Election “Underdogs” Omar Mohammad & Brian Thiessen

Polling tells part, but not all, of an election story. It's not entirely unusual for a perceived "underdog" to surprise on Election Day, having captured lightning in a bottle at exactly the right time and mobilized their supporters to get out and vote. In this episode, we connect with Edmonton mayoral candidate Dr. Omar Mohammed (1:30) and Brian Thiessen (41:45) to hear their visions for Alberta's two biggest cities.  OMAR'S YEG CAMPAIGN: https://www.omar4mayor.ca/ BRIAN'S YYC CAMPAIGN: https://www.vote4brian.ca/ 36:15 | It's "shoulder season" in Jasper, which means it's a perfect time of year to visit the national park. Jespo shares some of his favourite fall activities in this week's #MyJasper Memories presented by our friends at Tourism Jasper.  JASPER MOTORCYCLE TOURS: https://jaspermotorcycletours.com/ JASPER DARK SKY FESTIVAL: https://www.jasperdarksky.travel/ TOURISM JASPER: https://www.jasper.travel/ 1:16:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after our special episode on September 16 featuring YOUCAN Youth Services. WATCH THAT SHOW: https://rtrj.info/091625YOUCAN YOUCAN: https://youcan.ca/ 1:34:15 | Have you been paying attention to Alberta's plan to include citizenship information on drivers' licenses? We take a first look at the policy, including what Real Talkers have to say in our Live Chat powered by Park Power.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  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.

YOUCAN Youth Services is literally changing lives. In this special episode of Real Talk, we shine a light on this remarkable organization helping young people out of harm's way and onto a path of economic independence. CONNECT WITH YOUCAN: https://youcan.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 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.

With the consumer carbon tax gone and the EV mandate already paused, where will Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives hammer PM Mark Carney's Liberals as Parliament resumes? Supriya Dwivedi's got her eye on the top political storylines (2:00). Plus, we review new developments in the Charlie Kirk murder investigation, and discuss how the conservative organizer's assassination is influencing political discourse on both sides of the border. Feature interviews on Real Talk are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 1:02:00 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on the Rachel Gilmore/Andrew Scheer dust-up and review Morgan Wallen's back-to-back Commonwealth Stadium shows.  The episode wraps with a fantastic message from Real Talker Joshua in Newfoundland about how Alberta changed his life. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby. GET A FREE SOLAR QUOTE: SUBMIT YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: talk @ryanjespersen   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 Jake, "Tranquil Vibration," Cameron, KP, and Darren respond to the comments they've seen (including in our Live Chat) about Charlie Kirk's death. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] 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.

Whaaaaat is going on. Alberta's (Conservative) Premier Danielle Smith says she and (Liberal) Prime Minister Mark Carney have found "unprecedented common ground," and that Ottawa is "finally listening to Alberta". In this episode, Premier Smith talks to Ryan about negotiations around a new pipeline, Charlie Kirk's murder, Ottawa's gun "confiscation scheme," international attention around Alberta's school library book ban, and a looming teachers' strike. Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  26:00 | Jespo, Johnny, and Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power talk about public auto insurance in Alberta, a potential teachers' strike, and the school library book controversy.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 56:00 | We hear from President Donald Trump and Senator Bernie Sanders, as a suspect is in custody following the Kirk assassination.  1:17:30 | Real Talkers Jake, "Tranquil Vibration," Cameron, KP, and Darren respond to the comments they've seen (including in our Live Chat) about Charlie Kirk's death. It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected]  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.

The political world was rocked on September 10th with the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. As his killing is being investigated as a politically motivated act of violence, the tragedy raises urgent questions about the rise of political extremism, the safety of public discourse, and the consequences of toxic polarization in America. On today’s show, we unpack what happened, why it matters, and what comes next. 3:45 | Politico's Ottawa bureau chief Nick Taylor-Vaisey joins Ryan in studio for a candid conversation about Kirk's assassination in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 19:30 | Following his Real Talk appearance on September 10, Prime Minister Mark Carney announces the first wave of "Major Projects" to be built in the national interest. Nick has the scoop, and tells us how the absence of a pipeline on that list landed in Fort McMurray during his recent visit.  WATCH PM CARNEY on REAL TALK: https://rtrj.info/091025PMCarney READ NICK'S WORK for POLITICO: https://www.politico.com/canada-politics-news-updates-analysis 36:30 | Jespo and Johnny share their personal thoughts on Charlie Kirk's murder, and read comments in the Real Talk Live Chat powered by Park Power.  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:12:00 | What on earth was Andrew Scheer thinking? We look at the former Conservative leader's online squabble with political commentator Rachel Gilmore in the wake of Charlie Kirk's death. The conversation continues with further details at 1:20:35.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  1:15:10 | The Battle of Alberta was back in FULL force when the Calgary Stampeders visited the Edmonton Elks for the Labour Day Classic Rematch! That's a big win for Alberta, so it's no surprise to see Jespo feature the game in this week's edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta.  DOWNLOAD THE PLAY ALBERTA APP: https://playalberta.ca/offers/play-alberta-app 1:34:00 | How has it already been 24 years? Jespo, Johnny, and Real Talkers reflect on the anniversary of 9/11.  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  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

Mark Carney's got his hands full. Canada's Prime Minister joins Ryan in the Real Talk studio to talk about pressing pause on the EV mandate (0:30), finding a balance between industry and environmental priorities (4:30), Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's list of nine demands (7:00), and negotiating a new deal with the U.S. (11:15). Carney tells us about "the coolest experience of (his) life" (13:15), his new Major Projects Office in Calgary (14:00), the new Liberal climate caucus (16:00), bail reforms (17:30), promised gun reform (19:30), the Alberta separation movement (21:00), and Israel bombing targets in Qatar (27:15). Real Talk's feature interviews are presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  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.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is facing criticism over its emissions reduction plan, after pausing Canada's EV mandate and appearing to waffle on meeting its obligation to the Paris agreement by 2030. Have the Carney Liberals gone soft on their climate commitment?  2:30 | Caroline Brouillette, executive director of Climate Action Network Canada, says Canada's climate commitment is a matter of sovereignty. She lays out what her group's hoping to see from the feds in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  READ MORE: https://climateactionnetwork.ca/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 32:15 | Jespo and Johnny debrief on "fun runs," Carney pausing Canada's EV mandate (40:30), and new polling on Carney vs. Poilievre (44:00). We share a big announcement (48:00) before getting to Real Talker "Lucy's Mom" on our Aaron Paquette interview, Real Talker Amanda's take on party-affiliated vs. independent candidates for council (1:18:00), and Real Talker Rob's feedback from southern Ontario (1:28:30).  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Canada's first-ever Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Evan Solomon, says AI is the nation's "Gutenberg moment". How will the feds best equip and enable Canadian businesses to maximize its impact? How will legislation protect institutions like banking and healthcare from nefarious forces? What role will Alberta play in Canada's AI and digital innovation strategy? We get into it all with Minister Evan Solomon (1:00) in our feature interview presented by Mercedes-Benz Edmonton West.  MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 24:00 | Minister Solomon and Ryan reflect on the career and legacy of the great Ken Dryden, who succumbed to cancer on September 5.  34:30 | Real Talkers in our Live Chat powered by Park Power share how AI is impacting their workplaces and everyday lives.  SHARE YOUR STORY: [email protected]  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 49:00 | Did you see President Trump's "Chipocolypse Now" post? We hear what conservative pundit Megyn Kelly has to say about Trump's plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago.  1:14:00 | After linking autism to Tylenol use, is RFK Jr. on borrowed time as Trump's health secretary?  1:30:00 | Are Alberta teachers set to strike? Real Talker "Pete" gives us the goods from the inside. 1:46:00 | Real Talker Roxanne shares how an episode of the show potentially saved her life. Positive Reflections is presented weekly on Real Talk by our friends at Solar by Kuby. WATCH OUR EPISODE with DRS. SHAZMA MITHANI & SHEILA WAJAYASINGHE: https://rtrj.info/081125DocTalk SHARE YOUR POSITIVE REFLECTION: [email protected]  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.

Rural Resident Ryan has a hot take on dealing with rural crime, (Urban) Robert says "woke" city people don't deserve the heat, Wendy calls Danielle Smith to the carpet, and Matthew wants Jespo to be better on the "Blatchford boondoggle". It's The Flamethrower presented by the DQs of Northwest Edmonton and Sherwood Park! FIRE UP YOUR FLAMETHROWER: [email protected] 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.