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 18, 2026 • 20min
Mexico City’s last migrant camp
A visit to Mexico City’s last migrant camp reveals makeshift shelters, mobile clinics and scarce sanitation. Families share harrowing escapes from violence and split decisions about staying, returning or risking the U.S. border. New parents describe caring for newborns amid precarious conditions. Neighbors show mixed reactions, from concern to sympathy.
Feb 18, 2026 • 25min
The World Cup is coming!
Juan Villoro, Mexican writer who chronicles Mexico City and football, and Santiago López, Pumas forward with dual Mexico-Canada ties, chat about World Cup preparations in Mexico City. They describe stadium life, fan culture, bicultural identity, and Santiago’s path choosing Canada. Short, vivid scenes of cities, memories, and the tournament’s local buzz.
Feb 18, 2026 • 26min
Canada and Mexico — new best friends
Andres Rosenthal, veteran Mexican diplomat and former deputy foreign minister; Shauna Hemingway, ex-Canadian diplomat now advising businesses in Mexico City; Monica Lugo, director at a near-shoring firm linking Canadian manufacturers to Mexico. They discuss Mexico’s economic evolution since NAFTA, nearshoring and job concerns, security risks for Canadian companies, and how Canada and Mexico are diversifying ties amid U.S. disruption.
Feb 17, 2026 • 11min
Canada and Mexico’s road towards a new CUSMA
Luis Rosendo Gutierrez, Mexico’s deputy secretary for international trade, leads Mexico’s trade negotiations. He discusses renegotiating CUSMA under a new U.S. tone. He outlines coordinated Canada–Mexico strategies, sovereignty concerns, and challenges with sudden U.S. moves. He highlights practical collaboration areas like clean energy, semiconductors, and data centers.
Feb 17, 2026 • 15min
What Mexico can teach Canada about Chinese EVs
Odresir Barquera, CEO of Mexico’s automotive industry association, gives industry-level analysis. Eugenio Grandio, head of Mexico’s electro mobility group, shares on-the-ground EV insight and a test-drive guide. They discuss Chinese EVs’ market presence, charging and service infrastructure, price and consumer appeal, trade and supply-chain implications, and North American competitiveness.
Feb 17, 2026 • 41min
Who gets to live in Mexico City?
Sergio Montes, local activist defending residents' right to remain. Tracy LeBlanc, Canadian marketing consultant and recent Mexico City resident navigating community life. John Goodrich, Canadian actor and expat reflecting on foreign influence. They unpack gentrification, rising rents and Airbnbs, protests and resistance, and the tensions between newcomers and longterm neighbourhoods.
Feb 16, 2026 • 19min
Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier’s “starry, starry” Olympic win
Paul Poirier, Canadian ice dancer and Olympic bronze medallist, reflects on performance and touring with the medal. Piper Gilles, Canadian ice dancer and Olympic bronze medallist, shares the emotional ‘pinch me’ moment and gratitude. Jennifer Heil, Olympic champion and Team Canada Chef de Mission, discusses team morale, funding strains and officiating controversies. Short takes on preparation, calm under pressure and homecoming plans.
Feb 16, 2026 • 24min
Patti Smith on music, art and navigating loss
Patti Smith, poet and singer-songwriter often called the godmother of punk, reflects on a life shaped by art from a childhood Picasso epiphany. She talks about revisiting memories in memoirs. She recalls summers of freedom, illness-driven reading, the making of Horses, sudden love, and how art becomes a steady, sustaining companion.
Feb 16, 2026 • 25min
How Tumbler Ridge is supporting each other
Bob Zimmer, MP visiting Tumbler Ridge to discuss practical supports and policy responses. Natasha Mudry, Dawson Creek organizer mobilizing vigils and moms’ solidarity. Tracy Krauss, local pastor providing frontline pastoral care and coordinating community aid. They discuss grief, communal gatherings, mental-health access, immediate practical needs, and sustaining long-term support for the town.
Feb 13, 2026 • 20min
How one Tumbler Ridge teacher kept his students safe
Wade Deisman, criminologist and associate dean offering expert analysis on policing and firearms. Jarbas Noronha, Tumbler Ridge mechanical shop teacher who led students through a lockdown and evacuation. They recount barricading the shop, planning an escape, staying calm under incoming messages, police interactions, firearms permits and investigatory challenges. The conversation focuses on safety, procedure and community impact.
