Nathan Radke wanted to test a theory: that the fear behind conspiracy stories comes from the brain filling in gaps when there isn't enough information. Sailing into Lake Ontario's Marysburgh Vortex at night gave him a firsthand demonstration he wasn't expecting.

He walks through the hour spent tracking an unidentified ship's lights getting larger and faster in total darkness, with no radio response and no way to tell its size or direction, followed by a hard turn that tore the mainsail loose mid storm. He connects it back to why humans have always told stories about sea monsters and unexplained disappearances, and what that says about how conspiracy thinking actually works.

It is a real account of fear taking shape in real time, from someone who studies exactly that for a living.

Topics: sailing Lake Ontario, unidentified ship night, conspiracy theories explained, Great Lakes shipwrecks, Uncover Up podcast

GUEST: Nathan Radke | https://www.amazon.ca/Uncover-Up-Think-Clearly-Conspiracies/dp/1770418873 | @‌theuncoverup

Originally aired on 2026-08-12

Nathan Radke wanted to test a theory: that the fear behind conspiracy stories comes from the brain filling in gaps when there isn't enough information. Sailing into Lake Ontario's Marysburgh Vortex at night gave him a firsthand demonstration he wasn't expecting.
He walks through the hour spent tracking an unidentified ship's lights getting larger and faster in total darkness, with no radio response and no way to tell its size or direction, followed by a hard turn that tore the mainsail loose mid storm. He connects it back to why humans have always told stories about sea monsters and unexplained disappearances, and what that says about how conspiracy thinking actually works.
It is a real account of fear taking shape in real time, from someone who studies exactly that for a living.
Topics: sailing Lake Ontario, unidentified ship night, conspiracy theories explained, Great Lakes shipwrecks, Uncover Up podcast
GUEST: Nathan Radke |<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Uncover-Up-Think-Clearly-Conspiracies/dp/1770418873"> https://www.amazon.ca/Uncover-Up-Think-Clearly-Conspiracies/dp/1770418873</a> | @&zwnj;theuncoverup
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-12

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.