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 9, 2026 • 22min
Size matters. Meet the owners of some of Canada's micro restaurants and bars
Doug Todd, owner of Standing Room Only, shares insights from Canada's smallest bar, highlighting its social vibe and forced interactions that bring patrons closer. Joel Gray talks about his farmhouse micro-restaurant, Down Home, where local sourcing and storytelling create intimate dining experiences. Eva Chin discusses Yann Dining Room's unique concept inspired by Hong Kong supper clubs, emphasizing personal connections with diners. All three guests advocate for the joy and viability of small-scale hospitality, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace intimacy over size.
Jan 9, 2026 • 12min
Should school boards be a thing of the past?
Sachin Maharaj, an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in educational governance, delves into the contentious debate surrounding the potential elimination of school boards in Ontario. He discusses the vital roles that trustees play in local advocacy and representation. Maharaj highlights how political tensions drive provinces to reconsider boards while emphasizing that audits reveal funding issues rather than mismanagement. He argues for the importance of democratic governance in education, warning that parents could lose crucial platforms for voicing their concerns if boards are dismantled.
Jan 9, 2026 • 12min
Why grip strength matters more than you think
Alyssa Ages, a health and fitness journalist and author of "Secrets of Giants," dives deep into the significance of grip strength. She reveals how grip strength is linked to longevity and what it truly reflects about our overall health. Alyssa discusses a pivotal study connecting decreased grip to higher cardiovascular risks. She also shares everyday exercises to enhance grip strength, regardless of age, highlighting its cognitive benefits. With simple training tips, she reassures listeners that it's never too late to start improving their strength.
Jan 9, 2026 • 20min
Trump wants to take Greenland by sale or by force. Can he?
Tilly Martinusen, a former Greenlandic parliament member, shares her insights on the strong public backlash against U.S. interest in buying Greenland, highlighting cultural pride and collective resistance. Lynn Mortenska, a global security specialist, discusses the implications of Trump's ambitions and stresses Greenland's legal right to self-determination. Both guests examine the broader political and military pressures on Denmark and Greenland, underscoring the importance of autonomy over monetary offers and the potential fallout of any forced takeover.
9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 19min
Pipe nightmare in Calgary
Siegfried Kiefer, former CEO of Canadian Utilities Limited and leader of the independent review panel on Calgary's water pipeline, and Kerry Black, engineering expert from the University of Calgary, delve into the city's chronic water main failures. They discuss the roots of infrastructure neglect dating back to 2004 and the urgency for replacement due to deteriorating pipes. Kiefer emphasizes the looming crisis affecting other cities with similar issues, while Black highlights the need for prioritization in infrastructure investments amid Canada's staggering infrastructure deficit.
Jan 8, 2026 • 25min
Heated Rivalry is a hit, but can it change hockey culture?
Matt Kenney, a former competitive hockey player who left due to concerns about his sexuality, shares his emotional reaction to the viral show Heated Rivalry. He discusses how locker-room homophobia influenced his departure from hockey and emphasizes the significance of visibility for young viewers. Brock McGillis, an LGBTQ+ inclusion advocate and one of the first male pro players to come out, explores the show's potential to transform hockey culture, highlighting the importance of creating inclusive environments in the sport.
Jan 8, 2026 • 24min
Xanadu CEO on Canada's quantum future
Christian Weedbrook, CEO of Xanadu, a Toronto-based quantum computing firm, unpacks the future of quantum technology. He discusses the groundbreaking $23 billion federal funding to propel Canada into the quantum age. Expect to learn how qubits can solve problems at lightning speed and the ambitious 2029 target for scalable quantum systems. Christian emphasizes the need for Canada to harness this technology for economic growth, job creation, and talent retention, all while remaining committed to local innovation and protecting Canadian intellectual property.
Jan 7, 2026 • 20min
The rising cost of being a Canadian Olympian
Joined by Hayden Mayer, a national speed skater and world champion medallist who juggles a mobile café business to fund his training, and David Shoemaker, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, they tackle the tough financial realities faced by Canadian athletes. Hayden shares stories of working part-time and the struggle to cover basic living costs while training. David discusses the dire need for increased funding compared to better-supported international teams and warns of the long-term impacts on grassroots sports and future Olympians.
Jan 7, 2026 • 24min
Why peace still feels out of reach in Ukraine
Yevhen Matvienko, a Ukrainian from the war-torn Donbass region, shares his poignant insights on the humanitarian toll and the red lines regarding territory in peace negotiations. Tim Mak, a Kyiv-based journalist, provides critical analysis of the battlefield dynamics and the complex role of international diplomacy. They discuss the skepticism around Ukrainian President Zelensky, the implications of ceding land, and the harsh winter looming over affected regions. The guests paint a vivid picture of the ongoing struggle and the elusive path to peace.
Jan 7, 2026 • 21min
When betting odds enter the news
Danny Funt, a sports betting reporter and author, discusses the unsettling rise of prediction markets in mainstream news. He reveals how CNN and CNBC's partnership with Kalshi introduces betting odds into their coverage of critical events, raising ethical concerns. Funt warns of conflicts of interest and the erosion of public trust when news becomes a gamble. He captures the shift in media dynamics, highlighting alarming incentives driving newsrooms to embrace gambling, and questions if such markets truly aid fact-checking.
