Snap Judgment

Mimi Nguyen’s mother, Thanh, has always been super anxious. She obsessively calls Mimi at all hours and is always worried they’re in danger. This paranoia really put a strain on their relationship, until Mimi heard Thanh talking in her sleep one night. And Mimi realized… maybe there were long-hidden family secrets that might explain Thanh’s behavior. This story contains strong language, graphic depictions of war, and mention of suicide. Please take care while listening. Thank you, Mimi & Thanh, for sharing your story with us! Stephanie Foo produced this story – she also wrote a memoir about intergenerational immigrant trauma and her own complex PTSD… in it, she tears down her own walls and shares her and her family’s story. Check out her incredible new book, “What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma.” Produced by Stephanie Foo, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 9

Some of the best stories are told when the show’s over… Join us Backstage where we bring together incredible storytellers from all over the country for a roundtable of stories about second-rate first-class tickets, a racist dog, and baggy pants. This episode does contain strong language and the mention of drug use, sensitive listeners please be advised. BIG thanks to Dino Archie, Shannon Cason, Dr. Ray Christian, Joyce Lee, and Don Reed for spending some time with us Backstage! Special thanks to Snap’s Flo Wiley for her help with this episode. Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 8 - Snap Classic

A pair of star-crossed lovers encounter the paranormal while performing Romeo & Juliet in fair Wisconsin. And when a man falls in love with his wife he doesn’t just get one life partner - he gains an entire family. STORIES Romeo & Juliet A pair of star-crossed lovers encounter the paranormal in fair Wisconsin, where we lay our scene. This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked, a Luminary Original podcast. Want more Spooked? Season 6 of Spooked is streaming now. This Luminary Original Podcast is rolling out new episodes through Spring, 2022. You can hear the newest episodes by subscribing to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary. Thank you, Kelsey Brennan & Andy Truschinski, for sharing your story! Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Nicholas Marks Multiplicity When you get really close to someone, you get to know different sides of them naturally. It was no different when Jim Bunkelman fell in love with his wife, Rhonda. What was different was jus

Afia Kaakyire has a decision to make. And by God, her family is going to help her figure this s*** out. This week on Snap, we’re featuring S***hole Country. Join Afia as she forages for her family’s guidance in their shared histories during a long-awaited trip to Ghana — true tales dipped in green card anxieties, complicated love, an “Are You the One?” marathon, and liberal portions of the world’s best Jollof. This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised. The story comes to us from our good friend Afia and Radiotopia Presents. Go listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or at radiotopiapresents.fm You’ll find the other five episodes in this incredible eight-part series. S***hole Country is written, narrated, and sound designed by Afia Kaakyire and produced by Afia and Mark Pagán. Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich are the executive producers. Cover art by Sindiso Nyoni. Music Credits: Theme song by Ria Boss “Too Late for the Party” by Unheard Music Concepts

A DJ hosts a radio show from a garden shed in his backyard. For over forty years he had an audience of one. This story was co-produced in partnership with our friends at Narratively, which celebrates humanity through authentic storytelling. They have amazing stories, podcasts, and so much more. Reporting for this piece came from Jeff Maysh. It was produced by Jeff Maysh, John Fecile, and Narratively‘s founder, Noah Rosenberg. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 5 - Snap Classic

Rooty, a piglet, leaves her Victorian dollhouse on the farm and heads to the city of New Orleans to find a family. But when Hurricane Katrina hits, everything that is near and dear to her is threatened. BIG thanks to Jim & Connie for sharing their story with us! Thanks as well to Jeffery Tam & Dr. Alison Barca. Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Cheflee Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 4

One stubborn, little DivaCup is all that stands in the way of life, liberty, and the pursuit of queerness. Ray Christian-Dickens tells their story of breaking free of the Bible Belt. This story contains sexual situations and references to homophobia, please take care while listening. Thank you, Ray Christian-Dickens, for sharing your story with us! Ray first told this story for the podcast RISK! on the Trial By Fire episode. RISK! goes where others dare not tread. Listen & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more true stories that are told boldly. Learn more about Ray on their website or follow them on Twitter! Produced by David Exumé, original score by Sudi Wachspress Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 3

Glynn unearths paradise. A geoscientist journeys deep into the Amazon Rainforest in search of a mythical river. And a revolutionary living in exile does the unexpected. Snap presents a classic, “Shangri-La.” STORIES “The Perfect Spot” Backpackers are scouring Southeast Asia looking for the magical spot, but Glynn has the inside tip. Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller “Boiling River” Andres Ruzo tried to track down a legend he’s heard his grandfather talk about in stories when he was a little boy. He found the stuff of legends, and then was faced with the choices, and burdens of knowing a valuable secret. Find out more in Andres Ruzo’s book, The Boiling River. Check out the Boiling River Project, the TED talk, and the TED book. Produced by Anna Sussman, sound design by Leon Morimoto “For Love and Revolution” In the 1970s Truman Capote interviewed Watani Stiner, a young revolutionary serving time in San Quentin for the death of two Black Panthers. Then… things got interesting. Produced by Sukey Lewis &

The Tomb of the Unknowns is a sacred monument for unknown U.S. service members who died in combat. But what if this memorial is hiding something? ...Or someone? This story comes to us from our friends over at 99 % Invisible. Listen & subscribe to this incredible podcast for more stories about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. Want to dive even deeper into this story? See pictures, videos & more here. Production: Producer Joe Rosenberg spoke with Robert Poole, author of On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery; Patricia Blassie; Bill Thomas, reporter for the Washington Post; Chris Calhoon, former Army Ranger; Vince Gonzales, reporter for CBS Denver Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 1 - Spotlight

A fisherman down on his luck finds gold at the bottom of the sea. It’s only after his treasure hunt is underway that he discovers what is truly valuable deep down. BIG thanks to Joe Pennisi for sharing your story with Snap. This story would not have been possible if not for the amazing, on-the-ground reporting work of Tara Duggan, Jason Fagone, and Santiago Mejia who first told this incredible story for the San Francisco Chronicle. Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic - Season 12 – Episode 52

Two stories from the mountains full of holiday spirit(s). It's the Nightmare before New Year's with a very Spooky episode from Snap… where guardian angels don't get snow days. Snap Judgment presents, “The Don’t Look Back! Special.” Amazing stories of the unexplained from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked. Spooked, features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. Want more Spooked? Season 6 is streaming now, rolling out new episodes through Spring, 2022. You can hear the newest episodes by subscribing to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary. STORIES Cliffhanger Bill is home from college, on his way to meet his girlfriend, when his car swerves off the road. This story contains one brief scene of graphic material. Big thanks to Bill Love for sharing your story with us! Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Leon Morimoto Cowboy Ghost Valerie is lost in a snowstorm in rural Montana. She thinks she might not be able to get out, when

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 g

It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “JoAnne” Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get “the call.” It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history. And a young massage therapist in Miami Beach gets the business offer of a lifetime. So he shakes hands with the devil and hopes for the best. STORIES We Are Not Yellow Pearl It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “JoAnne” Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get “the call.” It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history. This story contains strong language and references to Japanese Internment and racism against Asians and Asian Americans. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you, Nobuko, for sharing your story with Snap! After their first and last TV performance, Nobuko and Chris recorded “Yellow Pearl,” “We Are The Children,” and other songs on their 1973 album A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle by Asians in America. And while Chris, unfortunately,

When men living in Muskegon prison watch the breaking news of George Floyd’s murder on TV, they decide to host a one-of-a-kind celebration of life. This story is a tribute to Robert “Silk” Cannon Junior. This episode contains strong language and references to police violence. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Special thanks to William Welch and Dee Dee Kirkwood who helped make the bagel sandwich a reality for the men in Muskegon. Additional shout-outs to Catherine Nouhan, Stephen Carmody, and Delores Ingram. And major thanks to Tana Ganeva, a criminal justice reporter who has written extensively about Michael Thompson’s incarceration and petitions for clemency. You can read more about the George Floyd celebration of life in her article in The Counter. Tana is currently working on a book about Cold War escapees. Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 12 - Episode 48

This past year Adizah Eghan noticed an interesting trend on social media: everyone seemed to be living it up in Tulum, Mexico. Some were flocking there to have a good time, while others were seeking something much deeper: they wanted to escape racism and seek refuge with like-minded people. Adizah traveled to Mexico to experience the vibes of Tulum for herself -- and also dig into why Black people are seeking refuge in a small fishing town south of Cancun. This piece comes to us from our friends at VICE News Reports. VICE has so many amazing stories, make sure you subscribe to their podcast asap! This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised. Special thanks to Nubia Younge, Patricia Talley, and all those in Tulum! This episode was produced by Adizah Eghan and edited by Kate Osborn and James T. Green with help from Annie Aviles and Stephanie Kariuki. The original score is by Kyle Murdock. Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 12 - Episode 47

We’re reflecting back on stories that give thanks for a monster-fighting grandfather, growing up with same-sex parents, and stuffing your face with Girl Scout Cookies…  LIVE. Even in another tough year, we’ve got a lot to be grateful for. Snap Nation, every year we make a Gratitude Special and every year we grow increasingly grateful for YOU. Thank you for listening. Commenting. Laughing. Crying. Thank you… for supporting us. This episode contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES Turn on the Lights - Shane Koyczan The monsters of Shane's night terrors tremble in fear of Shane's grandfather... until his powers fail. Watch Shane perform this heartfelt story LIVE. The Last Mile - Noah St. John 15-year-old storyteller Noah St. John describes the trials and tribulations of growing up the son of same-sex parents. Watch Noah perform this breathtaking story LIVE. Mad Love - Joyce Lee Do not get on Joyce Lee’s bad side. Just don't do it. You did it? Oh, no. Back of the Bus

You’re young, fun, and on the run from the law. One kid’s journey across the Deep South leads to a big confrontation with the man who inspired it all… Con Man Daddy. BIG thanks to Jason Russel Waller as well as his brothers, Randy and Kel, for sharing your story with Snap! Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 12 - Episode 45

A rock climber hits the jackpot in Yosemite and Moss Hills saves the day with his music on a sea cruise. Two stories… double the trouble. STORIES Lake Chronicopia Dale Bard was a young rock climber in Yosemite in the '70s. Back then, rock climbing was an obscure, expensive passion. And he came across the most unbelievable cash cow you've ever heard of. Thank you, Cisco DeVries, Papa Tom DeVries, all the climbers that helped us, and a big huge thanks to the filmmakers Greg Laut and Nicholas Rosen from Sender Films. Check out our link to their amazing documentary on this very story, "Valley Uprising." Produced by Anna Sussman & Julia Dewitt, original score by Leon Morimoto The Sinking of the Cruise Ship Oceanos Moss Hills takes us on a sea cruise and saves the day with his music. Love this story? Learn more about the sinking of the Oceanos or watch a video of the ship’s final moments! Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Renzo Gorrio Snap Classic - Season 12 - Episode 44

When a man starts having night terrors his family thinks it’s just nightmares. Only it’s not just bad dreams — there is an actual demon plaguing him. And two family members know their house is haunted but they don’t want to share that secret… even with each other. To celebrate Halloween week, we’re bringing you more Spooked stories! Our evil-twin podcast, Spooked, features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. To listen to all #Spooked episodes as they’re released, subscribe to Luminary directly, or to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts. Either way, just go to: luminary.link/spooked STORIES Green Demon When Austin’s dad starts having night terrors, the family thinks it’s just nightmares -- but Austin thinks something else is going on. He soon discovers that there is an actual demon plaguing his father… and Austin must confront it. Thank you, Austin, for sharing your story with Spooked! Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Leon Morimoto Libby Jen

Jen is about to start an internship at a museum. But this isn’t a typical museum... it’s built inside two old, historic mansions. By this time, the original owners of these two old homes are long gone--or are they? And a night nurse dedicated to his job loves to help people. But when spirits of former patients reach out to him, he’s not sure if he can care for them. ‘Tis the season of the shadow! Snap Judgment proudly presents our evil-twin podcast, Spooked. Spooked features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. To listen to all #Spooked episodes as they’re released, subscribe to Luminary directly, or to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts. Either way, just go to: luminary.link/spooked Be afraid. STORIES Fright at the Museum Jen is about to start an internship at a museum. But this isn’t a typical museum… it’s built inside two old, historic mansions. By this time, the original owners of these two old homes are long gone -- or are they? Thank you, Jen, for