Evolution textbook timelines tell you when specific adaptations appeared. You learned herbivores developed complex plant-shredding teeth at a specific point in history. That's the fact. Except there's a skull sitting in a lab in Ottawa right now with those exact teeth, and it's millions of years older than the date your textbook says they're supposed to exist. One of those things has to be wrong.

The problem? This skull millions of years before herbivore teeth like this were supposed to evolve. The skull is smaller than your fist. It came from inside a hollow tree trunk in Nova Scotia where the animal either lived, denned, or fell in 310 million years ago. They named the species Tyrannorode, meaning Tyrant Digger, because it's ironically giant for something called a "microsaur."

The timeline you were taught as settled science just got updated by a fossil that wasn't supposed to be possible yet.

Topics: evolution textbook wrong, fossil discovery, evolutionary timeline, Nova Scotia paleontology, herbivore teeth

GUEST: Dr. Hillary Madden | Carleton University

Originally aired on 2026-02-24

Evolution textbook timelines tell you when specific adaptations appeared. You learned herbivores developed complex plant-shredding teeth at a specific point in history. That's the fact. Except there's a skull sitting in a lab in Ottawa right now with those exact teeth, and it's millions of years older than the date your textbook says they're supposed to exist. One of those things has to be wrong.
The problem? This skull millions of years before herbivore teeth like this were supposed to evolve. The skull is smaller than your fist. It came from inside a hollow tree trunk in Nova Scotia where the animal either lived, denned, or fell in 310 million years ago. They named the species Tyrannorode, meaning Tyrant Digger, because it's ironically giant for something called a "microsaur."
The timeline you were taught as settled science just got updated by a fossil that wasn't supposed to be possible yet.
Topics: evolution textbook wrong, fossil discovery, evolutionary timeline, Nova Scotia paleontology, herbivore teeth
GUEST: Dr. Hillary Madden | Carleton University
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-24

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.