Bitcoin crossed a dollar in 2011 and almost nobody blinked. Ed Conroy revisits the year that felt completely ordinary at the time and turns out to have been quietly loaded with the moments that changed everything after it.

Conroy traces why 2012, not 2011, is the year most people point to as the smartphone tipping point, and why Steve Jobs died just before his own invention rewired how people talk to each other. He also recounts buying a jailbroken iPhone from a stranger in Florida before they were sold in Canada, then sitting at his kitchen counter with no idea how to turn it on.

There's a bigger thread running underneath it all: why space travel felt like old news to an entire generation until someone made it exciting again, and what that says about how quickly the future gets ignored right up until it doesn't.

Topics: 2011 throwback, smartphones, Bitcoin, space shuttle, Steve Jobs

Originally aired on 2026-07-16

Bitcoin crossed a dollar in 2011 and almost nobody blinked. Ed Conroy revisits the year that felt completely ordinary at the time and turns out to have been quietly loaded with the moments that changed everything after it.
Conroy traces why 2012, not 2011, is the year most people point to as the smartphone tipping point, and why Steve Jobs died just before his own invention rewired how people talk to each other. He also recounts buying a jailbroken iPhone from a stranger in Florida before they were sold in Canada, then sitting at his kitchen counter with no idea how to turn it on.
There's a bigger thread running underneath it all: why space travel felt like old news to an entire generation until someone made it exciting again, and what that says about how quickly the future gets ignored right up until it doesn't.
Topics: 2011 throwback, smartphones, Bitcoin, space shuttle, Steve Jobs
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-16

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.