Conspiracy theories, according to research, are believed by about 80 percent of people. Not the fringe. Not the outliers. Most people. The interesting part is what looking at the actual list does to the word conspiracy.

Planned obsolescence showed up on the list. So did the idea that women's clothing skips pockets deliberately because fashion designers have a deal with purse companies. One of those involves a phone that recently needed to clear storage just to install an update that never required that before. The other one starts to feel less like a theory the more you sit with it.

Superstition is supernatural. Conspiracy involves institutions and people with something to gain. The list of things filed under conspiracy and the list of things that quietly turned out to be real have been trading places for a while now.

Topics: conspiracy theories, planned obsolescence, superstition vs conspiracy, online review trust, institutional trust, belief research

Originally aired on 2026-03-18

Conspiracy theories, according to research, are believed by about 80 percent of people. Not the fringe. Not the outliers. Most people. The interesting part is what looking at the actual list does to the word conspiracy.
Planned obsolescence showed up on the list. So did the idea that women's clothing skips pockets deliberately because fashion designers have a deal with purse companies. One of those involves a phone that recently needed to clear storage just to install an update that never required that before. The other one starts to feel less like a theory the more you sit with it.
Superstition is supernatural. Conspiracy involves institutions and people with something to gain. The list of things filed under conspiracy and the list of things that quietly turned out to be real have been trading places for a while now.
Topics: conspiracy theories, planned obsolescence, superstition vs conspiracy, online review trust, institutional trust, belief research
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-18

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.