Snap Judgment

On the volcanic island of La Palma biologists unravel a massive mystery. Is it a crime scene, a treasure or a dream come true? And in the town of Trinidad a grade school trip to the ocean is about to get beautiful, raw, and wild.

The post The Whale appeared first on Snap Judgment.

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

The post Vote for El Hottie – Snap Classic appeared first on Snap Judgment.

There’s a jumbie in a jalopy and the spirits are flowing during happy hour on St. Thomas. Plus, everybody kicks butt in Lee’s Los Gatos Spin Class but Cycle 23 is out of this world. 

The post Campfire Tales: Hot Wheels appeared first on Snap Judgment.

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.

The post Feelabeelia: One-Hit Wonder? Snap Classic appeared first on Snap Judgment.

A pizza delivery guy goes full superhero out on the job. And a husband trying to bring joy to his pregnant wife pays a high price to satisfy her sweet tooth. 

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The dead man does not know the value of his coffin. 

The post The Shadow Side appeared first on Snap Judgment.

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.

The post The Black Wind – All Systems Down appeared first on Snap Judgment.

Randy, the local surfing legend is in a one-man battle with the blaze at Sunset Point. Plus, the blizzard of the century traps four men on top of a Tennessee bald, frozen and hungry, but with a song in their heart.

The post Fire & Ice – All Systems Down appeared first on Snap Judgment.

Dad goes into hero mode and no hurricane, no barricade, no live power line is gonna stand between him and his daughter’s wedding day.

The post Father of the Bride – All Systems Down appeared first on Snap Judgment.

A teenager is trapped behind the wheel of a speeding SUV with a mind of its own. It’s blowing through intersections at high speed, police in hot pursuit, Mom’s on with 911… and one lone trooper has got a crazy idea. And — when NASA loses contact with a spacecraft over 12 billion miles away, scientist Suzanne Dodd has to throw a Hail Mary.

The post Vroom – All Systems Down appeared first on Snap Judgment.

One man takes it upon himself to reintroduce the beaver to Belgium. When his proposal to the Ministry of Conservation is rejected he takes matters into his own hands. And — the “Home Alone” Curse is all too real. 
 

The post The Belgian Beaver Bandit – Snap Classic appeared first on Snap Judgment.

From our friends at Love and Radio, the groundbreaking new series Blood Memory. In this first episode, two women meet the same man in prison and walk away with decidedly different impressions of him.

The post Blood Memory from Love and Radio appeared first on Snap Judgment.

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

The post Movement – Snap Classic appeared first on Snap Judgment.

Little Sammy has three loves. Bumble bees, the Bible and boys. Raised by preachers, he’s kept one of these secret, but Deliverance Day is on the way.

The post Deliverance appeared first on Snap Judgment.

Two women set sail on a tiny boat embarking on a journey to freedom that takes them across the globe. And a Hungarian composer dreams of changing the world… he did.

The post Kismet – Snap Classic appeared first on Snap Judgment.

At 101 years old, Deborah discovered a box she’d stashed away a lifetime ago. What was inside reignited an old love and turned her life upside down.

The post Heavyweight appeared first on Snap Judgment.

The Fire Girls blast their sirens to salute Amika as she is released from prison after seven years. She has no career, no home, no money, and teenage children who have been waiting for their mom to return. But the hardest part of regaining her freedom, would be believing that she is worthy.

The post Fire Escape: Worthy EP6 appeared first on Snap Judgment.

As wildland fires burn hotter and stronger across California, Amika and the incarcerated firefighters are put in extreme danger. At a massive, out of control fire, Amika must defy orders for the sake of the women on her crew.

The post Fire Escape: Release EP5 appeared first on Snap Judgment.

Amika and the Fire Girls are called to the scene of a terrible crash to rescue the passengers from the wreckage. Amika realizes the driver of the car is intoxicated. While saving his life, she reckons with lives lost and the harsh future awaiting the young patient. Back at the firehouse, Amika’s crew are called out to a Christmas Eve emergency. 

The post Fire Escape: Reckoning EP4 appeared first on Snap Judgment.

At the firehouse, Amika plans a drop – a secret plan to sneak forbidden cell phones to her friends still on the inside. She begins to worry she might get caught. And then she’s called to an emergency involving one of her jailers.

The post Fire Escape: Caught EP3 appeared first on Snap Judgment.

At the firehouse, Amika plans a drop – a secret plan to sneak forbidden cell phones to her friends still on the inside. She begins to worry she might get caught. And then she’s called to an emergency involving one of her jailers.

This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. 

Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us!

Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. 

Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. 

Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi.  

Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent.

Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department.

Season 17 - Episode 19

Amika is thrown in the hole for forty days. Locked in a windowless cell, she can hear the women through the walls losing their sanity. To protect herself, Amika must shut down all connections with everyone she loves: her cellies, her mom, and even her kids. The world looks dark until she sees a small light that may illuminate a path to her new life when she gets a call from the firehouse.   

The post Fire Escape: Escape EP2 appeared first on Snap Judgment.

Amika is thrown in the hole for forty days. Locked in a windowless cell, she can hear the women through the walls losing their sanity. To protect herself, Amika must shut down all connections with everyone she loves: her cellies, her mom, and even her kids. The world looks dark until she sees a small light that may illuminate a path to her new life when she gets a call from the firehouse.   

This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. 

Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us!

Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. 

Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. 

Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi.  

Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent.

Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department.

Season 17 - Episode 18

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.

The post Fire Escape: The Crash EP1 appeared first on Snap Judgment.

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.

This episode contains descriptions of a car crash & strong language. Sensitive listeners please be advised. 

Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us!

Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. 

Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. 

Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi.  

Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent.

Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department.

Season 17 - Episode 17

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

The post The Ledge – Snap Classic appeared first on Snap Judgment.

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

Big thanks to Jim Davidson for sharing his story!

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

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

Snap Classic - Season 17 - Episode 16

Snap+ is the new subscription membership program from Snap Judgment. You’ll get an ad-free stream, special behind-the-scenes features, and even some virtual hangs with Glynn. Bonus episodes will drop every month. 

Join us! Sign up at Supercast. 

A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and a musical force the world over. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt.

The post Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem’s Legendary Blonde Bombshell appeared first on Snap Judgment.

A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and a musical force the world over. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt. Starring Nichole Hill, Natalie Tulloch, and Christabel Nsiah-Buadi.

This incredible story comes to us from Our Ancestors Were Messy, a show about our ancestors and all their drama. 

It dives into the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines and then history in pre-Civil Rights Era America. Host Nichole Hill takes her guests through the story of an ancestor in search of opportunity, adventure, love, and a way to beat Jim Crow. Along the way, these ancestors make messes that land them in the gossip columns of Black newspapers.

Listen to Our Ancestors Were Messy on any podcast platform! Or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.

This story was written and produced by Nichole Hill. Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller with additional music by Mellat Makeda.

Season 17 - Episode 15

Zaki is in Kabul running an indie newspaper called The Etilaatroz. The Taliban are approaching the city, and the entire newsroom is on edge. But the question in Zaki’s mind is, “How do we save the paper?”

The post Last Paper Standing appeared first on Snap Judgment.

Zaki is in Kabul running an indie newspaper called The Etilaatroz. The Taliban are approaching the city, and the entire newsroom is on edge. But the question in Zaki’s mind is, “How do we save the paper?” Plus, a story from a journalist who decides what belongs in her bag.

Last Paper Standing

This story contains graphic imagery, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you to Zaki Daryabi for sharing your story with Snap! Extra thanks to Luft Ali Sultani and the entire team at Etilaatroz.

If you want to learn more about Etilaatroz and their journey to cover the news, visit their website or watch a documentary about their days in Kabul on Youtube for free.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Lost Baggage

Fatima decides what belongs in her bag. 

Thank you Fatima for sharing your story! You can see her reporting from Afghanistan on topics like women’s rights and education in The New York Times.

Season 17 - Episode 14

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 Henderson for 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.

Season 17 - Episode 13

A call from the Philadelphia Phillies brings a big league opportunity to a pitcher holding out hope.

Thank you, Brian Mazone, for sharing your story with the Snap! After retiring from baseball in 2010, Brian started a new career in medical supply sales in the San Diego area. To read more about Brian’s journey in baseball, check out the article from the Washington Post by Dave Sheinin which inspired this story.

Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, art by Teo Ducot.

Season 17 - Episode 12

A Los Angeles radio show prank-calls random French citizens and unintentionally reach le président. A hotheaded comedian gets into a fight. Plus, a seven-year parking spot war. 

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

The French Connection

A Los Angeles radio show prank-calls random French citizens and unintentionally reach le président. 

A very big thank you to Ralph Garman & Kevin Ryder for sharing their story with Snap! Radio rules.

Produced by Max Jungreis, original score by Renzo Gorrio, edited by Nancy López + Anna Sussman. 

Choke Zone

Moshe Kasher tells a little story about conflict resolution. 

Thank you, Moshe, for sharing your story! Check out Moshe’s memoir: Subculture Vulture: A Memoir in Six Scenes 

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Clay Xavier.

The Parking Space War

A seven-year vendetta stemming from a parking spot war. Told live at the Black Cat by DC Benny.

Thank you DC Benny for sharing this story! Big thanks also to 800 Pound Gorilla Media. 

Follow DC Benny at... Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, or on YouTube. Stay Connected with 800 Pound Gorilla -- check out their Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, or on YouTube.

Season 17 - Episode 11

When the man in charge of a small, insular northern Ohio town wreaks havoc on his followers, a young Amish boy with a passion for good hair tries to clean up the mess.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio. 

Season 17 - Episode 10

An ecologist in Maine fears she will be criticized because she "communicates with animals." Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he could read her mind. And – a man in Alaska hears a rumor about the elusive blue bear. He never gave it much thought until a friend convinced him to search for one. We're wrapping up the FEVER series this week! Tune in. 

STORIES

When Doves Cry

An ecologist in Maine fears she must be crazy because she communicates with animals. Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he could read her mind. 

Thank you Sara and Lily B for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Anna Sussman, edited by John Fecile, original score by Nicholas Marks. 

The Blue Bear

Lynn Schooler grew up in Alaska hearing rumor after rumor about the elusive blue bear. He never gave it much thought until a friend convinced him they go out searching for one. What Lynn ended up finding was, of course, something much different.

Thanks Lynn for sharing your story with Snap! For more on Lynn Schooler's work check out his Facebook page.

Produced by Nancy Lopez, sound design by Renzo Gorrio and Davey Kim.

Season 17 - Episode 9

From puppy love to stolen moments to the thrill of the chase... their relationship made headlines.

A huge thank you to Toby Dorr for sharing her story with Snap!

Toby is an author, speaker and criminal justice reform advocate. She’s also the founder of the Fierce Grace Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting women impacted by incarceration  through storytelling and mentorship. 

There's so much that we were not able to share about Toby’s experience... to find out more, check out Toby’s memoir “Living With Conviction” 

Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nicholas Marks.

Season 17 - Episode 8

Could you choose a lover for the love of your life? Our Fever Series continues with more stories from the heart -- of the heart.

STORIES 

Loves Actually

A Colorado couple explore uncharted territory when their idyllic marriage gets hit with a curve ball.

Thank you to Mil and Jan Markle for sitting down with Snap, opening up your hearts and sharing your story!

Produced by Regina Bediako, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Love Rivals

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

Thank you Vanessa Woods for sharing your story! 

Produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick, Cristal Duhaime and Jodie Taylor. This story comes to us from CBC's Love Me. Listen to more Love Me on any podcast platform.

 Season 17 - Episode 7

Your eyes may deceive you, your ears can betray you, but when it comes to love the nose knows. Plus - a reflection on life’s sliding doors and how we can never truly know all the versions of the people we love. 

This week on Snap, we kick off our FEVER series! Four weeks full of love stories that are not your typical romances... We love you Snap Nation! Catch the Fever.

STORIES

Smell Ya Later

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

This supernatural story comes to us from our evil twin podcast, Spooked. Spooked drops weekly, listen on any podcast platform! 

Thank you, Laura Packer, for sharing this special story. Laura’s a storyteller in Minneapolis. Learn more about Laura at her website.

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Leon Morimoto.

My Dead Mother’s Italian Lover 

Not long after Peter’s mother Mara dies, a stranger messages him on Facebook. His name is Francesco and he says that before she met Peter’s dad, Mara was the love of his life. Francesco starts sending Peter poetry and links to love songs, describing his romance with Peter’s mom in more and more detail. And the woman in his stories is nothing like the mother Peter knew. So Peter reaches out to Francesco for a phone call. A reflection on life’s sliding doors and how we can never truly know all the versions of the people we love. 

This story comes to us from Love Me, from CBC. It was produced by Peter Lang-Stanton, Cristal Duhaime and Mira Burt-Wintonick. 

Sound design by Cristal Duhaime. Mix engineered by Michelle MACK-lem . Featuring original music by David Drury. 

To hear more stories about the messiness of human connection, check out Love Me wherever you get your podcasts. 

Season 17 - Episode 6 

Adizah Eghan noticed an interesting trend on social media: everyone seemed to be living it up in Tulum, Mexico. Some were flocking there to have a good time, while others were seeking something much deeper: they wanted to escape racism and seek refuge with like-minded people. Adizah traveled to Mexico to experience the vibes of Tulum for herself — and also dig into why Black people are seeking refuge in a small fishing town south of Cancun.

This piece comes to us from our friends at VICE News Reports. VICE has so many amazing stories, make sure you check out their podcast!

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

Special thanks to Nubia Younge, Patricia Talley, and all those in Tulum!

This episode was produced by Adizah Eghan and edited by Kate Osborn and James T. Green with help from Annie Aviles and Stephanie Kariuki. The original score is by Kyle Murdock.

Snap Classic - Season 17 – Episode 5

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 on Instagram!

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