Snap Judgment

An Iranian American professor is on a date in the hills outside Tehran. She hears the thunder of galloping, and what comes over the crest will ignite an unbridled passion in her -  defining her future and explaining her past. Plus, an urban legend about a chicken that turns out to be true. This is our final week of the Tooth & Claw series -- stay tuned next month for our collection of love stories in February... Fever. Do not miss it. No Reins An Iranian American professor is on a date in the hills outside Tehran. She hears the thunder of galloping, and what comes over the crest will ignite an unbridled passion in her -  defining her future and explaining her past. This story contains state brutality and sexual situations, sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you Pardis for speaking with Snap! Check out her book --Book of Queens -- all about her time on horseback in Iran.  Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.  Headless Chicken Some schoolyard stories are true, and so are some urban legends. This story contains descriptions of a chicken without a head, please take care while listening. For more information about Mike The Headless Chicken, including Fruita, Colorado’s annual Mike The Headless Chicken Festival, check out miketheheadlesschicken.org Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Renzo Gorrio with additional instrumentation by Andrew Vickers. Season 17 - Episode 4

What if your sister -- the one your parents raised you with, the one that shared your toys -- what if she didn’t just have different hair, or a slightly different nose, but was an entirely different species altogether? Hannah Friedman experiences the Law of the Jungle firsthand in the (dis)comfort of her family home.  STORIES Monkey Sister A huge thank you to Hannah Friedman and her parents Alison Pascoe & Dean Friedman for sharing their story with Snap! Hannah is a tv and film writer, producer and composer based in Los Angeles. To find out more about her life growing up with Amelia the monkey, check out  Hannah’s memoir “Everything Sucks”  Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Photo by Robin Schwartz. The Gift Horse  Tim Snyder thought he knew horses. He’d been around horses his entire life. Then he was introduced to a disabled horse that completely changed his life. Thanks Tim for sharing your story! Check out Tim's book "The Ghost Horse" Produced by Anna Sussman, sound design by Renzo Gorrio. Season 17 - Episode 3

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 Snap Classic - Season 17 – Episode 2

Can the dreaded Alligator Death Roll actually save your life? One man risks life and limb in the Florida swamplands. Thank you, Eric Merda, for sharing his story with us! Eric has been sharing his experience on stage doing stand-up comedy and also as a motivational speaker. Check him out onInstagram! Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks. Season 17 - Episode 1

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. Happy New Year Snap Nation -- thank you for listening in 2025! We love you! Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 61

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, artwork by Teo Ducot. 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. Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 60

German and his family are stuck behind the walls of a rusty old pencil factory in the jungle. When a Youtuber stumbles onto the scene with a camera, he may be their only hope. Thank you, to German, Eva, and Sasha. Thanks also to Julia Neusner. You can see more of Caya’s documentaries about tech and society on his Youtube channel “Slide Bean.” Check out this story featured on Today Explained! The Banished By Bargain project is a great resource to learn more about the Trump administration’s third-country deportations. Produced by John Fecile and Caya, edited by Nancy Lopez, original music by Renzo Gorrio. Season 16 - Episode 59

It’s the dawn of hip-hop and 15-year-old Roxanne Shanté is the best battle rapper in Queensbridge NYC. She spits out a hit record in the time it takes for her laundry to dry, for real. She’s bold, controversial and everyone wants to take her down at the “MC Battle for World Supremacy.” This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised. A giant thank you to the now Grammy-winning, forever "Queen of Rox," Roxanne Shanté for sharing her story with Snap!  You can find Roxanne on IG @imroxanneshante. She also hosts a daily show on Sirius XM's Channel 43 Rock the Bells Radio. Tune in! Produced Justin Kramon, edited by Nancy López, original score by Lauryn Newson. Season 16 - Episode 58

A woman wakes up in a hospital bed with no idea why she’s there. Her perception of reality is questionable. A doctor discovers a possible source for her delusions and what follows is her journey to recovery and back to herself.  Thank you to Susannah Cahalan for sharing your story with us! Susannah tells the full tale of her descent into madness and rise out of it in her international bestselling memoir Brain on Fire.  She's written a new book called The Acid Queen, about the reality-bending world of psychedelics. You can find Susannah on IG @suscahalan.   Our friends at The Pulse will be continuing Susannah's story this coming week, as she investigates one of the most famous psychological experiments of all time... and discovers something incredible. You'll want to catch that on the next episode of WHYY's The Pulse, available on the NPR podcast feed.  Produced by Justin Kramon, edited by Nancy Lopez, engineering by Boen Wang, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Season 16 - Episode 57

A teenage hacker inspired by “Mr. Robot” takes on his principal, teachers, and the Board of Education. And a night-shift doctor shares a story of life after death.  STORIES Code Yellow A teenage hacker inspired by “Mr. Robot” takes on his principal, teachers, and the Board of Education. This story contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.  This piece was adapted from the podcast, Darknet Diaries. Listen to the full story, called Finn. Produced by Jack Rhysider with assistance from Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot. The Lazarus Effect A night-shift doctor shares a story of life after death. This story comes to us from the podcast, The Nocturnists, and was performed live in San Francisco in 2018. You can listen to the full story, called The Lazarus Effect. Special thanks to Emily Silverman, Ana Adlerstein, Ali Block, Adelaide Papazolou, Marina Poole, Kirk Klocke, and the storyteller, Joe Sills. Snap Classic – Season 16 Episode 56

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. Plus, Don Reed transports himself to 1970. Not So Tiny Dancer 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: polarbearfilmfund@gmail.com Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot. Butter  Laugh yourself silly with the Snap Judgment LIVE audience, as master storyteller Don Reed transports himself to 1970's Oakland. Original music performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick and David Brandt. Watch the LIVE version. Thank you Snap Fam for supporting us and listening all these years! We are so grateful for you. Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 55

Jen Angel is a beloved cupcake baker whose life was taken in a smash and grab gone wrong. Now a young man accused of the crime has his future hanging in the balance. Cries for justice, retribution and reason all collide as everyone tries to figure out “What Would Jen Do?” This episode contains graphic imagery and strong language. Please take care while listening. Thank you to Ocean, Ashanthe, Emily, Moira, Tobias, Sandra, and people from our community, right here in Oakland, who opened up their hearts to share their story with Snap Judgment.  Special thanks to Jemila, the Estate of Jen Angel (including Julie, Dana, Megan, Ryan, and Elle) and the entire team at Angel Cakes. Additional field recording by David Exumé. Expert Consultation from Sukey Lewis. Special thanks to KQED Legal.  Produced by Regina Bediako, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Tribute image is Design Action Collective. Season 16 - Episode 54

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 16 – Episode 53

When a young man is told he is 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. And a musical savant shares the inner workings of his amazing gift.  STORIES  The Soundtrack of Silence  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. Sudden Savant  Although most musicians spend decades honing their craft, musical genius Derek Amato never had to practice a day in his life. One day, he just sat down at the piano and his fingers began to fly across the keys with ease. As an immediate musical genius, Derek is one of the few people on Earth diagnosed with Acquired Musical Savant Syndrome. Derek takes us into the inner workings of his amazing gift. Produced by Anna Sussman &  Pat Mesiti-Miller. Original score & sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Season 16 - Episode 52

In a boarding house in Chicago, a young girl puts her questions to the universe and the answers are returned in coded messages from the other side. And a boy lost in the forest at the foothills of the Himalayas, sees a light in the distance… but it isn’t there to guide him. This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. Happy Halloween!  STORIES Knock Knock In a boarding house in Chicago, a young girl puts her questions to the universe and the answers are returned in coded messages from the other side. BIG thanks to Connie Shirakawa for sharing her story with us. Connie is a storyteller in Chicago. You can catch some of her performances on her website. Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Doug Stuart. Fire Creature When you’re lost in the forest at the foothills of the Himalayas, a light in the distance is not always good news.   Thank you, Razdan, for sharing your grandfather’s story with Spooked. Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Clay Xavier, scouted by Aditya Mattoo. Season 16 - Episode 51

A man visits prominent members of the Blackfeet Traditional Medicine community. After witnessing an unexplainable force, he learns just how important it is to practice good medicine. And a girl growing up in Mumbai knows money doesn’t grow on trees. But when times get tough, her family house begins to reveal its secrets. This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly.  STORIES Bull Boy While Dan is at the compound of good friends and prominent members of the Blackfeet Traditional Medicine community, the Heavyrunner family, he learns just how important it is to practice good medicine. Thanks to Dan SaSuweh Jones for sharing your story with us! Learn more aboutDan. Produced by Chris Hambrick, original score by Leon Morimoto. Hiding Spot  Growing up in Mumbai, Rashi knew money didn't grow on trees.  But when times got really tough and the family was on the brink, their house began to reveal its secrets. Thank you Rashi for sharing your story with Spooked! Rashi is a radio DJ on BIG FM India. You can also follow her on Instagram: @rjrashiofficial @biglive @bigfm.jharkhand Produced by Erick Yáñez. Original score by Lauryn Newson. Scouted by Aditya Mattoo.  Season 16 - Episode 50

A young man gets “rollers” — the gift of a lifetime from a mysterious friend. Plus, an epic mixup at the funeral home is about to bring the house down. STORIES  The Birds - LIVE A young man gets “rollers” — the gift of a lifetime from a mysterious friend. This story was told at the Orpheum Theatre atSpooked LIVE in 2023. Join us at our shows next week in Los Angeles and Oakland! Get your tix. Cross over. Thank you, Dr. Ray Christian! Check out Ray’s podcast: What’s Ray Saying Original music performed live by Doug Stuart and Brijean Murphy. Produced by Anna Sussman. Mixed by Miles Lassi. Special thanks to Ryan Davis, Sarah Rose Leonard, Jon Cohn, Rebecca Stumme, Kristen Payne, and the LA Orpheum Team. That's Not Mama An epic mixup at the funeral home is about to bring the house down. Thank you, Sheri Booker, for sharing her story with Snap! Sheri is an author, poet, spoken word artist, and professor.  If you want to read more of Sheri's tales from her near-decade of work in the funeral business, check out her memoir: Nine Years Under: Coming of Age in an Inner-City Funeral Home.   Big thanks to Jessica Henkin and Laura Wexler at The Stoop Storytelling Series in Baltimore for introducing us to Sheri. Original score by Clay Xavier, edited by Nancy López, produced by Justin Kramon. Season 16 - Episode 49

A woman in Texas takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead in her own home. And a Snap producer reveals he owes a lot to one single hairy flying mammal.  STORIES Batwoman A woman in Texas takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead in her own home. 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, artwork by Teo Ducot. 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. Season 16 – Episode 48 - Snap Classic

DeAndre D’Angelo, a scam artist with a talent for forged documents and a taste for red sports cars finds the perfect persona to escape his checkered past. He's the Camaro driving, show tune singing, high school student who is actually 31 years old. What if you could relive your youth and do it all over again the right way? Thank you, Michael Backman, for sharing your story with Snap! Check out Michael's music. Produced by Jeff Maysh and Nancy López, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, illustration by Alex Williamson. Season 16 - Episode 47

A team of high school students investigate a new hire at their school. What they discover leads them towards an all out battle for the truth.  Extra special thanks to Emily Smith and her team of sleuthers! Produced by Shaina Shealy, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score Nick Marks.  Season 16 - Episode 46

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. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Playground Bullies and Dark Secrets  In middle school, Mike has a secret. But no one has ever seen “it.” This was performed at Snap LIVEin 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. Season 16 – Episode 45

The county clerk in a sleepy town finds himself on the frontlines of a national fight over abortion care.  When a New York doctor prescribes abortion meds to a Texas woman, a state's rights fight erupts. Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck is front and center when he invokes the "shield law" to prevent Texas AG Ken Paxton from filing a case against the doctor.  Produced by Anna Sussman and Zoe Ferrigno. Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.   Season 16 - Episode 43

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. Artwork by Teo Ducot. 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.  Season 16 - Episode 42 - Classic

The group from Union Point moves into their new homes on the tiny plot of land near Lake Merritt. They run their own security and decide who comes into their space. But then, on a Monday morning in March, we hear devastating news… A fire burns through the plot of land on E12th. Is this the end of the experiment, or will the group keep building? This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.  Thank you to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your story with us. Hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot. Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio. Episode 5 of 5. You can listen to the entire series now!

Mama D, President Matt, and the rest of the group are finally seeing their experiment in co-governance take shape. They built their security sheds and saw their tiny homes for the first time. But when Nino Parker stepped onto the sidewalk in a neck brace, on crutches, it was clear that the group was about to face a whole new level of chaos.   This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.  Thank you to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your story with us. A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios, hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot. Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio. Episode 4 of 5. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!

Mama D sees that the future of the experiment is up to her and what she decides: Lead the group to the plot of land offered by the city, hope and pray for a magical new plot, or disband the group and dissolve the experiment.  Following weeks of indecision, Mama D makes a choice. And while everyone from the group was hard at work to turn their dream into reality, they didn’t seem to notice a major problem with the set-up. A fault line of sorts.   This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.  Big thanks to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your worlds with us. A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios, hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot. Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio. Episode 3 of 5. Episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!

The standoff between Public Works and the group from Union Point Park ends with a handshake -- a deal to build a new kind of housing community funded by the city where homeless residents make their own rules. But right away, the civility of this agreement seems to break down.  And after months of waiting, the group from Union Point Park finally gets a plot of land on E12th street for their radical experiment. But there’s a big problem with the land. It's something that leaves the future of this experiment in limbo. This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.  A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Host and Reporter Shaina Shealy takes listeners inside an encampment in Oakland for an against-all-odds story about scarcity, community, and the complexity of building something new from the margins of a broken system. What happens when people who’ve been shut out of a system that has failed them decide to take the lead? Disaster, and unexpected beauty.  Big thanks to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your worlds with us. Hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot. Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio. Episode 2 of 5. Episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!

Using broken refrigerators, mattresses and dishwashers, residents of Union Point Park barricade their tent-city. And they fight for an extraordinary idea: their own plot of land from the city, where they could live in community and set their own rules, on their own terms. A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Host and Reporter Shaina Shealy takes listeners inside an encampment in Oakland for an against-all-odds story about scarcity, community, and the complexity of building something new from the margins of a broken system. What happens when people who’ve been shut out of a system that has failed them decide to take the lead? Disaster, and unexpected beauty.  This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.  Huge love & thanks to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your worlds with us. Hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot. Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio. Episode 1 of 5. Episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!

It's barricades vs. bobcats, tents vs. tiny homes and a team of people fighting to stay together. Listen to a radical experiment in freedom that puts an entire city under the microscope… "A Tiny Plot” is a new series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Producer Shaina Shealy embedded with a group of people in an encampment in Oakland at a park called Union Point. They were ordered to disperse, running out of time, but they were bound together by an extraordinary new idea: their own living space where they can set their own rules. Over five episodes, we learn the story of Mama D, Papa Eddie, President Matt and more. They invite listeners in to witness high-stakes decisions, devastating failures and wild successes. Episode 1 drops August 21, 2025. Episodes will drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen right here on Snap Judgment.

300 people spend a week on a plane with Rihanna to attend seven concerts, in seven countries, over seven days. And when morale is low among a group of paratroopers, their Sergeant takes them on an unexpected trip.  STORIES Diamonds in the Sky Fans and journalists embark on a seven-show tour with Rihanna… in seven countries, over seven days, on a Boeing 777, to celebrate her seventh album in seven years. Did we mention this happened seven years ago? This story contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners please be advised.  Special thanks to Kristen Gwynne, Lawrence Bull, and Elizabeth Nakano. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Acid Jump When morale is low among a group of paratroopers, their Sergeant takes them on an unexpected trip.  Check out Ray’s podcast, “What’s Ray Saying?” and follow him on Twitter @WhatsRaySaying! Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto. Season 16 - Episode 35

The hallowed halls of an Airbnb house a spirit that can only be seen through sprinkles, spritzes, and sparkles… of air freshener. Snap’s Queen of Comedy, Jen Kober, returns with a story only she could tell. Plus, Glynn shares a story about a close personal witch. The episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.  These stories were told at Spooked LIVE! We have a West Coast tour this year in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Seattle! Join us in September and October! Cross over. Get your tix + listen to Spooked on any podcast platform. Thanks, Jen, for sharing your story with us! For all things Jen -- and to see her live on tour -- check outher website. Original music performed live by Doug Stuart and Brijean Murphy. Mixed by Miles Lassi. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Special thanks to Ryan Davis, Sarah Rose Leonard, Jon Cohn, Rebecca Stumme, Kristen Payne, and the LA Orpheum Team. Season 16 - Episode 34

Eleven attractive, young people set sail across the Atlantic in a raft as part of a radical group experiment. And a boy falls in love with a girl… and her fungus. STORIES  Vintage Spirit Did you ever think that you missed a moment of history?  A moment you were made for? Glynn explores an era that had a spark. Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Raft of Passion 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. 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. Linda, Loretta, and Me What happens when boy meets girl and fungus? This is a story about love and spores, from one of our favorite podcasts,Love Me. Be sure to check out producer Jonathan Zenti’s podcast, Meat. Produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick, Cristal Duhaime, and Jonathan Zenti. Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 33

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” Paulfor 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 restin Lexington, Kentucky. To find out more about Miami and Winning Colors’ story – check out Miami’s book, “The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told”  Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Snap Classic – Season 16– Episode 32

Here’s a preview from a new podcast, Charlie’s Place. How did a Black man in the 1940s Jim Crow South open a club where Black and white people danced together? Charlie’s Place was revolutionary, and that meant it was dangerous. Host Rhym Guissé explores the unbelievable true story of Charlie Fitzgerald, a mysterious Black businessman whose nightclub became an unlikely site of integration in Myrtle Beach.  Charlie broke down racial barriers through the power of music and dance, hosting some of the greatest musicians of our time: Little Richard, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and many more. But who was Charlie? How did he rise to power? And what price did he pay for achieving the impossible—an integrated club in the Jim Crow South? This is a story of joy and passion that erupted into violence and changed a community forever.  Listen to Charlie’s Place wherever you get your podcasts. Binge the entire season early and ad-free by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.

World class runner Shelby Houlihan goes on trial and a bad burrito is her smoking gun. Plus, what do you do when you look just like figure skating’s supervillain?  STORIES The Burrito Theory  World class runner Shelby Houlihan goes on trial and a bad burrito is her smoking gun. Thank you Shelby, for sharing your story with us! Produced by John Fecile, original score by Clay Xavier. 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. Season 16 - Episode 30

A young girl’s fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Plus – the story of the first dog to travel around the world and the hottest alien takeover of all time. Round Trip 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. Music and sound design for opening story by Druuvy. 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, original score & sound design by Leon Morimoto. Bionic Blondes The hottest alien takeover of all time.  This story was originally written by Kelly Link, and comes from her collection, Stranger Things Happen. It was adapted, directed, and produced by Mark Ristich and Eliza Smith. Voice ActorsL Glynn Washington and Joyce Lee. Season 16 - Episode 29

When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner. And in Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.   This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. If you want more supernatural fun, check out Spooked on YouTube. The Gearbox  When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner.  Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Doug Stuart. Spirit of the Mountain In Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.   Thank you Adam, for sharing your story with us. Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 16 - Episode 28

He’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick. And meet his counterpart… Tom Garvey. The man who lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style. It’s Pittsburgh vs Philly in an epic sports story-off. This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.  STORIES Super Bowl Rick He’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick.  Thank you Rick Steigerwald for telling us your story!  When Rick returned home following the Super Bowl , he shared his story with the Pittsburgh Press - check out the 1979 article! Rick retired after a 39 year career in steamfitting and now serves as the Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner. He’s a three time former Golden Gloves Boxing champion and longtime referee, and was just inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame this past year.  Big thanks as well to Ryan O’Shea who originally interviewed Rick and the late Steeler Jack Deloplaine on his Youtube channel.  Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. A Vet in the Vet  For years, Tom Garvey lived every sports fan’s secret dream: he lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style. Thanks Tom, Jud Bertholf, and John Grossman! Read Tom’s story in his memoir The Secret Apartment and his autobiographical novel Many Beaucoup Magics. Produced by John Fecile, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Season 16 - Episode 27

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 16 – Episode 26

In the Big Top, the Ringmaster wows the crowd in his top hat and sparkly jacket. But underneath the glitz is a feeling that only a father can lay to rest. And what do you do when your family’s big moment on national TV turns into a total disaster? ...Happy Father's Day y'all!  Ringmaster In the Big Top, the Ringmaster wows the crowd in his top hat and sparkly jacket. But underneath the glitz is a question that only a father can lay to rest.  Thank you Jonathan Lee Iverson for sharing your story with us! Jonathan is a Ringmaster to this day, you can find him touring up and down California.   Produced by Anna Sussman. Original score by Derek Barber. Photo credit: Wednesday Aja. The Angry Marriage?  What do you do when your family’s big moment on national TV turns into a total disaster? A huge thank you to Charles, Linda and Rebecca Kraus for sharing your story with Snap! You can find all things Charles the Clown including  videos, songs, magic tricks, puppet routines and even book Charles for your next event in the Bay Area.  Dr. Bonnie Maslin and The Today Show did not respond to our requests for comment about this story. Produced by Bo Walsh. Original score by Dirk Schwartzhoff. Edited by Regina Bediako & Anna Sussman.  Season 16 - Episode 25

This week on Snap, we go to Guadalajara, Mexico where Dante meets Jorge. As they start to understand each other they soon discover that what brings them together also sets them apart. 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. Art by Teo Ducot. Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 24

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 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 16 – Episode 23

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! Season 16 – Episode 22 - Snap Classic

Three epic romances, but only one of them makes it into the time capsule. Nichole, Zakiya, and Emmanuel must choose the best Black Love story for the world of the future. This week on Snap, we're featuring an episode from our friends at Our Ancestors Were Messy. Our Ancestors Were Messy, is a podcast covering the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines in the Black newspapers of segregated communities during the pre-Civil Rights era. On each episode, host Nichole Hill and her guests follow the story of an ancestor in search of opportunity, adventure, love, and a way to beat Jim Crow. Hill and her guests learn the mess - and eventual history - their ancestors make along the way.    You can listen to this incredible show on any podcast platform! Our Ancestors Were Messy is hosted by Nichole Hill (@nicholewthanh). This episode feautres Emmanuel Dzotsi (@newsmanual_) and Zakiya Gibbons (@zak_sauce). Executive Producer A.A. Hernandez. Sound design by Helena de Groot. Story Producer Martina Abrahams Ilunga (@m_tina). Research Producer Chioke I'Anson. Story Editing by Shonte Hill. Show Art by Aseloka Smith. Season 16 - Episode 21

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: Mother of Eagles.” 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. Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 20

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 fromThe 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. Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 19

Outside of Mumbai, in the middle of nowhere, is a beautiful river. One side of the river is cursed. But which side is it? This episode contains strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform. If you want more supernatural fun, check out Spooked on YouTube. Produced by Anne Ford. Original score by Nicholas Marks. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 16 - Episode 18

In a quiet Ugandan village, Jocelyn waits for her older siblings to sneak back from a forbidden disco, only to hear a sinister night dancer casting enchantments outside her home. When illness strikes her brother, Jocelyn’s family decides to take matters into their own hands.  This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked. You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform! If you want more supernatural fun, check out Spooked on YouTube. Thank you so much, Jocelyn, for sharing your family’s story.  Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Clay Xavier, scouted and narrated by Lulu Jemimah, artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 16 - Episode 17

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 16 – Episode 16

What if you invented something the whole world knows but someone else took the credit? This week on Snap, we uncover the story of Krazy George, a shy wood-shop teacher turned professional cheerleader, who sparked a phenomenon from the stands of the Oakland Coliseum. And -- the story of the infamous Pine Tar Game told by the bat boy. STORIES The Wave What if you invented something the whole world knows but someone else took the credit? This week on Snap, we uncover the story of Krazy George, a shy wood-shop teacher turned professional cheerleader, who sparked a phenomenon from the stands of the Oakland Coliseum. A huge thank you to the man, the myth, the legend… Krazy George Hendersonfor sharing your story.  At 80 years young, George is still banging his drum for the Spartans at his alma mater, San Jose State. He also just celebrated his 50th season cheering professionally for the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer.  To read more about the life and times of George, check out his memoir “Still Krazy After All These Cheers”  Produced by Bo Walsh. Edited by Anna Sussman. Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Artwork by Teo Ducot. The Bat Boy and the Pine Tar Game 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 outDaniel Barbarisi’s story in the Wall Street Journal. Produced by Davey Kim. Sound Design by Renzo Gorrio. Season 16 - Episode 15

Love is sweeter than reason... Lupita Nyong'o asks, "How far would you go for family?" Her cousins and her sister spill the tea on a legendary nursing mishap, and a Nigerian barrister pours her love into a signature dish for a delivery across the globe. This week on Snap, we're featuring stories from our limited series Mind Your Own! STORIES "Sister Trouble" Lupita, her sister Fiona, and cousins Kitt, Tawi, and Mich get together to recount a legendary nursing mishap. Produced by David Exumé, with assistance from Fiona Nyong’o. Original score by Clay Xavier. "Oha Soup" Joan, a Nigerian barrister, pours all her love into her signature dish just so she can hand-deliver it for her daughter’s graduation in New York. Produced by Priscilla Alabi and David Exumé. Original score by Jeremy Uwah. Many thanks to Kitt, Tawi, Mich, and Fiona for joining us! And to Joan Okwuosa and her daughter (and Story Scout!) Ashley Okwuosa for sharing their story. Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo.  "Sister Trouble" and "Oha Soup" come from Mind Your Own, a storytelling show hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong'o, that navigates what it means to belong all from an African perspective. You can listen to all ten episodes of Mind Your Own on any podcast platform!  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. Graphic Design: Jemimah Ekeh. Original Artwork: Mateus Sithole. Mind Your Own is a production of KQED’s Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Special Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and Afripods. "Time Traveler" Jacoby Cochran walks through a Chicago neighborhood and into a time machine. That's where the story begins... Sensitive listeners, please note this story contains explicit language and references racial violence. 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. Season 16 - Episode 14

A young filmmaker documents a political showdown between an authoritarian president and a brave Ugandan pop singer. When he aims his lens, he has no idea the shot he’s about to take. And – the story of people who come face-to-face one night in the Canyonlands of southern Utah.  STORIES The Shot A young filmmaker documents a political showdown between an authoritarian president and a brave Ugandan pop singer. When he aims his lens, he has no idea the shot he’s about to take. Huge thanks to the amazing Moses Bwayo! Moses’s film 'Bobi Wine: The People's President' was nominated for an Academy Award, for best documentary. It received a ten minute standing ovation at its premier at the Venice film festival. Produced by Anna Sussman and John Fecile. Original score by Renzo Gorrio, edited by Nancy Lopez, 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. Thank you, Brody, for sharing your story. Brody Young is a Utah State Park Ranger and motivational speaker, helping 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 16 - Episode 13

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. And a young, penniless student arrives at UCLA with no place to stay and is forced to improvise. STORIES Roommate Wanted 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.”  Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot. The Kipling Hotel – Don Reed 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. Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 12

Sharing a new show from my friend Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson, called IMO. You know on Snap, we make stories that help you laugh, think, and see the world through someone else’s eyes. Similarly on IMO, Michelle and Craig bring candid perspectives to the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real folks just like you, offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. Topics range from dating and relationships, to family and faith. Michelle and Craig share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first crushes and fraught college years, to landing at the White House, to losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you.  In this episode, they’re joined by actress Issa Rae for a conversation about navigating the challenges of mismatched expectations in adult friendships. You can find more episodes of IMO at: https://lnk.to/imomichellecraigSJ

"His secrets filled the air around him like smoke..."  A young boy idolizes his karate instructor. Each kick, throw, and punch a step on the path to becoming a man. But the power of his presence cannot hold back the questions of his character. STORIES The Master "His secrets filled the air around him like smoke..."  A young boy idolizes his karate instructor. Each kick, throw, and punch a step on the path to becoming a man. But the power of his presence cannot hold back the questions of his character. Thank you, Simon Shieh, for sharing your story! Read the poems featured in this story and more -- in Simon's debut poetry collection Master. And an extra special thank you to Katherine Litwin. Produced by John Fecile. Edited by Anna Sussman and Nancy López. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Ego Tripping - Nikki Giovanni  Read by Flo Wiley. Music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Burning Books Glynn's mom finds the devil in her house. Performed by Glynn Washington at Snap LIVE. Original score composed and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.  Season 16 - Episode 11

Katie falls hard for Barys during a whirlwind trip to Belarus. But there’s a giant red flag she can’t ignore any longer. And two people who have the same name, live in the same city, and have the same professional interests soon find out what else they have in common. STORIES Real Love Boston-based writer Katie Simon is on assignment in Belarus when she meets and falls hard for Barys in less than a week. When she’s back home, her friends alert her to a giant red flag she can no longer afford to ignore. This story briefly mentions sex, sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Katie, for sharing this story with Snap! Keep up with her latest work, including an upcoming book about falling in love and generational storytelling here. Learn more about Katie on her Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Ovrkast “Love Somebody” – Music Spotlight This week’s Snap Music Spotlight features Oakland artist Ovrkast with the song, “Love Somebody” watch the video here! Listen to Ovrkast’s latest album, Try Again (DELUXE) out now!! To stay up to date with all things Ovrkast, be sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Katie vs. Katie When Katie Crouch learned there was another Katie Crouch who lived in the same city and apparently had the same professional interests as her she thought, huh, what else do we have in common? She would soon find out. This story was done in collaboration with Ozy.com, the online magazine that published both Katies’ essays: The Other Me and Doppelgangers Unite? Katie Crouch continues to virtually cross paths with her name twin from her new city of Chicago, where she works for an educational publisher, raises a toddler on her own, and writes ablog. Katie Crouch is a New York Times best-selling novelist. Her books include Girls in Trucks and Abroad, among others. Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio Season 16 – Episode 10 - Snap Classic

Coffee is the love language for two Gaza journalists Shrouq and Roshdi. But one morning at breakfast, their little family life is torn apart. Now, Shrouq must navigate a war, motherhood and the disappearing memories of love. And -- the story of a 10-year-old girl with a magnetic smile who makes magic out of breadcrumbs on a rooftop in Gaza and the internet is eating it up. STORIES  After Roshdi Coffee is the love language for two Gaza journalists Shrouq and Roshdi. But one morning at breakfast, their little family life is torn apart. Now, Shrouq must navigate a war, motherhood and the disappearing memories of love.  Thank you so much, Shrouq, for sharing your story with us. Produced by Ashley Cleek, Regina Bediako, and Shaina Shealy. Edited by Nancy López and Anna Sussman. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Chef Renad A 10-year-old girl with a magnetic smile who makes magic out of breadcrumbs on a rooftop in Gaza and the internet is eating it up. Many thanks to Chef Renad and her sister Nourhan Attallah. You can find Chef Renad on Youtube or Instagram. Special thanks to the Committee to Protect Journalists for sharing their extensive reporting from the Gaza Strip.   Produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Nancy López. Music by Renzo Gorrio. Translation by Ansam Ismail Kalloub. Recording by Shrouq. Season 16 - Episode 9

Ray looks back on his decision to join the army, unraveling a complicated history of Black military service and reflecting on the surprising changes the armed forces made in his life. This episode contains explicit language. Please take care while listening. This story comes to us from the incredible podcast, What’s Ray Saying? In each episode, Ray Christian, the award-winning storyteller, combat veteran, historian, and devoted father of six, invites you to become part of his community, as he shares stories from the scenic mountains of Appalachia. Listen to What's Ray Saying? wherever you get your podcasts! To get all things Ray -- check out his website. What's Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. What's Ray Saying? is supported by its amazing listeners, PRX, and The Moth. Season 16 - Episode 8

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. 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 by Leon Morimoto, produced by Adizah Eghan. Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 16 - Episode 7

How long will you hurt yourself before you start loving yourself? Ronald Young Jr. grapples with the impending loss of his mother while still thinking about his weight. And a kid shares what it’s like to live with Gynecomastia (aka Man Boobs). STORIES The Weight of Sorrow Ronald Young Jr. grapples with the impending loss of his mother while still thinking about his 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. Listen to Weight For It wherever you get your podcasts!! Follow Ron on Twitter, Threads, IG, and TikTok – @ohitsbigron Episodes of Weight For Itare produced and written by Ronald Young Jr., with editing from Sarah Dealey. 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. Episode artwork by Andy J. Pizza. If you need support for disordered eating or your body image -- please check out the resources 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 The Amazing T*tty Man How long 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”. Subscribe and listen here! Produced by Nygel Turner and Davey Kim, sound design by Oluwafemi and Davey Kim. Season 16 - Episode 6

It was all they had. A spoon and a rusty nail. But for the young Uyghur men trapped in a cell, it meant… escape.  Thank you, Hashim, for sharing your story with us. This episode was reported in partnership with Coda Story. Reported by Isobel Cockerell of Coda Story. Produced by Isobel Cockerell and John Fecile. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. English translation for Hashim by Ezra. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 16 - Episode 5

Andy Marra is on a mission to Korea in search of the mother she never knew with a secret she absolutely has to tell. And when two close friends can’t see each other face-to-face, they exchange letters from two very different places. The Birth Dream 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. Letters from Uncuffed It’s been almost a year since friends and family have been able to visit their loved ones in prison, due to the pandemic. Letters to the inside are always a lifeline. This year, more than ever. Today, from Uncuffed, we hear from Adamu Chan, who was recently released from San Quentin State Prison, while his friend Edmond Richardson, is still on the inside. Uncuffed is a storytelling project made by people behind bars, from inside California prisons, in collaboration with KALW. To hear the full version of this story, visit Uncuffed and make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Produced by Adamu Chan, Ninna Gaensler-Debs, Angela Johnston, Pat Mesiti-Miller & Eli Wirtschafter. Snap Classic – Season 16 – Episode 4

Standup comic Cassandra Dee struggles with depression. She jokes about it in her standup comedy but isn’t sure if she can pull it off. She jokes about the kids that bullied her growing up, the bad dates, the suicidal ideations, the failed therapy sessions. The audience laughs, but she wonders… has she gone too far? And - a story from a young woman feeling trapped in her body, until one day she finds the perfect getaway vehicle.  STORIES  The Last Thing on the List from Love & Radio Standup comic Cassandra Dee struggles with depression. She jokes about it in her standup comedy but isn’t sure if she can pull it off. She jokes about the kids that bullied her growing up, the bad dates, the suicidal ideations, the failed therapy sessions. The audience laughs, but she wonders… has she gone too far? Although this is a story about finding hope, please note it discusses suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Thank you, thank you, to Cassandra Dee for sharing her story. Cassandra's comedy special, Uncle Earth, is available for free on YouTube from Helium Comedy Studios. You can also find her on Instagram. This story was produced by Justin Kramon with Ana Adlerstein for the Love and Radio podcast.  Love and Radio is like family to Snap. Their stories are intense, strange, and unlike anything in podcasting – and they’re launching their tenth season later this year.  Special thanks to Aviva DeKornfeld for her help on this story. Huge thanks also to Brett Wean at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Help is available. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the US. You can learn more about suicide prevention, healing, and connect locally with others whose lives have been affected by suicide through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The Minivan  A young woman feels trapped in her body, until one day she finds the perfect getaway vehicle. This story was performed at Snap LIVE at The Power Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in partnership with Michigan Radio and The Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Original Music by Alex Mandel. Music performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt. Re-recording mix by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Season 16 - Episode 3

Eric and David score their dream house in the country… with a lily pond. When one frog finds it, he tells a friend, who tells a friend, and pretty soon quiet sunsets are now very trilling. It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s about to bring the whole house down. Plus — a story from a man who pulls off an airmail stunt that most could only dream about. STORIES  Gay Frog Happy Hour Eric and David score their dream house in the country… with a lily pond. When one frog finds it, he tells a friend, who tells a friend, and pretty soon quiet sunsets are now very trilling. It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s about to bring the whole house down. A very big thank you to R. Eric Thomas for sharing his story with Snap! Eric tells more of the frog saga and other hilarious tales in his most recent essay collection, Congratulations, the Best is Over! R. Eric Thomas writes the nationally syndicated daily advice column Asking Eric. He is a playwright, screenwriter, national bestselling author, and long-running host of The Moth in Philadelphia. Find all things Eric on his website. Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot. Air Mail Man Ever wanted to get some place real bad but didn’t have the funds? Ever try to think up crazy ways to get to your destination, without having to pay? You’re gonna want to listen to this story. Brian Robson pulled off an airmail stunt that most of could only dream about. Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Season 16 - Episode 2

It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “JoAnne” Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get “the call.” It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history. And a young massage therapist in Miami Beach gets the business offer of a lifetime. So he shakes hands with the devil and hopes for the best. STORIES We Are Not Yellow Pearl It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “JoAnne” Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get “the call.” It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history. This story contains strong language and references to Japanese Internment and racism against Asians and Asian Americans. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you, Nobuko, for sharing your story with Snap! After their first and last TV performance, Nobuko and Chris recorded “Yellow Pearl,” “We Are The Children,” and other songs on their 1973 album A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle by Asians in America. And while Chris, unfortunately, passed away in 2005, Nobuko is still making music to this day. For more, check out Noboku’s recently released memoir: Not Yo’ Butterfly: My Long Song of Relocation, Race, Love, and Revolution. And go to Noboku’s website to see what she’s working on next! Produced by David Exumé, original score by Daniel Riera The Accidental Arms Dealer A young massage therapist in Miami Beach gets the business offer of a lifetime. So he shakes hands with the devil and hopes for the best. Big thanks to David Packouz for sharing your story. If you want to find out the dirty, dirty, gritty, gritty behind this piece, check out the book written by Guy Lawson; it’s called “Arms and the Dudes.” Produced by Anna Sussman & Julia DeWitt in collaboration with Guy Lawson. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 1

When men living in Muskegon prison watch the breaking news of George Floyd’s murder on TV, they decide to host a one-of-a-kind celebration of life. And when Cindy adopted a four year old girl from China, there was a lot the two didn’t understand about each other. STORIES The Feast When men living in Muskegon prison watch the breaking news of George Floyd’s murder on TV, they decide to host a one-of-a-kind celebration of life. This story is a tribute to Robert “Silk” Cannon Junior.  This episode contains strong language and references to police violence. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Special thanks to William Welch and Dee Dee Kirkwood who helped make the bagel sandwich a reality for the men in Muskegon. Additional shout-outs to Catherine Nouhan, Stephen Carmody, and Delores Ingram. And major thanks to Tana Ganeva, a criminal justice reporter who has written extensively about Michael Thompson’s incarceration and petitions for clemency. You can read more about the George Floyd celebration of life in her article in The Counter. Tana is currently working on a book about Cold War escapees.  Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. 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. Happy New Year Snap Nation!  Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 58

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, Faatimahsigned 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.  Deliaended 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 songfeatured 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 showFire 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 theSF 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 Escapeearly 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 Worldwherever 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 andX. 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 xPeachcurls 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 secretadventuresofblackpeople@gmail.com 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 agofundme 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