The Current

The Current

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.

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Episoder

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North of North is back!

28 sep. 2026
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How booze is Canada’s biggest drug problem

This episode follows the story of Jordan Kochek, a man struggling with long-term alcohol addiction and frequent relapses while living in a therapeutic community for men. The narrative explores the devastating personal losses caused by his disease, including the tragic death of his mentor, Rob, due to an overdose. The episode also examines the medical complexities of treating alcohol use disorder, contrasting the lack of pharmacological intervention in hospitals with intensive community-based approaches. Dr. Evan Alon provides insights into the systemic lack of medical treatment options and how stigma and a lack of information among medical professionals hinder effective care.

28 sep. 2026
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Albertans more likely to reject separation, but remain divided

This episode examines the upcoming Alberta referendum, focusing on new polling that indicates a softening of separatist support and shifting political attitudes. The discussion explores voter sentiment toward Canada and the UCP through insights from pollster Janet Brown. The conversation also addresses proposed referendum questions regarding immigration control and provincial priority. Guests discuss the potential for these complex questions to impact the social atmosphere, expressing concerns about increased polarization and the risk of fracturing society.

28 sep. 2026
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How often do your parents tell you the same story?

Matt Galloway interviews Marianne McCall, author of 'The Ten Stories, What Aging Parents Want Us to Hear,' regarding the significance of repetitive storytelling in older generations. McCall explains that these stories serve five primary purposes—consolidating identity, entertaining, instructing, resolving conflict, and honoring loved ones. The discussion explores the importance of active listening and finding deeper meaning in these recurring narratives. By viewing these stories as intentional gifts, listeners can foster connection and preserve generational values, even when specific details are inconsistent.

25 sep. 2026
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What mending hearts taught a cardiac surgeon about humanity

Host Matt Galloway interviews cardiac surgeon Dr. Subod Verma about the profound importance of human connection, interdependence, and the lessons learned through surgery. Dr. Verma shares a dramatic case of a patient surviving a crossbow wound to the heart, illustrating how medical success relies on collective action rather than individual heroism. Dr. Verma also discusses the value of mentorship through 'informed believers' and reflects on how the human heart serves as a radical teacher of equity, being indifferent to social identity or status. He concludes by sharing the profound awe and responsibility felt when performing life-saving surgery.

25 sep. 2026