You're watching a woman sprint down an aisle toward a massive screen. She's holding a sledgehammer. You have no idea what you're watching until she throws it. The screen explodes. Cut to Apple logo. That's the 1984 Apple commercial, and it's more famous than the Super Bowl game it aired during.

Oakland Raiders 38, Washington 9. John Madden on the call. One of the largest championship blowouts ever. Can you name a single play from that game? The commercial cost $368,000 for 30 seconds and created permanent cultural memory. The game created nothing. The "we are the rebel" positioning worked because Star Wars rebellion was fresh. When Steve Jobs returned years later after Mac became just another computer, "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" became the new version: same rebellious philosophy, different execution.

That sledgehammer commercial proved one thing worth remembering: sell the rebellion, not the features. Every Apple campaign since has been chasing that same formula, and most Super Bowl advertisers are still trying to recreate that moment when the ad mattered more than the score.

Topics: 1984 Super Bowl commercial, Apple Macintosh advertising, rebellious marketing evolution, dystopian branding, advertising history, John Madden era

Originally aired on 2026-01-22

You're watching a woman sprint down an aisle toward a massive screen. She's holding a sledgehammer. You have no idea what you're watching until she throws it. The screen explodes. Cut to Apple logo. That's the 1984 Apple commercial, and it's more famous than the Super Bowl game it aired during.
Oakland Raiders 38, Washington 9. John Madden on the call. One of the largest championship blowouts ever. Can you name a single play from that game? The commercial cost $368,000 for 30 seconds and created permanent cultural memory. The game created nothing. The "we are the rebel" positioning worked because Star Wars rebellion was fresh. When Steve Jobs returned years later after Mac became just another computer, "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" became the new version: same rebellious philosophy, different execution.
That sledgehammer commercial proved one thing worth remembering: sell the rebellion, not the features. Every Apple campaign since has been chasing that same formula, and most Super Bowl advertisers are still trying to recreate that moment when the ad mattered more than the score.
Topics: 1984 Super Bowl commercial, Apple Macintosh advertising, rebellious marketing evolution, dystopian branding, advertising history, John Madden era
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-22

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.