On this episode, we’re giving the feed over to a podcast we know you’ll love—The Moth. The Moth is all about true stories told live. It showcases real people, from astronauts to actors, from teachers to truck drivers, getting up on stage and talking about their own lives in their own words. The stories run the gamut: funny, heartbreaking, enlightening, or sometimes all three at the same time. But whatever the story is about, you’ll make a connection with the person telling it. This episode, “Mama Bear,” is all about mothers—mothers as protectors, rescuers, and, sometimes, meddlers. Hosted by Jenifer Hixson, there are stories about wedding planning, a broccoli party, and traveling to every baseball stadium in the country. Find The Moth wherever you get your podcasts.

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He had just turned 14 when he sawed off his father’s shotgun, skipped school, and robbed a bank for $40,000. Now, 33 years later, he wants to apologize to the people he harmed that day.

Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out the other offerings available to Pushkin+ subscribers, including ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, and exclusive binges of other podcasts throughout the year.

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As a senior in high school, Michael got a huge opportunity: the chance to star in a big-budget movie. Shooting wrapped; a premier date was set. And then he found out that his lucky break was all based on a lie.

Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out the other offerings available to Pushkin+ subscribers, including ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, and exclusive binges of other podcasts throughout the year.

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Gregor's parents are pushing 90. Gregor wants to move them out of their big Victorian home. But they refuse. So, he's come up with a bold plan.

You can find Etta’s work on Instagram @ettabehrlich

Get ad-free episodes of Heavyweight by subscribing to Pushkin+ on Apple Podcasts or Pushkin.fm. You'll also get an exclusive bonus episode where Jonathan, Stevie, and Kalila remember how the beloved Jackie calls came to be and share a never-before-aired opening that could have started the show in an alternate Heavyweight universe. Thanks for your support—and be sure to check out the other offerings available to Pushkin+ subscribers, including ad-free episodes, full audiobooks, and exclusive binges of other podcasts throughout the year.

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A look at what’s to come this season. Heavyweight returns on September 18. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Pushkin+ subscribers can get all episodes ad-free! Sign up on the Heavyweight Apple show page or at pushkin.fm/plus

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It’s the last Heavyweight encore before our new season begins on September 18th! This week, we talk to Jonathan's mom about life in the years since her appearance in #15: Dina. During a visit back home, Jonathan’s mother Dina inadvertently admits something that forces him to question his past — and turn the mic on himself.

Credits

This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Kalila Holt, and Kaitlin Roberts. Editing by Jorge Just, Alex Blumberg, and Wendy Dorr. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Emanuele Berry, Pat Walters, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Kate Bilinski. Music by Christine Fellows and John K Samson, with additional music by Y La Bamba, Caspar Babypants, Michael Charles Smith, and Blue Dot Sessions. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records.

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For our penultimate Heavyweight encore, we’re joined by Pen15 co-creator Anna Konkle to revisit last season’s junior high drama — #53: Leif.

On Valentine’s Day in junior high, Leif was supposed to ask Kalila out. But he never did. Leif’s lack of action that day impacted Kalila’s life to come. And so seventeen years later, she wants to know: what happened.

For more, head over to Pushkin+, where you can subscribe to hear an extended cut of Kalila’s conversation with Anna.

Credits

This episode was hosted and produced by senior producer Kalila Holt, along with Jonathan Goldstein and Phoebe Flanigan. The supervising producer is Stevie Lane. Production assistance from Mohini Madgavkar. Editorial guidance from Emily Condon. Special thanks to Max Green, Flora Lichtman, and Connor Sampson. In the IM recreation, Karina was played by Reagan Didier, and Leif was played by John Claassen — thanks to Greg Holt and Tony John for making that possible. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Katie Mullins, Florian Le Prisé, and Bobby Lord. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records.

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This week, we check back in with Joey to answer everyone’s burning question: does he still have a mullet?

Years ago, Joey had a very bad day — all due to awkward misunderstandings. Jonathan and Gregor get involved to help him set things right.

Credits

This episode was produced by Jonathan Goldstein, Kalila Holt, Peter Bresnan, and Stevie Lane, with editing by Jorge Just and Alex Blumberg. Special thanks to Emily Condon, Flora Lichtman, PJ Vogt, Saidu Tejan-Thomas, Grace Hawkins, and Jackie Cohen. The show was mixed by Bobby Lord. Music by Christine Fellows, John K Samson, Blue Dot Sessions, Bobby Lord, and Y La Bamba. Our theme song is by The Weakerthans courtesy of Epitaph Records.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.