Podcasts to Satisfy Fans of *Heavyweight*
Renowned for its ability to delve deep into personal histories, Jonathan Goldstein’s *Heavyweight* has captivated audiences over the years. Although Spotify discontinued the podcast in 2023 during major budget cuts, Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin Industries brought it back into the fold earlier this year, promising new episodes soon. For those eager to explore similar content in the meantime, the following selection of podcasts embodies the spirit of *Heavyweight* with their blend of curiosity, empathy, humor, and exquisite sound design.
*Wiretap*
Credit: *Wiretap*
Take a trip down memory lane with Wiretap, Jonathan Goldstein’s earlier venture with CBC. This show serves as the forerunner to *Heavyweight*, offering a quirky, heartfelt view of personal interactions. Each episode intertwines scripted narratives with real-life confessions and delightful skits, showcasing Goldstein’s trademark self-effacing humor. While its tone may lean more toward the surreal, it captures the essence of understanding oneself and others in rich, vivid detail.
*Proxy*
Credit: *Proxy*
With *Proxy*, hosted by Yowei Shaw, emotional journeys unfold as she connects those grappling with unresolved issues to individuals who can offer support. Whether it’s helping a man healing from a divorce or shedding light on complex relationships, Yowei, self-identified as an emotional journalist, crafts heartfelt narratives that resonate deeply. Coming from the acclaimed NPR podcast *Invisibilia*, her work promises well-structured and poignant stories that explore the nuances of human connection.
*Selects*
Credit: *Radiotopia*
The podcast Selects, curated by Mitra Kaboli, acts like an audio menagerie, unearthing lost audio treasures every month. This subscription-based show features a mix of documents, interviews, and stories that shine a light on inspiring creators from the past, allowing listeners to experience forgotten gems that shaped contemporary audio production.
*Family Ghosts*
Credit: *Family Ghosts*
In *Family Ghosts*, hosted by Sam Dingman, personal mysteries are explored through the lens of family history. Each episode dives deep into inherited tales and unsolved puzzles, allowing Sam’s introspective narratives to illuminate themes of legacy and identity. While lacking clear-cut solutions, these stories poignantly reflect the complications inherent in familial relationships, creating a sense of connection among listeners.
*This Is Love*
Credit: *This Is Love*
Phoebe Judge’s *This Is Love* shares a kindred spirit with *Heavyweight*, weaving emotional tales that celebrate love in all its manifestations. With a soothing tone, Phoebe narrates stories that cover relationships, companionship, and unexpected connections. The show’s exploration of love isn’t shy about delving into sadness but consistently leaves listeners in awe of life’s complexities and beauty.
*Snap Judgment*
Credit: *Snap Judgment*
Emceeing a whirlwind of narratives, Glynn Washington invites listeners to *Snap Judgment*, where each episode begins with his dynamic storytelling. Featuring tales enriched with musicality and emotion, these audio experiences resonate deeply, blending personal anecdotes with universal themes in a format akin to both dramatic poetry and documentary.
*Articles of Interest*
Credit: *Articles of Interest*
Similar to *Heavyweight*, *Articles of Interest*, hosted by Avery Trufelman, illuminates the stories embedded within everyday objects, particularly clothing and fashion. Through captivating narratives, the podcast reveals the emotional histories tied to garments, making the mundane feel extraordinarily significant.
*Beautiful / Anonymous*
Credit: *Beautiful / Anonymous*
With *Beautiful / Anonymous*, you’re led into unexpected human experiences through conversations that unfold with strangers. Hosted by Chris Gethard, these candid discussions often reveal profound layers of human emotion, as each episode explores unique and sometimes startling facets of anonymity and personal stories.
*The Memory Palace*
Credit: *The Memory Palace*
Nate DiMeo’s *The Memory Palace* delves into history with a meditative style that echoes the reflective nature of *Heavyweight*. Each episode presents forgotten stories that engage the listener’s imagination, offering insight into human experience through beautifully crafted narratives.
*Endless Thread*
Credit: *Endless Thread*
In *Endless Thread*, hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson transform quirky online stories into real-world narratives. By investigating the origins of bizarre content from platforms like Reddit, they connect audiences with individuals behind the tales, further blending personal experiences with broader societal themes in an engaging format.
