<![CDATA[The Group Chat]]>Three friends living abroad in Spain unpack global news, culture, and expat life—without pretending we always agree.

At the heart of the podcast is the belief that open dialogue matters. Different philosophies don’t have to divide people—honest conversations can help us understand life, and each other, a little better.

Each episode explores the latest stories—from international headlines and politics to cultural trends, social debates, and the realities of building a life overseas. Being abroad adds another layer to how we see the world, and we hope you’ll join us in building a community around these chats.

Authenticity is the backbone of our show, so nothing is overly scripted or polished—we keep it natural, thoughtful, and as unfiltered as possible. Our goal is to create a space where ideas can be challenged and discussed openly without fear of rejection. Some episodes land on common ground, while others may simply highlight the complexity of certain issues.

If our convos spark something in you, pass the show along to someone who loves real talk and fresh insights.

Want to share your side of the story? Contact us at thegroupchatstudio@gmail.com for a chance to appear on an episode. After all, this is The Group Chat, and everyone’s voice is welcome.

Topics: global news, expat life, living abroad, culture, politics, social debates, international perspectives, open dialogue.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 03:19:26 GMTMon, 16 Mar 2026 14:13:08 GMT60The Group Chat<p>Three friends living abroad in Spain unpack global news, culture, and expat life—without pretending we always agree.</p><p></p><p>At the heart of the podcast is the belief that open dialogue matters. Different philosophies don’t have to divide people—honest conversations can help us understand life, and each other, a little better.</p><p></p><p>Each episode explores the latest stories—from international headlines and politics to cultural trends, social debates, and the realities of building a life overseas. Being abroad adds another layer to how we see the world, and we hope you’ll join us in building a community around these chats.</p><p></p><p>Authenticity is the backbone of our show, so nothing is overly scripted or polished—we keep it natural, thoughtful, and as unfiltered as possible. Our goal is to create a space where ideas can be challenged and discussed openly without fear of rejection. Some episodes land on common ground, while others may simply highlight the complexity of certain issues.</p><p></p><p>If our convos spark something in you, pass the show along to someone who loves real talk and fresh insights.</p><p></p><p>Want to share your side of the story? Contact us at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:thegroupchatstudio@gmail.com" target="_blank">thegroupchatstudio@gmail.com</a> for a chance to appear on an episode. After all, this is <b>The Group Chat</b>, and everyone’s voice is welcome.</p><p></p><p><b>Topics: </b>global news, expat life, living abroad, culture, politics, social debates, international perspectives, open dialogue.</p>episodicThe Group Chatthegroupchatstudio@gmail.comyes<![CDATA[The Hantavirus Files]]>Hantavirus is the starting point, but this episode is really about uncertainty: how people react, what they believe, and why public trust breaks down so quickly during a health scare. It’s a thoughtful conversation about misinformation, Covid flashbacks, and the fear that the next outbreak could hit even harder.

Recorded on May 17th, 2026

 

Mentioned in the podcast:

What are the origins of hantavirus? How the virus tied to the cruise ship outbreak came to be. - https://www.cbsnews.com/video/origins-of-hantavirus-how-virus-tied-to-cruise-ship-outbreak-came-to-be/

Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Sparks Global Health Alert - https://scitechdaily.com/deadly-hantavirus-outbreak-on-cruise-ship-sparks-global-health-alert/

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/8hoUZ-qIaX0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nq3iannUrXI2PDE9kqIJk

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-group-chat/id1885977827

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.es/podcasts/1d9f438d-0dcf-477f-92dd-3a09ae8b1718/the-group-chat

]]>eb656e2b-2878-46cb-a2bc-38cef3fa9f14Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>Hantavirus is the starting point, but this episode is really about uncertainty: how people react, what they believe, and why public trust breaks down so quickly during a health scare. It’s a thoughtful conversation about misinformation, Covid flashbacks, and the fear that the next outbreak could hit even harder.</p><p></p><p>Recorded on May 17th, 2026</p><p> </p><p>Mentioned in the podcast:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/origins-of-hantavirus-how-virus-tied-to-cruise-ship-outbreak-came-to-be/" target="_blank">What are the origins of hantavirus? How the virus tied to the cruise ship outbreak came to be. - https://www.cbsnews.com/video/origins-of-hantavirus-how-virus-tied-to-cruise-ship-outbreak-came-to-be/</a></p><p>Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Sparks Global Health Alert - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://scitechdaily.com/deadly-hantavirus-outbreak-on-cruise-ship-sparks-global-health-alert/" target="_blank">https://scitechdaily.com/deadly-hantavirus-outbreak-on-cruise-ship-sparks-global-health-alert/</a></p><p>YouTube:  <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/8hoUZ-qIaX0" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/8hoUZ-qIaX0</a></p><p>Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</a></p><p>Spotify: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2nq3iannUrXI2PDE9kqIJk" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/show/2nq3iannUrXI2PDE9kqIJk</a></p><p>Apple Podcasts: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-group-chat/id1885977827" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-group-chat/id1885977827</a></p><p>Amazon Music: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://music.amazon.es/podcasts/1d9f438d-0dcf-477f-92dd-3a09ae8b1718/the-group-chat" target="_blank">https://music.amazon.es/podcasts/1d9f438d-0dcf-477f-92dd-3a09ae8b1718/the-group-chat</a></p>yes01:03:219The Hantavirus Filesfull<![CDATA[The Illusion of Democracy]]>JC is back, and this one spirals from geopolitics to everyday life without losing its edge. The conversation digs into war, borders, Europe’s identity crisis, and the looming threat of AI. This episode balances serious questions with sharp jokes, side tangents, and the kind of honest disagreement that makes group chats worth having.

Recorded on May 10th, 2026

 

Mentioned in the podcast:

This took me hours don’t let it flop  - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqpEdeWA4vQ

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/kw7UMcLRW1E

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nq3iannUrXI2PDE9kqIJk

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-group-chat/id1885977827

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.es/podcasts/1d9f438d-0dcf-477f-92dd-3a09ae8b1718/the-group-chat

]]>e0b9c8e8-833c-45dc-b7c3-960791fe3f91Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>JC is back, and this one spirals from geopolitics to everyday life without losing its edge. The conversation digs into war, borders, Europe’s identity crisis, and the looming threat of AI. This episode balances serious questions with sharp jokes, side tangents, and the kind of honest disagreement that makes group chats worth having.</p><p></p><p>Recorded on May 10th, 2026</p><p> </p><p>Mentioned in the podcast:</p><p><b>This took me hours don’t let it flop  - </b><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqpEdeWA4vQ" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqpEdeWA4vQ</a></p><p></p><p>YouTube:  <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/kw7UMcLRW1E" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/kw7UMcLRW1E</a></p><p>Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</a></p><p>Spotify: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2nq3iannUrXI2PDE9kqIJk" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/show/2nq3iannUrXI2PDE9kqIJk</a></p><p>Apple Podcasts: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-group-chat/id1885977827" target="_blank">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-group-chat/id1885977827</a></p><p>Amazon Music: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://music.amazon.es/podcasts/1d9f438d-0dcf-477f-92dd-3a09ae8b1718/the-group-chat" target="_blank">https://music.amazon.es/podcasts/1d9f438d-0dcf-477f-92dd-3a09ae8b1718/the-group-chat</a></p>yes01:11:218The Illusion of Democracyfull<![CDATA[Chasing the Paycheck]]>Is a job just about paying the bills, or does it shape us in other ways too? We reflect on the ones that helped make us who we are today. Making ends meet can be tough, especially when you refuse to settle for just any role. But thanks to the laughs, free bagels, and cool coworkers, we move forward with lasting memories, a sharper perspective, and plenty to show for it.

Recorded on April 26, 2026

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/n__a-ZcfPjE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

]]>a8718eb9-59f1-473c-85fa-dc4bbb45613eThu, 30 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>Is a job just about paying the bills, or does it shape us in other ways too? We reflect on the ones that helped make us who we are today. Making ends meet can be tough, especially when you refuse to settle for just any role. But thanks to the laughs, free bagels, and cool coworkers, we move forward with lasting memories, a sharper perspective, and plenty to show for it.</p><p></p><p>Recorded on April 26, 2026</p><p></p><p>YouTube:  <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/n__a-ZcfPjE" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/n__a-ZcfPjE</a></p><p>IG: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank"><b>https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</b></a></p>yes01:19:247Chasing the Paycheckfull<![CDATA[My Banger, Your Skip]]>Music is more than just background noise; it’s the soundtrack of our lives. But what does your current playlist say about you? We’re taking a deep dive into the songs, artists, and musical phases that shaped who we are today. We’re holding nothing back, not even those 'embarrassing' tracks we still blast when no one is watching.

Listen now and let us know: What is the one "guilty pleasure" song you refuse to delete from your playlist? Drop a comment or tag us on social media!

Recorded on April 19, 2026

YouTube:  https://youtu.be/3WWWaueXIKE

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

]]>84ed95e4-2ed0-484e-9a32-281cea13b9e8Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>Music is more than just background noise; it’s the soundtrack of our lives. But what does your current playlist say about you? We’re taking a deep dive into the songs, artists, and musical phases that shaped who we are today. We’re holding nothing back, not even those 'embarrassing' tracks we still blast when no one is watching. <br /><br />Listen now and let us know: What is the one "guilty pleasure" song you refuse to delete from your playlist? Drop a comment or tag us on social media!</p><p></p><p>Recorded on April 19, 2026</p><p></p><p>YouTube:  <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/3WWWaueXIKE" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/3WWWaueXIKE</a></p><p>IG: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank"><b>https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</b></a></p>yes01:29:216My Banger, Your Skipfull<![CDATA[Around the World]]>JC has lived in 7 countries, and every chapter sounds slightly unbelievable. From being in New York just days before 9/11 to getting mistaken for a celebrity in rural China, the South African expat reflects on culture shock, reinvention, and the strange, hilarious ways a life abroad can unfold. And then, there's his highly questionable retirement plan. This one’s a trip yall. 


Recorded on April 12, 2026

Mentioned in the podcast:

Why Switzerland Has 374,142 Bunkers (and likely more) https://youtu.be/LuRtWt5xMiA?si=37D8BgnC6xT5BDmb

YouTube: https://youtu.be/GYHJdjWOsIs

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

]]>57d629e3-bad6-48d1-bacb-5acad1cbfd2eThu, 16 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>JC has lived in 7 countries, and every chapter sounds slightly unbelievable. From being in New York just days before 9/11 to getting mistaken for a celebrity in rural China, the South African expat reflects on culture shock, reinvention, and the strange, hilarious ways a life abroad can unfold. And then, there's his highly questionable retirement plan. This one’s a trip yall. </p><p><br />Recorded on April 12, 2026</p><p></p><p>Mentioned in the podcast:</p><p>Why Switzerland Has 374,142 Bunkers (and likely more) <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/LuRtWt5xMiA?si=37D8BgnC6xT5BDmb" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/LuRtWt5xMiA?si=37D8BgnC6xT5BDmb</a></p><p></p><p>YouTube: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/GYHJdjWOsIs" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/GYHJdjWOsIs</a></p><p>IG: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank"><b>https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</b></a></p>yes01:23:225Around the Worldfull<![CDATA[Let's Ask AI]]>From governments ditching ethics to the slow death of creative expression, AI is progressively taking over our lives. What does that really mean? We’re diving deep into the digital rabbit hole, from AI-driven self-harm and the rise of "robot romance" to the amazing but uncomfortable reality of humanoids hitting the streets. Buckle up. Shit is about to get weird.

Recorded on March 22, 2026

Mentioned in the podcast:

Bernie vs. Claude

I Tried the First Humanoid Home Robot. It Got Weird. | WSJ

Therapists Go on Strike, Saying They’re Being Replaced by AI

Mercy - Amazon Prime

Trump orders government to stop using Anthropic in battle over AI use

Video:  https://youtu.be/d5ctYm99X3Y

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

]]>d1175d40-85cc-46b6-bfbb-19e40095ac23Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p>From governments ditching ethics to the slow death of creative expression, AI is progressively taking over our lives. What does that really mean? We’re diving deep into the digital rabbit hole, from AI-driven self-harm and the rise of "robot romance" to the amazing but uncomfortable reality of humanoids hitting the streets. Buckle up. Shit is about to get weird.</p><p></p><p>Recorded on March 22, 2026</p><p></p><p>Mentioned in the podcast:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3AtWdeu_G0&amp;t=3s" target="_blank">Bernie vs. Claude</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3c4mQty_so" target="_blank">I Tried the First Humanoid Home Robot. It Got Weird. | WSJ</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://futurism.com/health-medicine/mental-health-workers-ai-strike" target="_blank">Therapists Go on Strike, Saying They’re Being Replaced by AI</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Mercy-Timur-Bekmambetov/dp/B0GG63N8JR" target="_blank">Mercy - Amazon Prime</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn48jj3y8ezo" target="_blank">Trump orders government to stop using Anthropic in battle over AI use</a></p><p></p><p>Video:  <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/d5ctYm99X3Y" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/d5ctYm99X3Y</a></p><p>IG: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank"><b>https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</b></a></p>yes01:11:214Let's Ask AIfull<![CDATA[Follow Your Heart]]>Relationships: Love, Expat Life & Cultural Differences

A Polish girl, a Redhead, and a Black dude walk into a bar...Three friends come together by chance in Spain having taken completely separate paths in the noble pursuit of love. Our lives forever altered by the move, we stop and reflect on all we've been through. We’re not gonna sugarcoat it—living abroad tests and transforms you. But…it's worth it.

Recorded on March 1, 2026

Mentioned in the podcast:

So You're Dating a Spaniard - Differences Between Spanish and American Dating Culture

https://aspoonfuloftlc.com/dating-a-spaniard/

North American Language and Culture Assistants Program NALCAP - https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/nalcap.html

Video: https://youtu.be/H98EGV4cjdg

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

]]>62fa1523-1671-45e4-9cf2-ef7bf9080348Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT<p><b>Relationships: Love, Expat Life &amp; Cultural Differences</b></p><p></p><p>A Polish girl, a Redhead, and a Black dude walk into a bar...Three friends come together by chance in Spain having taken completely separate paths in the noble pursuit of love. Our lives forever altered by the move, we stop and reflect on all we've been through. We’re not gonna sugarcoat it—living abroad tests and transforms you. But…it's worth it.</p><p></p><p>Recorded on March 1, 2026</p><p></p><p>Mentioned in the podcast:</p><p>So You're Dating a Spaniard - Differences Between Spanish and American Dating Culture</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aspoonfuloftlc.com/dating-a-spaniard/" target="_blank">https://aspoonfuloftlc.com/dating-a-spaniard/</a></p><p></p><p>North American Language and Culture Assistants Program NALCAP - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/nalcap.html" target="_blank">https://www.educacionfpydeportes.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/nalcap.html</a></p><p></p><p>Video: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/H98EGV4cjdg" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/H98EGV4cjdg</a></p><p>IG: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank"><b>https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</b></a></p>yes01:16:103Follow Your Heartfull<![CDATA[Thanks for the Brain Rot]]>Keep scrolling. Go ahead.

Why are governments suddenly stepping into social media—and what’s in it for them? We break down the global push for reform: age verification, platform oversight, and the growing debate over whether regulation protects users or threatens freedom of speech. Welcome to the chat.

Recorded on February 15, 2026

Mentioned in the podcast:

The Social Dilemma (Netflix Documentary) - https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224

Generación Click - https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/generacion-click/

Video: https://youtu.be/V9vOluVZg0o

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

]]>92b47819-3f4f-44bd-93f2-56a96d75e798Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p><b>Keep scrolling. Go ahead.</b></p><p>Why are governments suddenly stepping into social media—and what’s in it for them? We break down the global push for reform: age verification, platform oversight, and the growing debate over whether regulation protects users or threatens freedom of speech. Welcome to the chat.</p><p></p><p>Recorded on February 15, 2026</p><p></p><p>Mentioned in the podcast:</p><p>The Social Dilemma (Netflix Documentary) - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224" target="_blank">https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224</a></p><p>Generación Click - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/generacion-click/" target="_blank">https://www.rtve.es/play/videos/generacion-click/</a></p><p></p><p>Video: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://youtu.be/V9vOluVZg0o" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/V9vOluVZg0o</a></p><p>IG: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</a></p><p></p>yes01:11:522Thanks for the Brain Rotfull<![CDATA[You've been a real Bad Bunny]]>Should artists get political, or just stick to the music?

The key question explored in this episode, where we discuss the recent Super Bowl Halftime Show. We break it down culturally and politically, and try to see this event from different perspectives. We discuss how artists use one of the biggest stages in the world to entertain, make statements, and sometimes spark controversy.

Recorded on February 22, 2026

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_djrSbDUB8

IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/

]]>8e9c3eff-4bcc-4831-bcff-c927aa006005Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT<p><b>Should artists get political, or just stick to the music?</b></p><p>The key question explored in this episode, where we discuss the recent Super Bowl Halftime Show. We break it down culturally and politically, and try to see this event from different perspectives. We discuss how artists use one of the biggest stages in the world to entertain, make statements, and sometimes spark controversy.</p><p></p><p>Recorded on February 22, 2026</p><p></p><p>Video: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_djrSbDUB8" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_djrSbDUB8</a></p><p>IG: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thegroupchatstudio/</a></p>yes01:15:481You've been a real Bad Bunnyfull