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 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 • 25min
John Irving on the power of reading
Bestselling novelist John Irving, known for classics like The World According to Garp, discusses his latest work, Queen Esther, while highlighting the transformative power of reading. He shares insights into his writing process, emphasizing how secondary characters evolve in his stories. Irving reflects on political themes, notably his refusal to promote the book in the U.S. as a protest against Trump’s policies. He argues that reading is crucial in combating authoritarianism and shaping empathetic minds, a mission he hopes resonates with today's readers.
Nov 17, 2025 • 8min
How two parasites are threatening PEI’s oyster industry
Justin Palmer, co-owner of JP Oysters in Prince Edward Island, shares insights on the alarming loss of oysters due to invasive parasites. Having experienced a devastating 1.2 million oyster loss, he highlights the emotional toll on farmers and the economic fallout, estimating a $600,000 hit. Palmer discusses the parasites' rapid spread and impact, the potential benefits and risks of importing resistant seed, and the urgent need for government support. He encourages listeners to advocate for local oysters as the industry grapples with these challenges.
Nov 17, 2025 • 20min
Will the Liberals get enough votes to pass the budget?
Rosemary Barton, CBC's chief political correspondent, shares her insights on federal dynamics, while Stephanie Levitz from the Globe and Mail and Ryan Tumilty of the Toronto Star dig into the crucial House of Commons vote. They discuss the uncertainties surrounding Liberal support and the potential for a snap election. Key topics include Elizabeth May’s influence, NDP caucus dynamics, and motivations behind opposition strategies. The conversation also covers the stalled Canada-U.S. trade negotiations and what premiers are demanding from the Prime Minister.
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.
Nov 14, 2025 • 11min
Robert Munsch’s donates personal archive to Guelph library
Dan Atkins, CEO of the Guelph Public Library, shares exciting insights about beloved children's author Robert Munsch's donation of his personal archive to his hometown library. Munsch aims to make his stories accessible to all, rather than hiding them away. Dan recalls how Munsch’s lively storytelling captivates children's imaginations and encourages community engagement. He discusses the archive's contents, including drafts and personal letters, highlighting its invaluable role for families and readers in Guelph and beyond.
Nov 14, 2025 • 20min
Can Mark Carney balance Canada’s economy and climate goals?
Rachel Doran, Executive Director of Clean Energy Canada, discusses the balance between economic growth and climate goals. Catherine Harrison, a political science professor, dives into Indigenous rights and energy policy in Canada. Deborah Yedlin, President of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes resource sector expansion for economic stability. The trio debates the implications of LNG projects, potential risks, and the need for electrification to ensure a smooth transition to a lower-carbon economy.
4 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 46min
Fareed Zakaria on MAGA, Trump and backlash politics
Fareed Zakaria, a renowned journalist and author of Age of Revolutions, delves into the dynamics of the MAGA movement, suggesting its emergence was a natural response to rapid societal changes. He discusses the distinction between economic and social status loss, linking community erosion to rising nostalgia and anger. Zakaria emphasizes the historical patterns of backlash, compares Trump’s actions to Mao's Cultural Revolution, and expresses concerns over democratic decay. He also advocates for asylum reform to maintain immigration support amid global anti-elite sentiments.
