diff --git a/chat_listener.py b/chat_listener.py
index 57896f2..433da6e 100644
--- a/chat_listener.py
+++ b/chat_listener.py
@@ -12,7 +12,8 @@ class TwitchBot(twitchio.Client):
             # identify itself with Twitch's services.
             client_id=client_id,
             client_secret=client_secret,
-            initial_channels=[channel_name]
+            initial_channels=[channel_name],
+            ssl=True # Mandate: Explicitly use SSL for the IRC connection.
         )
         self.channel_name = channel_name
 
@@ -21,6 +22,7 @@ class TwitchBot(twitchio.Client):
         A custom start method to bypass the default start() which can
         unpredictably start a webserver. This gives us direct control.
         """
+        print(f"DIAGNOSTIC: Initiating secure connection for user {self.db_user_id}...")
         await self.connect()
         await self.join_channels([self.channel_name])