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
Mar 18, 2026 • 11min
SpaceX's 1 million satellite plan could change the night sky
Aaron Boley, co-director at the Outer Space Institute and UBC professor of physics and astronomy, explains orbital crowding and planetary-scale risks. He walks through current satellite counts and misleading visuals. He discusses the consequences of a million-satellite plan, atmospheric impacts from massive launches, and why coordination and regulation matter for preserving dark skies.
Mar 18, 2026 • 18min
How the US-Israel-Iran war is revealing our overdependency on fossil fuels
Salman Saeed, a Dhaka-based reporter covering fuel shortages and black-market impacts. Andrew Leach, an energy and environmental economist and professor at the University of Alberta. They discuss chaotic pump lineups and adulterated fuel in Bangladesh. They explore how supply shocks raise prices, strain transport and agriculture, and expose global dependence on oil while testing energy security and policy choices.
Mar 18, 2026 • 16min
The creator of Wordle on life after a hit and his new puzzle
Josh Wardle, software developer and creator of Wordle turned Parseword maker. He talks about the pressure and distance after a viral hit. He explains Parseword’s step-by-step approach to demystify cryptic crosswords. He describes how puzzles create small social connections and why slowing down to focus on language can be rewarding.
Mar 18, 2026 • 21min
The earlier the better: Doctors want younger screening for colon cancer
Miranda Fidler-Benaoudia, an epidemiologist researching rising cancers in young people, and Dr. Shadi Ashamalla, a colorectal surgical oncologist who founded a young-adult clinic, discuss alarming increases in early-onset colorectal cancer. They talk about trends by birth cohort, clinical needs of younger patients, possible environmental and lifestyle drivers, calls to lower screening age, and the challenges for research and health systems.
Mar 17, 2026 • 14min
Has Banksy’s true identity finally been revealed?
Blake Morrison, an investigative reporter for Reuters who led the probe into Banksy’s identity, speaks about the long hunt across Ukraine and New York. He outlines how documentary evidence and geolocation tied a name to early murals. The conversation covers links to Massive Attack, why a name change might explain contradictions, and whether revealing identity alters the artist’s mystique.
Mar 17, 2026 • 12min
How the World Baseball Classic brings a new level of joy to the sport
Michael Clair, MLB.com writer and author chronicling international baseball (including the Czech Republic story). He shares colorful World Baseball Classic moments. Short takes on Italy’s espresso ritual, the Czech amateurs’ surprising heroics, Canada’s breakout run, joyful national pride and lively ballpark food. Energetic, cultural scenes bring new life to the sport.
Mar 17, 2026 • 19min
Carney boosts Canada’s Arctic defense
Natan Obed, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami advocating for Inuit partnership and community-first planning. Andrea Charron, Arctic security expert on defence policy and northern operations. They discuss Canada’s $35B Arctic plan and where the money will go. They talk about growing Canada–Nordic military ties. They explore infrastructure challenges and the need for community benefits from military investments.
Mar 17, 2026 • 22min
An bhfuil Gaeilge agat? Why Irish ‘isn’t a dead language’
Padraig Moran, a producer and reporter who researched and narrated this story, explores the revival of the Irish language. He visits Toronto classrooms and Gaeltacht areas. He traces history, hears why young people are learning Irish, and spotlights social media, music and teaching changes that are bringing the language back to life.
Mar 16, 2026 • 24min
Parents are bringing back the landline
Isabella Nguyen, a Grade 12 student and youth leader on TikTok's Youth Council, and Maddie Freeman, founder of NoSo and digital literacy advocate, join Amanda Grant, a producer who interviewed Toronto parents. They explore parents delaying smartphones, using landlines or flip phones, balancing strict limits and teen independence, and debates over platform fixes and digital literacy.
Mar 16, 2026 • 19min
With war in the Middle East, what is Carney’s foreign policy?
Roland Paris, a former foreign policy adviser and university director, and Bessma Momani, a political scientist with NATO expertise, join Adrienne Arsenault, reporting from Riyadh. They unpack diplomatic travel and economic diplomacy, regional security risks in the Gulf, shifting public statements on the war, and efforts to diversify Canada’s international partnerships. Short, sharp takes on strategy and regional tensions.
