A psychologist makes the case that the highs and lows of being a sports fan are not just entertainment, they are doing real work for your mental health. The conversation traces what happens physiologically when a game gets tense, why grief and joy need each other to feel like anything at all, and why losing as a fan might matter just as much as winning.

From there the discussion turns to the line between healthy fandom and something more dangerous, including a direct warning about what sports gambling is doing to people's relationship with the games they love. It closes on a question worth sitting with: is it better to live life in the stands, on the field, or somewhere in between. Listeners get a grounded, research-backed reason to stop feeling guilty about caring this much about a game.

Topics: fandom mental health, sports emotional outlet, sports gambling, stands versus the game, collaboration

GUEST: Dr. Perry Adler | http://humanexus.ca

Originally aired on 2026-06-30

A psychologist makes the case that the highs and lows of being a sports fan are not just entertainment, they are doing real work for your mental health. The conversation traces what happens physiologically when a game gets tense, why grief and joy need each other to feel like anything at all, and why losing as a fan might matter just as much as winning.
From there the discussion turns to the line between healthy fandom and something more dangerous, including a direct warning about what sports gambling is doing to people's relationship with the games they love. It closes on a question worth sitting with: is it better to live life in the stands, on the field, or somewhere in between. Listeners get a grounded, research-backed reason to stop feeling guilty about caring this much about a game.
Topics: fandom mental health, sports emotional outlet, sports gambling, stands versus the game, collaboration
GUEST: Dr. Perry Adler |<a href="http://humanexus.ca"> http://humanexus.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-30

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.