Heavyweight

In this discussion, psychologist Maria Konnikova and author Sheila Heti delve into the fascinating world of mistakes and regret. Maria explores how regret influences our decisions, and the psychology behind why we often repeat mistakes. Sheila shares personal stories, like nearly losing a grant due to a careless mistake, and amusingly misinterpreting medical instructions that led to a ketamine mix-up. Together, they uncover how these missteps shape our narratives and challenge our notions of control.

In this touching narrative, Debbie shares the poignant story of her mother Anita, who embraced a two-year-old boy named Stefano during a 1959 flight to America. The bond they formed left a lasting impact on Anita, leading Debbie on a heartfelt quest to find him decades later. Their journey reveals the challenges of uncovering Stefano's life, touching on themes of love, loss, and the complexities of adoption. As they connect, Stephen reflects on his struggles with identity and addiction, highlighting the bittersweet nature of their reunion.

In this engaging showcase, pianist Donald Harrison shares a vivid story about his confrontational yet comedic moments at Tavern on Camac, highlighting his mother's fierce support. Munish Jain reveals his transformative journey through a cross-country baseball tour with his mom, re-establishing vital family connections. Meanwhile, Xochitl Gonzalez spins a tale of a wealthy mother’s lavish yet sneaky wedding planning, leading to unexpected family drama. Each story captures the complexities of maternal relationships in heartfelt and humorous ways.

In this compelling story, John Paul, formerly known as 'X', reflects on his life after committing armed robbery at just 14. He shares how a traumatic childhood drove his desperate decision and details the robbery itself, which left a lasting impact on others. Years later, he seeks forgiveness from his victims and grapples with feelings of shame. After attempts to apologize fall short, John embarks on a journey of self-forgiveness, ultimately deciding to own his story and his truth, finding relief in confessing it publicly.

A high school senior named Michael lands a lead role in a big-budget film, only to discover it’s built on deception. The charismatic director Quincy spins an intricate lie that leads to a canceled premiere, shattering Michael's dreams. As the story unfolds, Michael navigates the emotional fallout and attempts to confront Quincy years later. The search for the real Thomas E. Jones raises questions about truth in storytelling. Ultimately, Michael finds new passion behind the camera, transforming an embarrassing experience into a path of resilience.

Gregor faces a heartfelt challenge as his elderly parents refuse to leave their cluttered Victorian home. He dreams up a creative plan to preserve Etta's art while encouraging her to downsize. The quest for a hypnotist brings unexpected obstacles, highlighting the family's struggle with letting go. A pivotal gallery opening turns emotional when illness strikes Etta, leading to profound reflections on love, loss, and legacy. A final gift from Etta deepens the family's connection to her art, making for a poignant journey of grief and memory.

Get a tantalizing glimpse of the new season with heartwarming stories that will tug at your emotions. Expect intriguing narratives that explore themes of deception and unexpected romance. Dive into drastic decisions and playful encounters, all while tackling personal challenges through the unique lens of hypnotism. This season promises to showcase deeply human experiences that resonate with everyone.

Dina Goldstein, Jonathan's mother, reflects on her transformative journey as she approaches her 80th birthday. She shares heartfelt insights about parenting and the evolving nature of family ties. Their emotional conversations tackle themes of forgiveness, anxiety, and cultural superstitions. With humor, she reminisces about her past experiences and the joy of family reunions, while navigating the complexities of aging. Dina's candid reflections reveal the beauty in imperfection and the importance of personal growth throughout life's changes.

Join a nostalgic journey into middle school memories with humorous insights into unrequited love, particularly the story of Leif and his impact on Kalila's life. The conversation highlights the awkwardness of teenage crushes and the complexities of adult relationships shaped by past experiences. A candid exploration of insecurity and isolation during formative years provides depth, while the dynamic between humor and reflection keeps it engaging. The hosts navigate the chaos of reconnecting with old flames, revealing the vulnerability tied to past romances.

Joey's back, and the big question is: does he still rock a mullet? He navigates a humorous journey through social anxiety in L.A., with pizza as a comedic centerpiece. There's a touching reunion with former loftmates, where past grievances surface alongside nostalgia. With quirky anecdotes about rollerblading and pizza parlors, Joey learns to confront his fears and embrace vulnerability. The episode dives into personal growth, the significance of support systems, and the joy of reconnecting with loved ones.