There's a reason Christmas at 10 years old feels like the peak of magic. This episode throws back not to a single moment in history, but to that nostalgic feeling of wonder, joy, and the unforgettable gifts that shaped our holidays. From Mariah Carey to Tonka Trucks, Polar Express to PlayStation 2 — what made your Christmas morning feel epic?

Shane Hewitt breaks down the hidden formula behind holiday memories, reveals how marketers tap into your childhood to sell the season, and invites Ryan O'Donnell to reflect on 2005’s best gifts. Plus: reflections on public speaking, emotional milestones, and why Throwback Thursday connects deeper than you think.

Relive your favorite era, laugh at awkward memories, and rediscover the feeling that made you believe in snow globes and movie magic.

Originally aired on 2025-12-18

There's a reason Christmas at 10 years old feels like the peak of magic. This episode throws back not to a single moment in history, but to that nostalgic feeling of wonder, joy, and the unforgettable gifts that shaped our holidays. From Mariah Carey to Tonka Trucks, Polar Express to PlayStation 2 &mdash; what made your Christmas morning feel epic?
Shane Hewitt breaks down the hidden formula behind holiday memories, reveals how marketers tap into your childhood to sell the season, and invites Ryan O'Donnell to reflect on 2005&rsquo;s best gifts. Plus: reflections on public speaking, emotional milestones, and why Throwback Thursday connects deeper than you think.
Relive your favorite era, laugh at awkward memories, and rediscover the feeling that made you believe in snow globes and movie magic.
Originally aired on&nbsp;2025-12-18

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.

Why Christmas Feels Magical at Age 10

What made Christmas in the 80s feel so magical — and why does it feel like that magic is missing today? Shane Hewitt and Ed Conroy of Retrontario unpack nostalgic memories of Cabbage Patch chaos, the myth of Teddy Ruxpin singing Iron Maiden, and the wild promise of robot butlers like Omnibot.

This episode blends heartwarming memories with sharp reflections on how tech, convenience, and abundance may have dulled the wonder of the holiday season. Hear real stories of childhood expectations, parent desperation, and the fleeting thrill of scarcity. Plus: how today's instant gratification culture changes the way we give and receive.

Tap into the joy, the letdowns, and the laughter of a simpler time—and what we might learn from it now.

GUEST:
Ed Conroy
@‌retrontario
http://retrontario.com

Originally aired on 2025-12-18

What made Christmas in the 80s feel so magical &mdash; and why does it feel like that magic is missing today? Shane Hewitt and Ed Conroy of Retrontario unpack nostalgic memories of Cabbage Patch chaos, the myth of Teddy Ruxpin singing Iron Maiden, and the wild promise of robot butlers like Omnibot.
This episode blends heartwarming memories with sharp reflections on how tech, convenience, and abundance may have dulled the wonder of the holiday season. Hear real stories of childhood expectations, parent desperation, and the fleeting thrill of scarcity. Plus: how today's instant gratification culture changes the way we give and receive.
Tap into the joy, the letdowns, and the laughter of a simpler time&mdash;and what we might learn from it now.
GUEST: Ed Conroy @&zwnj;retrontario <a href="http://retrontario.com">http://retrontario.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2025-12-18

NEW - Teddy Ruxpin, Omnibots & 80s Christmas Magic: Where Did It Go?

Why do some toys disappear and others become timeless? Shane Rhinewald from The Strong National Museum of Play joins Shane Hewitt to unpack what turns a simple object into a multigenerational icon — and why play is as vital for adults as it is for kids.

From the 2025 Toy Hall of Fame inductees (slime, Battleship, and Trivial Pursuit) to how kids learn life skills through make-believe, this episode explores the science and soul of play. Hear how toys like LEGO and Rubik’s Cube fuel creativity, why boredom matters, and how parents often forget to join the game themselves.

Rediscover the power of play — and why it’s never just child’s play.

GUEST:
Shane Rhinewald
http://museumofplay.org

Originally aired on 2025-12-18

Why do some toys disappear and others become timeless? Shane Rhinewald from The Strong National Museum of Play joins Shane Hewitt to unpack what turns a simple object into a multigenerational icon &mdash; and why play is as vital for adults as it is for kids.
From the 2025 Toy Hall of Fame inductees (slime, Battleship, and Trivial Pursuit) to how kids learn life skills through make-believe, this episode explores the science and soul of play. Hear how toys like LEGO and Rubik&rsquo;s Cube fuel creativity, why boredom matters, and how parents often forget to join the game themselves.
Rediscover the power of play &mdash; and why it&rsquo;s never just child&rsquo;s play.
GUEST: Shane Rhinewald <a href="http://museumofplay.org">http://museumofplay.org</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2025-12-18

NEW - What Makes a Toy Iconic? The Secret Life of Play

Some toys entertain — others unlock entire futures. In this holiday edition, Shane Hewitt and Kris Abel explore the magic behind the most unforgettable gifts and how certain toys tap into imagination, ambition, and identity.

Kris shares the story of a toy that blurred the line between play and technology, while Shane recalls the cargo plane that launched his love of flying. The episode also features a moving memory of growing up with less and turning scarcity into a lifelong story of care and creativity. Rediscover how small things create the biggest memories.

GUEST:

Kris Abel
@realkrisabel
realkrisabel.com

Originally aired on 2025-12-18

Some toys entertain &mdash; others unlock entire futures. In this holiday edition, Shane Hewitt and Kris Abel explore the magic behind the most unforgettable gifts and how certain toys tap into imagination, ambition, and identity.
Kris shares the story of a toy that blurred the line between play and technology, while Shane recalls the cargo plane that launched his love of flying. The episode also features a moving memory of growing up with less and turning scarcity into a lifelong story of care and creativity. Rediscover how small things create the biggest memories.
GUEST:
Kris Abel @realkrisabel realkrisabel.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2025-12-18

Why Christmas Feels Magical at Age 10

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