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 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 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.
Feb 20, 2026 • 9min
How Norway achieves Winter Olympic dominance through joy
Tom Ferry, Executive Director at the Aspen Institute Sport and Society Program and researcher of global sports systems. He explains Norway's joy-first youth-sport model. Short seasons, no scoring or championships for young kids, and governance limits on travel keep kids playing. He contrasts this with specialization-driven markets and links the approach to broader athletic success.
Feb 20, 2026 • 24min
No fuel, no tourists: What's at stake for Cuba?
Ricardo Torres, Cuban economist analyzing the island's economic and political strains. Rory Nickel, Guardian correspondent reporting daily life in Havana amid shortages. Tara Mashkiewicz, Canadian traveler sharing firsthand scenes from Varadero. They discuss fuel blackouts, collapsing transport and tourist numbers, impacts on public services, government responses, and geopolitical pressure shaping Cuba's near future.
Feb 19, 2026 • 24min
Common Ground: A First Nations land claim heads to appeal
Jared Christenahan-Williams, Cowichan Tribes member who recounts village sites and cultural ties to the land. Cindy Daniels, elected chief who reflects on the nation’s history and a landmark court win. Georgie Smythe, CBC journalist and documentary producer who reported the story. They explore contested property notices, historical surveys and legal debates over Aboriginal title and its broader impacts in BC.
Feb 19, 2026 • 11min
Former Prince Andrew arrested over Epstein ties
Margaret Evans, CBC senior international correspondent based in London, gives on-the-ground reporting and analysis. She walks through how and where Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested. She explains why police probe 'misconduct in public office' tied to his past role. She reviews past allegations, the 2019 interview fallout, the 2022 settlement, and what to watch next for the monarchy.
Feb 19, 2026 • 13min
Another Conservative crosses the floor
Rosemary Barton, CBC chief political correspondent, offers sharp federal analysis. Stephanie Levitz, Globe and Mail senior Ottawa reporter, provides in-depth political reporting. They unpack a recent MP switching parties, timing and strategy behind the move, local fallout in ridings, implications for Pierre Poilievre's control, and whether Liberals might push for a snap election.
Feb 19, 2026 • 19min
Canada-US women's hockey -- the ultimate heated rivalry
Becky Kellar, former Team Canada defender and four-time Olympic medallist who now works as a hockey analyst. Carissa Duncan, CBC Olympics reporter and author who covers the PWHL and women's pro hockey. They trade stories about the Canada–US rivalry, PWHL’s impact on the sport, Olympic stakes for young players, on-ice intensity versus off-ice friendships, and current team strengths.
