The Current

Justin McElroy, a CBC municipal affairs reporter from Vancouver, embarked on a bold quest to visit 52 countries in just one year. He shares captivating tales of the diverse landscapes he encountered, showcasing the beauty of nature and the emotional impact of travel. Highlights include a thrilling evening at a Taylor Swift concert with 80,000 fans and enriching solo culinary adventures that deepened his understanding of various cultures. McElroy's reflections inspire listeners to embrace spontaneity and the joy of exploration.

Bryce McNeil, a Canadian permanent resident in the U.S., and Georganne Burke, a dual citizen from Ottawa, share their insights on the struggles of living between Canada and the U.S. amid rising tensions. They discuss the emotional complexity of celebrating national holidays like Canada Day and the Fourth of July. Bryce highlights the challenges of dual identity, while Georganne reflects on feeling unwelcome in Canada and her plans to move back to Florida. Their stories reveal a deeper struggle with identity and belonging in uncertain times.

Ottawa says it’s done its part in removing federal exceptions to make interprovincial trade easier. But with most of the barriers still in provincial hands, we speak to Ryan Mallough from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, about the federal government’s actions and whether they’re enough and Ryan Manucha, a research fellow at the CD Howe Institute, on why reducing interprovincial trade barriers remains complicated and what Canada can learn from other countries that have tackled similar challenges.

This summer, some parents are opting out of the packed schedules, the summer camps, and little leagues and instead are saying yes to slower days at home. Amil Niazi, a columnist for The Cut, shares how she’s embracing an unscheduled, unstructured summer — sometimes called “kidrotting.” And child psychologist Janine Hubbard explains why letting kids be bored might actually be good for them.

Divorce is costly — legally, emotionally, and financially. That’s why more people are using divorce registries – a list of things your friends and families can buy to help you start your post-divorce life. We talk to a woman who turned to friends and family to furnish a new life after splitting with her partner, and hear from the co-founder of a divorce registry helping others do the same. Plus, a certified financial divorce specialist lays out the cost of divorce.

More young Canadians are out of work than at any point in decades–excluding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The youth unemployment rate is now more than 14 per cent and for students returning to school this fall the anxiety of the world to come after school is daunting. We hear from two Gen Z job seekers about the emotional toll of a stagnant job market, and a labour expert on what this might signal about Canada’s economy.

Farmers' livelihoods are at stake in Saskatchewan in the middle of a historic drought. It’s been a while since Saskatchewan saw steady rainfall – and conditions are pushing some farmers to the edge. Ranchers are facing choices about whether to sell off cattle or take on more debt. We hear from two prairie farmers about the impact drought is having on their farms, and how they’re coping amidst climate extremes. We also speak to an expert on what it will take to make farming more resilient in the face of climate change.

Quirks and Quarks host Bob McDonald says people are often surprised to learn he’s a university dropout — a fact that’s contributed to the impostor syndrome he’s felt for a large part of his life. In his memoir Just Say Yes, Bob McDonald charts his path from an unhappy and sometimes abusive home to Canada's foremost explainer of all things scientific.

Jeff Bezos is getting married in Venice, but not everyone is celebrating. As A-list guests gather, activists and locals are protesting what they see as a city being rented out to the ultra-wealthy. We hear from a protester with “No Space for Bezos,” and from a former luxury wedding planner who now writes about class and culture.

Yoga pants and stolen goods. Court documents obtained by CBC reveal a suspected organized crime ring behind a wave of high-value thefts from Lululemon stores across British Columbia. CBC journalist Jason Proctor breaks down how police tracked down the suspects.