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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Resumen del episodio

A national affairs panel discusses the escalating trade war between Canada and the United States, focusing on the imminent implementation of retaliatory tariffs and their potential economic impact on Canadian jobs and prices. The discussion also explores the political implications for upcoming U.S. midterms and the current state of domestic political unity in Canada. The panelists further examine the challenges of opposition leadership during periods of national unity and the influence of US protectionist sentiments. Additionally, they explore a shifting Canadian identity, moving from a definition based on being 'not American' toward a more collective sense of national pride and purpose.

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Destacados

That does not seem to be an off ramp in front of the federal government.

00:01:35 · The reporter indicates that there are currently no negotiations or exits visible to prevent the implementation of retaliatory tariffs.

They're not just going to feel it, though, in prices. They're going to feel it in job losses.

00:02:57 · An economist explains that the impact of the trade war extends beyond consumer inflation to include potential unemployment.

Canadians understand this is going to cause economic pain and they want to do it anyway.

00:03:18 · The panel discusses the surprising level of public support among Canadians for engaging in a trade fight despite the known costs.

I think Canadians are finding out that there is more about this country than just not being American.

00:17:30 · Ryan Tomelty discusses a shift in how Canadians perceive their national identity during a period of global tension.

I feel that has really flipped. I feel like it is now who we are. We are all sort of defining ourselves by who we are.

00:19:17 · Rosie Barton reflects on the transition from a reactive Canadian identity to one based on intrinsic values.

Episodios

9916-

Canada's retaliatory tariffs kick in tomorrow - then what?

A national affairs panel discusses the escalating trade war between Canada and the United States, focusing on the imminent implementation of retaliatory tariffs and their potential economic impact on Canadian jobs and prices. The discussion also explores the political implications for upcoming U.S. midterms and the current state of domestic political unity in Canada. The panelists further examine the challenges of opposition leadership during periods of national unity and the influence of US protectionist sentiments. Additionally, they explore a shifting Canadian identity, moving from a definition based on being 'not American' toward a more collective sense of national pride and purpose.

07 sep. 2026
9915-

Jax Irwin’s viral calls to strangers in Atlantic Canada

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway interviews Jax Irwin, a Toronto-based broadcaster who has gained viral fame on TikTok and Instagram by calling random landline numbers in the Maritimes. Driven by homesickness for her native Nova Scotia, Irwin uses the white pages to initiate spontaneous conversations with strangers, primarily within the 902 area code. The discussion explores the unique culture of small talk in Atlantic Canada, particularly among older demographics in places like Cape Breton. Irwin highlights how these simple, non-extractive interactions provide a sense of warmth and connection in an era often dominated by digital efficiency and online scams.

07 sep. 2026
9914-

Saint John port is in the middle of a major comeback

This episode of The Current Podcast explores the economic resurgence of the St. John Container Port in New Brunswick. As trade tensions and tariffs impact North American commerce, the port is positioning itself as a vital gateway to global markets including Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Through interviews with port leadership, union workers, and local business owners, the program examines how infrastructure investments and supply chain shifts are revitalizing this historic maritime hub. The narrative follows the transition from a period of decline to a modern era of increased container traffic and technological advancement. The episode also highlights the personal stories of those navigating this industry shift, including a former school administrator managing a shipping company and multi-generational longshoremen witnessing the evolution of port operations.

07 sep. 2026
9913-

A new writing prize honouring Andrew Pyper

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway speaks with Heidi Piper about the legacy of her late husband, Andrew Piper, a bestselling Canadian horror and thriller author often compared to Stephen King. The conversation explores the profound impact of Piper's work on the human condition and his reputation for generosity within the writing community. The discussion details the launch of the Andrew Piper Prize, a $20,000 award for genre fiction established by a group of writers and friends to address the lack of significant monetary recognition for thriller and horror novelists in Canada. The episode also touches upon the release of Piper's final work under his pseudonym, Mason Coyle, and the personal journey of navigating loss while maintaining his literary presence.

07 sep. 2026
9912-

Why Germany's far-right AfD has surged in popularity

O episódio explora a ascensão do partido de extrema-direita Alternative for Germany (AfD) no estado de Saxônia-Anhalt, na Alemanha. A reportagem detalha o impacto das eleições regionais, as propostas controversas do partido, como a 'remigração', e o clima de divisão política entre apoiadores e grupos minoritários, incluindo comunidades imigrantes, judaicas e LGBTQ+. A análise aborda as raíções históricas da desigualdade no leste da Alemanha, a influência de figuras políticas locais e os riscos para a democracia alemã, questionando se a 'barreira de contenção' contra partidos extremistas poderá resistir caso o AfD assuma o poder estadual.

04 sep. 2026