Step back to a year when theater met the mainstream and pop music defined a generation. Shane Hewitt and Eric Alper unpack 1986—a cultural crossroads where Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables took over stages while artists like Peter Gabriel, Madonna, and The Smiths ruled the airwaves. Eric recalls working in a record store at the time, witnessing firsthand how Broadway’s power ballads and rock’s evolution shared the same cultural moment. Blending nostalgia with reflection, this Throwback Thursday episode captures how one year’s creativity continues to echo through today’s music scene.

GUEST:
 Eric Alper
@thatericalper
thatericalper.com

Originally aired on2025-10-09

Step back to a year when theater met the mainstream and pop music defined a generation. Shane Hewitt and Eric Alper unpack 1986&mdash;a cultural crossroads where Phantom of the Opera and Les Mis&eacute;rables took over stages while artists like Peter Gabriel, Madonna, and The Smiths ruled the airwaves. Eric recalls working in a record store at the time, witnessing firsthand how Broadway&rsquo;s power ballads and rock&rsquo;s evolution shared the same cultural moment. Blending nostalgia with reflection, this Throwback Thursday episode captures how one year&rsquo;s creativity continues to echo through today&rsquo;s music scene.
GUEST: Eric Alper @thatericalper thatericalper.com
Originally aired on 2025-10-09

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.

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