18 votes

Spotify cancels industry-favorite podcasts Heavyweight and Stolen

6 comments

  1. Goodtoknow
    Link
    I love Johnathan Goldstein's work, I dearly miss Wiretap from CBC when that wasn't renewed and Heavyweight filled that gap in my heart. It really stole the momentum though I think when it became...

    I love Johnathan Goldstein's work, I dearly miss Wiretap from CBC when that wasn't renewed and Heavyweight filled that gap in my heart. It really stole the momentum though I think when it became Spotify exclusive. I really wish all the best for Johnathan and hope he gets picked up elsewhere.

    8 votes
  2. moocow1452
    Link
    The show was Spotify exclusive for a time, but all episodes are available in an open RSS available at https://gimletmedia.com/shows/heavyweight or wherever podcasts are available.

    The show was Spotify exclusive for a time, but all episodes are available in an open RSS available at https://gimletmedia.com/shows/heavyweight or wherever podcasts are available.

    5 votes
  3. [2]
    Well_known_bear
    Link
    This is a shame. Spotify seems to have struggled a bit with the show in the past (taking it off regular podcast feeds to Spotify only for a while, only to then bring it back), but it clearly had...

    This is a shame. Spotify seems to have struggled a bit with the show in the past (taking it off regular podcast feeds to Spotify only for a while, only to then bring it back), but it clearly had an audience.

    I loved Jonathan's work on Wiretap and TAL (and Heavyweight too, although I liked the ill fated Mystery Show better) and look forward to seeing whatever he does next.

    5 votes
    1. tomf
      Link Parent
      Mystery Show was great! Goldstein will land on his feet and bring us something great

      Mystery Show was great! Goldstein will land on his feet and bring us something great

      4 votes
  4. [2]
    kitschqueen
    Link
    This is extremely disappointing, although not a surprise. After Heavyweight went Spotify-exclusive, I expected they were going to axe it with all the other Gimlet media that died at the end of...

    This is extremely disappointing, although not a surprise. After Heavyweight went Spotify-exclusive, I expected they were going to axe it with all the other Gimlet media that died at the end of last year. Then no word came of cancelation, but Spotify laid off Gimlet staff this summer so I assumed that marked the end. However, to my delight, it stopped the exclusivity this season and new episodes appeared on my podcast player. I hoped Spotify might have finally recognized the gem of this show.

    And now this.

    I look forward to whatever Jonathan Goldstein creates next. Maybe it will make me laugh and cry simultaneously like this show - knowing his style, it likely will. What I’m particularly curious about, though, is how the founders of Gimlet feel about the gradual dismantling of their podcast utopia. They were so proud of it - co-founder Alex Blumberg even hosted a show back in its heyday called Startup where one season focused on Gimlet. He left Spotify last year, and I’m not sure we’ve heard anything from Matt Lieber.

    In summary, Spotify did a capitalism.

    3 votes
    1. mattw2121
      Link Parent
      I'm sure Alex is just fine with it. His goal from the very start was to build something and cash out (this isn't a criticism of that).

      What I’m particularly curious about, though, is how the founders of Gimlet feel about the gradual dismantling of their podcast utopia. They were so proud of it - co-founder Alex Blumberg even hosted a show back in its heyday called Startup where one season focused on Gimlet.

      I'm sure Alex is just fine with it. His goal from the very start was to build something and cash out (this isn't a criticism of that).

      3 votes