Sea spiders sound like a reason to stay out of the water. Cormac Toler-Scott, lead author of a study describing two new species, helps you separate their unsettling appearance from what they actually do.

Some polar species can span a couple of feet, but don’t picture those giants when you hear about the new discoveries. How small are these animals, and what are they feeding on? Their lives on the ocean floor might challenge the creature you’ve already imagined.

Even if you’d rather never see one, there’s a reason to care about finding them. How can scientists tell whether an ocean community is changing if they can’t reliably identify its inhabitants? Two small animals open a much bigger question about what we still don’t know.

Topics: sea spiders, species discovery, marine biodiversity, taxonomy, ocean ecosystems

GUEST: Cormac Toler-Scott | https://www3.botany.ubc.ca/bleander/index.html | @‌cormac_ts

Originally aired on 2026-10-27

Sea spiders sound like a reason to stay out of the water. Cormac Toler-Scott, lead author of a study describing two new species, helps you separate their unsettling appearance from what they actually do.
Some polar species can span a couple of feet, but don&rsquo;t picture those giants when you hear about the new discoveries. How small are these animals, and what are they feeding on? Their lives on the ocean floor might challenge the creature you&rsquo;ve already imagined.
Even if you&rsquo;d rather never see one, there&rsquo;s a reason to care about finding them. How can scientists tell whether an ocean community is changing if they can&rsquo;t reliably identify its inhabitants? Two small animals open a much bigger question about what we still don&rsquo;t know.
Topics: sea spiders, species discovery, marine biodiversity, taxonomy, ocean ecosystems
GUEST: Cormac Toler-Scott |<a href="https://www3.botany.ubc.ca/bleander/index.html"> https://www3.botany.ubc.ca/bleander/index.html</a> | @&zwnj;cormac_ts
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-27

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.