Internet memes turned 2007 into year zero — and the evidence starts with a cat, a cheeseburger, and intentionally terrible spelling.

Ed Conroy connects the cultural nostalgia of Bob Barker's final Price Is Right era to the moment the internet stopped being a place you explored and became a place four corporations manage. Something Awful, Catterday, Grumpy Cat — the lineage is weirder and more deliberate than most people realize.

The word meme is a shortening of a Greek word meaning "that which is imitated." A researcher in the 1970s decided it was too long and cut it. From the very beginning, the meme concept was itself a meme. Ed Conroy maps what 2007 actually was — not just a transition on daytime TV, but a hinge point in how culture travels.

Topics: internet memes, early internet history, Price Is Right 2007, meme culture, retro nostalgia

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

Originally aired on 2026-06-04

Internet memes turned 2007 into year zero &mdash; and the evidence starts with a cat, a cheeseburger, and intentionally terrible spelling.
Ed Conroy connects the cultural nostalgia of Bob Barker's final Price Is Right era to the moment the internet stopped being a place you explored and became a place four corporations manage. Something Awful, Catterday, Grumpy Cat &mdash; the lineage is weirder and more deliberate than most people realize.
The word meme is a shortening of a Greek word meaning "that which is imitated." A researcher in the 1970s decided it was too long and cut it. From the very beginning, the meme concept was itself a meme. Ed Conroy maps what 2007 actually was &mdash; not just a transition on daytime TV, but a hinge point in how culture travels.
Topics: internet memes, early internet history, Price Is Right 2007, meme culture, retro nostalgia
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retrontario.com"> http://retrontario.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-04

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.