Snap Judgment mixes real stories with beats to produce cinematic, dramatic audio. Snap’s raw, musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. It's storytelling... with a BEAT.
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You don't always need words to speak up. Silence Speaks In a time when words were dangerous, Grigory found a way to speak up using silence. Mimes. Robots. Mermaids. You’ll only hear a story like this on Snap Judgment. Thank you Grigory for sharing your story! Check out Grigory’s work on his Youtube ...watch Man and the Sea , The Acrobats , Jungle , and Black Square , recorded by Grigory before he left the Soviet Union. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Marcel on the Train ...
At 101 years old, Deborah discovered a box she'd stashed away a lifetime ago. What was inside reignited an old love and turned her life upside down. This is an episode from a podcast we love, Heavyweight . We are so excited to share it with you! Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, creates space for difficult conversations and resolving long-standing regrets and unanswered questions. Balancing humor and empathy, host Jonathan Goldstein helps his subjects pinpoint the moment things went wro...
The Fire Girls blast their sirens to salute Amika as she is released from prison after seven years. She has no career, no home, no money, and teenage children who have been waiting for their mom to return. But the hardest part of regaining her freedom, would be believing that she is worthy. This episode contains graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment pod...
As wildland fires burn hotter and stronger across California, Amika and the incarcerated firefighters are put in extreme danger. At a massive, out of control fire, Amika must defy orders for the sake of the women on her crew. This episode contains graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here . Fire Escape is...
Amika and the Fire Girls are called to the scene of a terrible crash to rescue the passengers from the wreckage. Amika realizes the driver of the car is intoxicated. While saving his life, she reckons with lives lost and the harsh future awaiting the young patient. Back at the firehouse, Amika’s crew are called out to a Christmas Eve emergency. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! ...
At the firehouse, Amika plans a drop – a secret plan to sneak forbidden cell phones to her friends still on the inside. She begins to worry she might get caught. And then she’s called to an emergency involving one of her jailers. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episod...
Amika is thrown in the hole for forty days. Locked in a windowless cell, she can hear the women through the walls losing their sanity. To protect herself, Amika must shut down all connections with everyone she loves: her cellies, her mom, and even her kids. The world looks dark until she sees a small light that may illuminate a path to her new life when she gets a call from the firehouse. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you,...
How did Amika Mota go from a midwife and mother of three to a prisoner inside one of the largest women's prisons on Earth? Handcuffed to a hospital bed, awaiting trial, Amika tries to come to grips with the tragic crash that cost one man his life and took her away from her children. Inside the Chowchilla prison walls, she faces the "green cops" and the threat of solitary confinement. Outside the walls sits Firehouse Five, the home of the legendary crew of incarcerated firefighters called the Fir...
Strapped in a harness, on the edge of a mountain, the snow bridge lets out a hollow crack as it gives way. The story of two climbers whose fates are intertwined by a length of rope. Big thanks to Jim Davidson for sharing his story! Jim wrote a book with Kevin Vaughan about surviving the fall on Mt. Rainier, called The Ledge. He also wrote a book about his experiences during and after the Nepal earthquake called The Next Everest. Check them out! Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo ...
Snap+ is the new subscription membership program from Snap Judgment. You’ll get an ad-free stream, special behind-the-scenes features, and even some virtual hangs with Glynn. Bonus episodes will drop every month. Join us! Sign up at Supercast . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and a musical force the world over. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt. Starring Nichole Hill, Natalie Tulloch, and Christabel Nsiah-Buadi. This incredible story comes to us from Our Ancestors Were Messy , a show about our ancestors and all their drama. It dives into the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines and then history ...
Zaki is in Kabul running an indie newspaper called The Etilaatroz. The Taliban are approaching the city, and the entire newsroom is on edge. But the question in Zaki’s mind is, “How do we save the paper?” Plus, a story from a journalist who decides what belongs in her bag. Last Paper Standing This story contains graphic imagery, sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you to Zaki Daryabi for sharing your story with Snap! Extra thanks to Luft Ali Sultani and the entire team at Etilaatroz. If...
What if you invented something the whole world knows but someone else took the credit? This week on Snap, we uncover the story of Krazy George, a shy wood-shop teacher turned professional cheerleader, who sparked a phenomenon from the stands of the Oakland Coliseum. A huge thank you to the man, the myth, the legend… Krazy George Henderson for sharing your story. At 80 years young, George is still banging his drum for the Spartans at his alma mater, San Jose State. He also just celebrated his 50t...
A call from the Philadelphia Phillies brings a big league opportunity to a pitcher holding out hope. Thank you, Brian Mazone, for sharing your story with the Snap! After retiring from baseball in 2010, Brian started a new career in medical supply sales in the San Diego area. To read more about Brian’s journey in baseball, check out the article from the Washington Post by Dave Sheinin which inspired this story. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, art ...
A Los Angeles radio show prank-calls random French citizens and unintentionally reach le président. A hotheaded comedian gets into a fight. Plus, a seven-year parking spot war. This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. The French Connection A Los Angeles radio show prank-calls random French citizens and unintentionally reach le président. A very big thank you to Ralph Garman & Kevin Ryder for sharing their story with Snap! Radio rules. Produced by Max Jung...
When the man in charge of a small, insular northern Ohio town wreaks havoc on his followers, a young Amish boy with a passion for good hair tries to clean up the mess. Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Season 17 - Episode 10 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
An ecologist in Maine fears she will be criticized because she "communicates with animals." Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he could read her mind. And – a man in Alaska hears a rumor about the elusive blue bear. He never gave it much thought until a friend convinced him to search for one. We're wrapping up the FEVER series this week! Tune in. STORIES When Doves Cry An ecologist in Maine fears she must be crazy because she communicates with animals. Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he cou...
From puppy love to stolen moments to the thrill of the chase... their relationship made headlines. A huge thank you to Toby Dorr for sharing her story with Snap! Toby is an author, speaker and criminal justice reform advocate. She’s also the founder of the Fierce Grace Movement , a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting women impacted by incarceration through storytelling and mentorship. There's so much that we were not able to share about Toby’s experience... to find out more, check out ...
Could you choose a lover for the love of your life? Our Fever Series continues with more stories from the heart -- of the heart. STORIES Loves Actually A Colorado couple explore uncharted territory when their idyllic marriage gets hit with a curve ball. Thank you to Mil and Jan Markle for sitting down with Snap, opening up your hearts and sharing your story! Produced by Regina Bediako, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Love Rivals After a whirlwind romance, Brian and Vaness...
Your eyes may deceive you, your ears can betray you, but when it comes to love the nose knows. Plus - a reflection on life’s sliding doors and how we can never truly know all the versions of the people we love. This week on Snap, we kick off our FEVER series! Four weeks full of love stories that are not your typical romances... We love you Snap Nation! Catch the Fever. STORIES Smell Ya Later After Laura’s husband gets a fatal diagnosis, he promises to contact her from beyond the grave. But how w...
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 Re...
Explore two captivating tales of resilience and the extraordinary. First, follow Pardis Madavi, an Iranian-American professor, as she navigates the complexities of researching sexual freedom in Iran, finding solace and profound connection through horseback riding—a symbolic act of defiance that uncovers a hidden family legacy. Second, delve into the incredible true story of Mike, a chicken who defied death after being decapitated, becoming a sideshow sensation and a testament to bizarre survival, managed by a farmer and a savvy promoter.
What if your sister -- the one your parents raised you with, the one that shared your toys -- what if she didn’t just have different hair, or a slightly different nose, but was an entirely different species altogether? Hannah Friedman experiences the Law of the Jungle firsthand in the (dis)comfort of her family home. STORIES Monkey Sister A huge thank you to Hannah Friedman and her parents Alison Pascoe & Dean Friedman for sharing their story with Snap! Hannah is a tv and film writer, produc...
A dolphin named Dr. Spock is in danger and NBA star Clifford Ray is the only man big enough to lend a hand. Plus, torrential rain is ripping through the Appalachians and the people of the mountain are all looking for Plan B. STORIES Just Another Day for Big Clifford Ray A dolphin named Dr. Spock is in danger and NBA star Clifford Ray is the only man big enough to lend a hand. A huge thank you to Clifford Ray and Mary O’Herron for sharing their story with the Snap! This year, Big Cliff and Author...
Eric Murda, grappling with personal losses, sought solace in Florida's nature. His journey took a terrifying turn when he was attacked by an alligator, resulting in the loss of his right arm. Stranded and injured, he endured days of physical agony and profound despair, battling the elements and the lingering threat of the alligator. Ultimately, the thought of his children fueled his will to survive, leading him through a grueling escape and a transformative new beginning.
When a severed head is discovered, police are baffled, suspecting a serial killer or grave robber. Forensic artist Michelle Vitali, however, notices unusual details like precise cuts and embalming, leading her to believe the head is part of the illicit body trade. Her expertise guides the perplexing investigation, revealing a disturbing truth about how the woman's head came to be found and why identification is so difficult, culminating in a poignant burial for 'Jane Doe.'
Discover the wild true story of Scott Lechner, "the Pontiff of Soho," who built a Christmas tree empire in Manhattan while navigating turf wars, sabotage, and an intricate relationship with the New York Mafia. Learn about his moral stand against greater mob involvement. The episode also features a thrilling account of Mike Ramsdale, a covert operative whose mission to extract a high-level target from Russia goes violently wrong, leaving him stranded and fighting for survival, only to find an unexpected moment of grace.
Journalist Jose Cayaso investigates the unexpected deportation of asylum seekers from the US to a former pencil factory in rural Costa Rica. He connects with German, a Russian man who fled his home after exposing election fraud, and details his family's harsh detention and uncertain future. The episode explores their struggle for survival, moments of despair and joy, and the unexpected support from a Quaker community as they navigate complex immigration challenges.
This episode delves into the incredible true story of Roxanne Shanté, a 15-year-old Queensbridge battle rapper who shot to fame with her hit "Roxanne, Roxanne." It explores her journey through early success, the challenges of industry exploitation, and her participation in the high-stakes "MC Battle for World Supremacy." Despite facing a controversial defeat, Shanté's story culminates in a powerful moment of vindication decades later, offering a candid look at the price of early fame and the systemic biases within the nascent hip-hop scene.
A woman wakes up in a hospital bed with no idea why she’s there. Her perception of reality is questionable. A doctor discovers a possible source for her delusions and what follows is her journey to recovery and back to herself. Thank you to Susannah Cahalan for sharing your story with us! Susannah tells the full tale of her descent into madness and rise out of it in her international bestselling memoir Brain on Fire . She's written a new book called The Acid Queen , about the reality-bending wor...
