AI influencers are making 46% of social media users uncomfortable, and marketing expert Tony Chapman says that discomfort is justified. Fake fitness ads promise six-packs in 28 days with AI-generated bodies. Seniors are losing money to voice-cloning scams that sound exactly like their grandchildren. The trust collapse isn't just about AI—it's about an advertising system that lets platforms profit from deception.

Shane and Tony break down the shift from macro influencers (Kardashians getting $200K per post) to micro influencers (niche experts building real authority), and why even those models are under threat. They discuss how Instagram's algorithm weaponizes your curiosity—pause on one turtleneck ad and you'll see 4,000 variations. Tony explains why false advertising that would get you sued on radio flies unchecked on social platforms, and how AI is now sophisticated enough to scrape your Facebook posts and impersonate your family members in fraud calls.

The conversation lands on a counterintuitive solution: face-to-face business. From farmers markets to boutique brands, Tony argues that human interaction is becoming the new competitive advantage. Entrepreneurs who started with handwritten thank-you notes and single-customer validation are now in Walmart. When platforms lose credibility, real people win.

KEY TOPICS:

- AI influencer trust collapse and user discomfort rates

- Macro vs. micro influencer marketing effectiveness

- False advertising loopholes on Instagram and Facebook

- AI-powered voice cloning scams targeting seniors

- Face-to-face business models as competitive advantage

GUEST: Tony Chapman, Marketing Expert & Host | chatterthatmatters.ca

Originally aired on 2026-01-07

AI influencers are making 46% of social media users uncomfortable, and marketing expert Tony Chapman says that discomfort is justified. Fake fitness ads promise six-packs in 28 days with AI-generated bodies. Seniors are losing money to voice-cloning scams that sound exactly like their grandchildren. The trust collapse isn't just about AI&mdash;it's about an advertising system that lets platforms profit from deception.
Shane and Tony break down the shift from macro influencers (Kardashians getting $200K per post) to micro influencers (niche experts building real authority), and why even those models are under threat. They discuss how Instagram's algorithm weaponizes your curiosity&mdash;pause on one turtleneck ad and you'll see 4,000 variations. Tony explains why false advertising that would get you sued on radio flies unchecked on social platforms, and how AI is now sophisticated enough to scrape your Facebook posts and impersonate your family members in fraud calls.
The conversation lands on a counterintuitive solution: face-to-face business. From farmers markets to boutique brands, Tony argues that human interaction is becoming the new competitive advantage. Entrepreneurs who started with handwritten thank-you notes and single-customer validation are now in Walmart. When platforms lose credibility, real people win.
KEY TOPICS:
- AI influencer trust collapse and user discomfort rates
- Macro vs. micro influencer marketing effectiveness
- False advertising loopholes on Instagram and Facebook
- AI-powered voice cloning scams targeting seniors
- Face-to-face business models as competitive advantage
GUEST: Tony Chapman, Marketing Expert &amp; Host | chatterthatmatters.ca
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-07

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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