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 20, 2025 • 19min
What’s the impact of US tariffs on New Brunswick?
New Brunswick is one of the provinces most vulnerable to US tariffs. And they’re hitting wood product makers and soft-wood harvesters the hardest. We'll hear from James McKenna, who owns a kitchen cabinet business, about how he's trying to keep his company afloat in the face of 50 per cent tariffs coming in January. Then Premier Susan Holt will tell us what the province is doing to help and what kind of support she's expecting from the federal government.
Nov 19, 2025 • 24min
Gen Z Economist Kyla Scanlon on the "Casino Economy"
Kyla Scanlon says the economy feels like a gamble right now — one that's built on risk and speculation. We speak with the popular American economic commentator and author of "In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work" about how her generation is feeling in this economy, the AI boom, the future of work, and the importance of financial literacy at a time when young people face an uncertain economic future.
Nov 19, 2025 • 19min
Epstein's accusers may finally win their transparency fight
The women who survived sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein have been demanding accountability. Now Congress is acting, voting to release the government's files on the powerful and connected sex offender. Anti-trafficking advocate Lauren Hersh says that's in part thanks to the women's bravery.
Nov 19, 2025 • 9min
Stretching vs. Mobility: What your body really needs
To stretch or not to stretch and does it even matter. The debate over the importance of stretching is age old - now it seems like everyone is talking about mobility. What's the difference and is one better than the other? David Behm, professor at Memorial University, specializing in human kinetics and sport science breaks it down.
Nov 19, 2025 • 15min
What to know about Ukraine’s corruption scandal
Two weeks ago, anti-corruption investigators in Ukraine revealed allegations that men close to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received $100 million US in kickbacks through a state energy company. The list includes a friend from Zelenskyy's comedian days, who co-owned his production studio. Tim Mak, editor of The Counteroffensive, notes that people are outraged in the country because corruption is the animating force in Ukrainian politics. Simon Shuster, a Zelenskyy biographer, says the president has a history of giving people second chances, but in the middle of a scandal like this, that might come back to bite him.
Nov 18, 2025 • 11min
Brazil wants to drill for oil AND cut emissions
Susan Ormiston, CBC's international climate correspondent, reports from COP30 in the Amazon. She discusses Brazil's controversial new offshore oil project, highlighting tensions between local Indigenous communities fearing environmental harm and others hopeful for economic growth. Ormiston reveals criticism over Brazil's dual commitment to protect the climate while expanding oil production. The conversation delves into the broader implications for COP30 and the global struggle between economic needs and urgent climate responsibilities.
Nov 18, 2025 • 13min
How prop betting is undermining sports
In this engaging discussion, Dave Zirin, sports editor at The Nation and host of the Edge of Sports podcast, unpacks the alarming rise of prop betting and its implications for sports integrity. He delves into the Clase/Ortiz pitch-fixing scandal, shedding light on the risks involved. Zirin highlights how prop bets undermine trust in outcomes, the leagues' complicity in normalizing gambling, and the alarming shift in sports culture since 2014. He warns of the potential destruction of the authenticity of games, especially for younger fans.
Nov 18, 2025 • 19min
How reliable hydro will help build Arctic sovereignty
Heather Schulten, Executive Director of the Nunavut Nukik Sautit Corporation, is leading the charge on a transformative hydroelectric project in Iqaluit. She discusses how local ownership is crucial for self-determination and decision-making in energy initiatives. Schulten emphasizes that reliance on imported diesel undermines Arctic sovereignty and proposes harnessing renewable resources instead. The conversation highlights the significance of Inuit values in the project and its potential to enhance community security and living conditions.
Nov 18, 2025 • 24min
Doctors Without Borders CEO, Avril Benoit steps down
Avril Benoit, the former CEO of Doctors Without Borders USA, shares her remarkable journey from journalism to humanitarian leadership. She recounts her experiences coordinating aid during the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake and the complexities of working amidst political turmoil in places like Sudan and Gaza. Benoit highlights the dangers of uncoordinated aid efforts and rising xenophobia affecting refugee policies. She discusses the emotional challenges of her role, the impact of funding cuts on global health, and encourages grassroots support for local responders.
Nov 17, 2025 • 16min
Where are we in the fight against climate change?
Catherine Hayhoe, a Canadian climate scientist and political science professor, dives into the current state of the climate crisis against a backdrop of misinformation at COP30. She highlights the critical impacts of warming and the need for urgent action. Hayhoe examines the history and motives behind climate disinformation, discussing its role in hindering progress. She emphasizes the importance of framing climate issues within everyday priorities like housing and health, while inspiring hope by showcasing how individual actions can drive systemic change.
