The Current
CBC
Three stories to expand your worldview, delivered daily. Matt Galloway cuts through a sea of choice to bring you stories that transcend the news cycle. Conversations with big thinkers, household names, and people living the news. An antidote to algorithms that cater to what you already know — and a meeting place for diverse perspectives. In its 20 years, the Current has become a go-to place for stories that shape and entertain us. Released daily, Monday to Friday.The Current is produced in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — and has recently recorded live shows about the Canadian election in Surrey and Burnaby BC. And shows to come in Oshawa and the 905, Red Deer, Alberta, Quebec City and Halifax.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 24, 2026 • 19min
Cartels violence erupts across Mexico
David Mora, a Mexico analyst at the International Crisis Group, explains cartel dynamics and political fallout. Robert Verge, a Canadian in Puerto Vallarta, gives a vivid first‑hand account of smoke, burned vehicles and travel disruption. They discuss the sudden street blockades, airport panic, intelligence ties with the U.S., and risks of more violence as cartels react.
Feb 24, 2026 • 25min
What it's like to live with OCD
Dr. Peggy Richter, psychiatry professor who leads Sunnybrook’s anxiety centre. Reema Youssef, someone with lived experience now working in mental health. Brian Reeve, businessman and former patient who funded OCD care. They describe daily rituals like checking and cleaning. They talk about relapse, intensive CBT plus medication, and a major donation to expand treatment at Sunnybrook.
Feb 24, 2026 • 27min
Michael Pollan on the labyrinth of human consciousness
Michael Pollan, bestselling author known for books on food systems and psychedelics, explores why consciousness resists explanation. He digs into psychedelics’ role in revealing subjective experience, debates plant sentience versus human self-awareness, questions whether machines can truly feel, and suggests practical ways to protect and preserve our inner life.
Feb 23, 2026 • 20min
Trump’s tariffs struck down — what’s next?
The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled on Friday that the majority of Donald Trump's tariffs are unconstitutional. We’ll talk about what that decision means, and how it’ll affect Canada with Josh Gerstein, senior legal affairs reporter for Politico, and Carlo Dade, the Director of International Policy and the New North America Initiative at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary.
Feb 23, 2026 • 27min
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about feeling guilty
We all feel guilt at some point in our lives, and for all kinds of reasons. It seems natural to feel guilty for what we've done, or not done, or should be doing. But can guilt be good for us? Chris Moore, the author of “The Power of Guilt: Why We Feel It and Its Surprising Ability to Heal,” tells us why he thinks guilt has an "image problem.”
Feb 23, 2026 • 5min
What’s happening in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?
Puerto Vallarta is a favourite vacation destination for Canadians. But yesterday, that region of Mexico exploded into violence after a cartel leader was killed during a clash with military special forces. The state of Jalisco remains under a “code red” status today. We speak with CBC's Jorge Barrera in Mexico City about the latest situation, and what Canadians there need to know.
Feb 23, 2026 • 20min
How to build a made-in-Canada military
The Prime Minister is pledging to buy 70 percent of the country's military gear here at home within a decade. That's promising news for Canadian companies like Kraken Robotics. But experts say the change won't be easy. We speak with Bernard Mills, the executive vice-president of defence of Kraken Robotics, a marine technology company founded in Newfoundland, David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute think tank, and Erin O'Toole, the former leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, a veteran of the Canadian armed forces, and a distinguished fellow specializing in international trade at the Hudson Institute.
Feb 22, 2026 • 29min
Canadian Olympians stop by the Current
Mikaël Kingsbury, decorated freestyle skier and Olympic gold medallist, reflects on his run, fatherhood and future. Paul Poirier, Olympic bronze ice dancer, talks emotion and preparation. Piper Gilles, Olympic bronze ice dancer, shares what the medal means to her community. Jennifer Heil, former Olympic skier and Team Canada leader, offers perspective on team mood and leadership at the Games.
Feb 20, 2026 • 20min
Is social media addictive?
Emma Duerdin, a neuroscientist studying adolescent brain development and social media effects, and Claire Duffy, a tech reporter who covered the LA trial and leaked Meta documents, discuss whether platforms are built to hook young users. They walk through court scenes, internal company research, reward-driven design, dopamine and brain imaging, and what legal and policy stakes are in play.
Feb 20, 2026 • 8min
For the love of curling
Leaside Curling Club members, longtime curlers sharing why they play and newcomers talking about first-time thrills. A club representative, explaining technique, hog-line rules and burnt-rock issues while demoing delivery. They discuss the Olympic buzz, a social-media controversy, fitness from sweeping, family appeal and efforts to attract younger players.
