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
Dec 1, 2025 • 19min
Mark Carney’s energy gamble
Rosemary Barton, CBC's Chief Political Correspondent, joins Stephanie Levitz from the Globe and Mail and Ryan Tumilty of the Toronto Star to dissect Mark Carney's ambitious MOU with Alberta. They explore the surprising exemptions for Alberta and British Columbia's robust objections. The panel debates whether Carney, seen as a pragmatist, can navigate the complexities of pipeline politics while pushing for environmental commitments. They also examine the implications for the Conservatives and possible opportunities for the NDP amid these shifting dynamics.
Dec 1, 2025 • 10min
What can brain phases tell us about our stage of life?
Alexa Mosley, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Cambridge, discusses groundbreaking findings on how our brains function differently across five critical life stages: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, early ageing, and late ageing. She reveals how these phases affect brain efficiency and connectivity, shedding light on mental health and dementia risks. Mosley also dives into the implications of an extended adolescent phase and the gradual changes in early ageing. This insightful conversation highlights the significance of understanding brain organization for improving mental health outcomes.
Dec 1, 2025 • 17min
ALS patient dies alone after paying $84K US to a Sask. facility
Geoff Leo, an investigative reporter with CBC News, dives into the tragic story of Susie Silvestri, a 70-year-old American woman with ALS. Her quest for alternative treatment in Moose Jaw led her to a costly and unregulated health center, where bold claims of reversing her condition met stark reality. Geoff discusses the alarming lack of scientific evidence, Susie's struggle with health setbacks, and the gap in Saskatchewan's healthcare oversight. The episode reveals the grim circumstances surrounding her lonely death, raising critical questions about patient safety and treatment efficacy.
Dec 1, 2025 • 21min
If flying is miserable, who's to blame?
Travel writer Robin Esrock discusses how stress and cramped conditions influence passenger behavior, diving into modern misbehaviors on flights. Former flight attendant Susan Barnes reminisces about the classy service of the 60s and 70s, revealing how air travel has devolved since the 'golden age.' Together, they explore what led to the decline of enjoyable flying and suggest improvements like better communication and more human-centered airports. Robin emphasizes the privilege of modern travel, urging listeners to appreciate it despite the challenges.
Nov 28, 2025 • 20min
Ottawa and Alberta's pipeline memorandum
Jason Kenney, former Premier of Alberta and influential conservative voice, discusses the recently signed energy memorandum aiming to build a new oil pipeline to the West Coast. He argues this deal is crucial for Alberta's economy and federal relations, while addressing the viability of heavy crude exports. The conversation also touches on Indigenous participation, with insights from Chief Maureen Nyce of the Haisla Nation, who details environmental concerns surrounding bitumen exports and expresses strong opposition to the pipeline.
Nov 28, 2025 • 23min
Could deep brain stimulation be a cure for depression?
Anna Mehler Paperny, a Toronto journalist and author of 'Hello, I Want to Die, Please Fix Me,' shares her groundbreaking experience with deep brain stimulation as part of a clinical trial for treatment-resistant depression. She candidly discusses her 14-year battle with depression and the experimental surgery she underwent. Anna delves into the mechanics of the surgery, the risks involved, and her hopes for the future of depression treatment. With early signs of improvement and ongoing research, she emphasizes the importance of advancing mental health therapies.
Nov 28, 2025 • 13min
How the giant heads of Easter Island “walked”
Carl Lipo, Professor at Binghamton University, and Terry Hunt, Professor at the University of Arizona, delve into the mystery of Easter Island's iconic moai statues. Forget aliens—these giants may have 'walked' into place using ropes! They discuss evidence that the statues were transported upright, utilizing a pendulum-like motion. Their innovative research counters traditional theories, showcasing the ingenuity of the Rapa Nui people. With practical experiments backing their findings, Lipo and Hunt reveal a fascinating glimpse into the engineering marvels of ancient Polynesia.
Nov 28, 2025 • 11min
What’s behind Quebec’s sweeping secularism bill
Michel C. Auger, a seasoned political columnist for La Presse and Radio-Canada, dives into Quebec's new secularism legislation. He discusses how this law, banning religious symbols in public sectors, claims to promote equality while raising concerns among religious groups. Auger reveals the government's political motives amid declining approval ratings and the approaching election. He explores public support, backlash from minorities, and links the legislation to broader political issues, including the province's economic challenges and opposition party dynamics.
Nov 27, 2025 • 19min
The literary icon who isn't Indigenous after all
Drew Hayden Taylor, an Anishnaabe playwright and humorist, along with Kim TallBear, a Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate scholar, delve into the shocking revelation that acclaimed author Thomas King isn't Indigenous. They discuss the impact on Indigenous communities, feelings of betrayal, and why such claims recur. Taylor highlights King's humor and mentorship while arguing his work, though valuable, should be reclassified. TallBear emphasizes the need for stricter verification of Indigenous identities in academia, hinting that more pretendian cases might arise.
Nov 27, 2025 • 24min
Bob Rae: "The world is turning upside down"
Bob Rae, a veteran Canadian politician and diplomat, discusses his reflections on leaving the UN and the global upheaval we face today. He highlights the rise of nationalism and the implications of technology and misinformation on populism. Rae draws parallels with Orwell's warnings about propaganda and the challenges of a paralyzed Security Council. He emphasizes the importance of remaining optimistic and engaged, outlining Canada’s significant role as a steady partner in global diplomacy while planning to continue contributing through teaching and writing.
