Brand names becoming generic sounds like success until you're at Walmart. You reach for Q-tips. The generic cotton swabs are two dollars cheaper. Same aisle. Same shelf. Almost identical package. Your hand hovers between them. The brand won every battle to own that word. Now the word helps everyone else sell.

The paradox destroys premium pricing. Private label copies the font, matches the colors, positions next to the original, charges less. Heinz, Coke, Kleenex, Tupperware became the words consumers use, but that just teaches shoppers what to look for. Anyone can deliver it cheaper. New Coke proved even giants panic under pressure—Pepsi Challenge scared them into changing their formula to taste like the competitor. James Dyson found the crack in Hoover's armor: people wanted to see the dirt they collected, not just achieve suction. Retailers hated it because it killed bag sales.

Discover why AI defaults to Heinz when generating ketchup bottles. Learn how Frisbee patents protect aerodynamic design from imitators. Understand what Ziploc's patent control teaches about defending premium pricing.

GUEST: Tony Chapman | CHATTER THAT MATTERS

Originally aired on 2026-01-14

Brand names becoming generic sounds like success until you're at Walmart. You reach for Q-tips. The generic cotton swabs are two dollars cheaper. Same aisle. Same shelf. Almost identical package. Your hand hovers between them. The brand won every battle to own that word. Now the word helps everyone else sell.
The paradox destroys premium pricing. Private label copies the font, matches the colors, positions next to the original, charges less. Heinz, Coke, Kleenex, Tupperware became the words consumers use, but that just teaches shoppers what to look for. Anyone can deliver it cheaper. New Coke proved even giants panic under pressure&mdash;Pepsi Challenge scared them into changing their formula to taste like the competitor. James Dyson found the crack in Hoover's armor: people wanted to see the dirt they collected, not just achieve suction. Retailers hated it because it killed bag sales.
Discover why AI defaults to Heinz when generating ketchup bottles. Learn how Frisbee patents protect aerodynamic design from imitators. Understand what Ziploc's patent control teaches about defending premium pricing.
GUEST: Tony Chapman |<a href="http://chatterthatmatters.ca"> CHATTER THAT MATTERS</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-14

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.