Top 10 Podcasts for Fans Pining for 'Heavyweight' Style Storytelling
Jam down some killer podcasts, perfect for you if you're a fan of Jonathan Goldstein's Heavyweight! This list's got your back with shows that ooze curiosity, empathy, a wicked sense of humor, and excellent audio production.
Here’s the lowdown:
WiretapThis puppy is Jonathan Goldstein's earlier CBC baby, and it's the blood relative of Heavyweight—weird, warm, and captivating. Expect a mix of scripted monologues, real-life moments, and zany sketches all wrapped up in Goldstein's signature self-deprecating humor. It's a looser, more surreal ride than Heavyweight, but the emotional heart remains: people trying to make sense of themselves and each other. You'll hear tales that'll make you feel like you're listening to confessions in the dead of night or voicemails from your secret admirer. Listening to Wiretap is like reading Goldstein's diary—and discovering it's somehow yours, too[4].
ProxyHost Yowei Shaw is on a mission to help people. And with her beautiful show Proxy, she solves niche emotional conundrums by connecting folks with unresolved relationships to strangers who can offer unique perspectives. She's a pro, coming from the massively popular podcast NPR Invisibilia, so you can trust her to spin a tender, expertly-structured yarn[4]. It's unlike anything else out there—a space for one-of-a-kind conversations you've never heard before[4].
SelectsRadiotopia's Selects is like a time capsule for your ears. Every month, host Mitra Kaboli digs up classic audio documentaries, interviews, and discussions made by talented creators that have almost been lost to time. This is the gold that's influenced the best things you're currently listening to now[4]. There's heaps of free content on the feed (start with "Call Now" by Sean Cole; it's a giggle-inducing piece about lawyer ads), but a subscription gets you all the tasty treats[4].
Family GhostsOn Family Ghosts, host Sam Dingman dives into a personal mystery—an old family rumor, a lost soul—and unearths tales about identity, legacy, and truth that don't always offer a tidy resolution, like many of our relationships[4]. It's poignant and comforting to hear about the complications happening in other people's families—it makes us feel a little less alone[4].
This Is LoveThis is Love shares the same soulful curiosity and emotional depth that makes Heavyweight so dear. The intrepid Phoebe Judge uses human stories about love in all its forms (friendship, romance, love for animals) to create a mural of love[4]. Her voice is so calming and steady that you'll want to listen with full attention as she spins her tales of connection, devotion, and the unexpected ways love unfolds[4]. The show isn’t afraid of melancholy, but it always offers a sense of awe rather than despair[4].
Snap JudgmentCrank up the volume for Snap Judgment—it's more than just a podcast, it's a poetry slam of stories with host Glynn Washington at the mic[4]. Each episode kicks off with one of his own stories told with so much passion you can feel it pulsing. Then, he hands the mic to a storyteller who spins their own tale, expertly layered with killer beats[4]. The result? A movin' and shakin' adventure that stays with you[4].
Articles of InterestHost Avery Trufelman uncovers the hidden stories behind clothing and fashion with the same blend of curiosity and narrative mastery that Jonathan Goldstein brings to his show[4]. Both shows find profound meaning in the unexpected and make the ordinary remarkable. Gather round that campfire—this storytelling with its gentle humor and generous spirit will leave you feeling enlightened and connected[4].
Beautiful / AnonymousCalling all strangers! Host Chris Gethard seeks deep conversations on Beautiful / Anonymous. Dial in for 60 minutes, and you'll share unscripted, heartfelt chats with him and other folks just like you[4]. Chris brings a tender curiosity to every call; buckle up for some strange, funny, and always moving discussions that'll make you remember you're not alone[4]. Chris has talked to all sorts, including witches, folks battling cancer, funeral directors, and heroin addicts[4].
The Memory PalaceThe Memory Palace and Heavyweight share a collective fascination with the past. With the Memory Palace, the stories are quiet, mysterious, and hypnotic. Nate DiMeo weaves tales of true, often forgotten history with the rhythm of a lullaby, easing history into your ears like a secret[4]. Episodes don't need punchlines or resolutions to make you feel all the feels—just snuggle up and be ready to have them stick with you[4]. Take "The House of Lowe"—a fascinating story about a pioneering woman in fashion, or "Below, from Above"—an account of the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, or "I'm Still Alive"—which explores the history of premature burials[4].
Endless ThreadListen up, fellow story-nerds! Most Endless Thread yarns start with something peculiar found on Reddit and grow into tales about people IRL. Hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson find the missing pieces of the tales and bring the threads to life with storytelling, interviews, and discussions[4]. Like Heavyweight, it offers a good dose of mystery and personal experiences, offering glimpses into lives from every corner of the globe[4].
[1] - Encyclopedia Britannica: A comprehensive resource for knowledge, offering articles on a wide variety of topics.[2] - Reddit: A social news aggregation platform that covers a vast array of topics, from technology to entertainment.[3] - Radiotopia: A network of narrative podcasts that focus on storytelling and creativity.[4] - Everything is Alive: A podcast series by Ian Chillag and Drew Stevens in which inanimate objects come to life and share their stories.
- After enjoying the captivating narratives of Jonathan Goldstein's podcasts like Heavyweight, delve into the realm of lifestyle podcasts like Beautiful / Anonymous, where Chris Gethard facilitates deep, emotional conversations with strangers, reflecting the essence of a unique personal connection.
- Enrich your understanding of technology through podcasts that infuse humor and intrigue, such as Radiotopia's Selects, where host Mitra Kaboli presents a treasure trove of classic audio documentaries and interviews, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
