Anti-war apathy is the thing historians notice first. In 2003 the marches started before the bombs did. Main streets shut down. Embassies closed. This anniversary lands with a conflict being called potentially more dangerous, and almost no one in the street.

The Oscars came and went this year without a single reference to war. In 2003 Michael Moore won an award and got booed for bringing it up on stage. That difference is not just cultural drift. The monoculture that made Iraq impossible to ignore is gone, replaced by pocket universes on phones where AI-generated footage sits next to real footage and the two are getting harder to separate.

This conflict is already being called the first major one where AI propaganda is playing a significant psychological role. That is not a small thing to absorb, and the Epstein files have not even come out yet.

Topics: anti-war apathy, Iraq War 2003 comparison, AI war propaganda, media fragmentation, protest culture decline, twenty-year cultural reset

GUEST: Ed Conroy | retroontario.com | @‌retrontario

Originally aired on 2026-03-19

Anti-war apathy is the thing historians notice first. In 2003 the marches started before the bombs did. Main streets shut down. Embassies closed. This anniversary lands with a conflict being called potentially more dangerous, and almost no one in the street.
The Oscars came and went this year without a single reference to war. In 2003 Michael Moore won an award and got booed for bringing it up on stage. That difference is not just cultural drift. The monoculture that made Iraq impossible to ignore is gone, replaced by pocket universes on phones where AI-generated footage sits next to real footage and the two are getting harder to separate.
This conflict is already being called the first major one where AI propaganda is playing a significant psychological role. That is not a small thing to absorb, and the Epstein files have not even come out yet.
Topics: anti-war apathy, Iraq War 2003 comparison, AI war propaganda, media fragmentation, protest culture decline, twenty-year cultural reset
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retroontario.com"> retroontario.com</a> | @&zwnj;retrontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-03-19

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.