r/torontothepolitics

Hey folks,

Chris Chiasson (Toronto the Politics the Show the Host) here.

Lately, I've been surprised by the level of interest in my hyper local politics podcast.

But I suppose it makes sense, as despite our local news media declining precipitously in the past two decades, there hasn't been a great digital replacement.

Yes, there are many fantastic independent local news publications (City Hall Watcher and The Green Line come to mind). But there's a level of insight that only a longform conversation can provide.

Hearing someone in their own voice is a much better representation of a person than those same words in text.

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My Open Call to Candidates

Ever since I interviewed Mayor Olivia Chow for the show, my inbox has been flooded with requests from other politicians wanting to come onto the show.

Initially, I was considering being selective in who I interviewed. Perhaps I could assemble a slate of candidates I prefer and make use of my platform to promote them.

But that idea didn't sit right with me.

Both because I don't think any one person can effectively evaluate who best represents a community. But also because I think the far more valuable thing for me to do is to ensure as many candidates as possible get the scrutiny they deserve so that voters can better make up their mind.

That's why I'm making an open call to any councillor candidate:

If you would like to come onto Toronto the Politics the Show, I will do an interview with you.

If you're interested, please send an email to torontothepoliticstheshow@gmail.com so we can set up some time.
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I'm looking for a recording space

Some quick business here.

While I was initially hoping to travel to each ward and record on site, I'm realizing that due to the volume of interviews I'll be conducting, that is logistically untenable.

So, I'm looking to partner with someone who would donate their space and allow me to film interviews over the course of a few days in the lead up to the Oct 26th election.

Literally any space would serve my purposes. I have filmed the show in offices, malls, and public parks. Hoping to find somewhere with easy TTC access for the sake of easy travel for candidates across the city.

All I need is an 8' by 8' space, two chairs, a table, and a roof.

If you think you have a space that might work, please get in touch! I'd love to chat.

torontothepoliticstheshow@gmail.com

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How you can support the show

I've committed to keeping Toronto the Politics the Show entirely free (and ad free) until the municipal election to ensure as many people as possible get access to the show as possible.

There are a variety of costs associated with creating something like this. And while I have relied on the generosity of many great collaborators over the course of this project so far, my preference is always to pay people for their work.

If you'd like to make this venture more sustainable, you can make a donation to:

https://buymeacoffee.com/ttpts

A $5 donation from 1 out 10 listeners would make a meaningful difference in the sustainability of this project.

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Thanks folks!

As always, I consider my audience my editorial team.

If you have any ideas about how to make this project better, or ideas on how to improve the show more generally, I'm all ears.

Cheers,
Christopher Chiasson

Toronto the Politics the Show the Host

torontothepoliticstheshow@gmail.com