People who cling to something from their past—an unresolved argument, a lost friend, a misunderstood conversation with a family member, or an unsolved mystery of any kind—can say Jonathan Goldstein, host weighty, and he will search far and wide (perhaps farther and wider than necessary) to find answers. Goldstein took it upon himself to help listeners with their problems by personally flying across the country, calling long-lost family members, schools and businesses, and doing ridiculous amounts of research. He teams up with the guest, checks in with them on their progress, and dives into their story to understand exactly what they’re looking for.
The episodes may sound heavy because they are (“heavyweight” refers to the weight of past trauma)… but it’s also hilarious. Jonathan is sharp and self-deprecating, and shares all of their awkward confrontations (there are many). The writing is poetic, chock-full of tiny details about each step of Jonathan’s investigation, what people are wearing, and their unusually complex process. (Otherwise it wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining.) In the end, Jonathan aims to bring people together, help them resolve conflicts with their identities, and be a friend.