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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סיכום הפרק

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.

פרקים

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עיקרי הדברים

And if so, why those 10 out of the millions of episodes and anecdotes in a person's life, why did 10 stories or thereabouts get told over and over again?

00:02:29 · McCall describes the central question that sparked her research into why certain stories become repetitive staples in an elder's repertoire.

The first and most common one is to consolidate their identity, to say, this is who I've been.

00:05:58 · McCall identifies the primary motivation behind why older adults share specific recurring narratives.

And in the absence of a receptive listener, the stories start to lose detail, get shorter, lose emotional impact, and finally not be told at all.

00:13:23 · The author highlights how the engagement of the younger generation is crucial to the survival of these family histories.

And it doesn't matter whether they're true or not.

00:19:37 · The author argues that the emotional truth and the intent behind a story are more significant than its factual accuracy.

The first one is to remember that there are only 10.

00:21:15 · The author provides practical advice for those feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of documenting their parents' histories.

פרקים

9966-

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 ספט' 2026
9965-

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 ספט' 2026
9964-

Would the U.S. invade Canada?

Host Matt Galloway interviews political science professor Stephen Seidman regarding Prime Minister Carney's comments about the 'extreme tail risk' of a U.S. invasion of Canada. The discussion explores the distinction between an attack and an invasion, the political motivations behind the Prime Minister's timing ahead of U.S. midterms, and the potential for military non-compliance as a deterrent. The episode also examines the low probability but high-consequence nature of such risks, emphasizing the need for prudent military planning against various threats like cyber attacks. While a full-scale invasion is considered unlikely, the discussion highlights the importance of strengthening Canadian resilience and managing domestic economic and alliance-building levers in response to current U.S. administration rhetoric.

25 ספט' 2026
9963-

The race to classify the world’s unidentified species

In this episode of The Current Podcast, host Matt Galloway interviews Dirk Steinka, a research scientist at the University of Guelph, regarding the ongoing discovery of new species across the globe. The conversation explores recent breakthroughs, such as the identification of a new cat species in the Bolivian cloud forest and a new penguin species, highlighting how advancements in genetic analysis and DNA barcoding are accelerating scientific descriptions. Steinka discusses the staggering estimates of unidentified insect species, the distinction between local observation and formal scientific discovery, and the critical importance of identifying biodiversity to implement effective conservation efforts.

24 ספט' 2026
9962-

She became an undercover RCMP agent to catch her abuser

In this episode of The Current Podcast, Matt Galloway interviews sisters Vienna and Shaughnessy Luke about their pursuit of justice following a 2007 sexual assault. They discuss the devastating long-term impact of the perpetrator's actions on their family and the discovery of evidence regarding the use of ketamine that led to an undercover police operation. Vienna describes the RCMP's undercover strategy to secure a confession from the perpetrator, involving role-playing and the promise of family reconciliation. The episode concludes with reflections on the sisters' bravery and the emotional toll the journey has taken.

24 ספט' 2026