Shane Hewitt and the Nightshift is joined by Tech Expert Carmi Levy who expresses concerns about the increasing automation of tasks. centering on several key points: the questionable value of AI-generated interactions (e.g., likes, reviews), accountability in case of system failures, the potential displacement of human workers, the robustness and security vulnerabilities of fully automated systems, and the overall loss of human experience and engagement. 

Kris Abel - Weekly Tech Stories

• Vancouver's Human In Motion Robotics will begin clinical trials in April for their XoMotion suit, a wearable robot designed to help people walk, even those previously unable to do so. 
• The NHL is giving Apple Watches to their on-ice officials equipped with an app to keep track of activities with vibrations so that refs can keep their eyes on the game.
• Hasbro is launching Monopoly App Banking Edition this August that gives players spending cards to use with an app on their phones to keep track of the board game’s finances.

Kris can be found at https://krisabel.com/

Shane and Rob Breakenridge break down Trump’s latest address—if you can even call it a speech. As one Shifthead texter put it, “That wasn’t a speech, it was an infomercial.” But beyond the spectacle, what does it mean for Canada? With sharp insight and signature wit, Shane and Rob explore how Canadians are processing Trump’s rhetoric, the impact on U.S.-Canada relations, and whether Canada’s diplomatic approach still holds up in an increasingly polarized American political orbit.

Rob Breakenridge https://robbreakenridge.ca

March is Music Therapy Month 🎶🎵🎹🎧🎼

Canadian Music Therapy Fund is urging for increased support to maintain access to music therapy, especially for older adults with dementia and cognitive challenges. Shane Hewitt is joined by Anna Kajtár, Executive Director of CMTF who highlights the crucial role music therapy plays in improving the lives of individuals facing various health issues, including autism and mental health challenges. With Canada's aging population, the demand for music therapy is increasing, yet funding remains critically low. Anna emphasizes the profound impact of music therapy on dignity and connection, particularly for seniors experiencing isolation and cognitive decline. They encourage donations, social media engagement (#MusicTherapyMovesUs), and advocacy to ensure continued access to this vital form of care.

Learn more - https://musictherapyfund.ca

International Women’s Day in the Workplace 👩🏢👮‍♀️

Senior Managing Director at Robert Half, Koula Vasilopoulos joins the Nightshift to discuss a survey of 1,500 Canadian professionals that reveals gender discrepancies in workplace attitudes. While a majority of both men (80%) and women (66%) would request a raise if not offered one, significantly more women (33%) plan to seek new jobs in the first half of 2025. Higher salaries are the primary motivator for job searches in both genders, followed by better benefits and increased remote flexibility.

Last year, Comedian Dusty Slay debuted his 1 hour Netflix Stand-Up Comedy Special, "Working Man." At one point following it's premiere, the special was ranked  -  #2 of "ALL TV SHOWS IN THE U.S. ON NETFLIX"!! Dusty will be brining his "Night Shift Tour" to the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto on Saturday, March 15th @ 7:00p. Tickets available at DustySlay.com or Ticketmaster.ca. He drops by to talk with Shane Hewitt about his career and his love of Canada.

🎙 Welcome to Shane Hewitt & the Nightshift 🎙

Uncle Bob’s Bits 🍷🍇
When Bob Addison made his first trip to the Vancouver Wine Festival, he expected a world of swirling, sniffing, and enough wine jargon to make a dictionary blush. What he didn’t expect? A spitoon. Also spoiler: chugging is frowned upon. Uncle Bob quickly realized this wasn’t just drinking—it was an art form. 

Inside copy ❄️🥶☃️❄️

The 80s gave us great music, bad fashion… and even worse medical decisions. In Texas, officials are begging parents to stop hosting measles parties—where kids are exposed to the virus on purpose. With nearly 150 cases statewide, this is one throwback we don’t need.

Meanwhile, a New Yorker chose to visit Winnipeg in the dead of winter—and loved it. From deep freezes to museums, his trip proves some risks are worth taking.

🎵 Skype ringtone 🎵Can you hear it in your head? Once the king of video calls, Skype just got the final boot from Microsoft. Zoooooom…  Another tech giant bites the dust.

What happens when you take one bike, one determined Canadian, and 7,000 km of open road? You get Paul Perrier’s epic cross-country ride—a two-wheeled adventure packed with grit, beauty, and a whole lot of pedaling.

From the rugged mountains of BC to the endless Prairies and the salty Atlantic breeze, Paul documented every push, every challenge, and every incredible moment in his YouTube documentary. But why take on a journey this massive? And what did he learn along the way?

Tariffs, Trade & The 21-Day wait that’s raising eyebrows 🇨🇦💰💼📉
Why is Canada waiting 21 days for some tariffs? And what does that mean for businesses, consumers, and the economy? Professor William Huggins from McMaster University sits down with Shane Hewitt to break down the complex world of tariffs—how they work, who they benefit (or hurt), and why Canada’s approach comes with a waiting period. From global trade tensions to the impact on your wallet, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a system that affects everything from the price of your groceries to the fate of Canadian industries. the 21-day wait that’s raising eyebrows. 💼📉

Canadian Resolve: A Tougher Nation Than You Think 🇨🇦💡
Tariffs aren’t just about taxes—in this sharp and insightful conversation, Matt Gurney and Shane Hewitt break down how tariffs shape Canada’s economy, challenge industries, and test the country’s resolve on the global stage. A tariff war means more than just diplomacy. It takes grit. 💰

Donald Trump’s speech to Congress comes with major implications for Canada. We break down the biggest announcements, shocking statements, and key takeaways with Shane Hewitt and our Smart Speakers Panel. Don’t miss this deep dive into how U.S. policy shifts could impact trade, immigration, defense, and more.

🎙 Welcome to Shane Hewitt & the Nightshift 🎙

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift Crew chat about their dream Canadian vacation, now that trips to the U.S. are not so appealing.

Handy Andy

Tech, robots, and hockey—what a combo! Handy Andy Baryer joins Shane Hewitt to chat about Amazon’s smarter, chattier AI Alexa, the sweater-wearing Neo Gamma robot that finally brings The Jetsons to life, and how the NHL is using tech to shake up the game.

The $20 Strawberry

Can one stupid purchase explain why millennials are so bad with money? Ryan O’Donnell helps us understand why millennials are spending an absurd amount of money to get one strawberry and how it reflects his generation's rough relationship with money.

Canada, NATO & a Missing U.S.—What’s Trump’s Play?

Canada sat down with NATO allies… but where was the U.S.? 🤔 Shane Hewitt chats with defence expert Christian Leuprecht to break down what Trump’s strategy might be, how NATO could respond, and whether Canada can still count on the U.S. for defence. 

The Carbon Tax Election is Over

The Liberal leadership race is heating up, and it’s shaking up the next federal election. 🔥 Shane Hewitt chats with political scientist Duane Bratt to break it all down—who’s pulling ahead, what it means for Canada, and oh yeah… is the NDP completely out of the game? 

Making Sense of the World—And Canada’s Place in It

The world is shifting, and Canada isn’t sitting on the sidelines. 🌍 Shane Hewitt chats with Jonathan Berkshire Miller, an expert in security, defense, and global politics, to break down what’s happening in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. How could all this impact Canada? And what should we be watching?