Heavyweight

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.

Steve Marsh, who helped his mother confront a long-hidden family secret, shares his journey since their story aired in 2019. He reflects on the emotional discovery of their sister Leisha's past and the complex feelings that emerged. The conversation dives into family dynamics, humor amid tension, and the challenges of reconnecting with loved ones. Steve also touches on the importance of mental health support and the healing that comes from navigating familial relationships, revealing the transformative power of honesty and connection.

Rose Shapiro, a former sorority member who was expelled under mysterious circumstances, revisits her past while seeking answers about her abrupt departure from Alpha Chi Omega. She shares her emotional journey with camaraderie and the complexities of college life, including her battle with cancer. The podcast delves into the challenges of sorority bureaucracy and the haunting quest for closure. Humorous moments intersperse her heartfelt reunion with an old friend, highlighting themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of shared experiences.

Check in with Scott as he reflects on his tumultuous journey through addiction and the emotional fallout with his family. Discover the powerful themes of redemption and the weight of unresolved guilt that shadow his relationships, particularly with his father. Amid humorous anecdotes, explore the deep-rooted connections to family heirlooms and the significance of reclaiming the past. Experience the tension of navigating personal histories intertwined with meaningful items, revealing a poignant evolution from estrangement to connection.