The Blair Witch Project came with a mystery that began before the lights went down. Ed Conroy's opening-night recollection offers a way into the question behind the 1999 phenomenon: what made a horror movie pass for recovered evidence?

The premise was simple: somebody found a camera, and the footage became a film. Keeping that possibility alive took more than a convincing performance. The internet itself had a part in the illusion, at a very particular stage of its development.

A successful scare usually invites another. This one raises a different question: could the same trick work twice? Ed's answer puts an unusual condition on the film's place in horror history.

Topics: The Blair Witch Project, recovered footage, horror marketing, early internet, horror history

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

Originally aired on 2026-10-29

The Blair Witch Project came with a mystery that began before the lights went down. Ed Conroy's opening-night recollection offers a way into the question behind the 1999 phenomenon: what made a horror movie pass for recovered evidence?
The premise was simple: somebody found a camera, and the footage became a film. Keeping that possibility alive took more than a convincing performance. The internet itself had a part in the illusion, at a very particular stage of its development.
A successful scare usually invites another. This one raises a different question: could the same trick work twice? Ed's answer puts an unusual condition on the film's place in horror history.
Topics: The Blair Witch Project, recovered footage, horror marketing, early internet, horror history
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retrontario.com"> http://retrontario.com</a> | @&zwnj;retrontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-29

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.