Mr. Dress Up ran for thirty two years, and historian Ed Conroy says Ernie Coombs and puppeteer Judith Lawrence built entire episodes with no script at all. Ed contributed vintage television equipment and previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage to a new exhibit in Pickering, where Ernie lived for decades.

Ed traces that instinctive, script-free chemistry back to a single CBC executive who believed children deserved to be spoken to like people, not lectured at, a philosophy Ed argues most kids' programming still has not learned. He calls Ernie simply "the Governor," and after thirty two years on air, the nickname still fits.

He also details how Judith Lawrence's puppet characters, Casey and Finnegan, exited the show over months rather than all at once, a slow goodbye designed so young viewers would not feel abandoned.

Topics: Mr. Dress Up, Ernie Coombs, Ed Conroy, Pickering exhibit, Judith Lawrence

GUEST: Ed Conroy | retroOntario.com | @retroontario

Originally aired on 2026-07-09

Mr. Dress Up ran for thirty two years, and historian Ed Conroy says Ernie Coombs and puppeteer Judith Lawrence built entire episodes with no script at all. Ed contributed vintage television equipment and previously unseen behind-the-scenes footage to a new exhibit in Pickering, where Ernie lived for decades.
Ed traces that instinctive, script-free chemistry back to a single CBC executive who believed children deserved to be spoken to like people, not lectured at, a philosophy Ed argues most kids' programming still has not learned. He calls Ernie simply "the Governor," and after thirty two years on air, the nickname still fits.
He also details how Judith Lawrence's puppet characters, Casey and Finnegan, exited the show over months rather than all at once, a slow goodbye designed so young viewers would not feel abandoned.
Topics: Mr. Dress Up, Ernie Coombs, Ed Conroy, Pickering exhibit, Judith Lawrence
GUEST: Ed Conroy | retroOntario.com | @retroontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-09

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.

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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.