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…
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…
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 —…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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