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 7, 2025 • 25min
Why isn’t ‘enough’ spelled ‘enuf’? The absurdity of English spelling
Gabe Henry, an author focused on linguistic quirks, dives into the perplexing world of English spelling. He shares the historical challenges of simplifying a language filled with silent letters and bizarre pronunciations. From the ambitious spelling reforms proposed by Noah Webster to the absurdity of using numbers for vowels, Henry highlights the struggle for clarity in communication. He discusses how these spelling oddities affect literacy, particularly in diverse communities, and the impact of modern technology on evolving language.
Jul 7, 2025 • 19min
Why Farmers Are Nervous About Canada’s Next Trade Move
Mike von Masso, a food economist at the University of Guelph, dives into the tensions of U.S.-Canada trade negotiations and their implications for agricultural trade. The discussion highlights the precarious nature of supply management, which stabilizes prices for milk, eggs, and poultry. Insightful perspectives from both Canadian and U.S. farmers reveal concerns about market access and the emotional toll of industry consolidation. The potential consequences of changing trade policies are examined, showcasing the critical balance needed to support farmers and consumers alike.
Jul 4, 2025 • 24min
52 countries in 52 weeks? What one man saw on a whirlwind trip
Justin McElroy, a CBC municipal affairs reporter from Vancouver, embarked on a bold quest to visit 52 countries in just one year. He shares captivating tales of the diverse landscapes he encountered, showcasing the beauty of nature and the emotional impact of travel. Highlights include a thrilling evening at a Taylor Swift concert with 80,000 fans and enriching solo culinary adventures that deepened his understanding of various cultures. McElroy's reflections inspire listeners to embrace spontaneity and the joy of exploration.
Jul 4, 2025 • 19min
It’s complicated for Canadian-US dual citizens right now
Bryce McNeil, a Canadian permanent resident in the U.S., and Georganne Burke, a dual citizen from Ottawa, share their insights on the struggles of living between Canada and the U.S. amid rising tensions. They discuss the emotional complexity of celebrating national holidays like Canada Day and the Fourth of July. Bryce highlights the challenges of dual identity, while Georganne reflects on feeling unwelcome in Canada and her plans to move back to Florida. Their stories reveal a deeper struggle with identity and belonging in uncertain times.
Jul 3, 2025 • 24min
Summer’s here and the time is right for… “kidrotting”?
This summer, some parents are opting out of the packed schedules, the summer camps, and little leagues and instead are saying yes to slower days at home. Amil Niazi, a columnist for The Cut, shares how she’s embracing an unscheduled, unstructured summer — sometimes called “kidrotting.” And child psychologist Janine Hubbard explains why letting kids be bored might actually be good for them.
Jul 3, 2025 • 19min
Squad up! Is interprovincial trade happening ?
Ottawa says it’s done its part in removing federal exceptions to make interprovincial trade easier. But with most of the barriers still in provincial hands, we speak to Ryan Mallough from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, about the federal government’s actions and whether they’re enough and Ryan Manucha, a research fellow at the CD Howe Institute, on why reducing interprovincial trade barriers remains complicated and what Canada can learn from other countries that have tackled similar challenges.
Jul 2, 2025 • 24min
What's a divorce registry and why are more people using them?
Divorce is costly — legally, emotionally, and financially. That’s why more people are using divorce registries – a list of things your friends and families can buy to help you start your post-divorce life. We talk to a woman who turned to friends and family to furnish a new life after splitting with her partner, and hear from the co-founder of a divorce registry helping others do the same. Plus, a certified financial divorce specialist lays out the cost of divorce.
Jul 2, 2025 • 19min
Why Gen Z's jobless rate should matter to everyone
More young Canadians are out of work than at any point in decades–excluding during the COVID-19 pandemic. The youth unemployment rate is now more than 14 per cent and for students returning to school this fall the anxiety of the world to come after school is daunting. We hear from two Gen Z job seekers about the emotional toll of a stagnant job market, and a labour expert on what this might signal about Canada’s economy.
Jun 30, 2025 • 24min
Bob McDonald: Science, Survival, and Self-Doubt
Quirks and Quarks host Bob McDonald says people are often surprised to learn he’s a university dropout — a fact that’s contributed to the impostor syndrome he’s felt for a large part of his life. In his memoir Just Say Yes, Bob McDonald charts his path from an unhappy and sometimes abusive home to Canada's foremost explainer of all things scientific.
Jun 30, 2025 • 20min
Cattle Sold, Crops Failing: Inside Saskatchewan’s Drought Crisis
Farmers' livelihoods are at stake in Saskatchewan in the middle of a historic drought. It’s been a while since Saskatchewan saw steady rainfall – and conditions are pushing some farmers to the edge. Ranchers are facing choices about whether to sell off cattle or take on more debt. We hear from two prairie farmers about the impact drought is having on their farms, and how they’re coping amidst climate extremes. We also speak to an expert on what it will take to make farming more resilient in the face of climate change.
