The Panama invasion of 1989 didn't end the way anyone expected. Twenty-seven thousand American troops surrounded one dictator hiding in the Vatican embassy. It took weeks of blasting rock music and a military siege to force Manuel Noriega's surrender.

Craig Baird breaks down how the CIA's former asset became America's target, the casualties nobody talks about (23 American soldiers, possibly thousands of Panamanians), and why Canada stood alone as the only nation in the Americas to publicly back the operation. Shane and Craig trace the parallels to Venezuela while examining what made Panama different: from the weeks-long Vatican embassy standoff to the troops blasting Metallica outside Noriega's door.

Discover why Brian Mulroney got the call the night before it happened, how history forgets invasions this messy, and what happens when 27,000 troops can't immediately capture one man. The siege, the music, the geopolitical mess: it's all here.

GUEST: Craig Baird | canadaehx.com

Originally aired on 2026-01-08

The Panama invasion of 1989 didn't end the way anyone expected. Twenty-seven thousand American troops surrounded one dictator hiding in the Vatican embassy. It took weeks of blasting rock music and a military siege to force Manuel Noriega's surrender.
Craig Baird breaks down how the CIA's former asset became America's target, the casualties nobody talks about (23 American soldiers, possibly thousands of Panamanians), and why Canada stood alone as the only nation in the Americas to publicly back the operation. Shane and Craig trace the parallels to Venezuela while examining what made Panama different: from the weeks-long Vatican embassy standoff to the troops blasting Metallica outside Noriega's door.
Discover why Brian Mulroney got the call the night before it happened, how history forgets invasions this messy, and what happens when 27,000 troops can't immediately capture one man. The siege, the music, the geopolitical mess: it's all here.
GUEST:&nbsp;Craig Baird | canadaehx.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-08

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.

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