"Alberta is a Laughingstock!"

Mark Carney’s first federal budget is out, and it’s a bold statement from a Prime Minister trying to prove he’s not just the banker-in-chief, but a nation-builder with a plan. Billions are flowing into housing, clean energy, and industry, but does any of this actually benefit Alberta? Is Budget 2025 economic vision — or political survival disguised as one? 4:30 | We set the table by hearing from opposition party leaders Pierre Poilievre, Yves-François Blanchet, and Don Davies. 12:00 | What does this budget do to address economic lags, troubling regional trends, and Canada's housing crunch? Heather Thomson (Edmonton Chamber of Commerce), Kalen Anderson (BILD Edmonton Metro), and Mike Saunders (Qualico) give us the pros and cons of Budget 2025. We dig further into Edmonton Chamber's State of the Economy report.  CHECK OUT THE FULL REPORT: https://economy.edmontonchamber.com/ TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  47:15 | There's nothing like a run in the Rockies! The Jasper Rebuild Run (formerly the Pints & Pinot Run) is set to go November 29. What a great way to support this magnificent mountain town! Also, Jasper stays until December 12 are eligible to receive a digital prepaid Mastercard up to $175 with bookings through Tourism Jasper - we've got details.  REGISTER TO RUN: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/98763/rebuild-jasper-run JASPER HOTEL OFFER: https://www.jasper.travel/hotel-offer/ 52:15 | Building Alberta's Talent Future: Shauna Feth (Alberta Chambers of Commerce), Nancy Healy (Commissioner for Employers, Canada), Dr. Melanie Humphreys (Chair, Alberta Post-Secondary Network and President, The King's University), and Sabrina Reschny (Deloitte Canada) dig into Budget 2025 through an Alberta lens.  TALENT DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE: https://www.abchamber.ca/talent-development-task-force/ 2025 TALENT DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM: https://www.abchamber.ca/event/2025-talent-development-symposium/ 1:29:30 | Jespo and Johnny debrief after a jam-packed show, and check in with the Real Talk 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.

It's federal Budget Day - will PM Mark Carney secure enough support outside his Liberal caucus to maintain confidence in his minority government? We open this episode with a look at what's at stake. THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY: https://hansendistillery.com/ 14:00 | Ontario Premier Doug Ford says you "could put (him) in a stretching rack...he'd never apologize to Donald Trump." This, after PM Carney apologized to President Donald Trump for Ontario's $70M World Series ad featuring Ronald Reagan on tariffs. Do you think Carney should have apologized? Leave a comment below!  32:30 | Alberta's UCP government has denied the Chief Electoral Officer's request for an additional $13M to prepare a referendum on Alberta's future in Canada, and manage recall petitions targeting UCP MLAs. Do you want to see a referendum?  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected]  45:20 | Real Talk has been cc'd on dozens of emails to UCP ministers and MLAs after teachers were ordered back to work. Ryan reads a few from Casey, Sean, Mikelle, and Karen. 52:50 | The Allin family is written into the history of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in a big way. We feature Drs. Edgar Norman, Eardley, and George Allin in this week's Echoes of the Alex presented by the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.  SUPPORT THE ALEX THROUGH ITS NEXT 125 YEARS: http://givetoroyalalex.org/ 57:00 | As New Yorkers elect a new mayor, we look at the dynamics at play between three main candidates, and talk bigger picture about cost of living in North America's major cities (including a cameo by DJ Alize in our Live Chat powered by Park Power).  SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/realtalk/ 1:19:10 | Have you been following the infill arson story in Edmonton? We get into what we know at this point.  1:26:20 | Are you a believer in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)? Check out this highlight of David Keith and James Fann from our most recent couple episodes.  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 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: [email protected]  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: [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.

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: [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.

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: [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.

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: [email protected]  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: [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.

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 ([email protected]).  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: [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.

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: [email protected]  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: [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.

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: [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.