Nostalgia collecting has a price tag now, and you didn't put it there. You gave away the toys, tossed the hockey cards, donated the comics, thinking none of it mattered. Then eBay showed up and strangers started pricing your childhood for you. Every garage sale you walk into now has someone convinced their old junk is worth a fortune, and you're starting to think they might be right.

eBay's founder wanted to call it Echo Bay, but a mining company already owned the URL, so he shortened it. Beanie Babies turned it into a phenomenon. The early version ran entirely on good faith: no photos, just text listings and postal money orders mailed to strangers you'd never meet. But once people realized old things had real dollar values attached, clearing out the basement became an investment strategy.

The eighties got squeezed dry. Every hockey card, action figure, and lunchbox now has a market rate, and Ed Conroy traces exactly when that shift started. Once you hear his argument, the next garage sale you walk into will feel completely different.

Topics: nostalgia collecting, eBay history, toonie 1996, Canadian currency, commodification of nostalgia

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

Originally aired on 2026-02-19

Nostalgia collecting has a price tag now, and you didn't put it there. You gave away the toys, tossed the hockey cards, donated the comics, thinking none of it mattered. Then eBay showed up and strangers started pricing your childhood for you. Every garage sale you walk into now has someone convinced their old junk is worth a fortune, and you're starting to think they might be right.
eBay's founder wanted to call it Echo Bay, but a mining company already owned the URL, so he shortened it. Beanie Babies turned it into a phenomenon. The early version ran entirely on good faith: no photos, just text listings and postal money orders mailed to strangers you'd never meet. But once people realized old things had real dollar values attached, clearing out the basement became an investment strategy.
The eighties got squeezed dry. Every hockey card, action figure, and lunchbox now has a market rate, and Ed Conroy traces exactly when that shift started. Once you hear his argument, the next garage sale you walk into will feel completely different.
Topics: nostalgia collecting, eBay history, toonie 1996, Canadian currency, commodification of nostalgia
GUEST: Ed Conroy |<a href="http://retrontario.com"> http://retrontario.com</a> | @&zwnj;retrontario
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-19

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.