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
Dec 16, 2025 • 11min
Jamaican resilience after category 5 storm
David Common, a CBC journalist known for his on-the-ground reporting, shares gripping insights from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa's devastation. He reveals the shocking damage at Cornwall Regional Hospital, where roofless wards are still treating storm victims. Local resilience shines as he meets hopeful Jamaicans planning for the tourism season, but fears loom over job losses in the tourism sector. Common highlights the interplay of climate change and recovery efforts, emphasizing the dire need for international aid to support the island's rebuilding.
Dec 16, 2025 • 20min
What political chaos in Quebec means for Canada
Emilie Nicolas, a sharp commentator on Quebec politics from Le Devoir, and Valérie Gaudreau, a savvy political analyst from Le Soleil, dive into the turmoil shaping Quebec. They discuss Premier Legault's contentious healthcare reforms and the rise of the Parti Québécois, which is igniting hopes for a referendum. The duo explores youth ambivalence towards sovereignty and the pressure on the Liberal opposition amid corruption allegations. Their insights reveal how the chaos in Quebec could ripple through the rest of Canada.
Dec 15, 2025 • 23min
Catch 22: A CBC documentary
Julie Ireton, a CBC senior investigative reporter, dives into the troubling realities of jail overcrowding in Ontario. She discusses the heart-wrenching experiences of inmates like Sue, who face unsanitary conditions and trauma inside overcrowded facilities. The conversation highlights the urgent need for bail reforms and alternatives to incarceration, championed by voices like Senator Kim Pate. Ireton also shares stories of those suffering health crises in custody, revealing the precarious balance between obtaining help and experiencing harm in jail.
Dec 15, 2025 • 19min
What we know about the Bondi Beach terror attack
Ben Knight, a senior reporter for ABC News Victoria and an experienced correspondent, shares gripping details from the Bondi Beach attack during a Hanukkah celebration, highlighting the bravery of bystanders and the deep community grief. Rabbi Steve Wernick, a prominent leader in Toronto's Jewish community, discusses the emotional fallout and how such tragedies resonate globally. They address the rising threat of antisemitism, the need for stronger laws, and the importance of collective resilience and allyship.
Dec 15, 2025 • 27min
The brightness and beauty of being indigenous
Join Stephanie Sinclair, a passionate publisher at McClelland & Stewart, Sarah Sinclair, an insightful oral historian, and Niigaan Sinclair, a dedicated columnist and professor, as they reflect on the legacy of their father, Murray Sinclair. They delve into the importance of storytelling in Indigenous culture and share personal family histories that highlight resilience and joy. Niigaan emphasizes the need for love and meaningful action in reconciliation, while the sisters discuss their anthologies aimed at bridging generational gaps through accessible narratives.
Dec 12, 2025 • 13min
Mark Bittman's $15 fine dining experiment
Mark Bittman, renowned food writer and author, shares insights from his innovative dining experiment where meals cost as little as $15. He discusses the challenges of creating a fine dining experience that prioritizes health, local sourcing, and fair wages. The sliding-scale pricing model allows diners to self-select their payment, promoting inclusivity. Bittman also highlights the menu's standout dishes, the impactful lessons learned from Brazil’s affordable dining model, and the emotional journey as Community Kitchen approaches its final service.
Dec 12, 2025 • 25min
Canada pushes for a “brain gain” amidst US turmoil
In this insightful discussion, guests include Sarah Seeger, a renowned astrophysicist returning to the University of Toronto, Brad Waters, who seeks to recruit early-career health scientists for UHN, and Daniel Bernhardt, who studies immigrant retention. They explore Canada's $1.7B plan to attract top research talent amidst turmoil in the U.S. Seeger shares her motivations for coming home, while Waters highlights recruitment successes. Bernhardt discusses the challenges skilled immigrants face, emphasizing the need to view them as essential contributors to the economy.
Dec 12, 2025 • 31min
These Epstein survivors demanded his files be released and won — but their fight isn't over yet
Jess Michaels, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse and a public speaker on sexual violence, joins Liz Stein, a survivor mentor and anti-trafficking advocate. They discuss their emotional victory with the Senate passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act and the importance of validating survivors' experiences. Both share insights on grooming tactics and the systemic failures that allowed abuse to persist. The pair emphasizes the power of survivor solidarity and advocates for trauma-informed reforms, highlighting the ongoing fight for justice and accountability.
Dec 11, 2025 • 23min
Have governments delivered on $10 a day childcare?
Carolyn Ferns, a public policy advocate for affordable child care, joins Kerry McCuaig, an early childhood policy expert, and Julia Smith, a Winnipeg parent sharing her struggles with wait lists, to discuss the $10-a-day child care initiative. They explore the successes and limitations of the program, such as its impact on affordability versus accessibility, and the barriers faced by families with irregular work schedules. The experts highlight the pressing need for public investment and policy reform to genuinely benefit all families.
Dec 11, 2025 • 20min
Manitoba nurses put hospitals on "grey list" due to violence
Darlene Jackson, President of the Manitoba Nurses Union, and Kimberly LeBlanc, President of the Canadian Nurses Association, tackle the alarming issue of violence in Manitoba hospitals. They discuss why nurses voted to 'grey list' facilities due to rising assaults and inadequate safety measures. Jackson reveals societal shifts since COVID have intensified workplace violence, while LeBlanc emphasizes the need for policy changes, like Bill S-233, to protect healthcare workers. Together, they explore strategies for improving nurse safety and maintaining quality patient care.
