Columbia House recently shut down, and Ed Conroy finally explains the business model that kept it running for decades after everyone assumed it should have collapsed. It came to Canada in 1979, and the reason it worked has nothing to do with luck.

Those free cassette deals came with a catch that most people never noticed. Conroy breaks down how the physical tapes themselves were produced in a way that meant the artists on them never actually got paid.

1979 gets remembered for a handful of big radio hits, but Conroy argues the real story of the year is what never made the charts. He points to the genres quietly taking shape underneath the mainstream that would go on to define everything after.

Topics: Columbia House, 1979 music, cassette tapes, mail order records, Canada

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

Originally aired on 2026-09-17

Columbia House recently shut down, and Ed Conroy finally explains the business model that kept it running for decades after everyone assumed it should have collapsed. It came to Canada in 1979, and the reason it worked has nothing to do with luck.
Those free cassette deals came with a catch that most people never noticed. Conroy breaks down how the physical tapes themselves were produced in a way that meant the artists on them never actually got paid.
1979 gets remembered for a handful of big radio hits, but Conroy argues the real story of the year is what never made the charts. He points to the genres quietly taking shape underneath the mainstream that would go on to define everything after.
Topics: Columbia House, 1979 music, cassette tapes, mail order records, Canada
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retrontario.com"> http://retrontario.com</a> | @&zwnj;retrontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-09-17

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.