Tech toys and imagination collide over one controversial brick. Your kid gets a Lego set where the plane makes its own flying sounds. Swoosh. Pew pew. Automatic. You panic: what happened to using your imagination? What happened to making the noises yourself? The toy just handed them the creativity on a circuit board.

Ryan O'Donnell: upset, this dilutes childhood magic. Michelle Parnett Dwyer from the Strong National Museum of Play counters: tech innovation challenges makers, not just kids. Furby did it. Tickle Me Elmo did it. Ryan's moment of clarity: kids ignore designer intent entirely. They take the brick off. They use it differently. They play how they want. O'Donnell admits: "I am not a child anymore."

Discover why adult nostalgia distorts what kids actually need. Learn how children have always repurposed technology beyond its intended use. Understand the difference between protecting imagination and protecting your memories.

Originally aired on 2026-01-14

Tech toys and imagination collide over one controversial brick. Your kid gets a Lego set where the plane makes its own flying sounds. Swoosh. Pew pew. Automatic. You panic: what happened to using your imagination? What happened to making the noises yourself? The toy just handed them the creativity on a circuit board.
Ryan O'Donnell: upset, this dilutes childhood magic. Michelle Parnett Dwyer from the Strong National Museum of Play counters: tech innovation challenges makers, not just kids. Furby did it. Tickle Me Elmo did it. Ryan's moment of clarity: kids ignore designer intent entirely. They take the brick off. They use it differently. They play how they want. O'Donnell admits: "I am not a child anymore."
Discover why adult nostalgia distorts what kids actually need. Learn how children have always repurposed technology beyond its intended use. Understand the difference between protecting imagination and protecting your memories.
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-14

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.

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.