Heavyweight

Spotify Studios

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. From Spotify Studios. read less

Our Editor's Take

Heavyweight is a podcast about regrets and what-ifs. The host of the show is Jonathan Goldstein. He is a humorist and novelist who has worked on radio shows like This American Life and WireTap.

Every episode of the podcast focuses on one person's story. Years ago, Rose's sorority kicked her out. When Rose asked why, they answered, "You know why." But she didn't know why. Another episode is about Jesse, who had a near-fatal car accident. Now she wants to find the driver of the other car. In yet another, Rob remembers breaking his arm. But his family denies it ever happened.

All the guests on the Heavyweight podcast have something in common. There is something unfinished or unresolved in their past. Making that thing complete might not change what happened, but it could help them let go and move forward. So Jonathan investigates. He interviews Rose's sorority sisters so they can explain what happened from their perspective. He digs through police reports in search of the person who drove the car that injured Jesse. He talks to Rob's family and looks through old photos in search of evidence of a broken arm.

Sometimes, his findings provide catharsis and closure to the guest. Other times, they are inconclusive or anticlimactic. Either way, the listener may be eager to know what happens next.

Jonathan has the gift of elevating the mundane. He reveals the tensions of everyday life. In his eyes, there is a tragic hero in everyone.

Listeners might appreciate the autobiographical episodes. For example, Jonathan remembers watching a little girl sob on an experimental video. He sets out to find her and make sure she's okay. In another, he processes his feelings when his first girlfriend, who broke his heart decades ago, wants to meet up.

Listeners who enjoy This American Life may enjoy Heavyweight as well. Jonathan's self-deprecating humor and deep compassion make him an excellent host. He conducts his investigations with care and gentleness. Every episode of the podcast is an adventure into the self.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

ComedyComedy

Personal JournalsPersonal Journals

RelationshipsRelationships

Play Trailer

Welcome to Heavyweight

Welcome to Heavyweight

Maybe you’ve laid awake imagining 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. From Gimlet Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 8

Trailer: Heavyweight Season 8

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

Lenny was Jonathan's childhood best friend, but they drifted apart as they grew into adulthood. Now, Lenny is dying and needs a friend. So Jonathan makes the call. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by supervising producer Stevie Lane, along with Phoebe Flanigan. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Production assistance by Mohini Madgavkar. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Lauren Silverman, Neil Drumming, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Katie Condon, Paper Rabbit, Boxwood Orchestra, Principle, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Heavyweight is a Spotify Original Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Valentine’s Day in junior high, Leif was supposed to ask Kalila out. But he never did. Seventeen years later, Kalila wants to know why. Credits This episode was hosted and produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Jonathan Goldstein and Phoebe Flanigan. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production assistance from Mohini Madgavkar. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Max Green, Flora Lichtman, and Connor Sampson. In the IM recreation, Karina was played by Reagan Didier, and Leif was played by John Claassen—thanks to Greg Holt and Tony John for making that possible. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Katie Mullins, Florian Le Prisé, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#54 Victor and Maite

#54 Victor and Maite

Victor can’t stop painting portraits of his ex-wife, decades after their divorce. You can find Victor's work at victorrodrigueznyc.com, or on his Instagram at instagram.com/victorrodrigueznyc CREDITS Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by supervising producer Stevie Lane, along with Phoebe Flanigan. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Production assistance by Mohini Madgavkar. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Lauren Silverman, Neil Drumming, Mimi O’Donnell, Anya Schultz, Jackie Cohen, and Jessica Bashir—the director of Heroin, a short documentary about Victor and Maite. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Michael Hearst, Sean Jacobi, Saigon Would Be Seoul, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Heavyweight is a Spotify Original Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After his father’s death, Toby found a box of cassette tapes in his dad’s house. These private recordings tell the story of how his parents’ relationship fell apart—a story that Toby never knew, and might not want to know. CREDITS Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Phoebe Flanigan. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production assistance by Mohini Madgavkar. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Alex Blumberg, Max Greene, Blythe Terrell, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Saigon Would Be Seoul, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One morning, Amy opened her mailbox and found a package with 44 photos inside—photos of complete strangers. Now Amy wonders: Who are they? And why were the photos sent to her? Credits This episode was hosted and produced by supervising producer Stevie Lane, along with Jonathan Goldstein, Phoebe Flanigan, and Mohini Madgavkar. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Alex Blumberg, Mimi O’Donnell, Lauren Silverman, Maureen Taylor, Estelle Ivory, and all the incredibly patient people over at the USPS. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Golden Dunes, In Skies, Megatrax, Christopher Lennertz, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Heavyweight is a Spotify Original Podcast. Amy has just written a new book, Artificial, a graphic memoir about her father’s efforts to preserve her late grandfather’s identity using AI technology. You can find it at your local bookstore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#57 The Budget Motel

#57 The Budget Motel

In 1993, Nick was shot in an Idaho motel room. One stranger came to his aid. Nick wants to find him. CREDITS If you're feeling unsafe in your relationship, call 1.800.799.7233, or text "START" to 88788. You can also visit www.loveisrespect.org. Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Phoebe Flanigan. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production assistance by Mohini Madgavkar. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Annie Minoff, Laura Morris, Lauren Silverman, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Michael Hearst, Katie Condon, Ehren Ebbage, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heavyweight Short: Yasser

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 Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Podington Bear, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Heavyweight is a Spotify Original Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heavyweight Short: Loch

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 Hollingsworth, Jaybird Blonde, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before Scott died, he bequeathed to his brothers his beloved pet parrot, Harry. The brothers promised to care for the bird. Except they didn’t. Over twenty years later, they want to find Harry and make things right. Credits This episode was produced by Phoebe Flanigan, Mohini Madgavkar, and Jonathan Goldstein. Our senior producer is Kalila Holt. Our supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Mimi O’Donnell, Lauren Silverman, and Katherine Brewer. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Heinz Kiessling, Boxwood Orchestra, Luke Janela, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Stay in touch on Twitter @heavyweight, on Instagram @heavyweightpodcast, or at our new email address: heavyweightshow@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hello from Heavyweight

Hello from Heavyweight

A small hello from the Heavyweight team Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 7

Sara received a letter from a woman with the exact same name as her. In it, the woman claimed to be her childhood best friend. The only problem? Sara doesn’t remember this person. At all. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by supervising producer Stevie Lane, and Mohini Madgavkar. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Mimi O’Donnell, Sanya Dosani, Rosie Guerin, and Jackie Cohen. Thank you also to Professor George Bonanno, author of the book The End of Trauma. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Florian Le Prise, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#45 Sgt. John Kapphahn

#45 Sgt. John Kapphahn

When Melanie was a kid, she recorded Billy Ray Cyrus’s 1993 TV Special over something irreplaceable: the sole copy of an interview her father did on Walter Cronkite after being injured in Vietnam. Thirty years later, she wants to make things right. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Mohini Madgavkar. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Matt Carlson, Peter Molin, Sanya Dosani, Mitch Hansen, Jonah Delso, Sam Reisman, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Shanghai Restoration Project, Bauble, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Dan’s first date with his wife Nancy, a stranger took their photograph. Nineteen years later, Dan wants the photo back. But to get it, he'll have to face the last person he wants to. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by supervising producer Stevie Lane, and Mohini Madgavkar. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Caitlin Kenney, Phoebe Flanigan, and Jackie Cohen. Nancy Updike, who you heard in this episode, is coming out with a new series called We Were Three, which drops on October 13th, from Serial Productions. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Michael Hearst, Blue Dot Sessions, Aaron Paul Low, Tropique, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heavyweight Short: Cody

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, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#47 Frederick J. Brown

#47 Frederick J. Brown

Maia found a painting in the garbage and took it home. But as it turned out, it wasn’t just any painting. Credits This episode was hosted and produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Jonathan Goldstein. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to Sam Reisman, Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Lydia Polgreen, Marcy Flynn, Karl McCool, Caitlin Kenney, and Kayla Lattimore. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Michael Hearst, Sun Shapes, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben was just a kid when Sihan arrived from Korea. He lived with Ben’s family for several years. And then one day, just as suddenly as he’d arrived, Sihan was gone. Ben has been trying to find him ever since. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by Mohini Madgavkar. The Supervising Producer is Stevie Lane. The Senior Producer is Kalila Holt. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Brendan Klinkenberg, Lisa Wang, Alex Blumberg, Christopher Ibeling, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Ben Alleman, Bobby Lord, Blue Dot Sessions, Graham Barton, Liefie, and Bauble. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#49 Another Roadside Attraction

#49 Another Roadside Attraction

When Stephanie was in high school, a bookstore seemingly dropped out of the sky into her small Texas town. Then, just as quickly, it was gone. Credits If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, dial the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Those outside the US can find your local helpline at befrienders.org. Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Mohini Madgavkar. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production help from Damiano Marchetti. Special thanks to to Emily Condon, Sanya Dosani, Lauren Silverman, Caitlin Kenney, Brendan Klinkenberg, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Michael Hearst, Blue Dot Sessions, Chris Zabriskie, Angular Wave Research, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heavyweight Short: Jesse & Tori

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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Nick hearing his dead brother’s voice in a song by a Grammy-nominated musician? Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Mohini Madgavkar. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. "We Are the Paradox" is by The Brilliant. Written and produced by James Moss/Jake Wherry at The Herbgarden. Guitars/Bass/Keys/Programming by Jake Wherry. Vocals/Programming/Keys by James Moss. Special thanks to to to Chris’s parents, Steve and Stephanie, as well as to Emily Condon, Steve Marsh, Liz Fulton, Max Green, Ellen Frankman, Nathalie Russell, Alex Blumberg, and Jackie Cohen The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Angular Wave Research, Lamalo, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices