Talking to strangers statistically works out better than anyone walking into it believes it will. Three hundred participants. A week-long scavenger hunt built around daily stranger approaches. The expected rejection rate versus the actual rejection rate is the kind of gap that makes you rethink a lot of small decisions.

Something shifts when the barrier turns out to be internal rather than social. Expectations in this study grew more accurate every day as the stories people told themselves about being unwelcome collapsed under the weight of what kept actually happening. The stranger, it turns out, is not the problem.

Next time there's a moment, a dog walker, someone sitting alone, a person with a great jacket: is it the situation or the story that's stopping you? A University of Sussex and Pennsylvania study ran that question for a week and came back with a pretty clear answer.

Topics: talking to strangers, making friends as an adult, loneliness, social confidence, stranger study, conversation research

Originally aired on 2026-03-23

Talking to strangers statistically works out better than anyone walking into it believes it will. Three hundred participants. A week-long scavenger hunt built around daily stranger approaches. The expected rejection rate versus the actual rejection rate is the kind of gap that makes you rethink a lot of small decisions.
Something shifts when the barrier turns out to be internal rather than social. Expectations in this study grew more accurate every day as the stories people told themselves about being unwelcome collapsed under the weight of what kept actually happening. The stranger, it turns out, is not the problem.
Next time there's a moment, a dog walker, someone sitting alone, a person with a great jacket: is it the situation or the story that's stopping you? A University of Sussex and Pennsylvania study ran that question for a week and came back with a pretty clear answer.
Topics: talking to strangers, making friends as an adult, loneliness, social confidence, stranger study, conversation research
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-23

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.