The Current CBC Radio

This episode of The Current Podcast examines the tragic death of Miranda Mamakwa, a 31-year-old mother from Fort Severn First Nation. Following open-heart surgery in Ottawa, Mamakwa was unable to attend critical follow-up appointments because her requests for travel funding through the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits Program were denied. Grand Chief Alvin Fidler discusses the devastating impact on the community and the systemic failures within Indigenous Services Canada. The conversation highlights broader issues regarding a two-tiered healthcare system and the lack of adequate funding for medical transit in First Nations communities. As Indigenous leaders demand accountability and an investigation into the decision-making processes that led to this preventable death, the episode explores the urgent need for sustainable, long-term solutions and community-led healthcare autonomy.

This episode explores the impact of escalating trade wars between Canada and the United States on Canadian manufacturers. Through interviews with business owners from Ambico and Northern Cables, the discussion highlights how tariffs are forcing companies to find workarounds or face significant business losses. The discussion further examines how companies are managing uncertainty and potential production shifts. Dennis Darby of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters highlights that while large multinationals may have the resources to move production, many Canadian manufacturers are instead reducing capital investment due to the volatility of the trade dispute.

This episode of The Current Podcast explores the end of an era as Hockey Night in Canada concludes its 75-season run on CBC, being replaced by broadcasts on Sportsnet and Amazon Prime. Host Matt Galloway interviews Sarah Barnes, curator of sport and leisure at the Canadian Museum of History, to discuss the cultural impact of the long-running program and what the shift toward subscription-based models means for the accessibility of the sport. The conversation delves into the evolution of hockey culture in Canada, touching upon the importance of diverse broadcasts—such as Punjabi language programming—in expanding the game's reach. Barnes highlights the resilience of hockey fans and the growth of new opportunities like the PWHL, suggesting that while the media landscape is changing, the passion for the sport continues to evolve alongside Canada's diversifying population.

This episode explores the inherent dangers of competitive cycling, focusing on a documentary investigation into rider safety. It details the tragic death of Muriel Fuhrer during a race in Zurich and discusses the lack of GPS tracking technology at smaller-scale races like the Canadian National Championships. The discussion further examines various safety concerns in professional cycling, ranging from the potential for airbag technology to the dangers posed by urban road infrastructure. It also explores how structural changes, such as the UCI's promotion and relegation system, may inadvertently increase rider risk-taking during races.

Host Matt Galloway interviews legendary filmmaker Barbara Koppell about her new film, 'Union Town,' which explores the modern struggles of delivery workers in New York City. The conversation reflects on Koppell's career, from documenting coal miners' strikes to observing current challenges faced by Amazon and UPS workers, including labor exploitation and union busting. The episode also examines the impact of automation on the workforce, the role of consumers in supporting fair labor practices, and the enduring power of storytelling in highlighting the struggles of independent workers.

This episode explores Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent address to the European Parliament, which called for closer ties and a potential 'privileged relationship' between Canada and the EU. Through interviews with experts Jeremy Kinsman and Nikolai von Ondarza, the discussion examines the complexities of an associate membership alliance, including trade agreements like CETA and the challenges of regulatory alignment. The conversation also addresses significant geopolitical implications, such as concerns regarding sovereignty, immigration, and the potential for tension with the United States. The episode weighs the impact of this partnership on Canada's foundational relationship with the U.S. and the broader landscape of European security.

Matt Galloway interviews space architect Ariel Ekblah about the future of human presence in orbit and the work being done by the Aurelia Institute. They discuss self-assembling space structures, the potential for a burgeoning space economy, and the importance of using space technology to benefit life on Earth. The conversation also explores the balance between commercial interests and government regulation to ensure an equitable lunar presence. The episode covers the potential for 'off-worlding' heavy industry and data centers to protect Earth, as well as how space-based research is driving medical innovations like improved cancer drug delivery.

This episode explores the devastating impact of a fast-moving forest fire in Summerland, British Columbia, which forced thousands to evacuate in the middle of the night. Through personal stories of loss and chaos, it examines the extreme speed of the wildfire's spread and the dangerous lack of early warning alerts for residents. The discussion details the immense pressure on local emergency services and the long-term emotional trauma and property loss experienced by the community. It further explores the urgent need for proactive fire mitigation, better infrastructure planning, and a shift away from purely reactive fire response in the face of changing climate conditions.

Investigative journalist Stephen Witt discusses the existential risks posed by advanced AI, including the possibility of models escaping containment and acting with independent volition. He explores fears regarding uncontrolled self-improvement and the potential for rogue systems to cause global harm. The episode also examines the debate over regulation, weighing the risks of a 'kill switch' against the economic consequences of banning development. The discussion highlights the need for oversight mechanisms like global monitoring systems and the influence of industry leaders on political discourse.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway interviews Van R. Newkirk II, a senior editor at The Atlantic, regarding the recent population increase in monarch butterflies. Newkirk shares his firsthand observations from Mexico's monarch butterfly biosphere reserve, describing the overwhelming scale of the migration and the biological marvel of the 'super generation' that travels vast distances across North America. The conversation explores the intersection of conservation success and ongoing environmental threats. While the planting of milkweed waystations in the U.S. and Canada has contributed to a population bounce back, Newkirk highlights critical dangers such as habitat loss driven by the avocado trade in Mexico and the overarching impact of climate change. The episode concludes with reflections on humanity's role as stewards of the natural world.

Political correspondent Rob Shaw joins The Current Podcast to discuss the ongoing political instability within the British Columbia Conservative Party. Following the leadership of Carrie Lynn Finley, the party is experiencing a significant internal fracture, characterized by the defection of several MLAs and the formation of a new, yet-to-be-named conservative group focused on traditional economic issues rather than culture wars. The episode explores the implications of this party split for Premier David Eby and the potential for an early provincial election. Shaw details the ideological shift toward social conservatism within the BC Conservatives and warns that the current situation serves as a cautionary tale for conservative movements across Canada, including the federal level.

Host Matt Galloway interviews former U.S. Ambassador Bruce Heyman and former Quebec Premier Jean Charest about the evolving Canada-U.S. trade relationship, focusing on the impact of American protectionism and the challenges of rebuilding trust. Jean Charest discusses the necessity for Canada to diversify its economic partnerships toward Europe through cooperation in resources, labor mobility, and technology. He also explores Canada's potential role in leading a new architecture of trade among middle powers to avoid domination by superpowers.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, Matt Galloway interviews Doug Kitchen, a man from Alberta who turned to ChatGPT for support during a period of severe depression and isolation following his wife's departure. While acknowledging the risks associated with AI, Doug describes how the chatbot served as a 24/7 companion that helped him navigate practical life tasks and emotional processing when human resources were unavailable. The segment also features an interview with psychiatrist Dr. Vincent Pekin regarding the use of AI chatbots for mental health support. While acknowledging that chatbots can serve as a helpful 'tool' for those facing barriers to professional care, Dr. Pekin warns about the risks of commercialized AI providing misinformation or prioritizing engagement over clinical safety.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway interviews David Sturge, the Canadian Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Speaking from Butterpot Provincial Park where he also serves as a park ranger, Sturge discusses his deep-rooted connection to the landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador and his transition into wildlife conservation photography. The conversation explores the profound bond formed through long-term immersion in nature and the sobering realities of climate change. Sturge shares poignant stories of observing seal pups and the receding ice packs, highlighting how environmental shifts impact local wildlife. He concludes by discussing his mission to use his photography as a voice for animals and an inspiration for people to reconnect with the natural world.

This episode of The Current Podcast examines the controversy surrounding a new advertisement for the sports betting app Novig featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. Culture critic Bea Kwame joins host Matt Galloway to discuss how the ad, which utilizes Sweeney's image in a highly sexualized manner, has sparked backlash from professional female athletes and critics alike. The conversation explores the broader implications of using celebrity sexuality to drive engagement in the 'outrage economy.' The discussion touches upon the impact of such imagery on young girls, the distinction between individual choice feminism and its collective social cost, and the strategic use of controversy to gain market visibility for new betting platforms.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway interviews author Priya Parker about her new book, 'The Art of Fighting.' The discussion explores how conflict can serve as a generative force rather than something to be avoided, moving through the spectrum from 'unhealthy peace' and 'unhealthy heat' toward 'healthy heat.' Parker discusses the importance of developing better tools for managing tension, using examples ranging from television scenes in 'The Bear' to navigating workplace disputes and family narratives. The conversation also addresses how digital tools can escalate conflict and how sharing complex histories can build resilience.

This episode features an interview with Bloomberg's Matthew Winkler regarding an investment summit in Canada led by Mark Carney. Winkler discusses Canada's economic potential, using a 'hobbit' analogy to describe the reliable nature of Canadians while highlighting a recent influx of foreign investment into the country. The discussion further explores the challenges and opportunities for attracting foreign investment to Canada. It addresses how regulatory fragmentation and political uncertainty can deter long-term institutional investors, while also examining the economic benefits of attracting global capital to provide Canada with greater economic optionality.

This episode of The Current Podcast explores the concept of 'super movers'—older adults who maintain a fast walking pace. Featuring an interview with Dr. Sophia Millman from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the segment discusses new research suggesting that walking at a higher speed is linked to a 50% reduction in the risk of cognitive decline. The discussion delves into the biological mechanisms behind these findings, such as the release of neuroprotective chemicals like BDNF during exercise. Dr. Millman also highlights how physical activity combined with social interaction, as seen in groups like the Vancouver Venturers, may provide synergistic benefits for brain health and resilience against Alzheimer's pathology.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway and senior international correspondent Margaret Evans discuss the deteriorating situation for women in Afghanistan following the Taliban's return to power. Through an interview with a woman whose identity is protected, the program explores the loss of fundamental rights, including access to education and movement, and the psychological toll of living under strict religious decrees. The conversation also examines the failure of international bureaucratic processes, specifically focusing on how a Canadian-funded aid worker was left behind due to administrative errors within Global Affairs Canada and immigration systems. The episode highlights the personal struggle of an Afghan woman attempting to maintain hope while navigating a landscape of extreme restriction and perceived abandonment by the West.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway interviews Ron DeFrancesco and Wendy Lansky, two survivors who were working in the World Trade Center towers during the September 11 attacks. They recount their harrowing experiences navigating smoke, fire, and collapsing structures. The conversation also explores the long-term physical, mental, and emotional aftermath of the attacks. The survivors discuss themes of survivor's guilt, the importance of sharing their stories to honor those lost, and reflections on global unity versus modern divisiveness.

This episode of The Current Podcast explores the enduring bond between Jeanette Gutierrez, a 9/11 survivor from New York City, and Kelly Sevier, a special events coordinator in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. Following the September 11 attacks, when thousands of diverted passengers landed in Gander, the town's massive humanitarian effort created a lasting connection between these two women. The conversation delves into the personal impact of the attacks, Jeanette's experience of being saved by her sister during the World Trade Center collapse, and the legendary hospitality shown by the people of Gander. Through stories of 'screeching in' ceremonies and shared grief, the episode reflects on friendship, resilience, and the unbreakable ties between Canada and the United States.

Host Matt Galloway interviews Rick and Amanda Hansen about the new documentary 'Man in Motion, the Rick Hansen story'. The conversation explores the physical and emotional challenges of Rick's historic wheelchair tour around the world, including navigating a lack of global accessibility and moments of near-failure. Rick and Amanda reflect on the inspiration drawn from Terry Fox, the importance of teamwork, and how the journey transformed their lives into a lifelong mission for social change and advocacy.

This episode of The Current Podcast explores the profound collective grief experienced by New Yorkers in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Through the personal accounts of Dr. Danielle Ofri, a physician at Bellevue Hospital, and Stuart Inglis, a Canadian graphic designer, the narrative follows the desperate search for loved ones amidst the chaos of the Twin Towers' collapse. The episode focuses on the makeshift headquarters and the sea of handmade missing person posters that covered New York City streets. The discussion highlights how these posters served as both a private expression of loss and a public site of shared mourning. Stuart Inglis shares his experience documenting hundreds of these posters, capturing the intimate details—from handwritten notes to family photographs—that transformed paper into sacred artifacts of remembrance. The episode concludes with an update on Inglis's upcoming book project, 'Missing,' which serves as a photographic document of this historical moment.

Este episódio explora a crise na indústria de ostras em Prince Edward Island, causada por doenças que devastaram as populações locais e geram impactos econômicos e emocionais nos produtores familiares. Discute-se o medo da dependência de sementes dos EUA e o risco de grandes corporações assumirem o controle do setor. A narrativa também aborda a importância da indústria para a cultura local e a restauração histórica da Province House, em Charlottetown, destacando seu papel fundamental como símbolo da Confederação Canadense.

In this special edition of The Current, host Matt Galloway interviews former New Brunswick Premier and Canadian Ambassador Frank McKenna regarding Canada's economic resilience, diplomatic relations with the United States, and the importance of national unity. Musician Lisa LeBlanc joins the program at La Boiteau Beach to discuss her musical upbringing, the influence of Acadian culture and 'Chiac,' and her upcoming album, 'Patchwork.'

This episode journeys through the East Coast of Canada, beginning with the production of a Netflix adaptation of Carly Fortune's novel 'This Summer Will Be Different' on Prince Edward Island and exploring the expansion of Mrs. Dunster's donut factory in New Brunswick. The discussion then shifts to the serious impact of federal immigration policy changes on Atlantic Canada. An entrepreneur explains how recent shifts in work permit renewals threaten business stability, followed by the personal story of Amarjeet Kaur, a baker facing uncertainty due to an expiring work permit.

Este episódio analisa a escalada da guerra comercial entre os Estados Unidos e o Canadá, focando nas novas ordens executivas de Donald Trump que impõem restrições a produtos canadenses. Os repórteres examinam as estratégias de comunicação política do governo americano e o impacto potencial dessas tarifas em setores como o automotivo e o agrícola. A discussão aborda também as implicações políticas para as eleições de meio de mandato nos EUA, analisando se haverá novas negociações para evitar tarifas maiores e como a administração pode utilizar o protecionismo para ganhar apoio político.

This episode explores the intense debate in Canadian math education between proponents of direct instruction and advocates for inquiry-based learning. Following alarming declines in OECD standardized test scores, some educators in Manitoba report success with explicit teaching methods to combat falling achievement levels. The discussion features perspectives from educators like Anna Stocky and Martha Koch, highlighting the tension between mastering basic arithmetic through practice and developing deep conceptual understanding. The episode also examines significant score increases in Gimli Schools following shifts toward direct instruction and addresses the complexities of interpreting educational research.

In this episode of The Current Podcast, Matt Galloway interviews creators Stacey Akluk-McDonald and Alethea Arnakuk-Baril about the success of the hit series 'North of North'. The discussion explores the show's global impact, the importance of authentic Indigenous representation in Canadian media, and the challenges of filming in extreme Arctic conditions. The creators also reflect on their creative partnership, the role of 'native aunties' in providing guidance, and the necessity of supporting diverse storytelling to strengthen national identity.

Este episódio aborda as crescentes tensões comerciais entre o Canadá e os Estados Unidos, analisando a imprevisibilidade da administração americana e os impactos econômicos para empresas canadenses. O debate foca na necessidade de o Canadá fortalecer sua soberania, buscar novos parceiros e adotar uma visão global em vez de protecionista. A discussão também reflete sobre a identidade nacional canadense, celebrando a diversidade e a unidade do país, ao mesmo tempo em que expressa preocupações com a segurança econômica de longo prazo e o risco de migração de jovens talentos para a economia americana.

Host Matt Galloway interviews author Margaret Atwood, author Stephen Marsh, and economist Joseph Steinberg regarding Canada's political and economic sovereignty. The discussion explores the implications of trade tensions with the United States, the evolving sense of Canadian identity, and the economic impact of retaliatory tariffs. Economist Joseph Steinberg further discusses the risks of implementing retaliatory tariffs against the United States, arguing that such measures primarily act as taxes on Canadian consumers. He suggests that Canada should focus on internal economic productivity to avoid escalating trade tensions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Matt Galloway and Cal Newport discuss the decline of human attention spans driven by the 'attention economy' and the rise of generative AI. Newport argues that we are facing a crisis in our ability to think deeply and calls for a 'revolution in cognitive fitness' similar to the mid-20th century shift toward physical fitness. The conversation explores how individuals can combat mental decline through 'cognitive nutrition,' such as reading and writing, while also addressing the need for agency against technological determinism. The speakers examine the concept of 'techno-selectionism' and warn of the economic and civic risks—including increased tribalism—that arise when we lose our capacity for deep, careful thought.

Host Paul Hunter, alongside experts Gail Kransberg and Daniel McFarlane, examines the environmental and political threats facing Lake Ontario and the broader Great Lakes region. The discussion explores how deregulation, the weakening of cross-border agreements, and the sanitization of climate change terminology under potential U.S. executive actions threaten ecological health and economic stability. The episode also delves into historical engineering schemes aimed at diverting Great Lakes water to other regions and the critical importance of maintaining scientific cooperation and international governance to protect the basin's ecology.

Host Paul Hunter interviews emergency physicians Dr. Noam Cates and Dr. Brittany Ellis about the crisis in Canadian emergency departments, characterized by extreme wait times and systemic strain caused by an aging population and lack of downstream care capacity. The doctors discuss how these pressures lead to physician demoralization and increased patient risk. Dr. Myrendra Ravichandran discusses how the Scarborough Health Network reduced ER wait times by moving clinical assessments and diagnostic processes to the front of the patient journey. He explains that this organizational approach has improved both patient safety and hospital rankings, though he emphasizes that such changes require long-term, system-wide support.

In this episode, canopy biologist Nalini Nadkarni discusses her lifelong mission to study and protect the forest canopy. She details her specialized climbing techniques, such as the 'Mastercaster,' and explores the ecological importance of understanding the complex life within the treetops. Nadkarni also examines the impacts of climate change on forest canopies and shares a harrowing account of surviving a 60-foot fall from a tree. Additionally, she discusses how integrating diverse perspectives—including those from dancers and Inuit artists—can foster a more profound understanding of forest conservation.

Historian Margaret MacMillan discusses the emergence of a new era of global disorder characterized by the disruption of international institutions and the rise of great power competition. She explores the potential for middle powers like Canada to form alliances to maintain stability. The conversation also addresses the instability of a world divided into spheres of influence and expresses concern over the erosion of American moral authority and international trust. The episode concludes with advice on maintaining civic responsibility and staying engaged with one's community to support healthy democracies.

This episode explores how Canadian entrepreneurs are navigating the economic challenges posed by U.S. trade tensions and tariffs. Featuring interviews with Todd Maffin, CEO of Mini Miosh Jacqueline Corbett, and Ashley Chapman, the discussion highlights strategies for pivoting toward domestic markets and building resilience. The conversation delves into the severe impact of trade barriers on small businesses and the shift toward Canadian-centric retail and supply chains. From reshoring manufacturing to finding international alternatives, the guests discuss how these challenges may serve as a turning point for Canadian economic self-sufficiency.

Host Paul Hunter interviews U.S. Congressman Tim Kennedy regarding the introduction of the 'Hands Off Our Great Lakes Act.' The episode explores the political tension surrounding an executive order by President Donald Trump to rename Lake Ontario to 'Lake America' and the legislative efforts in the U.S. House of Representatives to rescind the change. Kennedy discusses the deep economic, cultural, and familial ties between the Buffalo-Niagara region and Canada, arguing that the renaming attempt and associated tariffs threaten a vital cross-border partnership.

This episode of The Current explores the phenomenon known as the 'singles tax,' examining the financial and emotional burdens faced by the growing population of single individuals in Canada. Through interviews with young professionals in Vancouver and seniors living in shared community housing, the program investigates how the lack of shared expenses for rent, utilities, and groceries creates a significant economic disadvantage compared to couples. The discussion covers the rising cost of solo living, the difficulty of saving for major milestones like homeownership, and the lack of targeted government tax benefits for single adults. The episode also touches on the emotional weight of navigating life's challenges without a partner and highlights advocacy efforts by groups like Single Seniors for Tax Fairness to seek legislative equity.

Uma entrevista com o jornalista investigativo Patrick Radden-Keefe sobre seu livro 'London Falling', que detalha a misteriosa morte de Zach Brattler em Londres. A investigação explora como a busca por uma identidade de luxo, impulsionada pelas redes sociais e pela nova classe de bilionários, levou o jovem a viver uma vida dupla como filho de um oligarca russo. A conversa aborda as conexões perigosas de Zach com figuras influentes em Londres, a investigação policial inconclusiva e o desafio enfrentado por seus pais para descobrir a verdadeira identidade do filho após sua morte.

This episode features a panel discussion on the escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States, examining President Trump's recent actions and their impact on Canadian sentiment. The discussion covers the breakdown of recent trade negotiations and the political implications for both nations. The panelists also analyze critical 'red lines' in future negotiations, including the protection of the auto sector, national sovereignty, and the French language. Additionally, the episode explores how ongoing by-elections in Quebec serve as a test of public support for the Canadian government's response to U.S. political pressure.

This episode of The Current Podcast examines the catastrophic flash flooding in northern Nepal that has left over 500 people dead and more than 1,500 missing. Through interviews with humanitarian leaders and climate scientists, the program explores the immediate devastation on the ground, including the destruction of infrastructure and the desperate search and rescue efforts currently underway near the Nepal-Tibet border. The discussion delves into the scientific drivers behind the disaster, specifically investigating how melting permafrost and retreating glaciers may have triggered a massive avalanche of ice and rock. The episode also highlights the profound emotional toll on the Nepalese-Canadian community, as families in Canada struggle to establish contact with loved ones in the affected regions.

This episode examines Meta's landmark $18 billion settlement regarding allegations that its platforms are designed to be addictive to children. Featuring insights from tech reporter Claire Duffy and expert Taylor Owen, the discussion explores platform changes, the role of independent auditors, and why legal settlements cannot substitute for robust government governance. The conversation also covers Canadian social media regulations and introduces Ben Waldman, CEO of Gander. Waldman describes his new human-centric social media app, which prioritizes connection without the use of algorithms or data selling.

This episode of The Current Podcast explores the escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada. Featuring perspectives from retired autoworker Brian Ponebeker, former U.S. Trade Representative counsel Stephen Vaughn, and expert Daniel Dresner, the discussion covers the support for tariffs to protect American jobs, the breakdown in diplomatic trust, and the economic risks of disrupting integrated manufacturing sectors. The conversation also examines how rising prices resulting from these trade threats could impact upcoming Senate elections.

This episode explores the history of 'voice letters,' a forgotten form of audio communication from the 1930s-50s where messages were recorded on small discs and sent through the mail. Through an interview with media historian Thomas Levine, we examine how these recordings served as early precursors to modern voicemail. The discussion further delves into the concept of a 'ghost archive,' examining the emotional impact of listening to archival recordings of the deceased. Using the lens of media archaeology, the episode explores how studying past technologies, such as 1950s long-distance calling, helps us understand our current media environment.