Podcast · Society & Culture

Heavyweight

by Pushkin Industries · English · Society & Culture

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

New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 40 min
Latest: 1 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026 · 47 min

#69 Tamara

Tamara and B were best friends and roommates at their Christian boarding school. Then, in 12th grade, a teacher declared B to be possessed by a demon and an exorcism was performed. B and Tamara stopped speaking soon after. Tamara’s worried about B ever since. 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 . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S10 · E2 · 24 Sep 2026 · 40 min

#68 Songe

When Songe was 8 years old, he made fun of a girl with a facial tic. Just months later, he developed tics of his own—the first signs of the Tourette Syndrome he still lives with today. It felt like cosmic punishment. Songe has wanted to apologize to the girl ever since. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S10 · E1 · 17 Sep 2026 · 38 min

#67 Jenna

When Jenna was eight years old, she was taken from her mom and placed with a foster family called the Grizzles. For two and a half years, she built a life with them, and when they asked to adopt her, Jenna was thrilled. But then, abruptly, the Grizzles changed their minds. Three decades later, Jenna still wonders: What happened? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S10 · 3 Sep 2026 · 2 min

Trailer: Heavyweight Season 10

Heavyweight returns on September 17. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Pushkin+ subscribers can get all episodes ad-free! Sign up on the Heavyweight Apple show page or at pushkin.fm/plus . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S10 · 2 Jul 2026 · 40 min

2026 Update: James

James’s father’s dying wish was for his ashes to be spread on the 18th hole of a fancy private golf course. That was 16 years ago. In this episode, James, Jonathan, and their friend Howard attempt a golf heist to get into the club and set things right. In today's update, Jonathan calls up James for one last interview. Just when James thinks he's out, we pull him back in! You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Wendy Dorr, Chris Neary, and Kalila Holt, with editing by Jorge Just and Alex Blumberg. Special…
S10 · 25 Jun 2026 · 36 min

Jonathan Vs. Kalila on Smash Boom Best

Jonathan and Kalila go toe-to-toe as guests on the children’s debate podcast, Smash Boom Best , where they debate the merits of phone calls vs. texting. We had a lot of fun doing it, and—if it’s not too bold to presume—we think you will have fun listening to it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S10 · 18 Jun 2026 · 36 min

2026 Update: Julia

In grade 8, Julia was bullied so badly by a group of girls that she changed schools without telling anyone. Soon after, the girls from her old school showed up at her house and rang her doorbell. She didn’t answer it. For the past 20 years, Julia’s been wondering what those girls wanted. Ten years after the release of this episode, we check back in with Julia, to hear how her life changed in the aftermath of the episode. You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Chris Neary, and Kalila Holt, with senior…
S10 · 4 Jun 2026 · 40 min

2026 Update: 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? Four years after the release of his episode, we check back in with Brandon to learn what's changed and get an update on his underwear situation. You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight 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…
S10 · 21 May 2026 · 37 min

2026 Update: 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. In this update, Kalila learns that she might have been looking at the painting all wrong. You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight This episode was hosted and produced by Kalila Holt, along with Jonathan Goldstein. Our 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…
S10 · 7 May 2026 · 48 min

2026 Update: Christina

When Christina was in 11th grade, her foster mother made her quit playing basketball. After that, she felt like her life never got back on course. And so, she’s always wanted to ask her foster mother: why’d you make me quit? Now, 9 years after the episode originally aired, we check back in with Christina, and she tells us about seeing her foster mother one last time. You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein and Kalila Holt, with editing by Jorge Just, Alex Blumberg, and Wendy Dorr. The senior producer is…
S10 · 23 Apr 2026 · 50 min

2026 Update: Skye

When Skye was in middle school, her best friends showed up at her home one night and wrote “f*ck you” on her garage door. After that, they never spoke again. Decades later, at the urging of her eleven-year-old son, Clark, Skye sets off to finally ask them why. In this update, Skye tells us how that confrontation has shaped her and Clark in the years since. You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Kalila Holt, Peter Bresnan, and Stevie Lane, with editing by Jorge Just and Alex Blumberg. Special thanks to…
S10 · 9 Apr 2026 · 45 min

Jonathan Goldstein on Wild Card

This week, Jonathan joins the ranks of A-list celebrities as a guest on NPR's Wild Card with Rachel Martin . Death, ghosts, the pleasures and perils of talking to strangers... Rachel and Jonathan talk about it all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S10 · 26 Mar 2026 · 47 min

2026 Update: Elyse

When Elyse was 21, her father, Billy, disappeared without explanation. When Elyse finally learned of his whereabouts, she was shocked by the new life he was living. Seven years after the release of this episode, we check back in with Elyse, and she tells us all about what's happened with her dad in the time since. You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, B.A. Parker, Kalila Holt, and Stevie Lane, with editing by Jorge Just and Alex Blumberg. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Kaitlin Roberts, Alex Goldman, Caitlin…
S10 · 12 Mar 2026 · 43 min

2026 Update: Tony

Today, we speak with Jonathan's longtime friend Tony. A lot's changed in his life since the episode came out ten years ago. Tony messed up his relationship with each of his three godchildren owing to three difficult chapters in his life. Now, childless and single in his late 40’s, and fearing he may never have kids of his own, Tony wants to win them back. You can sign up for our free newsletter at patreon.com/heavyweight This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Wendy Dorr, Chris Neary, and Kalila Holt, with editing by Jorge Just and Alex Blumberg. Special thanks to Emily…
S10 · 26 Feb 2026 · 1 min

Heavyweight in 2026

What to expect from Heavyweight this year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S10 · 5 Feb 2026 · 33 min

Minneapolis

In part one, Jonathan and his wife, Emily, check in. In part two, the story of a family forced into hiding after an ICE shooting. Places to donate: Yamelis's GoFundMe Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Immigrant Defense Network MN50501 Mutual Aid Additional thanks to Joe Midthun. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S10 · 29 Jan 2026 · 1 hr 5 min

Presenting Death, Sex & Money | From Brazilian Butt Lifts to Botox: Your Beauty Confessions

The Heavyweight team is hard at work on some episode updates for later this spring, as well as a brand new season, which will be coming this fall. But in the meantime, we wanted to “wet your whistles,” so to speak, with another show that we respect and enjoy. It’s called (00:04:30) Death, Sex & Money . In this episode, host Anna Sale talks to listeners about their appearance choices: Asher, who spent $43,000 on plastic surgery and openly celebrates his investments; Caroline, who used fillers and Botox after her divorce but recently filed for bankruptcy and can no longer…
S9 · E66 · 18 Dec 2025 · 42 min

#66 Deborah

At 101 years old, Deborah discovered a box she'd stashed away a lifetime ago. What was inside reignited an old love and turned her life upside down. Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out the other offerings available to Pushkin+ subscribers,…
S9 · E65 · 11 Dec 2025 · 39 min

#65 Meredith

Meredith unknowingly ate a bag of her teenage son’s weed gummies. She wants him to apologize. He wants her to apologize. At a stand-off, they call Jonathan for help. Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out the other offerings available to…
S9 · E64 · 20 Nov 2025 · 1 hr 1 min

#64 Kevin

Kevin's childhood was a hard one. But it was made bearable by his neighborhood friends, Jason and Gerald. Then, one afternoon, the boys just vanished. Over thirty years later, Kevin still hasn't forgotten them. Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check…
S9 · 13 Nov 2025 · 40 min

Heavyweight: Live from New York

In October, the Heavyweight team gathered in New York City for a live event at Caveat on the Lower East Side. There was a reading, a Q&A, and a Meet & Greet. And because we are a podcast, we recorded it all. Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out…
S9 · E63 · 30 Oct 2025 · 39 min

#63 Jasmin

Jasmin grew up as one of the few Black girls in a mostly white town. Senior year, she was voted Homecoming Queen and she finally felt accepted. But then, at the dance, they announced someone else's name. Jasmin has always wondered… What happened? Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for…
S9 · 23 Oct 2025 · 44 min

The Canal, the Crash and the Ketamine - Pushkin's Reign of Error

Today, Jonathan joins his fellow Pushkin hosts for a special episode all about mistakes. Jonathan speaks with his friend, the writer Sheila Heti. Together, they muse on the cost of mistakes and whether we're really in control of how many we make. Plus, Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova from the podcast Risky Business give a gambler's take on the strange science of regret. And Tim Harford of Cautionary Tales tells the gripping story of a plane that ran out of fuel mid-flight. Cautionary Tales and Risky Business are available wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for…
S9 · E62 · 16 Oct 2025 · 34 min

#62 Stefano

On her flight to emigrate from Italy in 1959, Anita was tasked with babysitting a two-year-old boy being brought to the US for adoption. During the flight, Anita fell in love with the child, and for the rest of her life, she wondered what became of him. Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for…
S9 · E61 · 2 Oct 2025 · 38 min

#61 The Bank Robber

He had just turned 14 when he sawed off his father’s shotgun, skipped school, and robbed a bank for $40,000. Now, 33 years later, he wants to apologize to the people he harmed that day. Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out the other…
S9 · E60 · 25 Sep 2025 · 37 min

#60 The Messenger

As a senior in high school, Michael got a huge opportunity: the chance to star in a big-budget movie. Shooting wrapped; a premier date was set. And then he found out that his lucky break was all based on a lie. Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check…
S9 · E59 · 18 Sep 2025 · 36 min

#59 Etta

Gregor's parents are pushing 90. Gregor wants to move them out of their big Victorian home. But they refuse. So, he's come up with a bold plan. You can find Etta’s work on Instagram @ettabehrlich Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm . You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out the…
S9 · 4 Sep 2025 · 2 min

Trailer: Heavyweight Season 9

A look at what’s to come this season. Heavyweight returns on September 18. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Pushkin+ subscribers can get all episodes ad-free! Sign up on the Heavyweight Apple show page or at pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S9 · 24 Jul 2025 · 42 min

2025 Update: Dina

It’s the last Heavyweight encore before our new season begins on September 18th! This week, we talk to Jonathan's mom about life in the years since her appearance in #15: Dina. During a visit back home, Jonathan’s mother Dina inadvertently admits something that forces him to question his past — and turn the mic on himself. Credits This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Kalila Holt, and Kaitlin Roberts. Editing by Jorge Just, Alex Blumberg, and Wendy Dorr. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Emanuele Berry, Pat Walters, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Kate…
S9 · 17 Jul 2025 · 55 min

2025 Update: Leif + A Conversation with Anna Konkle

For our penultimate Heavyweight encore, we’re joined by Pen15 co-creator Anna Konkle to revisit last season’s junior high drama — #53: Leif. On Valentine’s Day in junior high, Leif was supposed to ask Kalila out. But he never did. Leif’s lack of action that day impacted Kalila’s life to come. And so seventeen years later, she wants to know: what happened. For more, head over to Pushkin+ , where you can subscribe to hear an extended cut of Kalila’s conversation with Anna. Credits This episode was hosted and produced by senior producer Kalila Holt,…

About Heavyweight

Heavyweight is a English society & culture podcast from Pushkin Industries. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Pushkin Industries
Language: English
Category: Society & Culture
New episodes: Every two weeks
Typical length: 40 min
Latest episode: 1 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1150800298
Rights: 2026 2025 Pushkin Industries

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