Could a jumping spider have an inner life after lights out? Dr Samantha Yammine gets to the evidence behind the dream question, starting with a researcher who noticed something odd on her windowsill.

Spiders in jars were hanging upside down, going still at roughly the same time each day. That could look like ordinary rest. What made the observation worth taking from the windowsill into the yard and the laboratory?

The answer sits in a part of the body associated with some very human nighttime activity. But recognising a sleep pattern and knowing what happens inside a spider are different achievements. A twitching dog, a remembered experience, a possible dream: how far can the resemblance carry the explanation?

Topics: jumping spiders, animal dreams, REM-like sleep, memory consolidation, consciousness

GUEST: Dr Samantha Yammine | http://samanthayammine.com | @‌science.sam

Originally aired on 2026-10-29

Could a jumping spider have an inner life after lights out? Dr Samantha Yammine gets to the evidence behind the dream question, starting with a researcher who noticed something odd on her windowsill.
Spiders in jars were hanging upside down, going still at roughly the same time each day. That could look like ordinary rest. What made the observation worth taking from the windowsill into the yard and the laboratory?
The answer sits in a part of the body associated with some very human nighttime activity. But recognising a sleep pattern and knowing what happens inside a spider are different achievements. A twitching dog, a remembered experience, a possible dream: how far can the resemblance carry the explanation?
Topics: jumping spiders, animal dreams, REM-like sleep, memory consolidation, consciousness
GUEST: Dr Samantha Yammine |<a href="http://samanthayammine.com"> http://samanthayammine.com</a> | @&zwnj;science.sam
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-29

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.