Challenger explosion footage plays on the classroom TV. You're sitting crisscross on the library floor with thirty other kids. A teacher was going to space. You watched her die. Then nobody talked about it again. Not that day. Not the next week. Not for years.

NASA almost sent Big Bird to space instead of teacher Christa McAuliffe. The logistics of an eight-foot puppet didn't work out. The cultural moment, beating the Soviets, making space accessible, mattered more than double-checking launch temperatures. Seventeen years later, Columbia broke apart on reentry. The lessons we thought we learned the first time weren't enough.

What we did to children that day says more about how we process collective trauma than any safety protocol change. We wheeled in the TV. We watched in real time. We made jokes later because nobody gave us permission to be sad. The wreckage isn't just engineering failure. It's generational memory.

Topics: Challenger explosion, space shuttle disaster, generational trauma, NASA safety, how schools taught tragedy

Originally aired on 2026-01-29

Challenger explosion footage plays on the classroom TV. You're sitting crisscross on the library floor with thirty other kids. A teacher was going to space. You watched her die. Then nobody talked about it again. Not that day. Not the next week. Not for years.
NASA almost sent Big Bird to space instead of teacher Christa McAuliffe. The logistics of an eight-foot puppet didn't work out. The cultural moment, beating the Soviets, making space accessible, mattered more than double-checking launch temperatures. Seventeen years later, Columbia broke apart on reentry. The lessons we thought we learned the first time weren't enough.
What we did to children that day says more about how we process collective trauma than any safety protocol change. We wheeled in the TV. We watched in real time. We made jokes later because nobody gave us permission to be sad. The wreckage isn't just engineering failure. It's generational memory.
Topics: Challenger explosion, space shuttle disaster, generational trauma, NASA safety, how schools taught tragedy
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-29

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.