Snap Judgment

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 wel

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 the

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 e

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 Cl

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