The 10 Best Heavyweight Episodes
Gimlet's Heavyweight podcast is hosted by author and radio producer Jonathan Goldstein, who approaches the show like a therapist with a dry sense of humour and an unquenchable interest in the human condition. Each episode follows a different person as they seek to resolve something that has plagued their mind for years. With Jonathan at their side, the protagonists of each episode have difficult conversations, track down lost connections, and reveal nuanced and emotional insights into the complexity of the human experience.
Last Updated: Aug 30th, 2021
1) #12 Jesse
When Jesse is T-boned, his life is changed — first for the worst, then for the better. He is surprisingly grateful for his accident and the way it showed him how beautiful life can be. Even more surprisingly, he wants to apologize to the person who hit him. Dutifully, Jonathan tracks down the driver, Christian, to set up a meeting. The conversation that emerges is moving and transformational, and we won’t judge you for tearing up.
jesika recommended:
A story about trauma, how trauma changes our lives, and reconciliation. But also, wow, so beautifully written❤️
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.2) #2 Gregor
In this Heavyweight podcast best episode, Jonathan takes a road trip with Gregor, who lent CDs to the singer Moby before he was famous. The CDs were sampled on the album that helped make Moby into a rockstar, and Gregor wants to demand the CDs back — along with the recognition he feels he deserves. As the story unfolds and the men meet with Moby, their enlightening conversation explores fame, envy, aspiration, and what it means to find success.
erik_lenghan recommended:
This guy, Gregor, has landed the singer Moby some CDs. Then, Moby use them on his album multiplatinum album Play. 20 years later the guy wan...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.3) Heavyweight Short: Hallie
Hallie wants to search for a stranger who helped her in her teens, but doesn't know where to start, so she turns to Jonathan of course. This long-lost person’s small intervention changed the entire course of Haillie’s life. But will Haillie find this person or will this be a lost cause too? This best Heavyweight episode is a touching and heart-warming episode that reminds us that small deeds of kindness can make a difference.
jesika recommended:
I'm glad Kalila Holt told this story
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.4) #32 Vivian
Vivan’s beloved gay uncle died of AIDS and enstranged by her family. But her dear uncle’s sexuality didn’t stop her from treasuring her memories with him. Despite being shunned by her family, Vivan’s uncle didn’t die alone. He had a loving partner who cared for him until his death. Over two decades later, Vivian wants to find her uncle’s companion to say thank you and in a way, be able to reconnect with her dead uncle again. Jonathan’s tricky search unexpectedly takes him to a well-known podcast luminary with a surprising connection to this case!
epekilis recommended:
Don’t make the mistake I did and listen to this one at the wheel. Messy crying makes for dangerous driving. Beautiful story of loss, shame...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.5) #1 Buzz
Buzz and Sheldon are brothers in their eighties who have been estranged for decades. Buzz visits Sheldon to see if there’s still a relationship left to salvage.Our SponsorsCalm.com - Visit calm.com/he...Show More
mm recommended:
A very personal story. Heavyweight's host Jonathan Goldstein helps his 80-something-year-old father confront his childhood trauma and reconc...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.6) #9 Milt
Last season’s episode, "Gregor," led to an unfortunate event that Jonathan could’ve never predicted. In this pre-season episode, he tries to set things right.Heavyweight’s second season begins October...Show More
jsimone recommended:
Very cute episode
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.7) #30 The Marshes
After a drunken slip of the tongue, Steve Marsh and his siblings discover a secret their mother has been keeping for almost 40 years. Now, Steve wants to help his mom take action. Credits Heavyweight ...Show More
mm recommended:
Lovely family with a secret of their lives they have to navigate together. Jonathan Goldstein is the interloper brought in to keep them acco...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.8) #37 John
Before he became a best-selling author, John Green was going to dedicate his life to God. Until he crossed paths with Nick. Twenty years later, John sets off to find Nick and revisit the day that chan...Show More
jesika recommended:
A heartwarming, beautiful story produced by Jonathan Goldfield. Plus, you get to listen to a rather personal anecdote of the celebrated writ...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.9) #5 Galit
Galit was Jonathan’s first girlfriend. When she dumped him, he cried a lot and then locked away his emotional vulnerability in a safe for the next several decades. In this episode, Galit sends Jonatha...Show More
jesika recommended:
This was funny and sad at the same time, don't know how you do it heavyweight team. And, wow, the writing is superb. This turned out to be a...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.10) #17 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. Now Skye has a son entering middle school,...Show More
AUDIO REMOVED: The podcast creator has removed the audio for this episode.