In the podcast, “Heavyweight,” the host, Jonathan Goldstein, helps resolve and/or diminish a regret or a moment that the interviewee wishes to resolve. In other words, this podcast hopes to help others take the “heavyweight” off of their shoulders. In this specific episode, “Buzz,” Jonathan Goldstein’s father and uncle are interviewed to rekindle their heavily strained relationship stemming from their childhood onwards.
This podcast mixes the genres of comedy, seriousness, and drama in order to make this podcast more compelling. Through the use of narration, music, and editing, the host is able to create a nonchalant atmosphere throughout the episode, while simultaneously maintaining seriousness to the situation regarding his father and uncle.
The hook of this podcast is rather interesting as this is the first episode. The host calls himself “somewhat like a therapist (with the help of his podcast),” while his friend continues to laugh at his remarks. This host’s seriousness incorporated with his friend’s snarky remarks enables for a more drawing, interest peaking, and comedic approach to the whole podcast. However, at the same time, this hook makes it seem like it would be more comedic rather than it being somewhat more serious and wholesome (which could be surprising if not given the podcast’s purpose).
Soon after this introduction, there is a phone call between his father describing his strained relationship with his brother. This same narration continues with his uncle as well as frequent cuts of explanations and descriptions done by the host. This type of narration continues throughout the whole episode, and we, as the audience, are able to witness the whole process of the two brothers meeting one another for the first time in over 10 years. This form of narration is extremely beneficial and compelling to the audience because we are able to understand both sides of the situation. As the father and uncle continue to have a very distant relationship, being told stories from the father’s perspective, uncle’s perspective, as well as the host’s perspective, allows us to connect the dots as to what led to that point. Although this podcast is not of a “mystery” genre, a form of mystery is incorporated into the podcast as the audience is put into the role of almost, “detective,” to solve and understand what led to the current status of their relationship.
I feel as though the most crucial portion of this podcast is the host’s narration, description of his father’s actions, and analysis of his uncle. For example, when the host and his father were driving to his uncle’s house, the host described his father’s constant change of emotions throughout the 2-hour drive. Through the use of this type of narration, as well as the editing of quirky music, this specific part of the podcast was very comedic–the father is seen to be very anxious, excited, and also worried about meeting his own brother. This gives a sense of wholesomeness as we are able to see the care that he has for his strained relationship. This idea of wholesomeness made the story more compelling (for me), as I hoped for their relationship to be repaired as they are both reaching old age. Moreover, the host’s constant interruption of the conversation between the two brothers, allows for more in-depth analysis to be done, as the host mentions body language or subtle actions that may or may not sway one’s perspective and understanding of the relationship.
The use of his narration not only enables for a more thorough understanding of the brothers to be done, but it makes the whole podcast seem like a journey as well. As mentioned before, this podcast is not simply done at a studio, but rather through the phone, in the car, and through face to face interactions. The compilation of recordings from all different locations makes it feel like the audience is there with them and is being a “detective,” rather than it being distant storytelling from a 3rd person perspective.
This podcast has a very unique narrative style and is not that of a typical podcast. While we “follow” the journey that the host takes us through, the editing, hook, and music enable us to experience the wholesome, serious, and comedic interactions that the two brothers face as they meet each other for the first time in over 10 years.
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Hi Jennifer!
Based on what you wrote, “Heavyweight” seems like a really unique and interesting podcast! I definitely have some moments in my past I wish to resolve. Serious topics might be hard for people to process and feel comfortable talking about, but it seems like Goldstein recognizes this and is able to appropriately incorporate humor to make the podcast seem more lighthearted and easier to listen to. The host’s cut-ins and snarky comments create intrigue and a sense of familiarity with the audience, while not taking away from the seriousness of the situation. It’s interesting to see that Goldstein appears to be unbiased in this matter- or at least presents the perspectives in a way that the audience can understand both sides of the story. I liked your comparison of the podcast to the mystery genre because it really does seem like the host does a good job of creating suspense and leaving the audience wondering what’s going to happen next and how both perspectives are going to lead to a resolution.
I feel like every family goes through some sort of strain in one way or another, and the podcast almost feels reassuring that there will be a way to work through it. The host appears to help ordinary people like you and me – well in this case they’re related to him – which helps the audience relate to the content and become more engaged. If he were to celebrities on his podcast, it would feel a lot more disconnected. Since the first episode is about two people who are close to Goldstein, the audience gets a better understanding of who he is as a person. To address a familial rift publicly kinda creates a sense of vulnerability and connection between the host and the audience. This kind of connection is helpful to get people to continue to listen to this podcast.
I like how you mentioned the unique elements of this podcast – how it isn’t solely a studio production, how narration and music give the podcast an interesting feel.
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