There's a growing backlash against AI worldwide. In China this is reflected in daily life by the sense of precarity felt by workers. There's a deep unease at the speed of technological disruption that's reflected in culture, online life, and a collective nostalgia — much of which is likely familiar to many people in North America. We talk to journalist Yi-Ling Liu, the author of the book "The Wall Dancers: Searching for Freedom & Connection on the Chinese Internet" about how people in China are responding to AI — and the parallels between the Chinese and American experience of AI.
The smells around you are disappearing
22/05/2026 | 13 mins.
Many of the Earth's scents are fading away or disappearing altogether because of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Journalist Serena Jampel says we'd likely find the loss of memory-evoking smells, like lavender or vanilla, tragic. But some scents under threat, like frankincense, also have deep cultural meaning.
Pentagon ices a longstanding Canada-US defence pact
22/05/2026 | 17 mins.
The U.S. paused their participation in the US-Canada Permanent Joint Board on Defence this week — something which has been around since 1940. Former Canadian Conservative Leader, Erin O'Toole explains what this was, why this matters and what might come next.
Why are so many people watching videos out loud in public?
22/05/2026 | 12 mins.
Have you noticed more people scrolling through social media in public, oblivious to those around them, with the volume full blast? It is something that Henry Luzzatto has. He wrote about it for a recent article in Slate called “What Kind of Person Would Dare to Watch TikTok Out Loud on Public Transit? I Can Tell You First Hand.” Henry Luzzatto on why he thinks more people are listening to videos out loud in public.
Montreal has hit peak hockey
21/05/2026 | 11 mins.
The PWHL Victoire won the Walter Cup, the Habs are in the NHL Eastern Conference finals, and Montreal has Hockey fever! Sport columnist and Montrealer Meeker Guerrier on the sport that’s taken over his city.
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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