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
Nov 11, 2025 • 20min
Minister Anita Anand isn't going to "hide under a rock"
Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, engages in a candid discussion about G7 diplomacy and the complexities of U.S. trade relations. She highlights Canada's proactive approach to strengthening partnerships with India and China while navigating past tensions. Roland Paris, an expert in international affairs, adds insights on Canada's foreign policy priorities, emphasizing the mix of values and strategic interests. The conversation touches on critical topics like public safety regarding Indian relations and the necessity of reestablishing dialogues with key global players.
Nov 11, 2025 • 21min
A soldier's letters gives an inside look at the horrors of the Great War
Brandon Marriott, a Canadian historian and author specializing in First World War history, shares the poignant story of Lester Harper, a farmer who faced the grim realities of war. Harper's heartfelt letters to his wife reveal his romanticized expectations of military life, quickly shattered by the mud, lice, and relentless shelling of the trenches. Marriott highlights the deep disillusionment Harper felt toward political leaders and describes his incredible act of bravery at Vimy Ridge. The discussion also touches on the long-term impacts of war on veterans today.
Nov 10, 2025 • 8min
A ceasefire proposal to Sudan's civil war
Khaled Mustafa Medani, a political science professor and Chair of the African Studies Program at McGill University, discusses the fragile ceasefire in Sudan's ongoing conflict. He highlights the humanitarian crisis and shares personal stories about the Sudanese diaspora's efforts in mobilizing relief. Medani expresses cautious optimism about the ceasefire, emphasizing the need for including Sudanese civil society in talks. He also outlines what Canada can do, suggesting the appointment of a special envoy to enhance political engagement and humanitarian assistance.
Nov 10, 2025 • 20min
How should we rethink the school lunch hour?
Amberlee Ritz, a researcher focused on school food policy, Brady Weiler, director of an Indigenous school lunch program, and Sean McNeil, policy director at PEI, discuss the transformative potential of a National School Food Program. They explore issues like food insecurity's impact on learning, the benefits of healthy meals at school, and innovative funding models. Insights into PEI's province-wide program and the importance of local sourcing reveal how such initiatives can change lives. They also highlight challenges in scaling these programs across Canada.
Nov 10, 2025 • 43min
Susan Orlean: Why being curious gives you a richer life
Join Susan Orlean, a bestselling author and long-time New Yorker staff writer, as she explores the art of curiosity and storytelling. She shares how her father's inquisitive nature influenced her life and reflects on the joy of finding extraordinary stories hidden in everyday moments. Susan discusses the challenges of writing about personal experiences, including her marital breakdown, and the surprise of seeing Meryl Streep portray her. Plus, hear how her candid tweets during the pandemic made her an accidental icon of 'pandemic drinking'.
Nov 7, 2025 • 20min
Canada is scaling back immigration. What will that mean?
Gregor Robertson, Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, discusses the government's reduced housing budget and its impact on affordability. Mikhail Skudarud, an economics professor, analyzes the implications of scaling back immigration targets, questioning whether it will truly alleviate housing pressures. Immigration lawyer Warda Shazadi Meehan highlights the legal and humanitarian concerns of lowering refugee intake, warning of negative international signals. They all explore the complex relationship between immigration, housing, and labor markets in Canada.
Nov 7, 2025 • 10min
Is Eurovision Canada’s next big stage?
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s latest federal budget includes a proposal to explore Canada's participation in Europe’s biggest song competition: Eurovision. This annual competition sees countries battling for the top spot through musical performances. But not all Canadians are singing along. We’re joined by historian and unofficial Eurovision expert Tess Megginson to unpack what Eurovision really is and what it could mean for Canada to join the show.
Nov 7, 2025 • 21min
A mom's mission to stop her daughter's drug dealer
In Vancouver's Lower Mainland, a dealer known only as "Jay" sold drugs to teens, making drop-offs right next to their high schools and homes, offering free "goodie bags" of Xanax and other drugs. When Julie Nystrom discovered her 17-year-old daughter was hooked on counterfeit pills from Jay, she went to the police. The cops told her that they needed names, details, so she decided to take matters into her own hands and hired a private investigator.
Nov 7, 2025 • 16min
Ukraine is using video game point systems to track kills
12 points to kill a Russian soldier, 40 points to blow up a Russian tank — These are some of the points rankings in a new incentive program for Ukrainian drone operators, who can now compete for points against other units and cash their points in to buy new weapons. Ukrainian officials say this program is helping maintain motivation in a war that is coming up to four years, but others have questioned the ethics of equating points to lives and incentivizing killing.
Nov 6, 2025 • 10min
How safe is melatonin for your heart?
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Elliott Lee, a sleep specialist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, addresses the growing concerns about melatonin and heart health. He emphasizes that insomnia might pose a greater risk than melatonin itself, urging listeners to not panic over headlines. Dr. Lee provides practical tips for better sleep, like establishing consistent wake times and minimizing screen exposure before bed. He also highlights when to seek treatment, recommending cognitive behavioral therapy for persistent insomnia.
