
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 9, 2021 • 40min
#42 Mark
When Mark was in college, his dream was to be a famous painter. It’s a dream he missed out on by only an inch. This is the story of that inch. Credits This episode of Heavyweight was hosted and produced by Stevie Lane, along with Mohini Madgavkar and Jonathan Goldstein. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Phoebe Flanigan, Reyhan Harmanci, Andrea B Scott, and Bobby Lord. The show is mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Michael Hearts, Sean Jacobi, Bobby Lord, Hew Time, Of Tropique, Bauble, and Virginia Violet and the Rays. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. If you want to check out Joe Zucker’s work, you can find out more at: www.joezucker.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18, 2021 • 33min
#41 Barbara Wilson
This is the second and final part of episode #40 Barbara Shutt. So if you’ve not yet heard it, go back and listen to that first. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by Stevie Lane, along with Mohini Madgavkar. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Phia Bennin, Justin McGoldrick, JT Townsend, the Cincinnati History Museum, the Berea College Archives, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Sean Jacobi, Michael Hearst, Blue Dot Sessions, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. To read Lenore DePree's memoir, you can find it under the reissued title, "90 Brothers and Sisters." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 18, 2021 • 37min
#40 Barbara Shutt
In 1968, Jonathan’s mother-in-law Becky spent one of the best summers of her life with a woman named Barbara. But then they never spoke again. Now, over fifty years later, Becky learns something about Barbara that makes her question whether she ever really knew her at all. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by Stevie Lane, along with Mohini Madgavkar. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Brendan Klinkenberg, Mitch Hansen, Phia Bennin, Justin McGoldrick, JT Townsend, Rachel Strom, Mark Barlett, Jason Alexander at the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Hew Time, Lullatone, Shanghai Restoration Project, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 28, 2021 • 32min
#39 Stephen
This is the second and final part of last week’s episode. So if you’ve not yet heard the episode “Justine,” go back and listen to that first. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Stevie Lane and Mohini Madgavkar. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Jorge Just, Alex Blumberg, Sharon Mashihi, Connie Walker, Isabelle Larreur, and Jackie Cohen. News footage courtesy of Gray Media Group, Inc. and WAVE 3 News. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Katie Mullins, and Bobby Lord. The song Stephen listens to in the episode is “The Other Side of Mt. Heart Attack” by Liars. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 21, 2021 • 35min
#38 Justine
Growing up, Justine’s father always told her unbelievable stories about his life: that he was a big winner on Jeopardy; an outlaw who robbed banks armed only with flowers. But now, as an adult, Justine has started to question—are her father’s stories so unbelievable because none of them are true? In the process of fact-checking her dad’s life, something surprising emerges that neither Justine nor Jonathan ever saw coming. Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Stevie Lane and Mohini Madgavkar. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Sharon Mashihi, Connie Walker, and Marie-Claude. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Ben Alleman, Bauble, Chris Zabriskie, Shanghai Restoration Project, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 7, 2021 • 31min
#37 John
Best-selling author John Green revisits a life-changing encounter with Nick at a Children's Hospital. Reflecting on faith, tragedy, and unexpected reunions. Themes of resilience, faith, and the value of life emerge amidst haunting memories and uncertainties.

Sep 30, 2021 • 32min
#36 Brandon
Throughout high school, Brandon was a misfit. Then one day, out of the blue, one of the school’s prettiest, most popular girls asked him to prom. Fifteen years later, Brandon wants to know: why him? Credits Heavyweight is hosted and produced by Jonathan Goldstein. This episode was produced by Stevie Lane, and Mohini Madgavkar. The senior producer is Kalila Holt. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Alex Blumberg, Sharon Mashihi, Mimi O’Donnell, Jessica Yung, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Michael Hearst, the Jacobi Family Band, Podington Bear, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 15, 2021 • 17min
Heavyweight Short: A Canadian Tale
Adam swears he met Fidel Castro in Montreal 25 years ago. But ever since, no one’s believed him. Fortunately for Adam, the one person—one Canadian—who can prove his story is Jonathan Goldstein.Heavyweight returns with a full new season on September 30th.CreditsThis episode was produced by Stevie Lane, Kalila Holt, and Jonathan Goldstein.It was mixed by Catherine Anderson, with music by Trabants, Blue Dot Sessions, and Bobby Lord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 1, 2021 • 22min
Heavyweight Short: The Sharing Place
Heavyweight often features grownups grappling with childhood trauma. But in today’s Heavyweight Short, Jonathan visits a place where children grapple with trauma in the present. At The Sharing Place, kids talk about things most adults can’t even face. A warning: This episode deals with sensitive topics like suicide and death.CreditsThis story originally ran on This American Life in 2015, and was produced by Sean Cole. It was mixed for Heavyweight by Emma Munger, with music by Christine Fellows, Blue Dot Sessions, Bobby Lord, and Poddington Bear.If you’re feeling depressed or just want someone to talk to, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.You can find out more about The Sharing Place’s work at thesharingplace.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 17, 2021 • 16min
Heavyweight Short: Hallie
When Hallie was 17, she spent a few minutes with a stranger who changed her life. A decade later, Hallie sets out to find her. Credits This Heavyweight short was hosted and produced by Kalila Holt, along with Stevie Lane, Mohini Madgavkar, and Jonathan Goldstein. Special thanks to Sam Reisman, Cheri Mantz and Dr. Lynd. The show was mixed by Catherine Anderson. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, and Bobby Lord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.