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 13, 2026 • 13min
Finding joy in plane food, turbulence and the middle seat
Matthew Capucci, meteorologist and storm chaser who studies turbulence and atmospheric quirks. He explains how turbulence forms and why it can change with climate, recounts flying through hurricanes and intense storms, and talks about differences between big jets and small planes. The conversation also touches on making peace with the middle seat and quirky love for airplane meals.
Mar 12, 2026 • 20min
Mark Carney wins over another MP
Marci Surkes, former Trudeau policy director now chief strategy officer, praises Carney’s leadership appeal. Fred DeLorey, ex-Conservative campaign manager turned strategist, breaks down floor-crossing motives and Conservative options. Erin Morrison, former NDP deputy chief of staff and comms exec, critiques Nunavut MP Laurie Idlout’s move and NDP implications. They debate stability, courting MPs, delivery vs. promises, and what a slim majority would change.
Mar 12, 2026 • 15min
Exhausted? Sleep hacks that work — and the ones that don't
Aric Prather, psychologist and sleep scientist who runs a sleep clinic and wrote The Sleep Prescription. He separates helpful sleep hacks from hype. He discusses tart cherry juice, mouth taping, cognitive shuffling, meds and supplements, screens and wearables. Practical habits like fixed wake times, wind-down routines and avoiding napping are highlighted.
Mar 12, 2026 • 23min
When was the last time you went to the movies?
Melly Gumish, a producer and avid moviegoer who studies film-going habits, explores why fewer people visit theatres. She discusses streaming's effect on release windows and convenience. They cover cost and marketing challenges, how cinemas create collective, memorable experiences, and local theatres' struggles and creative survival strategies.
Mar 12, 2026 • 11min
Ottawa responds to latest antisemitic violence
Michael Geist, law professor at the University of Ottawa known for digital law and civil liberties commentary. He discusses rising anti‑Semitic incidents and community fear after Toronto synagogue shootings. He calls for action beyond security funding, urges broader political leadership to speak clearly against anti‑Semitism, and explains how to distinguish legitimate criticism of Israel from bigotry.
Mar 11, 2026 • 19min
On the ground in Lebanon
Hussain Ibish, Middle East scholar on Hezbollah and Lebanese politics, and Tasnim Chaaban, Beirut-based journalist covering civilian impact. They report on mass displacement and life under strikes. They discuss claims of white phosphorus use, public frustration with armed groups, and the political crossroads over disarmament and Lebanon’s fragile state.
Mar 11, 2026 • 24min
Author of “Drunk Mom,” on addiction, recovery, and relapse
Jowita Bydlowska, a Toronto-based memoirist best known for Drunk Mom, returns with Unshaming about recovery and relapse. She recounts a blackout bike crash, the messy reality of nonlinear sobriety, and how shame shaped choices like a misleading GoFundMe. Short, candid stories explore relapse triggers, her son’s role as witness, and the work of unshaming to heal and move forward.
Mar 11, 2026 • 9min
Your cat's DNA could help treat human cancer
Geoffrey Wood, a University of Guelph pathobiology professor who co-led a large comparative cancer genetics study. He describes sequencing ~500 cat cancers. The conversation covers why cats mirror human cancers, how samples were collected and analyzed, and how feline genetic findings could inform One Medicine approaches to benefit both species.
Mar 11, 2026 • 15min
Liberals flip flop on TikTok ban
Laura Osmond, a tech and policy correspondent at The Logic, breaks down Canada’s reversal on its 2024 TikTok ban. She explains why the original move puzzled observers. She outlines national security concerns, U.S. influence on policy, TikTok’s new safeguards, and remaining questions about Chinese access to data.
Mar 10, 2026 • 20min
Trump’s comments ease oil prices, for now
Neil Shearing, Group Chief Economist at Capital Economics, offers macroeconomic perspective on trade, inflation, and rates. Heather Exner-Pirot, energy policy expert at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, explains oil market mechanics and Canadian policy choices. They discuss oil price swings after recent comments, supply-route risks, impacts on air freight and fertilizer, and policy tools to ease consumer pain.
