One of the most common questions we get at the Samara Centre for Democracy is “how can I make a difference?” Our answer: come together. 

Group Chat is about making sense of this unprecedented moment in Canada’s democracy - with a few friends. So we’re inviting Canadians to focus on how we’re connected by hosting a listening party for our show. Think book club but with a podcast.

How It Works

1. Pull together some friends (neighbours, classmates, colleagues - whoever you like) and set a time and place to get together.
2. Pick an episode that everyone listens to in advance.
3. Come together, grab snacks, and use the prompts below to get the conversation flowing.
4. Let us know where you’re hosting the conversation 📍 - drop us a line at hello@samaracentre.ca or tag us on social media @samaracentre.

Prompts

Before Listening

• Knowing the title of this episode, what thoughts or questions did you have going in?
• How did this topic feel to you beforehand—relevant, distant, confusing, urgent?

While Listening

• Was there a moment that caught your attention or made you pause mentally?
• Did you notice yourself agreeing, disagreeing, or feeling conflicted at any point?

After Listening

• What idea or moment stayed with you the most?
• What feels clearer now than it did before listening?
• What still feels unsettled or hard to pin down?

Bigger Picture

• What scares you most about democracy right now?
• What, if anything, gives you more hope after this conversation?
• What’s one question you’re leaving the episode with?

Are You An Educator?

Use Group Chat in your classroom. We partnered with the Social Studies Educators Network of Canada on curriculum-connected high school teaching resources based on the show. Professors can also find sample assignments for post-secondary students that cover a wide range of themes, including society and technology, diasporic identity and politics, democratic innovation, law, history, policy, power and governance.