When was the last time a friend’s big life update sat at the top of a feed? In this solo episode, Shane Hewitt breaks down how algorithms have buried connection under commerce. What once promised community now feels like a digital department store, with ads, influencer collabs, and curated junk mail dominating the scroll. Drawing on the nostalgia of flipping through thick Sears catalogues, Shane reflects on how feeds have shifted from social sharing to relentless selling. This candid take explores what’s lost in the process, why genuine connection matters, and how to rethink the role of technology in daily life.

@iamshanehewitt, shanehewitt.ca

Originally aired on 2025-09-24

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 the critique, they weave in personal anecdotes about style and nostalgia, connecting how identity, expression, and marketing collide online. This episode highlights the growing tension between authentic connection and commercial interests in the digital age.

What do ostrich farming and Jimmy Kimmel have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Shane Hewitt, Jamie Ellerton, and Lindsay Broadhead explore the controversy surrounding a B.C. ostrich farm facing government intervention over avian flu, raising deeper questions about animal rights and state authority. From there, the discussion shifts to late-night TV, where Jimmy Kimmel’s heartfelt monologue sparked conversations about free expression, changing audience expectations, and the future of entertainment in a digital world. Along the way, the group considers how public opinion is shaped by social media, and how even unexpected details — like ostrich oil in skincare — influence broader narratives.

GUEST: Jamie Ellerton, conaptus.com; Lindsay Broadhead, broadheadcomms.ca

Originally aired on 2025-09-24

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 surprise discoveries, while also critiquing how easily we blame them for negative experiences online. With personal anecdotes, humor, and a critical look at the agendas behind platforms, the conversation highlights why algorithms deserve a more nuanced perspective in today’s connected world.

Shane Hewitt; @iamshanehewitt, shanehewitt.ca | Ryan O’Donnell

Originally aired on 2025-09-24