Heavyweight Short: A Sobering Thought
For the better part of his adult life, drinking was Jonathan’s great comfort. But after getting laid off, something changed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 29, 2025•22 min
Heavyweight
Maybe you’ve laid awake and imagined how it could have been, how it might yet be, but the moment to act was never right. Well, the moment is here and the podcast making it happen is Heavyweight. Join Jonathan Goldstein for road trips, thorny reunions, and difficult conversations as he backpedals his way into the past like a therapist with a time machine.
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Episodes
Heavyweight Short: Returns and Reformers
In her year off, Stevie had a lot of time to wait on hold. And Kalila took a hard look at not wanting to be looked at. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 22, 2025•30 min
Heavyweight Check In: What’s to Come
What we’ve been up to, and what’s in store through the coming weeks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 15, 2025•10 min
Heavyweight Has a New Home
The Heavyweight team officially has a new home at Pushkin Industries. Tell your friends, your exes… tell the strangers on the subway! And be sure to subscribe now to hear about new episodes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 27, 2025•3 min•Season 8Ep. 60
Hello from Heavyweight
A small hello from the Heavyweight team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 15, 2024•47 sec•Season 8Ep. 59
#58 Harry
After their younger brother Scott died of AIDS, Ted and Todd reluctantly rehomed his beloved pet macaw, Harry. Decades later, burdened by guilt for not keeping their promise, the stoic twins search for Harry, hoping to confirm his well-being and find a measure of peace. Their journey leads them to a bird sanctuary, where they confront their grief and seek a final, unspoken forgiveness from the bird who was a living connection to Scott.
Dec 21, 2023•42 min•Season 8Ep. 58
Heavyweight Short: Loch
Loch swears his kindergarten teacher used to steal his cheese. But no one believes him. Credits This episode was produced by Phoebe Flanigan, Mohini Madgavkar, and Kalila Holt, along with Jonathan Goldstein. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Pierce Singgih, Wendy Zukerman, and extra special thanks to Loch’s mom, Dawn. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Sean Jacobi, Matthew ...
Dec 14, 2023•27 min
Heavyweight Short: Yasser
When Yasser was a boy, he saw a cartoon that changed his life. He’s been searching for it ever since. The only problem is… it’s vanished. Credits This episode was hosted and produced by supervising producer Stevie Lane, along with Jonathan Goldstein, Mohini Madgavkar, and Phoebe Flanigan. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Pia Gadkari, Bobby Lord, Dr. Mohamed Ghazala, and Tom Scharpling over at The Best Show . The show was mixed by Bobby L...
Dec 07, 2023•24 min
#57 The Budget Motel
This episode follows Nick's 30-year quest to find a stranger who offered a small act of kindness after he was shot in a motel room. The search for this "hero" leads to unexpected revelations, including a police report detailing the incident and a brief, emotional reunion with the stranger. However, the story expands to include the forgotten trauma of Nick's ex-girlfriend, Maggie, who cared for him during his difficult recovery, exposing his anger, past abuse, and the roots of his behavior in childhood. The episode explores how different perspectives redefine heroism and the journey towards self-awareness and healing.
Nov 16, 2023•36 min•Season 8Ep. 57
#56 44 Photos
When Amy receives a package filled with 44 strangers' photos instead of the book she expected, a multi-month investigation into the US Postal Service begins. The search uncovers the identity of one family in a Polaroid, revealing that the picture belongs to a woman named Kelly, who passed away just a week before the package was sent. This leads to Kelly's daughter, Devin, who sees the photo's unlikely arrival as a powerful, timely message from her late mother, offering comfort and a sense of enduring presence.
Nov 09, 2023•29 min•Season 8Ep. 56
#55 Toby
After his father's death, Toby finds a box of cassette tapes that reveal the untold story of his parents' tumultuous divorce. Reluctant to listen due to his own emotional avoidance, Toby embarks on a journey through the recordings, discovering surprising civility, escalating conflict, and ultimately, a tragic past shaped by his mother's addiction and trauma. The tapes help Toby understand his family history and solidify his commitment to building a stable life for his own children.
Nov 02, 2023•46 min•Season 8Ep. 55
#54 Victor and Maite
This episode explores the unusual relationship between artist Victor and his ex-wife Mita, whom he has painted over 4,000 times since their divorce twenty years ago. It delves into Victor's complex feelings, Mita's motivations for continuing to model for him annually, and their daughter's perspective on her father's solitude, questioning whether his art is a form of enduring love or a unique coping mechanism. The podcast observes one of their annual photoshoots, revealing the nuanced dynamics of their transformed connection.
Oct 19, 2023•32 min•Season 8Ep. 54
#53 Leif
Kalila, a self-proclaimed "undateable" woman, confronts her long-held insecurities by reaching out to Leif, her junior high crush, years later to understand why he stood her up on Valentine's Day. The investigation unearths a forgotten IM conversation revealing Leif's hidden severe illness and complex feelings, as well as insights from other classmates. Ultimately, Kalila finds peace with her past and a renewed sense of self-worth.
Oct 12, 2023•43 min•Season 8Ep. 53
#52 Lenny
This episode delves into Jonathan Goldstein's poignant reconnection with Lenny, his childhood best friend, who is now terminally ill. As Lenny faces his final months, the two grapple with their long estrangement, Lenny's deep-seated anger, and the brutal reality of his physical pain. Through their conversations, Jonathan uncovers insights into Lenny's difficult past, including his adoption and neglect, ultimately finding a bittersweet understanding of their unbreakable connection.
Oct 05, 2023•41 min•Season 8Ep. 52
Trailer: Heavyweight Season 8
Here’s a taste of what’s in store. Season 8 begins October 5th. Listen on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 02, 2023•1 min
#51 The Elliotts
The Elliott brothers attribute their lifelong bad luck, from an inability to grow cabbages to robot muggings, to a 1525 curse placed on their Border Reaver ancestors by the Archbishop of Glasgow. Jonathan Goldstein embarks on an increasingly absurd journey to have the curse lifted, appealing to clan chieftainesses, archbishops, and even the Vatican's exorcism department. Despite his apparent failures, a surprising change in the Elliotts' fortunes suggests the curse was indeed "lifted" through unconventional means.
Dec 22, 2022•56 min•Season 7Ep. 51
#50 Nick
Nick deeply misses his older brother, Chris, who tragically died young. He finds solace in a Bonobo song, "Ontario," convinced it features Chris's unique beatboxing, transforming the track into a personal space for grief. When Bonobo's team denies the sample, Nick embarks on a journey with the podcast host to find another musical artist who will honor Chris's memory with a new, heartfelt track, bringing his brother's voice back to life.
Dec 15, 2022•40 min•Season 7Ep. 50
Heavyweight Short: Jesse & Tori
For Jesse, Tori has always been the one that got away. Credits This Heavyweight short was hosted and produced by Stevie Lane, along with Mohini Madgavkar and Jonathan Goldstein. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, and Sanya Dosani. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Ben Alleman, Aaron Paul Low, Michael Charles Smith, and Bobby Lord. Learn more about y...
Dec 08, 2022•20 min
#49 Another Roadside Attraction
The episode follows Stephanie's quest to understand why a magical bookstore, her teenage sanctuary in a conservative town, suddenly vanished. Her search uncovers the tragic story of Pam, the bookstore's true owner, whose dream was overshadowed by immense personal losses, including the deaths of family members and a deteriorating marriage. Later, Pam's ex-husband, Chet, shares his own perspective, revealing how racial prejudice in their small town contributed to his difficult decision to leave, adding another layer to the complex narrative of the beloved, fleeting roadside attraction.
Nov 17, 2022•46 min•Season 7Ep. 49
#48 Ben
Burdened by adult guilt, Ben searches for Sihan, a childhood friend who lived with his family for years before mysteriously returning to Korea. The search leads to Ben's parents, uncovering a surprising backstory about Sihan's true connection to their family. Finally, Ben and Sihan reunite over a video call, where Ben expresses his regrets, and Sihan reveals the heartbreaking reason for his departure, leading to mutual forgiveness and rekindled brotherhood.
Nov 10, 2022•36 min•Season 7Ep. 48
#47 Frederick J. Brown
This episode delves into the fascinating story of a valuable painting by Frederick J. Brown, found discarded on a Brooklyn sidewalk. Through interviews with Brown's son, Bentley, and curator Lowry Simms, the narrative explores the artist's life, his groundbreaking but career-damaging exhibition in China, and the systemic challenges Black artists face in gaining lasting recognition. Ultimately, the painting finds a fitting home in a museum, ensuring its preservation and Brown's legacy.
Oct 27, 2022•34 min•Season 7Ep. 47
Heavyweight Short: Cody
One day in high school, Cody received a hug that melted his heart. Sixteen years later and he still can’t stop thinking about it. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, and Mohini Madgavkar. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to Special thanks to Emily Condon, Aaron Randle, and Hannah Chinn. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows,...
Oct 13, 2022•16 min
#46 Dan
Dan, a serious journalist, embarks on a highly personal mission to recover a photograph taken on his first date with his wife Nancy, a memento lost due to a hard drive crash. The challenge: the photo was given to Dan's estranged father by a stranger, leading host Jonathan Goldstein on a difficult search. The episode explores themes of family estrangement, the power of memory, and Dan's reluctant yet determined pursuit of this precious image, ultimately revealing unexpected help and profound reflections on fatherhood.
Oct 06, 2022•38 min•Season 7Ep. 46
#45 Sgt. John Kapphahn
This episode follows Melanie's decades-long guilt over erasing her father's only interview about his Vietnam War injury. Driven by his declining health and her desire to understand his unspoken past, she embarks on a quest to recover the lost footage. The journey culminates in a powerful family gathering where her father, Sergeant John Capon, unexpectedly opens up about his harrowing combat experiences, his graphic wounding, and his challenging return to an unsupportive America, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and healing for the family.
Sep 29, 2022•40 min•Season 7Ep. 45
#44 Sara
Sarah receives a handwritten letter from a woman claiming to be her childhood best friend, also named Sarah Abert, but she has no memory of her. Initially fearing a scam, Sarah's investigation reveals a deeper truth: a forgotten past shrouded by a difficult childhood. This prompts her to embark on a journey of rediscovery, confronting her memories and eventually reconnecting with the other Sarah, whose life was profoundly impacted by the letter.
Sep 22, 2022•41 min•Season 7Ep. 44
#43 Maura
This episode follows Maura's journey to overcome her profound fear of driving, which began after her beloved cousin Shannon died in a car accident when Maura was 17. For years, this unaddressed trauma fueled family arguments and her hidden shame. With the host's guidance and support from friends and family, Maura undertakes a series of driving lessons, from parking lots to highways, culminating in her road test. Ultimately, getting her license paves the way for a long-overdue, heartfelt conversation with her parents about their collective grief.
Dec 16, 2021•36 min•Season 6Ep. 43
#42 Mark
Mark, an artist, reflects on a college apprenticeship where he accidentally destroyed a painting by acclaimed artist Joe Zucker, an incident he believes derailed his dream of becoming a famous painter. Forty years later, a podcast producer facilitates a meeting between Mark, Joe, and Joe's protective partner Britta, revealing surprising truths about the past. The conversation allows Mark to recontextualize his regrets and find peace with his life choices.
Dec 09, 2021•40 min•Season 6Ep. 42
#41 Barbara Wilson
This episode delves into the complex life of Barbara Wilson, whose online obituary contradicted her friend's perception. The investigation uncovers Barbara's upbringing at a strict orphanage run by a manipulative preacher, revealing a dark history of abuse and her learned survival mechanisms. It explores her unusual adoption by the Shots, leading to a shocking discovery of a romantic relationship with her adoptive father, offering a new perspective on the murder.
Nov 18, 2021•33 min•Season 6Ep. 41
#40 Barbara Shutt
This episode unravels a decades-old mystery when Becky's cherished memories of a summer friendship with Barbara in Copenhagen are upended by Barbara's obituary. Host Jonathan Goldstein delves into Barbara's hidden life, discovering she was an orphan adopted into wealth, and later, a convicted murderer. The investigation, including interviews with Barbara's former fiancé, Chris, explores the complexities of identity, deception, and the chilling truth behind a seemingly idyllic past.
Nov 18, 2021•37 min•Season 6Ep. 40
#39 Stephen
This episode concludes the story of Stephen and Justine, as Stephen learns that Gary is not his biological father. His initial relief and subsequent search for his true paternity lead him to connect with new half-siblings, but his journey takes a tragic turn with the murder of his biological father, Brian. Later, his adoptive father, Gary, also dies. Justine grapples with guilt over revealing the secret, leading to a heartfelt conversation where Stephen ultimately affirms that despite the sorrow, discovering his identity and new family was the "greatest thing" that ever happened to him, liberating him to embrace his true self.
Oct 28, 2021•32 min•Season 6Ep. 39
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