It's possible Canadians could be headed BACK to the polls less than eight months after the most recent federal election. It all hinges on whether or not PM Mark Carney can garner enough support for his budget from Conservative, Bloc, or NDP MPs. So, what are the chances?  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 6:00 | Former senior advisor to the PMO Supriya Dwivedi gives us her best guess on how it'll all play out...after we collectively mourn the Blue Jays' World Series game seven loss. We cover Carney's apology to Trump for Doug Ford's TV tariffs ad featuring Ronald Reagan, and Erika Kirk's controversial (?) hug with US vice president J.D. Vance. 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/ 56:00 | Is Carbon capture and storage (CCS) all it's cracked up to be? We follow up our Oct. 31 Real Talk Round Table on energy, climate, and the economy with James Fann from the International CCS Knowledge Centre. CHECK OUT THE CENTRE: https://ccsknowledge.com/ WATCH OUR OCT. 31 ROUND TABLE: https://rtrj.info/103125RTRT 1:31:00 | It feels like all of Canada is feeling the Blue Jays' loss. In a special edition of Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby, Jays' star Ernie Clement reminds us what sports is all about.  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Real Talkers are FIRED UP over teachers being ordered back to class. We've got hot takes from Tobias, Travis, Perry, KP, JP, Tavis, Rob, Brandon, Justin, Amy, Shawn, GreeceBall, and Robert in this episode 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, 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.

Is it possible to protect jobs and save the planet at the same time? Do Canadians have to choose between low emissions and affordable energy? Are we doing enough on energy and water security? How should we prepare communities for a future where extreme weather events are not the exception but the norm? 6:30 | Energy vs. Climate podcast co-hosts Ed Whittingham, Sara Hastings-Simon, and David Keith tackle these questions and more in our Real Talk Round Table presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/ MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ ENERGY vs. CLIMATE PODCAST: https://www.energyvsclimate.com/ 1:11:00 | Jespo jumps into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power for your comments on the economy vs. environment debate.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:15:00 | Real Talkers are FIRED UP over teachers being ordered back to class. We've got hot takes from Tobias, Travis, Perry, KP, JP, Tavis, Rob, Brandon, Justin, Amy, Shawn, GreeceBall, and Robert in this episode 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, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

It's official: we've received more emails and YouTube comments about Alberta's teachers' strike (and the way the UCP ended it) than any other subject in Real Talk's five year history. This is YOUR show, and you've got the floor throughout this episode, including emails from Real Talkers Rodger, Megan, LG, Principal D, Jill, Kyle, Shelley, and Colin.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 16:15 | Political strategist Sharan Kaur analyzes Alberta's use of the notwithstanding clause, and gives us the lay of the land in Ontario, where class sizes are capped and private schools receive no public funding. We take a look at the challenges facing PM Mark Carney ahead of the budget announcement (32:30), and Pierre Poilievre's best play in Opposition. Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 47:15 | Jespo gets to more of your emails and Live Chat comments about education in Alberta.  1:06:30 | Congratulations to Dr. David Wishart, winner of the Gerhard Herzberg Gold Medal for Science and Engineering! We feature the U of A-educated, globally-renowned scientist in Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  Get a $50 free bet with a $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.  1:10:00 | Is Halloween cancelled in light of Game Six of the World Series? Jespo and Johnny debate the best way to handle such a big schedule conflict, including advice from Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  JOIN JESPO on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 at EVENING OF HOPE in support of HOPE INTERNATIONAL: https://www.hope-international.com/edmonton SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS:  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.

740,000 students and 51,000 teachers are back in Alberta classrooms after an emotional three weeks away. In this episode, we hear from politicians, parents, teachers, and a high school student on the true impact of the teachers' strike and the government's use of the notwithstanding clause to end it.  6:20 | Alberta's Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides talks about the decision to invoke the notwithstanding clause, and where the government's relationship stands with teachers moving forward. This feature interview, presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West, includes email questions from Real Talkers Adam and Rob.  GET IN TOUCH WITH THE SHOW: talk@ryanjespersen.com  35:00 | We see where Real Talkers are at on the first day back to school. Real Talk's Live Chat is powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 39:00 | Remember Evan Li - the grade 12 student whose mic was cut during that Alberta Next town hall in Calgary? He tell us how his life changed since that moment, and how he's feeling on the first day after the strike.  49:30 | Real Talker Gillian gives us a frontline report from her junior high classroom. 51:00 | We LOVE the new Jasper Christmas Mug Trail! Such a fun way to support Jasper businesses through the holiday season. Ryan shares details - and highlights upcoming Halloween weekend activities - in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  "CREATURES RETURN" HALLOWEEN EVENTS: https://www.jasper.travel/creatures-return/ 55:30 | Nearly half a million Albertans signed the Forever Canadian petition, shattering the already-ambitious goal of 300,000. Organizer Thomas Lukaszuk tells us where the movement goes from here, including his opposition to a referendum.  1:20:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief, and dig into the Live Chat.  1:40:30 | Real Talkers Mike, Gerry, and David share their thoughts on Alberta invoking the notwithstanding clause to end the teachers' strike.  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.

Labour leaders are calling it an "act of war," as Premier Danielle Smith invokes the notwithstanding clause, orders teachers back to work, and imposes a four-year collective contract. What's the average Albertan to make of the UCP government's move? Will other unions across the province go on strike to support the teachers? We get into it with political scientist Dr. Duane Bratt (4:30) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 39:40 | Real Talkers have a LOT to say, as we dive into the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power and our email inbox (talk@ryanjespersen.com).  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:07:30 | Did you know the Royal Alexandra Hospital is home to Northern Alberta's only inpatient mental health unit for children and teens? We hear Ashley, Maddie, and Wyatt's story in this week's Echoes of the Alex.  DONATE to the ROYAL ALEX: http://givetoroyalalex.org/ 1:39:20 | Did you stay up to watch the Blue Jays lose to the Dodgers in the bottom of the 18th inning? Jespo has a confession... 1:52:00 | Donald Trump says it'd be "too cute" to run for VP next election. We follow up on our October 27 conversation with Supriya Dwivedi.  WATCH THAT EPISODE: https://rtrj.info/102725Supriya 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.

Donald Trump says he "doesn't want to talk to Mark Carney anytime soon" after Doug Ford ran World Series ads quoting Ronald Reagan on tariffs. Not only is the Canada-U.S. relationship not improving...it's getting worse, as POTUS announced additional tariffs in response to the ad campaign. So, what now? We ask former senior advisor to the PMO Supriya Dwivedi (4:45) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/ 34:00 | Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry were spotted out and about over the weekend. We spend the obligatory two minutes talking about how they deserve their privacy (ha).  38:00 | Several thousand Alberta separatists gathered on the Legislature grounds over the weekend. What do you make of the movement?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:00:30 | Alberta's public sector workers will be 100% back in the office starting in February. Real Talker Russ tells us how working from home actually benefits his employer.  1:18:30 | Real Talker Nejolla takes us behind the scenes of the mayoral vote count following Edmonton's rocky municipal election on October 20.  1:35:00 | Real Talker "Union Activist Laura" sets the record straight on the differences between government offers to Alberta's nurses and teachers.  1:40:00 | Real Talker Erika - a mom, teacher, and municipal councillor - tells us how she found inspiration amist tears while listening to a recent episode of the show. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Real Talkers Robb and AJ are choked at how Election Day played out; Mr. Dad and Mike are following the money Alberta spends on education; Vera and Marcus have strong opinions on the teachers' strike, and Tracey is just tiiiiiiiiired of it all. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Voters (and candidates) are demanding a third party audit after Edmonton's election was marred by long waits, missing ballot boxes, and dramatic recounts. Thousands of teachers rally outside the Legislature (22:00) as the Throne Speech is read, days ahead of being ordered back to work. And President Donald Trump says trade talks are off with Canada after Ontario Premier Doug Ford taps Ronald Reagan on the shoulder for an American ad campaign (39:00).  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY RAPIDEX FINANCIAL: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 3:45 | Political insiders and podcast hosts Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes get into it all in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ CHECK OUT THE DISCOURSE: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-discourse/id1713385479 49:45 | We're days away from the deadline for the Forever Canadian movement to gather the required 300,000 signatures. Founder Thomas Lukaszuk tells us what he's heard from Albertans through the process, and shares his thoughts on the teachers' strike as a former Minister of Education.  1:11:00 | We jump into our Live Chat powered by Park Power in what winds up being a VERY EXPENSIVE EXERCISE as Real Talk steps up to match donations to the Forever Canadian movement. Jespo and Johnny share where their heads are at ahead of the AMPIA Awards (with Real Talk nominated in three categories).  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:30:00 | Real Talker Gillian draws a direct line between the Blue Jays' World Series run and calls for Canada to revoke birthright citizenship.  1:36:45 | Real Talkers Robb and AJ are choked at how Election Day played out; Mr. Dad and Mike are following the money Alberta spends on education; Vera and Marcus have strong opinions on the teachers' strike, and Tracey is just tiiiiiiiiired of it all. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Real Talk brings you exclusives with Edmonton mayor-elect Andrew Knack (2:00) and Calgary mayor-elect Jeromy Farkas (19:25), who share thoughts on their wins (a big one and a nail-biter), and their plan through the first 100 days. Plus, we dig into a mind-boggling story in Edmonton, where reports of missing/discovered ballot boxes and big-swing recounts have many voters questioning the credibility of the entire process.  THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/ 23:00 | Shout out to the thousands of first-time candidates, campaign volunteers, election workers, and others who gave their time to the 2025 Alberta municipal elections. Alberta Wins is proudly presented by Play Alberta.  Get a $50 free bet with a $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.  26:30 | From 2.5 hour line-ups to missed ballot boxes and dramatically-different recount totals, Edmonton's election was far from flawless. Jespo shares what we're hearing from sources on the front lines, and Real Talkers responses on X and in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 44:15 | Are you familiar with the 4% rule? North Road Investment Counsel's Cary Williams shares sage advice that could save you from the nastiest finance problem.  CONNECT with NORTH ROAD INVESTMENT COUNSEL: https://www.northroadic.com/ 55:15 | Real Talkers share their own realities around household finances and retirement planning. The conversation continues at 1:10:20.  1:15:20 | Did you catch our October 22 conversation with John Jagersma about private school funding in Alberta? Real Talkers Cowie and Chris respond with emails to talk@ryanjespersen.com. WATCH THAT INTERVIEW: https://rtrj.info/102225AISCA 1:29:30 | Here's an idea to save money on K-12 education in Alberta... 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.

Will Mayor-elect Andrew Knack be able to improve Edmonton's relationship with the province? Is there reason to believe city council will operate more smoothly than it has over the past four years? Should Alberta consider defunding private schools in light of sustained budget pressures, or should the education portion of property taxes "follow the student"? We take on these big questions and more in this episode of Real Talk.  This episode is presented by RapidEX Financial: https://rapidexfinancial.com/ 5:30 | Sarah Hamilton is the only Edmonton city councillor (aside from Mayor Sohi) that did not seek re-election. She gives us the inside scoop on alleged "dysfunction" with the previous council, how she thinks Mayor-elect Andrew Knack will navigate relations with the provincial government, and what was behind her high-profile dispute with fellow councillor Jo-Anne Wright. 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/ 38:30 | You've still got time to check out the Jasper Dark Sky Festival! We've got details on the upcoming (free!) TALK concert, dinner with former astronaut Robert Thirsk, and more in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper. We also tee up the first-ever Halloween event in Jasper, Creatures Return, running October 31-November 2.  JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/ CREATURES RETURN: https://rtrj.info/MyJasperCreaturesReturn 42:00 | More Albertans are debating funding for private schools in light of budget restraints relating to the teachers' strike. John Jagersma from the Association of Independent Schools and Colleges in Alberta (AISCA) lays out the argument for continued support for independent education in the province.  AISCA: https://www.aisca.ab.ca/ 1:36:00 | Real Talkers share their thoughts on private school funding in our Live Chat powered by Park Power. We hear what you have to say about Alberta's new proposed license plate design.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

We may not yet know the results of every municipal election in Alberta, but there's still a lot to talk about. Karen Leibovici, Tim Querengesser, and Max Fawcett join our Real Talk Round Table presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West (3:30).  THIS EPISODE OF REAL TALK IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  50:15 | Unit 36 at the Royal Alexandra Hospital is Edmonton's only inpatient mental health unit for children and teens. We share Avery's story in this week's Echoes of the Alex presented by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. SUPPORT HOPE FOR CHILDREN WHO NEED IT MOST: http://givetoroyalalex.org/ 52:45 | WHAT A GAME! Jespo and Johnny debrief after a wild Game Seven in Toronto, as the Blue Jays advance to the World Series. Real Talkers share their Election Day voting experiences in our Live Chat Powered by Park Power. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Voters are headed to the polls across Alberta (9:30) as the teachers' strike enters its third week. The Toronto Blue Jays are one win away from the World Series. Recall petitions are targeting three UCP MLAs (29:30), and rumours are swirling around Pierre Poilievre's future as leader of the federal Conservatives (50:00). We get into it all with Supriya Dwivedi in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:04:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a busy weekend including their collaboration at the Camp for a Cause mental health fundraiser at Bar Trove (1:08:00). We discuss the risk union members (and governments) take when labour negotiations lead to a strike. What do you think? Leave a comment below!  1:36:00 | Shout out to whoever was operating Hazel Mae's camera for the Vlad Guerrero Jr. interview after Game Six! It's a perfect Positive Reflection presented by Solar by Kuby.  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Brent's got a message for "progressives;" Katie, Laura, and Amanda are all fired up over the teachers' strike, and KT says we were bang on about conditions at the Misericordia Hospital. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Jespo and Johnny had a front row seat as thousands of Alberta teachers rallied outside our studio in the historic Mercer Warehouse, sending a message to Premier Danielle Smith, who was attending the Edmonton Chamber's State of the Province luncheon across the street at Rogers Place. Jespo opens this episode with a first-hand account of what it was like both outside and inside that event. 21:20 | Are Temporary Foreign Workers really stealing jobs from Canadian teens? Does Canada have a program we can truly be proud of? Marcello Di Cintio tells us what he discovered writing his new book "Precarious: The Lives of Migrant Workers." CHECK OUT THE BOOK: https://lighthousebooksbrighton.ca/item/N8KJ1y9ScrwdX7eoxviRkQ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:20:45 | Donald Trump's decision to recognize only male and female on documents like visas and passports is creating headaches for some Canadians. It's prompting a bigger sovereignty conversation around Nexus cards and more. Senator Paula Simons and Marni Panas explain why it matters.  WATCH PAULA'S SENATE ADDRESS: https://youtu.be/yInsw13pkI4?si=xpjdMok0zA5oW6xm 1:20:45 | Jespo returns fire after "Redneck Philosopher" drops a "woke" bomb in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power. Pure entertainment ensues.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS:  1:48:30 | Brent's got a message for "progressives;" Katie, Laura, and Amanda are all fired up over the teachers' strike, and KT says we were bang on about conditions at the Misericordia Hospital. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park!  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

It's been a wild four years for Alberta school trustees. COVID, exploding class sizes, a contentious relationship with the province, a teachers' strike...and increased polarization from the left and the right, citizens critical of every move the school boards make.  5:15 | We talk to Julie Kusiek in Edmonton, Marilyn Dennis in Calgary, and Tammy Henkel in High Prairie in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  ASBA: https://www.asba.ab.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com 1:05:00 | How do you grow a 1,368.5 pound pumpkin?? We feature one of our favourite stories in a long time in Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  DOWNLOAD the PLAY ALBERTA APP: https://playalberta.ca/ GET A $50 FREE BET when you deposit $50 using code RYAN50. Must be 18+ to play. If you gamble, please use your GameSense. 1:09:00 | What's happening with Mark Carney's nation-building projects? Jason Leslie from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce has his Eye on Alberta Business.  CONNECT with ACC: https://www.abchamber.ca/ 1:27:00 | Jespo and Johnny reflect on the passing of Bruce Saville, world-record pumpkin growing techniques, and the Blue Jays big win against Seattle. 1:44:00 | Real Talkers Kayley and KT in Calgary - both teachers - give us their first-hand perspectives midway through week two of the Alberta teachers' strike.  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

World leaders including PM Mark Carney scrambled to get to Egypt at the behest of President Donald Trump in what's been described as a "chaotic" Gaza Peace Summit. This, as Foreign Minister Anita Anand lays out Canada's priorities in high-level meetings in India and China. Politico's Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey (3:30) digs into the details in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West. SUBSCRIBE to the CANADA PLAYBOOK: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/canada-playbook MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 33:30 | Jespo looks to the our Live Chat powered by Park Power for Real Talkers' takes on the meetings in Egypt, India, and China before sharing more teachers' strike emails submitted to talk@ryanjespersen.com. SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk 44:30 | Marmot Basin is rolling out some incredible deals to kick off the 2025-26 ski and snowboard season! We've got details in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by Tourism Jasper.  SKI MARMOT: https://www.skimarmot.com/ 49:00 | NorthwestFEARfest is officially underway! We welcome "The Movie Guy" Lavallee and directors Linus O'Brien and Brandon Christensen to a spooky, scary, and super fun edition of the Real Talk Round Table.  GET YOUR TICKETS: https://www.northwestfest.ca/fearfest 1:35:00 | What's your favourite scary movie? Jespo, Johnny, and Real Talkers checking out our live stream share their must-watch Halloween flicks. FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

What will it take for Alberta's teachers and the UCP government to get a deal done and end this strike? Athabasca University labour expert Dr. Jason Foster gives us an informed take (45:30), including why he's skeptical the two sides are anywhere close. But first... 3:30 | Supriya Dwivedi tells us what she's keeping an eye on as an Israel/Hamas peace deal is signed, Canada looks to repair its relationship with India, Canada's Supreme Court justices undergo a makeover of sorts, and former PM Justin Trudeau is spotted smooching pop superstar Katy Perry on a yacht. Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 42:00 | Brent Kelland thought he'd seen it all as a retired paramedic. That is, until he became a patient at the CK Hui Heart Centre at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. We feature Brent's story in this week's Echoes of the Alex, celebrating 125 years of care, compassion, and community at the Royal Alex. HELP ENSURE STORIES LIKE BRENT'S CONTINUE: http://givetoroyalalex.org/  45:30 | AU professor Dr. Jason Foster compares the 2002 and 2025 Alberta teachers' strikes.  CHECK OUT THE AU ADVANTAGE: http://athabascau.ca/ 1:14:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief re: the teachers' strike, the Jays' back-to-back losses against the Mariners, and the Trudeau/Perry romance.  GET YOUR TICKETS TO NorthWestFearFest: https://www.northwestfest.ca/fearfest 1:40:15 | Shout out to everybody who worked through the Thanksgiving weekend! Ryan shares a firsthand story about a power outage in rural Saskatchewan in Positive Reflections presented by Solar by Kuby.  GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: https://kuby.ca/ SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

It's an all-teachers' strike edition of The Flamethrower, as KP, "Confidential," Ross, Carmen, Jay, "Different Carmen," and Justin give us their hottest takes. The Flamethrower is presented weekly by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park. FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you! FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

It's a hotly contested race for the Calgary Mayor's office. In this special presentation, you'll hear from the five highest-polling candidates for the top job at City Hall as Jeromy Farkas, Jyoti Gondek, Brian Thiessen, Sonya Sharp, and Jeff Davison square off in our Real Talk Calgary Mayoral Debate.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  1:12:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after the debate before kicking off another - white vs. dark turkey meat, apple vs. pumpkin vs. pecan pie, and other matters of Thanksgiving importance.  1:35:30 | Donald Trump is not the recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. We hear why.  1:45:00 | It's an all-teachers' strike edition of The Flamethrower, as KP, "Confidential," Ross, Carmen, Jay, "Different Carmen," and Justin give us their hottest takes. The Flamethrower is presented weekly by our friends at the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park.  FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: talk@ryanjespersen.com  When you visit the DQs in Palisades, Namao, Newcastle, Westmount, and Baseline Road, be sure to tell 'em Real Talk sent you!  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.