Snap Judgment

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

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

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

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

Additional production support from Joey Fischground and Zahra Noorbakhsh

The original score for this story was by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Special thanks to Neil Katcher and Jessica Lawrence

Season 14 - Episode 18

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

STORIES

Jay J. Armes, Private Eye

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

Produced by Vanessa Rancano, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Switched On

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

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

Produced and scored by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 17

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

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

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

Season 14 - Episode 17

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

STORIES

I Love You Dadbot

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

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

Original Score by Renzo Gorrio, produced Jazmin Aguilera

Date With The Devil

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

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

Original Score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Liz Mak

My Big Pee Break

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

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

Produced by Adizah Eghan

Sherlock Hound

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

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 16

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

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

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

Season 14 - Episode 15

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork by Sanaa Khan

Season 14 - Episode 15

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 13

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

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

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

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

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

Produced by Teresa Cotsirilos, original score by Renzo Gorrio

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

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Season 14 - Episode 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork by Fernando Norat

Season 14 - Episode 10

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic – Season 10 Episode 4

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

Thank you, Dennis Comparye, for sharing your story with us! To learn more about his work to help the Polar Bears, email Dennis: polarbearfilmfund@gmail.com

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

Season 14 - Episode 8

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

Thanks so much to, Rizal Sahputra, who spoke with us over the course of several years for this story! Learn more about Rizal’s story or email him: rizalcalang1984@gmail.com

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

Season 14 - Episode 7

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

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

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

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

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

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

Season 14 - Episode 6

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

STORIES

Dueling Dads

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

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Suitcase of Love and Shame

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

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

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

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Leon Morimoto

Tonya for Hire

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

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

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto

Love Rival

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

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 5

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

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

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

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

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

Season 14 - Episode 4

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

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

Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio 

Snap Classic - Season 14 Episode 3

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

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

Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio

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

Snap Classic - Season 14 Episode 2

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

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

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

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

Season 14 - Episode 2

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

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

STORIES

The Looking Glass

Glynn looks at an old picture of himself and reflects…

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Have You Seen Her

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

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

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

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

The Amazing T*tty Man

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

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 14 – Episode 1

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

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 43

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

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

STORIES

Secrets in the Stacks

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

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

Produced by Joe Rosenberg

Weed Brownies

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

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

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

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Doug Stuart

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 42

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

STORIES

The Christmas Tree Mafia

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

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

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

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

Secrets in Siberia

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

Find Mike’s book here.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 – Episode 41

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

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

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 40

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

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

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 59

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

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

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

Produced by Adizah Eghan, additional tape from Bo Walsh

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, additional music from Doug Stuart

Video used in story provided by user ritchhazel on YouTube.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 58

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

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

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

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

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

Produced by Erick Yáñez, edited by Nancy López

Reported by Dante Ureta, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Episode art by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 57

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

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

Produced by April Dembosky

Sound Design by April Dembosky, Leon Morimoto & Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Mark Fiore

Snap Classic – Season 13 - Episode 56

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 55

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 54

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 53

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

BIG thanks to Kimberly and Colin for sharing your story!

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 52

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 51

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 50

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

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

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

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

Produced by John Fecile

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 13 – Episode 49

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 48

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

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

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

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

Music and sound design for opening story by Druuvy 

Season 13 - Episode 47

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

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 46

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

The Five Senses from Ear Hustle

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

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

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

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

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

Nate’s Going Home from Uncuffed

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

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 45

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

STORIES

Thin Ice

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

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

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

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

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

The Sasquatch of Pumpkintown

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

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

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

Produced by Jeff Emtman

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 44

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

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

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

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

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

Season 13 - Episode 43

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

This feature pulls back the curtain on how this week’s Snap episode, “The Wedding Guest” was made.

Thank you, Rob Rosenthal and Ruby Schwartz, for sharing this process! This piece came to us from our friends at the Sound School Podcast. Listen to the original version here.

Looking for ways to learn about storytelling and how to podcast? Subscribe to the Sound School Podcast (formerly known as HowSound). It’s still from PRX. It’s still from Transom. Just a new name. Find it all places you subscribe to podcasts!

Interested in reading the memoir featured in this episode? Check out The Lost Boy: Tales of a Child Soldier by Ayik Chut Deng.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 42

After years of fighting battles as a child soldier, a Sudanese man finds himself a refugee in Australia. As he struggles to overcome his past, he comes face-to-face with his childhood tormentor on a TV show.

This episode recounts real events that happened to a child soldier, including graphic scenes inside a prison camp, listener discretion is advised.

Thank you, Ayik, for sharing your incredible story with us! To learn more about Ayik’s life, check out his memoir, The Lost Boy. You can also catch Ayik on Harrow, a crime drama now airing on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Produced by Ruby Schwartz, edited by Nancy López. Special thanks to Wendy Love

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

This week’s music spotlight features the song “Rocketeer” from our very own Renzo Gorrio! Renzo scores so many stories on Snap (like this one!) and he produces under the name Hydroplane. Listen to “Rocketeer” from his album “Rockets” available on cassette, vinyl, and digitally on Bandcamp.

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 41

Spooked’s own Annie Nguyen shares her family’s ghost story. When her father got the call from his siblings and cousins back in Vietnam, asking him to help them find their ancestors’ missing caskets, he got on the first plane out of California. But when he got there, he realized they needed to call on higher powers to help them locate the long-lost grave sites.

Oh yes… it’s Part Two of “Campfire Tales.” Featuring supernatural stories from our sister podcast, Spooked, a Luminary Original.

BIG love and thanks to Poppa Nguyen, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Translation by George Q. Nguyen - please note the translation was condensed for clarity.

All-new episodes of Spooked return to Luminary September 9th! To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary: https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 40

There are some places, deep in the woods, far away from civilization, that are magical. Chuck is hiking deep in the Appalachian woods when he stumbles upon one of these places: Dismal Falls. But Dismal Falls isn’t all fairies and rainbows. It’s a place of dark magic.

At last… it’s that time of year where we bring you our traditional, “Campfire Tales.” Stories crafted in the dark of night from our sister podcast, Spooked, a Luminary Original. Be afraid.

Thanks, Chuck, for sharing your story!

Produced by Greta Weber, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot

All-new episodes of Spooked return to Luminary in early September. To listen to all episodes of Spooked as they’re released regularly through next Spring, subscribe to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary: https://luminary.link/spooked

Season 13 - Episode 39

Mirza is a young Afghan military commander and Deven is his counterpart in the U.S. Marines. Their troops work together "shona b'shona" side-by-side in Taliban territory in a tenuous trust. When the US pulls out of Afghanistan the depth of their friendship is put to the test.

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

Many thanks to Deven Ravel, and Mirza for sharing their stories!

Special thanks to Mary Mathis, Sarah Delia, and Nikka Singh.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 13 - Episode 38

Starting on live TV at a beauty pageant, we follow four women across two referendums to explore the consequences of talking about abortion and discover the quiet power and hidden dangers of speech itself. And when a young Josh Healy learns some unexpected news from his girlfriend, his first thought is of his grandmothers.

STORIES

Lights Out: A Sense of Quietness

This story follows a line of connection through four women across two referendums to explore the unexpected consequences of talking about abortion. Starting on live television at a beauty pageant, we hear from a journalist, a radio producer, the founder of a woman's clinic and a woman traveling from Ireland to the UK - and discover the quiet power and hidden dangers of speech itself.

This story contains threats of sexual assault and discusses abortion. Please take care while listening.

A Sense of Quietness’ was originally produced for Lights Out, a Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.

It was produced by Eleanor McDowall and features Brianna Parkins, Siobhan McHugh and Anne Connolly, as well as the anonymous woman who traveled. With additional recordings courtesy of Zoë Comyns and Regan Hutchins.

To hear more documentaries from the Lights Out series, everything is freely available on the Falling Tree website.

Barbara & Esther

When Josh Healey learns some unexpected news from his girlfriend, his first thought… is of Grandma Barbara and Grandma Henrietta

This story was told at SNAP LIVE in New York. Watch Josh’s live performance!

The original music was composed by Alex Mandel, and performed by Alex and the Snap Judgment Playaz — Tim Frick and David Brandt. It was recorded and mixed by Pat Mesiti-Miller.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Special thanks to Yera, Annie Ngyuen, and Richard Bowie for collecting tape out on the streets for this episode.

Season 13 - Episode 37

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 36

Isabell is Jason’s mother. She raised him to be ambitious and selfless, which means she’s also raised him to be… overwhelmed. With life. But not to worry, Jason’s mom also knows exactly what to say to pull him out of a rut, which she does every Sunday, when Jason rolls up to her house for their weekly visit.

Thank you Jason, Isabell, and our Radiotopia Presents fam for sharing this story with the Snap!

This is Episode 1, “I Can Do Anything,” from, My Mother Made Me, a four-part series from Radiotopia Presents where writer Jason Reynolds and his mother, Isabell, explore their shared history, how she raised him, and what they’re teaching each other. It’s a love letter to their connection, an homage to parent-child friendship, and a testament to how growth can be perpetual, despite age or circumstance. Across four episodes, Jason and Isabell go deep – into birth, death and spirituality… but they also keep it light: pushing a cart through Costco, birthday lunches, and hitting the casino together. That’s just how they do.

My Mother Made Me is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds with his mother, Isabell Reynolds. The series is produced by Mark Pagán and edited by Julie Shapiro, with production support from Yooree Losordo. Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich are Executive Producers for Radiotopia Presents. Special thanks to Levar Burton. Cover art by Jason Griffin. Theme song by Christian Reynolds. Mixing, sound design and additional original music is by Ian Coss. This episode was recorded at Snap Power Station, WAMU.

Radiotopia Presents debuts limited-run, artist-owned series, from new and original voices. Learn more and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Snap Spotlight - Season 13 - Episode 35