2011 was the last normal year. That's not nostalgia. That's what historians who study decades for a living actually call it. Go find concert footage from that year. Everyone is holding up a drink or a lighter. Nobody has a phone out. It looks like a different planet.

By 2012 the majority of the world's population was addicted to smartphones and scrolling. Spotify launched in 2011 and finished off physical media for good. Charlie Sheen had a public meltdown, got fired, said I am on a drug called Charlie Sheen and took the whole thing on tour. Ed Conroy went. He still isn't sure it was real. Divorce rates went down when smartphones arrived, which nobody predicted and nobody has fully explained. Younger people are now hooking up CD players and saying it sounds different. It does. It has soul.

Fifteen years ago people were just figuring out how to turn an iPhone on. Now they're touching glass in the dark at 3 in the morning. That happened fast. Nobody voted on it.

Topics: 2011 last normal year, smartphone addiction, Spotify, Charlie Sheen meltdown, physical media

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

Originally aired on 2026-04-09

2011 was the last normal year. That's not nostalgia. That's what historians who study decades for a living actually call it. Go find concert footage from that year. Everyone is holding up a drink or a lighter. Nobody has a phone out. It looks like a different planet.
By 2012 the majority of the world's population was addicted to smartphones and scrolling. Spotify launched in 2011 and finished off physical media for good. Charlie Sheen had a public meltdown, got fired, said I am on a drug called Charlie Sheen and took the whole thing on tour. Ed Conroy went. He still isn't sure it was real. Divorce rates went down when smartphones arrived, which nobody predicted and nobody has fully explained. Younger people are now hooking up CD players and saying it sounds different. It does. It has soul.
Fifteen years ago people were just figuring out how to turn an iPhone on. Now they're touching glass in the dark at 3 in the morning. That happened fast. Nobody voted on it.
Topics: 2011 last normal year, smartphone addiction, Spotify, Charlie Sheen meltdown, physical media
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retrontario.com"> http://retrontario.com</a> | @&zwnj;retrontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-09

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.