, including what Real Talkers are reporting in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRCITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:14:30 | Ryan's wife's parents had a hilarious thing happen at their 50th anniversary celebration this weekend. Hilarious for Oilers fans, anyway. We hear the story (and Johnny's got a bold prediction for the rest of the NHL season)... 1:25:10 | Can. you beat Real Talker Lori's Spotify Wrapped? We shout out the top 0.5%'er in Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby. SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: 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.

Trent and Erin have fightin' words for Quebec, Robert rips our interview with Minister Adriana LaGrange, and Kimm calls out journalists for backing down to Donald Trump. 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, or 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.

Political parties are managing members like never before. Elected representatives toe the party line or face consequences. Floor crossings swing vote results. Public abuse toward dissenting politicians is at an all-time high. In this episode, political scientists Alex Marland and Jared Wesley (4:30) take us on a deep dive into how party loyalty factors into Canadian politics.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY'S NORTHERN EYES SEVEN YEAR WHISKY. ORDER YOUR LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE TODAY: https://hansendistillery.com/ FEATURE INTERVIEWS ON REAL TALK ARE PRESENTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ BUY YOUR COPY OF "NO I IN TEAM": https://partyloyalty.ca/ READ DRS. MARLAND & WESLEY IN THE WALRUS: https://thewalrus.ca/political-defectors-face-mistrust-hostility-sexism-and-worse-why-do-they-do-it/ 59:00 | Were you at Dave Chappelle's Edmonton show? Jespo, Johnny, and Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power chime in on hecklers, standing at rock shows, and the most expensive ticket they've ever ponied up for.  1:32:45 | Trent and Erin have fightin' words for Quebec, Robert rips our interview with Minister Adriana LaGrange, and Kimm calls out journalists for backing down to Donald Trump. 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, or 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.

Who's the Best MLA in Alberta? How about the Best Cabinet Minister? Who's the Most Effective Opposition MLA or the Best Question Period Performer? We reveal the results of Daveberta's annual Best of Alberta Politics Survey (3:15) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL, A PROUD MADE-IN-ALBERTA SOLUTION OFFERING CRYPTO YOUR WAY. FIRST-TIME USERS SAVE 50% WITH THE EXCLUSIVE PROMO CODE RYAN50 ON THE ONLINE PORTAL AT https://rapidexfinancial.com/ READ DAVEBERTA: https://daveberta.substack.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 39:00 | NDP Deputy Leader Rakhi Pancholi reveals the secret to effective Opposition and QP performance.  56:00 | Real Talkers Oriana and Allison Jade shine a light on Brickhouse Smokery in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. Bravo!  SCORE A $50 CASINO BONUS WITH A MINIMUM $50 DEPOSIT WITH THE PROMO CODE RYAN50 ON THE PLAY ALBERTA APP OR AT https://playalberta.ca/. Must be 18+ to play. If you gamble, please use your GameSense. 1:00:00 | Will Albertans see an independence referendum as early as Spring 2026? Forever Canadian founder and former deputy premier Thomas Lukaszuk checks in.  FOREVER CANADIAN: https://www.forever-canadian.ca/ 1:29:30 | Johnny's pup Priscilla is an internet celebrity!  CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRpUJb-Eenb/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 1:36:45 | Shout out to our friends at The Druid Irish Pub! We have an update on the iconic Irish pub's re-opening right below us in the historic Mercer Warehouse.  1:38:30 | Real Talker Dr. Rick says the province's plan to improve healthcare delivery doesn't go nearly far enough. Jespo reads his email 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.

Alberta is moving to a "dual-delivery" healthcare model, blending public and private delivery of select surgeries. Meantime, two former UCP MLAs are being sued by the party as they attempt to revive the "Progressive Conservative" brand. In this episode, we get the goods directly from Minister Adriana LaGrange (3:00) and MLAs Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair (45:30) in feature interviews presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY'S NORTHERN EYES SEVEN YEAR WHISKY. ORDER YOUR LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE TODAY: https://hansendistillery.com/ 3:00 | Hon. Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services, says a dual-delivery model won't negatively impact healthcare access for Albertans who can't afford to "jump the queue". She talks checks, balances, and transparency. We discuss the MHCare procurement controversy and concerns from Alberta's privacy commissioner around health care numbers on drivers' licenses.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 28:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the interview, and jump into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 45:30 | Former UCP MLAs Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair talk to us about being sued by their former party. We hear more about their plan to revive the Progressive Conservative brand, the Alberta separation movement, and Alberta's pipeline MOU with Ottawa.  1:14:00 | There's a new glacial plunge and sauna experience in Jasper National Park! We've got details in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. 1:17:00 | MLAs Guthrie and Sinclair have more to say. 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.

Did P.M. Mark Carney pull the wool over Premier Danielle Smith's eyes with the Ottawa-Alberta pipeline agreement? Max Fawcett thinks so. In this episode, the lead columnist for Canada's National Observer lays out the method to Mark Carney's madness (11:10). But first... 4:45 | It's Giving Tuesday. Jespo, Johnny, and Max share which charity they're proud to support on this day for "radical generosity".  8:00 | Max comments on the federal Cabinet shuffle before moving on to the pipeline MOU, a proposed new pipeline route (27:40), Conservative attacks on Carney's  potential conflict of interest with Brookfield (55:00), new details on the UCP's alleged healthcare procurement scandal involving MHCare (1:01:30), and Quebec's shocking expansion of secularism laws (1:09:00).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/27/opinion/method-mark-carney-madness MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 22:40 | Registration is open for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Larry Olexiuk Field in St. Albert!  REGISTER TO PLAY, VOLUNTEER, or SPONSOR: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 1:15:00 | This Giving Tuesday, please consider the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation's Bridge Healing Campaign. We revisit our powerful November 28 Real Talk Round Table featuring ER Dr. Louis Francescutti, Jasper Place Wellness Centre's Taylor Soroka, advocate Glenda Sartore, and RAHF VP Lindsay Robertson. SUPPORT BRIDGE HEALING: https://www.royalalex.org/causes/emergencycare/bridge-healing 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 seen this play before. The right-wing flank of a Conservative party, feeling underrepresented and dissatisfied, breaks away from the "mainstream" movement to form its own entity. Will that be the case with separatist members of Alberta's United Conservative Party?  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY'S NORTHERN EYES SEVEN YEAR WHISKY. ORDER YOUR LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE TODAY: https://hansendistillery.com/ 2:45 | On the heels of the party's AGM in Edmonton, UCP founding president Erika Barootes joins Ryan and Supriya Dwivedi to talk about Premier Danielle Smith getting booed over her pipeline deal with PM Mark Carney and other notable moments through the weekend. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 38:00 | Supriya and Ryan dig into the details of the pipeline MOU and discuss Steven Guilbeault's abrupt resignation from PM Carneys' Cabinet. Plus, did Pierre Poilievre start to turn the tide on public opinion by poking fun of himself at the Press Gallery dinner in Ottawa?  1:15:00 | Jespo and Johnny jump into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power for your takes on the UCP AGM, the future of the Alberta separatism movement, and Poilievre's Press Gallery Dinner speech.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 2:02:00 | Remember that Real Talk contest a few years ago where we gave away a full solar system installation courtesy of Kuby Renewable Energy? Our friends at Kuby just released a wonderful feature on the winning organization - the Winnifred Stewart Society - perfect for this week's Positive Reflection.  SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE TODAY: 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 Talkers Michael, Robert, Kurt, and Cal chime in on the pipeline deal, while Bryn has an important message about addiction. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! 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.