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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Episode's summary

Host Matt Galloway interviews Jesse Wente about his new book, which explores the personal and professional fallout from an investigation into director Michelle Latimer's Indigenous identity. Wente discusses how the controversy triggered deep-seated anxieties regarding his own Anishinaabe identity and led him through a period of severe mental health struggles. Wente also reflects on a period of intense personal crisis involving suicidal ideation and a heart attack, which forced him to shift from an intellectualized existence to one focused on physical and spiritual healing. He discusses finding mindfulness through golf and learning the difference between 'doing' and 'being' as an Anishinaabe person.

Chapters

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Highlights

If you build a fire where they're in the cold, People will come to the fire.

00:07:03 · Wente uses this metaphor to explain why people might attempt to claim Indigenous identity within scarce colonial systems.

I wrote four letters explaining what would have been my death to my wife, as you do when you're doing those things.

00:12:10 · Wente reveals the extreme depth of his mental health crisis and his experience with suicidal ideation.

The way I would look at it now, Matt, is I would say it was my ancestors tapping me on my chest saying, slow down there for a second.

00:15:34 · The speaker interprets his heart attack as a necessary intervention from his ancestors to prioritize physical health.

What this elder, Chief Elder Duke Redbird said to me was – you just are that. Like, you need to stop trying to do it. And you need to just accept that you are.

00:17:13 · An elder helped the speaker move from a performance-based identity to an inherent sense of Anishinaabe belonging.

What matters now to me is experiencing life in its fullest, being here, being present.

00:23:14 · The speaker shares his new fundamental life priority following his period of intense personal struggle.

Episodes

10031-

How golf helped Anishnaabe writer Jesse Wente heal

Host Matt Galloway interviews Jesse Wente about his new book, which explores the personal and professional fallout from an investigation into director Michelle Latimer's Indigenous identity. Wente discusses how the controversy triggered deep-seated anxieties regarding his own Anishinaabe identity and led him through a period of severe mental health struggles. Wente also reflects on a period of intense personal crisis involving suicidal ideation and a heart attack, which forced him to shift from an intellectualized existence to one focused on physical and spiritual healing. He discusses finding mindfulness through golf and learning the difference between 'doing' and 'being' as an Anishinaabe person.

22 Oct 2026
10030-

As Ebola spreads, Canadian scientists work on a vaccine

This episode of The Current Podcast examines the rapid spread of a rare Ebola strain in the DRC and Nigeria, highlighting the significant challenges regarding community trust and medical response. Through interviews with Heather Kerr and Dr. Scott Halperin, the discussion explores the development of an mRNA vaccine trial in Canada designed to address this specific strain. The episode also addresses the risks posed by global connectivity and the potential for Ebola to enter Canada via travel. Featuring insights from clinical trial participant Cindy Michaluk, the conversation covers the motivations behind participating in medical research and the hope that accelerated clinical trials can help end outbreaks in Africa.

22 Oct 2026
10029-

Malcolm Gladwell on America's gun violence problem

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway interviews author Malcolm Gladwell about his new book, 'The American Way of Killing'. Gladwell examines the complexities and misunderstandings surrounding gun violence in the United States, arguing that much of the national debate focuses on the wrong issues, such as mass shootings and cosmetic assault rifle bans, rather than addressing more prevalent problems like firearm suicides. The discussion also explores how community-based interventions and personal relationships led to a significant decrease in homicides in Baltimore. Gladwell further argues that the American debate over policing is fundamentally flawed due to severe understaffing compared to other industrialized nations, suggesting that redirecting funds from prisons toward social services and community-oriented policing could improve public safety.

21 Oct 2026
10028-

Kawhi Leonard is back — Can the Raptors do it again?

This episode of The Current discusses the high-profile return of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for the 2026 NBA season. Host Matt Galloway and guest S. Baraheni, co-host of The Athletic NBA Daily Podcast, explore the implications of this blockbuster trade, including the player's recent social media announcement and the lingering controversy surrounding salary cap circumvention allegations during his time with the LA Clippers. The conversation also touches upon the current state of the Raptors roster, which features a young core led by players like Scottie Barnes. The discussion concludes by reflecting on the legacy of Kyle Lowry, who recently retired as a Raptor, and the broader growth of basketball culture within Canada.

21 Oct 2026
10027-

Outgoing ambassador to Russia on life in Moscow

In this episode of The Current Podcast, Matt Galloway interviews Sarah Taylor, Canada's outgoing ambassador to Russia, about her three-year posting in Moscow. They discuss the challenges of diplomacy under high-stakes geopolitical tension, including surveillance, the impact of sanctions on Russian oil revenue, and the current state of political dissent within Russia. Ambassador Taylor also discusses the threats of hybrid and cognitive warfare, specifically regarding Russian disinformation and drone incursions. She emphasizes the importance of engaging with the Russian dissident community in exile and maintaining communication with the Russian people to promote alternative visions for their country's future.

21 Oct 2026