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- calendar_today October 21, 2026
Students Accept Challenge to Talk to Strangers
Four Saskatchewan university students are stepping out of their comfort zones as part of a new social experiment organized by CBC Saskatchewan. The experiment involves regularly striking up conversations with strangers over the next three weeks, aiming to foster human connection and explore the potential mental health benefits of such interactions. This initiative is timed ahead of the national Talk to a Stranger week, which takes place on November 23.
About the Conversation Challenge
Participants Stefan Jones, Nicholas Fuzesy, Joel Tressel, and Auckland Nickolayou have agreed to seek out stranger conversations five times each week throughout the experiment. After each interaction, they will reflect on what they learned, sharing insights and experiences as the project progresses.
The Motivation Behind the Social Experiment
The students involved have a history of challenging themselves to grow and to connect with others. One has previously approached 100 strangers with 100 random questions to break down social barriers, while others have participated in local improv groups or engaged with unhoused community members. This latest conversation challenge, in collaboration with CBC Saskatchewan, provides a structured way for the students to report on the impact of regularly talking to new people.
Mental Health Benefits and Breaking Social Barriers
Research suggests that talking to strangers can positively impact people's mental health and foster a sense of belonging. University of Regina student Nicholas Fuzesy, who is active in improv and stand-up comedy, shared his own experiences with the comfort zone challenge. Despite being comfortable on stage, Fuzesy admitted to initial stress about engaging with people he didn't know. His earlier attempt to speak with 100 strangers revealed that the hardest part is starting the first interaction; after that, the process becomes easier and often leads to deeper conversations.
Stefan Jones, another participant, recounted his efforts to connect with unhoused individuals in downtown Saskatoon, an experience prompted by his high school's volunteer initiative. Jones described how approaching strangers became easier over time, eventually leading to meaningful connections—such as a lengthy, personal conversation with a man facing significant life challenges. "People always feel so much better when they're connected, in real life. That is so much better than being online, in my opinion," he said.
Reporting Back and Community Engagement
The four students will document their journey by reporting weekly on their findings through CBC Saskatchewan. Their stories and experiences can be followed on The Morning Edition every Thursday between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. CST. CBC Saskatchewan is also inviting additional community members to participate in the experiment; those interested are encouraged to reach out to community engagement producer Janani Whitfield by email.
Fostering Human Connection in Saskatchewan
The conversation challenge highlights the value of face-to-face stranger conversations and encourages others to break out of their routines, discover potential mental health benefits, and build new social bridges. As Talk to a Stranger week approaches, students like Jones and Fuzesy are sharing their journey of human connection and community engagement with a wider audience.
Source: cbc.ca.
