The Current
News & Politics
About
Three stories to expand your worldview, delivered daily. Matt Galloway cuts through a sea of choice to bring you stories that transcend the news cycle. Conversations with big thinkers, household names, and people living the news. An antidote to algorithms that cater to what you already know — and a meeting place for diverse perspectives. In its 20 years, the Current has become a go-to place for stories that shape and entertain us. Released daily, Monday to Friday.The Current is produced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — and has recently recorded live shows about the Canadian election in Surrey and Burnaby BC. And show...
Episodes
- Former U.S. congresswoman wants to “fix” Canada/US relationship
Former U.S. congresswoman Jane Harman discusses the Canada-U.S. relationship as co-chair of the Commission for the Second Century of Canada-U.S. relations. She believes the relationship can be repaired despite recent difficulties.
- MAID for mental illness: Ottawa continues the debate
This episode discusses the debate in Ottawa regarding medically-assisted death (MAID) for individuals whose sole condition is mental illness. Claire Brosseau, who has experienced decades of mental illness, shares her desire to access MAID.
- 22 Minutes’ Mary Walsh on life’s highs and lows
Mary Walsh, known from This Hour has 22 Minutes, discusses her life story as detailed in her new book. The collection of essays covers both the high and low points of her life, extending beyond her comedic career.
- Canada's first WNBA team is about to take to the court
Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first WNBA team, is set to begin its inaugural season. Freelance sports journalist Savanna Hamilton discusses the significance of this moment for sports fans.
- Could damming the Bering Strait help save the climate?
This episode discusses a new study exploring the radical idea of building a dam across the Bering Strait to stabilize a massive ocean current that helps regulate the planet's climate. It examines why scientists are concerned about the curr…
- Pilot, volunteer firefighter, student... scholarship winner!
Emily Gustus, a student from Tisdale, Saskatchewan, was awarded a $100,000 Loran Scholarship. She is also a pilot and volunteer firefighter.
- This cholesterol test could save your life
Darren Ali, a heart attack survivor, emphasizes the importance of testing for Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol. A doctor discusses the risks associated with this cholesterol in healthy individuals and new testing recommendations.
- Is the oil crisis irreversible?
Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, shares his insights on the current oil crisis. He suggests that the crisis may lead to "permanent consequences."
- Tracking Telegram
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection reported child sexual abuse images found on Telegram to Britain's online safety watchdog, Ofcom, due to the absence of a Canadian regulator for such content.
- What it’s like to be stuck on a cruise ship with a deadly virus
This episode of The Current discusses the experience of passengers on the MV Hondius cruise ship during an outbreak of hantavirus. It also covers measures for preventing the spread of hantavirus in Canada.
- Are the Habs Canada's team?
The Montreal Canadiens are playing the Buffalo Sabres. Alex Rougas shares his confidence in the team's success in Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
- From toys to medical gloves: how the Iran war is hiking prices
Beth Gardiner discusses how the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to increased prices for various goods, such as toys, clothes, and medical gloves, due to shortages of oil byproducts. She highlights the connection…
- How “Bailey’s Law” could change laws around intimate partner violence
A Conservative private member's bill, "Bailey's Law," is making its way through the Senate. It proposes changes to the criminal code regarding intimate partner violence, including automatic first-degree murder charges for killing an intima…
- The robots are here, will they replace us?
Matt Galloway speaks to Will Knight of WIRED and Karol Hausman of Physical Intelligence about the integration of robots into the world and their potential impact on human work.
- What's next for Alberta separatism?
Alberta separatists have collected over 300,000 signatures, exceeding the requirement for a referendum. This follows a court injunction against a separatist group’s online database. A political panel on The Current discusses the future of…
- Are the tides changing for the North Atlantic right whales?
This episode discusses the increase in North Atlantic right whale calves documented off the U.S. coast. The critically endangered species' population has fallen to fewer than 400 in recent years.
- Canada's steel industry faces new tariff headaches
The Canadian steel industry is facing challenges due to new U.S. tariffs and adjusted calculations for manufactured goods. U.S. President Donald Trump suggested tariff exemptions for steel companies that relocate production to the U.S.
- Doc: What is sports betting doing to young men?
This episode of "The Current" investigates the impact of online sports betting on young men, prompted by a substantial increase in gambling-related mental health calls in Ontario. CBC producer John Chipman explores this issue, speaking wit…
- What does thin mean in the age of GLP1s?
This episode discusses the increase in extreme thinness since the introduction of GLP1s and the approval of generic Ozempic. It examines the evolving understanding of what it means to be fat, thin, and healthy in the age of these medicatio…
- Michael Pollan on the labyrinth of human consciousness
Michael Pollan talks about the difficulties humans face in understanding consciousness. He discusses scientific efforts to unlock its mysteries, the idea of plant consciousness, and the need to protect human consciousness from AI simulatio…
- Solar and wind energy, a big opportunity for Canada
This episode explores Canada's renewable energy landscape, particularly solar and wind power, in comparison to other G7 nations. Guests Nicolas Fulghum and Mark Winfield discuss challenges and opportunities for Canada in this sector.
- An unprecedented plan to ban kids from using AI chatbots
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew proposes banning AI chatbot use for children 16 and under. This episode discusses the potential global precedent, featuring perspectives from Children First Canada and a policy analyst from The Dais at Toronto Me…
- What does it mean to be cured of HIV?
A 62-year-old man in Canada is poised to be the first in the country to be cured of HIV. This episode explores what it means to be cured of HIV with Adam Castillejo, one of the few people worldwide considered cured, and Dr. Sharon Walmsley…
- Ex-Homicide Inspector calls out the Toronto police
Former Toronto homicide inspector Hank Idsinga shares insights from his memoir, "The High Road," discussing alleged issues of racism, anti-Semitism, and corruption within the Toronto police force. This episode of The Current explores his e…
- Closing the skilled trades gap
The federal government has announced a $6 billion, 5-year plan to address worker shortages in the skilled trades. This initiative focuses on recruiting, training, and hiring young people into these professions.
- What does it take to run a marathon in under 2 hours?
Sabastian Sawe has officially broken the two-hour marathon limit. This episode of The Current explores the implications of this achievement for human performance with Alex Hutchinson.
- How the feds are spending your money
This episode of The Current discusses Canada's spring economic update, detailing its contents for Canadians and associated costs. Guest experts include Catherine Cullen from CBC’s The House and Sahir Khan.
- A headband that translates thoughts into action
This episode discusses Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) and the Think2Switch app. Developed by Dr. Dion Kelly, Think2Switch allows children with disabilities to control devices using their thoughts, enhancing their participation in daily li…
- "When the Forest Thrives, We Thrive"
UBC forest ecologist Suzanne Simard discusses her work on forests as communities and the need for changes in logging practices. She shares insights gained from indigenous colleagues and considers the readiness of politicians and the loggin…
- Does King Charles have enough soft power to flex?
King Charles III is in the U.S. to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and ease tensions. Historian and royal commentator Carolyn Harris discusses his role in dealing with the U.S. President.
- Former running phenom Mary Cain on safe sport
Mary Cain, a former running phenom, shares her experiences with alleged physical and emotional abuse from her coach. She discusses the need for changes in athletic culture to protect young athletes.
- Why does Canada need a sovereign wealth fund?
This episode of The Current discusses the proposal for a Canadian sovereign wealth fund. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre offer contrasting views, while Peter Armstrong and John Ruffolo provide further insi…
- Inside the White House Correspondents' dinner
A man armed with guns and knives attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' dinner. CBC's Paul Hunter, who was present, discusses the incident and the suspect.
- Chokepoints: the new global warfare
Edward Fishman discusses chokepoints and their increasing importance in global economic warfare, using the Strait of Hormuz as a prime example of their impact on international markets and oil exports. He also covers how governments are ide…
- You can thrive as you age. Positivity may be key.
New research from Yale indicates that individuals can improve as they age, with a positive outlook being a significant factor. The episode discusses how individuals can thrive and calls for a societal re-evaluation of aging.
- The fate of the feral horses of Yukon
This episode of The Current explores the debate surrounding the feral horses of Yukon. It details how the death of one horse in a farmer's field galvanized a group of activists.
- Ottawa dads vs the Elsa braid
Chris Hughes, a single father, created Braids and Beers to help Ottawa dads learn hair styling for their daughters. The workshop aims to support fathers in managing their kids' hair demands.
- A picture says a thousand words: documenting ICE
Carol Guzy, a renowned photojournalist, discusses her World Press Photo of the Year image. The photograph captures two daughters with their father as ICE agents detain him during an immigration hearing. Guzy hopes her work fosters empathy…
- Ditching the 9-5 for a career behind the bar
This episode discusses why some young individuals are choosing careers in the service industry, prioritizing mental health and work-life balance over traditional office jobs.
- The rural-urban divide over high-speed rail
This episode of The Current discusses the proposed high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City. It examines the differing perspectives of rural landowners, concerned about their farms, and city residents, who anticipate reduced tr…
- Got an idea for a new emoji? What it takes to make the cut
This episode explores the process of creating new emojis, featuring insights from graphic designer Jennifer Daniel, who is involved in selecting new emoji submissions for Unicode. She discusses the criteria for successful emoji pitches.
- Negotiating CUSMA – what’s at stake?
This episode features a discussion on CUSMA negotiations with Lisa Raitt and Denis Darby, members of the Prime Minister’s advisory council. They explore the implications for Canadians.
- Testimony of residential school survivors is about to be destroyed
An archive of testimonies from Canadian residential school survivors is scheduled for destruction due to a 2017 Supreme Court ruling. In response, journalist Connie Walker is establishing a new public archive to preserve these survivor acc…
- Could mRNA vaccines cure cancer?
This episode explores the potential of mRNA vaccines in cancer treatment. It features Donna Gustafson, a participant in an early clinical trial for a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, and discussions with Dr. Vinod Balachandran and Dr. Ram…
- Should high school students get a grade for attendance?
Ontario is considering grading high school students on attendance to address rising absenteeism rates. The initiative aims to get students back to class, raising questions about which students will benefit and who might be disadvantaged.
- Why some women are choosing to “freebirth”
Some women are choosing "freebirthing" due to mistrust in the medical system and barriers to maternity care. A Vancouver Island court case is examining a freebirth activist accused of manslaughter after a newborn death during a home birth.
- Can red light therapy really reverse aging?
Red light therapy, once a NASA technology, is now a booming industry with products claiming to treat various conditions, including wrinkles. This episode investigates the scientific evidence behind these claims.
- Sudan Through the Lens: The Stories Behind the War
Abdulmonam Eassa, a photojournalist, shares his experiences documenting the war in Sudan. He discusses the stories behind his images, including his World Press Photo award-winning work, "War in Sudan: A Trapped Nation."
- Doug Ford’s “gravy plane” irks Ontario voters
Ontario faced backlash over its $28.9 million private jet purchase for Premier Doug Ford, leading to its attempted sale. Critics cited concerns about the cost of living, while supporters argued for its utility in a large province.
- Fareed Zakaria on the US’ moral decline
On The Current, Fareed Zakaria speaks with Matt Galloway about the United States' involvement in the Iran war. He argues that the U.S. lacks a coherent plan and has a dubious legal standing in the conflict.