Snap Judgment

It's the Nightmare before New Year's with a very Spooky episode from Snap… where guardian angels don't get snow days. Two stories from the mountains full of holiday spirit(s). Snap Judgment presents, “The Don’t Look Back! Special.” Amazing stories from the land of the unexplained from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked.

Spooked, features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. Want more Spooked? Episodes drop weekly -- listen on any podcast platform! 

STORIES

Cliffhanger

Bill is home from college, on his way to meet his girlfriend, when his car swerves off the road.

This story contains one brief scene of graphic material.

Big thanks to Bill Love for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Leon Morimoto.

Cowboy Ghost

Valerie is lost in a snowstorm in rural Montana. She thinks she might not be able to get out, when she sees two headlights coming to her through the storm. Help is on the way – she hopes.

Thank you Valerie for sharing your story. Valerie’s story comes to us from the book “Trucker Ghost Stories” edited by Annie Wilder.

Produced by Eliza Smith, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 57

Sacré bleu! The damn beavers are on the loose! Belgium authorities are hot on the tail of Oliver Rubbers. A renegade with a wild mission... bring the beaver back. 

Thank you, Olivier Rubbers, for sharing your story with us! Olivier now lives with his wife and kids in Belgium and is still engaging in nature advocacy work.  

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Renzo Gorrio, special thanks to Isobel Cockerell, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 15 - Episode 56

The "Home Alone" Curse is all too real. The big-budget movie is in peril, and only one actor can save it. Not Macaulay Culkin. Not Joe Pesci. It's the goofball cop, Larry Hankin, with one iconic glazed donut.

This story contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Larry Hankin, for sharing your story! From Escape to Alcatraz to Friends to Seinfeld and Breaking Bad, Larry has left an indelible mark on your TV screens over the last five decades. Yes, Llarry has a book, entitled, That Guy: A Cautionary Memoir.

Special thanks to Sam Shaw for sharing Larry’s story with us. Sam is working on a documentary on Larry’s improvisational theater company, The Committee. A special shoutout to The Crow Comedy Club in Santa Monica for hosting Larry during one of their unforgettable storytelling nights. 

Engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller & Miles Lassi. Artwork by Teo Ducot. 

Happy Holidays Snap Nation! Thank you for your support over the years -- we couldn't run this Snap train without you. 

Season 15 - Episode 55

Sieu is a young boy living in the big city of Phnom Penh, but he misses his old life in the Cambodian countryside. The air, the farms, but mostly… the animals. When the Khmer Rouge promises a return to the land, Sieu has no idea how far he and his family will have to go.

This story recounts aspects of the Khmer Rouge civil war including scenes of torture and death. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

BIG thanks to Sieu Do for sharing your story with us! There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Sieu and his family’s incredible journey. To find out more check out his book, A Cloak of Good Fortune.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 54

A shot at the pros. Everybody wants it, but these women have it. Faatimah was a pro point guard with a world of experience when she started her own league with a call-out for true ballers. But when her own future is on the line, can she deliver? And when a little girl goes missing in the desert, one woman is driven to find her… no matter what.

STORIES

I Got Ball

A shot at the pros. Everybody wants it, but these women have it. Faatimah was a pro point guard with a world of experience when she started her own league with a call-out for true ballers. But when her own future is on the line, can she deliver?

This story contains strong language, sensitive listeneres please be advised.

A huge thank you to Faatimah A, Delia Moore, and everyone over at the Women’s Premier Basketball Association for sharing their stories with the Snap!

A few months after the 2023 WPBA season concluded, Faatimah signed a contract to play professionally in Kuwait, where she spent last season abroad and continues to play for the Jamaican Women’s National Team in international competition. 

Delia ended up having a successful rookie season for Ulster University in Belfast averaging Ten Points per game. She’s back in Ireland this season playing for the Limerick Sports Huskies. 

That piece was narrated by Brittani Burgess. She’s a documentary filmmaker and photographer out of Oakland who covers the WPBA . You can find links to Brittani’s work on all platforms at Bazeinteractions. 

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Hunted

When a little girl goes missing in the desert, one woman is driven to find her… no matter what.

This story mentions domestic abuse, please take care while listening. Help is available, visit the National Domestic Abuse Hotline for resources. 

Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your amazing story! 

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 15 - Episode 53

This dog has everything: mustard, onions, a scrap with Giuliani, Vietnam Vets, and The Met. Everyone is coming for the Throne of the Hot Dog King of New York… Dan Rossi. And a camp for kids with dermatological issues reveals that some summer romances are more than skin deep.

STORIES

The Hot Dog King of New York

This dog has everything: mustard, onions, a scrap with Giuliani, Vietnam Vets, and The Met. Everyone is coming for the Throne of the Hot Dog King of New York… Dan Rossi.

This story contains strong language – sensitive listeners please be advised.

A huge thank you to Dan Rossi for sharing his story with Snap! There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Dan’s experience. To find out more check out his new memoir The New York Hot Dog King: From Rags to Riches to Less Than Rags. You can also follow Dan on social media.

Additional thanks to our friends at VICE, whose series MUNCHIES featured Dan back in 2019 and was a big inspiration for this story.

Listen to the King’s tribute song featured in this episode recorded by The Burner Band.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Skin Deep

It’s days before the big dance at Camp Discovery — and there’s a problem. A few problems. But the kids at this camp are more used to problems than your average camper.

Thanks to everyone in this episode! Learn more about Camp Discovery at aad.org.

Produced by Sarah Harris with help from Anna Sussman. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio.

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 52

Would you go on a reality show if you didn’t know what it was about? Even if they promised you the adventure of a lifetime? In 2005, 12 people did just that. They answered an ad that read “Thrill Seekers wanted” and began auditioning for a show unlike any other in British television history.

This week on Snap, we're featuring Split Screen: Thrill Seekers, a new six part series that exposes how a TV show left contestants struggling to trust what’s actually real! Split Screen: Thrill Seekers is a co-production of Love + Radio and Vespucci for the CBC. All six episodes are out now and available wherever you get your podcasts!  

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

The series producer is Meera Kumar. The story editors are Thomas Curry and Steven Jackson. Thomas Curry is the managing producer. 

Audio mix and sound-design by Steven Jackson. Featured music from the RVNG catalog. Artwork by Anthony Campbell.

The staff of CBC Podcasts are senior producer Kate Evans, coordinating producer Anna Ashitey, Senior Manager Tanya Springer and director Arif Noorani.

The executive producers for Split Screen: Thrill Seekers are Chris Oke and Cesil Fernandes from the CBC, Matt Willis, Daniel Turcan and Johnny Galvin from Vespucci, and from Love + Radio, Nick van der Kolk. 

Guest Interviews: Louise Dekker, Ryan McBride, Steve Hester, Charlie Skelton.

Season 15 - Episode 51

We are thrilled to share our new show Fire Escape, in partnership with Wondery! This 10 episode series, hosted by Anna Sussman, explores one woman’s journey as an incarcerated firefighter as she fights fire from behind bars -- defying a system intent on burying her under the weight of her worst moment.

This episode contains strong language and mentions a car crash and its aftermath. Please take care while listening.

Episode 1: The Crash

How did Amika Mota go from a midwife and mother of three to a prisoner inside one of the largest women's prisons on Earth? 

Handcuffed to a hospital bed, awaiting trial, Amika tries to come to grips with the tragic crash that cost one man his life and took her away from her children. Inside the Chowchilla prison walls, she faces the "green cops" and the threat of solitary confinement. Outside the walls sits Firehouse Five, the home of the legendary crew of incarcerated firefighters called the Fire Girls.

Thank you, Amika Mota, for your help and generosity in sharing your story with us!!!

Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED and Wondery. This series was created, written, and produced by Anna Sussman. 

For Snap Studios, our senior story editors are Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Marisa Dodge is our Director of Production. Original music by Renzo Gorrio, Dirk Schwarzhoff, and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created our original theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Special thanks to Pat Mesiti-Miller and the SF Fire Department. 

For Wondery, our senior story editor is Phyllis Fletcher. Our development producer is Eliza Mills. Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein are our senior producers. Sarah Mathis is our managing producer. Our executive producers for Snap Studios are Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Executive producers for Wondery are Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. 

Binge all episodes of Fire Escape early and ad-free right now by signing up for Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify or Amazon Music with your Prime Membership. Start your free trial: www.wondery.com/links/fire-escape now.

Season 15 - Episode 50

A dolphin named Dr. Spock is in danger and NBA star Clifford Ray is the only man big enough to lend a hand. Plus, torrential rain is ripping through the Appalachians and the people of the mountain are all looking for Plan B.

STORIES

Just Another Day for Big Clifford Ray

A dolphin named Dr. Spock is in danger and NBA star Clifford Ray is the only man big enough to lend a hand.

A huge thank you to Clifford Ray and Mary O’Herron for sharing their story with the Snap! 

This year, Big Cliff and Author Laynie D. Weaver teamed up to bring Clifford and Dr. Spock’s story to life in an illustrated Children’s book titled “Big Clifford Ray Saves The Day.” Want more Big Cliff? Follow him on Instagram or X.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff , artwork by Teo Ducot

Plan B

Snap Storyteller, Dr. Ray Christian, found himself trapped by the rising floodwaters of hurricane Helene, he knew he had to flee. But he also knew that meant leaving behind all of his animals, including his favorite goat. 

Thank you, Ray, for sharing your story with us! 

Ray has shared some resources for hurricane Helene recovery: The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Rock. 

For a world of Southern-baked personal narratives, interwoven with Black American history, listen to Ray's podcast: What's Ray Saying?

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Derek Barber

Season 15 - Episode 49

For 110 days Peter Hammarstedt and his group of ocean vigilantes hunted the most notorious poacher of sea bass on the high seas, known as the Thunder. Their journey turns into an epic chase across 10,000 miles, two seas, and three oceans, through massive ice floors, violent clashes, and storms-tossed seas, where only one ship makes it home.

This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you so much to Peter Hammarstedt for sharing your story with us!

Thanks as well to Ian Urbina. We first heard about this story thanks to his reporting. You can find his book, The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier, on Knopf, Amazon, or anywhere books are sold. Ian has a great collection of stories and books about the lawless ocean.

Also, BIG thanks to Brick City TV & Mark Benjamin for sharing the audio from their documentary, Ocean Warriors: Chasing the Thunder. You can see a trailer of the film here.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 – Episode 48 – Snap Classic

An engineer is stranded in Alaska's North Slope during a fierce blizzard. He and his crew encounter something out in the snow that they truly can’t explain. Plus, the story of a man who discovers that if you love someone enough, they never truly leave you. 

'Tis the season... and in dark celebration we're featuring supernatural stories from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked: true-life stories told by people who can barley believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform! 

STORIES

Northern Frights

As an engineer, Forrest is used to being able to solve problems and find solutions. But while working in the remote North Slope of Alaska, he learns that there are things in this world that just can’t be explained.

A big thanks to Forrest for sharing his story.

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot. 

The Bull Ring

Todd discovers that if you love someone enough, they never truly leave you...

Thank you, Todd Narron, for sharing your story with us. If you want more stories from Todd, check out his books: Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men and Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men: Series 2 - The Dead Ones. 

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Spooked has a Youtube Channel! Subscribe now for a new scary story each week.

Season 15 - Episode 47

A ghost seeks forgiveness from beyond the grave and some photos make a woman question reality. It's time to summon the Shadow... 

This week on Snap, we're featuring supernatural stories from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked: true-life stories told by people who can barley believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform... Be afraid.

STORIES

Spooked LIVE: Glynn Washington x John Blake

Glynn's brother pays him a visit. And Journalist, John Blake, shares his family story about a ghost that sought forgiveness from beyond the grave. These stories were told at Spooked LIVE at the haunted Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. 

Thanks, John, for sharing your story with us! To learn more about John's story reconciling with his mother’s family, be sure to check out his amazing memoir — More Than I Imagined: What  A Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew. You can also follow his work on his website.

This story was produced by Zoë Ferrigno and Davey Kim. The original score was created and performed live by Doug Stuart and Brijean Murphy. 

Picture Perfect

When Susiy and her family visit a new town, they have no idea who they’ll be running into.

Suisy, thank you for sharing your story with us.

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Lalin St. Juste, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Spooked has a Youtube Channel! Subscribe now for a new scary story each week.

Season 15 - Episode 46

You go all the way or YOU DON’T GO. 

Thank you to Murf Meyer for not dying. To Matt Mayer, for being our backflipping guru. And to Chris Gethard, for letting this whole sorry mess happen in the first place. We thank you.

You can listen to Chris Gethard’s Beautiful/Anonymous and New Jersey Is the World wherever you get your podcasts. Zak Rosen produces the show Best Advice. Listen here.

Produced by Zak Rosen with help from John Fecile. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 15 - Episode 45

The Southern heat is turned up high as one man faces a filthy flock of sheep, a nonstop chatterbox, and an angry ram, all in a super explosive little shack. Plus, a story where an anarchist and an Amish family come together.

STORIES

Sheep Shearer

The Southern heat is turned up high as one man faces a filthy flock of sheep, a nonstop chatterbox, and an angry ram, all in a super explosive little shack. 

Thank you, Brian Lee Knopp, for telling your story! Brian is a retired Private Investigator and sheep shearer. He’s currently working on a collection of personal essays. 

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Chaotic Good

Malaclypse was part of a dangerous anarchist group. They stole, they killed, they escaped, until one day when Malaclypse could run no further…

Dan has been playing and organizing LARPs for 20 years. He posts bad LARP advice on Twitter at LarpTips.

Produced by Jazmin Aguilera, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 15 - Episode 44

When Umid is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help... from two of the world’s most dangerous men. And a glitch in time brings mayhem to a man’s life day after day… no matter how many times he resets his clocks.

This episode contains some strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

STORIES

The League of Impersonators

When Umid Isabaev is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help… from two of the world’s most dangerous men.

Thank you, Umid, for sharing your story with Snap!

Thanks to Ethan Herschenfeld who voiced Umid’s words, and to, Mars Lipowski, who was the voice of Steve Poland. BIG thanks as well to our translators for this piece, Muhitdin Ahunhodjaev and Magdalena Balz.

The three fake heads of state reunited recently in Poland for a magazine photo shoot! This photo will also be on our social media accounts.

Want more from the Kim Jong Un Look-alike? Check out his Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Trying to hear from the Putin Look-alike? Visit his website.

Produced by John Fecile & Anne Ford, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Time Glitch

Joel Gheen is out of the military, newly married, and in college. His new life is going great… if he could just catch the damn bus.

Thank you, Joel, for sharing your story with us!

If you’re hungry for more details about Joel’s experience with a real-life glitch in the matrix, check out his website. Joel also has a fun podcast that covers weird topics from a Biblical perspective. Listen to hear all the paranormal stuff that never gets discussed from a traditional church pulpit or Bible study.

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

Season 15 – Episode 43

Four comics score a sweet gig in the Deep South. It’s champagne, a Benz, and maybe even a Kevin Hart appearance. But their dream of life behind the velvet rope is about to get a rude awakening. Plus, do we take the Honolulu ghost tour with Lopaka, or the big time wresting match with Johnny All Black? You only get one double life on the latest Snap.

STORIES

We Have A Problem

Comics, Lamarr Todd, Matt Black, and Ken Jones, score a sweet gig in the Deep South. It’s champagne, a Benz, and maybe even a Kevin Hart appearance. But their dream of life behind the velvet rope is about to get a rude awakening. 

BIG thanks to, Lamarr Todd, for sharing his story with Snap! Lamarr is a standup comedian and a featured judge at First Person Arts in Philadelphia. Find out about his tour dates and current exploits on Instagram and X.

Matt Black and Ken Jones are also lighting up comedy stages around the country! Find Matt on Instagram. Find Ken on Instagram and X. 

Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Clay Xavier.

Double Booked

Do we take the Honolulu ghost tour with Lopaka, or the big time wresting match with Johnny All Black? You only get one double life on the latest Snap.

Thank you, Lopaka, for sharing your story! Lopaka still leads ghost tours in Honolulu today. 

Want to hear some of Lopaka’s stories from the dark side? Head on over to our evil twin sister show, Spooked... you can listen on any podcast platform.

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 15 - Episode 42

Snap Studios introduces an epic collaboration years in the making... "Mind Your Own." A new storytelling show hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong'o, that navigates what it means to belong all from an African perspective.

Lupita Nyong’o knows what home feels like. But where exactly is it? In Mexico, where she was born? Kenya, where she grew up? Or the States, where she’s spent the past 20 years?

Like Lupita, millions of Africans are spread out across the globe following family, searching for love, building futures and creating stories. It's these stories – wild and messy, intimate and joyous – that she wants to hear. 

Join Lupita as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind.

Episode 1: The Sound of Home

Sound travels in all directions, but your feet can only follow in one.

“Losing My Accent”: Lupita takes on an American accent when she becomes an actor-in-training at Yale.

Original score by Ian Hughes Pelton AKA Tofu Jack.

“Obaa Sima”: How long can a song stay in your heart? A musical journey from Ghana to Germany to Canada transports Yaw Atta-Owusu from the toy store to the dance floor.

Big thanks to Yaw for sharing his story with us! Check out the Obaa Sima album featured in this episode. Thanks as well to Awesome Tapes From Africa for sharing Yaw’s music with us.

Produced by Marisa Dodge and Regina Bediako with assistance from Bo Walsh. Original score by Clay Xavier, with additional music from Marla Kether and Ata Kak.

Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo. This episode also featured the song Show My Side by CKay ft. Amaarae.

Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich

Managing Editor: Regina Bediako

Director of Production: Marisa Dodge

Series Producers: David Exumé and Priscilla Alabi

Music Supervisor: Sandra Lawson-Ndu

Story Scouts: Ashley Okwuosa, Fiona Nyong’o, Jessica Kariisa, Lesedi Oluko Moche

Editors: Nancy López and Anna Sussman

Engineering: Miles Lassi

Operations Manager: Florene Wiley

Story Consultant: John Fecile

Graphic Design: Jemimah Ekeh

Original Artwork: Mateus Sithole

Special Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and Afripods.

Episode transcripts can be found here.

Mind Your Own is a production of KQED’s Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong’o. 

Two boys hunting for crystals in the forest learn something out there is also on the hunt for them. And one wrong turn out on the road leads a group of friends to the most sinister encounter of their lives. 

Snap presents a ritual as old as our treachery, “Campfire Tales: Season of the Wolf.” Journey into the void while you still can... before this gate slams shut. This Spooked Spectacular features supernatural stories told by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. 

Spooked has a new season starting Friday the 13th of September! Brand new episodes will drop each and every week until All Hallows' Eve. Be afraid. Cross over and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and podcast platforms everywhere 9/13/24.

STORIES

The Woods Have Eyes

Nate and Keith love to explore the forests in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, hunting for stones and crystals to add to their collection. But something out there is also on the hunt… for them. 

Thank you, Nate, for sharing your story with Spooked!

Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Doug Stuart.

Buffer Night 

One wrong turn leads Kyan and his friends to the most sinister encounter of their lives.

Thanks to Kyan Bond for sharing his story. If you know what’s up with Buffer Night, drop us a line.

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

Season 15 - Episode 40

Cheyenne Brady knew next to nothing about the US census when she was given the job of counting everyone on her reservation. Writer Julian Brave Noisecat follows her through the ups and downs of the 2020 census, culminating in the first-ever Census Powwow.

This story features descriptions of genocide and historical trauma, sensitive listeners please be advised.

A big, big thank you to everyone on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Especially Cheyenne Brady and her family: Novi Runs Above, Holy Rope, Tayvin, Poncho, Tookie, Uncle Thomas, and Grandma Florence.

Thank you also to Charlie Moran, Tavares Fimbres, Gabrielle Wilkinson, and Braedyn Taft, and Jazz Bearstail. Thanks to our friends at KMHA radio: Anne Morsette, Will Maguire, Ricky Raine, and Shelley Krueger for administering a rapid COVID test.

And big thanks to the whole Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.

Sincerest thanks to Dr. Cheryl Ann Kary, Cheryl Keepseagle, Logan Davis, Barb Anguino, D’Vera Cohn,  Byard Duncan, David Rodriguez, and Lycia Ortega Maddocks.

This story was produced in partnership with Type Investigations.

The original score was by Cheflee and Pat Mesiti-Miller

This story was produced and reported by Julian Brave NoiseCat and John Fecile

It was written by Julian Brave NoiseCat

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 39

Chase the storm until it chases you. Tornadoes! They don’t look like they do in the movies. When you’re in the path of one, all you’ll see is a wall of black wind. This week, Snap is heading directly into the monster’s maw to chase storms that should be left alone.

Big thanks to Craig Wolter! Thank you, Windom High School... especially Sarah, Benny, and Danielle. Crystal Frank, another student on the trip, shared her home video with us. This story would not have been possible without her.

Many thanks also to Sue, for sharing your story with us. Sue’s memoir is titled The Lake Turned Upside Down. 

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

If you listened to our radio broadcast and want to find out what happened to the 24 people that shut themselves in a beer cooler to wait out one of the strongest tornadoes in recorded history, you can listen to the full length version of the "Eye of the Storm" story here. 

Season 15 - Episode 38

Amateur treasure hunters race to uncover $100,000 in gold and silver after a man buries his entire jewelry store around the state of Michigan. Hunters are given clues and left to explore the woods.

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to Johnny & everyone out on the hunt for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Johnny and his treasure quest on his website and Facebook.

Produced by Will McCarthy, original score by Derek Barber, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic Season 15 – Episode 37

When Dr. Ayaz Virji first set foot in Dawson, Minnesota, he didn’t know what to expect. He was a brown Muslim man walking into a predominantly white rural town. But much to his surprise Ayaz and his family fit right in. Dawson quickly became home and his neighbors became like his extended family. Then came the presidential election of 2016.

A very big thank you to Ayaz and Mussarat Virji, and to Mandy France and Doug Peterson for sharing their story with Snap!

For more, please make sure to check out Ayaz Virji’s book, Love Thy Neighbor: A Muslim Doctor’s Struggle for Home in Rural America.

Produced by Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 36

A rock climber hits the jackpot in Yosemite and Moss Hills saves the day with his music on a sea cruise. Two stories… double the trouble.

STORIES

Lake Chronicopia

Dale Bard was a young rock climber in Yosemite in the ’70s. Back then, rock climbing was an obscure, expensive passion. And he came across the most unbelievable cash cow you’ve ever heard of.

Thank you, Cisco DeVries, Papa Tom DeVries, all the climbers that helped us, and a big huge thanks to the filmmakers Greg Laut and Nicholas Rosen from Sender Films. Check out our link to their amazing documentary on this very story, “Valley Uprising.”

Produced by Anna Sussman & Julia Dewitt, original score by Leon Morimoto

The Sinking of the Cruise Ship Oceanos

Moss Hills takes us on a sea cruise and saves the day with his music.

Thanks, Moss, for sharing your story with us! Love this story? Learn more about the sinking of the Oceanos or watch a video of the ship’s final moments!

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Snap Classic – Season 15 – Episode 35

A severed head turns up in a small rural town. While police investigate this as a crime, they look at disturbed graves, search for missing people — suspect a killer. But the forensic artist on the case has a very different theory for how the head ended up in the woods.

This story contains references to forensic material, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you to Michelle Vitali & Mike O’Brien for sharing this story with Snap.

Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 34

Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything. And the story of a talented luchador who has an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side.

STORIES 

Feelabeelia: One-Hit Wonder?

Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything. 

Major thanks to Nick Murphy for sharing your story with Snap. Nick still lives in Leicester today and he’s continuing to make his dreams come true as one of the oldest students at De Montfort University, where he studies music technology. 

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Clay Xavier.

Cassandro El Exotico

Cassandro is an up-and-coming luchador, a professional Mexican wrestler. He wants to get to the big arenas. He’s got the talent, no doubt. But because he’s also one of the only openly gay fighters, he’s got an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side.

This story contains graphic imagery regarding suicide. Please take care while listening. 

Thank you for sharing your story, Cassandro!

Produced by Eliza Smith, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 33

An undercover ATF agent is going full throttle on a highway to hell as he tries to infiltrate the most notorious motorcycle club on the planet.

This story contains police violence, descriptions of violence, and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

BIG thanks to Jay Dobyns for sharing his story with Snap. There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Jay’s experience. To find out more check out his memoirs “No Angel” and “Catching Hell.”

Special thanks to George Christie.

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club did not respond to requests for comment on this story.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 32

Your daddy is a bank robber, the world is on fire, and grandma’s last dress is in stitches. There’s got to be some way out of this... Chasing the Rainbow.

STORIES

Salmon Daddy 

After being fed up with life in rural Virginia, 15-year-old Deni Béchard calls his estranged father with one request: “I want to go live with you.” His dad, he found out, was a bank robber and Deni wanted a life right out of a crime novel. But when he finally gets to Vancouver, he finds out his dad doesn’t quite live up to the legend.

Thanks, Deni, for sharing your story with Snap! Check out all of Deni's books and see what he's up to on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram or X.

Produced by David Exumé. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio.

As the World Burns 

What happens when the world around you starts to burn? 

Performed by Josh Healey at Snap Judgment LIVE! at San Francisco's Nourse Theater.

Music composed by Alex Mandel and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

The Funeral Dress

Paul Valdez loved making dresses with his grandmother at her bridal shop in Santa Fe, but one particular dress he didn’t want to make… 

Thanks, Paul, for sharing your story!

Produced by Jazmin Aguilera. Sound Design by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 15 - Episode 31

A woman’s life changes forever when she decides to tell a secret that she’s kept for 23 years. The first all-woman race car driving team in the Middle East is forced to find the center of gravity on and off the track. And a young boy makes waves in his family.

STORIES

Racing Harold

Glynn races a rival for the ultimate prize.

Score and Sound Design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

The Secret Life of Katherine Ann Power

What happens when you decide to keep a secret for a really long time...And then, you decide to tell.

To learn more about Katherine’s experience, check out her book Doing Time: Papers from Framingham Prison

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Speed Sisters

Marah is the best racer on the Speed Sisters team--the first all-female racing collective in the Arab world. That is, until Betty joins the team.

This story is a collaboration with Amber Fares, director of the documentary Speed Sisters. 

Produced by Eliza Smith, sound production by Leon Morimoto

Translation and voice over: Amber Fares, as Marah. Jazmin Aguilera, as Betty. Avery Trufelman, as Maysoon. Mark Ristich, as Marah’s dad. Pat Mesiti-Miller, as Khaled.

The Boy Who Made Waves

Joe Blair is a pipe fitter in Iowa who writes in his spare time. He is the father of four, including one autistic son—Michael--who has been both a source of joy and a source of stress.

This story was brought to us by Modern Love: the Podcast, a collaboration between The New York Times and WBUR Boston. It takes essays from the paper’s popular Sunday column and matches them with top talent from the stage and screen. Mykelti Williamson, who played "Bubba" in Forrest Gump and most recently Gabriel in the Oscar-nominated film "Fences" reads Joe Blair's essay "For The Boy Who Makes Waves."

For more incredible stories of modern Love, go visit the Modern Love website and subscribe to their podcast.

Then check out Joe Blair’s memoir, By The Iowa Sea, about the joys and sorrows of life on the great plains. And if you haven't already, go see Mykelti Williamson in Fences, directed by Denzel Washington. 

Original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Episode artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 30

Jen is about to start an internship at a museum. But this isn’t a typical museum… it’s built inside two old, historic mansions. By this time, the original owners of these two old homes are long gone–or are they? And a night nurse dedicated to his job loves to help people. But when spirits of former patients reach out to him, he’s not sure if he can care for them.

We proudly present supernatural stories our evil-twin podcast, Spooked. Spooked features stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. Be afraid. Listen on any podcast platform! 

STORIES

Fright at the Museum

Jen is about to start an internship at a museum. But this isn’t a typical museum… it’s built inside two old, historic mansions. By this time, the original owners of these two old homes are long gone — or are they?

Thank you, Jen, for sharing your story with Spooked.

Produced by Zoe Ferrigno, original score by Leon Morimoto

Night Nurse

Dennis is a nurse, a helper. But when spirits of former patients reach out to him, he’s not sure if he can care for them.

Produced by Chris Hambrick, original score by Dakim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 29

Do you remember the moment you saw your first love? Rodney Hines sure does. He was 13 years old, and it was the 4th of July. His parents took him to their friends’ house where he saw Shani Browning. For the next two decades, their lives each resembled a rollercoaster ride with dramatic ups and downs.

One day on the yard at Solano State Prison, Hines was recounting the details of how the relationship with his childhood crush transformed into a tragic love affair. Uncuffed producer Anthony Ivy realized he needed to get Hines into the studio to tell his story.

Produced by Anthony Ivy with help from Andrew Stelzer, Sonia Paul, Kathy Novak, Angela Johnston, Ninna Gaensler-Debs, and sound designer Eric 'Maserati-E 'Abercrombie.

This story, Hole In The Heart: A Love Stronger Than Prison Walls originally aired on Uncuffed. Uncuffed is KALW's award-winning radio training program and podcast in California prisons. Listen on any podcast platform! 

Season 15 - Episode 28

Carol dreamt of being the best elephant trainer in the world. When Carol met Tarra, a baby Asian elephant, she fell in love and wanted to teach her everything. As their friendship grew, Tarra became Carol's most important teacher.

BIG thanks to Carol for sharing her story with us! Carol bought a piece of land and created a refuge for Tarra -- The Elephant Refuge North America, in Attapulgus, Georgia. 

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 27 

A woman recounts her Aunt’s fairytale love story while searching for her own Modern Romance. An African princess learns she is truly beautiful. And a precocious eight-year-old finds himself on the brink of a revolution.

STORIES

Modern Romance

In the second half of her life, Stephanie found her classic Hollywood romance. Now she attempts to understand the strange and confusing world of dating apps to help her niece – and the show’s host Nichole – find her happily ever after.

This story comes to us from The Secret Adventures of Black People, hosted by Nichole Hill. This incredible podcast tells the stories of Black people holding it down across space and time. Be sure to check out the show and subscribe to the podcast at TheSecretAdventuresOfBlackPeople.com

Stay in touch by joining the newsletter, following their Instagram, or by sending an email to [email protected]

Modern Romance was written and produced by Nichole Hill with production assistance by Shonte Hill, and story editing assistance by Talia Bender. Special thanks to Stephanie Camolli!

Music: Epidemic Sound

Beautiful – Sonya Renee Taylor

An African princess learns she is truly beautiful.

This story was performed by Sonya Renee Taylor at Snap LIVE in DC. Sonya Renee Taylor is an internationally acclaimed performance poet, actress, educator, and activist. The LIVE score was composed by amazing Alex Mandel & performed by Alex Mandel, David Brandt, and Tim Frick. Watch Sonya’s Snap LIVE performance.

Liberation – Latif Doman

When Latif Doman is growing up in Philly, he takes his schoolwork seriously… which is unfortunate for the parents in his neighborhood.

Many thanks to Latif and Story District for bringing us this story!

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 26

Four hairstylists compete to win the Bronner Bros Hair Battle, a one-of-a-kind hairstyling showdown. Winning this competition doesn't just represent a feather in one's cap, it's a stepping stone to getting celebrity clients. Big hair. Big personalities.

BIG thanks to all the stylists who shared their stories with us!

Ashley Payne, the bob queen, moved her salon to a new location, a private, appointment-only, suite. She suffered some health blows and started a gofundme to help pay for a liver transplant.

Check out Tammie B’s work! Que Barnes is still at the helm of her salon in Atlanta. Terrence Davidson, the king of hair, started selling hair products online called Kingz N Queenz.

Produced by Chris Hambrick & Nancy Lopez, with assistance from Shaina Shealy

Original score by Marco Prestige, sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 25

Drama Club is the happy, safe space for Lee and Parker until their school play becomes a homophobic middle school meltdown. The lights get turned up to 10, the adults are in a media frenzy, and the kids are just trying to figure it all out.

STORIES

Don't Say Gay Dads

Drama Club is the happy, safe space for Lee and Parker until their school play becomes a homophobic middle school meltdown. The lights get turned up to 10, the adults are in a media frenzy, and the kids are just trying to figure it all out.

This story contains descriptions of abuse directed at gay persons. Please take care while listening.

A very big thank you to Lee and Parker—who are best friends to this day.  Thanks as well to Jamie McGonnigal.

Produced by Mark Betancourt, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Playground Bullies and Dark Secrets 

In middle school, Mike has a secret. But no one has ever seen “it.” 

This was performed at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles.

“Mighty” Mike McGee is an international spoken word artist, writer, performer, speaker, slam poet and comic. McGee is the first slam poet to win both the American National Poetry Slam Individual Grand Championship and the Individual World Poetry Slam Championship. 

Original score composed and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 24

Two sisters, Magi and Memo, track down an American man accused of sexual abuse at a children’s home in Kenya. It’s a story spanning two continents… following those who give everything to make things right. This episode is a 2024 Gracie Award Winner.

This story, while not graphic, does involve child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the death of a child. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you so much to everyone in this story. To Magi and Memo, for sharing your lives with us over the past two years. Magi has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the survivors of the Dow Children’s Home.

To Janice and especially to Joy — Kongoi for your courage and your strength. Kongoi as well to Geoffrey Ng’tich, Beatrice Korir, and Joshua Abudoh.

Translation by Caroline Chebet

Recording engineers: Josh Wilcox, Ryan Geesaman, and Coconut

Original score by Renzo Gorrio

Produced and reported by Halima Gikandi and John Fecile

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 22

Raymond Christian is back with a story that gives whole new meaning to the phrase “rear infantry.”

Thanks, Ray, for sharing this story! Listen to Ray's show “What’s Ray Saying” wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 22

It’s the 70’s, two young girls are caught up in the allure of smoking, and the whole scene is about to blow. And a veteran clown knows one thing… don’t bleed in front of the children.

STORIES

Smoke Rings

Back in the 70s, smoking was cool. Angie was not.

Thank you to Angie and her mom Marita for sharing this story.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Charles the Clown

When it's time to put on a good face... sometimes you just gotta improvise.

A huge thank you to the one and only Charles the Clown for sharing his experience with the Snap. Charles Kraus has been a children’s entertainer for more than 40 years. Check out his videos, songs, magic tricks, and puppet routines! You can even book Charles for your next event in Seattle and now in the San Francisco Bay Area .

Produced by Bo Walsh , original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 21

When twin rovers named Spirit and Opportunity landed on Mars twenty years ago, they were only supposed to last 90 Martian days. But years passed, they were still alive, and engineers kept taking care of them...

We proudly present a This is Love Spotlight — a story from out of this world, about two robots on Mars who just would not die. And the people whose job it was to check on them every day, who started to think about them as family.

This story Tau = 10.8, is from the podcast This is Love, part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. 

This is Love, hosted by Phoebe Judge is a show that tells stories about a lot of different kinds of love — sometimes love between people, sometimes not. It’s made by the same team that makes what was one of the first true crime podcasts out there — a show called Criminal. 

They have dozens more stories like this available wherever you get your podcasts! Their website is thisislovepodcast.com. 

Artwork by Julienne Alexander 

MUSIC

• “Spindash” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Oriel” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Line Exchange” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Stickle” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Idle Ways” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Vernouillet_Swing Swing” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “The Gran Dias” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “The Longshoreman” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Borough_Alternate Opening” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Awash” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Parissi” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Pxl Htra” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Trailmaker” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Bundt” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Pall Canyon” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Etude 3 Chessanta_Alt Arp” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Town Market_Guitar” by Blue Dot Sessions

Season 15 - Episode 20 

In sweet home Alabama, from the heart of Libya, comes a renegade candidate with a boombox and a head scarf. The cheerleaders, the geeks, the dweebs and the freaks are about to send a message the country needs right after 9/11.

A very big thank you to Yasmin!

Yasmin is a comedian and storyteller. You can follow her on Instagram @yasminelhahahady or TikTok @yasmin_elhady. She first told a version of this story at Story District in Washington, DC.  

Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 19

She’s stunning grey, sleek as a race car, and stronger than all the boys. Her name is Winning Colors and for Dino and Miami she’s the long shot of a lifetime.

This story contains strong language and includes descriptions of gambling, sensitive listeners please be advised.

If gambling has become a problem for you or for someone you know, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) to seek free, confidential, 24/7 problem gambling assistance.

A huge thank you to Mark “Miami” Paul for sharing his story with Snap!

Wondering what happened to Winning Colors? After her 1988 Kentucky Derby crown the big grey filly retired the following year with eight career wins. In 2000, she was inducted into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 2008, at the age of 23 Winning Colors was laid to rest in Lexington, Kentucky.

To find out more about Miami and Winning Colors’ story – check out Miami’s book, “The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told” 

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Bo Walsh, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 18

Some roads are long and some roads wind. Some roads show you things you’d never think you’d find…

This week we’re featuring stories from our evil twin podcast Spooked! You can listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform. Be afraid.

STORIES

Demon Dog

A mysterious wolf creature hunts Chuck and his family on winding mountain roads. Chuck can hardly believe it was real, until he finds an old legend that confirms it.

Thank you, Chuck, for sharing your story!

Produced by Greta Weber and Chris Hambrick, original score by Yari Bundy

Deception Pass

When Shirley gets sent out on a trucking job two weeks before Christmas, she thinks the biggest thing she has to fear is winter weather. But she’s about to learn, there are scarier things than storms out on the road.

Thanks, Shirley, for sharing your story with Spooked!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Doug Stuart

Night Watch

When Dave took on the graveyard shift at the station, he saw all kinds of stuff. But he never saw anything quite like this.

Thanks, Dave, for sharing your story with us.

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot 

Season 15 - Episode 17

Melissa McFadden always saw police officers as protectors. But when she became an officer, she found herself with almost no one to protect her.

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. 

Thank you, Lt. McFadden for sharing your story with us! Check out McFadden’s book: Walking the Thin Black Line

Funding for this episode was provided by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, as part of its "Expanding Awareness of the Science of Intellectual Humility" initiative, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. 

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 16 

Things go horribly wrong for a safari guide on the Zambezi River when he comes face-to-face with a rogue hippo. And Dr. Ray Christian breaks the first rule about Fight Club and tells us all about it. 

This episode contains graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.

STORIES 

Belly of the Beast

Things go horribly wrong for a safari guide on the Zambezi River when he comes face-to-face with a rogue hippo.

Thank you, Paul, for sharing your story with Snap! Check out Paul Templer’s memoir, What’s Left of Me.

Produced by Erika Lantz, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Fight Club

The first rule about fight club is you do not talk about fight club. Dr. Ray Christian breaks that rule.

You can hear more of Ray on his podcast: What's Ray Saying?

Produced by Mark Ristich, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 15

A man fights freezing temperatures and extreme altitude while ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro, to search for answers to life’s questions. And when a resident of the Cadillac Hotel goes missing, her longtime lover and best friend won’t rest until she is found.

STORIES

Rocky’s Best Life

Glynn remembers the fond memories of a childhood friend, Rocky.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

The Enlightenment Trap

A skeptical journalist fights freezing temperatures alongside a fitness guru to test his limits.

Read more about Scott’s adventures with Wim Hof and his ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro in his book, “What Doesn’t Kill Us.” See what else Scott is up to on his website.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by David Last

The Cadillac Hotel

At the Cadillac Hotel, an SRO in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, a resident has gone missing. Her long time lover and best friend won’t rest until she is found.

Produced by Parker Yesko with assistance from Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic: Season 15 - Episode 14

Three fanboys and a dead-sexy wax Burt Reynolds are on a mission. They are Eastbound and Down on a road trip from Cali to Florida State and the troopers… are hot on their heels.

A huge thank you to Mike Carano, Matt Leuthe, and Steve Millunzi for sharing their experience! Mike originally told a version of this story in conversation with Christine Blackburn on the Storyworthy podcast. Check out their collection of amazing stories!

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 13

A Chicago newspaper establishes an undercover bar to catch officials in the act of corruption. And a hardcore soccer fan from the crowd is put to the test in a game what happens next made him a legend.

STORIES

Night At The Mirage

A Chicago newspaper establishes an undercover bar to catch officials in the act of corruption. They soon acquire a cast of characters looking for more than just a drink. Snap presents, “Night at The Mirage.” The story of the famous undercover Chicago Sun bar, as told by two reporters posing as bartenders.

Produced by Joe Rosenburg and Anna Sussman, original score by Leon Morimoto

The Legend Of Steve Davies

In one of soccer’s most legendary fairy tales, manager Harry Redknapp once plucked a hardcore fan from the crowd and put him to the test for West Ham United. What happens next made the fan a legend.

Thank you, Steve Davies, for sharing your story with the Snap. A special thanks to Jeff for bringing us that story.

Produced by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic – Season 15 Episode 12

Cell Double L is the final cell in Oklahoma State Penitentiary. It is the cell you occupy before your execution. We speak to three men and their loved ones as they move through death watch row.

This episode includes references to penal executions and strong language. Please take care while listening.

Huge enormous thanks to Bigler Stouffer, Wade Lay, and Donald Grant for sharing your stories. Also major thanks to the loved ones, on the outside, for allowing us inside their lives.

Produced by Ellie Lightfoot and Gaby Caplan

Gaby Caplan and Ellie Lightfoot reported this story while participating in the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s National Fellowship and the Kristy Hammam Fund for Health Journalism.

Season 15 - Episode 11

We’re going back to college with Ronald Young Jr., where he couldn’t wait to explore a world beyond the watchful gaze of his churchgoing parents. He meets an amazing girl, but their story would not be a love story… because of their weight.

This story comes to us from Weight For It, a production of Oh It’s Big Ron Studios and is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. This podcast series was a Tribeca Official Selection. It was also picked by the New York Times as one of the best podcasts of the year. Listen to Weight For It wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Ronald Young Jr. on Twitter, Threads, IG, and TikTok - @ohitsbigron

Episodes of Weight For It were produced and written by Ronald Young Jr., with editing from Sarah Dealey. The version you heard was edited for Snap by Regina Bediako.

Sound design and mixing from the Reverend John DeLore of Starlight Diner. Theme music from Jay Redd, with additional music from Mass Potential, the artist DT, and the mysterious Breakmaster Cylinder.

Special thanks to Caitlin Scanlan, Jessica Taylor Dickin, Myra Mejia, and Dr. Caitlin Gunn. Artwork by Heather Wilder.

Support Resources

If you need support for disordered eating or your body image; please check out the links below:

Crescent Counseling Center

Intuitive Growth Counseling

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated disorders

Project Heal

Muti-service eating disorders association

National Alliance for Eating Disorders

Eating Recovery Center

What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat - Aubrey Gordon

Heavy - Kiese Laymon

Belly of the Beast - Da’ Shaun Harrison

The Body is Not an Apology - Sonya Renee Taylor

Season 15 - Episode 10

Armored trucks spew clouds of cash into the sky and the people who happen upon it are faced with an unexpected moral dilemma. And a kid from Harlem becomes the biggest heroin dealer in upstate New York. He soon learns what it will take for him to turn his back on a mountain of cash.

STORIES

Money Truck

Six people, six different times and places, but they all find themselves in the same predicament, asking the same question, should they stop or should they go?

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to Tyler Estep, who first reported Philip Dean’s story for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Thanks also to Cole Richards and Randy Scott Carroll for recording assistance.

Thank you to everyone interviewed for this story: Troy Stokes, Philip Dean, Betsy Richards, Delrish Moss, Carol Steele, and the Lucky Guy.

Big love and thanks to Shannon Cason, who narrated this piece. Check out Shannon’s podcast ‘Homemade Stories’ to hear more from him.

Produced by Anna Sussman, John Fecile & Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Whiteboy John and The Seven Saints

A kid from Harlem becomes the biggest heroin dealer in upstate New York. He soon learns what it will take for him to turn his back on a mountain of cash.

Abdul-Kenyatta has performed as a workshop facilitator and motivational speaker. He is a poet, storyteller, jazz and blues vocalist, and a novelist.

He was an actor with the San Francisco Neighborhood Arts Children’s Theater for five years, and a San Francisco State University, Black Studies Department Associate Professor, lecturing on African and African-American History and Literature.

His novel Five Thousand Urgently Pointless Distractions was published in 2000. He is the 2005 Berkeley Poetry Festival Slam Poetry Champion. He was a member of the Oakland 2004 National Slam Team and the 2006 San Francisco Slam Master, the 2007 Marin County Fair Slam Poetry Champion, and a member of the 2007 San Francisco National Slam Team. He appeared in the Jamie De Wolfe film “SMOKED”.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Snap Classic – Season 15 – Episode 9

Two correctional officers pay a high price for exposing corruption and abuse by their fellow officers, in the most dangerous prison in California–New Folsom. This incredible episode is from On Our Watch, an investigative podcast series from our friends at KQED.

This story touches on intense topics including substance use, state violence, and self harm. Please take care while listening. If you need support, there are resources below.

On Our Watch is a story about broken promises and unwritten rules. It’s a story about who gets hurt when the system that promises to keep us safe is bent on protecting itself. Host Sukey Lewis and co-reporter Julie Small piece together an explosive narrative through interrogation tapes, 911 audio, prison phone calls, personal audio recordings, and hours of emotional interviews. It includes exclusive analysis of hundreds of previously secret documents—some only unsealed by lawsuits brought by KQED—and sheds light on misconduct and abuse within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Listen and follow now.

RESOURCES

If you are currently in crisis, you can dial 988 [U.S.] to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
SAMHSA National Help Line
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline
US Health and Human Services
Warmline Directory

Season 15 - Episode 8

When a reporter’s love story hits a dead end, she turns to a Palestinian couple for answers. A pretty ugly Photoshop project explodes and a man comes out to his mother repeatedly.

STORIES

Photo Session

When a reporter’s love story hits a dead end, she turns to a Palestinian couple for answers.

Thank you Rayan, Samih, and Anna!

Two years after their engagement, Rayan and Samih got married and moved to a flat just outside the camp and they still work there as journalists. Our storyteller Anna and her boyfriend got engaged shortly after she moved to Iraq to be with him. Read these two stories and many more in Anna Lekas Miller’s book Love Across Borders.

Produced by John Fecile. Original score by Clay Xavier. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Translation by Naziha Baassiri. Voice acting by Snap producer John Fecile and his wife Sarah Fecile.

Make Me Beautiful

Esther asked 50 Photoshop artists to make her beautiful. Things got pretty ugly.

Thanks Esther for sharing this story!

Esther Honig’s photo project still gets re-published to this day. It’s appeared in books for English language learners. The University of Cambridge put it in a textbook chapter about beauty. Her photos have been printed and hung on the walls of the Museum of Tomorrow in Brazil and The National Science and Media Museum in the UK. Check out her TED talk about this project.

Esther is currently a producer at Storycorps, and has also produced two Snap episodes, “White Gold Fever” and “Map to the Disappeared.”

Produced by John Fecile. Original score by Dirk Schwartzhoff.s

When Are You Going To Get Married?

For Ben Nakamura, coming out gay to his parents was not exactly like ripping off a band-aid…

Produced by Liz Jones. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 15 - Episode 7

From the heart of Waziristan, the legend of Genghis Khan is being rewritten... on the squash court. Maria Toorpakai Wazir was raised as a boy, and took on everyone and everything - neighborhood bullies, Peshawar weightlifters, and all the rules about who should be able to compete.

This story contains references to violence. Please take care while listening.

Thank you, Maria Toorpakai Wazir, for sharing your story with Snap.

In 2011, Maria moved to Toronto to train with Jonathon Power, a world champion in men's squash. Maria writes about this and so much more in her book: A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid from the Taliban in Plain Sight. She has also set up the Maria Toorpakai Foundation encouraging families to educate girls and allow them to play sports.

Produced by Zahra Noorbakhsh & Nancy López, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 6

A newlywed couple travels down a South American River into the thick of the Amazon jungle on a raft… alone. Their romantic adventure soon turns into the ultimate test for survival.

Thank you, Holly Fitzgerald, for sharing your story with us! Read more about Holly’s epic romance in her memoir, Ruthless River.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 5

A small plastic boat bobs helpless in the Aegean Sea, overwhelmed and overloaded. A young father from Mogadishu must take the helm to save everyone on board -- but will he lose his family because of it? And a boy on a top-secret mission tries to win over the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class.

STORIES

Hanad & Faysa

A small plastic boat bobs helpless in the Aegean Sea, overwhelmed and overloaded. A young father from Mogadishu must take the helm to save everyone on board -- but will he lose his family because of it?

Thank you, Hanad and Faysa, for sharing your story with us.

Reported by Niki Kitsantonis. Produced by John Fecile and Niki Kitsantonis. Original score by Lauryn Newson.

Hanad’s translation was read by Said Shaiye. Additional recording by Daphne Tolis. Additional translation by Abdi Mohamed.

Danger 9b

Richard Hatch is overseas on a top-secret mission… to win over Jill, the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class. He isn’t suave or sophisticated, so he’s gonna need help from The Beatles, the Russians, and even the CIA to pull it off.

Thank you, Richard Hatch aka Danger 9b, for sharing your story with us!

Rick is back in the US and is putting the finishing touches on a kid-friendly memoir about his travels abroad.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 4

Hyphy, the legendary youth culture movement from the Bay. Uptempo music, oversized airbrushed T-shirts, stunna shades and candy painted cars doing donuts in intersections. It was an unbridled, livewire, communal celebration. The people fueled the music, and the music moved the people. But beneath it all? That’s where it gets real.

Plus, a big story from a little boxer.

STORIES

Hyphy Kids Got Trauma from KQED

This week on Snap, we have a special story to share from our friends at KQED’s Rightnowish podcast– it’s from host Pendarvis Harshaw’s series, Hyphy Kids Got Trauma.

In 2006, Pen was 18 going on 19, and he had a front row seat to one of the most notable times in Bay Area hip-hop history– a period often referred to as “the hyphy movement”.

It was an era of uptempo-bass-heavy music, oversized airbrushed white t-shirts, candy painted cars and stunna shades. There was exuberant dancing, extravagant slang, and goofy party antics. While there was a lot of partying and celebration, there was also a lot of pain. That year Oakland saw its second highest annual homicide total ever.

Pen experienced all the highs and lows back then, but feels like the full story of the culture didn’t get told, until now when he brings us into the real meaning of “hyphy.”

This story contains explicit language, mention of drug use, and violence. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to KQED and the whole Rightnowish team who shared this incredible story with us! Listen to the Hyphy Kids Got Trauma four part series on Rightnowish - wherever you get your podcasts!

Hosted by Pendarvis Harshaw, produced by Maya Cueva, edited by Chris Hambrick, sound designed and mixed by Trackademics.

With support from Eric Arnold, Jen Chien, Holly Kernan, Victoria Mauleon, Marisol Medina-Cadena, Gabe Meline, Xorje Olivares, Delency Parham, Cesar Saldaña, Sayre Quevedo, Katie Sprenger, Nastia Voynovskaya, and Ryce Stoughtenborough.

The Little Boxer

It's the 1950s in San Francisco. After getting beat one time too many, little Gus Lee decides to fight back.

A big thanks to Gus Lee. This story comes from his novel, “China Boy,” based on his childhood. Lee is a courage-based leadership trainer and consultant. He’s now completing his eighth book, "Courage Is a Verb."

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller, illustration by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 3

A rock band from Zimbabwe becomes the voice of a revolution. And a New York Rabbi has his faith tested when he takes a job helping a member of the KKK.

STORIES

Fault Lines

Glynn goes on a date...and things get shaky.

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Zim Heavy: Rock and Revolution in Zimbabwe

Before there was Zimbabwe, there was the “Heavy” scene. In the 1970’s, Rock music rang out from the black townships in Rhodesia. One band, Wells Fargo, became the voice of the people. Founding members Ebba Chitambo and Never Mpofu tell their story of music and revolution in the face of an oppressive government.

Listen to Wells Fargo’s release "Watch Out!" Learn more about the work Matthew Shechmeister and Eothen “Egon” Alapatt are doing to document the Heavy scene at Now-Again Records.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Correspondent: Albert Nyathi

Featuring Music by Wells Fargo courtesy of Now-Again Records

Rabbi And The KKK

A New York Rabbi has his faith tested when he takes a job in Nebraska.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original music by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 2 - Snap Classic

A charming father wins just about everyone over until his criminal ways force his family on a ten-year journey running from the law.  A secret artist becomes an art world sensation but unearths a family scandal. And a bank manager who loves to gamble gets into trouble.

Sometimes the con job hits close to home.

STORIES

Con Man Daddy

You’re young, fun, and on the run from the law. One kid’s journey across the Deep South leads to a big confrontation with the man who inspired it all… Con Man Daddy.

BIG thanks to Jason Russel Waller as well as his brothers, Randy and Kel, for sharing your story with Snap!

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

The Art Of The Con

What if the real story is even better than the fake story they made up? A secret artist, an art world sensation, a family scandal.

Thanks, Ron, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Andrew Stelzer with support from Anna Sussman

Insidious by Shannon Cason LIVE

And a bank manager who loves to gamble gets into trouble.

This story was told live by Shannon Cason at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles. Original music by Alex Mandel and Tim Frick.

Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 1

A family leaves their busy life in Southern California to live in a little cabin in the woods, without electricity. But then, strange things start happening… it seems this family aren’t the only occupants of the cabin. And a story about a grandfather who makes monsters tremble. Snap Judgment presents, “The Stormy Night.” Real stories from people fighting for their loved ones.

STORIES

Northspur Storm

Kathy and her kids leave a busy life in Southern California to live in a little cabin in the woods, without electricity. But then, strange things start happening. It seems Kathy and her children aren’t the only occupants of the cabin.

Thank you, Kathy Bolte, for sharing your story with Spooked!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Shayne Koyczan’s Monsters LIVE

Night creatures tremble in fear of Shane Koyczan's grandfather, until powers fail.

This story contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

This story was told by Shane at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles. Original Music by Alex Mandel, performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

Shane Koyczan is an award winning Canadian Poet, Author and Performer. He is also a TED Talks speaker. Shane's influential, anti-bullying, "To This Day Project" video went viral in early 2013 and currently has over 10 million views and counting.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 54

This week on Snap, the story of the first dog to travel around the world, a summer camp swimming contest to remember, plus - an earthquake that takes a man straight into the wreckage.

We are so grateful for you, Snap Nation. Thank you for listening and supporting our show! Cheers to you and yours this holiday season.

STORIES

The Best Little Swimmer

Terry Galloway is ten years old and absolutely in love with the idea of summer camp. The only problem is, her family can’t afford it. But after she fails a hearing test at school, Terry learns that she is deaf -- and also eligible to attend The Lions Camp for Crippled Children, a summer camp that is free to kids with disabilities. The summer of 1960, just got way more exciting.

Terry Galloway is a writer, director and performer for stage, radio, and film. For more about Terry’s childhood in Texas, check out her book Mean Little Deaf Queer.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto

The Dog That Went Around The World

The story of the first dog to travel around the world (and refuse a free steak).

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Quake City Hero

In 1989, an enormous earthquake struck the Bay Area. One of Oakland’s major arteries, the Cypress Freeway, collapsed. And one man named Raven, a local Oaklander, left his home, and dove into the wreckage to save lives.

This story contains strong language, violence, and graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.

This story comes from Liam O'Donoghue, host and producer of the podcast East Bay Yesterday.

Produced by Liam O'Donoghue and Eliza Smith, original score by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 53

From the podcast, Movement, we spotlight the story of a self proclaimed “drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them. Plus, we go on an adventure underwater to visit a secret kingdom for seahorses.

STORIES

Movement

From the podcast, Movement, we spotlight the story of a self proclaimed “drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them.

Produced by Meklit Hadero and Ian Coss. The Movement show was co-created by Julie Caine.

You can find all of San Cha’s music and projects at churchofsancha.com.

If you want to find more stories at the crossroads of music and migration, search for “Movement with Meklit Hadero,” wherever you listen!

Movement is supported by The Mellon Foundation and National Geographic Society, and distributed by PRX.

Under Pressure

After traumatic experiences underwater, a diver falls in love with the ocean again by building a secret kingdom for seahorses.

BIG thanks to Roger Hanson. Roger’s writing a children’s book, called “A Seahorse of a Different Color,” about a unique seahorse who was born different. It comes out in June.

Roger has previously been covered by the LA Times and Spectrum Channel 1, which called him the “world’s foremost expert on the Pacific Seahorse.”

Seahorse Update: In September, pregnant Deep Blue stopped showing up. Roger thinks he was eaten by an octopus. He’s moved any remaining octopuses in the area and resettled them elsewhere.

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Moriomoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 Episode 52

One beauty pageant. 12 contestants. 1000 rattlesnakes. And a story from a young girl who is confronted with the opportunity every kid at the orphanage dreamed of. Plus, the legendary Xiao Xiao.

STORIES

Been There Better Than That

Glynn witnesses a lady show what real class looks like.

12 Pageant Queens, 1000 Snakes

One beauty pageant. 12 contestants. 1000 rattlesnakes.

Produced by Anna Sussman

A Hard Knock Life

Sharon Skolnick was nine years old and an orphan in the Murrow Indian Orphanage, when she was confronted with the opportunity every girl at the orphanage dreamed of. Find out more about artist Sharon Skolnick at here.

Sound Design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Anna Sussman

Xiao Xiao

When Cindy adopted a four year old girl from China, there was a lot the two didn’t understand about each other.

Find out about Cindy’s story (and her books) at CindyChampnella.com.

Sound Design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, produced by Anna Sussman

Art by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 51

Two crazy cats and one hard-nosed reporter land in Syria right as it is thrown into turmoil. And a lovesick junior high kid will do anything to win over his crush. Even if that means going “undercover” for the US government.

STORIES

Wartime Cats

Two crazy cats and one hard-nosed reporter land in Syria right as it is thrown into turmoil. Rasha Elass navigates her way through Damascus amidst government crackdowns and whistling missiles in search of the country she loves.

This story contains graphic imagery and descriptions of wartime violence, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Rasha, for sharing your story with us! Rasha Elass is currently the editorial director at New Lines Magazine, where she first shared this story. She’s also working on a memoir about her childhood and reporting days in Syria. Follow what she’s up to on her website.

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Danger 9b

Richard Hatch is overseas on a top-secret mission… to win over Jill, the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class. He isn’t suave or sophisticated, so he’s gonna need help from The Beatles, the Russians, and even the CIA to pull it off.

Thank you, Richard Hatch aka Danger 9b, for sharing your story with us!

Rick is back in the US and is putting the finishing touches on a kid-friendly memoir about his travels abroad.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Season 14 – Episode 50

This dog has everything: mustard, onions, a scrap with Giuliani, Vietnam Vets, and The Met. Everyone is coming for the Throne of the Hot Dog King of New York… Dan Rossi. And a camp for kids with dermatological issues reveals that some summer romances are more than skin deep.

STORIES

The Hot Dog King of New York

This dog has everything: mustard, onions, a scrap with Giuliani, Vietnam Vets, and The Met. Everyone is coming for the Throne of the Hot Dog King of New York… Dan Rossi.

This story contains strong language - sensitive listeners please be advised.

A huge thank you to Dan Rossi for sharing his story with Snap! There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Dan’s experience. To find out more check out his new memoir The New York Hot Dog King: From Rags to Riches to Less Than Rags. You can also follow Dan on social media.

Additional thanks to our friends at VICE, whose series MUNCHIES featured Dan back in 2019 and was a big inspiration for this story.

Listen to the King’s tribute song featured in this episode recorded by The Burner Band.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Skin Deep

It's days before the big dance at Camp Discovery — and there's a problem. A few problems. But the kids at this camp are more used to problems than your average camper.

Thanks to everyone in this episode! Learn more about Camp Discovery at aad.org.

Produced by Sarah Harris with help from Anna Sussman. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 14 - Episode 49

A young girl was lost to her family. Torn away from them during their time in the Japanese-American prison camps, she was institutionalized and thought to be gone. But now, somehow she is rumored to be alive.

STORIES

Seeking Shizuko

A young girl was lost to her family. Torn away from them during their time in the Japanese-American prison camps, she was institutionalized and thought to be gone. But now, somehow she is rumored to be alive.

A very big thank you to David “Mas” Masumoto for sharing his story. Mas wrote about Shizuko in his book, Secret Harvests.

This story is part of Lisa’s podcast California Foodways. It gets support from California Humanities and the Food and Environment Reporting Network.

Produced by Lisa Morehouse, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Nellie’s Pond

When Peter Aguero got picked on as a kid, but it wasn’t the other kids he had to worry about.

Hear more stories, and find where Peter’s performing next on his website, www.peteraguero.com

Produced by Ana Adlerstein & Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Season 14 - Episode 48

Rooty isn’t like most farm pigs, she’s a city pig. This 300-pound Vietnamese pot-bellied pig is a New Orleans girl. But when Hurricane Katrina hits, everything in Rooty’s world is threatened.

BIG thanks to Jim & Connie for sharing their story with us! Thanks as well to Jeffery Tam & Dr. Alison Barca.

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Cheflee, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 47 - Snap Classic

Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong? And the infamous Pine Tar Game of baseball superstar George Brett... told by the bat boy.

STORIES

The Real Fleetwood Mac

Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong?

Thanks, Elmer, for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Elmer Gantry’s music in this blog post that producer John Fecile wrote for Aquarium Drunkard.

Kirby Gregory still performs with the band Curved Air.

Read an extensive history of Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera from the magazine Ugly Things.

Listen to a 10-song Spotify playlist that we put together of Elmer’s songs and other tunes from the story.

Special thanks to Mike Stax, Anja Stax, and David Prest.

Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by John Fecile

The Bat Boy And The Pine Tar Bat

Every baseball fan has heard of the superstar hitter George Brett and his infamous Pine Tar Game…but have you heard of the bat boy’s version?

For more info, check out Daniel Barbarisi’s story in the Wall Street Journal.

Sound design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Davey Kim

Season 14 - Episode 46

We’re getting spooky again this week with a quirky haunting from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a tale from a girl who escapes a ghostly force through astral projection.

Be afraid… this Halloween special features supernatural stories from our evil twin podcast, Spooked, told by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform! Episodes drop weekly.

STORIES

Night at the Aquarium

On Kevin’s night shift at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, things get wet, wild, and very very weird.

BIG thanks to Kevin Wright and the magical Monterey Bay Aquarium. Thanks also to KAZU Radio in Monterey, California for its assistance.

Original score by Yari Bundy & Renzo Gorrio, produced by Anne Ford

Out of Body

Tiyi just wants to get away from the man in the closet. What happens next changes her life forever.

Thank you, Tiyi Schippers, for sharing your story with us! You can find more of her creepy tales on YouTube.

Original score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Anne Ford

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 45

This week on Snap, a BigFoot story from Pawnee Nation and a tale from a traditional-Filipino-tattoo practitioner who rids people of ancestral spirits. Some spirits move on… others don’t want to leave.

Be afraid… this Halloween special features supernatural stories from our evil twin podcast, Spooked told by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform!

STORIES

Big Man

When the Big Guy shows up, you keep your mouth shut. Be afraid…

Thank you to our storyteller for sharing his experiences.

Original score by Yari Bundy, produced by Anne Ford

Tattoo Exorcism

Traditional-Filipino-tattoo practitioner, Lane Wilcken, is never scared when ancestral spirits visit during tattoo sessions. He knows that those spirits, the ones that are just stopping by, aren’t the ones you have to worry about.

Thank you, Lane Wilcken, for sharing your story with us! Lane wrote the book on traditional Filipino tattooing — Filipino Tattoos: Ancient to Modern. Today, Lane is one of only twenty people in the world who practice Filipino tattooing in its traditional form.

Original score by Lauryn Newson, produced by Zoë Ferrigno

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 44

Promises. Some of them are worthless, some have infinite value, and some you will never know how much they are worth… until you have to cash them in.

STORIES

Birthday

Glynn witnesses a miracle... his daughter's birth.

Produced by Mark Ristich

The Spy’s Son

Bryan Denson was a court reporter for The Oregonian newspaper in Portland. It could be mind-numbing work sitting in the cheap seats of the American justice system. But then one day he got a tip about an espionage case coming in. The defendant was 24-year-old Nathan Nicholson. For Bryan it would turn out to be the story of a lifetime. For Nathan, it was the beginning of the end.

To learn more about Nathan’s story, make sure to grab a copy of Bryan Denson’s book: The Spy’s Son. You can check out his other work on his website. Bryan also wrote a six-part series of Nathan’s story for The Oregonian.

A big thanks to The Oregonian/OregonLive for allowing Snap Judgment to use tape from Bryan Denson’s interview with Nathan Nicholson.

Original score and sound design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Nancy López, artwork by Teo Ducot

The Admission

Pia's Letter of Acceptance from NYU should have been the best news she heard all day -- but her mother's reaction changed everything.

See the film of Pia's amazing Snap Judgment LIVE in NYC performance. Reach out to Pia via Twitter @PiaGlenn / Insta: @Pia_Glenn

Original score composed by Alex Mandel. Performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

Remember The Baby

This radio play is about one of those days that you have that changes you forever. It comes from our friends at The Truth Podcast, and it was commissioned by The Sarah Awards from Sarah Lawrence College.

It was written by Louis Kornfeld, and produced by Jonathan Mitchell. The part of ANN was played by Ann Carr, ADAM was played by Louis Kornfeld, and Amy Warren was the sister. Produced by Jonathan Mitchell

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 43

This week on Snap, two stories about the human mind and how it can play tricks on you. A young man comes to terms with his mother’s profound mental illness. And a father of five and devout Mormon is dragged into a world that upends everything he knows to be true.

STORIES

“Tracy: My Ride-or-Die“

When Adult ISH host Nyge Turner turned 17, he became the caretaker for his ride-or-die: Tracy. His mom.

This story was produced by YR Media‘s Adult ISH podcast (Mom ISH episode). Adult ISH is a culture, advice, and storytelling show about #adulting, that is produced entirely by folks who are “almost adults.” It’s distributed by PRX’s Radiotopia. Be sure to subscribe and listen here.

Sound Designer: DJ Clay Xavier

“A Short Stay in Hell”

A father of five and devout Mormon is dragged into a world that upends everything he knows to be true.

This story comes to us from Believable, a new podcast from Narratively about how our stories define who we are. Each episode dives into a personal, eye-opening story where narratives conflict and different perspectives about the truth collide.

Steve Peck works at Brigham Young University and tells this story to a microbiology class every year. Check out his novel, “A Short Stay in Hell“ which inspired this story.

Listen and subscribe to Believable wherever you get your podcasts.

Producer: Ash Sanders
Lead Producer & Sound Designer: Ryan Sweikert
Host & Executive Producer, Narratively Podcasts: Noah Rosenberg
Production Assistant: Emily Rostek
Story Consultant: Brendan Spiegel
Art Direction: Vinnie Neuberg
Believable Episode Art: Zoe Van Dijk
Additional Support: Ula Kulpa and Russell Gragg
Special Thanks: Made in New York Media Center and Brigham Young University

“Head Games” episode artwork: Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 42 - Snap Classic

Your kids love her, your in-laws fear her, but you can't do Friday date night without QANanny. The ice is cracking on Lake Huron... will it break the bond between two ice fishermen? And Dr. Ray Christian gets stuck in the mud at Burning Man. This week on Snap, stories of people trying to escape a mess of their own making.

STORIES

My Beloved QANanny

Your kids love her, your in-laws fear her, but you can't do Friday date night without QANanny.

Thank you, Josh Healey, for sharing your story with Snap!

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

No Ice Is Safe Ice

The ice is cracking on Lake Huron... will it break the bond between two ice fishermen?

Thank you Steve, Jeremy, and Telaine for sharing your story with us.

This episode was originally aired on Points North, podcast from Interlochen Public Radio. Go listen now for more stories about land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes!

Produced by Dan Wanschura, original score by Clay Xavier, edited by Nancy Lopez and John Fecile

Mud Burn

Dr. Ray Christian gets stuck in the mud… at Burning Man.

Thanks, Ray, for telling us this tale. Go check out Ray’s podcast, What’s Ray Saying, for a deeper view into Black life in America and all things Ray.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 41

Some commitments go way beyond words.

STORIES

True Friends

Glynn discovers the true meaning of friendship.

The Belfast Project

It’s not always easy to deal with the past, especially if it’s a troubled one. Do you hold on to it or do you let it go? For Anthony McIntyre the answer was easy.

Anthony McIntyre is a journalist and you can check out his writings on his website: The Pensive Quill.

Thank you to Ed Moloney for sharing the archival tape of the Brendan Hughes interviews from the Belfast Project that were featured in his book, Voices from the Grave.

Sound design by Renzo Gorrio, Produced by Nancy Lopez

Love Me

Two best friends have never met in person ... and one of them insists they keep it that way.

That was Allison Williams, and that piece was produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick  and Cristal Duhaime for CBC's Love Me. You can hear more at cbc.ca/loveme or subscribe on iTunes.

13 Ways To Destroy A Painting

How far would you go to save the person you love? This radio play was adapted from Amber Sparks’s story, 13 Ways of Destroying a Painting, from her short story collection The Unfinished World. You can find more of her work at www.ambernoellesparks.com

Narrator: Thao Nguyen of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, produced by Eliza Smith

Season 14 - Episode 40

It’s Senior Year and Alex, Damaris, and Brantin have been waiting for the day they get to leave Mission High and enter adulthood. Snap follows the three students for a whole year as their dreams turn into reality.

Plus, we have life updates from the students about what they’re doing now.

A very special thank you to our heroes: Brantin, Damaris and Alex. Thank you also to Mission High School Principal Eric Guthertz, everyone in the Wellness Center and our guide Chandra Shivakumar.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, Liz Mak, Eliza Smith, Anna Sussman, and Mark Ristich

Original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller and Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 39

Chris Lundy always wanted to figure out why his family took him to see a Vodou priest and how this treatment made him better. And a group paratroopers go on a trip with their Sergeant that’s out of this world.

STORIES

Magic Potion Vodou

Chris Lundy has always wanted to figure out why his family took him to see a Vodou priest and how this treatment made him better.

There is one explicit word in this story. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Big thanks to Chris Lundy for sharing your story! Chris is a storyteller who's performed at First Person Arts, RISK!, USA Today's Storytellers Project, and more.

Major thanks to WHYY's The Pulse, who originally aired this story. Their podcast features stories about people and places at the heart of health and science. Check it out!!

This story was produced and reported by Chris Lundy and Justin Kramon. It was edited by Maiken Scott and Lindsay Lazarski. Sound design by Maiken Scott. Engineering by Charlie Kaier. Special thanks to Dieu Nalio Chery for his help on the story.

Acid Jump

When morale was low among the paratroopers in his company, Sergeant Ray Christian takes them on a trip.

Thanks Ray for telling us your story! Check out Ray’s podcast, What’s Ray Saying, and follow him on Twitter.

Original score and sound design by Leon Morimoto, produced by Adizah Eghan

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 38

There are some stories we are afraid to tell. Some truths only happen after dark. And some secrets can only be shared around the fire.

We proudly present, “Campfire Tales X.” An annual tradition featuring supernatural stories from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked.

STORIES

Smell Ya Later

After Laura’s husband gets a fatal diagnosis, he promises to contact her from beyond the grave. But how will she know it’s really him?

Original score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Anne Ford

Paper Route Premonition

Alyssa is taking over her friend’s paper route for the week. It’s a fun way to make a little money. There’s just this one house that’s freaking her out …

Original score by Yari Bundy, produced by Anne Ford

Stormwalker

When Roberta is a little girl, there’s nothing scarier than the thought of being caught out in a big storm. One day, her worst fear comes true … and then someone shows up

Original score by Yari Bundy, produced by Anne Ford

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 37

Did you ever have that one friend that you didn’t want but it turns out you really need? This week on Snap, epic stories about unexpected companionship.

STORIES

Shut Up Rick

He’s called Shut Up Rick. Let’s hear what he has to say.

Thank you Bucky Sinister and Rick Loddy.

Bucky is a poet, author, and comedian — to learn more about Bucky’s work and what he’s up to now, subscribe to his substack.

Original score by Clay Xavier, produced by Zahra Noorbaksh and John Fecile

Rock Paper Scissors

When the two greatest auction houses in the world – Christie’s and Sotheby’s – vied for the privilege of auctioning off $20 million worth of art in 2004, little did they know that they would be forced to engage in an ancient form of ritualized combat known as… rock paper scissors.

Be sure to check out Carol Vogel’s original New York Times article.

Produced by Joe Rosenberg

The Kipling Hotel - LIVE

A young, penniless student arrives at UCLA with no place to stay and is forced to improvise.

Performed by Don Reed at Snap LIVE in San Francisco, CA.

Music composed by Alex Mandel, performed by the Snap Judgment Players: Alex Mandel, David Brandt, and Tim Frick

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 – Episode 36

A woman takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead. And a Snap producer reveals he owes a lot to one single hairy flying creature. Snap Judgment presents, “Batwoman.” True stories about animals told by humans.

STORIES

Batwoman

A woman in Texas takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead.

There is an explicit word in this story. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Mary Warwick, for sharing your story with us!

Big thanks also to The Houston Humane Society, The TWRC Wildlife Center, and the Batworld Sanctuary in Texas – whose staff protect and rehabilitate bats, and provide education and training on the proper treatment of bats to people all over the US.

Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by Shaina Shealy

Bless the Bat

Snap Producer, John Fecile, tells us how he got where is he today.

Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by John Fecile

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 35

Have you ever wanted something so badly you’d do anything to make it happen? Sixteen-year-old Mohamed decides to dig deep in his religion to take the next step with his crush. There’s no love like young love… especially when it’s a secret.

This story contains strong language, discusses sexuality, and mentions corporal punishment. Please take care while listening.

BIG thanks to Mohamed Ali for sharing his story with us! Mohamed is an artist and comedian, he just got back to Canada after spending the last few years working and performing in Southeast Asia. Check out his Instagram!

Special thanks to Zahra Noorbakhsh. Big thanks as well to Zaiba Hasan & her crew from the podcast Mommying While Muslim.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Music Spotlight: “Honest” by Jada Imani (produced by Dakim)

Jada Imani is an East St. Louis-born, Bay Area-raised Hip-Hop R&B artist and organizer. In addition to a whole bunch of great music, Jada recently launched a new product line called “Good For The Soul”. Be sure to check out her Patreon and follow her on social media!

This song comes to us from the compilation Water For The Town Vol. 4, a project series from SmartBomb created to raise mutual aid and awareness for various organizations and grassroots movements doing vital work right here in Oakland.

The song is produced by Dakim, be sure to check out more of Dakim’s music and follow them on Instagram!

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 34

Nelufar grew up with a Muslim upbringing, and she’s about to dig into a ritual that’s at the center of her religion: the daily call to prayer. It’s a practice uniting 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. But, for a lot of reasons, Nelufar never felt completely comfortable responding to that call. So Nelufar, she tries a slightly different approach.

This episode comes to us from our friends at Ritually. It’s Nelufar Hedayat’s new podcast, from Brazen Media. And In each episode, she tries out a new spiritual or wellness ritual to find out if practicing it can actually make you feel better. Want to hear more? Listen to Ritually wherever you get your podcasts!

BIG thanks to the entire Ritually team over there for their work on this beautiful piece: Sarah Kendal, Susie Armitage, Clair Urbahn, Troy Holmes, Bradley Hope, Tom Wright, Mariangel Gonzales, Lucy Woods, Charlotte Cooper, Francesca Gilardi Quadrio Curzio, Nour Abdel Latif, Megan Dean, Ryan Ho, and Julien Pradier.

Ritually’s theme music is by Amaroun. Original music is by Jay Brown. Artwork by Ryan Ho and Julien Pradier

Season 14 - Episode 33

Two comic story tellers, Dino Archie and James Judd, bring you love, bromance and a summer camp exorcism with sock puppets. This episode contains explicit language.

STORIES

The Legend of Sweet Foot

Comedian Dino Archie got into a bar fight that blossomed into a bromance. The bond with his soulmate ripens over crab trapping, bankruptcy, and the Ghost of Christmas Future.

Camp Exorcist

Comedian James Judd dreams of being kidnapped, falling in love with a human hair blanket, and a church camp exorcism…you know, the kind with googly-eyed sock puppets.

Original Music by Bells Atlas 

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 32

Strapped in a harness, on the edge of a mountain, the snow bridge lets out a hollow crack as it gives way. The story of two climbers whose fates are intertwined by a length of rope.

Big thanks to Jim Davidson for sharing his story!

Jim wrote a book with Kevin Vaughan about surviving the fall on Mt. Rainier, called The Ledge. He also wrote a book about his experiences during and after the Nepal earthquake called The Next Everest. Check them out!

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Justin Kramon, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 31

Weed brownies, firefighting, and friendship. Amazing stories by friends, about the friend you did not expect.

STORIES

Weed Brownies

At school, Alia Volz was a weird kid without a lot of friends. She had a secret... after school, she’d go home and help her mom make and sell weed brownies all over San Francisco. But one day, Alia discovered something about her mom’s business that turned her secret into a burden that was far more painful than she could have imagined.

Thank you, Alia, for sharing your story with Snap!

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Doug Stuart

Up in Smoke

Firefighting runs through Nyge’s bloodline. But he had no idea what it would cost to pursue this family dream.

This story was produced by YR Media's Adult ISH podcast. Adult ISH is a culture, advice, and storytelling show about #adulting, that is produced entirely by folks who are "almost adults". It’s distributed by PRX’s Radiotopia. Listen to more episodes of Adult ISH and subscribe!

Produced by Nyge Turner and Davey Kim, sound design by Clay Xavier, Marcel Angelo, and Davey Kim

Letters from Lockdown

Thank you to all of our storytellers from around the world for sharing your stories with us!

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 30

Yohance Lacour is writing plays and selling weed on the south side of Chicago in the 90's. When a young black boy nearby is attacked in "the wrong part of town" Yohance knows he must respond not just with words, but action.

Sensitive listeners should know that this story references a racist hate crime and contains racist language.

You Didn’t See Nothin’ is a production of the Invisible Institute and USG Audio.

The podcast is written and reported by Yohance Lacour with Bill Healy, Dana Brozostkelleher, Erisa Apantaku and Sarah Geis.

Sound design, mixing, and music supervision by Steven Jackson and Phil Dmochowski at the Audio Non-Visual Company. Original music by Taka Yasuzawa and Alex Sugiura.

Executive produced by Alison Flowers and Jamie Kalven for the Invisible Institute, and Josh Bloch for USG Audio. Production support by Jennifer Sears. Fact-checking by Angely Mercado.

Archival audio used in this episode is from C-Span, CBS Evening News, NPR, MSNBC, NBC News, WBEZ, Dateline, CNN, WTTW, Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Youtube, CBS Chicago, The Today Show, WMag, and Conus.

Listen to the rest of You Didn't See Nothin’ wherever you get your podcasts or at usgaudio.com

Season 14 - Episode 29

A man walks off the side of a California highway, deep into the patchy grassland, to build a life away from the rest of the world. And a storyteller travels through a Chicago neighborhood with his grandmother… into a time machine.

STORIES

The Hitchhiker's Guide To America

A man walks off the side of a California highway, deep into the patchy grassland, to build a life away from the rest of the world.

Sensitive listeners should know that this story contains a description of a car accident.

Thank you, Gregory, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Tessa Paoli, original score by Derek Barber

Time Traveler

A few weeks ago, writer and performer Jacoby Cochran walked through a Chicago neighborhood and into a time machine. That’s where the story begins…

This story contains explicit language and references racial violence. Please take care while listening.

Thank you, Jacoby, for sharing your story with us! For more of Jacoby’s work, please head on over to jacobycochran.com.

Produced by Regina Bediako & Anna Sussman, original score by Clay Xavier

Artwork by Teo Ducot

A man sages houses in his Southern Cheyenne community to rid them of unwanted powers and spirts. But when he encounters a stubborn entity he must step into his own power. And a work retreat in the jungle brings a doctor face-to-face with its protector.

This week on Snap, we’re bringing you supernatural stories from our evil twin podcast, Spooked. For more stories from the other side of the veil — listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform!

STORIES

Always Be Polite

John Henson regularly smokes off houses for his friends and family. He’s learned to do it through years of observing family members.  Now he is trusted by his Native Southern Cheyenne community to do it for others.He comes in, prays for the home, and goes on his way. But when he encounters a very stubborn entity outside his friend’s home, he has to step into his own power and get it to go, all while being polite.

BIG thanks to, John Henson, for sharing your story with us!

Original score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Chris Hambrick & Anne Ford

Pee Afraid

Dr. Aammton Alias has a work retreat in the jungle. And when he gets there … he’s gotta go.

Thank you, Dr. Aammton, for sharing your story!

Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by Anne Ford

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 27

Some of the best storytellers around have gathered to tell stories. Not for a huge audience -- but for each other. Snap presents, “Backstage III.” An episode made of love and laughter featuring Glynn Washington, Shannon Cason, Dino Archie, Joyce Lee, Don Reed, and Dr. Ray Christian!

This episode contains explicit language and discusses firearms. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you to all the amazing storytellers! Dino Archie is tearing up the comedy world with a brand new special on YouTube, Toxic But Safe. Joyce Lee's got a book coming out. Don Reed is touring his one man performance, The Never Too Late Show. Dr. Ray Christian is combining forces with The Moth for the return his podcast, What's Ray Saying. You can hear more of Shannon Cason’s brutally honest storytelling on his podcast, Homemade Stories.

Produced by Mark Ristich. The original Backstage episodes were produced by Nikka Singh.

Season 14 - Episode 26

As kids many of us dreamt of building and playing in a tree house. For Donald Vaughn, also known as “fish”, that became his everyday reality… but it was far from a dream. Cold, hungry and all alone, Vaughn was kicked out of his house at 11 years old, and built a makeshift treehouse in order to survive. Anthony Ivy, an Uncuffed producer at Solano State prison, asked Vaughn to share his nightmare of being unloved, unkept and isolated.

Thank you, Donald Vaughn, for sharing your story! This piece comes from our friends at Uncuffed.

You can listen to KALW’s Uncuffed, for more stories produced inside California state prisons, wherever you get your podcasts.

Follow @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. To learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org

Produced by Anthony Ivy

Sound design by Eric "Maserati-E" Abercrombie

Edited by Andrew Stelzer and Sonia Paul

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Uncuffed’s work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and donations from listeners. The producers fact-check content to the best of their ability. Content is approved by an information officer.

Season 14 - Episode 25

When the music is within you, how far would you go to dance again? A young ballerina is diagnosed with scoliosis just as her passion for ballet begins. And Glynn's summer love turns serious when his church elders have a word with his father about the separation of the races.

Bodies in Motion

When the music is within you, how far would you go to dance again? A young ballerina is diagnosed with scoliosis just as her passion for ballet begins.

A huge thank you to, Sophie Kohn, for sharing her story with Snap!

Sophie is a writer and producer with CBC comedy. Follow her on Twitter. This piece was based on her essay “Body in Motion” which was originally published at Hazlitt.net

Special thanks to David Exumé for his help with this story.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Niagara Falls

At sixteen, Glynn's summer love turns serious when his church elders come to have a word with his father about the separation of the races.

Produced by Stephanie Foo, told by Glynn Washington at Snap LIVE

Season 14 - Episode 24

Today on Snap, we join a notorious anarchist organization in the midst of chaos and travel to the Syrian desert to meet a monk.

STORIES

Chaotic Good

Malaclypse was part of a dangerous anarchist group. They stole, they killed, they escaped, until one day when Malaclypse could run no further...

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Jazmin Aguilera

Modern Love

When Stephanie Saldana was 27 years old, she thought her calling was to become a nun. But at a monastery in the Syrian desert, she met a monk who made her rethink everything.

This story comes to us from Modern Love: The Podcast. It’s a collaboration between The New York Times and WBUR in Boston, where they take pieces from the Modern Love column, and ask actors to perform them. This story is read by Linda Cardellini.

Sound design by John Perotti, produced by Caitlin O’Keefe

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 23 - Snap Classic

When Tameer gets hit in the head as a kid, he inherits an entire new lifetime of memories.

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, producer by Shaina Shealy, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 22

Amaryllis was fast on track to become an established journalist when her mentor was kidnapped and killed by a terrorist group. She decided she had to give up the transparency of journalism if she wanted to truly help curb terror, and instead joined the shadow world of the CIA. But the shadow world had its own cost.

A big thanks to Amaryllis Fox for sharing her story with us. You can buy her book on Knopf, Amazon, or anywhere books are sold.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic – Season 10, Episode 31

This week on Snap Judgment… it's the tough jobs, the rough jobs, the roll up your sleeves and get it done jobs. When the oddest man in town is arrested for murder, only one lawyer steps up to represent him. Plus misadventures under the Not-So-Big Top.

STORIES

The Writing Is On The Wall

When the scariest man in town is arrested for murder, only one lawyer volunteers to represent him...

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Renzo Gorrio

Corrections: In a previous version, McCracken Poston is referred to as both a state senator and state representative.  He was a state representative, not a state senator.  Also, Virginia Ridley is described as having last been seen in public in 1980, 17 years before the events described in this story.  In fact it was in 1970, 27 years before.

The Indiana Bust-Out

How does a well-mannered math kid become a first-class hustler? Through the ancient carnie tradition of "The Indiana Bust-Out."

Check out Pete’s book -- Eyeing the Flash: The Making of a Carnival Con Artist

Produced by Davey Kim, sound design by Leon Morimoto and Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 20

Two sisters, Magi and Memo, track down an American man accused of sexual abuse at a children's home in Kenya. It’s a story spanning two continents… following those who give everything to make things right.

This story, while not graphic, does involve child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the death of a child. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you so much to everyone in this story. To Magi and Memo, for sharing your lives with us over the past two years. Magi has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the survivors of the Dow Children's Home.

To Janice and especially to Joy — Kongoi for your courage and your strength. Kongoi as well to Geoffrey Ng’tich, Beatrice Korir, and Joshua Abudoh.

Translation by Caroline Chebet

Recording engineers: Josh Wilcox, Ryan Geesaman, and Coconut

Original score by Renzo Gorrio

Produced and reported by Halima Gikandi and John Fecile

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 19

The first time someone says I love you could be the same moment you never see them again… Liz and John are lost in the chaos and struggling to find their way to safety when a country music concert in Vegas becomes the site of a senseless tragedy.

This story references an incidence of mass gun violence. Know that while this story does contain trauma it is not only a story of trauma… it’s a story of love, community, caring, and hope.

A tremendous thank you to Liz Heaton for sharing her story with us.

This story was produced by Dave Nadelberg, creator of the global stage show and podcast Mortified, now celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Additional production support from Joey Fischground and Zahra Noorbakhsh

The original score for this story was by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Special thanks to Neil Katcher and Jessica Lawrence

Season 14 - Episode 18

Jay J. Armes was a real life superhero... until real life intruded. And after living in darkness for decades, a man’s life changes forever when someone suddenly switches the lights on.

STORIES

Jay J. Armes, Private Eye

Jay J. Armes was a real life superhero... until real life intruded.

Produced by Vanessa Rancano, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Switched On

Imagine spending the first four decades of your life in darkness. Then imagine that someone suddenly switches the lights on.

John Elder Robison is a writer, speaker and advocate for people with autism. Be sure to check out his Neurodiversity work at the College of William and Mary as well as his car restoration work at Robison Services.

Produced and scored by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 17

As a littler girl, Jen Kober discovered the allure of being a Brownie Scout… the Girl Scout Cookie. Holding out for Girl Scout Cookie release day was another struggle all together.

Performed Live by Jen Kober at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Music written by Alex Mandel and performed by the Snap Players Alex Mandel, Tim Frick and David Brand

Season 14 - Episode 17

Sometimes what you want to say, what you mean, and what comes out of your mouth are entirely different things.

STORIES

I Love You Dadbot

James Vlahos wanted to keep his dad around for as long as possible, so he saved the best part about him in the best way he knew how.

Vlahos is also working on a book, Talk To Me, about Silicon’s Valley’s quest to create conversation-making A.I.s. Check out his article about Dadbot in Wired Magazine. Follow James on Twitter.

Original Score by Renzo Gorrio, produced Jazmin Aguilera

Date With The Devil

When he was younger, Greg Stone was always a good boyfriend. Or, he tried to be.

Greg Stone is a comedian living in New York. You can also hear him on his podcast, The Rad Dude Cast. Check out Greg’s website.

Original Score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Liz Mak

My Big Pee Break

Actress Diona Reasonover was on the brink of her big break. But she never expected it to happen while she was on her vacation.

Diona Reasonover is an actress who lives in LA, you can check out her writing on “I Love You America” with Sarah Silverman on Hulu.

Produced by Adizah Eghan

Sherlock Hound

Kirby Verret’s grandpa was a Houma who just wanted to hunt and be free on the Louisiana bayou. He couldn’t be bothered by anyone...except for his best friend, Brown the dog.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 16

Todd’s uncle was one mean son of a biscuit. But long after he’s dead and gone, his descendants worry that his meanness might rub off on them. Master storyteller Todd Narron is our tour guide as we explore the mysterious, spooky American South.

This story comes to us from our evil twin podcast, Spooked. Episodes drop weekly on Friday! Featuring brand new stories - along with episodes previously available only by subscription. Listen for free on any podcast platform.

Thank you, Todd Narron, for sharing your stories with us! If you want more stories from Todd, check out his incredible books: Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men & Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men: Series 2 - The Dead Ones.

Season 14 - Episode 15

Everyone who works at Radio Centro knows it’s haunted. But Guillermo, the host on the station’s paranormal show “Tell it Tonight,” is about to discover that he has psychic powers that make him susceptible to the station’s haunts.

This story comes to us from our evil twin podcast, Spooked. A show full of true supernatural tales that will keep you up at night. Spooked episodes now drop every week on Friday! Featuring brand new stories -- along with episodes previously available only by subscription. Listen for free on any podcast platform. Be afraid…

Big, big love to Guillermo, thank you for sharing your story with the Spooked.

The original score for that story was by Renzo Gorrio, it was produced by Fernando Hernandez

Translation for that piece is by Fernando Hernandez, Renzo Gorrio, and Nestor Gomez

Artwork by Sanaa Khan

Season 14 - Episode 15

The supersonic crack of a whip echoes through downtown Reno. It’s an art form to some, a concern to others, and for one person it’s the start of their search for Nando, the master whip-maker.

This episode was produced by Fil Corbitt for their podcast THE WIND. The Wind is made at a handmade desk in the Sierra Nevada. Search for The Wind wherever you listen to podcasts.

The music in this episode was written specifically for this story. The original score was composed and performed by Emily Pratt who makes music under the name Howls Road. This final song was by Yclept Insan.

You can hear Emily Pratt’s full soundtrack, plus photos of the whips, and much more at TheWind.ORG/SNAP

Thank you to Emily Pratt, Mike Corbitt, and Anjeanette Damon for advice and support on this piece.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 13

We need you. I need you. Go to SnapJudgment.org and show your support for Snap. Give what you can at whatever level is comfortable for you. Let’s Keep Snap Snappin' -- Glynn

Mountain Village is an Alaska Native town in the middle of nowhere. One woman is the town’s only police officer and she alone is responsible for the safety of everyone there. Her track record is perfect until one day when she responds to a call that changes everything.

This story discusses suicide, violence, and contains strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

We can’t thank Anna Bill and Jim and Eunice Bryan enough for sharing their stories with us. We also want to thank Cathy Moses and the Mountain Village Tribal Council for their time and patience. Additional thanks to Francine Chiklak, Johanna Eurich, Steve Hiemel, Shane Iverson, Anna Rose MacArthur, Lori Townsend, and Anna Walters.

In addition to Anna Bill’s work, Mountain Village is tackling its suicide and public safety crises with grassroots community programs, as well as a tribal court system that focuses on restorative justice. You can learn more about them here and here. A version of this story was first reported for NPR affiliate KYUK in Bethel, Alaska in 2018. If you’re interested in learning more about rural Alaska and its public safety crisis, we recommend following KYUK and KNBA’s coverage, as well as ProPublica’s Lawless series.

Produced by Teresa Cotsirilos, original score by Renzo Gorrio

If you or a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 12

She’s stunning grey, sleek as a race car, and stronger than all the boys. Her name is Winning Colors and for Dino and Miami she’s the long shot of a lifetime.

This story contains strong language and includes descriptions of gambling, sensitive listeners please be advised.

If gambling has become a problem for you or for someone you know, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) to seek free, confidential, 24/7 problem gambling assistance.

A huge thank you to Mark “Miami” Paul for sharing his story with Snap!

Wondering what happened to Winning Colors? After her 1988 Kentucky Derby crown the big grey filly retired the following year with eight career wins. In 2000, she was inducted into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 2008, at the age of 23 Winning Colors was laid to rest in Lexington, Kentucky.

To find out more about Miami and Winning Colors’ story - check out Miami’s book, “The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told” 

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Bo Walsh, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 11

“Boricua En La Luna” is a classic anthem about a young man born outside Puerto Rico, who dreams of going back to his parents’ home but never does. Based on a poem written by Juan Antonio Corretjer, the song vividly evokes themes of displacement and connection. And it asserts that Puertoricanness exists no matter where one lives, declaring, “yo seria borincano aunque naciera en la luna” – “I would be Puerto Rican even if I were born on the moon.”

But… what would happen if someone Puerto Rican were actually born on the moon? This week on Snap, we bring you an amazing story from “La Brega” a co-production of WNYC Studios and Futuro Studios. They asked the acclaimed Puerto Rican writer Sergio Gutiérrez Negrón to answer this question in a short fictional story.

Kelvin is the first human born on the moon, and finds himself growing up there alone. By listening to recordings sent by his grandmother, he learns to love the island he’s never seen. But when he finally meets someone else on the lunar surface, Kelvin is faced with a dilemma about his attachment to both the moon and to Puerto Rico, and how much he can hold onto his two identities.

Performances by Keren Lugo (Jessica), Nancy Ticotin (Marielena) and Jesús del Orden (Kelvin). Sound design by Joe Plourde.

Listen to the Spotify playlist, featuring music from this episode – and this season of La Brega. They add to it each week as new episodes come out.

Special thanks to Kelly Gillespie, Ana María Dîaz Burgos, Orlando Javier Torres, Juanluis Ramos, and Olga Casanova-Burgess. And thank you to the other voices who brought this episode to life: Brian Lehrer, Melissa Harris Perry, Nancy Solomon, Stephen Nessen, Jeff Spurgeon, Kerry Nolan, Terrance McKnight, Brigid Bergin, Natalia Ramirez and Elliott Forrest.

Fact checking by Istra Pacheco and Maria Soledad. This season of La Brega is made possible by the Mellon Foundation.

Artwork by Fernando Norat

Season 14 - Episode 10

A computer hacker tries to make his way home through two countries, dense jungle, and a seemingly endless string of technical challenges.

Produced by Adizah Eghan + Levi Vonk, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic – Season 10 Episode 4

On the frozen tundra, a polar bear guide wakes up to a loud THUMP on the side of his ice buggy. It’s his 1,000 pound buddy, Dancer. And he wants a cup of coffee.

Thank you, Dennis Comparye, for sharing your story with us! To learn more about his work to help the Polar Bears, email Dennis: [email protected]

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 8

When a tsunami wipes out everything Rizal’s ever known, he has to find a way to survive on his own.

Thanks so much to, Rizal Sahputra, who spoke with us over the course of several years for this story! Learn more about Rizal’s story or email him: [email protected]

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 7

In every ballet studio, there is a wall of mirrors. It reflects the people within. They’re part of a closed, elite group that asks for sacrifice and devotion from its members. This insular community produces iconic artists. It’s founded on a strict power structure, often with one man at the top. By tracing the origins of this unusual lifestyle, starting with the legacy of choreographer George Balanchine and the intimate stories of young dancers, we expose the beauty of an art form and the complexity of ballet culture.

This episode contains sexual misconduct. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

This story came to us from the podcast The Turning from creators Rococo Punch and iHeartPodcasts.

It was produced by Erika “Once a Snappa always a Snappa” Lantz and Alin Lantz Lesser.

Editing by Emily Forman. Sound Design by James Trout. Assistant Producer is Jessica Kariisa. Digital production by Andrea Asuaje. Fact checking by Andrea López-Cruzado. Executive producers Jessica Alpert, John Perotti, Katrina Norvell, and Nikki Ettore.

There are more episodes of The Turning, exploring the world of ballet, you can find wherever you get your podcasts.  Find more information and pictures on Instagram @RococoPunch.

Season 14 - Episode 6

A suitcase filled with old audiotapes ignites a woman’s imagination. A doppelgänger finds out that she looks like one of the most famous people in the country - who everybody hates. And a whirlwind romance goes south.

STORIES

Dueling Dads

Glynn comes face to face with his nemesis in the least likely of places... a playground.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Suitcase of Love and Shame

In 2009, Jane Gillooly came across an item on Ebay that piqued her imagination. The picture was of a suitcase filled with old audiotapes. The listing’s title was “Suitcase of Love and Shame.”

This story contains adult situations, young Snappas please be advised.

You can purchase Jane’s feature-length documentary film, Suitcase of Love and Shame, on Amazon and learn more about it at Cinemaguild.

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Leon Morimoto

Tonya for Hire

What if one day you found out you look like one of the most famous people in the country -- who everybody hates?

Lynn Harris is an author, commentator, award-winning journalist and mostly-retired comedian. She has a business, Gold Comedy, that teaches comedy to teenage girls. You can find her performing on stage as Tonya Harding here.

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto

Love Rival

After a whirlwind romance, Brian and Vanessa get married and move to Kinshasa. Everything is going well until she shows up.

Thanks to Vanessa Woods for sharing her story. Love Rival was produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick and Cristal Duhaime with Jodie Taylor You can hear more at cbc.ca/loveme or subscribe on iTunes. Click here to listen to more of Jodie's work.

Produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick, Cristal Duhaime, and Jodie Taylor

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 5

A rookie pilot, a prominent politician, a cop, and a criminal find themselves enduring freezing temperatures in the remote wilderness after their plane crashes in Northern Canada. 

A huge thank you to Erik Vogel, the late Larry Shaben, and his daughter Carol Shaben for sharing this story with Snap!

There is so much more we are not able to share with you about Erik and Larry’s experience. To find out more about what transpired with Wapiti Flight 402, checkout Carol Shaben’s book, “Into the Abyss,” from Grand Central Publishing.

Special thanks to Nikka Singh for his help with this story.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 4

A woman arrives in India only to discover that the baby she’s there to adopt has just been rescued from an orphanage tied to a child trafficking ring. Listen to Part Two of this amazing journey. 

BIG thanks to Danielle and Annaporva Green for sharing your story with Snap. Read more incredible stories from Danielle in her book, A Magnificent Obsession.

Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio 

Snap Classic - Season 14 Episode 3

When 14-year-old Annaporva finally decides to ask her mother about her biological family a story so unexpected unravels – there’s kingpins, death threats, and Maneka Gandhi.

A HUGE thank you to Danielle and Annaporva Green for sharing your story with Snap. For more stories from Danielle, check out her book, A Magnificent Obsession.

Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Be sure to listen to next week’s Snap episode to hear Part Two of this story.

Snap Classic - Season 14 Episode 2

Toying with criminals is a dangerous game. This week, Marketplace brings Snap a chain-smoking internet detective who plays to win.

A version of this story originally aired on Marketplace’s This Is Uncomfortable, a show about life and how money messes with it. If you want to hear more, check out This Is Uncomfortable wherever you get podcasts.

BIG thanks to the This Is Uncomfortable team: Reema Khrais, Zoe Saunders, Karen Duffin, Alice Wilder, Marque Greene, Drew Jostad and Kunal Patel.

Produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 2

Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree gets a phone call about a huge opportunity. But it’s the next call from his mom that leads to the most surprising performance of his career. And Nygel Turner shares what it’s like to live with Gynecomastia (aka Man Boobs).

This episode contains adult language & a scene with graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

STORIES

The Looking Glass

Glynn looks at an old picture of himself and reflects…

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Have You Seen Her

Lawrence “Binkey” Tolefree Jr. was born with a mic in his hands. He never met a stage he wouldn’t try to grace with his presence. And at 33, he thinks he’s finally gotten his big break. But when he calls his mom to tell her the good news, he sets into motion a journey that ushers in the most unexpected performance of his career.

Go on and get more Binkey Tolefree in your life! Check out his show every Friday on South Side Radio.

The piece featured “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye, and “Have You Seen Her” by The Chi-Lites, which was written in part by Binky’s grandmother the great Barbara Acklin.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller

The Amazing T*tty Man

How far will you hurt yourself before you start loving yourself? Nygel Turner shares what it’s like to live with Gynecomastia (aka Man Boobs).

This story was produced by YR Media‘s Adult ISH podcast. Adult ISH is a culture, advice, and storytelling show about #adulting, that is produced entirely by folks who are “almost adults”. The show is distributed by PRX’s Radiotopia. Be sure to subscribe and listen here!

Produced by Nygel Turner and Davey Kim, sound design by Oluwafemi and Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 14 – Episode 1

A centuries old tradition. A history of racism. What’s it take to get a little love in the City of Brotherly Love?

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you to the Mummers Parade and everyone who was in this story!

Produced by David Exumé and John Fecile. Additional field production by Daisylove James. Original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

And a very very Happy New Year to you all from Snap Judgment!

Season 13 - Episode 43

A prison librarian thought he just had to keep track of books until he started reading between the lines. And a young girl in San Francisco discovers something about her mother that turns a secret she's keeping into a burden.

It’s time to Look Back before we move forward. Happy Holidays to all you Snappas! We are so grateful for you.

STORIES

Secrets in the Stacks

When Avi Steinberg became a prison librarian, he thought his job would be to keep track of the books. Then he started reading between the lines.

To learn more about Avi’s time behind bars -- and between the stacks -- be sure to check out his books: Running The Books and The Lost Book of Mormon, which was nominated for the Thurber Prize for American Humor.

Produced by Joe Rosenberg

Weed Brownies

At school, Alia Volz was a weird kid without a lot of friends. She had a secret… after school, she’d go home and help her mom make and sell weed brownies all over San Francisco. But one day, Alia discovered something about her mom’s business that turned her secret into a burden that was far more painful than she could have imagined.

This story contains the mention of drug use, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Alia, for sharing your story with Snap! See more of Alia’s work.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Doug Stuart

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 42

Scott Lechner is the king of Christmas trees in Manhattan, nicknamed the “Pontiff of Soho.” But when his business runs afoul of the mob, he gets an offer that he can’t refuse. And a covert operative is assigned to extract a high-level target from Russia, and it’s about to ruin his holiday plans.

STORIES

The Christmas Tree Mafia

Scott Lechner is the king of Christmas trees in Manhattan, nicknamed the “Pontiff of Soho.” But when his business runs afoul of the mob, he gets an offer that he can’t refuse. The crazy true story of the New York Christmas tree industry, full of turf wars, karate fights, and the mafia.

This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

This story is dedicated to the memory of Scott Lechner, the pontiff of Soho and the emperor of New York city treemen. Thanks as well to Russ and Little Scott.

Produced by Ilana Strauss, John Fecile & Annie Nguyen. Original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Secrets in Siberia

Mike Ramsdell is a covert operative for the federal government. He’s assigned to capture and extract a high-level target from Russia, but the mission goes horribly wrong.

Find Mike’s book here.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 – Episode 41

“I kept seeing pieces with this name at the top… I wasn’t looking for him, he was almost looking for me.” This week on Snap, Nicholas McCarthy immerses himself in left-hand only piano compositions and gets lost in the world of Wittgenstein.

Huge thanks to, Nicholas McCarthy, for sharing his story with Snap!

Nicholas is the first and only left-hand alone pianist to have graduated from London’s Royal College of Music in it’s 140 year history. He’s since gone on to tour internationally and has recorded two studio albums. Learn more about his career and music on his website or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

This story was a collaboration with our friends Ilena Peng and Brendan Spiegel at Narratively. You can find more amazing storytelling celebrating the diversity of humanity at narratively.com

This piece featured home and studio recordings by Nicholas McCarthy, as well as additional scoring by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

It was produced by David Exumé and Bo Walsh. Engineering and additional music by Doug Stuart. Artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 13 - Episode 40

This week on Snap, we drop into the world of a hostage negotiator as he attempts to free an American journalist being held captive.

Big thanks, Mickey Bergman, for sharing this story! Mickey’s book about his negotiations will be published by Hachette’s Center Street soon.

This story comes to us from our friends at The Negotiators. The Negotiators is hosted by Jenn Williams, and is a partnership between Doha Debates and Foreign Policy.

Yes, there are more stories on The Negotiators podcast. Each episode features the story of a dramatic negotiation! If you like this episode, find The Negotiators on your favorite podcast app.

Dan Ephron, Executive Editor of Podcasts at Foreign Policy, produced this episode. Laura Rosbrow-Telem is the show's senior producer. The Negotiators' team includes Japhet Weeks, Rob Sachs, Rosie Julin, Claudia Teti, Jigar Mehta, and Amjad Atallah. Thanks to Nelufar Hedayat, Govinda Clayton and James Wolley for helping create the show with Doha Debates.

Original music by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Snap Editorial support from Nancy Lopez. Artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 13 - Episode 59

It’s time people. We all need to push the chair back from the supper table, look around and remember who we are grateful for. This week on Snap, when a pillar of the community goes missing, the people rally to show their love. But maybe our hero... is still alive?

We are grateful to tell stories and we are deeply thankful for you Snap Nation! For all the love and support you have shown our Snap Fam, thank you. We’re sending good vibes to you and yours!

Thanks to, Tammerlin Drummond, for helping tell Willie’s story. Rest in Power Willie!

Produced by Adizah Eghan, additional tape from Bo Walsh

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, additional music from Doug Stuart

Video used in story provided by user ritchhazel on YouTube.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 58

Dante is just looking for a haircut in Guadalajara and then he meets Jorge. He's always wanted to meet a trans person… older than him. But once they start talking, Dante can't believe his ears.

This episode contains sexual references, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Dante and Jorge, for sharing your story!

The Spanish version of this episode is available at CUIR: Historias Disidentes, a non-fiction podcast that showcases stories from the Latinx LGBTQ+ community and from people who challenge the way we think about love, identity, sex and pleasure. You can listen to more CUIR episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts and on the CUIR website: https://estonoesradio.mx/programas/cuir

Jorge was voiced by Terry Holiday, one of the most prominent trans actresses in Mexico. You can read more about Terry in this Vice article (in Spanish).

Produced by Erick Yáñez, edited by Nancy López

Reported by Dante Ureta, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Episode art by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 57

When a young man is told is he going deaf, he sets out on a challenge to memorize the songs that defined his life. He had no idea that those songs would come back to him in the most unexpected way.

Thank you, Matt Hay, for sharing your story! A version of this story aired on KQED’s Q’ed Up.

Produced by April Dembosky

Sound Design by April Dembosky, Leon Morimoto & Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Mark Fiore

Snap Classic – Season 13 - Episode 56

When Umid Isabaev is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help… from two of the world’s most dangerous men.

This story contains some strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Umid, for sharing your story with Snap!

Thanks to Ethan Herschenfeld who voiced Umid’s words, and to, Mars Lipowski, who was the voice of Steve Poland. BIG thanks as well to our translators for this piece, Muhitdin Ahunhodjaev and Magdalena Balz.

Want more from the Kim Jong Un Look-alike? Check out his Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Trying to hear from the Putin Look-alike? Visit his website.

The three fake heads of state reunited recently in Poland for a magazine photo shoot! We have a link to that photo on our website and it will also be posted on our social media accounts.

Produced by John Fecile & Anne Ford, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 55

Joel Gheen is out of the military, newly married, and in college. His new life is going great… if he could just catch the damn bus.

Thank you, Joel, for sharing your story with us!

If you’re hungry for more details about Joel’s experience with a real-life glitch in the matrix, check out his website. Joel also has a fun podcast that covers weird topics from a Biblical perspective. Listen to hear all the paranormal stuff that never gets discussed from a traditional church pulpit or Bible study.

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 54

One day, while out landscaping his yard, Moses reaches into the dirt and pulls out a handful of bones. He wants to find out who they belong to. But that might not be such a good idea. Happy Halloween! We’re celebrating with more Spooked! Be afraid…

Thank you, Moses Thompson, for sharing your story with the Spooked! Folks, if you want to know more about Moses and his house, check out this article. 

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Yari Bundy, artwork by Teo Ducot

Want more Spooked stories crafted in the dark of night? To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary, https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 53

Kimberly was expecting a luxurious hotel room. Someone in it… was expecting her. It’s Spooky Season and we are bringing you Spooked tales from the other side of the veil!

BIG thanks to Kimberly and Colin for sharing your story!

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Doug Stuart, art by Teo Ducot

Want more Spooked? Spooked Season 7 has 26 brand NEW episodes this season! To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary, https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 52

It’s March 1980, and best friends Lopaka and Sean decide to ditch class and head to the Pali Lookout, a tourist destination just outside of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. They’re hanging out, taking in the sights… but nothing can prepare them for what happens when they decide to venture off the beaten path. It’s Spooked season, Snap Nation!

Thank you, Lopaka Kapanui, for lifting back the veil with Spooked! If you want more stories about spirits, legends, and the Mysteries of Hawaii, Lopaka’s got you covered.

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Want more tales of the supernatural, weird, and wonderful? Spooked Season 7 has 26 brand NEW episodes this season! To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary, https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 51

Some dolls are pretty, some dolls are nice, some dolls are waiting for you... in the night. Oh, yes! It's time for Spooked.

BIG thanks, Mary, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Ella June Pierson, artwork by Teo Ducot

Interested in more tales of the supernatural, weird, and wonderful? Spooked Season 7 is RISEN!!! There are 26 brand NEW Spooked episodes coming for you this season. To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary, https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 50

Sir Dyno is the Chicano Eazy-E, the king of lowrider car shows, an up-and-coming gangsta rapper straight outta Northern California. But when he gets the money to finance his next CD, he has no idea that the same music that made him a legend will also lead to his downfall.

This story contains drug references and offensive language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, David Rocha, for sharing your story with us. Thanks also to Sharon Rocha, Justin Berton & Julia Reynolds.

David Rocha left prison in June 2009. He became a pastor and started a church in Modesto called House of Rest.

Produced by John Fecile

This story featured the music of David Rocha, the original score is by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 13 – Episode 49

This is a story about a boy called Finn who loved to fish, play baseball, write poetry, and embroider… and what happens to a small Vermont community as it staggers forward after an unspeakable tragedy.

This incredible Peabody award-winning story comes to us from the Rumble Strip podcast. For more about Finn and the Bell and to read people’s reactions to the show, visit the Rumble Strip Vermont website.

Thank you to producer, Erica Heilman, for sharing this story with us. Big thanks and love to Tara Reese for her insights and courage in the making of this show. Thanks as well to all the people of Hardwick and to the Bread and Puppet Band.

If you or someone you know needs support, The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline telephone number is: 800.273.8255.

Since this show was made, Erica and Tara and their friend Rose have started an organization in Hardwick called the Civic Standard, whose mission is to give the people of Hardwick plenty of excuses to get together... and to make events where everyone is welcome, and everyone comes. To learn more about it, visit The Civic Standard.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 48

A young girl's fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

This story contains scenes of domestic abuse and gun violence, please take care while listening.

Thank you, MJ Fièvre, for sharing your story with us! You can read more about MJ’s childhood in Haiti in her memoir: “A Sky the Color of Chaos” And she’s working on a book series that uplifts Black women and girls - check out all that and more at badassblackgirl.com

Produced by David Exumé, original story score by Lalin St. Juste, artwork by Teo Ducot

Music and sound design for opening story by Druuvy 

Season 13 - Episode 47

A person with a "situation" turns to poetry for some advice. This week on Snap, we dive into an epic poem to solve a problem with Luisa Beck from Audible’s “Dear Poetry” podcast.

This episode is uncensored and contains strong language, sensitive listeners & young Snappers please be advised.

BIG love and thanks to Luisa Beck for this segment of “Dear Poetry”! Thank you also to poet Luther Hughes as well as the OG poet Paul Tran who actually wrote the poem featured in this episode (“Like Judith Slaying Holofernes”).

“Dear Poetry” has even more callers with more dilemmas – and a lot more poetry on their podcast – you can listen at adbl.co/DearPoetry!

If you like what you hear - Audible has a free trial. Listen to the entire season of “Dear Poetry” with that free trial and leave a review… it helps in so many ways! You can also follow @luibeck on Twitter for show updates.

Season 13 - Episode 46

There are sounds you long to hear, smells you can’t unsmell, and tastes you forget about entirely when you’re in prison. Five San Quentin residents go deep in the SEASON 10 PREMIERE of Ear Hustle. And what does it mean to be found “Suitable?” Who is, who isn't and why the hell not? Nate McKinney and his family at the Uncuffed podcast get together for an award-winning send-off.

The Five Senses from Ear Hustle

Life in prison can mess with your senses. There are smells you can’t unsmell, and sounds you long to hear. Some tastes you forget about entirely, and some forms of touch are almost too evocative to bear. Five San Quentin residents reflect on the sights, tastes, touch, smells, and sounds of prison life.

Voices heard on this episode: David Ditto, Andrew “Boots” Hardy, Ryan Pagan, Kevin Arbuckle, and Reggie Thorpe, and Tony de Trinidad

Scored with music by: Lee Jaspar, Antwan Williams, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, Fernando Arruda, and David Jassy

This story comes from our friends at Ear Hustle - BIG thanks to their whole team for sharing this story with us!

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. This incredible team just kicked off their 10th Season and it is packed with amazing stories!!! Go on over to their website to subscribe, see pictures, and learn more about all things Ear Hustle!

Nate’s Going Home from Uncuffed

After over 20 years of incarceration, Uncuffed producer Nate McKinney is going home. Like other lifers in the system, he could have been incarcerated for life. But recently, the Board of Parole Hearings found him suitable to re-enter society. In today's episode, stories of facing the board — and wishes for a friend heading back into the big wide world.

Uncuffed is a show made by people behind bars in California prisons. They share intimate stories of struggles and triumphs, and of the heartache and forgiveness taking place within prison walls. Uncuffed is vulnerable and personal. Listen now!

URGENT: Uncuffed suddenly lost their funding. Donate NOW so the program can survive.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 45

An underwater photographer sets out on a quest to document harp seals and experiences a moment that becomes a part of her forever. And everyone in the city of Pumpkintown is hunting for Sasquatch, including the only man who knows exactly where Bigfoot lives.

STORIES

Thin Ice

An underwater photographer sets out on a quest to document harp seals and experiences a moment that becomes a part of her forever.

This story contains descriptions of animal death in the wild. Sensitive listeners, please be advised

Thank you, Jennifer Hayes, for sharing your story with us! Special thanks to Jennifer’s guide Mario Cyr and her husband David Doubilet.

You can find Jennifer and David’s stunning photographs of harp seals in National Geographic Magazine, on their website, or on Jennifer’s Instagram.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

The Sasquatch of Pumpkintown

Everyone in Pumpkintown is hunting for Sasquatch… except Ben Becker. He knows exactly where Bigfoot lives.

This episode does contain strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

This story originally aired on the Here Be Monsters podcast hosted by Jeff Emtman. Listen and subscribe for more awesome stories!

Produced by Jeff Emtman

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 44

When the biggest baddest bird in the wild is on the brink of death, one couple will do anything to bring her back home. Snap presents, “Birdzilla.” A Canadian love story.

This episode discusses the subject of death and contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Murdo Messer, for sharing your story with us! And all of us here at Snap are thinking fondly of the late Dr. Helene Van Doninck, wherever you are, thank you.

Learn more about the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre! Check out animal photos and videos on their Facebook and Twitter.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 43

Producer, Ruby Schwartz, pitched us a story. We said yes. But then Ruby had a new problem: how do you turn a 320-page memoir into a radio story?

This feature pulls back the curtain on how this week’s Snap episode, “The Wedding Guest” was made.

Thank you, Rob Rosenthal and Ruby Schwartz, for sharing this process! This piece came to us from our friends at the Sound School Podcast. Listen to the original version here.

Looking for ways to learn about storytelling and how to podcast? Subscribe to the Sound School Podcast (formerly known as HowSound). It’s still from PRX. It’s still from Transom. Just a new name. Find it all places you subscribe to podcasts!

Interested in reading the memoir featured in this episode? Check out The Lost Boy: Tales of a Child Soldier by Ayik Chut Deng.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 42

After years of fighting battles as a child soldier, a Sudanese man finds himself a refugee in Australia. As he struggles to overcome his past, he comes face-to-face with his childhood tormentor on a TV show.

This episode recounts real events that happened to a child soldier, including graphic scenes inside a prison camp, listener discretion is advised.

Thank you, Ayik, for sharing your incredible story with us! To learn more about Ayik’s life, check out his memoir, The Lost Boy. You can also catch Ayik on Harrow, a crime drama now airing on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Produced by Ruby Schwartz, edited by Nancy López. Special thanks to Wendy Love

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

This week’s music spotlight features the song “Rocketeer” from our very own Renzo Gorrio! Renzo scores so many stories on Snap (like this one!) and he produces under the name Hydroplane. Listen to “Rocketeer” from his album “Rockets” available on cassette, vinyl, and digitally on Bandcamp.

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 41

Spooked’s own Annie Nguyen shares her family’s ghost story. When her father got the call from his siblings and cousins back in Vietnam, asking him to help them find their ancestors’ missing caskets, he got on the first plane out of California. But when he got there, he realized they needed to call on higher powers to help them locate the long-lost grave sites.

Oh yes… it’s Part Two of “Campfire Tales.” Featuring supernatural stories from our sister podcast, Spooked, a Luminary Original.

BIG love and thanks to Poppa Nguyen, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Translation by George Q. Nguyen - please note the translation was condensed for clarity.

All-new episodes of Spooked return to Luminary September 9th! To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary: https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 40

There are some places, deep in the woods, far away from civilization, that are magical. Chuck is hiking deep in the Appalachian woods when he stumbles upon one of these places: Dismal Falls. But Dismal Falls isn’t all fairies and rainbows. It’s a place of dark magic.

At last… it’s that time of year where we bring you our traditional, “Campfire Tales.” Stories crafted in the dark of night from our sister podcast, Spooked, a Luminary Original. Be afraid.

Thanks, Chuck, for sharing your story!

Produced by Greta Weber, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot

All-new episodes of Spooked return to Luminary in early September. To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary: https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 39

Mirza is a young Afghan military commander and Deven is his counterpart in the U.S. Marines. Their troops work together "shona b'shona" side-by-side in Taliban territory in a tenuous trust. When the US pulls out of Afghanistan the depth of their friendship is put to the test.

This story contains graphic imagery, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Many thanks to Deven Ravel, and Mirza for sharing their stories!

Special thanks to Mary Mathis, Sarah Delia, and Nikka Singh.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 38

Starting on live TV at a beauty pageant, we follow four women across two referendums to explore the consequences of talking about abortion and discover the quiet power and hidden dangers of speech itself. And when a young Josh Healy learns some unexpected news from his girlfriend, his first thought is of his grandmothers.

STORIES

Lights Out: A Sense of Quietness

This story follows a line of connection through four women across two referendums to explore the unexpected consequences of talking about abortion. Starting on live television at a beauty pageant, we hear from a journalist, a radio producer, the founder of a woman's clinic and a woman traveling from Ireland to the UK - and discover the quiet power and hidden dangers of speech itself.

This story contains threats of sexual assault and discusses abortion. Please take care while listening.

A Sense of Quietness’ was originally produced for Lights Out, a Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.

It was produced by Eleanor McDowall and features Brianna Parkins, Siobhan McHugh and Anne Connolly, as well as the anonymous woman who traveled. With additional recordings courtesy of Zoë Comyns and Regan Hutchins.

To hear more documentaries from the Lights Out series, everything is freely available on the Falling Tree website.

Barbara & Esther

When Josh Healey learns some unexpected news from his girlfriend, his first thought… is of Grandma Barbara and Grandma Henrietta

This story was told at SNAP LIVE in New York. Watch Josh’s live performance!

The original music was composed by Alex Mandel, and performed by Alex and the Snap Judgment Playaz — Tim Frick and David Brandt. It was recorded and mixed by Pat Mesiti-Miller.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Special thanks to Yera, Annie Ngyuen, and Richard Bowie for collecting tape out on the streets for this episode.

Season 13 - Episode 37

Six people, six different times and places, but they all find themselves in the same predicament, asking the same question, should they stop or should they go?

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to Tyler Estep, who first reported Philip Dean’s story for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Thanks also to Cole Richards and Randy Scott Carroll for recording assistance.

Thank you to everyone interviewed for this story: Troy Stokes, Philip Dean, Betsy Richards, Delrish Moss, Carol Steele, and the Lucky Guy.

Big love and thanks to Shannon Cason, who narrated this piece. Check out Shannon’s podcast ‘Homemade Stories’ to hear more from him.

Produced by Anna Sussman, John Fecile & Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 36

Isabell is Jason’s mother. She raised him to be ambitious and selfless, which means she’s also raised him to be… overwhelmed. With life. But not to worry, Jason’s mom also knows exactly what to say to pull him out of a rut, which she does every Sunday, when Jason rolls up to her house for their weekly visit.

Thank you Jason, Isabell, and our Radiotopia Presents fam for sharing this story with the Snap!

This is Episode 1, “I Can Do Anything,” from, My Mother Made Me, a four-part series from Radiotopia Presents where writer Jason Reynolds and his mother, Isabell, explore their shared history, how she raised him, and what they’re teaching each other. It’s a love letter to their connection, an homage to parent-child friendship, and a testament to how growth can be perpetual, despite age or circumstance. Across four episodes, Jason and Isabell go deep – into birth, death and spirituality… but they also keep it light: pushing a cart through Costco, birthday lunches, and hitting the casino together. That’s just how they do.

My Mother Made Me is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds with his mother, Isabell Reynolds. The series is produced by Mark Pagán and edited by Julie Shapiro, with production support from Yooree Losordo. Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich are Executive Producers for Radiotopia Presents. Special thanks to Levar Burton. Cover art by Jason Griffin. Theme song by Christian Reynolds. Mixing, sound design and additional original music is by Ian Coss. This episode was recorded at Snap Power Station, WAMU.

Radiotopia Presents debuts limited-run, artist-owned series, from new and original voices. Learn more and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Snap Spotlight - Season 13 - Episode 35

An undercover ATF agent is going full throttle on a highway to hell as he tries to infiltrate the most notorious motorcycle club on the planet.

This story contains police violence, descriptions of violence, and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

BIG thanks to Jay Dobyns for sharing his story with Snap. There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Jay’s experience. To find out more check out his memoirs “No Angel” and “Catching Hell.”

Special thanks to George Christie.

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club did not respond to requests for comment on this story.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 34

When Swiyyah and Dederick got married, her schizophrenia was a challenge they thought was under control. Until it wasn’t. And Glynn tells a story at Snap LIVE in Brooklyn about searching for his lost friend in Las Vegas.

STORIES

Swiyyah and Dederick

When Swiyyah and Dederick got married, her schizophrenia was a challenge they thought was under control. Until it wasn’t. Listen as they share their story of facing life’s many challenges with love, faith, and each other.

This story comes to us from the amazing Unseen & Unheard podcast. This show aims to change the way we see schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder by revealing the untold stories of those actually living with these illnesses. Hear from adults in the US going through life with these conditions. The hardships. The humanity. But also, the hope. Learn more at www.UnseenUnheardPodcast.com.

This story was produced by PRX productions, Jocelyn Gonzales, Ian Fox, with writing by Sarah Lilley, and engineering by Tommy Bazarian with assistance from Marisa Dodge. It is sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Leaving Las Vegas

Glynn tells a story at Snap LIVE in Brooklyn about searching for his lost friend in Las Vegas. Music by Bells Atlas. Engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller.

This story contains some strong language. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 33

What's rich, buttery, and tastes like opportunity? Callo de Hacha. The shellfish delicacy that gave one Sinaloan town... "White Gold Fever.” And "Escape From Mammoth Pool," the harrowing rescue of 242 people and 16 dogs from the blazing fast "Creek" wildfire.

STORIES

White Gold Fever

What's rich, buttery, and tastes like opportunity? Callo de Hacha. The shellfish delicacy that gave one Sinaloan town... "White Gold Fever.

Thank you, Belen, and to everyone in Teacapan for sharing this story with us!

This story was produced in collaboration with Fern: the Food & Environment Reporting Network, a nonprofit investigative journalism outlet. BIG thanks to Brent Cunningham and Sam Fromartz at Fern.

Our friends at Fern have a new podcast called Hot Farm. Over four episodes, host Eve Abrams talks to farmers across the Midwest about the reality of climate change and what they are doing -- or could be doing -- to fight it. Find Hot Farm wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced and reported by Esther Honig

Edited by Nancy López with production support from John Fecile

Original score by Renzo Gorrio

Voice acting by Leonel Garza

Escape From Mammoth Pool

We like to think of time as a constant, as steady, unfluctuating, and infallible. But in some situations—like if you think you’re about to be overtaken by a raging wildfire—time can bend and flex. This week, Snap spotlights Escape From Mammoth Pool, a podcast about the harrowing rescue of 242 people and 16 dogs from one of the fastest-moving wildfires in California’s recorded history.

Produced out of KVPR in Fresno, California, by reporter/producer Kerry Klein. Edited by Alice Daniel, engineering and sound design by Kerry Klein, web support from Alex Burke, music by Kevin MacLeod (songs: Acid Trumpet, Beauty Flow, Half Mystery, Rising Tide, Unanswered Questions, Winter Reflections), and sound effects by FreeSound.

Episode art by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 32

Mary needed to get away from her husband. A handsome stranger offered her a way out. All she had to do was participate in the strangest group experiment of all time.

This story contains scenes of domestic abuse as well as sexual situations. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Mary Gidley, for sharing your story with Snap. Mary just released a memoir titled Point to Point.

You can learn more about the Acali experiment in the incredible documentary The Raft. Hear from Mary and other participants as they relive the experiment on a life-size recreation of the raft. The Raft opened in theaters in the U.S. in 2019 and begins streaming on digital platforms in the U.S. on May 19, 2020.

Special thanks to director Marcus Lindeen.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by: Sanaa Khan

The beat doesn’t happen without YOU. Support Snap storytelling… stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 31

Yonis, vaginas, and sex were ALL forbidden language for Ashley and her conservative church-going Liberian mom. But when adult life got too big and too real those family secrets would be the one thing bringing them together.

This story uses strong language, discusses sex and genitalia, and briefly mentions molestation. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

BIG thanks to Ashley Asatu and Janice Kennedy for sharing your story with us! Learn more about The Yoni Day Spa + check it out on Instagram.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Sandra Lawson-Ndu, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 30

Andy Marra is on a mission to Korea in search of the mother she never knew with a secret she absolutely has to tell.

Thank you, Andy, for sharing your story with Snap! Find out more about her advocacy work here.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 13 – Episode 29

Brian’s desperate for cash, until a random ghost writer answers his Craigslist ad for a roommate. Now, he's about to get more drama than he ever imagined.

BIG thanks to Brian Boucher for sharing his story with Snap!

Brian wrote about this experience in New York Magazine titled “My Roommate, The Diamond Thief.” Read more about it.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 28

A mild-mannered theater professor attempts to stage a controversial play in a small East Texas town.

This episode discusses drug use, sex, homophobia, and contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you to Joseph Magee, Justin Adams, Jennifer Ann Handy, and the rest of the cast and crew of Angels in America Kilgore College, 1999.

BIG love and thanks to Raymond Caldwell, who retired after 54 years of teaching theater.

This story was based on the Texas Monthly magazine article “When ‘Angels in America’ Came to East Texas” by Wes Ferguson.

Special thanks also to the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Matthew Simpson, Helena de Groot, Kyle Henry, Katie Song and Colin Hyer.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 27

A man washes up on shore in Sitka, Alaska and finds himself in the middle of an underground boxing show. It’s a place where you might duke it out with the bartender, the locals, or your own troubled past.

This episode contains violence and strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Jaed “The Stone” Coffin, for sharing your story with us! For more about Jaed’s story, check out his memoir Roughhouse Friday.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 26

Richard Hatch is overseas on a top-secret mission… to win over Jill, the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class. He isn’t suave or sophisticated, so he’s gonna need help from The Beatles, the Russians, and even the CIA to pull it off.

Thank you, Richard Hatch aka Danger 9b, for sharing your story with us!

Rick is back in the US and is putting the finishing touches on a kid-friendly memoir about his travels abroad.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 25

Two crazy cats and one hard-nosed reporter land in Syria right as it is thrown into turmoil. Rasha Elass navigates her way through Damascus amidst government crackdowns and whistling missiles in search of the country she loves.

This story contains graphic imagery and descriptions of wartime violence, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Rasha, for sharing your story with us! Rasha Elass is currently the editorial director at New Lines Magazine, where she first shared this story. She’s also working on a memoir about her childhood and reporting days in Syria. Follow what she’s up to on her website.

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 24

When Julie Lindahl discovered that her grandfather had been an active member of the German SS, she decided to return to the scene of his crimes. But her grandmother made things difficult.

This story contains brief descriptions of graphic imagery and torture. Please take care while listening.

Thanks, Julie, for sharing your story with us! Julie Lindahl has written a book about her experience: The Pendulum: A Granddaughter's Search for Her Family's Forbidden Nazi Past.

A version of this story was originally produced for the podcast Kind World, which tells stories about the effect a single act can have on our lives. You can find Kind World in any podcast app.

Produced by Erika Lantz with production assistance from Liz Mak

Original Score and Sound Design by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 23 - Snap Classic

When no one can hear you and nobody sees you anymore, how do you tell the world you are still there? One man's impossible journey back to the world that forgot him.

This story contains descriptions of drug use, medical situations, and adult language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Jake, so very much, for sharing your story with Snap.

Jacob Haendel is writing a book about his experiences and documents his recovery on his YouTube channel and website. He recently started Access, an app to help people with disabilities more confidently get around.

Producer: James Reddick

Editorial & production support: John Fecile

Original Score: Renzo Gorrio

Special thanks: Nikka Singh

Artwork: Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 22

Gina gives snark like she’s paid for it—because she is. She’s a popular podcast producer with fans, followers, and frenemies. Until her life gets interrupted by a very loud roar. This week, Snap spotlights, A Hit Dog Will Holler from Radiotopia Presents featuring a bonus interview with Glynn & writer, Inda Craig-Galván.

This episode contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

This is episode one of A Hit Dog Will Holler. Listen, subscribe, and go listen to the other episodes right now! Want even more? Go to radiotopiapresents.fm.

Written by Inda Craig-Galván, produced and directed by Gisele Regatao. Mixing and sound design by Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, with help from Isabel Hibbard. The music theme is by Cristina Gaillard. Show art by Yee Eun Nam.

This podcast was recorded under a SAG-AFTRA Collective Bargaining Agreement. It features Cynthia K. McWilliams as Gina and Ronnie. J. Nicole Brooks as Dru. Jacqueline Guillen as Constance and the receptionist. Thank you to WNYC News for the audio of Black Lives Matter protests. Support for this project was provided in part by a PSC-CUNY Award, jointly funded by The Professional Staff Congress and The City University of New York.

For Radiotopia Presents, Mark Pagán is the producer. Production support from Yooree Losordo. Audrey Mardavich and Julie Shapiro are the executive producers.

Season 13 - Episode 21 - Spotlight

For 110 days Peter Hammarstedt and his group of ocean vigilantes hunted the most notorious poacher of sea bass on the high seas, known as the Thunder. Their journey turns into an epic chase across 10,000 miles, two seas, and three oceans, through massive ice floors, violent clashes, and storms-tossed seas, where only one ship makes it home.

This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you so much to Peter Hammarstedt for sharing your story with us!

Thanks as well to Ian Urbina. We first heard about this story thanks to his reporting. You can find his book, The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier, on Knopf, Amazon, or anywhere books are sold. Ian has a great collection of stories and books about the lawless ocean.

Also, BIG thanks to Brick City TV & Mark Benjamin for sharing the audio from their documentary, Ocean Warriors: Chasing the Thunder. You can see a trailer of the film here.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 20 - Snap Classic

A young woman wakes up in her Beijing dorm room to a call. A strange voice, a man she barely remembers, is asking her a question that will change her destiny. And a doctor hears one of her classical music idols play one of the greatest serenades of all time.

STORIES

Ping

A young woman wakes up in her Beijing dorm room to a call. A strange voice,  a man she barely remembers, is asking her a question that will change her destiny.

Thank you, Wang Ping, for sharing your story with us! Wang Ping is a poet, writer, photographer, performance and multimedia artist. Want to learn more about her? Check out her website.

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Daniel Riera, artwork by Teo Ducot

“Dying to Tchaikovsky”

Family medicine physician Catherine Sonquist Forest listens to one of her classical music idols serenade a dying loved one in the hospital.

This story came to us from The Nocturnists podcast, it was told by Catherine Forest, MD. The Nocturnists are a vibrant community of healthcare workers who are celebrating their humanity through storytelling. They have live performances, a podcast, and so much more. Listen & subscribe now!

Hosted by Emily Silverman

Produced by Emily Silverman and Marina Poole.

Story Development by Adelaide Papazoglou

Sound Engineering by Alberto Hernandez

Assistant Producing by Kirk Klocke

Original theme music by Yosef Munro, additional music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Season 13 - Episode 19

The story of a chimpanzee and a man whose dream brought disaster to a small American town.

This story details violence against animals. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Carson Vaughan, for sharing your story with Snap! Read more about Zoo Nebraska in Carson’s book, Zoo Nebraska: The Dismantling of an American Dream.

Additional thanks to Patti Ragan from the Center for Great Apes.

Produced by John Fecile and Carson Vaughan, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Additional production by Jesse Dukes and Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Interested in protecting Great Apes? Learn more at the Center for Great Apes

Season 13 – Episode 18 - Snap Classic

Two women, Bates and Stokes, were LPCs at Pontiac Correctional Center outside Chicago. They were popular with their clients. They always had each other’s back. And that... was just the start of their problems. Plus, the story of two men who come face to face one night in the canyonlands of southern Utah.

STORIES

Bates & Stokes

Two women, Bates and Stokes, were LPCs at Pontiac Correctional Center outside Chicago. They were popular with their clients. They always had each other’s back. And that... was just the start of their problems.

This story contains graphic elements and mentions suicide and racism. Please take care while listening.

This story comes to us from WBEZ’s new season of the Motive podcast. This season investigates the hidden world of big prisons in small towns. Places where everyone knows each other and difficult truths get buried. Listen and subscribe to Motive now!

Reported by Shannon Heffernan

Produced by Jesse Dukes, Marie Mendoza, and Joe Deceault with story editing from John Fecile, Annie Nguyen, and Nancy Lopez

Special thanks to Adamu Chan

Original Score by Cue Shop and Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

The Incident At Poison Spider Mesa

The story of two men who come face to face one night in the canyonlands of southern Utah.

Brody Young is a Utah State Park Ranger and motivational speaker, helping other people figure out how to survive the unsurvivable. To find out more about his story, be sure to check out his website.

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Leon Morimoto

Season 13 - Episode 17

A plane crash, a mysterious man in a white suit, and a crazy idea to just go with the flow on a journey to the Amazon River. All aboard "The Pink Palace." Your honeymoon starts... now.

Thank you, Holly Fitzgerald, for sharing your story with us! Read more about Holly’s epic romance in her memoir, Ruthless River.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 16 - Snap Classic

The story behind the story of Glynn Washington… on life growing up in an apocalyptic cult like you’ve never heard before. Snap Judgment presents, “The World Tomorrow," from Love & Radio with Nick van der Kolk.

Love & Radio features in-depth, otherworldly-produced interviews with an eclectic range of subjects, from the seedy to the sublime. It’s hosted by Nick van der Kolk who is a Snap Alum! Listen & subscribe to Love & Radio on your favorite podcast player… you won’t regret it.

If you haven't already, be sure to also check out The Secrets Hotline podcast from Love & Radio. Share your secret and read others on Instagram.

Produced by Nick van der Kolk, Andrew Gill, Nicki Stein & Phil Dmochowski. Contributing Editor: Steven Jackson

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 15

It's the roar of the crowd, on the edge of your seat, in that pivotal moment in history. Is it the Iran Hostage Crisis in Tehran or the 1955 World Series in Brooklyn? For one man, Press Attaché Barry Rosen, it's both. And a Houma man can't be bothered by anyone… except for his best friend, Brown the dog.

STORIES

Field of Dreams

It's the roar of the crowd, on the edge of your seat, in that pivotal moment in history. Is it the Iran Hostage Crisis in Tehran or the 1955 World Series in Brooklyn? For one man, Press Attaché Barry Rosen, it's both.

This story recounts experiences of violence and torture. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff with additional music by Bo Walsh, produced by Bo Walsh

Sherlock Hound

Kirby Verret’s grandpa was a Houma Indian who just wanted to hunt and be free on the Louisiana bayou. He couldn’t be bothered by anyone...except for his best friend, Brown the dog.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 14

There’s something special about the small town of Montrose, surrounded by the majestic mountains and quiet mesas of western Colorado. One night, an explosion in the night sky brings townspeople out to search for something more. Something bigger. Something out of this world.

Special thanks to Brendan Borrell for his original reporting in Montrose and Delta, Colorado.

You can read more about the continuing fallout between Steve Curry and Blaine Reed in his article in The Verge.  Additional thanks to Blaine and his brother Blake Reed, Ryan Brown, Zillamay at Mountain of the West, Paul Paladino, Dave Lehman, and Duane Renfrow.

Produced by Shaina Shealy & Jazmi­n Aguilera, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Narcocorrido superstar Chalino Sánchez sings to a sold-out crowd for the first time in Sinaloa. It's the best night of his career until someone hands him a note. His face turns pale and his smile slowly disappears. That night, after the show, Chalino will be executed. But who killed him and why? We begin a journey to understand Chalino's life and impact on him, and the theories behind his unsolved murder on him. This incredible story comes to us from our friends at Sonoro Media and Futuro Studios.

This episode contains graphic language, scenes of violence, and drug use that are not suitable for all audiences, discretion is advised.

“Ídolo: The Ballad of Chalino Sánchez,” is an 8-episode podcast that examines the extraordinary life of the Mexican singer-songwriter and attempts to unravel the mystery of his unsolved murder. Hosted by Erick Galindo in English and Alejandro Mendoza in Spanish. You can listen in English or Spanish on any podcast platform!

Season 13 - Episode 12 - Spotlight

When record store owner Jeff Bubeck buys an old record collection out of an abandoned storage unit, he has no idea what he’s stumbled across. Jeff learns the collection once belonged to the late great J Dilla, one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time. Along with the thousands of LPs from Dilla’s personal collection, there is something else that is uncovered, something huge.

Producer Pat Mesiti-Miller talks with Jeff Bubeck and Dilla’s mother, Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey.

Learn more about the J Dilla Foundation. Want to hear some of the music from the recovered tapes? Go listen to: The Lost Scrolls, Vol. 1 - EP J Dilla.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 11 - Snap Classic

Have you ever wanted something so badly you’d do anything to make it happen? Sixteen-year-old Mohamed decides to dig deep in his religion to take the next step with his crush. There’s no love like young love… especially when it’s a secret. This week on Snap, we proudly present, “The Loophole.”

This story contains strong language, discusses sexuality, and mentions corporal punishment. Please take care while listening.

BIG thanks to Mohamed Ali for sharing his story with us! Mohamed is an artist and comedian, he just got back to Canada after spending the last few years working and performing in Southeast Asia. Check out his Instagram!

Special thanks to Zahra Noorbakhsh. Big thanks as well to Zaiba Hasan & her crew from the podcast Mommying While Muslim.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Music Spotlight: “Honest” by Jada Imani (produced by Dakim)

Jada Imani is an East St. Louis-born, Bay Area-raised Hip-Hop R&B artist and organizer. In addition to a whole bunch of great music, Jada recently launched a new product line called “Good For The Soul”. Be sure to check out her Patreon and follow her on social media.

This song comes to us from the compilation Water For The Town Vol. 4, a project series from SmartBomb created to raise mutual aid and awareness for various organizations and grassroots movements doing vital work right here in Oakland.

The song is produced by Dakim, be sure to check out more of Dakim’s music and follow them on Instagram!

Season 13 - Episode 10

Mimi Nguyen’s mother, Thanh, has always been super anxious. She obsessively calls Mimi at all hours and is always worried they’re in danger. This paranoia really put a strain on their relationship, until Mimi heard Thanh talking in her sleep one night. And Mimi realized… maybe there were long-hidden family secrets that might explain Thanh’s behavior.

This story contains strong language, graphic depictions of war, and mention of suicide. Please take care while listening.

Thank you, Mimi & Thanh, for sharing your story with us!

Stephanie Foo produced this story – she also wrote a memoir about intergenerational immigrant trauma and her own complex PTSD… in it, she tears down her own walls and shares her and her family’s story. Check out her incredible new book, “What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma.”

Produced by Stephanie Foo, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 9

Some of the best stories are told when the show’s over… Join us Backstage where we bring together incredible storytellers from all over the country for a roundtable of stories about second-rate first-class tickets, a racist dog, and baggy pants.

This episode does contain strong language and the mention of drug use, sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to Dino Archie, Shannon Cason, Dr. Ray Christian, Joyce Lee, and Don Reed for spending some time with us Backstage!

Special thanks to Snap’s Flo Wiley for her help with this episode.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 8 - Snap Classic

A pair of star-crossed lovers encounter the paranormal while performing Romeo & Juliet in fair Wisconsin. And when a man falls in love with his wife he doesn’t just get one life partner - he gains an entire family.

STORIES

Romeo & Juliet

A pair of star-crossed lovers encounter the paranormal in fair Wisconsin, where we lay our scene.

This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked, a Luminary Original podcast.

Want more Spooked? Season 6 of Spooked is streaming now. This Luminary Original Podcast is rolling out new episodes through Spring, 2022. You can hear the newest episodes by subscribing to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary.

Thank you, Kelsey Brennan & Andy Truschinski, for sharing your story!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Nicholas Marks

Multiplicity

When you get really close to someone, you get to know different sides of them naturally. It was no different when Jim Bunkelman fell in love with his wife, Rhonda. What was different was just how many different sides of Rhonda there were.

This does refer to trauma from sexual and physical abuse, sensitive listeners are advised.

Thanks, Jim, for sharing your story with us!

If you’d like to learn more about what is referred to by some as healthy multiplicity, Jim suggests you consult Healthymultiplicity.com and Multiplicity 101 for more information.

Produced by Julia DeWitt, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 7

Afia Kaakyire has a decision to make. And by God, her family is going to help her figure this s*** out.

This week on Snap, we’re featuring S***hole Country. Join Afia as she forages for her family’s guidance in their shared histories during a long-awaited trip to Ghana — true tales dipped in green card anxieties, complicated love, an “Are You the One?” marathon, and liberal portions of the world’s best Jollof. This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

The story comes to us from our good friend Afia and Radiotopia Presents. Go listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or at radiotopiapresents.fm You’ll find the other five episodes in this incredible eight-part series.

S***hole Country is written, narrated, and sound designed by Afia Kaakyire and produced by Afia and Mark Pagán. Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich are the executive producers. Cover art by Sindiso Nyoni.

Music Credits:

Theme song by Ria Boss

“Too Late for the Party” by Unheard Music Concepts

“Noodle Opus” by Blue Dot Sessions

“Crisis Averted” by David Hilowitz

“I Kno” by Vincent Augustus

Season 13 - Episode 6

A DJ hosts a radio show from a garden shed in his backyard. For over forty years he had an audience of one.

This story was co-produced in partnership with our friends at Narratively, which celebrates humanity through authentic storytelling. They have amazing stories, podcasts, and so much more.

Reporting for this piece came from Jeff Maysh. It was produced by Jeff Maysh, John Fecile, and Narratively‘s founder, Noah Rosenberg.

Original Score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 5 - Snap Classic

Rooty, a piglet, leaves her Victorian dollhouse on the farm and heads to the city of New Orleans to find a family. But when Hurricane Katrina hits, everything that is near and dear to her is threatened.

BIG thanks to Jim & Connie for sharing their story with us! Thanks as well to Jeffery Tam & Dr. Alison Barca.

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Cheflee

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 4

One stubborn, little DivaCup is all that stands in the way of life, liberty, and the pursuit of queerness. Ray Christian-Dickens tells their story of breaking free of the Bible Belt.

This story contains sexual situations and references to homophobia, please take care while listening.

Thank you, Ray Christian-Dickens, for sharing your story with us!

Ray first told this story for the podcast RISK! on the Trial By Fire episode. RISK! goes where others dare not tread. Listen & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more true stories that are told boldly.

Learn more about Ray on their website or follow them on Twitter!

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Sudi Wachspress

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 3

Glynn unearths paradise. A geoscientist journeys deep into the Amazon Rainforest in search of a mythical river. And a revolutionary living in exile does the unexpected. Snap presents a classic, “Shangri-La.”

STORIES

“The Perfect Spot”

Backpackers are scouring Southeast Asia looking for the magical spot, but Glynn has the inside tip.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

“Boiling River”

Andres Ruzo tried to track down a legend he’s heard his grandfather talk about in stories when he was a little boy. He found the stuff of legends, and then was faced with the choices, and burdens of knowing a valuable secret.

Find out more in Andres Ruzo’s book, The Boiling River. Check out the Boiling River Project, the TED talk, and the TED book.

Produced by Anna Sussman, sound design by Leon Morimoto

“For Love and Revolution”

In the 1970s Truman Capote interviewed Watani Stiner, a young revolutionary serving time in San Quentin for the death of two Black Panthers. Then… things got interesting.

Produced by Sukey Lewis & Mark Ristich, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Season 13 - Episode 2 - Snap Classic

The Tomb of the Unknowns is a sacred monument for unknown U.S. service members who died in combat. But what if this memorial is hiding something? ...Or someone?

This story comes to us from our friends over at 99 % Invisible. Listen & subscribe to this incredible podcast for more stories about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world.

Want to dive even deeper into this story? See pictures, videos & more here.

Production: Producer Joe Rosenberg spoke with Robert Poole, author of On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery; Patricia Blassie; Bill Thomas, reporter for the Washington Post; Chris Calhoon, former Army Ranger; Vince Gonzales, reporter for CBS Denver

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 1 - Spotlight

A fisherman down on his luck finds gold at the bottom of the sea. It’s only after his treasure hunt is underway that he discovers what is truly valuable deep down.

BIG thanks to Joe Pennisi for sharing your story with Snap.

This story would not have been possible if not for the amazing, on-the-ground reporting work of Tara Duggan, Jason Fagone, and Santiago Mejia who first told this incredible story for the San Francisco Chronicle.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 12 – Episode 52

Two stories from the mountains full of holiday spirit(s). It's the Nightmare before New Year's with a very Spooky episode from Snap… where guardian angels don't get snow days. Snap Judgment presents, “The Don’t Look Back! Special.” Amazing stories of the unexplained from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked.

Spooked, features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. Want more Spooked? Season 6 is streaming now, rolling out new episodes through Spring, 2022. You can hear the newest episodes by subscribing to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary.

STORIES

Cliffhanger

Bill is home from college, on his way to meet his girlfriend, when his car swerves off the road.

This story contains one brief scene of graphic material.

Big thanks to Bill Love for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Leon Morimoto

Cowboy Ghost

Valerie is lost in a snowstorm in rural Montana. She thinks she might not be able to get out, when she sees two headlights coming to her through the storm. Help is on the way - she hopes.

Thank you Valerie for sharing your story. Valerie’s story comes to us from the book “Trucker Ghost Stories” edited by Annie Wilder.

Produced by Eliza Smith, original score by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 51