Snap Judgment

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 affilia

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 Du

“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

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 Norv

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, awa

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-Li

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 turne

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

“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

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 Schwarzho