Mental health week lands in early May for a reason. Pete Bombacci says suicide rates are highest in the spring, not at Christmas, and the social pressure that comes with warming temperatures is one of the leading contributors most people do not know about.

The fix Pete Bombacci keeps coming back to is the invite. Not the response, the invite. Someone who is chronically lonely or struggling may not reply, but that does not mean they did not see it. He says the awareness that someone valued them enough to reach out can matter more than the event itself. His framework is simple: go first, send it to a group, and let the ones who can show up do so without requiring the others to explain themselves.

The research Pete Bombacci points to is the theory of 3.5%: get that share of the population doing something and you have the conditions for a movement. He says GenWell is trying to find the next five percent of Canadians willing to send the first invite.

Topics: mental health week Canada, human connection, loneliness, GenWell, spring suicide rates

GUEST: Pete Bombacci | http://genwell.ca

Originally aired on 2026-05-05

Mental health week lands in early May for a reason. Pete Bombacci says suicide rates are highest in the spring, not at Christmas, and the social pressure that comes with warming temperatures is one of the leading contributors most people do not know about.
The fix Pete Bombacci keeps coming back to is the invite. Not the response, the invite. Someone who is chronically lonely or struggling may not reply, but that does not mean they did not see it. He says the awareness that someone valued them enough to reach out can matter more than the event itself. His framework is simple: go first, send it to a group, and let the ones who can show up do so without requiring the others to explain themselves.
The research Pete Bombacci points to is the theory of 3.5%: get that share of the population doing something and you have the conditions for a movement. He says GenWell is trying to find the next five percent of Canadians willing to send the first invite.
Topics: mental health week Canada, human connection, loneliness, GenWell, spring suicide rates
GUEST: Pete Bombacci |<a href="http://genwell.ca"> http://genwell.ca</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-05

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.