The first time someone says I love you could be the same moment you never see them again… Liz and John are lost in the chaos and struggling to find their way to safety when a country music concert in Vegas becomes the site of a senseless tragedy. This story references an incidence of mass gun violence. Know that while this story does contain trauma it is not only a story of trauma… it’s a story of love, community, caring, and hope. A tremendous thank you to Liz Heaton for sharing her story with ...
May 05, 2023•18 min•Season 14Ep. 18
Jay J. Armes was a real life superhero... until real life intruded. And after living in darkness for decades, a man’s life changes forever when someone suddenly switches the lights on. STORIES Jay J. Armes, Private Eye Jay J. Armes was a real life superhero... until real life intruded. Produced by Vanessa Rancano, sound design by Leon Morimoto Switched On Imagine spending the first four decades of your life in darkness. Then imagine that someone suddenly switches the lights on. John Elder Robiso...
Apr 27, 2023•49 min•Season 14Ep. 17
As a littler girl, Jen Kober discovered the allure of being a Brownie Scout… the Girl Scout Cookie. Holding out for Girl Scout Cookie release day was another struggle all together. Performed Live by Jen Kober at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Music written by Alex Mandel and performed by the Snap Players Alex Mandel, Tim Frick and David Brand Season 14 - Episode 17 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...
Apr 25, 2023•16 min•Season 14Ep. 17
Sometimes what you want to say, what you mean, and what comes out of your mouth are entirely different things. STORIES I Love You Dadbot James Vlahos wanted to keep his dad around for as long as possible, so he saved the best part about him in the best way he knew how. Vlahos is also working on a book, Talk To Me , about Silicon’s Valley’s quest to create conversation-making A.I.s. Check out his article about Dadbot in Wired Magazine. Follow James on Twitter . Original Score by Renzo Gorrio, pro...
Apr 21, 2023•40 min•Season 14Ep. 16
Todd’s uncle was one mean son of a biscuit. But long after he’s dead and gone, his descendants worry that his meanness might rub off on them. Master storyteller Todd Narron is our tour guide as we explore the mysterious, spooky American South. This story comes to us from our evil twin podcast, Spooked . Episodes drop weekly on Friday! Featuring brand new stories - along with episodes previously available only by subscription. Listen for free on any podcast platform. Thank you, Todd Narron, for s...
Apr 17, 2023•16 min•Season 14Ep. 15
Everyone who works at Radio Centro knows it’s haunted. But Guillermo, the host on the station’s paranormal show “Tell it Tonight,” is about to discover that he has psychic powers that make him susceptible to the station’s haunts. This story comes to us from our evil twin podcast, Spooked. A show full of true supernatural tales that will keep you up at night. Spooked episodes now drop every week on Friday! Featuring brand new stories -- along with episodes previously available only by subscriptio...
Apr 14, 2023•32 min•Season 14Ep. 14
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...
Apr 07, 2023•50 min•Season 14Ep. 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 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Apr 06, 2023•3 min
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 ...
Mar 31, 2023•49 min•Season 14Ep. 12
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 w...
Mar 23, 2023•50 min•Season 14Ep. 11
“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 wer...
Mar 16, 2023•36 min•Season 14Ep. 10
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 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Mar 09, 2023•50 min•Season 14Ep. 9
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: [email protected] Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot Season 14 - Episode 8 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...
Mar 03, 2023•33 min•Season 14Ep. 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: [email protected] Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Season 14 - Episode 7 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...
Feb 24, 2023•34 min•Season 14Ep. 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 comple...
Feb 17, 2023•49 min•Season 14Ep. 6
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 fille...
Feb 10, 2023•50 min•Season 14Ep. 5
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 ...
Feb 03, 2023•46 min•Season 14Ep. 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 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...
Jan 27, 2023•30 min•Season 14Ep. 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...
Jan 20, 2023•50 min•Season 14Ep. 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...
Jan 12, 2023•43 min•Season 14Ep. 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...
Jan 05, 2023•45 min•Season 14Ep. 1
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 Learn about...
Dec 29, 2022•45 min•Season 13Ep. 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 ...
Dec 23, 2022•44 min•Season 13Ep. 42
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 re...
Dec 15, 2022•50 min•Season 13Ep. 41
“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 reco...
Dec 08, 2022•34 min•Season 13Ep. 40
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. Eac...
Dec 02, 2022•39 min•Season 13Ep. 59
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 ...
Nov 24, 2022•33 min•Season 13Ep. 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 ...
Nov 17, 2022•50 min•Season 13Ep. 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 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choice...
Nov 10, 2022•33 min•Season 13Ep. 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 ...
Nov 07, 2022•28 min•Season 13Ep. 55
