Heavyweight

A woman revisits the shock of discovering her father's secret life and long absences. A mediated phone call forces a raw confrontation and awkward promises. New revelations include possible half-siblings, legal troubles abroad, deportation, hospitalization, and the father’s eventual death. The story follows attempts at closure and the complicated feelings that remain.

A ten-year check-in with Tony as he tries to repair relationships with three godchildren. We hear about his battles with addiction, a difficult marriage, and caregiving for his mother. There’s an awkward road trip reunion, a surprising dinner that shifts everything, and Tony’s move to a meditation center as he wrestles with middle age and future choices.

A preview of the show’s 2026 plans and schedule. Short updates about returned stories and promises left open. A reflective note about a personal request that remains unresolved. A tease about a new season arriving in the fall and an invitation to enjoy the summer while staying tuned.

Yamilis — Venezuelan migrant and grandmother who survived a dangerous trek north and lives in hiding. Emily Goldstein — spouse of the narrator who recounts witnessing ICE activity and community reactions. They recount masked raids, a shooting that upended a neighborhood, children kept home from school, perilous migration through the Darien Gap, and the night agents burst into a family’s home.

Nick Dote, actor and writer who survived addiction and multiple surgeries, recounts how cosmetic procedures strained his marriage and failed to heal deeper wounds. The conversation jumps between stories of radical makeovers, the cultural pressure to look younger, and tough decisions about identity, money, and recovery. Short, candid, and reflective.

At 101 years old, Deborah is not just a centenarian but a storyteller who recently unearthed a box of 256 letters from her first love, Jerry Robbins. They dive into the emotional rollercoaster of rekindling old feelings and the impact of reading these wartime letters. Deborah shares her journey of grief and reflection, alongside family reactions as she immerses herself in 'Jerry land.' The podcast culminates in a poignant visit to Jerry's grave, offering her unexpected relief and closure, illuminating the enduring power of love and memory.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Jackie Cohen, a medical expert, provides insight on accountability after Meredith accidentally ingests her son's THC gummies. The chaotic aftermath includes a panic-filled high and a stand-off where both Meredith and her son Aiden demand apologies. Dr. Cohen emphasizes the need for understanding and forgiveness, arguing that both parties have valid feelings. The conversation unveils family dynamics around apologies, giving a humorous yet poignant look at how these habits can shape relationships.

Kevin reflects on his traumatic childhood marked by domestic abuse and loss. He discovers solace in friendships with Jason and Gerald, who mysteriously vanish, leaving him with unanswered questions. Decades later, he embarks on a quest to reunite with them, leading to heartfelt conversations, revelations of homelessness, and unprocessed pain. The journey culminates in a planned reunion, symbolizing healing and new beginnings, while exploring the deep impacts of past relationships on Kevin's own parenting.

Greta Cohen, CEO of Pushkin Industries, kicks off the live event with insights into the new season and exclusive Pushkin+ offerings. Jonathan shares a creative retelling of Cain and Abel, delving into timeless themes of jealousy and sacrifice. The team discusses the dynamics between Jonathan and Jackie, as well as the challenges of producing compelling stories in a privacy-conscious era. They also share favorite celebrity reconciliation dreams, and the importance of humor and kindness in lasting friendships.

Jasmin shares her poignant journey of growing up as one of the few Black girls in a predominantly white town. Her dream of becoming Homecoming Queen turns into a mystery when another girl's name is announced instead. The podcast delves into issues of identity, race, and acceptance, as Jasmin and her friends explore whether the result was a mistake or a deliberate act. A reunion with the class president reveals shared experiences, adding layers to their stories. Ultimately, a gesture of giving Jasmin her crown offers a powerful moment of healing.