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
Jul 25, 2025 • 9min
Do newborn babies prefer morality or immorality?
Do you think a baby can tell good and bad behaviours apart? And if they can, do you think they would have a preference between moral and immoral beaviours? We have some insight. A new study from a Sicilian hospital looked into exactly that, and one of the leads on the study is UBC professor Kiley Hamlin. She joins us to give us a peek into a newborn's mind.
Jul 25, 2025 • 16min
Mini “World Cup” a soccer lifeline for refugees
For some, soccer is just a sport, but for these refugees and asylum seekers it is much more than that. The Refugee Soccer Cup is an initiative that started five years ago, and its goal is to help newcomers to Canada find a way to connect. The Current's producer Niza Nondo takes us to the field to hear their stories from this year's Refugee Soccer Cup.
Jul 25, 2025 • 20min
Why five players were acquitted at the Hockey Canada trial
Not guilty on all charges, that’s the judge’s decision for the five former Junior World Hockey players who have been on trial for sexual assault. This has been a case that shook the hockey world, and ignited conversations across Canada. The judge said that she did not find the complainant E.M.'s evidence "credible or reliable." We speak to law professor Daphne Gilbert, about the judge's ruling and how the courts handle sexual assault allegations.
Jul 24, 2025 • 22min
Her dad’s 10 000 record collection helped her grieve his death
Jula inherited 10,000 vinyl records from her dad when he died. Now, she’s listening through them to make sense of her grief — and sharing that connection to her father with millions of people on her social media account @soundwavesoffwax.
Jul 24, 2025 • 20min
Premiers meet with the PM to discuss Trump’s tariffs
Canada’s 13 Premiers, and Prime Minister Mark Carney, met in Ontario’s cottage country this week. Not to have a relaxing summer break, but to discuss big issues that face this country. The most pressing one; the looming deadline for a new trade agreement with the United States. Susan Holt is the Premier of New Brunswick, she tells us what was accomplished in that room, and how a deal can be reached with the U.S. President Donald Trump.
11 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 20min
Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote?
Andrew Mycock, a political scientist and Chief Policy Fellow at the University of Leeds, joins Mary Lou McFedrin, an independent senator from Manitoba, to discuss the push for 16-year-olds to vote. They argue that young people are deeply affected by crucial issues like education and climate change. Mycock references successful voting age reforms in the U.K., while McFedrin advocates for youth involvement to foster a more representative democracy. The conversation highlights how engaging younger voters could reshape political landscapes in Canada and beyond.
Jul 23, 2025 • 24min
Why the Scopes ‘Monkey Trial still matters 100 years on
Alexander Gazoulis, an associate professor of law at the University of Missouri, co-authored 'The Hundred Years Trial,' exploring the significance of the Scopes Monkey Trial. He discusses how this historic case on evolution and education still resonates in today's America. The conversation dives into the ongoing struggles between science and belief in education, the evolution of evolutionary science, and the legal battles that stem from the trial. Listeners are invited to reflect on the legacy of 1925 and its implications for modern educational practices.
Jul 22, 2025 • 19min
Rebuilding Jasper: A year after the devastating wildfires
Laurie Daniels, the Kerner Chair in Wildfire Coexistence at the University of British Columbia, shares insights on the aftermath of Jasper's wildfires. She highlights personal stories of local business owners reopening after the devastation. The conversation dives into the community’s resilience and the ongoing challenges of recovery, including displacement and housing shortages. Daniels also discusses the importance of prioritizing community well-being in rebuilding efforts, as tourism begins to return but emotional scars linger.
Jul 22, 2025 • 22min
How Jaws ruined the reputation of sharks
Mike Heithaus, a marine biologist with over two decades of experience studying sharks, and Greg Trouse, a Canadian oceanographer known for his work on shark populations in Nova Scotia, discuss how the film 'Jaws' fueled enduring fear and misconceptions about these creatures. They debunk myths of sharks as mindless killers and emphasize their critical ecological role. The conversation also touches on the rising shark populations and the need for conservation efforts, advocating for a shift from fear to respect and understanding.
Jul 21, 2025 • 19min
Elbows up, gloves off: Can Canada disentangle from the U.S?
Stephen Marche, host of Gloves Off and author of The Next Civil War, dives into the intricate relationship between Canada and the U.S. He expresses concern over Canada’s struggle to assert its independence. Topics include the challenges posed by reliance on U.S. military and economic systems, and how recent political dynamics affect Canada’s quest for autonomy. Marche highlights the need for stronger industrial capabilities and infrastructure to secure a distinct national identity, while navigating the complexities of global relationships.
