The Current
Latest
The Current for Aug. 2, 2021
Today on The Current: how women athletes are pushing back against sexist policies and regulations, and we revisit a conversation with British author Eley Williams about the power of fake words.
Listen
Concern over Alberta lifting COVID-19 restrictions
Infectious diseases expert Ilan Schwartz says it's far too early for Alberta to lift its COVID-19 restrictions; and political science professor Lori Williams says Premier Jason Kenney is 'gambling' with his political base with the decision.
Q&A
The pandemic fuelled a need 'to be seen' — even in Crocs, says psychologist
Carolyn Mair — a psychologist, business consultant and author of The Psychology of Fashion — helps to explain the foamy, colourful, comfy clogs' resurgence.
The Current for July 30, 2021
Today on The Current: reaction to Alberta's announcement the province will end nearly all COVID-19 restrictions; deadly floods in China and what's being done to prepare for future climate disasters; the return of controversial crocs shoes; and we revisit the story of the now-disgraced fertility doctor Norman Barwin.
NDP MPP criticizes Ford for not calling state of emergency as wildfires burn across Northern Ontario
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa joined First Nations leaders in Northern Ontario who are calling on Premier Doug Ford's provincial government to declare a state of emergency to save their communities from unprecedented wildfires that have so far forced 3,000 people from their homes.
How to repair friendships strained by different perspectives on the pandemic
Canadians have the chance to reconnect with friends and family they might not have seen through successive lockdowns, but the pandemic strain on relationships has some people wondering if they want to.
The Current for July 29, 2021
Today on The Current: Northern Ontario wildfires; post-pandemic friendships; and the harrowing story of a Dutch explorer's 16th-century Arctic expedition.
Roman Mars spotlights cool urban design elements in his book The 99% Invisible City
In his podcast 99% Invisible, Roman Mars tells the fascinating backstories of everyday things that we may not give a second thought, from barbed wire to a plaque on a bench. He's spun that out into his book The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design.
The Current for July 28, 2021
Today on The Current: COVID-19 vaccine passports prompt privacy, public health debate; TJ Newsman, flight attendant-turned-author, on her bestseller; and author Roman Mars about the hidden wonders of a city.
Nobel author Kazuo Ishiguro on artificial intelligence, and what it means to be human
British author Kazuo Ishiguro says the world may be on the brink of a new era similar to the industrial revolution, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence. He explores that theme, and what it means to be human, in his newest book, Klara and the Sun.
The Current for July 27, 2021
Today on The Current: The delta variant surges in the U.S.; Nobel author Kazuo Ishiguro on AI; and Episode 9 of A Death In Cryptoland
Listen
Why Canadian nurses are leaving the profession
The pandemic has taken its toll on nurses. Some are leaving the profession, while others are burned out, working long hours and trying to provide sufficient care amid staffing shortages. To discuss how we can alleviate the pressures on nurses, as well as how we can attract more Canadians to the profession, guest host Robyn Bresnahan talks to two nurses about their experiences. We also speak to Kim McMillan, assistant professor of nursing and health sciences at University of Ottawa.
The Current for July 26, 2021
Today on The Current: Why Canadian nurses are leaving the profession and how they are struggling during the pandemic; plus, we revisit our interview with Canadian baseball legend Fergie Jenkins on his career and legacy.
LISTEN | Why Canada needs a reckoning on Islamophobia
Plus, following yesterday's national summit on Islamophobia, we discuss the severity of Islamophobia in Canada with Aymen Derbali, a survivor of 2017's Quebec City mosque shooting that left six dead; lawyer Nusaiba Al-Azem from London, Ont.; and Noor Al-Henedy, a member of the Canadian Islamic Centre in Edmonton.
LISTEN | How Indigenous fire practices could help to combat future wild fires
With the recent heat waves and subsequent wildfires in B.C., experts are calling for Indigenous fire management practices to be implemented across North America so that fire services can better prepare for the future. To discuss how cultural burns could have a positive impact going forward, guest host Robyn Bresnahan talks to fire research scientist Amy Christianson, as well as Don Hankins, professor of geography and planning at California State University, Chico.
The Current for July 23, 2021
Today on The Current: Why Indigenous fire management practices might be needed to make up for hundreds of years of fire suppression policies that don't work; Islamophobia in Canada and how to combat it; and Episode 8 of A Death in Cryptoland.
Listen
Extreme heat battering Canada's farmers and food supply
Recent extreme heat ‘cooked’ fruit still on the tree in B.C., as well as forcing farmers in Manitoba to sell their cattle at emergency auctions, due to failed crops and a lack of available feed.
Listen
After South Africa's worst unrest in decades, what are the possible paths forward?
Hundreds of people have been killed in South Africa’s worst unrest in decades, after protests triggered by the jailing of ex-president Jacob Zuma widened into rioting and anger over inequality.
The Current for July 22, 2021
Today on The Current: Extreme heat battering Canada’s farmers and food supply; South Africa suffers worst unrest in decades; and episode 7 of A Death in Cryptoland
What was that podcast I heard on The Current?
All summer long, The Current is bringing you the best of CBC podcasts. Here's what we're playing on air, and where to find episodes online.
Listen
Wildfire smoke is raising health concerns about air quality across Canada. Here's what you need to know
Smoke from hundreds of wildfires is wreaking havoc on communities and businesses across Canada. Guest host Robyn Bresnahan discusses the impact on air quality and people’s health with pediatric respiratory expert Anne Hicks, and Michael Mehta, a professor of environmental studies.
The Current for July 21, 2021
Today on The Current: Health concerns for communities shrouded in smoke from hundreds of wildfires; Mark Carney on how Canada can come out of the pandemic in better shape; the Tasmanian devil’s return to Australian mainland; and Episode 6 of A Death in Cryptoland
The Current for July 20, 2021
Today on The Current: Investigation alleges Pegasus spyware used to target politicians, activists and journalists around the world; pandemic prompts Canadians to make a bold career move — a resignation; and Episode 5 of A Death in Cryptoland
Margaret Atwood's late partner loved birds. In the pandemic, she sees how they help people feel less alone
Canadian author Margaret Atwood shared much with her late partner, the novelist Graeme Gibson, including a love of birds.
The Current for July 19, 2021
Today on The Current: Calls to ease restrictions on hospital visits; and Margaret Atwood on her late partner Graeme Gibson, and their shared love of birds
