Ten podcasts for enthusiasts longing for the charm of 'Heavyweight', a captivating radio show:
Heading off to find podcasts that echo the charm of Jonathan Goldstein's Heavyweight? Look no further! Here are some must-listen shows that blend curiosity, empathy, humor, and top-notch audio like a boss:
Wiretap
Jump on board this earlier CBC creation by Jonathan Goldstein, the granddaddy of Heavyweight. With its blend of scripted monologues, real-life moments, and absurd sketches, Wiretap is warm, whimsical, and straight-up moving. Athwart Heavyweight, it's looser and more surreal, but the emotional core remains unchanged. You'll hear stories that'll leave you feeling like you're in on a secret in Goldstein's late-night confessions, or listened in on a stranger's voicemail.
Proxy
If you're hankering for a nice dose of problem-solving and emotional insight, Proxy's got your back. Host Yowei Shaw, who calls herself an "emotional journalist," uses her investigative prowess to help people tackle their thorny relationship mysteries. Amid concerns like a husband who left one woman for another, or someone grappling with a disappearing spouse, Yowei weaves together poignant and expertly told stories. Her work originated from the massively popular NPR show Invisibilia, so you know you'll be in good hands.
Selects
Fancy some time-traveling audio adventures? Enter Radiotopia's Selects, an audio magazine that digs up long-lost gems from the annals of audio storytelling. Every month, host Mitra Kaboli scours the depths of the internet, gathering forgotten documentaries, interviews, and discussions by brilliant creators and serving them up for your listening pleasure. From laughing out loud at "Call Now" by Sean Cole, to tuning into thought-provoking and inspiring stories, Selects offers a treasure trove for audio enthusiasts.
Family Ghosts
In the spirit of uncovering personal truths, Family Ghosts leads host Sam Dingman down the rabbit hole, uncovering family mysteries that'll tug at your heartstrings and force you to question who you really are. Often, these mysteries lack a tidy resolution, much like our relationships, but the process of self-discovery is where the real magic lies. Prepare yourselves for a wistful journey into the bygone eras that shaped our lives, as Sam expertly weaves together stories of identity, legacy, and truth.
This Is Love
Love is in the air with This Is Love, Phoebe Judge's tender exploration of affection in all its forms. Her lullaby-like voice and captivating narratives will captivate you, making you feel as though you're listening to epic love stories spilling out in intimate detail. From heartwarming friendships to tumultuous romances, Phoebe skillfully dissects the complexities of our connections, leaving you enraptured and entertained.
Snap Judgment
For those seeking a wilder ride, Snap Judgment is your ticket to adventure. Host Glynn Washington serves as your emcee in this poetry slam of a podcast, where each episode unfolds like a thrilling episode of your favorite TV show. Utilizing music, sound design, and top-notch storytelling, Snap Judgment takes you on emotional rollercoasters, from chilling tales of negotiation under fire, to surreal encounters with the paranormal. Grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these cinematic tales that you won't soon forget.
Articles of Interest
If you're enthralled by the exploration of hidden histories and the weight of our personal stories, Articles of Interest is just the ticket. Avery Trufelman's riveting dissection of clothing and fashion unfolds as a series of humorous and thought-provoking narratives, revealing hidden depths in the most ordinary of objects. Each episode oozes gentle wit and generosity, leaving you smarter and more connected by the end. Join Trufelman on an expedition into the hidden corners of our lives, where our pasts and our closets meet.
Beautiful/Anonymous
Strap in for an hour-long phone call with a stranger in Beautiful/Anonymous, a podcast where host Chris Gethard unfurls a series of unexpected and human encounters. With no set agenda, Chris gives his callers free rein to let loose, resulting in a series of oddball, heartfelt, and poignant conversations. Whether Gethard's on the line with a witch, a funeral director, or someone grappling with substance abuse, Beautiful/Anonymous often reveals the hidden tides that drive us all.
The Memory Palace
Finally, for those who adore the subtle music of storytelling and delve into the hidden past, The Memory Palace is the perfect escape. Host Nate DiMeo's tales wrest convincing narrative beauty from dusty historical archives, revealing moments from forgotten histories that linger long after the credits roll. Whether you follow the evolution of a pioneering designer, the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, or an examination of premature burials, these tales will transport you to the bygone eras that shaped our world.
Endless Thread
Rounding out our list, Endless Thread is a podcast that traces the strange, eerie, and often heartwarming threads of life found deep within the depths of Reddit. Rung out by hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson, the stories explored by Endless Thread are as enigmatic as a mullet-clad luchador wandering the streets at midnight. Journeying deeper into the rabbit hole, Endless Thread weaves captivating first-person narratives that dive into the murky depths of internet culture, revealing the complex human lives that occasionally pop up to confound expectations.
In the realm of podcasts, 'The Memory Palace' offers an immersive journey into the past, leveraging gripping storytelling and historical archives to uncover fascinating tales from bygone eras. On the other hand, 'Endless Thread' delves into the intriguing world of Reddit, unraveling enigmatic stories that reflect the complexities of human lives in the digital age, all while maintaining a connection to our lifestyles and technology.
