Conspiracy theories don't start with a villain. They start with a feeling, the specific uncomfortable feeling that somebody must be in charge of how bad this all looks, because the alternative is that nobody is.

Lee Kuhnle has spent over a decade on this and came in without an answer for once. Just a question. Violent crime is lower than it was in the 90s. Life expectancy is up. Infant mortality has been falling for decades. The stats say we're doing well. Lee still feels dread, and so does everyone around him. In 1983, three separate incidents nearly ended the world in four months. A Soviet radar operator named Stanislav Petrov didn't follow his orders. We exist because of that one decision. Lee found that out and felt worse.

The question underneath all of it: if the dread is manufactured, who benefits from you feeling it? That's not a conspiracy. That's just the right question to sit with before you decide what to believe next.

Topics: conspiracy theories, manufactured dread, is the world getting better, historical myopia, Stanislav Petrov

GUEST: Dr. Lee Kuhnle | https://www.amazon.ca/Uncover-Up-Think-Clearly-Conspiracies/dp/1770418873/

Originally aired on 2026-04-08

Conspiracy theories don't start with a villain. They start with a feeling, the specific uncomfortable feeling that somebody must be in charge of how bad this all looks, because the alternative is that nobody is.
Lee Kuhnle has spent over a decade on this and came in without an answer for once. Just a question. Violent crime is lower than it was in the 90s. Life expectancy is up. Infant mortality has been falling for decades. The stats say we're doing well. Lee still feels dread, and so does everyone around him. In 1983, three separate incidents nearly ended the world in four months. A Soviet radar operator named Stanislav Petrov didn't follow his orders. We exist because of that one decision. Lee found that out and felt worse.
The question underneath all of it: if the dread is manufactured, who benefits from you feeling it? That's not a conspiracy. That's just the right question to sit with before you decide what to believe next.
Topics: conspiracy theories, manufactured dread, is the world getting better, historical myopia, Stanislav Petrov
GUEST: Dr. Lee Kuhnle |<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>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-08

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.