Why is Heavyweight Leaving Spotify? Who Created Heavyweight?
by M Nishali
Updated Dec 26, 2023
Heavyweight Podcast
"Heavyweight" is a podcast created by Jonathan Goldstein and produced by Gimlet Media, known for helping people navigate unresolved moments from their past. The name "Heavyweight" symbolizes the emotional weight individuals carry, combining the imagery of a boxer's strength with Goldstein's non-boxer identity.
Over seven seasons, Goldstein, often likened to "Louis Theroux without the gaucheness," guides ordinary guests through their personal stories, seeking closure for lingering questions. The podcast's tone is characterized as absurd yet earnest, avoiding excessive sentimentality with Goldstein's dry humor.
However, in December 2023, Gimlet and Spotify announced that the eighth season would be the podcast's last, marking a shift in Spotify's strategy towards celebrity-driven content and prompting staff layoffs as part of broader efforts to enhance profitability in the podcasting space.
Why is Heavyweight Leaving Spotify?
"Heavyweight" is leaving Spotify as the platform has decided not to renew its contract for the critically acclaimed podcast. The decision is part of Spotify's broader shift in podcasting strategy, marked by recent layoffs and a focus on celebrity-driven content. Produced by Gimlet Media, "Heavyweight," hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, is known for delving into impactful life stories, aiming to help individuals find resolution.
The show's creators expressed pride in their work and hope to find a new home for the podcast in the future. Spotify's evolving approach underscores the challenges in making podcasts consistently profitable, prompting the company to reassess its investments and prioritize content featuring high-profile personalities with established fan bases.
Who Created Heavyweight?
"Heavyweight" is a podcast created by Jonathan Goldstein, an American-Canadian humorist. Goldstein is not only the creator but also the host of the podcast. His role involves guiding ordinary people, not celebrities, through their unresolved past moments, helping them seek closure and create better endings.
With a unique and earnest approach, Goldstein's podcast explores emotional and personal stories, addressing the burdens individuals carry and the complexities of their past experiences. The show has gained recognition for its distinctive style and Goldstein's ability to navigate sensitive and intense narratives with a touch of humor, making "Heavyweight" a notable creation in the world of podcasting.
What is The Theme Of Heavyweight?
The theme of "Heavyweight," a podcast created by Jonathan Goldstein, revolves around helping individuals confront and resolve pivotal moments from their past. Goldstein, also the host of the show, guides ordinary people through emotional journeys as they seek closure for unresolved questions and experiences. The podcast delves into the emotional burdens people carry, exploring the impact of significant events on their lives.
Each episode focuses on a guest, often a non-celebrity, as Goldstein navigates through their stories, attempting to assist them in creating better endings to these impactful and often challenging chapters. The theme emphasizes the exploration of personal history, healing, and the quest for closure in the face of past regrets or unfulfilled moments.
Heavyweight Awards
2017
TC/RHDF Skylarking Award (Third Coast International Audio Festival)
"Gregor"
2020
IDA Documentary Award
"The Marshes" (#30)
Year
Award
Episode
Why is Heavyweight Leaving Spotify - FAQs
Spotify decided not to renew the podcast's contract as part of its shift towards celebrity-driven content, impacting the show's future.
"Heavyweight" is a podcast that helps people resolve unresolved moments from their past, guided by host Jonathan Goldstein.
"Heavyweight" was created by Jonathan Goldstein, an American-Canadian humorist who also serves as the host, guiding guests through their personal stories.
"Heavyweight" ran for seven seasons, with the eighth season announced to be its last due to the change in Spotify's podcasting strategy.
The podcast received the TC/RHDF Skylarking Award in 2017 for the episode "Gregor" and was nominated for an IDA Documentary Award in 2020 for "The Marshes" (#30).