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A Heavy Weight is intended for mature audiences. It discusses topics that may be triggering for some listeners including drug use and suicide.

Season 1 Episodes

A Heavy Weight Podcast

Apple PodcastsSpotify
episode+3

Episode 3: Rumors

20 year old IU sophomore Joseph hasn’t been heard from in days. What clues do detectives and his sister find as the search continues…
Oct 13, 2021
episode+8

Episode 8: Less Than 1%

Aquatic Death Specialist Andrea Zaferes and forensic pathologist Dr. Darin Wolfe join us again to talk about the likelihood of suicide by drowning...
Nov 17, 2021
episode+9

Episode 9: Narrative

What is the narrative in Joseph’s story? Who has tried to control it and why? We’re diving into a few strange details in Joseph’s case, starting...
Nov 24, 2021
episode+11

Episode 11: Foul Play

We’re back with our first update episode since the original series aired. You’ll hear from Joseph’s family and we’ll share unheard material for the...
Sep 30, 2024

Joseph was an ambitious 20 year old sophomore attending Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. He was bright, smart, funny, and relentlessly determined.

His life hadn’t been easy and he’d overcome a lot to get himself into school. He’d recently become a member of a popular fraternity on campus, Sigma Pi and was pursuing a degree in bio-chemistry and pre-pharmacology. He dreamt of one day becoming involved in pharmaceuticals, even researching and creating life saving medications.

Out of the blue, late the night of September 27, Joseph walked out of his shared off-campus home and vanished.

His body was found nearly five days later. Joseph was found in a local lake, weighed down by a backpack full of rocks.

His story never received the attention it deserved and his family is still left wondering, what really happened to Joseph?

“A special thank you to Vivianne, who has worked tirelessly on her brother’s case. The work is never-ending, tiring, and at many times frustrating and sad, but Vivianne remains a steadfast light keeping her brothers name alive. This series is, by and large, thanks to her.” — Stacy Bridavsky

News

Reviews + Ratings

4.9/5 Apple Podcasts

Apple PodcastSpotify

"Well told, tragic case"

Really tragic and mysterious case. Well told and in need of more attention.

Aug 23 | Rocks54368

"He def didn’t die by suicide"

No doubt about it, this case needs to be reopened, and this podcast proves it. The story is told with such clear and concise detail, and leaves me wondering why the case closes with the conclusion of death by suicide, and why it hasn’t gotten more attention.

Feb 17 | mrsgoodytoyou

"Engrossing"

Fantastic re-creation of the disappearance/ crime time line and engaging storytelling. I think the podcast should have a season two to delve into more crimes that are shrouded in mystery. Great journalism.

Dec 8 | What'sitreally

"Excellent"

I do not believe this was a suicide! Doesn’t make sense that the police involved won’t return Joseph’s items or share photos.

Nov 16 | MyKindofLuck

"Excellent coverage of a heartbreaking case"

Like a previous reviewer, I learned about this podcast via The Fall Line. And I am LIVID at how people in positions of power have failed Joseph Smedley and his family. Podcast host Stacy does a great job asking questions and highlighting the voices of Joseph’s sisters & father, as well as experts. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this podcast and to everyone who is working to get this case reopened and properly investigated.

Oct 31 | Elbybara

"Thank you for shedding light on this story"

I was a student at IU when this happened and have lived in Bloomington my entire life. Before listening to this podcast, I had no idea about the major questions in this case and the Bloomington Police Department’s failure to provide answers to Joseph’s family. Thank you for this sensitive and well-researched series that centers the family and their pursuit of justice for Joseph.

Oct 5 | ETbryn

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