Tipping culture Canada turns every transaction into guilt. The screen flips before your coffee pours. 18%, 20%, 25%. You haven't tasted anything, but payment is demanded now. Do you tip for service you haven't received, or risk the label: bad customer?

Wayne Smith traces the practice to post-Civil War America, where businesses refused to pay freed slaves actual wages. Shane confronts the pre-service demand: tip screens appearing before coffee pours. The Uber Eats ranking fear. The $300 stylist asking 20% more. Smith contrasts reconstruction-era exploitation with algorithm-driven guilt, asking when encouragement became extortion.

Discover why the numbers jumped from 12-15-20% to 18-20-25%. Learn how gig economy tips became wages instead of bonuses. Understand what happens when the checkout screen makes you choose between generosity and resentment before you've even received what you ordered.

GUEST: Wayne W. Smith, Ph.D. | Toronto Metropolitan University

Originally aired on 2026-01-14

Tipping culture Canada turns every transaction into guilt. The screen flips before your coffee pours. 18%, 20%, 25%. You haven't tasted anything, but payment is demanded now. Do you tip for service you haven't received, or risk the label: bad customer?
Wayne Smith traces the practice to post-Civil War America, where businesses refused to pay freed slaves actual wages. Shane confronts the pre-service demand: tip screens appearing before coffee pours. The Uber Eats ranking fear. The $300 stylist asking 20% more. Smith contrasts reconstruction-era exploitation with algorithm-driven guilt, asking when encouragement became extortion.
Discover why the numbers jumped from 12-15-20% to 18-20-25%. Learn how gig economy tips became wages instead of bonuses. Understand what happens when the checkout screen makes you choose between generosity and resentment before you've even received what you ordered.
GUEST:&nbsp;Wayne W. Smith, Ph.D. | Toronto Metropolitan University
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.