Time travel stories aren’t really about machines — they’re about regret, possibility, and what we’d risk to rewrite our lives. In this episode, Robert J. Sawyer joins Shane Hewitt to unpack the deeper psychology behind time travel fiction and why it resonates so deeply.

From The Time Machine to FlashForward, Sawyer explores how time stories let us speak uncomfortable truths, imagine alternate paths, and prepare for what we can’t undo. Plus: why he’d rather know when he dies than fix a mistake, the butterfly effect in real life, and the one novel that best introduces his work.

GUEST:
Robert J. Sawyer
sfwriter.com

Originally aired on 2025-12-12

Time travel stories aren&rsquo;t really about machines &mdash; they&rsquo;re about regret, possibility, and what we&rsquo;d risk to rewrite our lives. In this episode, Robert J. Sawyer joins Shane Hewitt to unpack the deeper psychology behind time travel fiction and why it resonates so deeply.
From The Time Machine to FlashForward, Sawyer explores how time stories let us speak uncomfortable truths, imagine alternate paths, and prepare for what we can&rsquo;t undo. Plus: why he&rsquo;d rather know when he dies than fix a mistake, the butterfly effect in real life, and the one novel that best introduces his work.
GUEST: Robert J. Sawyer sfwriter.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2025-12-12

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.