The Current
CBC
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 shows to come in Oshawa and the 905, Red Deer, Alberta, Quebec City and Halifax.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 22, 2025 • 20min
Can libraries stop AI slop from flooding their shelves?
AI slop is everywhere - and now it’s hitting libraries. AI-generated books are slipping into library catalogues and even landing on physical shelves. Some are so polished that even librarians are fooled. We hear from journalist Emanuel Maiberg on how this industry is exploding, and from Laura Winton, executive director of the Manitoba Library Association, and Jennie Rose Halperin, executive director of Library Futures, on how this could erode trust in libraries – and what readers need to look for.
Aug 22, 2025 • 16min
Why Gen Z is picking up their grandma’s hobbies
Knitting isn’t just for grannies anymore. From quilting to pickling to crocheting, “grandma hobbies” are making a comeback, especially among Gen Z. Clinical psychologist and therapeutic knitting instructor Mia Hobbs explains why these old-fashioned pastimes soothe the nervous system, help people unplug, and may even rewire our brains for better mental health.
Aug 21, 2025 • 25min
Should Canada end animal testing in medical research?
Joining the discussion are Arthur Brown, a professor at Western University specializing in Anatomy and Cell Biology, Charu Chandrasekera, founder of the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods, and Andrew Fenton, a philosopher and animal bioethicist. They explore the scandal surrounding animal testing in Ontario, ethical implications of using animals in research, and the urgent need for innovative alternatives. The conversation emphasizes the tension between scientific advancement and animal welfare, urging a critical reassessment of current practices.
Aug 21, 2025 • 19min
Life under fire: One family’s plea from Gaza
Karim Abushbak, a Canadian permanent resident trapped in Gaza, shares his family's harrowing experiences living under constant threat. He describes the devastating emotional toll of daily life amidst conflict and their desperate pleas for help. Emmanuelle Elbaz-Phelps, an independent journalist in Tel Aviv, provides insight into the political pressures facing the Israeli government as protests for hostages escalate. Together, they highlight the urgent humanitarian crisis and the complexities of negotiating a ceasefire amid ongoing military tensions.
Aug 20, 2025 • 20min
A son's fight to save his mother from the Taliban
Noorullah Hakemi, an Ottawa resident, shares his harrowing story of advocating for his mother’s safety after she endured brutal assaults by the Taliban. He paints a vivid picture of the desperation Afghan refugees face, fearing deportation back to danger. Asma Faizi, President of the Afghan Women’s Organization, highlights the critical situation of women and girls amid rising deportations from neighboring countries. Both guests call for urgent international action and support to protect those vulnerable in Afghanistan's ongoing crisis.
Aug 20, 2025 • 9min
The Air Canada strike is over. Who won, and what comes next?
After three days of grounded flights, Air Canada flight attendants reached a tentative deal addressing fair ground pay. Expert Alison Braley-Rattai discusses the potential precedent this strike sets for labor rights, especially in the airline industry. The podcast touches on the implications of the government's swift intervention and back-to-work laws, raising questions about worker autonomy. Finally, it delves into how this strike could influence contract negotiations for other airlines like WestJet.
Aug 20, 2025 • 16min
Is a weighted vest right for you?
Weighted vests are trending, praised for burning calories and enhancing workouts. Fitness trainer Kalli Youngstrom shares her passion for their benefits, while muscle physiology researcher Lauren Colenso-Semple reveals intriguing research on bone density and muscle engagement. The conversation highlights the practical advantages of using vests in daily activities and workouts, yet questions common myths and marketing claims. With a focus on starting light and integrating gradually, the potential of these vests in strength training, especially for women, is explored.
Aug 19, 2025 • 24min
How smartphones took over our lives and how you can take back control
Kaitlyn Regehr, an associate professor at University College London, specializes in digital literacy and is the author of Smartphone Nation. She discusses how smartphones are engineered to be addictive and their impact on our daily lives, particularly for children. Regehr shares strategies for parents to foster healthier tech habits and the significance of meaningful conversations about media consumption. She also touches on the implications of 'sharenting' and the responsibility of corporations to protect users, especially the youth, in the digital landscape.
Aug 19, 2025 • 20min
Will Trump’s peace push force Ukraine to give up territory?
Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, a prominent Ukrainian MP and chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration to the EU, shares her insights on the precarious peace negotiations around Ukraine. She discusses the fears of Ukrainian concessions amid U.S. President Trump's peace push. The episode highlights the struggle for sovereignty against Russian aggression, the importance of NATO aspirations, and the need for external pressure to ensure meaningful dialogue. The complexities of security guarantees, military support, and the strategic significance of the Donbass region are also explored.
Aug 18, 2025 • 23min
What does Pierre Poilievre’s Alberta byelection mean for Canadian politics?
Monte Solberg, a former Conservative cabinet minister, and Shannon Phillips, a former Alberta NDP Cabinet Minister, dive into the Alberta byelection and its ripple effects on Canadian politics. They discuss Pierre Poilievre's stronghold in Battle River–Crowfoot amid a field crowded with independents. The duo explores Alberta's separatist sentiments and how Premier Daniel Smith has navigated them. They also analyze the challenges facing the Conservative Party and the NDP’s strategies in a shifting political landscape.
