The Current

1749 Episodes

Reverse

How a KGB spy's erectile dysfunction changed history

2026-09-2226:32

Bestselling author Ben Macintyre has told many compelling spy stories — but Vladimir Kuzichkin's may be the most unusual yet. In his new book, Redwood, Macintyre explains how Kuzichkin's obsessive desire to find a solution to his own sexual problems drove him to defect from the Soviet KGB and start spying for British Intelligence in Tehran in the 1980s, and why the intelligence he gathered altered the course of Iranian history, changed the balance of power in the Middle East, and played a pivotal role in one of the most important conflicts of the Cold War

Labour leaders critical of federal move to end strikes

2026-09-2210:10

Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, joins us to weigh in on freshly introduced government legislation that aims to increase speed and certainty around major infrastructure projects — which labour leaders worry could infringe on workers' right to strike.

How AI is changing how kids learn in schools

2026-09-2225:45

Across the country, schools are grappling with how to use artificial intelligence in the classroom and it's sparking a debate over how to balance the risks of AI in education against the benefits. Ben Humphreys is a member of the group Parents for AI Caution in Educational Spaces Vancouver and is calling for a two year pause on the technology in schools. Simon Worley is a high school teacher in North Vancouver who's incorporating AI in his classroom. Dr Dana Suskind is the Co-Director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health at the University of Chicago and the author of "Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity & Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI."

Jewish community shaken by gunfire outside synagogue

2026-09-2210:21

A police constable was injured in a shootout by the Sons of Jacob synagogue as Yom Kippur services began. Synagogue President Norm Weddum believes that the officer saved the lives of everyone huddled inside. The alleged shooter is in hospital in life threatening condition. Weddum wants to know why he went on the attack.

What does pawpaw taste like and where can you find one?

2026-09-2110:29

Long before the arrival of Europeans, Indigenous communities enjoyed the pawpaw fruit that grew wild along rivers and streams. Now that tropical tasting fruit is having a resurgence amongst Indigenous chefs and people who prefer local treats. Chef Tawyna Brant explains what she loves about the pawpaw fruit and how she likes to cook with it.

#box-pro-ellipsis-179015943350710{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Current