Mount St. Helens erupted 46 years ago this weekend, and the mountain did not blow its top. It blew its side, and people as far away as Lethbridge, Alberta felt what that meant.

Harry R. Truman was 83 years old and refused to leave Spirit Lake Lodge. He believed the volcano would blow straight up, not sideways. He had said they couldn't pull him out with a mule team. He and his 16 cats were buried under 150 feet of volcanic debris. His body is believed to still be on the ridge that now bears his name.

USGS scientist David Johnston was observing from the mountain when it went. His last four words, broadcast on ham radios around the world: Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it. A pyroclastic flow swept him away. His body was never found. His trailer turned up among highway wreckage in 1993. Researchers believe the volcano is already inside the 30 to 100 year window for another eruption.

Topics: Mount St. Helens 1980, Harry Truman Spirit Lake, David Johnston, pyroclastic flow, Canada volcano impact

Originally aired on 2026-05-14

Mount St. Helens erupted 46 years ago this weekend, and the mountain did not blow its top. It blew its side, and people as far away as Lethbridge, Alberta felt what that meant.
Harry R. Truman was 83 years old and refused to leave Spirit Lake Lodge. He believed the volcano would blow straight up, not sideways. He had said they couldn't pull him out with a mule team. He and his 16 cats were buried under 150 feet of volcanic debris. His body is believed to still be on the ridge that now bears his name.
USGS scientist David Johnston was observing from the mountain when it went. His last four words, broadcast on ham radios around the world: Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it. A pyroclastic flow swept him away. His body was never found. His trailer turned up among highway wreckage in 1993. Researchers believe the volcano is already inside the 30 to 100 year window for another eruption.
Topics: Mount St. Helens 1980, Harry Truman Spirit Lake, David Johnston, pyroclastic flow, Canada volcano impact
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-14

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.

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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.