Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Before streaming and smartphones, Canadian kids tuned into something magical. Shane Hewitt talks with Ed Conroy about his new book, Imagination: The Golden Age of Toronto Kids TV, a deep dive into five decades of children’s programming that shaped generations. From the 1950s to the early 2000s, Ed chronicles the creativity, community, and homegrown talent that made Canadian TV a cultural cornerstone. They discuss the challeng...

It’s a mix of chaos, comedy, and creativity as Shane and Ryan swap stories that prove truth really is stranger than fiction. From a Florida family’s questionable parenting adventure to Montreal’s surprising call for squirrel adoptions, the pair bring their signature humor and curiosity to the week’s quirkiest headlines. The conversation wraps with a heartwarming twist — a family’s ambitious plan ...

It’s 1986 all over again. Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell take a nostalgic dive into the pop culture, politics, and unforgettable moments that defined the mid-’80s. From the debut of Phantom of the Opera to the rise of Crocodile Dundee and Mr. Dressup, they revisit a year that blended big hair, bold fashion, and even bolder entertainment. Between laughs and memories, they explore how political icons like Brian Mul...

One in four Canadians now struggles to afford groceries — and the demand for food banks has never been higher. Shane Hewitt talks with Erin Filey-Wronecki, Chief Development & Partnerships Officer at Food Banks Canada, about the growing challenge of hunger in a country rich with resources. They explore how food banks stretch every dollar, the vital role of volunteers, and the urgent need for advocacy to cut food insecurit...

Live theatre isn’t just entertainment—it’s emotion, nostalgia, and shared experience. In this Throwback Thursday segment, Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell revisit their favorite live shows, with a spotlight on Phantom of the Opera. Shane shares the story of a high school trip that sparked his lifelong love for the stage, while Ryan reflects on the spectacle and artistry that make musical theatre unforgettable...

Innovation is moving from the palm of the hand to the bridge of the nose. In this conversation, Shane Hewitt and tech expert Carmi Levy unpack the growing world of smart glasses—devices that promise to change how people see, share, and interact with information. They explore whether smart glasses could become the next evolution after smartphones, weighing potential breakthroughs against serious privacy and ethical questions. ...

Turkey, tradition, and tough choices — Shane Hewitt sits down with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois to unpack the economics of Thanksgiving dinner in a year when food prices keep climbing. They share practical advice on timing your grocery runs, stretching a dollar without cutting corners, and how small changes can make a big difference for families and food banks alike. Between laughs and personal reflections, they explore how generos...

Energy and politics collide in this wide-ranging conversation between Shane Hewitt and Rob Breakenridge. Together they unpack the tangled web of pipeline projects, exploring how Alberta, British Columbia, and the federal government navigate influence and interest. The discussion expands into Alberta’s education challenges—from funding gaps to the private-versus-public debate—and how these issues reflect broader po...

Step back to a year when theater met the mainstream and pop music defined a generation. Shane Hewitt and Eric Alper unpack 1986—a cultural crossroads where Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables took over stages while artists like Peter Gabriel, Madonna, and The Smiths ruled the airwaves. Eric recalls working in a record store at the time, witnessing firsthand how Broadway’s power ballads and rock’s evolut...

1986 was a year of music, movies, and moments that defined a generation — and Shane Hewitt and Ed Conroy are taking listeners straight back there. They revisit the cultural landmarks of the year, from the haunting brilliance of Phantom of the Opera and Janet Jackson’s chart-topping hits to the worldwide wonder of Halley’s Comet. The conversation also reflects on the year’s defining events — the Challen...

When everyone else gathers around the table, Richard Crouse and his wife pack their bags. In this Thanksgiving edition, he joins Shane Hewitt to share why breaking tradition has become their own ritual. The two explore the surprising origins of Canadian Thanksgiving, the influence of the Order of Good Cheer, and how cranberries connect Indigenous and settler histories. The conversation blends humor with history, ending with a playf...

AI can write, plan, and predict — but can it think? Shane Hewitt and Greg Fish dig into the growing problem of misplaced trust in large language models, revealing how tools designed to help can also confidently mislead. From AI-generated vacation plans gone wrong to fabricated citations and flawed training data, they unpack why these systems often sound smart while being fundamentally unreliable. The conversation is both caut...

Why do we cling to rituals that make no logical sense — and why do they feel so powerful? Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell explore the strange space where superstition meets conspiracy, using baseball as the perfect playing field. From the Chicago Cubs’ “curse of the goat” to the Blue Jays’ supposed jinxes, they unravel how fear, hope, and repetition shape our connection to the games we love. Alon...

As the seasons shift, so does the look of Canadian sports. Shane Hewitt and the team debate the evolving culture of player fashion — from the hockey rink to the baseball diamond — and what the move away from suits says about identity, professionalism, and personality in modern sports. The conversation blends humour, nostalgia, and insight, touching on hockey team predictions, the Blue Jays’ buzz, and how style is ...

In this dynamic two-part conversation, Shane Hewitt is joined by Jamie Ellerton and Lindsay Broadhead for a deep and entertaining dive into the issues shaping Canadian life right now. They begin with sports and style — exploring how fashion in hockey and baseball reflects shifting attitudes toward professionalism and personality — before turning to the Canada Post strike and its wider political and economic impact. Alon...

The lights dim, the audience hushes, and the Vancouver International Film Festival begins — a celebration of cinema that brings movie lovers together like no other. Shane Hewitt and film critic Steve Stebbing dive into the magic of this year's festival, exploring standout films, the electric energy of the screenings, and what makes VIFF such a cultural cornerstone. From the joy of watching films surrounded by fellow enthusias...

Conspiracy theories often walk a blurry line between truth, fear, and misunderstanding — but what happens when they reveal something real? Shane Hewitt and Dr. Lee Kuhnle unpack the psychology and history behind conspiratorial thinking, exploring why skepticism is both necessary and dangerous when taken too far. From the CIA’s infamous Acoustic Kitty experiment to the lessons of historical false flags, they dissect how ...

 It’s not easy making friends—especially as an adult. Shane Hewitt and Ryan open up about the awkward, funny, and often frustrating process of forming real connections in a busy world. Inspired by a Reddit post from a student struggling to make friends at Carleton University, they share personal stories and practical advice on what actually works: showing up, being genuine, and taking initiative. Ryan shares how hi...

True health isn’t just about what we do—it’s about why we do it. Katie Faloon-Drew joins Shane Hewitt to share her deeply personal journey through mental health struggles and a life-changing health crisis that reshaped how she views wellness. As a habit change expert and coach, Katie opens up about learning self-compassion, rebuilding balance, and aligning daily habits with genuine values rather than outside appro...