Some jobs stick with you long enough to become writing a book of essays about. Alex Boyd worked a bookshop in the 1990s, the same kind of job George Orwell once described in the 1930s, and found that almost nothing about the customers had changed.

His collection, eighteen essays deep, moves through a warehouse job that followed four years of studying English literature, a piece on faith and searching for meaning beyond yourself, and a set of book reviews for titles Alex thinks never got the attention they deserved. He also breaks down what he took from Orwell's writing on clarity, the instinct to make something small and specific feel universal to any reader.

The conversation lands on something worth sitting with: everyone has a story worth collecting, and the only difference between a good storyteller and a bad one is whether they actually start writing it down.

Topics: essay collection, Alex Boyd author, George Orwell influence, faith and meaning, Canadian writer

GUEST: Alex Boyd | @‌alexboydwriter

Originally aired on 2026-07-06

Some jobs stick with you long enough to become writing a book of essays about. Alex Boyd worked a bookshop in the 1990s, the same kind of job George Orwell once described in the 1930s, and found that almost nothing about the customers had changed.
His collection, eighteen essays deep, moves through a warehouse job that followed four years of studying English literature, a piece on faith and searching for meaning beyond yourself, and a set of book reviews for titles Alex thinks never got the attention they deserved. He also breaks down what he took from Orwell's writing on clarity, the instinct to make something small and specific feel universal to any reader.
The conversation lands on something worth sitting with: everyone has a story worth collecting, and the only difference between a good storyteller and a bad one is whether they actually start writing it down.
Topics: essay collection, Alex Boyd author, George Orwell influence, faith and meaning, Canadian writer
GUEST: Alex Boyd | @&zwnj;alexboydwriter
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-06

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.