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.

00:00
00:00

Resumen del episodio

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.

Capítulos

Haz clic en un capítulo para ir directamente a ese momento

Destacados

If there's a little bit of a price increase, we're willing to pay it because it doesn't matter what something costs if you don't have a job.

00:02:25 · Brian Ponebeker explains why American autoworkers support tariffs despite potential increases in the cost of living.

I think it's unrealistic for folks in Canada to think that they're going to get the same deal as if they were in Minnesota or Wisconsin or were part of the United States.

00:07:14 · Stephen Vaughn provides perspective on the disparity between what Canada expects and what the U.S. is willing to offer.

It creates a deadweight loss in terms of economic cost. both for the US economy and for the Canadian economy, two of the most integrated economies in the world.

00:15:09 · The guest explains the negative economic consequences of disrupting the integrated North American manufacturing sector.

Americans fundamentally don''t care about international relations right up until the moment that it affects their bottom line.

00:17:15 · The guest discusses why the general American public has not yet reacted strongly to the ongoing trade dispute.

the primary focus that Americans have in terms of the U.S. economy is not jobs, it's prices.

00:20:18 · The guest highlights how the trade war's impact on inflation and costs could become a key political issue in upcoming elections.

Episodios

9899-

How Americans feel about Trump's fight with Canada

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.

27 ago. 2026
9898-

These "voice notes" give us a window into the past

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.

27 ago. 2026
9897-

Canada hits back in US trade war

This episode of The Current Podcast explores Canada's response to U.S. tariffs, featuring insights from Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley and former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney on the economic implications for border communities and the potential use of energy exports as leverage. Deputy Chief Economist Randall Bartlett provides an analysis of the federal government's retaliatory measures, discussing how these tariffs may generate additional revenue while simultaneously risking slower economic growth, increased inflation, and reduced investment.

26 ago. 2026
9896-

Remembering Dolly

This episode of The Current Podcast pays tribute to the life and legacy of country music legend Dolly Parton following her passing at age 80. While celebrating her musical achievements, the program focuses on her profound impact as a philanthropist through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a literacy program that has distributed hundreds of millions of books to children globally. Host Susan Ormiston interviews Chaya Kolkarni, a member of the program's Book Selection Committee and Director at SickKids Hospital. The conversation explores how the program works in Canada, the importance of early childhood literacy, and Dolly Parton's personal connection to the initiative rooted in her own upbringing.

26 ago. 2026
9895-

How “Puffin Patrol” is leading pufflings out to sea

In Witless Bay, Newfoundland, volunteers participate in the Puffin Patrol, a seasonal initiative dedicated to rescuing stranded baby puffins, known as pufflings. As these birds leave their nests for the first time, artificial light can disorient them, causing them to land on roads and parking lots instead of heading out to sea. The program involves searching ditches and roadsides to safely collect confused pufflings and return them to the ocean. The episode explores the origins of the patrol, the biological impact of light pollution on wildlife, and the scientific importance of banding these birds to track population health. Beyond the rescue efforts, the initiative serves as a way for locals and international tourists to connect with nature and learn about the broader environmental consequences of human-made light.

26 ago. 2026