Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Stories, music, and online safety all collide in this wide-ranging episode. Shane shares how a simple birthday gift—a memory app for his parents—sparked a deeper appreciation for family stories and archiving memories. He and Ryan O’Donnell then trade ideas on the best (and weirdest) band names before diving into a serious look at Roblox and the risks kids face on online platforms...

The metaverse may look like fun and games, but a new documentary reveals its darker side. Director Ann Shin joins to talk about Dangerous Games , which follows three young women navigating platforms like Roblox and Minecraft—spaces that can be exploited by predators, extremists, and hate groups. The conversation highlights how these immersive digital worlds evolve faster than laws or safety...

What’s in a band name? Eric Alper and Ryan O’Donnell join to dive into the strange, funny, and sometimes career-defining choices musicians make when naming their groups. From “Naked Toddler” becoming Creed to “Rainbow Buttmonkeys” rebranding as Finger 11, the stories highlight how names can shape a band’s future. Along the way, they swap personal anecdotes...

With the Canadian government dropping its 2026 EV mandate, what happens next? Andrew Caddell and Jimmy Zoubris join to unpack Mark Carney’s recent speech, the politics behind Canada’s stalled progress, and whether Ottawa should move faster to make good on its climate and economic promises. The conversation looks at what this policy shift means for the auto industry, the environment, an...

What happens when we carry old attachments into new relationships? Jen Kirsch and Tony Tedesco join to unpack the concept of “monkey barring” in dating, the fear of being alone, and how emotional attachments shape our choices. The conversation explores the role of self-awareness, when it’s healthy to step back from dating, and why letting go of the past is key to growth. They als...

The world’s longest kebab and ashes hidden in a statue, this episode is packed with humor and unexpected stories. Ryan O’Donnell joins to swap light-hearted takes on goats with personality, construction-site mysteries, and the bizarre tale of a pirate statue in Florida. It’s a conversation full of laughter, food, and the odd discoveries that make life entertaining. With Ryan O&rs...

How should parents guide their kids through a world where AI is reshaping education? Mohit Rajhans joins to talk about the creative ways children are already using technology, and why cultural connections remain essential in how kids learn. The conversation explores healthy skepticism toward AI, the role of critical thinking, and the promise of personalization in education. It’s a thoughtful...

Last Call: Shane Hewitt catches up with film critic Richard Crouse for a wide-ranging look at the entertainment world. They talk TIFF highs and lows, including the grind of festival days and the buzz around The Roses, a Benedict Cumberbatch–Olivia Colman drama drawing criticism for its handling of food allergies. The conversation revisits Charlie Sheen’s infamous past as Richard previe...

Shane Hewitt, Ryan O’Donnell, and Rob Breakenridge dive into a wide-ranging conversation that blends nostalgia with today’s big issues. They revisit 1995 through personal stories and hockey culture, reflecting on the enduring appeal of NHL third jerseys and colourful matchups on the ice. The discussion then turns to Alberta’s controversial school book policy and the broader chall...

Shane Hewitt takes listeners back to 1995 with Ryan O’Donnell and Noah Scanga in a nostalgic Throwback Thursday edition of The Night Shift . Together, they revisit the year that gave us eBay, Windows 95, and the launch of Toy Story . The trio swaps memories of Canadian news moments, childhood favourites like Street Sharks , and the unforgettable soundtrack of Dance Mix 95 . With a nod to the...

Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell dig into the world of NHL third jerseys, exploring how they’ve become symbols of nostalgia, branding, and fan identity. From Ottawa’s newest third jersey—rooted in the team’s history—to Seattle’s bold designs and Carolina’s branding missteps, the conversation captures why hockey sweaters matter far beyond the ice. With...

Shane Hewitt sits down with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, widely known as The Food Professor, to unpack the complexities of Canada’s food and employment landscape. They explore how the agricultural and restaurant industries depend on foreign workers, the political stakes of employment policies, and the growing challenges for young people entering the job market. The conversation also takes a turn...

Shane Hewitt and technology expert Carmi Levy take listeners back to 1995, when eBay and PlayStation reshaped how we shop and play. They explore eBay’s quirky beginnings—from a broken laser pointer to Beanie Baby mania—and how it pioneered consumer-to-consumer e-commerce. Carmi also reflects on PlayStation’s breakthrough moment in gaming culture and the arrival of DVDs, whi...

Collectibles meet cutting-edge tech in this conversation with Kris Abel. From a lenticular Back to the Future Part II cap and the challenges of eBay vs. Etsy, to new parental controls for ChatGPT after a tragic case, the discussion bridges nostalgia with urgent tech issues. Kris also reviews the Google Pixel 10 Pro and explains why Lego fans may need eBay as the Pick a Brick program pauses. Guest:...

What does an austerity budget really mean for Canadians? Economist Moshe Lander breaks down the government’s proposal, explaining how spending cuts and tax increases aim to reduce deficits while still allowing for long-term investments. The conversation connects federal fiscal policy to everyday personal finance choices, like taking on a mortgage for future benefits. They also explore the po...

Step back into 1995 with Shane Hewitt and pop culture archivist Ed Conroy. From the dawn of eBay, Amazon, and Yahoo to the arrival of Windows 95 and the first PlayStation, the year marked a seismic shift in how we lived, played, and connected. The conversation explores Britpop’s explosion, Toy Story’s debut, and niche TV like The Anti-Gravity Room. Ed shares how eBay became a treasure...

Shane Hewitt sits down with Tony Chapman—marketing thought leader and host of Chatter That Matters—to explore what businesses often miss: customers don’t just buy products, they buy moments. Tony unpacks the art of personalization, the emotional connections that drive loyalty, and why companies need to understand the journeys their customers are on. The conversation also dives in...

Shane Hewitt speaks with Heather Haslam, VP of Marketing at ADP Canada, about what it really means to be happy at work. Drawing on insights from the ADP Canada Happiness at Work Index, they explore the factors that shape employee morale—from work-life balance and recognition to career growth and leadership. The conversation also tackles the impact of generative AI on workplace productivity a...

Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell dive into the growing role of AI in everyday life—from productivity hacks at work to the playful use of smart tools at home. They unpack both the benefits and pitfalls of using digital assistants, including the way AI can sometimes “hallucinate” or misinterpret what users want. Along the way, they explore how AI is shaping conversations aroun...

Shane Hewitt is joined by Jamie Ellerton and Lindsay Broadhead for a lively conversation that blends lighthearted stories with serious political analysis. Jamie recounts his trip to the C&E, including a cheesecake-on-a-stick coated in hot Cheetos, before the group dives into how AI is reshaping productivity and creativity in daily work. The discussion then turns to the Crown Royal bottling pla...

Shane Hewitt and Ryan O’Donnell dive into the highs and headaches of live music in an era of dynamic pricing. From the thrill of being in the crowd to the sting of watching ticket costs skyrocket, they unpack how companies like Ticketmaster are reshaping the concert experience. The conversation blends personal stories with a sharp look at how technology, consumer demand, and business practic...

Shane Hewitt, Ryan O’Donnell, and Greg Fish tackle the troubling ways technology and AI are reshaping how we see each other at work and in society. Drawing on the idea of people being treated like “NPCs” in a video game, they explore how narcissistic leaders and transactional workplaces risk dehumanizing employees. Greg reflects on the historical shift from employers once support...

Shane Hewitt speaks with Michel Juneau-Katsuya, former Asia-Pacific chief at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, about the evolving face of global conflict. Instead of battlefield clashes, today’s great powers are waging wars through economics, strategy, and corporate influence. The conversation unpacks how nations like China and Russia are reshaping alliances, leveraging time as a s...

Chronic pain affects one in five Canadians, but women often face unique challenges in getting proper care. Shane Hewitt speaks with Dr. Tania Di Renna about the systemic gender biases that lead to misdiagnosis, inadequate treatment, and the dismissal of women’s pain as “emotional” rather than biological. They discuss the urgent need for advocacy, better education, and stronger re...

Shane Hewitt is joined by technology and cybersecurity expert Ritesh Kotak to explore why Canada must urgently prioritize digital sovereignty. From data localization laws and privacy protections to the risks of relying on American tech giants, they dig into the need for a legislative framework that secures Canadian data and fuels local innovation. The conversation highlights how digital borders, c...