Best Skills Canada Alberta Podcasts (2025)

1
‘It is traumatizing’ First Nations communities flee fires 12:09

1d ago12:09

12:09

The wildfire season is in full effect, and it’s only May. Saskatchewan and Manitoba are in a state of emergency as wildfires burn across the provinces. Thousands of people have evacuated their homes, and many are still finding ways to get out of the fire’s way. First Nations leaders Peter Beatty, Chief of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewa…

1
Does looksmaxxing set toxic beauty standards for young men? 24:39

1d ago24:39

24:39

Thumb pulling, chin tucking, hair transplants…. and on the less extreme side, skin, hair, and eyebrow care — those are just some examples of looksmaxxing, a viral social media trend for young men to improve their looks. Elijah Forcier is a TikToker with advice on how, and Christian Ylagan is an instructor with the Department of Gender, Sexuality, a…

1
What to do about Sir John A. Macdonald statues? 19:43

1d ago19:43

19:43

There are many statues of Canada’s first Prime Minister across this country — but in recent years statues of John A. Macdonald have been toppled or taken down to protest his role as an architect of the residential schools system and his treatment of Indigenous people. We'll talk about what to do about the statues - and why the plans to clean up and…

1
Can you spell this word? Test your spelling bee knowledge 13:47

1d ago13:47

13:47

Are you a self-identified “word nerd?” Jacques Bailly is, and he is a bit of a spell-lebrity… What is that you might ask? Well, he is the head pronouncer at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the Olympics of competitive spelling, and he was a spelling bee champion himself when he was 14. He’ll talk about why spelling is a skill we should preserve i…

1
One family’s ‘very strange car trip’ to flee Manitoba fires 19:58

2d ago19:58

19:58

Noelle Drimmie could taste the smoke in the air as she and her family fled the wildfires approaching their home in Flin Flon, Man. She tells Matt Galloway how surreal it felt to drive away under apocalyptic skies, while trying to keep her young kids entertained in the back seat.

1
Grieving couple were sent stillborn baby’s autopsy in error 23:13

2d ago23:13

23:13

The first time Laura Bordignon held her daughter Makayla Poppy was also the last. A month after Makayla Poppy was delivered stillborn, Laura and her husband Nick received an invoice for her autopsy. The bill included an itemized list of procedures, but also revealed their daughter’s remains were still in the morgue — weeks after they should have be…

1
Canada-US tensions: Why Can't We Be Friends? 23:47

2d ago23:47

23:47

Democratic U.S. Senator Peter Welch recently came to Canada to try to mend fences, over what he sees as President Donald Trump’s damaging tariffs and threats to make Canada the 51st state. The Vermont senator talks to Matt Galloway about the Canada-U.S. relationship — and military expert Christian Leuprecht digs into Prime Minister Mark Carney’s pl…

1
War in Ukraine: Russia warns of World War Three 15:20

3d ago15:20

15:20

Donald Trump says Vladimir Putin is "playing with fire," following Russia’s largest air attack of the war on Ukraine, Russia responds with a warning for World War Three. Christopher Miller, the Ukraine correspondent for the Financial Times joins Matt Galloway to talk about what’s on the mind of Ukrainians after months of failed peace talks — and wh…

1
Brand new bacteria found in space... what can it teach us? 11:24

3d ago11:24

11:24

The search for alien life in space continues, but there is an update. Chinese astronauts discovered a bacteria, and it turns out it can survive the extreme conditions of space. “That’s evolution at work,” says Jamie Foster, a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Science at the University of Florida. What lessons should it teach us, …

1
How near death experiences change your look at work and life 22:49

3d ago22:49

22:49

Oji-Cree musician Aysanabee almost died when he was 19, after falling through the ice on a frozen lake. That experience changed the life of the Juno award winner, pushing him to his career today. A new study shows his experience is a common one among people who have near-death experiences. So why do a brush with death might help people have a bette…

1
Everyone wants a Labubu! …a what? 12:55

3d ago12:55

12:55

A little elvish toy in a bunny suit with a mischievous smile, that’s a Labubu for you — and she, yes it’s a girl, is taking the world by storm. What made Labubus so popular, and how are they bringing us together when people are fighting to get their hands on one? We have answers.

1
What are animals saying? AI is helping to decode 24:20

4d ago24:20

24:20

Do you speak dolphin? What about marmoset or nightingale? Did you know cuttlefish use a form of sign language to communicate? If your answer was no to all those questions, you should know that scientists are working to turn that into a yes — and AI is playing a key role. How to decode animal communication, and whether that's even a good idea. Three…

1
What message is the King's Throne speech sending? 20:05

4d ago20:05

20:05

Parliament is back and King Charles delivered his throne speech today. What message is the King's speech meant to send to Canadians, and to one American in particular, Donald Trump? What are the new Liberal government's priorities? CBC’s Catherine Cullen, The Globe and Mail’s Stephanie Levitz, and The National Post’s Christopher Nardi join Matt Gal…

1
Can you run a 100km ultramarathon… while breastfeeding? 20:11

4d ago20:11

20:11

Running an ultramarathon is hard, but running 100kms six months post-partum and breastfeeding during breaks… Well, that sounds like a scene from an inspirational movie. But, for Stephanie Case, and her baby girl Pepper, it was real life. Why would she do this, and what keeps her running these extreme distances, she shares with Matt Galloway.…

1
The Current Introduces | Other People’s Problems, on psychedelics 36:51

5d ago36:51

36:51

Normally, therapy sessions are totally confidential — but this podcast opens the doors. In this season of Other People’s Problems, Dr. Hillary McBride explores the transformative power of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting. With her psychological expertise, Dr. Hillary leads her clients through drug-assisted therapy, guiding them to new heights …

1
Parliament returns today. What’s Mark Carney’s plan? 19:33

5d ago19:33

19:33

The House of Commons returns today after nearly six months, Prime Minister Mark Carney with his new Liberal minority government, and Conservatives without their leader Pierre Poilievre in the Parliament. What’s next? Matt Galloway speaks with Karina Gould, the re-elected Liberal MP; Heather McPherson, the re-elected NDP MP; and Andrew Lawton, the f…

1
How effective is involuntary care? 23:57

5d ago23:57

23:57

‘It is absolutely an act of compassion,’ says Leonard Krog, the mayor of Nanaimo about the use of involuntary care to deal with B.C.’s mental health crisis — but some experts are worried that forcing someone into treatment is a violation of their rights. Matt Galloway speaks with Mayor Krog; Jonny Morris, the CEO of the B.C. Division of the Canadia…

1
Do you like grilling? Try live fire for flavour — and zen 23:08

5d ago23:08

23:08

It's grilling season, and Chef on Fire has one thing on his mind: cooking on live fire — and he says you should try it too. Chef Michael Smith, in his new book Wood, Fire and Smoke: Recipes and Techniques for Wood-Fired Cooking, explores how cooking on live fire can bring more than just flavour into your life; lighting a fire for zen and a good tim…

1
Why Michael Crummey is interested in places on the edge 24:11

8d ago24:11

24:11

Michael Crummey has won the $154,000 Dublin Literary Award for his book The Adversary, which explores familiar themes around life at the ocean's edge. Matt Galloway spoke with the author at the Woody Point Writers Festival in Newfoundland in Sept. 2023, to discuss isolation, vulgarity and the responsibility that comes with telling the stories of ho…

1
Planning your next vacation? Here’s how to be a good tourist 21:03

8d ago21:03

21:03

“Tourists go home," protesters chant in Spain, and they’re not alone. People in many European countries say they want tourists to stay away — but only the bad ones. So as you plan your next vacation, we get some advice on how to be a better tourist.

1
5 years after George Floyd: What changed, and what hasn’t? 19:09

8d ago19:09

19:09

“I did not see humanity provided to Mr. Floyd that day,” says Medaria Arradondo, the Minneapolis police chief at the time of George Floyd’s murder. Five years after Floyd was murdered in an interaction with police officers Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng, Matt Galloway talks to former police chief Arradondo and civil rig…

1
Walking with Dinosaurs is back — and Alberta takes centre stage 10:51

9d ago10:51

10:51

Do you have fond memories of Walking with Dinosaurs, the much-loved BBC series that aired back in 1999. If your answer is yes, you and all dinosaur lovers are in luck — it’s coming back this summer, and Alberta is taking centre stage. Matt Galloway talks to Emily Bamforth, the lead scientist of the Pipestone Creek Bonebed in Alberta and a fan of th…

1
Inside the swarming attack that killed a homeless man in Toronto 24:02

9d ago24:02

24:02

New details have emerged about the 2022 swarming attack that killed a homeless man in Toronto, after a judge ruled that strip searches conducted on the accused teenage girls were unconstitutional. Toronto Star crime reporter Jennifer Pagliaro walks us through what happened that night, and why this judge’s ruling will affect sentencing.…

1
This town had just one graduate, so they threw a prom for one 13:03

9d ago13:03

13:03

Breanna Bromley-Clarke is the only student graduating from her tiny school in Main Brook, N.L. So the small town of about 200 people is throwing her a party — a very special prom for one.

1
‘Not again’: Why does drunk driving persist among young men? 18:42

9d ago18:42

18:42

Tanya Hansen Pratt was frustrated to hear of three children killed in a Toronto highway crash this week — she lost her own mother to a young drunk driver almost 30 years ago. With a 19-year-old now facing multiple impaired-driving charges, we dig into why young men still take the most risks on the road, and how to talk to them about drunk driving.…

1
Canada threatens Israel with sanctions over Gaza aid crisis 19:40

10d ago19:40

19:40

Canada, France and the U.K. are threatening sanctions against Israel over its 11-week blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, and plans to escalate military action in the enclave. Matt Galloway talks to Jon Allen, former Canadian ambassador to Israel; and UNICEF spokesperson James Elder about the mounting international pressure on Israel — and …

1
How teenagers can start to manage their money 24:15

10d ago24:15

24:15

Managing money is always challenging, and it’s even trickier when you’re a teenager. In her new book Making Bank, Money Skills for Real Life, certified financial planner Shannon Lee Simmons offers advice for teens: from budgeting and saving for things you enjoy, to dealing with the constant wave of influencers trying to sell them something.…

1
How gene editing saved a baby’s life 15:52

10d ago15:52

15:52

“A triumph of science, a miracle of medicine” is how researcher Fyodor Urnov describes the gene-editing treatment that saved baby KJ Muldoon’s life. Now nine months old, KJ was born with a genetic condition called urea cycle disorder, which is fatal for many infants. Urnov was part of the research team supporting KJ's doctors, he tells us what gene…

1
What we learned after the hockey trial jury was dismissed 11:22

10d ago11:22

11:22

In an “extraordinary” development, the jury has been dismissed in the sexual assault trial of five ex-world junior hockey players. The Globe and Mail’s investigative reporter Robyn Doolittle explains what a judge-only trial could mean for the case, and why the jury’s dismissal means new details can now be reported…

1
Mark Carney promised affordable housing. Will he deliver? 19:48

11d ago19:48

19:48

“Build baby, build” is how Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged to tackle Canada’s housing crisis, but his new housing minister says that won’t mean reducing house prices. Matt Galloway asks housing experts to unpack the new Liberal government’s strategy, and unpick the “Gordian Knot” of whether Canada can create affordable housing without prices dro…

1
Does your cat have behavioural issues? Here’s some help 23:58

11d ago23:58

23:58

Have you ever thought of training your cat, just like you would your dog? Did you say no… or are you laughing in disbelief? A cat behavior specialist says you can, and explains what we are getting wrong about cats — especially about the ones with behavioural issues.

1
China now leads in green energy. What does that mean for the west? 23:53

11d ago23:53

23:53

China is still the world’s biggest greenhouse gas emitter, but is now also leading the way in clean energy. Where does that leave Canada and other western nations in the renewables race, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to “drill baby, drill”?

1
What it’s like growing up as a ‘restaurant kid’ 24:57

12d ago24:57

24:57

Rachel Phan was three years old when her parents opened a restaurant in Kingsville, Ont., a venture that quickly ate up most of their time and energy. In a conversation from last month, the Chinese-Canadian author discusses her new memoir, Restaurant Kid, and why she felt like the restaurant had stolen her parents away from her.…

1
Wildfire season is almost here. What can Canada expect? 19:28

12d ago19:28

19:28

Wildfire season hasn’t officially started, but Manitoba has already declared a state of emergency after a deadly blaze in Lac du Bonnet. Guest host Mark Kelley breaks down the fire forecast and top-of-mind questions with Ed Struzik, author of The Future of Fire, and climatologist emeritus David Phillips.…

1
Nailing the Interview: Veronica Kjolberg's Job Search Skills for Success 48:10

15d ago48:10

48:10

In this episode, we sit down with Veronica Kjolberg, a proud Skills Canada Alberta alumna whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Veronica competed in 2022 and 2023, capturing gold at the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg. In 2024, she took her passion even further by representing Team Alberta at the Skills for Success Youth …

1
The top 10 vacation spots in Canada — voted by you! 17:04

15d ago17:04

17:04

Where’s the best place to visit in Canada? For weeks, listeners have been voting for the vacation spots they love across this big, beautiful country to build The Current’s travel bucket list. Rick Mercer joined Matt Galloway earlier this month to reveal the top 10. Did your favourite place make the list?…

1
Why the ban on nudity at Cannes red carpet is ‘hypocritical’ 12:13

15d ago12:13

12:13

Halle Berry had an emergency outfit change at the Cannes Film Festival this week, after organizers implemented a new dress code that bans nudity and “voluminous outfits,” especially those with large trains. Fashion critic Katharine Zarrella says the new rules are hypocritical: demanding women cover up on the red carpet, while celebrating and commer…

1
U.S. border towns lose tourism dollars as Canadians stay home 19:26

15d ago19:26

19:26

Canadian tourists were once regular shoppers at Ali Hayton’s grocery store in Washington state, but these days she’s more likely to get “nasty emails” from Canadians angry about U.S. tariffs. Guest host Mark Kelley talks to business owners about the sharp drop in Canadians travelling to the U.S., and the impact on border communities who rely on tou…

1
Menendez brothers are eligible for parole. Will they walk free? 11:52

15d ago11:52

11:52

After 35 years behind bars for murdering their parents, Erik and Lyle Menendez will now have a chance at parole. Investigative journalist Robert Rand has covered this story since the 1989 murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez, even uncovering new evidence along the way.

1
Visiting a Mennonite community where measles is spreading 19:26

16d ago19:26

19:26

A Mennonite community at the centre of Ontario’s measles outbreak, one woman says she trusts remedies made from dandelions and strawberries more than modern medicine. The Current’s James Chaarani went there to speak with community members, and found a deep distrust of vaccines and the medicine system.…

1
Inside the courtroom at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial 10:26

16d ago10:26

10:26

Sean (Diddy) Combs is facing life in prison over sex trafficking and racketeering charges, related to elaborate sex parties called "freak-offs” that were allegedly laced with violence and abuse. Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, has pleaded not guilty. Reuters journalist Jack Queen takes us inside the New York courtroom, where Combs’ ex-girlfriend, …

1
What will Trump’s pledge to lift sanctions mean for Syria? 22:26

16d ago22:26

22:26

U.S. President Donald Trump surprised the world by pledging to lift crippling sanctions on Syria this week. We dig into what this means for rebuilding the country after the fall of Assad, both for Syrians who have grown up in the brutality of the civil war, and those who fled and are longing to return home.…

1
Making friends as an adult is hard. Here are some tips 16:06

16d ago16:06

16:06

We all know that making friends as an adult is difficult. Everyone’s busy with their families and careers, while time online and remote work is leaving some people increasingly isolated. We meet some young adults finding creative new ways to meet potential new friends in the real world, from dinner with perfect strangers to making conversation at a…

1
Are you an explorer? Alex Hutchinson says we all are 24:59

17d ago24:59

24:59

Alex Hutchinson knows all about the thrill of discovery, having ventured deep into the wilderness of far-flung places like Tasmania. In his new book, The Explorer's Gene, the journalist argues that we’re hardwired with that desire to embrace uncertainty and the unknown — and looks at what happens if we stop.…

1
Will AI make us better writers? Or kill our critical thinking? 24:17

17d ago24:17

24:17

If you’ve tried to write an email or opened a blank document recently, some kind of AI assistant has likely offered to polish your words — or even write whole sentences for you. Some advocates argue that generative AI could open up a new frontier in writing, but others warn it’s dulling our creativity and critical thinking for the sake of efficienc…

1
Carney unveils his cabinet. Is it the change Canadians want? 19:49

17d ago19:49

19:49

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet has two dozen new faces, but Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says the presence of some Trudeau-era ministers looks like “more of the same.” Can Carney reassure Canadians that he’s bringing the change they voted for? Matt Galloway takes the political pulse with the CBC’s Rosemary Barton and Kathleen Petty an…

1
Adulting 101: How Gen Z fell behind on basic life skills 24:09

19d ago24:09

24:09

Some schools are offering so-called adulting 101 courses, teaching Gen Zers basic skills like cooking, cleaning or changing a tire. Some social scientists call it “delayed adulthood,” the phenomenon of younger people lacking life skills that past generations took for granted.

1
How politics bleeds into the UFC and mixed martial arts 24:15

19d ago24:15

24:15

Mixed martial arts can count some big-name politicians among its millions of fans, with Donald Trump and Pierre Poilievre attending recent Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts. We dig into the sport’s intersection with politics, and the corners of the sport that seem to be embracing the manosphere, toxic masculinity and, in some cases, far-right fi…

1
Alberta separatists unveil ballot question, call for 2025 referendum 20:09

19d ago20:09

20:09

"Do you agree that the province shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a province of Canada?" That’s the ballot question proposed by the Alberta Prosperity Project, a group pushing for a referendum on Alberta leaving Canada by the end of the year. We look at support for independence in the province — and why the APP says they’re confident…

1
Dyslexia made Phil Hanley feel stupid. He wants kids today to skip that shame 24:17

20d ago24:17

24:17

The comedian Phil Hanley remembers his school teachers calling him lazy and stupid, when in truth he was struggling with dyslexia. In his new memoir Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith, Hanley writes about how his mother defended him in an unsympathetic education system, and why he doesn’t want dyslexic kids today to feel the shame he did.…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Skills Canada Alberta Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen