Snap Judgment

It’s when the last glow of amber fades from the sky. When you can’t quite tell who approaches you on the dark path. When everyone starts to speak with lowered voices. That when you know… it’s time for Campfire Tales.

This week, Spooked stories that will keep you up at night! A policeman experiences a sinister omen with deadly consequences. Crows set out to send a man warnings in Santa Fe. And it’s confirmed… all dogs do go to heaven.

STORIES

The Head

We all know the old wives’ tales: don’t walk under a ladder or you’ll have bad luck; don’t step on the crack or you’ll break your mama’s back. Dan is about to discover another, more sinister omen… with deadly consequences.

This story does contain graphic content, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thanks, Dan, for sharing your story with Spooked!

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Maryam Qudus

A Murder of Crows

Mike is pretty sure he’s going crazy. Every time he sees a crow, it seems like it’s trying to tell him something: to watch out, to beware. What are they trying to warn him of?

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

Produced by Alyia Yates, original score by Lauryn Newson

All Dogs go to Heaven

Sometimes, spirits reach out and ask us for help. And sometimes, they reach out to give us what we need, too.

BIG thanks to, Kristin Kent, for sharing her story with Spooked!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Moyses Nunez

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Do you need more stories that pass beyond the veil? Do you need more journeys through the Shadowland? Be afraid, because more Spooked storytelling awaits. Season 6 is out NOW!

To hear 26 brand new episodes of #Spooked as they are released, subscribe to the Luminary channel on Apple Podcasts.

Season 12 - Episode 36

ALM – as referred to in court documents – is a Navajo and Cherokee toddler. When he was a baby, a white couple from the suburbs of Dallas wanted to adopt him, but a federal law said they couldn’t. So they sued. Today, the lawsuit doesn’t just impact the future of one child, or even the future of one law. It threatens the entire legal structure defending Native American rights.

Today, from Crooked Media, we’re sharing the first episode of This Land Season 2.

This episode touches on different kinds of trauma. Please take care of yourself while you listen.

To hear the full series, subscribe now to This Land wherever you get your podcasts.

Snap Spotlight - Season 12 - Episode 35

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.

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.

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

Produced by John Fecile

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 34

When Ian Coss decided to get married, every living member of his family who had ever been married had also been divorced. He wonders: are we doomed to recycle the patterns of behavior we get from our ancestors? And a fictional tale of marital mayhem!

STORIES

Forever is a Long Time

When Ian Coss decided to get married, every living member of his family who had ever been married had also gotten divorced: parents, grandparents, and all his aunts and uncles on both sides — some of them twice. Seven years later, he’s still married, but has questions: What is the value of a lifetime commitment? Are we doomed to recycle the patterns of behavior we get from our ancestors? Are we all just better off alone? Forever is a Long Time is a five-episode series that weaves reflection and original music through Ian’s conversations with his wife and divorced family members — a look at love with people who have made mistakes.

The full series is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Forever is a Long Time is created by Ian Coss and edited by Lacy Roberts. The music is co-produced by Alex Chakour, and mastered by Nick Zampiello at New Alliance East. The artwork is by Kelsey Tyssowski.

Miniature Wife

What happens when you shrink your wife… literally? Writer Manuel Gonzales brings us a fictional tale of marital mayhem.

Check out more of Manuel’s writing.

Thank you, to our VO Actors:

Narrator: Thao Nguyen

Husband: Sam Fischmann

Wife: Eliza Smith

Produced by Eliza Smith, sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Season 12 - Episode 33

A computer learns to speak with emotion and conviction but lacks the ability to distinguish good ideas from absolute madness. And a man has a chance to work on a secret project involving millions of flying mammals that could put an end to World War II.

STORIES

Theodora

Making sense of the world is always a struggle.  And that's why, as far back as time has existed, some people have chosen to stand up in front of others and tells stories and share ideas that make sense of the chaos around us. We call them "orators" or "the ones who speak"  They turn the chaos into meaning and inspiration.

But there's a bad side of orators too—it's the snake oil salesmen....the buzzword charlatans...the intellectual xenomorphs who prey upon those who just want to find some deeper truths.

Producer Jeff Emtman is particularly sensitive to this dual nature of public speaking...he's got some of those darker traits himself.  So he developed a simple robot named Theodora who could speak to him about the highly porous barrier that separates inspiration and madness.

This piece comes to us from the podcast Here Be Monsters (HBM146: Theodora). Music by James Li, of Liance.  Album: This Painting Doesn't Dry

Theodora's also a Twitterbot. Read her latest meanderings on Twitter at @hypo_inspo.

The Other Secret Weapon

A young man has the chance to work on a very secret, very powerful weapon that could put an end to World War II. The project involves no toxins, no chemicals, no shrapnel and no bullets. Instead, the project involves lots and lots of flying mammals. Lots.

This story details a war situation involving both people and animals, sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to Jack Couffer, who is now 97, and BIG love to the entire Couffer family.

Special thanks to producer Elizabeth Nakano & to Doctor Peter Kuznick from the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University.

The bat recordings were made for us by artist & composer Geneva Skeen. Learn more about Geneva’s work.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 32

When Heidi Shin had her first baby, she took an entire year to care for her daughter full-time. For the most part, she loved it. But she also felt like she was losing part of herself to motherhood. So she decides to take a work trip to an island off the coast of South Korea. She comes away with an unexpected discovery about motherhood and herself.

Check out more of Heidi’s work. Listen to Heidi’s full story for PRI, Diving with the last generation of Korea’s Mermaids.

Produced by Heidi Shin and Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 31

The podcast The Turning from Rococo Punch and iHeartRadio tells the story of religious sisters who joined Mother Teresa’s order of nuns, but who eventually decided they had to leave. It asks, what is the line between devotion and brainwashing? Can you truly give yourself to God? If you make a lifelong vow, what does it mean to break it?

Produced by Erika Lantz, Elin Lantz Lesser, and Emily Forman. Editing by Rob Rosenthal. Digital production by Andrea Asuaje. Fact checking by Andrea López-Cruzado. Theme music by Matt Reed. Executive producers Jessica Alpert, John Perotti, and Katrina Norvell.

Find Mary Johnson’s memoir An Unquenchable Thirst here.

Listen to The Turning wherever you get podcasts. Find more information and pictures on Instagram @RococoPunch.

Season 12 - Episode 30

A woman in Veracruz, Mexico receives a map from a pair of anonymous strangers that leads her on a search to solve a mystery that’s haunted her for years. And a psychiatrist brings together three men who believe they are all Jesus Christ, hoping to cure them of their delusions.

STORIES

Map to the Disappeared

A woman in Veracruz, Mexico receives a map from a pair of anonymous strangers that leads her on a search to solve a mystery that’s haunted her for years.

This story includes descriptions of corpses, graves sites, and a brief mention of torture. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Griselda Barradas, for sharing your story with us! Special thanks to journalist Felix Marquez for his assistance in producing this story and to actress Norma Yolanda Lopez.

Griselda is still a member of the group, El Solecito. They’ve just begun excavating a second mass grave in Veracruz and have so far found close to 50 bodies. Today there are more than 70 groups of parents across Mexico like El Solecito. Searching for the remains of their missing children while the authorities do little to help. On average, two graves are uncovered each day.

Produced by Esther Honig, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

The Three Christs Of Ypsilanti

In 1959, psychiatrist Milton Rokeach brought together three schizophrenic men who believed they were Jesus Christ, hoping to cure them of their delusions. But over time, his methods became dangerously amoral.

Thanks to Richard Bonier and Ronald Hoppe for their help.  Additional thanks to Peter Shyppert as the voice of Milton Rokeach.

You can buy The Three Christs of Ypsilanti, Rokeach’s book, right here.

Produced by Stephanie Foo, original score by Leon Morimoto

Season 12 - Episode 29

On January 13th, 2018, at exactly 8:07 in the morning, one text message turned the state of Hawaii into a state of emergency. From panic and fear to acceptance and joy, Snap Judgment explores the 38 minutes when the people of Hawaii faced an incoming ballistic missile threat.

Lead Producer: Jazmin Aguilera

Editor: Anna Sussman

Producers: Eliza Smith, Erika Lantz, John Fecile

Additional production assistance: Nancy Lopez

Original score and sound design: Renzo Gorrio and Leon Morimoto

Snap Classic - Season 12- Episode 28

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

Season 12 - Episode 27

A tiny, pirate radio station broadcasts to the thousands of families trapped in ISIS-controlled Mosul. A man’s fingers fly across the keys with ease when he sits down at a piano for the first time. And a young kid learns a lesson in friendship.

STORIES

Mixed up Mixtape

Glynn tries to front as an angsty mixtape master, and it's got him all mixed up.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Good Morning Mosul

A tiny, pirate radio station broadcasts to the thousands of families trapped in ISIS-controlled Mosul. When listeners start calling in, something remarkable happens.

This story contains graphic depictions of war, sensitive listeners please be advised. 

Produced by Anna Sussman

Original score & sound design by Leon Morimoto & Pat Mesiti-Miller

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

DK and DJ

Back when Urkel and Beanie Babies ruled the world, Snap Judgment producer Davey Kim was trying to keep his ‘frenemyship’ with his neighbor afloat.

This story contains a racial slur, sensitive listeners please be advised.

For more of Davey’s radio stories, check out his website -- daveykim.com

Producer and Sound Design by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 26

One officer in Los Angeles used car inspections to hit on women. Three hundred miles away in the San Francisco Bay Area, another woman says an officer used police resources to harass and stalk her.

This episode investigates these two cases of sexual misconduct by California Highway Patrol officers. While the officers were fired, the agency did not refer potential crimes to prosecutors. And the files show some women who came forward were met with suspicion, discouragement, or what one woman saw as intimidation.

Snap presents, “Conduct Unbecoming,” the second episode of On Our Watch, an investigative podcast from NPR & KQED.

This episode contains instances of sexual misconduct but it does not contain sexual assault. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Sukey Lewis, Sandhya Dirks, Alex Emslie, and the entire On Our Watch team!

On Our Watch is an amazing seven-part podcast series, hosted by Sukey Lewis. It was created after a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files. NPR and KQED reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. Learn more about On Our Watch at KQED.org. Listen & subscribe now!

On Our Watch is produced as part of the California Reporting Project, a coalition of news organizations in California.

Artwork by Nicole Xu for NPR

Season 12 - Episode 25

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

Season 12 - Episode 24

In May 1991, a bank robber walked into a bank in Irving, Texas, and without speaking handed the teller a note that read, “This is a bank robbery. Give me your money. No marked bills or dye packs.” Witnesses reported that the robber was wearing a cowboy hat and a brown leather jacket. And then it happened again. And again. But when FBI agents finally got a lead, they discovered that the robber wasn’t who they expected at all…

This week, Snap proudly presents, Criminal, from PRX’s Radiotopia!

This award-winning podcast, hosted by Phoebe Judge, was one of the first, if not the first, true-crime podcast. They tell incredible stories of people who’ve done wrong, been wronged, or gotten caught somewhere in the middle.

They’ve got 165 stories like this one just waiting for you -- each one more surprising than the next! Listen to Criminal wherever you get your podcasts and to learn more, visit their site.

Artwork by: Julienne Alexander

Music:

• “Highride Chrome” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Cat’s Eye” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Desmontes” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Soothe” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Highway 430” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Inamorata” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Lobo Lobo” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Night Light” by Blue Dot Sessions

• “Gentle Son” by Blue Dot Sessions

Season 12 - Episode 23 - Snap Spotlight

An Israeli soldier’s decision to speak out against his own violent actions comes back to haunt him. And a little girl in Brooklyn devotes herself to becoming a nun… or does she?

STORIES

Crimes, Lies, and Videotape

When Dean Issacharoff was a commander in the Israeli Defense Forces, he patrolled the Palestinian city of Hebron, and later fought in Gaza. Then, after he got home from the army, Dean’s decision to speak out about his own violent actions came back to haunt him.

This story contains images of war and violence, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Dean, for sharing your story with us.

A special thanks to the University of Southern California’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture, the John Templeton Foundation and Templeton Religion Trust, and KALW’s Spiritual Edge podcast – this story would not have been possible without their support. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller.

The Flying Nun

A little girl in Brooklyn can help her whole community if she just devotes herself to becoming a nun but what if she doesn’t want to?

A big thanks to Eileen for sharing your story with us. Read more of Eileen O’Toole’s story in her book, At Sister Anna’s Feet.

Produced by Anna Sussman

Season 12 - Episode 22 - Snap Classic

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

Season 12  - Episode 21

Andy Marra’s job has just offered her the chance of a lifetime: she’s going to Korea. But she’s got a secret plan for the trip that has nothing to do with work.

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

Season 12 - Episode 20

Snap Judgment presents, “Hot Trash,” a special spotlight on the Ear Hustle podcast, from PRX’s Radiotopia.

Visiting a loved one in prison is both emotionally intense and constrained by countless rules — from how much PDA is too much PDA, to what kind of candy you can eat inside. One year after California prison authorities suspended in-person visits due to COVID-19, hear stories from and about visiting rooms… and how families are adjusting to video “visits.

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

Heard on this episode: Nicola Christopher Bucci and Frank Jernigan, Sgt. Cuevas, Helen Theresa Guion, Michael Hatch, Vesta, and Ruben. Inside San Quentin: Hamisi Spears, Lacedrick Johnson, Elton Spencer, Michael Marler, Kim Puckett, Anthony Ammons, Bashar Aremu, Floyd Collins, Brandon Browner, and Nephew.

Thanks also to Alesha Monteiro, Michelle Garcia, Michelle Tran, and all the women who shared stories about their video visits.

This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, David Jassy, Gregg Sayers, and Rhashiyd Zinnamon.

As always, big thanks to Lt. Sam Robinson and Acting Warden Ron Broomfield for their support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX. This incredible team is in their 7th Season of the show and it is packed with incredible stories. Go on over to their website to subscribe, see pictures, and learn more about all things Ear Hustle!

Artwork by Antwan Williams

Snap Spotlight - Season 12 - Episode 19

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

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

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 18 - Snap Classic

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 (just like this one!) and he produces under the name Hydroplane. Listen to “Rocketeer” from his new album Rockets out NOW! Cassette, vinyl, and digital versions are available on Bandcamp.

Season 12 - Episode 17

When a four-seater plane violently crashes onto the top of an 8,000-foot mountain, an 11-year-old fights to survive. A white boy discovers he's black. And history calls on an Oglala Lakota Headsman in South Dakota to stand up for his people. Snap Judgment presents, “Mettle.”

STORIES

Electric Fence

As a country boy, Glynn puts his family pride on the line when his neighbor challenges him to the ultimate test of manhood.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Wonderboy

In 1979, a four-seater Cessna plane carrying Norman Ollestad, his dad, and his dad’s girlfriend violently crashed onto the top of an 8,000-foot mountain. He was just 11 years old.

This story does contain graphic elements. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

To learn more about Norman’s story, check out his book, Crazy for the Storm. Be sure to also check out his thriller, French Girl With Mother.

Produced & scored by Davey Kim

One Drop

For 10-year-old Greg Williams, life was good...until the day his mom left.

To learn more about Greg’s story, check out his book Life on the Color Line.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score & sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Third King

What happens when history calls on you to step up? We go to Standing Rock to find out.

Lance King is an Oglala Lakota Headsman from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. For more information on his grandfather, Matthew H. King, check out “Noble Red Man: Lakota Wisdomkeeper Matthew King.”

Produced by Liz Mak, original score & sound design by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 16

We follow four hairstylists who compete in the 2019 Bronner Brothers Salon vs. Salon Hair Battle - the only hair competition of its kind. As one contestant puts it, "It's a platform that every stylist that I know would absolutely love and kill for." Come for the big personalities and stay for the ultimate hair show. Find out who wears it best...

BIG thanks & love 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 is observing COVID safety protocols but has unfortunately suffered some health blows. Ashley has started a gofundme to help pay for a liver transplant.

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

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

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

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 15

When Adreanna Rodriguez was a kid, she was given a choice about whether or not she wanted to stay in her home state of California. It was a choice she’s reckoned with for her entire life. Today, over a decade after she made that choice -  Adreanna takes us with her to North Dakota to find out… what could have been.

STORIES

Mulatto

Glynn’s brother wants him to take a DNA test but Glynn already knows he’s one part Luna and one part Midnight.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller, original score by Cheflee

Bloodlines

When Adreanna Rodriguez was a kid, she was given a choice about whether or not she wanted to stay in her home state of California. It was a choice she’s reckoned with for her entire life. Today, over a decade after she made that choice -  Adreanna takes us with her to North Dakota to find out… what could have been.

This story was supported by the USC Center for Health Journalism, which helps journalists investigate health challenges and solutions in their communities – reporting that serves as a catalyst for change.

BIG love to Adreanna’s mom, Sylvia, and her kid sister, Maudy.

Produced by Adreanna Rodriquez and Shaina Shealy

Original score by Renzo Gorrio

You can also hear this story on a new podcast from VICE Audio called Strongman. It’s a six-part series of intimate stories about power and control at every level... all over the world. It’s out now… subscribe & listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Special thanks to the incredible VICE squad: Adizah Eghan, Annie Aviles, Stephanie Kariuki, Joaqlin Estus, Karen Brown, Ivan MacDonald, and Catherine Stifter.

Full Episode

This episode features music from Cheflee, check out more of Cheflees’s music at cheflee.bandcamp.com!

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 14

A scientist studying the minds of psychopaths gets dangerously close. A father’s inability to recognize faces tests his relationships. And a brother is reunited with his North Korean sister for the first time in over five decades.

You can look human and you can sound human... but what happens when you take a good hard look inside and realize... you're missing something?

STORIES

If I Only Had a Heart

Glynn knows… sometimes the sum of the parts does not equal the hole.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

The Scientist and the Psychopath

Neuroanatomist James Fallon, Ph.D. studies the most dangerous kind of person: the psychopath. His job is to get up close and personal with the mind of the psychopath so that we can better understand what makes them tick. He treats their brains with the cold calculation of a scientist at work. But in the process, things get mighty personal.

James Fallon, Ph.D. is a neuroanatomist and geneticist at UC-Irvine. For more about his work and his own life, check out his book: The Psychopath Inside: A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey into the Dark Side of the Brain.

Produced by Julia DeWitt

About Face

You’ve heard the saying, right? You can’t see the forest for the trees. Well, imagine if your whole life all you could do, all you knew how to do, was see the trees, the details, the minutiae of the world. What would you miss out on? Let’s take a walk in Tom Conces’ shoes and find out.

Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Across the DMZ

What happens when you are reunited with your North Korean sister for the first time in over five decades?

Thank you to our voice actors, Yongnam and Mikyung Kim!

Produced and scored by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Season 12 - Episode 13

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

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 12

Hosted by Glynn Washington, Snap Judgment brings new voices to public radio and podcasting... voices that did not know the world of public media, and many voices that did not know they belonged.

We build Snap Judgment’s signature sound around immersive audio, incredible first-person storytelling, and original scoring for each and every experience. Snap’s musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling… with a BEAT!

Snap first aired on public radio stations nationwide in July 2010. Today, Snap Judgment airs on over 400 NPR & CBC stations and is brought to the airwaves by PRX.

Don’t miss a beat! Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

There was a legend in central Maine, about a hermit who had lived in the woods, unseen, for 30 years. Then, in 2013, the police arrested a man named Christopher Knight.

To learn more about Chris Knight’s story, be sure to check out Mike Finkel’s book, The Stranger In The Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit. 

Check out The North Pond Hermit Song by Stan Keach.

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Renzo Gorrio & Andrew Vickers

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 11

Glynn finds a cheap place to spend the summer… at a halfway house.

This story was performed at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles and was presented by KPCC.

Original Music by Alex Mandel, performed by Alex Mandel and the Snap Players (David Brand and Tim Frick).

Watch the live performance!

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 10

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

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 a blog.

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

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 9

A group of all-native girls with a lot to prove take on the future of their high school lacrosse team. And an ENT doctor learns to be comfortable outside her comfort zone.

STORIES

The Medicine Game

A group of all-native girls with a lot to prove, take on the future of their high school lacrosse team.

This story contains racially insensitive language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Jacelyn, for sharing your story with us! Jacelyn now plays lacrosse for Virginia Tech.

We first heard about Jacelyn’s story from the film, Keepers of the Game, which follows the Salmon River Girls lacrosse team during the 2015 season. Big thanks and love to “The Halluci Nation” formerly known as “A Tribe Called Red” for letting us use their song “Stadium Pow Wow” in this story. Also special thanks to the film’s director Judd Ehrlich.

Some of the audio in this story comes from the Keepers of the Game documentary and was aired courtesy of the Dicks Sporting Goods Foundation.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, special thanks to Regina Bediako

Original score by Leon Morimoto

Rhino Rocket

Otolaryngologist Tina Munjal tells a story about learning to be comfortable outside of her comfort zone. This story was told live at The Nocturnists' live show Out of the Comfort Zone, at the Grey Area Theater in San Francisco on October 18, 2019.

Original theme music by Yosef Munro, additional music from Blue Dot Sessions

This story comes to us from The Nocturnists, a San Francisco-based medical storytelling live show, and podcast where healthcare workers share stories of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery. It was created and hosted by physician Emily Silverman.

For more stories from the world of medicine, check out The Nocturnists wherever you get your podcasts or visit their website. Listen and subscribe right now!

Season 12 - Episode 8

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

This week, Snap is proud to spotlight Suave! This podcast captures the true story of a teenager sentenced to life in prison without parole & what happens when, decades later, he suddenly gets a second chance at freedom. It’s the story of thousands of juveniles sentenced to die in U.S. prisons told through one man’s journey of incarceration and redemption and his near 30-year friendship with journalist, Maria Hinojosa.

This episode contains strong language and descriptions of violence and sexual assault, listener discretion is advised.

Suave is an amazing podcast from Futuro Studios and PRX. Suave is available wherever you listen to podcasts and at www.suavepodcast.org. New episodes drop every Tuesday... listen and subscribe!

Artwork by Virgilio Tzaj

#Suavepodcast

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Snap Spotlight - Season 12 - Episode 7

In the mid-70s, Conan was hired to direct and produce a nature documentary. But he wanted to do something more ambitious. The film he made became one of the most infamous movies ever, but his success came with deadly consequences...

This episode contains a content advisory for graphic imagery and strong language. It describes scenes of both human and animal death. This story is not for children and sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Special thanks to our film consultants, Spencer Parsons and Todd Wieneke.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic

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

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 5

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. They just dropped a new season… listen and subscribe for more awesome stories!

Produced by Jeff Emtman

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 5 - Episode 12

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.

Fasten your seat belts, it’s time for liftoff…

This episode contains strong language and descriptions of a ‘rockstar lifestyle,’ sensitive listeners please be advised.

Special thanks to Kristen Gwynne, Lawrence Bull, and Elizabeth Nakano.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

#rihannaplane

Snap Classic - Season 10 - Episode 32

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 photos and videos of animals on their Facebook and Twitter.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 4

A hip hop artist from Oakland leaves his mic behind to join the police force and fight for justice from the inside.

This story includes scenes of police violence and strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Jinho Ferreira, for sharing your story with us! Listen to “I Can’t Breathe” from Jinho’s hip hop group, Flipsyde.

This story was adapted from the piece originally produced for WorldAffairs, an incredible weekly podcast and radio show. Special thanks to Jarrod Sport and Joanne Elgart Jennings, who originally edited and co-produced this story.

If you liked Jinho’s story, check out the WorldAffairs podcast. The world is shifting beneath our feet and if you want help making sense of it, WorldAffairs will break it down! Listen and subscribe to WorldAffiars wherever you get your podcasts.

Reported & produced by Teresa Cotsirilos, edited by Nikka Singh

Original Score by Renzo Gorrio

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 3

A woman recounts her Aunt’s fairytale love story and searches 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 when he applies lessons learned from a homework assignment to other areas of his life.

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!

Full episode

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 2

In 1997, thirty-nine people took their own lives in an apparent mass suicide. The events captivated the media and had people across the planet asking the same question... ‘Why?’ 20 years later, those who lost loved ones and those who still believe - tell their story.

Snap Judgment presents a special spotlight on Heaven’s Gate. Find out the story behind the cult that changed the world.

Heaven’s Gate is produced by Stitcher in collaboration with Pineapple Street Media and is hosted by Snap’s very own Glynn Washington. You can listen to Heaven’s Gate wherever you get your pods. Go on… subscribe right now and listen to all the episodes!

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Spotlight

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?

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, sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 1

An Iranian American examines herself and her life in a one-woman audio show that straddles the line between fiction and truth. Snap Judgment presents, “A Person Who Has Never Even Been Married...” a special spotlight on the Appearances podcast.

This episode contains strong language, scenes of domestic turmoil, and mentions sex. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

From Mermaid Palace and Radiotopia, Sharon Mashihi brings you Appearances. This podcast brings to life an Iranian American family and community through the real and fantastical mental machinations of Melanie Barzadeh. Melanie is in her mid 30’s and desires nothing more than to become a mother. The difficulty of finding the right partner seems to be directly connected to the struggles witnessed in her home throughout her entire childhood. As Sharon Mashihi voice-acts all the characters in one family, the depth of the love, pain, and struggle is felt with visceral, profound compassion at every turn.

This is episode 2 of a 9 episode audio mind trip. Go on… go listen to all the episodes and subscribe to this amazing podcast!

The roles of Melanie, her family members, and all the wedding guests were performed by Sharon Mashihi.  The role of Ponch was performed by Thatcher Keats. This episode also featured clips from an interview with Rabbi Tarlan Rabizadeh. The story consultant was Sunita Prasad.  The associate producer of pre-production was Monique Laborde.  The associate producer was Ariel Mejia. The mix engineer was Harry Knazen. Kaitlin Prest is the executive producer and editor of Appearances.

The show was made with support from New York State Council on the Arts, Madowell, the Ragdale Foundation, Union Docs, and IFP.

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Snap Season 11 - Episode 42

2020 has been a YEAR, and Monaea Upton has a lot to say about it. This week we bring you an episode from the podcast Vice News Reports. Vice sent 17-year-old Monaea Upton a recorder and she’s been keeping an audio diary of her senior year of high school in North Minneapolis — during online school, the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, and a spike in neighborhood gun violence. We take you inside her world.

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

BIG BIG love and special thanks to Monaea Upton, for letting us into her world! Thanks to her Mother, Rochelle Upton, as well.

This episode was produced by Vice News Reports, a new weekly podcast hosted by Arielle Duhaime Ross. Go on… check it out! This incredible podcast brings you to the news so you can hear it for yourself. VICE News reporters and producers take you along as they travel across the globe to where life is happening, right up to the frontline as a story is unfolding. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

You can also check out VICE News on their website, Twitter, or Instagram.

VICE News Reports is produced by Jesse Alejandro Cottrell, Jen Kinney, Janice Llamoca, and Julia Nutter.

Senior producers are Ashley Cleek and Adizah Eghan. Associate producers are Adreanna Rodriguez, Sam Egan, and Sophie Kazis. Sound Design and music composition by Steve Bone and Kyle Murdock.

The executive producer and VP of Vice Audio is Kate Osborn. Janet Lee is Senior Production Manager for VICE Audio. Production coordination by Steph Brown. Fact-Checking by Samir Ferdowsi.

Special thanks to Mauri Milander Friestleben, Charles Adams, Sam Wilbur, Courtland Pickens, Azhae’la Hanson, Samir Ferdowsi, and Alex Baumhardt.

Photograph by Foluso Famuyide Jr, illustration by Teo Ducot

Season 11 - Episode 41

What if after the craziest year on record somebody asked you… “what happened?” The Snap team spoke to some of the people that changed our world in 2020 to see if their stories have a part II.

BIG thanks to all of the storytellers who let us take a little peek back into their lives for this special episode:

Patti Ragan from “Zoo Nebraska”

Naandar from “Letters from Lockdown - Gaza, Myanmar, and at Sea”

Jacoby Cochran from “Time Traveler”

Gregory from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to America”

Dr. Ayaz Virji & Doug Peterson from “The Country Doctor”

Chanthon Bun from “Outbreak at San Quentin”

Mary Gidley from “Raft of Passion”

After an insane year, there is still so much to be thankful for. We are exceptionally grateful for you Snap Nation! The best people in all the world listen to this show. Happy Holidays from our family to yours… and cheers to the new year ahead.

Produced by Anna Sussman, Nancy Lopez, John Fecile, Shaina Shealy, Regina Bediako, & Pat Mesiti-Miller

Original score & sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 11 - Episode 40

A good samaritan pulls over to the side of the road to help a family in distress. A few weeks later, he realizes something is wrong.

This episode contains some graphic imagery and strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG love and thanks so much to Dr. Ray Christian for sharing his story with us. If you loved his story he’s got plenty more on his podcast “What’s Ray Saying.”

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Lauryn Newson

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 11 - Episode 39

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

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

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Leon Morimoto

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 10, Episode 31

School shootings and their tragic aftermath have become an all too common story. But here’s one side of it that you probably haven’t heard. This story takes place at a high school in Portland, Oregon, where officials fear the next school shooter might be a teenage boy in their midst.

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

Bethany Barnes originally reported this story for The Oregonian - Targeted: A Family and the Quest to Stop the Next School Shooter. She is now an investigative reporter for the Tampa Bay Times.

Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 10 Episode 12

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

Episode sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Season 11 - Episode 38

A fortune hunter searches for buried treasure in an Arizona silver mine but finds something he never expected. And a young boy learns how to hustle and survive in Brooklyn during a time when the mob ran the streets.

STORIES

Silver Mine

W.C. Jameson has searched for a recovered buried treasure across the world. But on a search in Arizona, he found something he never expected.

Find out more about W.C. Jameson’s work and adventures at his website.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Leon Morimoto

Number One Boy

In Brooklyn, before it was hip, back in the days when Williamsburg was still rough and the mob ran Red Hook, this is where Lou Diaz learned how to hustle as a young boy. It was on these same streets that this hustle would be particularly handy in a totally different way than he ever expected.

Check out Lou’s book, Dancing with the Devil: Confessions of an Undercover Agent.

Produced by Julia Dewitt, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Glynn gets a new friend. A wolf in Yellowstone becomes a legend in her own time. And a woman’s life changes forever when a hurricane heads towards her house full of birds. Snap Judgment presents, “The 2020 Gratitude Special.”

We are grateful to lift voices up, to tell stories, and we are so SO thankful for you Snap Nation! We appreciate each and every one of you Snappas… for all of the love and support you’ve shown us, thank you.

STORIES

Bardot

Everyone needs a scratch behind the ears sometimes.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

06 Female

In 2006, a wolf was born in Yellowstone who would become a legend in her own time. For more about the 06 Female and the debate surrounding wolves in Yellowstone, be sure to check out Jeff Hull's article in Outside Magazine and Nate Rott's special report for NPR.

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Renzo Gorrio

The Birds

With a houseful of her favorite birds and a hurricane on the way, Nikki's whole life is about to be upturned.

Find out more about Nikki's life story on her website, and in her book, "The Bird Market of Paris."

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Rhyme and punishment go hand in hand in America. This week, we are featuring Louder Than A Riot, an incredible new podcast from NPR Music. It reveals the interconnected rise of hip-hop and mass incarceration. From Bobby Shmurda to Nipsey Hussle, each episode explores an artist's story to examine a different aspect of the criminal justice system that disproportionately impacts Black America.

STORY

The Badder, The Better: Bobby Shmurda (Pt 1)

Just like his legendary disappearing hat, Brooklyn rapper Bobby Shmurda's career was on the rise in 2014. But so was the evidence in a murder case against his crew, GS9. In the first of three episodes exploring Bobby's story, we look at his come-up through the eyes of former Epic Records exec Sha Money XL, who guided Bobby on his tightrope walk from the streets to superstardom. What happens when the industry capitalizes on a criminal persona? And do record execs have the juice to back Bobby up when things get too hot?

Content Advisory: This story contains strong language and the mention of drug use and guns. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Be sure to visit Louder Than A Riot to hear Part 2 and 3 of Bobby Shmurda’s story and listen to more incredible episodes. Follow the show on Twitter @LouderThanARiot and subscribe!

To hear the music in this episode, check out the Louder Than A Riot playlists on Apple Music & Spotify.

Louder Than A Riot is hosted by NPR Music's Rodney Carmichael and Sidney Madden, this podcast is invested in power from all angles — the power the music industry wields over artists, the power of institutional forces that marginalize communities of color, the power of the prison industrial complex and the power dynamics deep-rooted in the rap game.

Illustration by Dale Edwin Murray for NPR

©2020 National Public Radio, Inc.