Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Dining alone is on the rise — but it’s more than just a trend. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, known as the Food Professor, breaks down how shifts in consumer behavior, economic signals, and agricultural stressors are reshaping Canada’s food landscape. Learn why Canadians are "getting in their own way" when it comes to agriculture, how U.S. investments could revitalize Canadian food businesses, and what restaurants must do to stay competitive. This conversation delivers surprising insights into dining preferences, economic sentiment, and the future of food. Discover what the solo diner surge reveals about where we’re headed — and why adapting now is essential. GUEST:@‌foodprofessorDr. Sylvain Charlebois Originally aired on 2025-09-26

 What happens when sustainability extends all the way to the grave? Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell explore the mushroom coffin — an innovation designed to decompose naturally and leave a smaller environmental footprint. The conversation dives into how biodegradable products are reshaping consumer choices, why eco-friendly options often come with higher costs, and how companies like Arc’teryx and Patagonia symbolize a larger cultural debate about sustainable living. With humor and curiosity, Shane and Ryan highlight how even the most serious topics can spark fresh ideas about the future of consumption.  @iamshanehewittshanehewitt.ca Originally aired on 2025-09-26

The mail stops moving as Canada Post workers launch an immediate strike, and Shane Hewitt asks whether Canadians have reached their limit with union demands. This conversation explores the costs, frustrations, and questions surrounding how far public support should go. Then it’s a sharp pivot to Throwback Thursday — all the way to 1975 — paired with a lively discussion on lottery tickets. From nostalgia to “how fast would you quit?” after a big win, it’s a mix of serious headlines and playful reflection in one episode. Originally aired on 2025-09-25

What do the end of the Vietnam War, the premiere of Saturday Night Live, and Canada’s first lottery all have in common? They all happened in 1975 — a year Ryan O’Donnell calls one of the most transformative in modern history. This episode looks at the global and cultural shifts of the time, from Bill Gates launching Microsoft to the way lotteries reshaped Canadian fundraising. It’s history with heart and humor, connecting the big picture with the small joys of pop culture and family traditions. GUEST: Ryan O’Donnell Originally aired on 2025-09-25

The mail isn’t moving — and Adam King helps explain why. This episode examines the Canada Post strike, revealing the tension between unions and management, the financial pressures of declining letter volumes, and the challenges of competing in a new delivery economy. The conversation highlights how Canada Post’s dual mandate as a crown corporation complicates bargaining, why package delivery has become a missed opportunity, and how third-party competition is reshaping the market. Adam also explores potential fixes, including the idea of postal banking, and whether government action is needed to secure the future of Canada Post. GUEST: Adam King Originally aired on 2025-09-26

Sometimes you just have to put it out there!  The fantasy of winning the lottery is irresistible — but what happens if it actually comes true? Financial planner Anita Bruinsma joins to map out the first, smartest steps to take with sudden wealth, starting with something most people overlook: taking a pause. From paying down high-interest debt to building a thoughtful investment strategy, Anita highlights how to turn a one-time windfall into lasting security. This episode also explores the importance of aligning money decisions with personal values, choosing the right advisor, and resisting the urge to make impulsive moves — like quitting your job too soon. GUEST: Anita Bruinsma www.clarityonyourmoney.com Originally aired on 2025-09-26

Rob Breakenridge joins to tackle two pressing stories: the turmoil inside Canada Post and the fallout from Donald Trump’s latest UN speech. Canada Post faces financial strain, union battles, and public frustration over delivery delays, raising questions about whether its model can survive in today’s competitive market. From contested union demands to shifting public opinion on door-to-door service, Rob explains why labor relations may be pushing Canada Post to a breaking point. Then attention turns to Trump’s erratic UN appearance — a performance marked by scattershot remarks, political maneuvering, and a reminder of how much influence he still wields globally. GUEST: Rob Breakenridge@robbreakenridge www.robbreakenridge.ca Originally aired on 2025-09-26

In 1975, Ontario introduced Wintario, and it quickly became more than a lottery — it was a cultural event. Shane Hewitt and Ed Conroy revisit the excitement of live draws, the beloved hosts, and the way Wintario shows turned into community celebrations. They explore how lottery funds supported hospitals, arenas, and other local infrastructure, leaving a legacy that still shapes Ontario today. The conversation contrasts the energy and connection of the past with today’s more transactional lottery experiences, offering a heartfelt reflection on how entertainment and community spirit have evolved in Ontario and all Province’s Lotto programs GUEST: @‌retrontario, http://retrontario.com

What happens when indie cinema meets local cocktails? Richard Crouse reviews The Baltimore On’s, a quirky, character-driven film that captures resilience, vulnerability, and the search for connection. The discussion pairs Baltimore’s cinematic backdrop with the city’s rich drink culture, from the Lion of Baltimore to Old Bay-spiced Bloody Marys. Alongside film insights, personal anecdotes and cocktail history bring the conversation to life, creating a unique blend of storytelling and celebration. GUESTRichard Crouse Originally aired on 2025-09-26

Behind the laughter of Spinal Tap lies a story about authenticity, music, and connection. Rob Reiner explains how the film’s improv roots and musical grounding turned satire into something more — an emotional reflection of rock culture. He recalls the initial backlash, the way “goes to 11” became part of cultural language, and why reconnecting with old friends for the sequel feels like slipping into a comfortable old shoe. The result is both comedy and legacy, still shaping music and storytelling today. GUESTRichard Crouse interviewing Rob ReinerPresented by Shane Hewitt Originally aired on 2025-09-26

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, what happens to human connection? Shane Hewitt and Tony Chapman unpack how technology is reshaping everyday interactions, from drive-throughs to digital marketing. They explore the tension between convenience and authentic connection, and how algorithms have shifted social media from community to curated catalogs. The conversation highlights the potential of AI as a tool for creativity and insight while warning against its role in eroding civility. Learn how reframing technology can help preserve human touch, enhance customer experiences, and keep social interaction at the heart of innovation. GUEST: http://chatterthatmatters.ca @tonychapman Originally aired on 2025-09-24

Social media promises connection — but it’s built for conversion. In this solo episode, Shane Hewitt explores the false sense of control users feel over their feeds, the rise and fall of creative platforms like Vine, and how algorithms have turned social spaces into digital storefronts. He reflects on how these systems condition behavior while offering minimal return to the user. The conversation traces social media’s shift from authentic interaction to curated consumerism, asking tough questions about its future and whether we’ve lost sight of what made these platforms valuable in the first place. GUEST: @iamshanehewitt, shanehewitt.ca Originally aired on 2025-09-24

When was the last time a friend’s big life update sat at the top of a feed? In this solo episode, Shane Hewitt breaks down how algorithms have buried connection under commerce. What once promised community now feels like a digital department store, with ads, influencer collabs, and curated junk mail dominating the scroll. Drawing on the nostalgia of flipping through thick Sears catalogues, Shane reflects on how feeds have shifted from social sharing to relentless selling. This candid take explores what’s lost in the process, why genuine connection matters, and how to rethink the role of technology in daily life. @iamshanehewitt, shanehewitt.caOriginally aired on 2025-09-24

What happened to social media as a place for connection? In this conversation, Shane Hewitt, Jamie Ellerton, and Lindsay Broadhead explore how platforms like Instagram have evolved from sharing personal updates to prioritizing consumerism. They unpack how algorithms now decide what we see — often ads and influencer content instead of posts from friends. Alongside the critique, they weave in personal anecdotes about style and nostalgia, connecting how identity, expression, and marketing collide online. This episode highlights the growing tension between authentic connection and commercial interests in the digital age. What do ostrich farming and Jimmy Kimmel have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Shane Hewitt, Jamie Ellerton, and Lindsay Broadhead explore the controversy surrounding a B.C. ostrich farm facing government intervention over avian flu, raising deeper questions about animal rights and state authority. From there, the discussion shifts to late-night TV, where Jimmy Kimmel’s heartfelt monologue sparked conversations about free expression, changing audience expectations, and the future of entertainment in a digital world. Along the way, the group considers how public opinion is shaped by social media, and how even unexpected details — like ostrich oil in skincare — influence broader narratives. GUEST: Jamie Ellerton, conaptus.com; Lindsay Broadhead, broadheadcomms.ca Originally aired on 2025-09-24

Algorithms shape what we see, share, and even think about — but do we really understand them? In this episode, Shane Hewitt and Ryan break down what algorithms are, how they’ve become central to digital culture, and why they carry both promise and pitfalls. They explore how algorithms guide everything from social media feeds to surprise discoveries, while also critiquing how easily we blame them for negative experiences online. With personal anecdotes, humor, and a critical look at the agendas behind platforms, the conversation highlights why algorithms deserve a more nuanced perspective in today’s connected world. Shane Hewitt; @iamshanehewitt, shanehewitt.ca | Ryan O’Donnell Originally aired on 2025-09-24

Human trafficking is not just a distant problem — it is happening in Canada, often hidden within migration and refugee processes. The numbers are staggering, and the systems meant to protect are being exploited. Kelly Sundberg, criminology professor, unpacks how organized crime networks exploit Canada’s immigration framework. From overwhelmed refugee claims to smuggling operations that morph into trafficking, the discussion sheds light on how victims are drawn into forced labor without even realizing it. This episode exposes the urgent need for systemic reform, stronger oversight, and deeper awareness of how trafficking and smuggling intersect at the Canadian border. GUESTKelly Sundberg Originally aired on 2025-09-24

Survivors of human trafficking often emerge with nothing — no safety net, no support system, and deep trauma. Shane Hewitt speaks with Janet Campbell of the Joy Smith Foundation about how her team provides immediate care, long-term support, and pathways toward independence. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the hidden signs of trafficking, the unique challenges survivors face, and the resilience many show in rebuilding their lives. From raising awareness in communities to celebrating the courage of survivors who want to help others, this episode sheds light on a pressing Canadian issue and the hope found in recovery. GUEST: Janet Campbell, joysmithfoundation.com Originally aired on 2025-09-24

Social media has changed — and most users feel it. In this conversation, Shane Hewitt and Greg Fish unpack how platforms have shifted from fostering community to optimizing consumption. From endless algorithms to app fatigue, the discussion reveals how social media now serves the platforms more than the people. They explore why meaningful alternatives haven’t yet emerged and what would need to change to pull users away from the current cycle. If you’ve ever felt drained by your feed but kept scrolling anyway, this episode explains why — and what might be next. GUEST: Greg Fish, cyberpunksurvivalguide.com Originally aired on 2025-09-24

Canada’s latest gun control proposals are stirring controversy—and not for the reasons you might expect. In this episode, Shane Hewitt talks with journalist Matt Gurney about why these policies may be more about politics than public safety. Gurney argues that the government is targeting legal gun owners while ignoring the real threat: illegal firearms and organized crime. The conversation explores how political pandering, enforcement gaps, and legacy policymaking are shaping a flawed approach to gun control.Takeaways include why enforcement is nearly impossible, how public sentiment is being sidelined, and what this means for accountability in Canadian governance. GUEST@‌mattgurney, The Line | Line Editor | Substack Originally aired on 2025-09-23

What does a black umbrella have to do with the JFK assassination? Dr. Lee Kuhnle joins Shane Hewitt to explore the mysterious figure known as the Umbrella Man and the deeper implications of conspiracy theories in modern society. From storytelling’s role in shaping public perception to the ripple effects of misinformation, this episode dives into the tension between truth, accuracy, and belief. They unpack how historical protests can be misinterpreted, why conspiracies often require more conspiracies to hold up, and how trusting a single narrative can be dangerous. It’s a compelling look at how we seek truth in a world flooded with conflicting stories. GUESTDr Lee Kuhnle @‌theuncoverup Originally aired on 2025-09-23