Peter Cullen's death has hit lifelong fans harder than most people expected, and this Throwback Thursday traces where that voice actually came from, starting with a piece of advice from his brother that shaped how he played Optimus Prime for decades.

Before Transformers, Peter Cullen was an overnight radio DJ in Montreal, working swing shifts on a station that still has a connection to the show today. A lifetime Emmy speech built around that same advice brought a room to tears, and it explains more about the character than most fans realize.

Peter Cullen's voice also turns up in roles nobody connects to him, including a soft-spoken donkey and one of the most unexpected sounds in a classic action film. Together they show just how far one voice actually travelled.

Topics: Peter Cullen, Optimus Prime, CKGM Montreal, Predator voice, Eeyore

Originally aired on 2026-08-27

Peter Cullen's death has hit lifelong fans harder than most people expected, and this Throwback Thursday traces where that voice actually came from, starting with a piece of advice from his brother that shaped how he played Optimus Prime for decades.
Before Transformers, Peter Cullen was an overnight radio DJ in Montreal, working swing shifts on a station that still has a connection to the show today. A lifetime Emmy speech built around that same advice brought a room to tears, and it explains more about the character than most fans realize.
Peter Cullen's voice also turns up in roles nobody connects to him, including a soft-spoken donkey and one of the most unexpected sounds in a classic action film. Together they show just how far one voice actually travelled.
Topics: Peter Cullen, Optimus Prime, CKGM Montreal, Predator voice, Eeyore
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-27

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.