Snap Judgment

Did you ever have that one friend that you didn’t want but it turns out you really need? This week on Snap, epic stories about unexpected companionship.STORIESShut Up RickHe’s called Shut Up Rick. Let’s hear what he has to say.Thank you Bucky Sinister and Rick Loddy.Bucky is a poet, author, and comedian — to learn more about Bucky’s work and what he’s up to now, subscribe to his substack.Original score by Clay Xavier, produced by Zahra Noorbaksh and John Fecile, artwork by Teo Ducot.Rock Paper ScissorsWhen 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 RosenbergThe Kipling Hotel – LIVEA young, penniless student arrives at UCLA with no place to stay and is forced to improvise.Performed by Don Reed at Sna

Ali faces down her attacker in court and wins. But will the Central California Women's Facility officers who assaulted her former cell mate and 150 other women see justice? And with the story still unfolding, reporters Madi Bolaños and Anna Sussman unpack the investigation with editor Sukey Lewis in the studio. Part 3 of 3. This episode contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening. "We Are Jane Doe" is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Over three episodes, we trace Ali Prout's dramatic fight for justice and the stunning ripple effects that threaten to upend the system of power and control at one of the largest women’s prisons on earth.KQED reporters Anna Sussman and Madi Bolaños spent two years investigating this story. They spoke to more than a dozen women incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility, read through hundreds of pages of internal prison documents, obtained leaked audio, and painstakingly watched hours of video foot

August 2nd, 2024, started with a search. More than 150 women rounded up into chow hall as their cells were tossed.  What happened next was beyond their imagination. It would be investigated by the feds and the state. Things did not go to plan, or did they? Part 2 of 3.This episode contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening. "We Are Jane Doe" is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Over three episodes, we trace Ali Prout's dramatic fight for justice and the stunning ripple effects that threaten to upend the system of power and control at one of the largest women’s prisons on earth.KQED reporters Anna Sussman and Madi Bolaños spent two years investigating this story. They spoke to more than a dozen women incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility, read through hundreds of pages of internal prison documents, obtained leaked audio, and painstakingly watched hours of video footage to reconstruct one of the most complex and devastatin

Ali Prout had only been at the Central California Women’s Facility for a few days when an officer stopped her at a checkpoint. “You have beautiful lips and beautiful eyes,” he said. But he didn’t realize… this time he’d picked the wrong girl. Part 1 of 3.This episode contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening. "We Are Jane Doe" is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Over three episodes, we trace Ali Prout's dramatic fight for justice and the stunning ripple effects that threaten to upend the system of power and control at one of the largest women’s prisons on earth.KQED reporters Anna Sussman and Madi Bolaños spent two years investigating this story. They spoke to more than a dozen women incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility, read through hundreds of pages of internal prison documents, obtained leaked audio, and painstakingly watched hours of video footage to reconstruct one of the most complex and devastating use-of-force

A man washes up on shore in Sitka, Alaska and finds himself in the middle of an underground boxing show. It’s a place where you might duke it out with the bartender, the locals, or your own troubled past.This episode contains violence and strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.Thank you, Jaed “The Stone” Coffin, for sharing your story with us! For more about Jaed’s story, check out his memoir Roughhouse Friday.Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic - Season 17 - Episode 42 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the volcanic island of La Palma biologists unravel a massive mystery. Is it a crime scene, a treasure or a dream come true? And in the town of Trinidad a grade school trip to the ocean is about to get beautiful, raw, and wild.WhalecanoOn the volcanic island of La Palma biologists unravel a massive mystery. Is it a crime scene, a treasure or a dream come true?A huge thank you to Paula Alonso, and Dr. Antonio Fernandez for sharing your story with Snap!Produced by Erick Yáñez, with help from Anna Sussman. Original score by Nicholas Marks. Translation by Elvis Di Marcantonio. Art by Teo Ducot. The Trinidad WhaleIn the town of Trinidad a grade school trip to the ocean is about to get beautiful, raw, and wild.Special thanks to Trinidad elementary’s seventh grade class: Alana, Jolena, Xavier, Joda and Atticus. Thanks as well to the third grade class: Remy, Harriet, Emmett Bowman, Margie Cunningham and Emmett Bowman. Big thanks also to The Marine Mammal Stranding network at Cal Poly Humboldt, Alison Lewis, Dr. Daw

In sweet home Alabama, from the heart of Libya, comes a renegade candidate with a boombox and a head scarf. The cheerleaders, the geeks, the dweebs and the freaks are about to send a message the country needs right after 9/11.A very big thank you to Yasmin! Yasmin is a comedian and storyteller. You can follow her on Instagram @yasminelhahahady or TikTok @yasmin_elhady. She first told a version of this story at Story District in Washington, DC.Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Snap Classic - Season 17 – Episode 40 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

There’s a jumbie in a jalopy and the spirits are flowing during happy hour on St. Thomas. Plus, everybody kicks butt in Lee’s Los Gatos Spin Class but Cycle 23 is out of this world. Snap Judgment presents this year's Campfire Tales... "Hot Wheels.” A supernatural summer tradition that features stories from our evil twin Spooked. Spooked drops weekly, you can listen on any podcast platform. Tune in and be afraid...STORIESJoyrideThere’s a jumbie in a jalopy and the spirits are flowing during happy hour on St. Thomas.Thanks, Greg, for sharing your story! Produced and scouted by Paulina Creque, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot.Soul Cycle Everybody kicks ass in Lee’s Spin Class but Cycle 23 is out of this world. Thanks Lee for sharing your story! Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Sandra Lawson-Ndu.Season 17 - Episode 39 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything. And the story of a talented luchador who has an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side.STORIESFeelabeelia: One-Hit Wonder?Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything.Major thanks to Nick Murphy for sharing your story with Snap. Nick still lives in Leicester today and he’s continuing to make his dreams come true as one of the oldest students at De Montfort University, where he studies music technology.Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot.Cassandro El ExoticoCassandro is an up-and-coming luchador, a professional Mexican wrestler. He w

A pizza delivery guy goes full superhero out on the job. And a husband trying to bring joy to his pregnant wife pays a high price to satisfy her sweet tooth. Super Pizza ManA pizza delivery guy goes full superhero out on the job. A huge thank you to Nicholas Bostic for sharing your story!Nick would go on to be awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Honor; the highest civilian honor for heroism. He currently runs his own lawn care business in Lafayette, Indiana. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks, art by Teo Ducot.Heavy, High & Far A husband trying to bring joy to his pregnant wife pays a high price to satisfy her sweet tooth. A huge thank you to Gastor Almonte for sharing his story with Snap!Gastor is a standup comedian and storyteller from Brooklyn. He’s also the co-host of the weekly comedy news podcast “The War Report” You can watch Gastor perform this story live for the World. You can also find him on Instagram.Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, or

The dead man does not know the value of his coffin. This episode comes to us from Mind Your Own! Mind Your Own is a storytelling podcast navigating what it means to belong, all from the African perspective. Join Lupita Nyong’o as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind. Listen to and enjoy Mind Your Own on any podcast platform! This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.“Comeuppance”12-year-old Lupita’s split-second playground decision haunts her for years.Produced by Regina Bediako & Marisa Dodge. Original score by Clay Xavier.“Graveyard Shift”John Kibera has found the hustle to end all hustles in Nairobi. The shillings pour in. But one day, a job goes very, very wrong.Thank you, John, for sharing your story with us.Produced by David Exumé. Original score by Lalin St. Juste and Sam Law. Translation by Salome Nduku. Voiceover by Ndungi Githuku. Special thanks to our fixer Michae

Chase the storm until it chases you.Tornadoes! They don’t look like they do in the movies. When you’re in the path of one, all you’ll see is a wall of black wind. This week, Snap is heading directly into the monster’s maw to chase storms that should be left alone.Big thanks to Craig Wolter! Thank you, Windom High School… especially Sarah, Benny, and Danielle. Crystal Frank, another student on the trip, shared her home video with us. This story would not have been possible without her.Many thanks also to Sue, for sharing your story with us. Sue’s memoir is titled The Lake Turned Upside Down.Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.If you listened to our radio broadcast and want to find out what happened to the 24 people that shut themselves in a beer cooler to wait out one of the strongest tornadoes in recorded history, you can listen to the full length version of the “Eye of the Storm” story here. Season 17 – Episode 35 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-cho

Randy, the local surfing legend is in a one-man battle with the blaze at Sunset Point. Plus, the blizzard of the century traps four men on top of a Tennessee bald, frozen and hungry, but with a song in their heart.Sunset PointRandy, the local surfing legend is in a one-man battle with the blaze at Sunset Point. Thanks to Randy and Andrew for sharing your stories with us.Thanks to the whole Sunset Point surf crew. Special thanks to Sonya Geis, Phil Richards, and KCRW. And shout to Los Angeles Fire Department Station 23. The heroes who put out the fire on Gladstones and fought the flames in the Palisades.This story was produced by Jesse Dukes, John Fecile, and David Exumé. Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Tennessee Whiteout The blizzard of the century traps four men on top of a Tennessee bald, frozen and hungry, but with a song in their heart.Thank you Roger Redding for sharing your story with us!Produced by Anna Sussman, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Season 17 - Episode 34 Lear

Dad goes into hero mode and no hurricane, no barricade, no live power line is gonna stand between him and his daughter’s wedding day.Father of the BrideDad goes into hero mode and no hurricane, no barricade, no live power line is gonna stand between him and his daughter’s wedding day.Thank you David Jones and his daughter Elizabeth Marquez for sharing their story! David is a performance excellence coach and consultant for businesses and the founder and president of the Excellence Advisory.Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks, artwork by Teo Ducot.Reservoir PanicAs a violent wildfire heads toward the town of Twisp, Andrew Denham realizes he’s the guy responsible for making sure the town has enough water for the firefight. But there’s a big problem... there are only two well pumps to get water to the reservoir... and one of them isn’t working.Thanks Andrew for sharing your story! Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Learn about your ad choices: do

A teenager is trapped behind the wheel of a speeding SUV with a mind of its own. It’s blowing through intersections at high speed, police in hot pursuit, Mom’s on with 911… and one lone trooper has got a crazy idea. And -- when NASA loses contact with a spacecraft over 12 billion miles away, scientist Suzanne Dodd has to throw a Hail Mary.When the system crashes, when the first responders can’t respond, when you’re left all alone... what do you do? For the next four weeks, we’re sharing stories of people trying to think their way out of situations where no help is coming. And all of them are just gonna have to figure it out because this July on Snap Judgment... it's "All Systems Down."Runaway CarA teenager is trapped behind the wheel of a speeding SUV with a mind of its own. It’s blowing through intersections at high speed, police in hot pursuit, Mom’s on with 911… and one lone trooper has got a crazy idea. A huge thank you to Sam Dutcher and his mother, Catherine Johnson Dutcher, along with Minnesota State T

One man takes it upon himself to reintroduce the beaver to Belgium. When his proposal to the Ministry of Conservation is rejected he takes matters into his own hands. And -- the "Home Alone" Curse is all too real. The Belgian Beaver Bandit Sacré bleu! The damn beavers are on the loose! Belgium authorities are hot on the tail of Oliver Rubbers. A renegade with a wild mission… bring the beaver back.Thank you, Olivier Rubbers, for sharing your story with us! Olivier now lives with his wife and kids in Belgium and is still engaging in nature advocacy work.Produced by David Exumé, original score by Renzo Gorrio, special thanks to Isobel Cockerell, artwork by Teo Ducot.The Home Alone CurseThe “Home Alone” Curse is all too real. The big-budget movie is in peril, and only one actor can save it. Not Macaulay Culkin. Not Joe Pesci. It’s the goofball cop, Larry Hankin, with one iconic glazed donut.This story contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you, Larry Hankin, for sharing your story!

From our friends at Love and Radio, the groundbreaking new series Blood Memory. In this first episode, two women meet the same man in prison and walk away with decidedly different impressions of him.“Sometimes, if you want something great, you have to make a lot of sacrifices.”You can listen to the rest of the series over at the Love and Radio podcast! Stay tuned after this episode for an interview with Love and Radio creator Nick van der Kolk and Snap Producer John Fecile.This episode featured the voices of Ariel, Heather Brown and Michael Thompson. The series producer is Meera Kumar. Robin Amer is the Managing Editor with additional reporting by Brian Krans and Anya Schultz. Fact checking by Nicole Pasulka. Bill Rohlfing provided the voice of the radio announcer.This episode featured music from:The Lighthouse Trembles – Natalia Beylis – MermaidsMind Shifts – Michel Banabila – The Unreal RealmAcqua – Las Olas – Las OlasNot In Our Name – Pierre Bastien & Michel Banabila – Nuits Sans NuitVertigo – Zoroxxe

The story of a self proclaimed “drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them. Plus, we go on an adventure underwater to visit a secret kingdom for seahorses.STORIESMovementFrom the podcast, Movement, we spotlight the story of a self proclaimed” drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them.Produced by Meklit Hadero and Ian Coss. The Movement show was co-created by Julie Caine.You can find all of San Cha’s music and projects at churchofsancha.com.If you want to find more stories at the crossroads of music and migration, search for “Movement with Meklit Hadero,” wherever you listen!Movement is supported by The Mellon Foundation and National Geographic Society, and distributed by PRX.Under PressureAfter traumatic experiences underwater, a diver falls in love with the ocean again by building a secret kingdom for seahorses.BIG thanks to Roger Hanson. Roger’s writing a children’s book, called “A Seahorse of a Different Color,” about a unique seahorse who was born different. It comes out in June.Roger has pr

Little Sammy has three loves. Bumble bees, the Bible and boys. Raised by preachers, he’s kept one of these secret, but Deliverance Day is on the way.A very big thank you to Dr. Sammy Ramsey and Pastor Roosevelt Ramsey for sharing their story! You can learn more about Sammy and his work with bees here.Big love and thanks to Lulu Miller as well. Sammy and Lulu work together to make a kids podcast for Radiolab, it’s called Terrestrials and they just dropped an episode all about dads in the animal world... How they’re different than what you’ve been taught. It’s called “The DADventure.” It’s a very fun romp, beautifully sound designed and full of great stories. Go listen to Terrestrials on any podcast platform! Produced by Lulu Miller and Nancy López, original score by Nicholas Marks. Season 17 - Episode 28 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Two women set sail on a tiny boat embarking on a journey to freedom that takes them across the globe. And a Hungarian composer dreams of changing the world… he did. This episode contains strong language, violence, and mentions suicide. Sensitive listeners please be advised.From Russia With LoveTwo women, a tiny boat, the wide-open ocean… and kismet.Elena has written a book about their adventure, called Talking to the Moon. You can read the story on the couple’s website.Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Teo Ducot.Gloomy SundayHungarian composer Rezső Seress dreamed of changing the world with his music. He did.Produced and scored by Davey Kim.Season 17 Episode 27 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices