Online cults can draw in people who never signed up. W5’s Avery Haines takes you inside the Honolulu courtroom where three Saskatchewan residents faced a defamation suit from spiritual influencer Liana Shanti. They had relatives in her community, and they filed a claim of their own.

Shanti believed the three Canadians were behind online posts criticizing her. Haines traces how those posts and Shanti’s public accusations against the Canadians turned into a four-year court fight that cost them hundreds of thousands in legal bills.

Listen for what happened when the jury started reading the awards. Haines thought the first figure would cover the Canadians’ legal bills. Then the jury kept going.

Topics: Liana Shanti, Saskatchewan families, online criticism, defamation countersuit, jury awards

GUEST: Avery Haines | https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialW5/

Originally aired on 2026-11-06

Online cults can draw in people who never signed up. W5&rsquo;s Avery Haines takes you inside the Honolulu courtroom where three Saskatchewan residents faced a defamation suit from spiritual influencer Liana Shanti. They had relatives in her community, and they filed a claim of their own.
Shanti believed the three Canadians were behind online posts criticizing her. Haines traces how those posts and Shanti&rsquo;s public accusations against the Canadians turned into a four-year court fight that cost them hundreds of thousands in legal bills.
Listen for what happened when the jury started reading the awards. Haines thought the first figure would cover the Canadians&rsquo; legal bills. Then the jury kept going.
Topics: Liana Shanti, Saskatchewan families, online criticism, defamation countersuit, jury awards
GUEST: Avery Haines |<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialW5/"> https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialW5/</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-11-06

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.