The phrase old wives tale goes back to a play written in 1595. By 1611 the King James Bible was using it to dismiss the knowledge of older women. The irony is hard to miss, because the women being dismissed were often the ones carrying the most practical knowledge about health, childbirth, and community care.

Tonight runs through the greatest hits: junk food and appendicitis, gum stuck in your stomach for seven years, sitting too close to the TV, carrots fixing your eyesight. Most are false. Almost all of them are built on fear, which is what made them spread and what kept them alive long after anyone could remember where they started.

The conversation also separates old wives tales from superstitions, two categories that get lumped together but operate on completely different logic. One gives advice. The other issues a transaction: do this, and that happens to you.

Topics: old wives tales origin, folk health myths, superstitions, fear and misinformation, health advice history

Originally aired on 2026-06-17

The phrase old wives tale goes back to a play written in 1595. By 1611 the King James Bible was using it to dismiss the knowledge of older women. The irony is hard to miss, because the women being dismissed were often the ones carrying the most practical knowledge about health, childbirth, and community care.
Tonight runs through the greatest hits: junk food and appendicitis, gum stuck in your stomach for seven years, sitting too close to the TV, carrots fixing your eyesight. Most are false. Almost all of them are built on fear, which is what made them spread and what kept them alive long after anyone could remember where they started.
The conversation also separates old wives tales from superstitions, two categories that get lumped together but operate on completely different logic. One gives advice. The other issues a transaction: do this, and that happens to you.
Topics: old wives tales origin, folk health myths, superstitions, fear and misinformation, health advice history
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-17

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.