Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Alberta’s teachers are on the brink of striking, and it’s a symptom of larger problems in education and public services. Shane Hewitt and Rob Breakenridge break down why Alberta spends less per student than any other province, how strained relationships between government and educators complicate negotiations, and what this means for communities. The conversation widens to healthcare a...

When the OJ Simpson verdict was announced in 1995, the world was divided — and even seasoned homicide detectives were stunned. Mark Mendelson, a former Toronto homicide detective, joins Shane Hewitt to reflect on the trial that gripped the globe. From the perspective of Canadian law enforcement, Mendelson explains why the outcome shocked investigators and why the trial’s media spectacl...

Few foods carry as much cultural weight as poutine. Shane Hewitt sits down with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, known as the Food Professor, to talk about his new book that dives deep into the origins, traditions, and global rise of Quebec’s signature dish. And his NEW BOOK! The conversation explores how poutine grew from working-class roots into a Canadian icon, balancing its reputation as both ind...

1995 was a year of transformation — for culture, media, and the way we consume stories. Ed Conroy of Retrontario joins Shane Hewitt for a nostalgic look back at the year that reshaped television and celebrity. The OJ trial dominated screens, shifting daytime television and setting the stage for reality TV. Music, fads, and pop culture — from the Macarena to the rise of Amazon and eBay...

Richard Crouse joins Shane Hewitt to unpack the arrival of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actor created by Particle Six Productions. They explore what this experiment means for writers, actors, and the future of Hollywood. At the same time, nostalgia dominates headlines: Snoop Dogg is returning as an Olympic correspondent, and excitement is building for a new Simpsons movie. A conversation that ca...

Small business success often comes down to people — but hiring the wrong way can hold you back. Tony Chapman joins Shane Hewitt to break down why the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is hiring people “just like them.” Instead, he argues, the real win comes from building teams that fill your blind spots and balance out your flaws. The conversation also tackles the pressure entre...

The Northern Lights have inspired wonder, myth, and science for centuries. But beyond their beauty, auroras tell us profound truths about our planet, the sun, and how both are connected. Astrobiologist Dr. Samantha Yammine unpacks the physics behind auroras — from solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere to the dazzling spectrum of colors that paint the night sky. The conversa...

From the glow of an Ottawa sunset to the inside jokes behind renaming favorite restaurants, Noah Scanga, Ryan O’Donnell and Shane Hewitt explore the joy of nicknames. The conversation shows how a single word can capture a community, spark laughter, and carry a story. Shiftheads share their own creative names for cities and food places, adding depth to a dialogue that feels part stand-up come...

From the playful to the profound, Canada’s stories are never simple. Shane Hewitt sits down with Lindsay Broadhead and Jamie Ellerton to explore how humor, identity, and controversy all collide in the way this country is seen — both at home and abroad. The conversation begins with the quirks of Canadian culture, from funny city nicknames to the small ways humor connects communities. Bu...

Seasonal traditions, sports heartbreak, and the quirks of friendship — this episode covers it all. Shane and Bob Addison mix wit with candor as they explore how small things like pumpkin spice lattes or the perfect gift become markers of culture, connection, and comedy. Stories of parenting reveal how laughter often saves the day, while sports talk exposes the tension between loyalty and &ld...

Every failed prediction leaves a trail — but instead of ending belief, conspiracy theories often grow stronger. Why? In this episode, Nathan Radke examines the psychology that keeps people attached to ideas that never come true. From end-of-the-world prophecies to alien encounters, the conversation traces how conspiracy theories adapt and evolve, fueled by anxiety and societal upheaval. Cogn...

Antibiotic resistance is rising, and the world is running out of options. Could AI-designed viruses be the next breakthrough in medicine? Greg Fish explores how technology is pushing the boundaries of health — and the risks that come with it. The conversation examines how bacteriophages, viruses engineered to target bacteria, could help fight infections that no longer respond to antibiotics....

Candace Bennett from the FNHPA brings clarity and conviction to one of Canada’s most under-recognized roles: the First Nations housing professional. With First Nations acting as the country’s largest landlords, the stakes are high — but so is the drive for change. From housing tenure differences to systemic underfunding, Bennett breaks down the barriers communities face — a...

Language carries memory, identity, and survival. For Indigenous peoples, each word holds history and ecological wisdom. In this conversation, Commissioner of Indigenous Languages Ronald E. Ignace (Secwépemc name Tamalkin) shares his personal story, the role of his great-grandmother in shaping his path, and the urgency of protecting languages threatened by colonization. He and Shane Hewitt e...

What makes a wedding meaningful — tradition, or authenticity? In this episode, Shane Hewitt speaks with Stefan Keyes and Lucas Meyer about their experiences with cultural ceremonies, shifting norms, and the importance of love as the driving force in relationships. Stefan recalls the emotion of performing at weddings, where genuine connection outshines formality. The conversation reflects on...

Canada Post is facing questions about its survival, and the answers aren’t simple. Shane Hewitt speaks with John Gradek about the financial realities behind the postal service, pushing past misconceptions about government funding and public service obligations. The discussion digs into the union’s perspective, its impact on public perception, and the tensions between expectations and e...

Fall is a season of change — and not just in nature. Shane and Ryan reflect on the evolving meaning of weddings and relationships, unpacking how modern couples are balancing tradition with personal authenticity. From the influence of social media on ceremonies to the fatigue of dating apps, the conversation explores what really matters when it comes to celebrating love. Along the way, they h...

Turning the heat on isn’t just about temperature anymore — it’s about efficiency, comfort, and tech working together. Handy Andy Baryer talks with Shane Hewitt about the rise of smart thermostats and how they are reshaping homes. They discuss managing heating schedules, avoiding wasted energy, and balancing personal preferences like cooler nights for better sleep. Along the way,...

Weddings and relationships are evolving — and so are the expectations behind them. Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell talk through how traditions can sometimes overshadow the personal meaning of a marriage, and why many couples are rethinking what matters most. The conversation explores the rise of dating apps, the fatigue that can come with them, and how younger generations are seeking d...

Modern dating is leaving many drained, and dating apps are at the center of the burnout. This episode unpacks the frustrations that come with endless swiping and the growing desire for more intentional, meaningful connections. Jen Kirsch shares insights into why casual dating isn’t always the end goal, the barriers that keep people from moving into serious relationships, and how self-reflect...

AI is transforming industries everywhere, but can it truly replace the role of a trusted financial advisor? Anita Bruinsma joins Shane Hewitt to explore where technology like ChatGPT shines in money management — and where it falls short. From quick calculations to accessible education, AI can provide powerful tools, but it often misses the human side of financial planning. The conversation d...

What does it really mean to “feel good”? Alyssa B shares her perspective on how routines, nutrition, and self-care create a foundation for health and happiness. The conversation highlights the importance of sleep, hydration, and accountability, showing how small, consistent decisions can transform overall well-being. It’s a practical and inspiring look at how daily habits shape l...

Deep fakes don’t just threaten social media — they could shake the foundation of the legal system. Dr. Ebrahim Bagheri joins to explain how AI-generated content could flood courtrooms, mislead judges, and distort outcomes.  He breaks down how biased training data creates unfair systems, why fake evidence is now dangerously easy to produce, and what must happen to ensure AI is used...

What if a six-second kiss could reshape your relationship? Dr. Carrie Cole from the Gottman Institute breaks down the surprising science of intentional affection — and why mindful kissing matters more than most people realize.  Explore how oxytocin, daily rituals, and small gestures can deepen emotional bonds, improve communication, and even model healthy affection for kids. This isn&rs...

Romance meets the undead in this delightfully oddball episode with Steve Stebbing. From the emotional pull of French films to the visceral thrills of Marvel Zombies , it’s a tour through the full spectrum of cinematic storytelling.  Steve shares his favorite love story, A Very Long Engagement , and dives into what makes Wayward on Netflix a hidden gem. He also gives a sneak peek at the...