1998 throwback Thursday lands on a year that felt safe and new at the exact same time. The Discman was still in your bag. Blockbuster still had a line on Friday night. Gas was 50 cents a litre. And Google went from being called BackRub to Google and quietly started changing everything before anyone noticed.

What does it feel like to look back at a year where you were living in one world and the next one was already being built behind you? The Truman Show came out that year and people laughed at the idea that someone might be living in a constructed simulation without knowing it. That joke has gotten considerably less funny since. Jean Chrétien and Bill Clinton swapped hockey jerseys and actually seemed to enjoy themselves. That part also feels further away than 1998.

Pokemon had 151 characters when it arrived in Canada that year. It has 1025 now. Titanic was still filling theatres. Construction started on the International Space Station. It was a very full year for a year nobody saw coming.

Topics: 1998 throwback Thursday, Pokemon Canada 1998, Blockbuster nostalgia, analog to digital transition, 1998 pop culture

Originally aired on 2026-04-16

1998 throwback Thursday lands on a year that felt safe and new at the exact same time. The Discman was still in your bag. Blockbuster still had a line on Friday night. Gas was 50 cents a litre. And Google went from being called BackRub to Google and quietly started changing everything before anyone noticed.
What does it feel like to look back at a year where you were living in one world and the next one was already being built behind you? The Truman Show came out that year and people laughed at the idea that someone might be living in a constructed simulation without knowing it. That joke has gotten considerably less funny since. Jean Chr&eacute;tien and Bill Clinton swapped hockey jerseys and actually seemed to enjoy themselves. That part also feels further away than 1998.
Pokemon had 151 characters when it arrived in Canada that year. It has 1025 now. Titanic was still filling theatres. Construction started on the International Space Station. It was a very full year for a year nobody saw coming.
Topics: 1998 throwback Thursday, Pokemon Canada 1998, Blockbuster nostalgia, analog to digital transition, 1998 pop culture
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-04-16

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.