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 3, 2025 • 25min
Jordin Tootoo says the North made him a better NHL player
Jordin Tootoo, a former NHL forward known for his time with the Nashville Predators, opens up about his journey from Nunavut to the NHL. He shares how his upbringing shaped his identity, illustrating the profound connection between his Indigenous roots and his love for hockey. Jordin discusses the challenges he faced, including substance abuse and being the first Inuk player in the league, and how his brother's support was pivotal. He emphasizes the healing power of the land and urges youth to pursue their dreams while learning from hardship.
Nov 3, 2025 • 24min
Arundhati Roy: My mother and I were like two nuclear powers
In a revealing conversation, Arundhati Roy, a Booker Prize-winning novelist known for her powerful political commentary, delves into her complicated relationship with her mother, Mary. She illustrates how her mother's fierce spirit and trailblazing achievements shaped her writing. Roy candidly recounts her childhood experiences of Mary's rage and how literature became a pathway for expression. Discussing her memoir, she reflects on their bond's profound impact on her political activism, likening their relationship to 'two nuclear powers' in a tumultuous dance.
Nov 3, 2025 • 20min
Why doctors are threatening to leave Quebec
Dr. Lynn Couture, a family physician and president of the Association of Family Physicians of the Laurentians–Lanaudière, passionately critiques a new law in Quebec that she claims undermines doctors’ rights and worsens working conditions. André Picard, a health columnist with The Globe and Mail, provides insightful analysis on the political fallout and how these changes might fail to improve patient care. Both guests explore the potential exodus of doctors from Quebec and contrast the province's rigid approach to more flexible models in other jurisdictions.
Nov 1, 2025 • 50min
Weekend Listen: A hometown tour with Jean Chrétien (via The House)
Join Jean Chrétien, the 20th Prime Minister of Canada, as he shares heartwarming reflections from his hometown of Shawinigan. He discusses how the town shaped his political journey and offers a candid view on interactions with Donald Trump. Chrétien asserts the importance of national unity and critiques Alberta’s separatist sentiments with humor and insight. Joining him is Daniel Thibault, who analyzes the current state of Canada-U.S. relations amidst trade tensions. Together, they navigate the complexities of leadership and democracy in modern times.
Oct 31, 2025 • 16min
Blue Jays are one win away from the championship title
One victory away from winning the championship. Buck Martinez, Blue Jays announcer and former Jays catcher talks about Game 6 and what the team needs to do to win the World Series. And how Canadian baseball fans are preparing for the big game, including Karla Courtney — who’s been knitting a Blue Jays post-season sweater, but only on game days.
Oct 31, 2025 • 8min
This Haunted Hike is so scary people are peeing their pants
If you love a good scare, perhaps a haunted house is in your Halloween plans — like the ‘Haunted Hike’ in Vegreville, Alberta. It’s a nightmare-fueled experience staged in a building that was originally a creamery. But, this isn't your usual kids haunted house — this one bills itself as Alberta's scariest. So scary that some visitors are peeing their pants! We talk to the owners and creators, Jagger and Dawson Glowatsky about what it takes to create the scariest haunted house of the province.
Oct 31, 2025 • 19min
Should Canada get cozier with China?
Trade with the United States can seem dicey these days. Is more trade with China the answer? Or an even bigger risk?
Oct 31, 2025 • 26min
Why unhealthy eating isn't always a matter of choice
We all make a lot of assumptions about food, and healthy eating — including the idea that if you just make different choices, you can avoid obesity, or take the weight off. Turns out it's not so simple. We talk to health journalist Julia Belluz, and research scientist Kevin Hall, co-authors of a new book called Food Intelligence, to dig into the science of what we eat, why we eat it, and how changing our food environment may be the key to a healthier future.
Oct 30, 2025 • 20min
Health Canada approves new Alzheimer’s drug
Lecanemab is a new drug that’s being made available in Canada to slow the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. We speak to Linda McMaster, who is on the waitlist to receive it. And Drs Sandra Cohen and Samir Sinha about the efficacy, cost and reality of how this new drug fits in with the wider Alzheimer’s care environment in Canada today.
Oct 30, 2025 • 10min
Is Canada losing the battle against measles?
Canada has held its measles elimination status since 1998 — but medical experts say that could change in the coming weeks. We speak with Dawn Bowdish, an immunologist, and professor of medicine at McMaster University, about what's driving the spread of measles in Canada, what it means for public health, and why she thinks Canada desperately needs a National Vaccination Registry.
