The Current on Steno.fm

The Current

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.Some of the topics we’ve covered recently, include: the Canadian Federal election and the party leaders running for Prime Minister; namely current Prime Mini...

Tue, April 08, 2025
These young Canadians want their peers to get out and vote
Young voters aren’t known for high turnout on polling day, but some hope that’ll be different in what they see as a high-stakes election. We speak to three voters about what matters to them in this vote, and why they want their peers to overcome their apathy.
Tue, April 08, 2025
What does stock market chaos mean for your money?
Trump’s global tariffs have sparked a stock market meltdown, leaving many Canadians worried about their investments, their pensions — and what it all means for day-to-day cost of living. Guest host Mark Kelley breaks down how this will affect ordinary Canadians with the CBC’s senior business reporter Peter Armstrong and economist Armine Yalnizyan.
Tue, April 08, 2025
More young women with alcohol-related liver failure, study warns
Samantha Harasemchuk was 27 when she was diagnosed with cirrhosis, the beginning of liver failure linked to heavy alcohol consumption. Now, a new study suggests the problem is rising sharply among teens and young adults — and women are most at risk.
Mon, April 07, 2025
Almost halfway to election day, what have we learned so far?
With three weeks until election day, what have we learned about the candidates criss-crossing the country? What are the leaders focused on — and who’s resonating with Canadians? Matt Galloway breaks down what we’ve seen so far with the CBC’s Rosemary Barton and the Toronto Star’s Ryan Tumilty.
Mon, April 07, 2025
Caring for an aging parent, when you live hundreds of miles away
Shirley Gignac is 73 and living with dementia, but she lives hours away from her two daughters, Annette and Natalie Goerner. As part of our series As We Age , the sisters share how they’ve navigated hard conversations and found ways to care for their mom from a distance.
Mon, April 07, 2025
Perfect pitch can be learned, new research suggests
New research suggests you can actually learn how to recognize a musical note just by hearing it, challenging the conventional wisdom that you either have perfect pitch, or you don’t. We talk to researcher Yetta Kwailing Wong and take a pop quiz to test our ears.
Mon, April 07, 2025
Can you tell online fact from fiction in this election?
As the election campaign ramps up, what kind of misinformation and disinformation is spreading online? We talk to Aengus Bridgman, one of Canada’s leading experts on misinformation.
Fri, April 04, 2025
For some Albertans, this election is all about national unity
Many Albertans say they don’t feel understood or appreciated by the rest of Canada, but as U.S. tensions deepen, so too do conversations about national unity. As part of The Current’s election series, Crossroads: Coast to Coast with Canadian Voters, Matt Galloway travels to Red Deer in the heart of Alberta, to hear what matters most to voters in this election. Galloway visits a fracking site, a wind farm and a cattle farm to talk to voters who say Canada isn’t making the most of its natural resources, and is ignoring an “amazing opportunity to feed and fuel the world.” At a cafe where newcomers take English lessons, there’s optimism that Canada is one of the best places to live on earth, but fears that we’ve forgotten how to talk to each other. And in a staunchly Conservative area, one voter shares what it’s like to be an NDP supporter. Then, three oil and gas workers share what they think the rest of the country gets wrong about their industry — and their province. And political strategists Shannon Phillips and Michael Solberg dig into the impact of Trump’s threats and tariffs, and whether Edmonton-born Liberal Leader Mark Carney is gaining any ground from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Thu, April 03, 2025
The Current Introduces | Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
In the wake of 9/11, anthrax-laced letters unleashed a new wave of terror across the nation. But who was behind the attacks — and why has America nearly forgotten this story? As government buildings shut down and law enforcement scrambled to track the perpetrator, the FBI launched one of the largest and most complex investigations in its history. Untangling a web of scientific evidence and false leads, the case took unexpected turns with lasting consequences. From Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios and CBC, this eight-part series grants unprecedented access to declassified materials and firsthand accounts, revealing how the anthrax attacks reshaped America—and the hidden impact that still lingers today. More episodes of Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/UoHuWX
Thu, April 03, 2025
Trump wants to shut down Canada’s auto sector. Can he do it?
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada’s auto industry will lead to “mutually assured destruction,” says Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association. Kingston talks to guest host Mark Kelley about Trump’s stated aim of shutting down auto manufacturing in Canada, and why he thinks these tariffs ultimately leave the U.S. less competitive against rivals like China.
Thu, April 03, 2025
Many treatments for low back pain just don’t work, study suggests
Ann Marie Gaudon tried everything she could think of to treat debilitating back pain, but for a long time nothing worked. Now, a new study suggests very few treatments actually do work — where does that leave the millions of Canadians struggling with chronic pain?
Thu, April 03, 2025
What it’s like growing up as a ‘restaurant kid’
Rachel Phan was three years old when her parents opened a restaurant in Kingsville, Ont., a venture that quickly ate up most of their time and energy. In her new memoir, Restaurant Kid, the Chinese-Canadian author writes about feeling like the restaurant had stolen her parents away from her, and how it affected her well into adulthood.
Wed, April 02, 2025
Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ is here. What should Canadians expect?
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to unveil the full scope of his tariffs plan Wednesday afternoon, a trade policy he says will liberate his country from reliance on foreign goods. Guest host Mark Kelley discusses the economic and political fallout for Canada with former federal minister Lisa Raitt, and Carlo Dade, director of trade and trade infrastructure for the Canada West Foundation.
Wed, April 02, 2025
Is technology becoming the world's most powerful religion?
Our daily interactions with technology are looking more and more like a religious act, according to Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain at Harvard University and author of Tech Agnostic . In an interview from December, he discusses whether the tech that surrounds us is worthy of our faith.
Wed, April 02, 2025
Civil war complicates earthquake rescue efforts in Myanmar
Rescue operations continue after the massive earthquake that hit Myanmar and Thailand last week. But journalist Dave Grunebaum says Myanmar’s civil war is complicating relief efforts, as fighting between the military junta and resistance forces continues amid the destruction.
Wed, April 02, 2025
Should torpedo bats be banned from Major League Baseball?
The New York Yankees are off to a record-breaking start this season, but all eyes are on their new, torpedo-shaped bats. Baseball historian Gary Gillette explains why these bats — developed by an MIT physicist — are making such a splash, and why there’s already talk of banning them.
Tue, April 01, 2025
The Current Introduces: Agent Pale Horse
FBI undercover agent Scott Payne’s job was to infiltrate the most dangerous gangs of our times: outlaw bikers, drug cartels and the international neo-Nazi networks hellbent on inciting a race war. He was taking down these groups from within. And Scott was good at it — people confided in him their most audacious plans for mass violence and domestic terrorism. In the second season of White Hot Hate, host Michelle Shephard gives you an unvarnished view of a life undercover. Because after a 28-year-long career pretending to be somebody else, Agent Payne is ready to tell his side of the story. This series was produced alongside a book co-written by Scott Payne and Michelle Shephard titled Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis. More episodes of White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/KxHmW1
Tue, April 01, 2025
Trump puts Canada’s defence spending in election spotlight
Defence is now a key election issue, fuelled by questions over whether the U.S. is a reliable ally under President Donald Trump. We ask military experts what kind of investment is needed to make sure Canada can protect itself, and whether whoever wins the election can deliver it.
Tue, April 01, 2025
Which of these beautiful Canadian spots should you visit?
Three listeners make the case for their favourite vacation spots to be included in The Current’s travel bucket list. Ellie Poirier tells us why she loves Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Yvonne Kyle fights for Quttinirpaaq National Park in Nunavut, and Nancy Edwards explains why you can’t miss the Saguenay fjord in Quebec. You can see the full shortlist and vote for your favorite on cbc.ca/thecurrent .
Tue, April 01, 2025
Did you hear the one about the old comedian?
Getting older isn’t always easy, but sometimes it can be hilarious. As part of our series As We Age , we talk to older comedians about finding humour in everything from senior sex to Old Age Security — and tackling aches and pains when stand-up is literally the job description.
Mon, March 31, 2025
The FBI agent who infiltrated neo-Nazi biker gangs
FBI agent Scott Payne went undercover among neo-Nazis, biker gangs and white supremacists, putting his life on the line to expose their plans for mass violence and terrorism. Now he’s telling his story in the new CBC podcast White Hot Hate: Agent Pale Horse, hosted by Michelle Shephard.
Mon, March 31, 2025
Is the election pitting generations against each other?
Recent polls show a stark generational divide this election, with the majority of young voters angry about the cost of living, while seniors are more anxious about Donald Trump’s threats against Canada. We look at what the different parties are pitching, to all Canadians.
Mon, March 31, 2025
The Current’s travel bucket list: Vote for your favourite!
We asked for your favourite Canadian vacation spots for The Current’s travel bucket list — and you certainly delivered, with more than 2,000 submissions. Rick Mercer joins Matt Galloway to unveil the shortlist of 20 amazing locations, and explain how you can vote for your favourite .
Fri, March 28, 2025
Why Yale professor Jason Stanley is moving to Canada
Jason Stanley, a Yale University professor who studies fascism, is moving to Canada after seeing too many signs from his own work in the American political landscape. Stanley tells Matt Galloway about how he hopes to protect democracy from north of the border — and issues a warning to his new Canadian neighbors.
Fri, March 28, 2025
Which will matter more in this election, policy or vibes?
Promises and policies will matter in this election — but in the face of threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, could a strongman persona be more important? CBC's chief political correspondent Rosemary Barton, senior reporter with The Globe and Mail Stephanie Levitz, and Toronto Star political reporter Ryan Tumilty are here to discuss that and break down the first few days of the campaign.
Fri, March 28, 2025
How a bear attack story helped this author understand her cancer diagnosis
Claire Cameron has been obsessed with bears since hearing about a bear attack while she was working in Ontario’s Algonquin Park as a teenager. But when she was diagnosed with cancer, Cameron revisited the details of that attack and the wilderness environment that’s shaped much of her life. She tells Galloway about her new memoir How to Survive a Bear Attack , and what facing death taught her about how to live.
Thu, March 27, 2025
Could this psychedelic drug help curb opioid addiction?
Rocky Dhillon remembers being terrified while on the psychedelic drug ibogaine — but when the trip ended, he had no cravings for the drugs or alcohol he’d previously been addicted to. Proponents of ibogaine say it can help “reset” an addict’s brain and curb withdrawal and detox symptoms. But the psychedelic has its own set of health concerns, as Karen Pauls explains in her documentary, Ibogaine: The Last Trip?
Thu, March 27, 2025
U.S. officials spark outrage with planned visit to Greenland
A delegation of U.S. officials including Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance will visit Greenland tomorrow amid American threats to annex the country, which have left locals very upset. We look at how Greenlanders are pushing back — and how it’s brought the semi-autonomous Danish territory of Greenland closer with Denmark.
Thu, March 27, 2025
What’s it like to have dementia? This care centre can teach you
Burnout is a very real challenge faced by caregivers for aging folks. That’s why educators are finding innovative ways to help caregivers better understand the conditions their patients or loved ones are living with. As part of our ongoing series As We Age , Matt Galloway visits an aging education centre for himself — and test drives a dementia and frailty simulator.
Wed, March 26, 2025
Trump and tariffs are dictating ballot decisions for these B.C. voters
U.S. President Donald Trump is looming large over the Canadian election. We hear from three voters — one who intends to vote Liberal, one NDP and one Conservative — about how Trump’s actions have informed their decisions.
Wed, March 26, 2025
Hope not lost for NDP, even as they fall in the polls: Former NDP MP
We pay a visit to Burnaby South — Jagmeet Singh’s riding — as the NDP falls to a distant third in the polls. Matt Galloway hears from the former NDP member of parliament from that riding, Kennedy Stewart, who says NDP voters considering casting a ballot for Carney might still come through for the party.
Wed, March 26, 2025
Surrey’s booming population deserves more investment: businesswoman
The former CEO for Surrey’s Board of Trade says her city doesn’t get the shine or the investment that it deserves. With its booming population, the businesswoman — who nearly ran for the Conservatives in this election — explains what kind of dedication to local business it will take to get her vote.
Wed, March 26, 2025
Tariffs are wreaking havoc on trucking and construction in Surrey
Local industries are looking for a leader who will support their business interests. We hear from truckers hauling goods back and forth across the border, plus home builders who say tariff threats are scaring off prospective buyers, about how they hope to see the next prime minister stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tue, March 25, 2025
New research into a genetic heart condition is fuelling hope for a cure
When Phillip Winter found out he had a genetic variant that can cause sudden cardiac events and death, he felt like a “dead man walking.” But new research into the variant, known as the Newfoundland Curse for its prevalence there, makes him hopeful that he might someday overcome that curse. Winter, his dad and a researcher discuss the new findings fuelling their hope.
Tue, March 25, 2025
The rare but life-altering side effects of hair loss drug finasteride
Lots of men who take finasteride for hair loss notice results and no ill effects — but an investigation by Radio-Canada’s Enquête heard from dozens of men who experienced negative, life-altering mental, sexual and physical side effects. Brigitte Noel, a reporter who worked on the investigation, explains the toll those side effects can take, and how taboos around men’s health have made it harder for some to seek help.
Tue, March 25, 2025
Does Canada need to reset its relationship with China?
News that China had executed four Canadian nationals emerged last week, just as the country imposed tariffs on a range of Canadian products. Given that, and the increasingly unstable world order, how should Canada be thinking about its relationship with China? Michael Kovrig, the former Canadian diplomat detained by China for more than a thousand days, explains why he thinks that country should be seen as both an adversary and a trade partner.
Mon, March 24, 2025
How each federal candidate is promising change this election
The federal election campaign is officially off to the races — and each of the leaders are positioning themselves as the candidate who can bring change for Canadians feeling pressed by tariff threats and the high cost of living. How are they making their cases? Stephanie Levitz of the Globe’s Ottawa bureau, host of CBC’s The House Catherine Cullen and La Presse columnist Michel C. Auger explain, and break down the race so far.
Mon, March 24, 2025
NASA’s new telescope to make a 3D map of the universe
NASA’s new SPHEREx telescope launched earlier this month is set to collect data on more than 450 million galaxies, and some 100 million stars in the Milky Way in an effort to build a 3D map of the universe. That’s a lot of information — and the Canadian who acted as the lead flight systems engineer for the telescope’s launch discusses what they hope to learn from all that data.
Mon, March 24, 2025
Behind an extremist network convincing kids to harm themselves
Trinity was only 14 years old when she stumbled into the chat room where she would be groomed and abused for three years by online extremists. The group, known as 764, convinces children to commit unimaginable harms to themselves and others, like self harm. Ioanna Roumeliotis tells Mark Kelley about The Fifth Estate’s investigation into the group one investigator describes as “absolutely evil,” and Trinity’s mother explains why she feels the RCMP didn’t do enough to help her daughter.
Mon, March 24, 2025
US limits Canadian access to border-straddling library
U.S. officials are making it harder for Canadians to access the iconic Haskell Free Library that straddles the border between Quebec and Vermont, a shared building that used to be a sign of friendship between the two nations. We hear from a library board member about how the town of Stanstead is pushing back against the move.
Fri, March 21, 2025
Babies can store memories, new study suggests
A new study suggests that babies as young as a year old can store memories. One of the study’s authors explains why humans don’t remember being a baby despite that newfound fact, and what questions remain about our earliest memories.
Fri, March 21, 2025
Families who fought for landfill search showed unwavering bravery: minister
Partial remains of two Indigenous women were found at the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg earlier this month, in a search the victim’s families pressured all levels of government to undertake for years. Manitoba’s Minister of Families, Nahanni Fontaine, says the commitment to bringing their loved ones home is a testament to the families’ strength and dedication. But “savage levels of violence” against Indigenous women and girls persist across Canada, she adds.
Fri, March 21, 2025
The sights and sounds of spring
The days are getting longer, snow piles are shorter and the wind's warmer. It can only mean one thing — it’s finally spring. A conservation biologist tells Matt Galloway about the signs that tell her spring is close.
Fri, March 21, 2025
Teslas used to be cool. Now, people are protesting them
Many Tesla drivers are doing everything they can to distance themselves from the company’s controversial CEO, Elon Musk, as the cars become targets for vandalism and protest. We look at whether or not the movement might actually hurt the carmaker, and how these EVs went from a left-wing status symbol to a token of conservative politics.
Thu, March 20, 2025
How to get patients moving? Walk with them, this doctor says
Ohio doctor David Sabgir realized that asking his patients to get out and exercise wasn't working. So, he strapped on his running shoes and hit the pavement with them. The program, called Walk With A Doc, has spread to more than 500 communities around the globe in the 20 years since. Dr. Sabgir explains the difference walking has made for his patients — and his own practice.
Thu, March 20, 2025
What Trump’s approach to Ukraine says about the shifting global order
U.S. President Donald Trump has been trying to use telephone diplomacy to end the war in Ukraine — but historian Margaret MacMillan says Russia hasn’t made any concessions so far. She talks with Matt Galloway about what Trump’s approach to the war might tell us about the shifting world order, and where Canada fits into it.
Thu, March 20, 2025
As Ontario cuts deal with Starlink, what are rural internet options?
Ontario Premier Doug Ford ripped up the province’s deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service earlier this month, in response to trade war threats from the U.S. But in a country that lacks internet infrastructure, what options will that leave people in remote areas? We hear from a customer who has already made the switch to a new internet service, plus a Canadian business that hopes to compete with Starlink.
Wed, March 19, 2025
Jobs minister says workers losing jobs to tariffs can rely on a ‘safety net’
Matt Galloway asks Minister of Jobs and Families Steven MacKinnon what his government is doing to support the Canadian workers threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Wed, March 19, 2025
Ceasefire in tatters as Israel renews airstrikes on Gaza
Israel killed hundreds of people with airstrikes on Gaza this week, shattering the fragile ceasefire reached with Hamas in January. We look at why the country has renewed its attacks now, and what comes next.
Wed, March 19, 2025
Why did Meta block an ex-employee’s explosive memoir?
Former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams has made explosive allegations against the company in her new memoir Careless People — but she’s been legally barred from promoting the book. The CBC’s Nora Young digs into Wynn-Williams’ allegations, and Meta’s reaction.
Wed, March 19, 2025
Could genetically modified pig organs save human lives?
An Alabama woman received a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig in November, in an experimental surgery that doctors said was her only chance at survival. We discuss the science — and the ethics — of cross-species transplantation.
Tue, March 18, 2025
With tariffs on two fronts, this farmer feels like ‘collateral damage’
With looming tariffs, canola farmer Margaret Rigetti says she feels like she’s “being used as a pawn” in a trade war between Canada and her two biggest customers: China and the U.S. She says the federal government needs to do more to support her industry, instead of treating farmers like “collateral damage” in the push to protect sectors like steel and electric vehicles.
Tue, March 18, 2025
Putting dignity at the centre of long-term care
Kay Carter is 101 and lives in a care home that uses the “butterfly” model of dementia care — a resident-centered approach that emphasizes dignity. As part of our series As We Age , we visit Carter and her daughter Donna Hicks at the care home in Ottawa, to hear about the importance of finding a residence that truly feels like home.
Tue, March 18, 2025
What went wrong at Hudson's Bay?
The liquidation of all Hudson's Bay stores could start as early as Tuesday, bringing about the end of a Canadian icon. We dig into what went wrong, and the company’s complicated history as a trading hub that played a key role in colonization.
Mon, March 17, 2025
What’s the key election issue: Trump’s threats, or cost of living?
What will matter more to Canadians when they go to the polls next: housing, health care and the cost of living — or threats of tariffs and annexation from U.S. President Donald Trump? Matt Galloway explores what the parties, and new prime minister Mark Carney, are prioritizing with Conservative commentator Chad Rogers, NDP commentator Melanie Richer and Liberal commentator Susan Smith.
Mon, March 17, 2025
What ‘attention capitalism’ is doing to our minds — and politics
Journalist Chris Hayes says “attention capitalism” demands we pay heed to everything at once, from social media doomscrolling to the 24-hour global news cycle. In his new book, The Siren’s Call, the MSNBC host explores what that means for our lives and politics — and explains why he thinks Donald Trump’s attention-grabbing antics are “a kind of feral instinct.”
Mon, March 17, 2025
Stranded, this diver lost oxygen for 25 minutes. He survived
Christopher Lemons was working at the bottom of the North Sea when he was suddenly cut off from his support vessel — leaving him rapidly running out of oxygen, almost 100 metres below the surface. He tells Matt Galloway the incredible story of how he survived, which is now the subject of Last Breath, a Hollywood film starring Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu.
Fri, March 14, 2025
Mark Carney becomes PM today. When will he call an election?
Liberal Leader Mark Carney will be sworn in as prime minister later today, with political observers suggesting he could call a federal election as early as next week. Our politics panel unpacks what that campaign might look like — and whether it will come down to who Canadians think is capable of standing up to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Fri, March 14, 2025
A woman’s search for truth about her sister’s murder
Sonya Cywink was found murdered in London, Ont. in 1994, but her killer was never found. The Anishinaabe woman’s sister Meggie has spent decades seeking answers, and growing increasingly frustrated with police. Now, Meggie’s relentless quest for justice has uncovered new details, with the help of The Fifth Estate and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Walker.
Fri, March 14, 2025
The top EU diplomat navigating shifting global alliances
Donald Trump’s return to the White House has strained his country’s alliances with Canada and the EU, while drawing Russia closer. As G7 foreign ministers meet in Quebec, guest host Mark Kelley talks to Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas about navigating this shifting world order.
Thu, March 13, 2025
Five years later, how did the pandemic change our lives?
It’s been five years since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, completely upending life as we knew it. We reconnect with some of the people we spoke to in those early days of lockdown, to ask where they are now and how the pandemic changed their lives.
Thu, March 13, 2025
What will the U.S. push for ‘energy dominance’ mean for Canada?
Donald Trump’s administration wants to create a new era of “energy dominance” in the U.S., by ramping up energy production to bring cheap power to more Americans. What will this mean for Canada's oil and gas sector? CBC business reporter Kyle Bakx went to CERAWeek, the “Super Bowl” of energy conferences, to find out what the industry is thinking.
Thu, March 13, 2025
Why John Green is obsessed with tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is entirely curable and yet also the deadliest infectious disease in the world. That paradox has fascinated John Green, the popular YouTuber and author of The Fault in Our Stars , ever since he met a boy called Henry at a TB hospital in Sierra Leone. Green's new book, Everything is Tuberculosis , tells Henry’s story and asks why this disease still kills more people every year than homicide, war, and malaria combined.
Wed, March 12, 2025
What this U.S. farmer would say to Trump about his trade war
Iowa farmer Joshua Manske says the trade war could be “really, really, really harmful” for him and the other farmers who helped U.S. President Donald Trump win his second term. Matt Galloway talks to Americans about the impact of tariffs and counter-tariffs on their businesses — and what they’d like to say to Trump.
Wed, March 12, 2025
The push to exonerate Russell Woodhouse
Four Indigenous men were convicted of a 1973 Winnipeg murder following forced confessions and a trial later described by a judge as “infected” by racism. Three of those men have since been exonerated — after years behind bars — but Russell Woodhouse died in 2011 before he saw his name cleared. Now, his family are pushing for his posthumous exoneration.
Wed, March 12, 2025
One woman's campaign to bring us together — with grammar
Do you silently judge someone who says “less” when they mean “fewer”? Do you have very strong feelings about the Oxford comma? You may want a word with Ellen Jovin. For years, the author of Rebel with a Clause has been setting up a folding table on the street to talk to people about grammar — which she says can actually bring us together in divisive times.
Wed, March 12, 2025
Aid organizations trying to fill the gap left by USAID cuts
The Trump administration’s dramatic cuts to USAID sparked worldwide alarm among humanitarian workers, leaving other organizations struggling to fill the gap. Matt Galloway talks to Avril Benoit, CEO of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières in the U.S.
Tue, March 11, 2025
What’s your favourite vacation spot in Canada? Add it to our bucket list!
With simmering U.S.-Canada tensions around tariffs, some Canadians are rethinking where they want to spend their travel dollars — and looking to some of the great places this country has to offer. The Current is putting together a travel bucket list and we want your suggestions! Go to cbc.ca/thecurrent to help us celebrate this big, beautiful country.
Tue, March 11, 2025
Could U.S. cuts to science research be an opportunity for Canada?
U.S. President Donald Trump has slashed and frozen funding to the National Institutes of Health, stalling research on ailments from cancer to dementia and possible new drugs to treat them. We look at the impact on research in Canada, and hear why some say this is an opportunity to attract talent to laboratories here.
Tue, March 11, 2025
How to keep seniors safe from dangerous falls at home
Many people want to stay in their own homes as they get older, but things like stairs and slippery bathtubs can lead to falls and injury. As part of our ongoing series on getting older, we look at what kind of improvements and modifications can keep seniors safe — and in their homes longer.
Mon, March 10, 2025
Is Mark Carney the man to stand up for Canada?
Mark Carney won the race to become Liberal Party leader by a landslide, and will likely replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister in the coming days. We talk to partisan strategists and commentators about what lies ahead for both Carney and Canadians, from Trump’s tariffs to an imminent election.
Mon, March 10, 2025
Louise Penny cancels U.S. book tour over Trump’s threats
Best-selling Canadian author Louise Penny has cancelled all upcoming appearances in the U.S., posting online that she doesn't feel she can visit the country amid “the ongoing threat of an unprovoked trade war against Canada by the U.S. president.” She talks to Matt Galloway about her decision.
Mon, March 10, 2025
World’s biggest iceberg runs aground
An iceberg weighing nearly a trillion tonnes, named A23a, appears to have run aground off the shore of an island in the South Atlantic. A scientist warns that it could pose a significant risk to local wildlife — but also presents an opportunity to study these rare, giant slabs of ice.
Mon, March 10, 2025
These teens grew up with social media. Now, they’re ditching it
Today’s teenagers have grown up with smartphones, but some have turned away from these devices’ constant demand for attention. Matt Galloway talks to three 18 year olds who have either unplugged from social media or forgone smartphones completely.
Fri, March 07, 2025
Why music legend Bob Ezrin renounced his U.S. citizenship
The legendary music producer Bob Ezrin has renounced his U.S. citizenship and moved home to Canada, saying he doesn’t recognize America anymore. Matt Galloway talks to Ezrin about his decision; and to Peter Wall, who is organizing an “Elbows Up, Canada” rally to bring Canadians together in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and threats of annexation.
Fri, March 07, 2025
Our aging parents face hard choices. Here’s how to talk about it
Everyone’s getting older, but not everyone wants to think or talk about it. In a new series, The Current looks at aging well and the hard choices facing older adults and their loved ones. We start with a conversation many people have been avoiding: how to talk to our aging parents about getting older.
Fri, March 07, 2025
Nursing still in ‘post-traumatic state’ after pandemic, says front-line worker
It’s been five years since people banged pots and pans to support health-care workers battling the pandemic — but today many nurses say they’re still struggling in an overwhelmed system. Matt Galloway talks to two front-line nurses about the burnout, violence and staff shortages that are driving some out of the profession entirely.
Thu, March 06, 2025
How will tariffs affect your money? We answer your questions
What will U.S. tariffs mean for prices at the grocery store? What if you're about to renegotiate your mortgage? Matt Galloway puts your questions about the trade war to personal finance columnist Rob Carrick and economist Armine Yalnizyan.
Thu, March 06, 2025
Could vertical farming reduce Canada’s need for U.S. produce?
With a big push to buy Canadian, vertical farming could be a way to grow leafy greens in the dead of winter — and reduce our reliance on U.S. produce. We look at how vertical farming works, what it costs, and whether it can actually be scaled up to help feed Canadians.
Thu, March 06, 2025
Trump to host who’s-who of the crypto world at White House
U.S. President Donald Trump launched his own cryptocurrency meme coin, $TRUMP, in January, and this week he’s hosting the White House's first-ever cryptocurrency summit. The CBC’s Nora Young explains why the president's interest in crypto — including plans to create a national reserve of the digital currency — is setting off alarms.
Thu, March 06, 2025
Why 7-11 is a national treasure in Japan. (Yes, that 7-11)
7-11 is a national institution in Japan, offering customers everything from great food to a way to pay bills and send money. But now a takeover bid from a Canadian conglomerate has some worried that these unique Japanese stores and the culture surrounding them could change.
Wed, March 05, 2025
Canada won’t meet U.S. ‘in the middle’ on tariffs: finance minister
Federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc says Ottawa isn’t interested in meeting the U.S. “in the middle” on tariffs — as suggested by one U.S. official — and that Canada just wants the tariffs removed. LeBlanc talks to Matt Galloway about how his government is fighting the trade war started by Donald Trump’s administration, and why he thinks trying to understand the president’s rationale can amount to “negative energy.”
Wed, March 05, 2025
Could the U.S. push Canada out of the Five Eyes spy network?
The White House has denied reports that the U.S. is trying to eject Canada from the Five Eyes, the spy network both countries share with the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. We look at the critical role the U.S. plays in global intelligence, and whether it’s still a reliable partner.
Wed, March 05, 2025
Why are more adults being diagnosed with ADHD?
There’s been an increase in the number of adults diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication to treat it. We talk to two adults about what getting a diagnosis meant to them, and ask a doctor if social media and private clinics might be leading to an overdiagnosis of ADHD.
Tue, March 04, 2025
Trump’s tariffs are here. What happens now?
The trade war between Canada and the United States has begun, with President Donald Trump slapping 25 per cent tariffs on most Canadian goods. We look at what happens now, and how Canadian businesses and politicians are already responding.
Tue, March 04, 2025
How an MS diagnosis made Ardra Shephard look at life differently
Ardra Shephard was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 23, upending how she pictured her future. She’s written about finding a new identity as a disability advocate in her memoir Fallosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS .
Tue, March 04, 2025
Divers are risking their lives to collect algae. Why?
Citizen scientists have been diving into Ontario’s frozen lakes to collect algae growing on the underside of the ice. It’s cold and dangerous work — so why are they doing it?
Tue, March 04, 2025
The first private spacecraft has landed on the moon
The private spacecraft Blue Ghost has landed successfully on the moon, the first private expedition to touch down without crashing or toppling over. We look at what this means for renewed lunar exploration — and the commercial space race.
Mon, March 03, 2025
Has Trump chosen Russia over Europe?
U.S. President Donald Trump and his vice-president J.D. Vance publicly berated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office on Friday in an exchange that shocked the world. We look at how global alliances are shifting under Trump, and what it all means for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion.
Mon, March 03, 2025
Measles is surging. Do you need a booster?
Measles is making a comeback in Canada and the U.S., despite the disease being declared eradicated in both countries more than 20 years ago. We discuss what’s behind this resurgence, and ask who might need a booster.
Mon, March 03, 2025
Oscar win for film about Israel’s destruction of a West Bank community
No Other Land won the Oscar for best documentary feature on Sunday. It tells the story of a Palestinian community displaced by Israel, to make way for a military firing range in the West Bank. Two of its directors, Palestinian Basel Adra and Israeli Yuval Abraham, spoke to Matt Galloway in December about their struggle to tell this story in Israel and beyond.
Fri, February 28, 2025
When kids miss a lot of class, how can teachers help?
Students who miss a lot of class sometimes tell teachers that they’re not showing up because they’re afraid of how far they’ve already fallen behind. Other times, they say their mom signed them out so they can get an Iced Capp. Matt Galloway asks educators what they’re doing to help kids overcome chronic absenteeism — and at what age students have to take responsibility for themselves.
Fri, February 28, 2025
Has the U.S. fallen into ‘competitive authoritarianism’?
Donald Trump has handed broad powers to unelected billionaire Elon Musk, tried to intimidate political opponents and attempted to suppress critical media coverage — all in his first month as president. One academic says this all adds up to “competitive authoritarianism,” a massive abuse of democracy.
Fri, February 28, 2025
Alberta minister defends plans for involuntary drug treatment
Alberta plans to build two involuntary drug addiction treatment centres, for people who won't or can't seek treatment themselves. Matt Galloway asks Alberta's Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Dan Williams why his government believes this is the right approach — and what evidence there is to show that forced treatment helps.
Thu, February 27, 2025
Jumping fox cub wins prestigious photography prize
Wildlife photographer Donna Feledichuk trailed a family of foxes for weeks trying to get the perfect shot. The picture she captured won bronze in the mammal behaviour category at the 2025 World Nature Photography Awards. She tells Galloway about what she’s learned from watching the animals she photographs.
Thu, February 27, 2025
Why this Canadian snowbird is selling up and quitting Florida
Manitoban snowbird Laurie Fischer is selling his condo in Florida, in part because of U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs and annexation against Canada. Matt Galloway talks to Fischer, as well as Florida motel owner Richard Clavet, who thinks that the pushback from Canadians is an overreaction.
Thu, February 27, 2025
Critical minerals: Canada has them, Trump wants them. What happens next?
Critical minerals are essential in making everything from car batteries to cell phones — and Canada has plenty of them in the North. We look at what that might mean for this country’s economy in the increasing global scramble to secure these resources.
Thu, February 27, 2025
What we learn about marriage — once it ends
Montreal writer Haley Mlotek’s mother was a divorce mediator, and her grandmother got divorced twice. But when Mlotek went through her own divorce, it challenged everything she thought she understood about leaving a partner. She writes about the history of divorce — and why some people believe it's still too easy to get — in her new book No Fault, A Memoir of Romance and Divorce.
Wed, February 26, 2025
New Brunswickers suddenly paying hundreds more in power bills
New Brunswicker Peter Cote says he’s scared to death of opening his next power bill. People in the province have been getting shockingly high bills during a very cold winter — in some cases hundreds of dollars more than expected — prompting the provincial government to order an independent audit.
Wed, February 26, 2025
Why sparks didn’t fly at Liberal leadership debates
The four Liberals hoping to replace Justin Trudeau as party leader and prime minister faced off in English and French debates this week. Our politics panel unpacks just how polite the debates stayed between Chrystia Freeland, Mark Carney, Karina Gould, and Frank Baylis — and why whoever wins shouldn’t expect the same from Conservative Leader Pierre Poillievre.
Wed, February 26, 2025
Distracted driving killed her daughter. She wants you to put your phone away
Kailynn Bursic-Panchuk was just 16 when she got distracted by her phone while driving, and ended up in a fatal collision with a train. Her mother Sandra LaRose is warning of the dangers of distracted driving, which police say ranges from people quickly checking their phones to streaming a live soccer game as they’re hurtling down the highway.
Tue, February 25, 2025
As Trump turns to Russia, how should other countries support Ukraine?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged $5 billion in aid for Ukraine, funded by Russian assets seized by Canada. Long-time Kremlin critic Bill Browder discusses what this promise means for Ukraine’s future — and what he makes of U.S. President Donald Trump seeming to side with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tue, February 25, 2025
Newfoundlanders pledge their own money to build rehab centre
Ryan Kirby and Mark Lane have poured about $1.1 million of their own money into setting up a new addiction treatment centre in Newfoundland, even putting their homes up as collateral. They talk to Matt Galloway about how the impact of addiction on their own lives and communities made them want to make a difference.
Tue, February 25, 2025
Why some parents are admitting regrets about having kids
Parenting comes with a lot of emotions: love, joy, anxiety — and even regret. We talk to two parents who are sharing their regrets about what having kids meant for their lives. They say they want prospective parents to have a more complete story about what’s often called the “best job in the world.”
Tue, February 25, 2025
Colleges make deep cuts after drop in international students
Colleges across Canada are slashing programs and staff due to a steep drop in the number of international students coming to Canada. We look at how government funding cuts led colleges to rely on these students as a revenue stream in the first place, and how these program cuts might affect domestic students' education in the long run.
Mon, February 24, 2025
The Current Introduces | Personally: Toy Soldier
As a child, Alex Kurzem faced a choice: be killed or join the killers. In the midst of the Second World War, he was separated from his family and taken in by a group of soldiers as one of their own. He was made a member of Hitler’s army – a toy soldier with his own rifle and miniature SS uniform. But what the soldiers didn’t know and what no one would know for decades: he was a Jewish boy masquerading as a Nazi to save his life. Alex lives with this false identity for so long, he no longer remembers who he was before – forgetting his parents’ faces, his birthday, his own name. But before he dies, Alex is determined to find the identity and family stolen from him during the Holocaust. This is the story Alex would tell the world decades later, but doubts quickly took hold and wouldn’t let go. Could a story so unbelievable be true? Or is this a con to profit from the Holocaust? Eighty years on, is it possible to uncover who Alex really is? Host Dan Goldberg unravels the true story. Get lost in someone else’s life. From a mysterious childhood spent on the run, to a courageous escape from domestic violence, each season of Personally invites you to explore the human experience in all its complexity, one story — or season — at a time. More episodes of Personally: Toy Soldier are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/QAh2Nz
Mon, February 24, 2025
How to remake arts degrees for today's job market
Arts and humanities programs are being cut across Canadian universities and post-secondary institutions, due to low enrollment and financial pressures. Critics have long dismissed these courses as impractical with few job prospects, but some academics argue the programs still have merit and could be redesigned to help students thrive in a world in flux.
Mon, February 24, 2025
Salman Rushdie on the 27 seconds that nearly ended his life
The man who stabbed author Salman Rushdie on a New York stage in 2022 has been convicted of attempted murder and assault. In a conversation from last year, Rushdie tells Matt Galloway about writing to move past the attack and what he intends to do with his “second chance” at life.
Mon, February 24, 2025
Jobs in limbo as Stellantis pauses plans for Ontario plant
Automaker Stellantis has paused plans to build its new electric Jeep Compass in Brampton, Ont. Matt Galloway talks to Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown and president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association Flavio Volpe about what this means for the plant’s thousands of workers, amid the looming threat of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Mon, February 24, 2025
The letter Pope Francis wrote, in case he became incapacitated
Pope Francis remains in critical condition, after his health took a turn for the worse over the weekend. The CBC's Megan Williams joins us from Rome, where the Pope has left a letter that is believed to contain his resignation, should he be medically incapacitated.
Mon, February 24, 2025
The secret to the perfect boiled egg? 32 minutes
Italian scientist Ernesto Di Maio says he’s cracked the perfect way to boil an egg, every time — but it might take a little longer than you think.
Fri, February 21, 2025
P.E.I. Premier Dennis King’s shock resignation
Dennis King resigned as premier of P.E.I. in a bombshell announcement Thursday, saying he felt he “had more runway behind me than I had in front of me.” Kerry Campbell, the CBC’s provincial affairs reporter for P.E.I., digs into what might have driven the decision — and what comes next.
Fri, February 21, 2025
Trump wages war of words against Zelenskyy
U.S. President Donald Trump has falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war with Russia — and called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator.” Guest host Peter Armstrong talks to The Wall Street Journal’s Yaroslav Trofimov about mounting tensions, and fears of wider war in Europe.
Fri, February 21, 2025
Canada beats U.S. as patriotism hits the ice
Canada beat the U.S. in overtime in the 4 Nations Face-Off final on Thursday, against a backdrop of tensions and threats about annexing Canada. Canadian sports columnist Bruce Arthur and American sports writer Greg Wyshynski talk about a game that brought patriotism to the ice.
Fri, February 21, 2025
Inside the family feud over control of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire
Rupert Murdoch’s eldest sons, James and Lachlan, have spent much of their lives in a Succession-style battle to determine who would take over their father’s massive media empire which includes the likes of Fox News, Sky News and the Wall Street Journal. Now James has broken his family's code of silence in a scathing interview with The Atlantic’s McKay Coppins, who walks us through the Murdoch’s warring family tree.
Thu, February 20, 2025
Meet the 12-year-old flag football world champions from Montreal
A kids’ team from Montreal are now world champions in flag football, an increasingly popular sport set for its Olympic debut in 2028. We meet coach Jamil Springer as well as Leah Kozubek and Jordel Springer, two young players brimming with confidence — who now have the diamond-studded championship rings to match.
Thu, February 20, 2025
Why do some Canadian cities still struggle with snow?
Cities like Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa could be digging out for weeks after an enormous snowfall. Toronto city councillor Josh Matlow says his municipality needs a better snow plan than just waiting for spring to do the work — and, we look at whether technology that heats the streets could solve this problem for good.
Thu, February 20, 2025
Diana Matheson on the long road to women's pro soccer in Canada
The first game is fast approaching for the Northern Super League, Canada's first ever women's professional soccer league. Soccer star and league co-founder Diana Matheson tells us about the work to get the six Canadian teams up and running — and how fans can show up to support them.
Thu, February 20, 2025
The North is open for business — but not for sale, say premiers
Leaders in Canada’s North have a message for U.S. President Donald Trump: the North is not for sale. Matt Galloway talks to Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, N.W.T. Premier R.J. Simpson, and Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok about what they need from Ottawa to shore up Arctic sovereignty.
Thu, February 20, 2025
What’s behind the rise of a far-right party in Germany?
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is expected to make big gains in Germany’s election this weekend, in what could be the biggest result for a far-right party in that country since the Nazis. Journalist Richard Walker explains the rise of the AfD, and what's at stake in this election.
Wed, February 19, 2025
U.S. eggs are so expensive it feels like ‘eating gold’
Egg prices are now so high in the U.S. that Ohio diner owner Denise McCarrick says it feels like her customers are eating gold. We look at how avian flu is helping to drive up those prices, plus what it means for business — and for breakfast — when omelettes become a luxury item.
Wed, February 19, 2025
Sugarcane brings residential school horrors to Hollywood
In the Oscar-nominated Canadian documentary Sugarcane, Julian Brave Noisecat investigates the horrific history of the residential school his family attended in B.C. He and his co-director Emily Kassie talk to Matt Galloway about a story a community was reluctant to tell, and their joy at seeing a portrait of Indigenous strength celebrated by Hollywood.
Wed, February 19, 2025
Are Canadian politicians shifting strategy because of Trump?
Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada — and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation — may have shifted the political landscape in this country, with polls suggesting a shrinking lead for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Matt Galloway digs into what that means for a potential federal election with Conservative commentator Kate Harrison, NDP commentator Melanie Richer and Liberal commentator Susan Smith.
Wed, February 19, 2025
Feel uneasy about flying? Here’s what safety experts say
A string of recent plane crashes, including the Delta jet that flipped at Toronto’s Pearson airport, have left many people uneasy about air travel. But an aviation expert tells Matt Galloway that flying is actually safer than ever.
Tue, February 18, 2025
Why students are missing more school
The number of kids missing school has grown since the pandemic, causing alarm bells at school boards across Canada. We look at the complicated web of reasons that students can fall into chronic absenteeism, and what parents and teachers can do to help.
Tue, February 18, 2025
Trump’s halt to USAID means thousands will die: reporter
The Trump administration's abrupt USAID funding freeze has created chaos in global humanitarian work, including efforts to fight diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The New York Times’ global health reporter Stephanie Nolen lays out the immediate and long-term impacts on people whose health depended on that aid.
Tue, February 18, 2025
What a historic land agreement means for Haida Gwaii
The federal government has recognized the Haida Nation's Aboriginal title over the islands of Haida Gwaii. Matt Galloway visited the archipelago off the coast of B.C. last year, and spoke with three generations of a Haida family who have fought to protect their land and culture.
Mon, February 17, 2025
World’s top hockey teams battle it out at 4 Nations
Tensions are high as Canada, the U.S., Finland and Sweden battle for supremacy at the star-studded 4 Nations Face-Off. Arpon Basu, editor-in-chief of the Athletic Montreal, says this best-on-best hockey exceeded his expectations and is a significant moment for Canadian pride. Today, Canada hits the ice with hopes of securing a spot in Thursday's championship game.
Mon, February 17, 2025
Time to push back on smartphone-based childhoods: psychologist Jonathan Haidt
Jonathan Haidt says technology and social media have rewired our children’s brains, and taken a heavy toll on their mental health. In a conversation from December, the social psychologist spoke to Galloway about his blockbuster book The Anxious Generation and the dangers of a childhood spent on screens.
Mon, February 17, 2025
How to beat insomnia with cognitive behavioural therapy
Faye Dickieson from Alberton, P.E.I., spent 35 years trying to conquer her insomnia with sleeping pills, but they never worked. What ended up helping was something she had never heard of — cognitive behavioural therapy. We hear from sleep experts about why it’s considered the best treatment for sleepless nights and how you can access it.
Mon, February 17, 2025
Vance’s remarks cast uncertain cloud over U.S.-European relations
NATO leaders are shocked by U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance's recent beratement of European allies at the pivotal Munich Security Conference. As the U.S. recedes, there are questions about who will fill the void as Russia continues to flex its influence around the world. Matt Galloway talks to Kerry Buck, former Canadian ambassador to NATO, about the potential impact on Ukraine’s long-term security, the alliance’s unity and what Canada should do next.
Fri, February 14, 2025
The story behind Canada’s iconic maple leaf flag
Canada’s flag is celebrating its 60th anniversary — at a time when Canadians are feeling especially patriotic. We dip into the archives to hear how the red-and-white maple leaf design came to be.
Fri, February 14, 2025
Ontario election: Ford’s Washington trip and a ‘poor-taste joke’
Trump has dominated much of the discussion in Ontario’s provincial election, forcing issues like health care and housing to take a backseat. We discuss what’s been happening on the campaign trail, the imminent live debates, and why Premier Doug Ford called this snap election in the first place with our provincial politics panel: the CBC’s Mike Crawley, the Toronto Star’s Robert Benzie and the Globe and Mail's Laura Stone.
Fri, February 14, 2025
Talk to your U.S. friends about Trump’s tariffs, says ex-PM Joe Clark
Former Prime Minister Joe Clark is writing to his friends in the U.S., reminding them of their country’s long friendship with Canada. He’s urging other proud Canadians to rally around the flag and reach out to their American connections, because he says not everyone there supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats about tariffs or making Canada the 51st state.
Fri, February 14, 2025
Are saunas really good for your health?
A sauna feels nice on a cold winter’s day — but what do we know for sure about the benefits? Matt Galloway talks to filmmaker Anna Hints about sauna culture and asks Dr. Peter Attia what sweating it out does for our health and longevity.
Thu, February 13, 2025
What’s life like for young adults stuck living with mom and dad?
The high cost of housing (and life in general) is forcing many young people to move back in with their parents, if they ever moved out in the first place. Maclean's journalist Claire Gagne looks at what that means for both the young adults stuck in their childhood bedrooms, and their parents’ hopes and dreams for retirement — and perhaps an empty nest.
Thu, February 13, 2025
Will Ukraine be sidelined in peace negotiations with Russia?
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that it’s “unrealistic” that Ukraine will regain key land taken by Russia or join NATO as part of any peace settlement. We hear how Ukrainians are reacting to that news, and whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be sidelined after U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge that peace negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin will start “immediately.”
Thu, February 13, 2025
A call to boost Canada's productivity — and prosperity
Some tech and business leaders are calling for radical change in Canada's economy to protect against Trump’s tariffs and other future threats. Matt Galloway talks to entrepreneur and former Shopify executive Daniel Debow, who is part of a new group called Build Canada; and Benjamin Bergen, president of the Council of Canadian Innovators.
Thu, February 13, 2025
Why Trump has South Africa in his sights
U.S. President Donald Trump seems preoccupied with South Africa. He’s offered asylum to white farmers who say they’re facing racial discrimination there, is skipping the G20 in Johannesburg and has restricted all aid to the country. The Globe and Mail's Africa Correspondent Geoffrey York explains why Trump has South Africa in his sights — and how much it has to do with Elon Musk.
Wed, February 12, 2025
Why some cities are hiring doctors — and taking on the paperwork
Some Canadian cities are hiring family doctors as municipal employees, taking over the paperwork so the physicians can focus on their patients. Could this novel model help to ease the family doctor shortage across Canada?
Wed, February 12, 2025
Turns out whale song and baby talk have something in common
Parents may pleasantly puzzle over the “goos” and “gahs” that their babies make, but now researchers say that baby talk shares patterns with the songs of humpback whales. What can that teach us about how children learn to talk, and how language evolves more broadly?
Wed, February 12, 2025
Is recycling actually good for the environment?
A new state-of-the-art recycling centre in Montreal aims to make the process easier, and hopefully greener. We look at how effective recycling actually is — and whether it inadvertently leads consumers to create more waste.
Wed, February 12, 2025
Born without an ear, she grew up feeling like a puzzle to be solved
Kate Gies was born missing an ear, and underwent more than a dozen surgeries by the time she was 13. In her new memoir, It Must be Beautiful to be Finished, she writes about growing up feeling that her body was always something that needed to be fixed — and why she finally said enough was enough.
Tue, February 11, 2025
Steel, aluminum tariffs will ‘make America more expensive’ again
Tariffs on steel and aluminum will impact steelworkers in Sault Ste. Marie, but the city’s Mayor Matthew Shoemaker says they’re also a surefire way of “making America more expensive again.” Matt Galloway talks to Shoemaker and international trade lawyer John Veroneau about what U.S. President Donald Trump is trying to achieve, and what happened when he imposed similar tariffs in 2018.
Tue, February 11, 2025
Concern as Google ends ban on AI weapons
Google’s parent company Alphabet has reversed a longstanding promise against using AI to develop weapons and surveillance tools. As world leaders gather in Paris to talk about responsible AI development, we look at what role Canada can play in regulating this rapidly advancing technology.
Tue, February 11, 2025
From politics to logistics, what will it take to rebuild Gaza?
Israel’s bombardment has left much of Gaza in rubble, and now President Donald Trump is proposing the U.S. should take over the enclave — with no right of return for Palestinians. We discuss what it will take to rebuild Gaza, from fraught politics to the sheer logistics of contending with so much destruction.
Mon, February 10, 2025
Want to age well? A prescription for exercise might help
Doctors should prescribe exercise to elderly patients more often in order to stave off chronic conditions and mortality, according to a recent study. We hear from a 93-year-old, her trainer and the study’s author about why age and frailty are a reason to keep moving, rather than avoid exercise.
Mon, February 10, 2025
How do we make interprovincial trade easier?
Interprovincial trade barriers on products from beer to toilet seats are getting a rethink in the wake of Trump’s tariff threats. But what would it really take to have Quebec-made products on Ontario store shelves? We hear about a meat producer barred from selling products in part of his own town due to interprovincial regulations, and why past attempts to bring down this bureaucracy have been unsuccessful.
Mon, February 10, 2025
The New Yorker magazine turns 100
The New Yorker magazine is 100 years old this week — no small feat in a struggling news industry. The magazine’s editor, David Remnick, tells Matt Galloway about the role of longform journalism in an increasingly fast-paced world, and how his publication is covering Trump 2.0.
Fri, February 07, 2025
Elon Musk’s government cuts face growing resistance
There's a growing backlash against Elon Musk’s sweeping cuts to U.S. government agencies, from dismissing civil servants to threats to shut down the Department of Education. We look at how the unelected billionaire’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been empowered by President Donald Trump — and why some critics are calling his actions a constitutional crisis.
Fri, February 07, 2025
Why steroids might not give you that ‘superhero’ body you see online
Bodybuilder Greg Doucette says he regrets taking anabolic steroids for a decade, but at the time he felt his goals weren’t achievable without them. He talks to Matt Galloway about the growing pressure young men feel to use drugs to achieve the physiques they see on social media, and what habitual steroid abuse does to your body.
Fri, February 07, 2025
Library budget cuts highlight divisions in an Alberta town
A small town in Alberta is split over budget cuts to a public library, with some residents saying those cuts are motivated by opposition to a Gay-Straight Alliance that holds meetings there. The Fifth Estate went to Valleyview, Alta., to investigate.
Thu, February 06, 2025
Windsor’s workers in the firing line of Trump’s tariffs
Thousands of Windsor’s autoworkers have been rattled by U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that America doesn't need Canadian cars. Matt Galloway spent a morning at the Backroad Cafe in Windsor — across the street from the Stellantis auto plant — to talk to workers worried about the threat that Trump’s tariffs pose to their livelihoods in the auto industry, as well as the region’s substantial agricultural sector.
Thu, February 06, 2025
Windsor and Detroit are old friends. Could tariffs change that?
Donald Trump’s threats have left many Canadians angry at the U.S., but things are more complicated in Windsor, a city full of people deeply connected to their neighbours across the river in Detroit. Matt Galloway went there to talk to folks on both sides of the border about their shared history and community — and the future of that friendship.
Thu, February 06, 2025
She found beautiful art in a bargain bin. How’d it get there?
When Sonja Krawesky found a pair of bright and beautiful sculptures in a bargain bin at a Hamilton, Ont. store, she knew there had to be a story behind them. Her quest to find out where they came from led to a new friend — and a lesson about the kindness of strangers.
Wed, February 05, 2025
Liberals were out of touch after pandemic: Karina Gould
Liberal leadership candidate Karina Gould says her government was out of touch with Canadians who were struggling in the aftermath of the pandemic. She talks to Matt Galloway about what responsibility she bears as a cabinet minister at that time, and how she'd rebuild trust if she becomes party leader.
Wed, February 05, 2025
Trump’s threats are a big boost for patriotism in Canada
The threat of tariffs and Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming "the 51st state” have sparked a surge of unity and patriotism in this country. Author Andrew Potter and entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson discuss what it means to be Canadian in this moment of uncertainty.
Wed, February 05, 2025
An asteroid may hit in 2032. How can astronomers stop it?
An asteroid the size of a football field is hurtling towards our planet, with a roughly 1.6 per cent chance of impact in 2032. Those may seem like good odds, but it’s prompted astronomers to issue the first ever Potential Asteroid Impact Notification. We look at what’s being done to avert catastrophe — and what researchers are learning from a different asteroid, which might contain clues about how life developed here on Earth.
Wed, February 05, 2025
The hippie trail trip that changed Rick Steves’ life
Rick Steves had his first puff of a joint in Afghanistan while he was travelling the Hippie Trail in 1978, the overland route from Istanbul to Kathmandu. The travel writer and entrepreneur talks to Matt Galloway about how that trip made him think about the world differently — and why he says others should seek out mind-expanding travel, too.
Tue, February 04, 2025
Trying to ‘Buy Canadian’? Here’s what to check at the store
“Buy Canadian!” became a rallying cry under the threat of Trump’s punishing tariffs, but how easy is it to find Canadian products on supermarket shelves? And what’s the difference between something labelled “Made in Canada” versus “Product of Canada”? Matt Galloway takes a trip to the grocery store to see what people are putting in their baskets, even with the tariffs on hold.
Tue, February 04, 2025
How a camera opened Eldred Allen’s eyes to Labrador’s beauty
Picking up a camera taught Eldred Allen to look at his home in Labrador differently, from its dramatic coastlines to the shimmering northern lights. The self-taught Inuk photographer shares some portraits of his home, with a warning that its beauty is under threat from climate change.
Tue, February 04, 2025
Balancing cancer care with quality of life
Cancer treatments are designed to extend a person’s life, but can be so debilitating that some patients can’t truly enjoy the time they gain. A new study published in Lancet Oncology is calling for treatments that take quality of life into account, balancing living longer with feeling better.
Mon, February 03, 2025
Canada will prevail against Trump tariffs: finance minister
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he’s convinced Canada will prevail against Trump’s sweeping tariffs, but admits things could get rough in the meantime. He explains what the federal government is doing to win this fight and support Canadians, an effort that global trade expert Carlo Dade calls a “really difficult balancing act.”
Mon, February 03, 2025
Is Team Canada truly united against Trump’s tariffs?
Are Canada’s political and business leaders united in the face of U.S. tariffs? The Globe and Mail's Stephanie Levitz and the Toronto Star’s Ryan Tumilty take a good look at Team Canada.
Mon, February 03, 2025
Listeners share stories of quitting alcohol
Listeners had a big response to our conversations on alcohol and grey-area drinking , and helping a loved one drink less . We read some of your letters, and call up a listener who says it’s been scary to take those first steps into sobriety.
Mon, February 03, 2025
With online divorce, Estonia goes fully digital
Estonia has digitized all government services, from voting to paying taxes and even getting divorced. We look at what it would take to bring that online efficiency to Canada.
Mon, February 03, 2025
Tariffs like a ‘circular firing squad,’ says Windsor mayor
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens explains how closely his city is linked to Detroit, its U.S. neighbour across the river — and why he thinks nobody wins in a trade war between the two countries.
Sat, February 01, 2025
Following today's news? We recommend World Report
As you know, important news can happen on the weekend when we at The Current are not around. For breaking updates on big stories, like the one today, we’d like to point you over to our colleagues at World Report. They’ll catch you up on the day’s news in just 10 minutes. Consider following them as a staple in your podcast diet. https://link.mgln.ai/BBMiEp
Fri, January 31, 2025
Donald Trump wants our water. Can Canada protect it?
U.S. President Donald Trump wants to tap into Canada’s water, saying there’s a “very large faucet” that can be turned on to drain water from north to south and help with American shortages. We look at the question of water sovereignty — and whether Canada is ready to protect its resources.
Fri, January 31, 2025
People hate speed cameras. Do they actually make roads safer?
Vandals are targeting speed cameras across Canada — cutting them down, throwing them in duck ponds, or even shooting at them. As Alberta now moves to scrap the cameras on many highways, we look at the fight over photo radar and whether it actually makes streets safer.
Fri, January 31, 2025
This woman is grieving her dad through his 10,000 records
Jula inherited 10,000 vinyl records from her dad when he died. Now, she’s listening through them to make sense of her grief — and sharing that connection to her father with millions of people on her social media account @soundwavesoffwax.
Thu, January 30, 2025
This U.S. economist is pushing for tariffs on Canada
Economist Oren Cass has been pushing for a new economic strategy in Washington, and supports the sweeping tariffs that could be imposed on Canada this weekend. He says those tariffs will hurt in the short term, but thinks they’re ultimately necessary to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. — and rebuild the U.S. trade relationship with the rest of the world.
Thu, January 30, 2025
What the science says about fluoride in drinking water
Montreal is removing fluoride from drinking water, while Calgary is putting it back after a pause of more than a decade. We look at what the science says — and the direct influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who got into heated exchanges at his confirmation hearing to become U.S. health secretary on Wednesday.
Thu, January 30, 2025
The ‘people’s bid’ to buy TikTok — and rewild the internet
American billionaire Frank McCourt wants to buy TikTok in the U.S., with a plan that would rewire the app’s addictive qualities and give users more control over their experience and data. We look at the bid — and the case for building a new and improved internet.
Wed, January 29, 2025
Trump deportation threats open up old wounds in Mississippi
Hundreds of undocumented migrants were arrested in ICE workplace raids in Mississippi in 2019, resulting in deportations that split families apart. In his documentary Practically Mexico Now, the CBC’s John Chipman went there to meet people still living with the fallout, amid fresh fears over U.S. President Donald Trump's threat of mass deportations.
Wed, January 29, 2025
The CBC is facing an ‘existential threat,’ says new CEO
Marie-Philippe Bouchard has taken over as CBC/Radio-Canada’s new president and CEO at a time when Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and others are calling for the public broadcaster to be defunded. She talks to Matt Galloway about proving to Canadians that the CBC is a vital part of their communities, and making sure she’s not the president who turns the lights out as she leaves.
Wed, January 29, 2025
Why did AI chatbot DeepSeek stun the tech world?
DeepSeek, an AI chatbot from China, rattled the stock market this week when its sudden rise caught the tech industry off guard. Tech reporter Rashi Shrivastava explains what makes it different — and why she’s been hesitant to test it out herself.
Wed, January 29, 2025
What Canada needs to do about foreign interference
Justice Marie-Josée Hogue found no evidence of traitors in parliament, but her final report on foreign interference highlights several other threats to Canada’s democracy. We unpack the vulnerabilities she's identified, from disinformation on social media to party leaders who have so far refused to get security clearance.
Tue, January 28, 2025
Indigenous leader Bill Wilson’s legacy, told by his daughters
Hereditary chief Bill Wilson, who helped to reshape Indigenous rights in Canada, has died. Matt Galloway discusses his legacy with his daughters, Kory Wilson, chair of the B.C. First Nations Justice Council; and Jody Wilson-Raybould, the former federal minister of justice.
Tue, January 28, 2025
How magic sparked Joe Schwarcz’s passion for science
Joe Schwarcz has made it his life's work to debunk misinformation and snake oil salespeople in the scientific world. Now, the director of the McGill Office for Science and Society has been named to the Order of Canada.
Tue, January 28, 2025
Stretched Alberta doctors told to drop healthy patients
Doctors struggling to care for all of their patients in Alberta have been advised to drop the healthy ones, to make sure they have time for those with the greatest health needs. The new guidelines are drafted with safety in mind, but critics and frustrated patients say it’s a sad indicator of how stretched the country’s health care system has become.
Tue, January 28, 2025
Will The Substance change how we talk about women and aging?
In the Oscar-nominated movie The Substance, Demi Moore plays an aging star who takes a black market drug to unlock a younger version of self. We look at why the movie has struck a chord in a society that still sees age, particularly for women, as a liability.
Mon, January 27, 2025
The Current Introduces | Uncover: Sea of Lies
A body is pulled from the ocean, and a race against time to capture one of the world's most wanted criminals begins. Uncover: Sea of LIes is the story of a con man who couldn't stop lying. A tale of murder, stolen identities, fine art, a diaper bag stuffed with gold bars, and a crime solved by a Rolex watch. From rural Canada to coastal England, he lied and deceived at every turn. Award-winning podcaster Sam Mullins (Chameleon: Dr. Dante & Wild Boys) takes you inside the world of a devious scammer whose trail of destruction crosses continents and decades. So who is he? And how did this ruthless villain finally get unmasked? More episodes of Uncover: Sea of Lies are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/TMLscJ
Mon, January 27, 2025
How Canadian businesses are bracing for Trump tariffs
Donald Trump says the U.S. doesn’t need Canadian exports — is he right? We look at how interconnected the two economies are, and what businesses on this side of the border are doing to prepare for the U.S. president’s threat of 25 per cent tariffs.
Mon, January 27, 2025
Chrystia Freeland’s pitch to replace Trudeau
Chrystia Freeland says she’s not the preferred candidate of the “Ottawa elites” in the race to replace Justin Trudeau — and argues that shows she represents the change that Canadians want. She talks to Matt Galloway about returning the Liberal Party to grassroots control, and her plan to tackle Trump’s tariff threats.
Mon, January 27, 2025
Why GoFundMe campaigns often aren’t fair
Crowdfunding campaigns have raised big money for the survivors of the L.A. fires and other disasters — but not everyone gets equal support. We look at why some campaigns raise more money than their organizers know what to do with, while others struggle for attention.
Mon, January 27, 2025
Keith Pears thrilled to cook for Canada at culinary Olympics
Chef Keith Pears is leading Team Canada at the Bocuse d'Or, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary competitions. He says he can’t wait to get in the kitchen and “just cook his heart out.”
Fri, January 24, 2025
The fight over rebuilding Jasper after devastating wildfires
Hundreds of families who lost their homes in Jasper’s wildfires are still waiting for temporary housing six months later, while various levels of government fight about how and where to rebuild. What needs to change in how we respond to increasingly frequent and devastating wildfires?
Fri, January 24, 2025
Why is a trip to the vet so expensive in Canada?
Some pet owners are abandoning their animals because they can’t keep up with the high cost of veterinary care and medications. A CBC/Radio-Canada investigation looked into why vet bills are so expensive in Canada, and found big corporations buying up independent clinics — and a lack of competition due to limits on who can buy and sell pet medications.
Fri, January 24, 2025
Trump is pushing for big changes. Can he deliver them?
Donald Trump signed executive orders on everything from immigration, to trade, to trans rights in his first week back in the Oval Office. We ask two political reporters to unpack the big changes for the U.S. — and the wider world — and whether Trump can really bring them about.
Thu, January 23, 2025
Gazans return home to search rubble for loved ones
Palestinian Akram Said says Gazans are slowly returning to their homes, to search the rubble for loved ones killed by Israel’s airstrikes. Said shares why he stayed in Gaza for the last 15 months, and what the ceasefire means for humanitarian aid reaching those who need it most.
Thu, January 23, 2025
Where’s the best place to vacation in Canada?
Would you rather visit the expansive beauty of Canada’s Arctic, or watch humpbacks breach as you ramble along Newfoundland’s coast? Perhaps you’d be surprised by the Prairies, or get lost in rainforests of Haida Gwaii, the “Galápagos of the North”? Robin Esrock, author of The Great Canadian Bucket List, shares his top picks for holidays closer to home.
Thu, January 23, 2025
Migrants living in fear of Trump’s mass deportation threat
Undocumented migrants in the U.S. are bracing for mass deportations threatened by President Donald Trump. Matt Galloway talks to a young man terrified his family will be scooped up by immigration officials, and a Trump supporter who says the deportations are necessary.
Thu, January 23, 2025
More young men are getting vasectomies. Why?
Ian Clements got himself an unusual 30th birthday present: a vasectomy. He’s among a growing number of young men going under the knife because they don’t want kids, pointing to reasons including the economy or the threat of climate change.
Wed, January 22, 2025
How a bowl of borscht helped a writer confront the Holocaust
Bonny Reichert grew up hearing her father’s stories of the Holocaust, and finding comfort in sharing traditional recipes with him. The Canadian journalist-turned-chef shares her dad’s story, and the trauma she herself carries, in the new memoir How To Share An Egg.
Wed, January 22, 2025
Houston halved homelessness. Will that plan work in Winnipeg?
Winnipeg has a bold new plan to move people out of encampments and into housing, modelled on a strategy that reduced homelessness by 60 per cent in Houston, Texas. But one critic warns the plan involves moving people out of public housing to make space in a tight rental market — and could put a cohort of lower-income people at risk.
Wed, January 22, 2025
Meet the Syrian women demanding a role in the country’s future
After 13 years in exile, Alma Salem kissed the ground when she finally returned to Syria, after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Matt Galloway talks to the political activist and two other Syrian women — human rights advocates Azza Kondakji and Noura Aljizawi — about their hopes for rebuilding their country, and why they say the role of women in that future is non-negotiable.
Tue, January 21, 2025
The Current Introduces | The Con: Kaitlyn’s Baby
Kaitlyn Braun, a pregnant young woman in crisis, takes dozens of birth workers through an escalating series of disasters – rape, baby loss, and even a coma. One by one, the doulas struggle to support her and grieve with her, and even save her life as they’re led down a distressing path. And then the truth comes out. In this six-part true crime series, Sarah Treleaven untangles a complex web of lies and deception to ask who Kaitlyn really is and why she did the things that she did. Cases like these puzzle legal experts and raise intricate moral and ethical questions. This is not your average con. Kaitlyn is not your usual scammer. Kaitlyn's Baby is Season 2 of The Con — a podcast exposing the art of deception — from CBC and the BBC World Service. Season 1 - the critically acclaimed catfishing quest, Love, Janessa, launched in January 2023. Content warning: The latest season of The Con contains references to medical emergencies, including baby loss. We also deal with sexual assault and there is some strong language. More episodes are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/VPyaaH
Tue, January 21, 2025
Scott Oake lost his son to drugs. He wants to help other families
The broadcaster Scott Oake lost his son Bruce to a drug overdose more than 10 years ago, and has worked tirelessly since to help other families avoid that same heartbreak. He talks to Matt Galloway about opening a recovery centre named after Bruce, and his new book For the Love of a Son .
Tue, January 21, 2025
The fraudster who faked multiple pregnancies
Kaitlyn Braun convinced dozens of birth doulas that she was pregnant, claiming she was suffering through an escalating series of disasters: rape, baby loss, and even a coma. Sarah Treleaven tells Galloway about the complex web of lies she untangles in the new CBC podcast The Con: Kaitlyn's Baby .
Tue, January 21, 2025
Unravelling the mystery of monarch butterfly migration
It’s been 50 years since two Canadian scientists solved a great mystery: where do monarch butterflies go during winter? But while they unlocked how these tiny creatures fly thousands of kilometres every year, there’s still parts of this natural wonder that we don’t understand.
Mon, January 20, 2025
Baker Daniel Leader on the pleasure of sourdough
The baker Daniel Leader is a pioneer of artisanal breadmaking, but he says his early loaves were more like paperweights. In a conversation from last month, Leader shares what he learned about his craft along the way, and why baking bread can feel like meditation.
Mon, January 20, 2025
Trump's second inauguration draws celebration — and protest
Matt Galloway talks to people who have travelled to Washington for Donald Trump’s inauguration, in celebration — or in protest — of his second term as president.
Mon, January 20, 2025
‘Shock and awe’ expected on Trump’s first day in office
Donald Trump is set to sign as many as 100 executive orders on his first day in office. We discuss the potential fallout if he enacts campaign pledges on mass deportations and tariffs that could devastate Canada’s economy.
Fri, January 17, 2025
Understanding obesity, beyond BMI
Doctors are proposing a new definition of obesity that goes beyond measuring BMI. We talk to Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam about how the new diagnosis, and drugs like Ozempic, could change the conversation around body size and health.
Fri, January 17, 2025
The Instagram account sharing quirky Canadiana
New Brunswicker John Batt is the brains behind popular Instagram account @Canada.gov.ca, sharing some wild stories of Canadiana. He shares some of those stories with us, from the band that got Neil Young signed to Motown to a strangely controversial, very delicious pickle known across the Maritimes.
Fri, January 17, 2025
TikTok U.S. ban expected this weekend
Tik Tok could be banned in the U.S. this weekend, sparking panic among influencers who make their living from the social media app. Journalist Emily Baker White explains why it’s drawn the ire of U.S. lawmakers.
Fri, January 17, 2025
The ‘Hunger Games’ of finding a family doctor
Jacqueline Simoes lined up for hours in the snow for the chance of registering with a new family doctor coming to Walkerton, Ont. earlier this week. But so did more than a thousand others.
Thu, January 16, 2025
The KGB techniques that helped Putin rise to power
Russian President Vladimir Putin once won over George W. Bush by appealing to his Christianity, and tried to intimidate Angela Merkel with her fear of dogs. The CBC’s Terence McKenna explores how KGB techniques helped his rise to power in the new documentary Putin's Journey .
Thu, January 16, 2025
Smith splits from other premiers on Trump’s tariffs
The prime minister and premiers said Wednesday that they will do all they can to stop Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs, with only Alberta Premier Danielle Smith refusing to sign the joint statement. We discuss whether a unified Canadian response to the crisis is possible with our national affairs panel: the CBC’s Kathleen Petty, the Toronto Star’s Ryan Tumilty; and The Globe and Mail's Stephanie Levitz.
Thu, January 16, 2025
Will the Israel-Hamas ceasefire hold?
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is expected to go into effect Sunday, with the phased release of hostages and an end to 15 months of Israel’s bombardment in Gaza. Matt Galloway discusses what it will take to sustain the ceasefire with Israeli journalist Amir Tibon and Palestinian-Canadian lawyer Diana Buttu.
Thu, January 16, 2025
Dozens of bodies pulled from mine after months-long standoff
Hundreds of miners have been trapped in a South African goldmine for months, after entering to excavate illegally. But while police say they refused to surface over fears of arrest, the workers’ families say they were simply too weak to leave after authorities cut off food and water. Journalist Carien Du Plessis explains how this stand-off came about, and why a rescue operation ended abruptly this week with dozens of bodies being pulled from the mine.
Wed, January 15, 2025
Will more drones soon be whizzing past your window?
New regulations around drones will soon make it easier for Canadian pilots to take to the skies. We look at how the devices are already used for things like moving organs for transplant between hospitals — and the implications for privacy if more and more flying cameras are buzzing past your yard or balcony.
Wed, January 15, 2025
Why big banks are backing out of climate initiatives
A growing number of banks and asset managers are pulling out of climate initiatives, designed to gear investment practices towards net-zero goals. What’s driving the exodus, and what will it mean for efforts to curb climate change?
Wed, January 15, 2025
This woman woke up blind after drinks tainted with methanol
Ashley King woke up blind just a few days after her drinks were tainted with methanol during a night out on vacation in Bali. She’s sharing her story, and warning others of the fatal consequences of methanol poisoning, in a new podcast called Static: A Party Girl's Memoir.
Tue, January 14, 2025
The Current Introduces: On Drugs
On Drugs looks through the lenses of history, pop culture and personal experience to understand how drugs have shaped our world. Because even if it’s just caffeine or ibuprofen, there’s a good chance you’re on drugs right now. More episodes of On Drugs are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/e4ovfN
Tue, January 14, 2025
As L.A. wildfires rage, so do conspiracy theories
Wildfires are still raging in California, but officials are also fighting the rapid spread of misinformation and even conspiracy theories. We hear how efforts are being hampered by these false claims, including one Hollywood actor’s allegation that the fires are intended to clear people out of the state.
Tue, January 14, 2025
How noticing nature can improve your mood
When was the last time you stopped to notice the animal tracks in the snow, or listened for the chirp of a bird in the stillness of winter? Edmonton researcher Holli-Anne Passmore wants people to stop and notice nature, saying that the emotions evoked can improve our sense of well-being.
Tue, January 14, 2025
Order of Canada: Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter
Pinchas Gutter has been named to the Order of Canada for decades of work in Holocaust education. The concentration camp survivor is in his 90s, and says his work is far from over.
Tue, January 14, 2025
Why marine life is making a comeback
From humpback whales to bottlenose dolphins, there’s been an uptick in sightings of marine life around the world. Biologists and marine ecologists say it's part of a resurgence of life in the oceans, the result of decades of global conservation efforts.
Mon, January 13, 2025
Pornhub blocks access over new age verification laws
Pornhub has blocked access to its own site in several U.S. states, where new laws require pornography sites to verify the age of their users. We look at whether age verification is an effective way to protect children, and why critics argue those laws infringe on free speech.
Mon, January 13, 2025
Born to climb: Mountaineers named to Order of Canada
Barry Blanchard and Chic Scott are two world-renowned mountaineers who have just been appointed to the Order of Canada. They tell us about feeling like they were put on this earth to climb, and surviving a death-defying ascent with an avalanche that continued for 27 minutes.
Mon, January 13, 2025
Migrant caregiver ‘in limbo’ after years working in Canada
Teresa Andrade says she’s living in limbo after the federal government cancelled immigration programs that helped caregivers secure permanent residency in Canada. Andrade came from the Philippines in 2019 to work as a live-in nanny, but says she and many other caregivers may now need to leave Canada — or take the risk of staying here illegally.
Fri, January 10, 2025
Prorogation angers father who lost son to online sextortion
Carl Burke’s teenage son Harry died by suicide shortly after he fell victim to sexual extortion online. But proposed legislation aimed at addressing dangers on social media — the Online Harms Act — may now not become law because parliament has been prorogued until March. Burke tells Matt Galloway that playing politics shouldn’t get in the way of protecting children. For Linda Debassige, grand council chief of the Anishinabek Nation, it’s an embarrassment for Canada that a bill to ensure clean drinking water for First Nations may also not pass.
Fri, January 10, 2025
How a suitcase in Tokyo held the story of a girl killed in Auschwitz
Former CBC Radio producer Karen Levine has been named to the Order of Canada for her groundbreaking journalism. We listen to her 2001 documentary Hana's Suitcase. It tells the story of a girl murdered in Auschwitz in 1944, and how her suitcase turned up in Tokyo 57 years later.
Fri, January 10, 2025
‘Grey-area’ drinking, and asking hard questions about alcohol
In the new season of CBC podcast On Drugs , Geoff Turner examines his own relationship with alcohol, and how a deeply personal tragedy led him to ask who he would be without it.
Thu, January 09, 2025
Aura Kagan on her work helping people with aphasia
Dr. Aura Kagan has been named to the Order of Canada for her work transforming the lives of people with aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate.
Thu, January 09, 2025
Tim Caulfield on finding truth amid the information chaos
How do you figure out what's true, in a time when misinformation is rampant? Timothy Caulfield looks at how our information systems became so chaotic in his new book The Certainty Illusion: What You Don't Know and Why It Matters .
Thu, January 09, 2025
How should Canada respond to Trump’s takeover threats?
Donald Trump is sounding increasingly serious about making Canada a part of the U.S., saying he’d use “economic force” to make this country the 51st state. Matt Galloway talks to former ambassador Jon Allen about how seriously we should take these threats, and how Ottawa should respond.
Thu, January 09, 2025
He was fleeing the L.A. wildfires. Here’s why he turned back
Orly Israel was stuck in traffic trying to escape the wildfires ripping through Los Angeles, when he decided to turn around. He tells us what it was like trying to save his home from the roaring flames — staying until the last possible second.
Wed, January 08, 2025
Why is Elon Musk meddling in world politics?
Elon Musk recently pushed the false claim that the U.K.’s prime minister is "deeply complicit in mass rapes," and suggested the country needed to be liberated by the U.S. That’s just one example of how the tech billionaire is using his position and influence to meddle in international politics — what’s his endgame?
Wed, January 08, 2025
The stories of undocumented migrants in Canada
There could be as many as half a million undocumented migrants in Canada, living and working in the shadows of society. Some of those migrants have shared their stories with the CBC’s Lyndsay Duncombe, from the challenges of daily life to their fight for legal status.
Wed, January 08, 2025
Lorin MacDonald, Colin Clarke named to Order of Canada
Matt Galloway speaks with two incredible Canadians recently appointed to the Order of Canada. Lorin MacDonald has championed disability access and inclusion; and Colin Clarke is an educator who has shared his passion for music with young people.
Tue, January 07, 2025
Trudeau’s stubbornness helped his rise — and his fall, says former adviser
Justin Trudeau’s stubbornness and self-confidence helped his rise to power, but have served him “incredibly poorly on the way down,” says Gerald Butts, who was once one of the prime minister’s closest advisers. Matt Galloway discusses Trudeau’s resignation and legacy with Butts and Monte Solberg, a former Conservative cabinet minister under Stephen Harper.
Tue, January 07, 2025
A rogue wave nearly killed him. Here’s why they’re so deadly
Noah Mintz was only in knee-deep water when he was almost paralyzed by a rogue wave, rising suddenly out of the ocean at twice the size of the waves around it. We learn more about these deadly walls of water in the documentary The Wave.
Tue, January 07, 2025
Did South Korea’s president fall down a ‘YouTube rabbit hole’?
Protestors in South Korea are demanding the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law and is now accused of committing insurrection — with some observers pointing the finger of blame at what he was watching on YouTube.
Tue, January 07, 2025
Trump threatens to retake Panama Canal
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is threatening to retake control of the Panama Canal, but Panama's president says it's not for sale. Dennis M. Hogan has studied this critical artery of global trade for years, he explains how it’s yet again become a centre of geopolitical tension.
Mon, January 06, 2025
Justin Trudeau will resign. What happens next?
Justin Trudeau says he will resign as prime minister after the Liberal Party picks a new leader. Matt Galloway discusses what happens next — and when Canadians can expect an election — with former Conservative strategist Chad Rogers, Liberal strategist Susan Smith and Brad Lavigne, a former national director of the NDP.
Mon, January 06, 2025
How to help a loved one drink less
Maureen Palmer’s partner Mike Pond has been an alcoholic for decades, but the couple say trying to quit completely never worked — and that focusing on abstinence could be doing more harm than good for some people who struggle with alcohol addiction. In their new book, You Don’t Have to Quit , they offer 20 strategies to help a loved one drink less, informed by Pond’s experience of being mostly sober.
Mon, January 06, 2025
Extraordinary Canadians named to Order of Canada
We get to know a few of the extraordinary people just named to the Order of Canada: hate crime expert Barbara Perry, food insecurity expert Valerie Tarasuk and artist Ruth Abernethy.
Fri, January 03, 2025
Finding stories of progress in times of crisis
The news these days can feel relentlessly grim, but there are stories of progress and positivity buried in the bad. Angus Hervey, editor of a website called Fix The News , shares some of those stories and explains why the audience also has a role in helping the media to highlight them.
Fri, January 03, 2025
Why the fight for women’s rights is still far from over
Journalist Elizabeth Renzetti says the fight for women's rights is far from over, from persistent wage inequality to a global backlash over reproductive rights. In October, she spoke to Rebecca Zandbergen about her book What She Said: Conversations About Equality.
Fri, January 03, 2025
This B.C. mom hired a PI to follow her teen's drug dealer
Julie Nystrom was so worried that her teenage daughter would die from a drug overdose, she hired a private investigator to track down the man selling her drugs. In The Current’s documentary Everybody Loves Jay, which first aired last month, she said she wants police to do more to protect teens against dealers and the toxic drug supply.
Thu, January 02, 2025
What we know about the deadly attack in New Orleans
At least 15 people are dead and dozens injured after a man drove a truck into a crowd celebrating the new year in New Orleans. The Washington Post’s Ben Brasch shares what we know about the attack, which the FBI are investigating as an act of terrorism.
Thu, January 02, 2025
Chef Chuck Hughes on cooking for — and with — his kids
Acclaimed Montreal chef Chuck Hughes never really cooked at home before he had kids — but now he's conjuring up recipes like hotdog bun French toast with his mini sous-chefs. He shares some recipes that your kids might love in his book Home Cooking: Family Favourite Recipes From My Kitchen To Yours.
Thu, January 02, 2025
Controlling your money, so your money doesn’t control you
Jessica Moorhouse says the way you manage — or mismanage — your money could have roots in your childhood, and it’s not just about willpower or responsible choices. The financial educator explores how to break those cycles in her book Everything But Money: The Hidden Barriers Between You and Financial Freedom.
Thu, January 02, 2025
How DeMar DeRozan changed mental health in sports
DeMar DeRozan changed the conversation around mental health in basketball, starting with a single tweet about his own struggles with depression. In September, the former Toronto Raptor spoke to Matt Galloway about why he now sees vulnerability as a form of strength — and why he “couldn't stand” Kyle Lowry when they first met.
Wed, January 01, 2025
The Current in Saskatoon, the city that punches well above its weight
Saskatoon is a hub of creativity and culture, but is also grappling with the same problems roiling other Canadian cities. In November, Matt Galloway hosted a special show at a packed Broadway Theatre to meet the people that make life great in the Paris of the Prairies. First up, singer-songwriter Jeffery Straker performs some music from his new album Great Big Sky, and shares how he recently found out he has a new fan: King Charles III. Then, literary power couple Yann Martel and Alice Kuipers only intended to live and work in Saskatoon for a year, but they fell in love with the “land of living skies” — and never left. Plus, Saskatoon’s new Mayor Cynthia Block shares how she’s going to tackle a growing housing and homelessness crisis, and what it means to be the city’s first female mayor. Also, social media comedy star Farideh lands some laughs about women’s health and being a (sometimes under-appreciated) mother. And Indigenous-led tourism is inviting the world to Saskatchewan, telling the province's stories through the eyes of Indigenous communities. Jenni Lessard and Honey Constant-Inglis tell us about the power and understanding that can come from sharing a story — and a meal.
Tue, December 31, 2024
Why this journalist ranked all 153 of Willie Nelson's albums
The great Willie Nelson released his 153rd album this year — and shows no signs of slowing down, even at 91 years of age. Music journalist John Spong has ranked all of Nelson’s records and explores the artist’s story in the podcast, One By Willie.
Tue, December 31, 2024
The Prairie diving club producing Olympians
Steve and Mary Carroll set up the Saskatoon Diving Club 20 years ago, and this year they sent two divers to the Olympics. In November, Matt Galloway took in the view from the 10-metre board, and heard how this landlocked city built a world-class diving program.
Tue, December 31, 2024
How Mark Critch got an accidental exclusive with Justin Trudeau
Comedian Mark Critch has landed a major political exclusive: an interview with Justin Trudeau, recorded shortly before the prime minister cancelled all his other year-end interviews. Critch shares what Trudeau said about his political future; his Mar-a-Lago dinner with Trump; and why Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre refused the invite for a chat on This Hour Has 22 Minutes.
Mon, December 30, 2024
Is there more to doppelgängers than similar looks?
Doppelgängers used to be considered a sign of bad luck, but now online groups and lookalike competitions can help you find your dead ringer. We hear about the fascinating experience of coming face-to-face with your lookalike — and whether the similarities are ever more than skin deep.
Mon, December 30, 2024
2024 was a wild ride in Ottawa. What’s coming in 2025?
Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government will likely face a non-confidence motion early in the new year, which could mean a federal election in the coming months. The Globe and Mail’s Stephanie Levitz and the Toronto Star’s Ryan Tumilty unpack an explosive year in Ottawa — and what lies ahead.
Mon, December 30, 2024
What can today’s leaders learn from Jimmy Carter?
Today’s world leaders could learn a thing or two from Jimmy Carter, says political analyst Aaron David Miller. He tells guest host Susan Ormiston that the former U.S. president — who died Sunday — never used his office to further his own interests or indulge his own vanity.
Mon, December 30, 2024
How seven fishermen survived 52 hours lost at sea
When seven fishermen disappeared off Newfoundland’s coast this summer, everyone feared the worst. But as hours turned into days and hope dwindled, the men were found — alive. The ‘Lucky 7’ share their harrowing brush with death in our documentary Lost at Sea.
Fri, December 27, 2024
The wild stories buried in Jeanne Beker’s closet
Fashion journalist Jeanne Beker pulls some wild stories out of her closet in her book Heart on My Sleeve , from chatting to famous musicians in the bathtub to walking out on an interview with Iggy Pop. In a conversation from October, she told Matt Galloway about the clothing items that tell the story of her life and career, from a yellow bikini top to a boxy Chanel dress.
Fri, December 27, 2024
How wars around the world changed in 2024
From recent drone and missile attacks in Ukraine, to tens of thousands dead in Gaza, and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria — it’s been a turbulent year in wars worldwide. Journalists covering the Middle East and Ukraine join guest host Susan Ormiston to reflect on ongoing conflicts worldwide.
Fri, December 27, 2024
Making hockey accessible for everyone
The rink is like a second home for some during the hockey season, but many Canadians still face obstacles when it comes to getting on the ice. In his documentary from earlier this month, Douglas Gelevan explores what it would take for everyone to be able to play Canada’s national winter game.
Thu, December 26, 2024
Baker Daniel Leader on the rise of breadmaking
The baker Daniel Leader is a pioneer of artisanal breadmaking, but he says his early loaves were more like paperweights. In a conversation from earlier this month, Leader shares what he learned about his craft along the way, and why baking bread can feel like meditation.
Thu, December 26, 2024
Is technology taking the place of religion in our lives?
Our daily interactions with technology are looking more and more like a religious act, according to Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain at Harvard University. He talks to guest host Mark Kelley about his new book Tech Agnostic , and whether the tech that surrounds us is worthy of our faith.
Tue, December 24, 2024
Newly minted inductees to the Order of Canada
Last week, the Governor General made 88 new appointments to the Order of Canada. Heather Rankin, singer-songwriter and member of the award-winning band The Rankin Family, Maureen Jennings, author of Murdoch Mysteries, and Zulfiqar Bhutta, a leader in advancing maternal and child health, tell guest host Mark Kelley what it means to be recognized as a gamechanger in their community and beyond.
Mon, December 23, 2024
Will the Windsor-made Dodge Charger EV be a hit?
Electric Dodge Charger Daytonas will start rolling off the production line at a Windsor, Ont. assembly plant sometime this month. It’s the first electric passenger car to be mass-produced in Canada — but can the classic muscle car with a twist help pave the way to a sustainable future? The union president representing workers at the Windsor Assembly Plant and an auto industry journalist discuss the new car’s potential.
Mon, December 23, 2024
Historian Yuval Noah Harari on the “unknown unknown” of AI
Historian Yuval Noah Harari says AI is the first technology that is not just a tool, but “an active agent” doing things we didn’t anticipate and might lose control over. The bestselling big thinker spoke to Matt Galloway in front of a live audience in Toronto this September about AI’s possible consequences, and why humans are smart enough to put a man on the moon but too stupid to achieve peace on Earth. Listen to the rest of the conversation here and here .
Mon, December 23, 2024
A banner year for women in sports
From Caitlin Clark to Summer McIntosh to the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s launch — 2024 was a transformative year for women in sports. We dig into what it took to arrive at this moment, the big business of women’s games and what’s ahead for female athletes.
Fri, December 20, 2024
The Goosinator chasing away bothersome birds
The Goosinator is a bright orange, very noisy device that herds troublesome geese in Lethbridge, Alta., where the birds are staying longer as winter months get warmer. The CBC’s Allison Dempster looks at how different parts of the country are trying to manage that problem — and shares a classic story of one man’s encounter with this “gangster of nature.”
Fri, December 20, 2024
How to make more sustainable fashion choices
The fashion industry is one of the world’s biggest polluters, with millions of tonnes of textiles ending up in landfills every year. We talk to people about how to change that, from a simple “closet audit” at home, to making retailers responsible for the entire life cycle of their garments.
Thu, December 19, 2024
Manitoba tries to recruit U.S. doctors worried about Trump
Manitoba is trying to attract U.S. physicians who might be uncomfortable with Donald Trump’s incoming presidency. We talk to a family doctor who already made the move, and look at how other provinces are trying to lure doctors back into family medicine.
Thu, December 19, 2024
‘Mirror life’ research poses risk to all life on Earth, scientists warn
Scientists are sounding the alarm about research into synthetic organisms known as “mirror life,” warning of an unprecedented risk to all life on Earth. Synthetic biologist Kate Adamala explains what these mirror molecules are, why researchers wanted to explore them — and why the risks might be too great.
Thu, December 19, 2024
Is Canada just three companies in a trench coat?
From groceries to air travel to phone providers, many services in Canada are controlled by just a handful of companies. We look at why that lack of competition has been able to take hold, and what can be done to get a better deal for consumers.
Wed, December 18, 2024
Merry Thriftmas! The art and appeal of giving second-hand gifts
Some people are exploring thrifting to find the perfect gift this holiday season, hoping to save money and cut down consumer waste. We get some tips from expert thrifters.
Wed, December 18, 2024
Why stuffed animals appeal so much to kids — and adults
The stuffed toys called Jellycats are one the most sought-after items this Christmas, fetching high prices and even inspiring large-scale theft. Max Genecov, a proud stuffed animal collector, explains why Jellycats and other plushie pals have such an appeal for kids and adults alike.
Wed, December 18, 2024
Fartcoin? Bitcoin? Why young people are betting big on crypto
Younger people are turning to cryptocurrency because they feel left behind by the traditional economy, say some experts. We break down how it all works — from bitcoin to fartcoin — and look at why crypto has surged since Donald Trump won the U.S. election.
Wed, December 18, 2024
A U.K. politician mocked the sandwich. Cue a national debate
British politician Kemi Badenoch got some salty responses when she decried the humble sandwich as "not a real food.” London chef and sandwich shop owner Max Halley shares why people flocked to the food’s defence, and what he’d serve Badenoch to change her mind.

The Current

These young Canadians want their peers to get out and vote

What does stock market chaos mean for your money?

More young women with alcohol-related liver failure, study warns

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Can you tell online fact from fiction in this election?

For some Albertans, this election is all about national unity

The Current Introduces | Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer

Trump wants to shut down Canada’s auto sector. Can he do it?

Many treatments for low back pain just don’t work, study suggests

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Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ is here. What should Canadians expect?

Is technology becoming the world's most powerful religion?

Civil war complicates earthquake rescue efforts in Myanmar

Should torpedo bats be banned from Major League Baseball?

The Current Introduces: Agent Pale Horse

Trump puts Canada’s defence spending in election spotlight

Which of these beautiful Canadian spots should you visit?

Did you hear the one about the old comedian?

The FBI agent who infiltrated neo-Nazi biker gangs

Is the election pitting generations against each other?

The Current’s travel bucket list: Vote for your favourite!

Why Yale professor Jason Stanley is moving to Canada

Which will matter more in this election, policy or vibes?

How a bear attack story helped this author understand her cancer diagnosis

Could this psychedelic drug help curb opioid addiction?

U.S. officials spark outrage with planned visit to Greenland

What’s it like to have dementia? This care centre can teach you

Trump and tariffs are dictating ballot decisions for these B.C. voters

Hope not lost for NDP, even as they fall in the polls: Former NDP MP

Surrey’s booming population deserves more investment: businesswoman

Tariffs are wreaking havoc on trucking and construction in Surrey

New research into a genetic heart condition is fuelling hope for a cure

The rare but life-altering side effects of hair loss drug finasteride

Does Canada need to reset its relationship with China?

How each federal candidate is promising change this election

NASA’s new telescope to make a 3D map of the universe

Behind an extremist network convincing kids to harm themselves

US limits Canadian access to border-straddling library

Babies can store memories, new study suggests

Families who fought for landfill search showed unwavering bravery: minister

The sights and sounds of spring

Teslas used to be cool. Now, people are protesting them

How to get patients moving? Walk with them, this doctor says

What Trump’s approach to Ukraine says about the shifting global order

As Ontario cuts deal with Starlink, what are rural internet options?

Jobs minister says workers losing jobs to tariffs can rely on a ‘safety net’

Ceasefire in tatters as Israel renews airstrikes on Gaza

Why did Meta block an ex-employee’s explosive memoir?

Could genetically modified pig organs save human lives?

With tariffs on two fronts, this farmer feels like ‘collateral damage’

Putting dignity at the centre of long-term care

What went wrong at Hudson's Bay?

What’s the key election issue: Trump’s threats, or cost of living?

What ‘attention capitalism’ is doing to our minds — and politics

Stranded, this diver lost oxygen for 25 minutes. He survived

Mark Carney becomes PM today. When will he call an election?

A woman’s search for truth about her sister’s murder

The top EU diplomat navigating shifting global alliances

Five years later, how did the pandemic change our lives?

What will the U.S. push for ‘energy dominance’ mean for Canada?

Why John Green is obsessed with tuberculosis

What this U.S. farmer would say to Trump about his trade war

The push to exonerate Russell Woodhouse

One woman's campaign to bring us together — with grammar

Aid organizations trying to fill the gap left by USAID cuts

What’s your favourite vacation spot in Canada? Add it to our bucket list!

Could U.S. cuts to science research be an opportunity for Canada?

How to keep seniors safe from dangerous falls at home

Is Mark Carney the man to stand up for Canada?

Louise Penny cancels U.S. book tour over Trump’s threats

World’s biggest iceberg runs aground

These teens grew up with social media. Now, they’re ditching it

Why music legend Bob Ezrin renounced his U.S. citizenship

Our aging parents face hard choices. Here’s how to talk about it

Nursing still in ‘post-traumatic state’ after pandemic, says front-line worker

How will tariffs affect your money? We answer your questions

Could vertical farming reduce Canada’s need for U.S. produce?