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 11, 2025 • 24min
Patti Smith on music, art and navigating loss
Patti Smith, the godmother of punk, shares her artistic journey and reflections on loss in her new memoir, Bread of Angels. She reveals how childhood experiences, from her first encounter with Picasso to the solace of books during illness, shaped her creativity. Patti discusses transformative moments, including meeting Bob Dylan and the significance of her debut album, Horses. She emphasizes the power of art as a beacon of hope and authenticity and her mission to inspire independent creativity.
Dec 10, 2025 • 20min
‘Surviving Sudan’ from journalist Michelle Shephard
Journalist and filmmaker Michelle Shephard discusses her documentary, Surviving Sudan, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis at the Sudan-Chad border. She shares chilling stories from refugees, including Abdul Ahmed, who lost his brother during a perilous escape, and Isra, who witnessed the deadly Zamzam massacre. Shephard also examines the struggle of survivors of sexual violence and the urgent need for international support as conflict escalates. Her firsthand insights reveal the brutal realities of war and the resilience of those affected.
Dec 10, 2025 • 21min
Why more Canadians are finding family doctors
Tara Kiran, a family physician and health systems researcher, joins Megan O'Leary, Director of Clinical Services at Kingston Community Health Centres, to discuss the recent improvements in accessing family doctors in Canada. They explore the positive impacts of government policies and funding, share innovative approaches like Kingston’s Midtown Health Home, and uncover the challenges that still exist in family medicine. The duo highlights hopeful developments, including removing residents from waitlists and enhancing physician work-life balance, fostering renewed optimism for patients in need.
Dec 10, 2025 • 14min
Robert Munsch: The stories he'll leave behind
In a heartfelt conversation, CBC chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault interviews beloved children's author Robert Munsch, who reflects on his health struggles, including dementia and Parkinson's, and his decision for medical assistance in dying. Munsch shares that despite his challenges, he still has 50 unpublished stories waiting to inspire future generations. They discuss how children have shaped his narratives and the profound role humor and memory play in his life. The interview, labeled his 'last hurrah,' celebrates his legacy and impact on storytelling.
Dec 10, 2025 • 11min
What can we learn about human aging from dogs?
Daniel Promislow, a senior scientist at Tufts University and co-founder of the Dog Aging Project, shares fascinating insights from a study of over 50,000 dogs. He explores how understanding canine aging can reveal secrets about human longevity. The conversation touches on the genetics of lifespan, the importance of a healthy 'healthspan,' and the ongoing clinical trials testing rapamycin's effects on dog health. Promislow also discusses the ethical dilemmas of pet care and the emotional bond between dogs and their owners, highlighting how dogs can serve as models for human aging.
Dec 9, 2025 • 24min
The AI jobs cuts are here
Bibi Souza, a software engineer with a decade of experience and head of the BC chapter of Women in Tech, discusses the shrinking opportunities for junior engineers as AI tools automate coding tasks. She emphasizes the importance of networking and shifting to human-centered roles in the tech landscape. Sandra Lavoie, Metro Market Manager for Robert Half, shares insights on recruitment trends, including AI’s impact on hiring processes and entry-level positions. Both guests predict a challenging job market for new grads, urging adaptability and authenticity.
Dec 9, 2025 • 13min
Netflix vs. Paramount: The Streamer That Would Be King
Barry Hertz, Deputy Arts Editor and Film Editor at The Globe and Mail, dives into the fierce competition between Netflix and Paramount for Warner Bros. assets. They explore the ramifications of this potential merger, including a potential monopoly over film and TV content. Hertz discusses the impact on theatrical releases, the Canadian production landscape, and the homogenization of storytelling. He also raises concerns about access and preservation in streaming versus traditional media. Overall, he sees little innovation and a lot of corporate consolidation on the horizon.
Dec 9, 2025 • 12min
The Toronto housing project saving lives
Dr. Andrew Boozary, a primary care physician and executive director of social medicine at University Health Network, discusses the transformative impact of Dunn House, a unique housing initiative for the unhoused in Toronto. He shares how this model links housing with health outcomes and details the on-site medical and mental health support provided to residents. With impressive first-year results, including reduced emergency room visits and significant cost savings, Dr. Boozary envisions replicating this success across Canada.
Dec 9, 2025 • 20min
How Robotaxis could reshape Canadian cities
In this discussion, Stephen Wasslander, Director of the Toronto Robotics and AI Laboratory, explores the challenges and innovations of Waymo's robotaxis, especially in winter conditions. He shares insights on sensor technology and safety records, addressing common concerns about incident transparency. David Zipper, a Senior fellow at MIT, warns that while robotaxis offer the potential for reduced parking needs, they may inadvertently increase congestion. Both guests advocate for clear regulations and proactive policies to manage the impact of this transformative technology on urban life.
Dec 8, 2025 • 20min
Can "Buy Now, Pay Later" lead to money problems?
Shannon Lee Simmons, a certified financial planner and founder of the New School of Finance, and Bruce Sellery, CEO of Credit Canada, dive into the pitfalls of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. They discuss how these tempting offers can lead to overspending, especially among younger consumers facing cash flow pressures. The duo highlights psychological aspects, like emotional spending, and the potential mental health toll of accumulating debt. They also provide tips on using BNPL wisely and the importance of setting spending boundaries.
