Blue Monday hits hard. Writing for mental health sounds abstract until you're sitting alone feeling funky and realize you need something tangible. You're not depressed. The vibe just went stinky. Ottawa never gets warm, just stays below zero and breezy. Calgary had sunshine bumps. You notice the difference this time of year.

 

Catherine Black started at nine years old with tons of feelings and a notebook. Decades later, nothing changed. Pen and paper mean she's never alone. Coffee shop, airplane, beach. Writing becomes companionship. She tells students: spelling doesn't matter, authenticity does. Use your senses, sink into the moment. Let associations happen messy and imperfect. Give yourself permission to rage or have fun. School taught sentence structure rules. Throw that away. Quiet the critical voices. No room at your desk for dissent. Good writing makes you forget you're reading. You want to read it again.

 

Discover why Catherine considers writing inherently life-affirming. Learn how to use sensory detail when you don't know where to start. Understand why it's okay to abandon books that don't grab you.

 

GUEST: Catherine Black | @writercatblack


Originally aired on 2026-01-19

Blue Monday hits hard. Writing for mental health sounds abstract until you're sitting alone feeling funky and realize you need something tangible. You're not depressed. The vibe just went stinky. Ottawa never gets warm, just stays below zero and breezy. Calgary had sunshine bumps. You notice the difference this time of year.
&nbsp;
Catherine Black started at nine years old with tons of feelings and a notebook. Decades later, nothing changed. Pen and paper mean she's never alone. Coffee shop, airplane, beach. Writing becomes companionship. She tells students: spelling doesn't matter, authenticity does. Use your senses, sink into the moment. Let associations happen messy and imperfect. Give yourself permission to rage or have fun. School taught sentence structure rules. Throw that away. Quiet the critical voices. No room at your desk for dissent. Good writing makes you forget you're reading. You want to read it again.
&nbsp;
Discover why Catherine considers writing inherently life-affirming. Learn how to use sensory detail when you don't know where to start. Understand why it's okay to abandon books that don't grab you.
&nbsp;
GUEST: Catherine Black | @writercatblack
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-19

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.