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
Jan 15, 2026 • 20min
What are the stakes of Mark Carney's trip to Beijing?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is in China to talk trade, but the US warns it could hurt relationships back in North America. From EVs to canola oil — what has Canada got to lose as it thaws tensions with Beijing?
Jan 15, 2026 • 15min
The end of the François Legault era
After two successive majority governments in Quebec, leading the party he founded, Premier François Legault is resigning. Émilie Nicolas, columnist at Le Devoir, and Martin Patriquin, Quebec correspondent for The Logic, join us to talk about why Legault decided to leave now, long after much of the Quebec public had turned on him — and what it means not just for the province, but also for the rest of Canada.
Jan 15, 2026 • 9min
How a lost Beatles tape led to meeting Paul McCartney
Rob Frith assumed the old reel-to-reel Beatles tape sitting in his Vancouver record store was just a bootleg. It stayed behind the counter for years until he finally pressed play. What he heard was a pristine recording of the Beatles’ 1962 Decca audition, long believed to be lost. People immediately asked what it was worth. Frith had a different idea. He decided to give the Beatles tape back to Paul McCartney, a choice that led to an unexpected, joyful meeting between a lifelong fan and his musical hero.
Jan 15, 2026 • 13min
Mandy Rennehan on her Order of Canada
Mandy Rennehan started her construction company Freshco as a teenager in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. At the time, she couldn't imagine it would grow into the multimillion-dollar business it has become. Now, she’s been appointed to the Order of Canada. We talk to her about how she got here, and became a champion of the trades and women in the trades.
Jan 15, 2026 • 12min
Country star Terri Clark's biggest honour yet
She's a member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, but for Terri Clark, being inducted into the Order of Canada is extra special. We talk to the Canadian country star about her roots in Medicine Hat, and why she proudly wears the maple leaf tattooed on her arm.
Jan 14, 2026 • 11min
Why is non-alcoholic wine so bad?
Wes Pearson, a senior research scientist at the Australian Wine Research Institute, dives into the world of non-alcoholic wines. He explains how removing alcohol alters flavor and aroma, often leading to bitter or overly sweet outcomes. Wes discusses why low-alcohol beers perform better and identifies which wines adapt best, like whites and sparkling varieties. He also shares the challenges winemakers face in innovating de-alcoholized options, all while offering intriguing alternatives like sparkling teas and kombuchas to satisfy adult palates.
Jan 14, 2026 • 21min
Climbing Canada’s melting glaciers
Mike Adolph, a seasoned Technical Director for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, and Tim Ritchie, Director of Operations for Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, dive into the alarming impact of climate change on Canada’s glaciers. They discuss the staggering ice loss of 30 gigatonnes in 2025 and its implications for mountain safety. The duo shares their firsthand experiences with shifting terrain, increasing hazards like avalanches, and the need for guides to adapt routes. They emphasize the urgency of recognizing glacier retreat as a critical sign of climate change.
8 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 20min
1.4 million work permits expire in 2026. What’s next?
In this engaging discussion, Abhishek Parmar, a 25-year-old international graduate facing the expiration of his work permit, shares his challenges in securing permanent residency in Canada. Economist Mikal Skuterud breaks down the labor market impacts and warns of the risks surrounding an undocumented population. Mireille Paquet offers insights into the evolution of migration policies and public attitudes toward immigration. Together, they explore the uncertain future awaiting 1.4 million expiring work permits and its broader implications.
5 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 7min
Quebec Premier François Legault resigns. What happens now?
Emilie Nicolas, a columnist for Le Devoir, dives into the political upheaval in Quebec following Premier François Legault's resignation. She discusses Legault's declining popularity and the turmoil within his party. Emilie also highlights internal resignations and the controversial tactics employed by the CAQ. As the October elections approach, she outlines how this leadership change could reshape party dynamics. Finally, Emilie explores potential ripple effects on federal politics, stressing the implications of a surging PQ and referendum discussions.
Jan 14, 2026 • 15min
How GEEZER magazine is reclaiming aging
Laura LeBleu, founding editor of Geezer magazine, discusses the midlife experience of Gen X through the lens of her print-only publication. She cleverly reclaims the term 'geezer,' emphasizing humor and ownership in aging narratives. As she shares how turning 50 ignited her creative drive, she reveals the complexities of midlife beyond superficial advice. Laura critiques mainstream aging coverage and encourages Gen X to embrace aging as an energetic launchpad, blending nostalgia with contemporary insights to redefine their journey.
