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 9, 2026 • 17min
A grocery rebate can help, but by how much?
Michael von Massow, a food-economics professor who breaks down what drives food-price inflation. Christina Kennedy, a single mother of four on disability who shares daily budgeting realities. They discuss how the new grocery rebate works and who qualifies. They also explore the complex causes of rising food costs, whether a rebate can help long term, and what practical supports families need.
12 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 24min
Zadie Smith loves Billie Eilish, clubs and third-rate novels
Zadie Smith, novelist and essayist behind White Teeth and Swing Time, reflects on attention, aging, music and culture. She talks about reclaiming focus in a phone-driven world. She celebrates transcendent moments in high and low art, loves Billie Eilish’s quiet power, and ponders dancing, loneliness and the pleasures of observation.
Feb 9, 2026 • 21min
Ask Me Anything: Jason Kenney on Alberta Separatism
Jason Kenney, former Alberta premier and federal cabinet minister, discusses Western alienation and the historical roots of separatist sentiment. He talks about changes to referendum and recall laws and their risks. He warns how separatist talk affects investment and argues federal sympathy could soothe tensions. He highlights Alberta's economic role and the need for national empathy.
Feb 6, 2026 • 13min
How a four-month-old bird flew non-stop for 11 days
Bruce Beehler, retired ornithologist and author, explains the bar-tailed godwit and the youthful B6 that flew nonstop across the Pacific. He discusses how birds bulk up, shrink organs and possibly sleep one hemisphere at a time in flight. Bruce also explores innate navigation, a light-sensitive magnetic sense, and why these mysteries inspire humility and conservation.
Feb 6, 2026 • 11min
Several Toronto police officers linked to organized crime
Jennifer Pagliaro, Toronto Star crime reporter who investigates policing and organized crime. She outlines allegations linking several Toronto officers to organized criminal networks. Short segments cover an attack on a corrections officer, alleged leaks of addresses, ties to violent tow-truck rings, bribery to protect illegal dispensaries, and the fallout for public trust and police leadership.
Feb 6, 2026 • 19min
Canadian Olympic greats on the power of the Games
Clara Hughes, Olympic medallist in speed skating and cycling and mental health advocate. Beckie Scott, Olympic cross-country champion turned sport governance and anti-doping pro. Hayley Wickenheiser, four-time Olympic hockey medallist and youth sport champion. They recall defining Olympic moments. They discuss opening ceremonies, hockey pressure, politics in sport, and how the Games inspire the next generation.
Feb 6, 2026 • 7min
Why Canadian ice cream is a hit in Mexico
Pierre Morin, co-owner and head of business development at Top Glacier, a Montreal ice cream maker. He explains why Mexican shoppers crave Canadian ice cream, how Top Glacier tested shipments and found mango and pistachio hits, and the logistical trick of trucking through the U.S. He also discusses plans to expand across Latin America and beyond.
Feb 6, 2026 • 13min
The politics of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show
Richard Villegas, music journalist and creator/host of the Song Mess podcast who covers Latin American music and community commentary. He traces Bad Bunny’s rise from SoundCloud to global Spanish-language stardom. They discuss creative control, Latino representation at the Super Bowl, possible political signals about colonization and deportation, and the likely high-energy mix of reggaeton, salsa and Puerto Rican roots.
Feb 5, 2026 • 12min
Are you a target of algorithmic pricing?
Jim Balsillie, tech policy leader and former Research in Motion co-CEO, explains how algorithmic pricing uses surveillance data to set personalized prices. He outlines what data is collected and gives real-life pricing examples. He discusses how profiling turns consumers into markets and why regulation and upstream privacy limits are needed.
Feb 5, 2026 • 15min
Are you feeling the pinch of the singles 'tax'?
Cece Armstrong, a Vancouver-based producer and reporter, explores the financial squeeze facing people who live alone. She breaks down why solo living raises per-person costs for rent, travel and daily services. She looks at homebuying hurdles, shared housing options, and tax rules that tend to favour couples. The reporting mixes data, personal budgets and policy ideas.
