Snap Judgment

We are thrilled to share our new show Fire Escape, in partnership with Wondery! This 10 episode series, hosted by Anna Sussman, explores one woman’s journey as an incarcerated firefighter as she fights fire from behind bars -- defying a system intent on burying her under the weight of her worst moment.This episode contains strong language and mentions a car crash and its aftermath. Please take care while listening.Episode 1: The CrashHow 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 Fire Girls.Thank you, Amika Mota, for your help and generosity in sharing your story with us!!!Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED and Wondery. This series was created, written, and produced by Anna Sussman. For Snap Studios, our senior story editors are Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Marisa Dodge is our Director of Production. Original music by Renzo Gorrio, Dirk Schwarzhoff, and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created our original theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Special thanks to Pat Mesiti-Miller and the SF Fire Department. For Wondery, our senior story editor is Phyllis Fletcher. Our development producer is Eliza Mills. Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein are our senior producers. Sarah Mathis is our managing producer. Our executive producers for Snap Studios are Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Executive producers for Wondery are Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Binge all episodes of Fire Escape early and ad-free right now by signing up for Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify or Amazon Music with your Prime Membership. Start your free trial: www.wondery.com/links/fire-escape now.Season 15 - Episode 50

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.STORIESJust Another Day for Big Clifford RayA 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 Laynie D. Weaver teamed up to bring Clifford and Dr. Spock’s story to life in an illustrated Children’s book titled “Big Clifford Ray Saves The Day.” Want more Big Cliff? Follow him on Instagram or X.Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff , artwork by Teo DucotPlan BSnap Storyteller, Dr. Ray Christian, found himself trapped by the rising floodwaters of hurricane Helene, he knew he had to flee. But he also knew that meant leaving behind all of his animals, including his favorite goat. Thank you, Ray, for sharing your story with us! Ray has shared some resources for hurricane Helene recovery: The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Rock. For a world of Southern-baked personal narratives, interwoven with Black American history, listen to Ray's podcast: What's Ray Saying?Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Derek BarberSeason 15 - Episode 49

For 110 days Peter Hammarstedt and his group of ocean vigilantes hunted the most notorious poacher of sea bass on the high seas, known as the Thunder. Their journey turns into an epic chase across 10,000 miles, two seas, and three oceans, through massive ice floors, violent clashes, and storms-tossed seas, where only one ship makes it home.This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you so much to Peter Hammarstedt for sharing your story with us!Thanks as well to Ian Urbina. We first heard about this story thanks to his reporting. You can find his book, The Outlaw Ocean: Journeys Across the Last Untamed Frontier, on Knopf, Amazon, or anywhere books are sold. Ian has a great collection of stories and books about the lawless ocean.Also, BIG thanks to Brick City TV & Mark Benjamin for sharing the audio from their documentary, Ocean Warriors: Chasing the Thunder. You can see a trailer of the film here.Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo DucotSeason 15 – Episode 48 – Snap Classic

An engineer is stranded in Alaska's North Slope during a fierce blizzard. He and his crew encounter something out in the snow that they truly can’t explain. Plus, the story of a man who discovers that if you love someone enough, they never truly leave you. 'Tis the season... and in dark celebration we're featuring supernatural stories from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked: true-life stories told by people who can barley believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform! STORIESNorthern FrightsAs an engineer, Forrest is used to being able to solve problems and find solutions. But while working in the remote North Slope of Alaska, he learns that there are things in this world that just can’t be explained.A big thanks to Forrest for sharing his story.Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot. The Bull RingTodd discovers that if you love someone enough, they never truly leave you...Thank you, Todd Narron, for sharing your story with us. If you want more stories from Todd, check out his books: Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men and Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men: Series 2 - The Dead Ones. Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Renzo Gorrio.Spooked has a Youtube Channel! Subscribe now for a new scary story each week.Season 15 - Episode 47

A ghost seeks forgiveness from beyond the grave and some photos make a woman question reality. It's time to summon the Shadow... This week on Snap, we're featuring supernatural stories from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked: true-life stories told by people who can barley believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform... Be afraid.STORIESSpooked LIVE: Glynn Washington x John BlakeGlynn's brother pays him a visit. And Journalist, John Blake, shares his family story about a ghost that sought forgiveness from beyond the grave. These stories were told at Spooked LIVE at the haunted Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles. Thanks, John, for sharing your story with us! To learn more about John's story reconciling with his mother’s family, be sure to check out his amazing memoir — More Than I Imagined: What  A Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew. You can also follow his work on his website.This story was produced by Zoë Ferrigno and Davey Kim. The original score was created and performed live by Doug Stuart and Brijean Murphy. Picture PerfectWhen Susiy and her family visit a new town, they have no idea who they’ll be running into.Suisy, thank you for sharing your story with us.Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Lalin St. Juste, artwork by Teo Ducot.Spooked has a Youtube Channel! Subscribe now for a new scary story each week.Season 15 - Episode 46

You go all the way or YOU DON’T GO. Thank you to Murf Meyer for not dying. To Matt Mayer, for being our backflipping guru. And to Chris Gethard, for letting this whole sorry mess happen in the first place. We thank you.You can listen to Chris Gethard’s Beautiful/Anonymous and New Jersey Is the World wherever you get your podcasts. Zak Rosen produces the show Best Advice. Listen here.Produced by Zak Rosen with help from John Fecile. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.Season 15 - Episode 45

The Southern heat is turned up high as one man faces a filthy flock of sheep, a nonstop chatterbox, and an angry ram, all in a super explosive little shack. Plus, a story where an anarchist and an Amish family come together.STORIESSheep ShearerThe Southern heat is turned up high as one man faces a filthy flock of sheep, a nonstop chatterbox, and an angry ram, all in a super explosive little shack. Thank you, Brian Lee Knopp, for telling your story! Brian is a retired Private Investigator and sheep shearer. He’s currently working on a collection of personal essays. Produced by David Exumé, original score by Renzo Gorrio.Chaotic GoodMalaclypse was part of a dangerous anarchist group. They stole, they killed, they escaped, until one day when Malaclypse could run no further…Dan has been playing and organizing LARPs for 20 years. He posts bad LARP advice on Twitter at LarpTips.Produced by Jazmin Aguilera, original score by Renzo Gorrio.Season 15 - Episode 44

When Umid is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help... from two of the world’s most dangerous men. And a glitch in time brings mayhem to a man’s life day after day… no matter how many times he resets his clocks.This episode contains some strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.STORIESThe League of ImpersonatorsWhen Umid Isabaev is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help… from two of the world’s most dangerous men.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.The three fake heads of state reunited recently in Poland for a magazine photo shoot! This photo will also be on our social media accounts.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.Produced by John Fecile & Anne Ford, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Time GlitchJoel 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.Season 15 – Episode 43

Four comics score a sweet gig in the Deep South. It’s champagne, a Benz, and maybe even a Kevin Hart appearance. But their dream of life behind the velvet rope is about to get a rude awakening. Plus, do we take the Honolulu ghost tour with Lopaka, or the big time wresting match with Johnny All Black? You only get one double life on the latest Snap.STORIESWe Have A ProblemComics, Lamarr Todd, Matt Black, and Ken Jones, score a sweet gig in the Deep South. It’s champagne, a Benz, and maybe even a Kevin Hart appearance. But their dream of life behind the velvet rope is about to get a rude awakening. BIG thanks to, Lamarr Todd, for sharing his story with Snap! Lamarr is a standup comedian and a featured judge at First Person Arts in Philadelphia. Find out about his tour dates and current exploits on Instagram and X.Matt Black and Ken Jones are also lighting up comedy stages around the country! Find Matt on Instagram. Find Ken on Instagram and X. Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Clay Xavier.Double BookedDo we take the Honolulu ghost tour with Lopaka, or the big time wresting match with Johnny All Black? You only get one double life on the latest Snap.Thank you, Lopaka, for sharing your story! Lopaka still leads ghost tours in Honolulu today. Want to hear some of Lopaka’s stories from the dark side? Head on over to our evil twin sister show, Spooked... you can listen on any podcast platform.Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Season 15 - Episode 42

Snap Studios introduces an epic collaboration years in the making... "Mind Your Own." A new storytelling show hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong'o, that navigates what it means to belong all from an African perspective.Lupita Nyong’o knows what home feels like. But where exactly is it? In Mexico, where she was born? Kenya, where she grew up? Or the States, where she’s spent the past 20 years?Like Lupita, millions of Africans are spread out across the globe following family, searching for love, building futures and creating stories. It's these stories – wild and messy, intimate and joyous – that she wants to hear. Join Lupita as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind.Episode 1: The Sound of HomeSound travels in all directions, but your feet can only follow in one.“Losing My Accent”: Lupita takes on an American accent when she becomes an actor-in-training at Yale.Original score by Ian Hughes Pelton AKA Tofu Jack.“Obaa Sima”: How long can a song stay in your heart? A musical journey from Ghana to Germany to Canada transports Yaw Atta-Owusu from the toy store to the dance floor.Big thanks to Yaw for sharing his story with us! Check out the Obaa Sima album featured in this episode. Thanks as well to Awesome Tapes From Africa for sharing Yaw’s music with us.Produced by Marisa Dodge and Regina Bediako with assistance from Bo Walsh. Original score by Clay Xavier, with additional music from Marla Kether and Ata Kak.Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo. This episode also featured the song Show My Side by CKay ft. Amaarae.Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark RistichManaging Editor: Regina BediakoDirector of Production: Marisa DodgeSeries Producers: David Exumé and Priscilla AlabiMusic Supervisor: Sandra Lawson-NduStory Scouts: Ashley Okwuosa, Fiona Nyong’o, Jessica Kariisa, Lesedi Oluko MocheEditors: Nancy López and Anna SussmanEngineering: Miles LassiOperations Manager: Florene WileyStory Consultant: John FecileGraphic Design: Jemimah EkehOriginal Artwork: Mateus SitholeSpecial Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and Afripods.Episode transcripts can be found here.Mind Your Own is a production of KQED’s Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong’o.

Two boys hunting for crystals in the forest learn something out there is also on the hunt for them. And one wrong turn out on the road leads a group of friends to the most sinister encounter of their lives. Snap presents a ritual as old as our treachery, “Campfire Tales: Season of the Wolf.” Journey into the void while you still can... before this gate slams shut. This Spooked Spectacular features supernatural stories told by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. Spooked has a new season starting Friday the 13th of September! Brand new episodes will drop each and every week until All Hallows' Eve. Be afraid. Cross over and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and podcast platforms everywhere 9/13/24.STORIESThe Woods Have EyesNate and Keith love to explore the forests in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, hunting for stones and crystals to add to their collection. But something out there is also on the hunt… for them. Thank you, Nate, for sharing your story with Spooked!Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Doug Stuart.Buffer Night One wrong turn leads Kyan and his friends to the most sinister encounter of their lives.Thanks to Kyan Bond for sharing his story. If you know what’s up with Buffer Night, drop us a line.Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.Season 15 - Episode 40

Cheyenne Brady knew next to nothing about the US census when she was given the job of counting everyone on her reservation. Writer Julian Brave Noisecat follows her through the ups and downs of the 2020 census, culminating in the first-ever Census Powwow.This story features descriptions of genocide and historical trauma, sensitive listeners please be advised.A big, big thank you to everyone on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Especially Cheyenne Brady and her family: Novi Runs Above, Holy Rope, Tayvin, Poncho, Tookie, Uncle Thomas, and Grandma Florence.Thank you also to Charlie Moran, Tavares Fimbres, Gabrielle Wilkinson, and Braedyn Taft, and Jazz Bearstail. Thanks to our friends at KMHA radio: Anne Morsette, Will Maguire, Ricky Raine, and Shelley Krueger for administering a rapid COVID test.And big thanks to the whole Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.Sincerest thanks to Dr. Cheryl Ann Kary, Cheryl Keepseagle, Logan Davis, Barb Anguino, D’Vera Cohn,  Byard Duncan, David Rodriguez, and Lycia Ortega Maddocks.This story was produced in partnership with Type Investigations.The original score was by Cheflee and Pat Mesiti-MillerThis story was produced and reported by Julian Brave NoiseCat and John FecileIt was written by Julian Brave NoiseCatSnap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 39

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 15 - Episode 38

Amateur treasure hunters race to uncover $100,000 in gold and silver after a man buries his entire jewelry store around the state of Michigan. Hunters are given clues and left to explore the woods.This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.BIG thanks to Johnny & everyone out on the hunt for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Johnny and his treasure quest on his website and Facebook.Produced by Will McCarthy, original score by Derek Barber, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic Season 15 – Episode 37

When Dr. Ayaz Virji first set foot in Dawson, Minnesota, he didn’t know what to expect. He was a brown Muslim man walking into a predominantly white rural town. But much to his surprise Ayaz and his family fit right in. Dawson quickly became home and his neighbors became like his extended family. Then came the presidential election of 2016.A very big thank you to Ayaz and Mussarat Virji, and to Mandy France and Doug Peterson for sharing their story with Snap!For more, please make sure to check out Ayaz Virji’s book, Love Thy Neighbor: A Muslim Doctor’s Struggle for Home in Rural America.Produced by Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 36

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.STORIESLake ChronicopiaDale 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 MorimotoThe Sinking of the Cruise Ship OceanosMoss Hills takes us on a sea cruise and saves the day with his music.Thanks, Moss, for sharing your story with us! 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 GorrioSnap Classic – Season 15 – Episode 35

A severed head turns up in a small rural town. While police investigate this as a crime, they look at disturbed graves, search for missing people — suspect a killer. But the forensic artist on the case has a very different theory for how the head ended up in the woods.This story contains references to forensic material, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you to Michelle Vitali & Mike O’Brien for sharing this story with Snap.Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 34

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.STORIES Feelabeelia: 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.Cassandro El ExoticoCassandro is an up-and-coming luchador, a professional Mexican wrestler. He wants to get to the big arenas. He’s got the talent, no doubt. But because he’s also one of the only openly gay fighters, he’s got an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side.This story contains graphic imagery regarding suicide. Please take care while listening. Thank you for sharing your story, Cassandro!Produced by Eliza Smith, sound design by Leon MorimotoArtwork by Teo DucotSeason 15 - Episode 33

An undercover ATF agent is going full throttle on a highway to hell as he tries to infiltrate the most notorious motorcycle club on the planet.This story contains police violence, descriptions of violence, and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.BIG thanks to Jay Dobyns for sharing his story with Snap. There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Jay’s experience. To find out more check out his memoirs “No Angel” and “Catching Hell.”Special thanks to George Christie.The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club did not respond to requests for comment on this story.Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 32

Your daddy is a bank robber, the world is on fire, and grandma’s last dress is in stitches. There’s got to be some way out of this... Chasing the Rainbow.STORIESSalmon Daddy After being fed up with life in rural Virginia, 15-year-old Deni Béchard calls his estranged father with one request: “I want to go live with you.” His dad, he found out, was a bank robber and Deni wanted a life right out of a crime novel. But when he finally gets to Vancouver, he finds out his dad doesn’t quite live up to the legend.Thanks, Deni, for sharing your story with Snap! Check out all of Deni's books and see what he's up to on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram or X.Produced by David Exumé. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio.As the World Burns What happens when the world around you starts to burn? Performed by Josh Healey at Snap Judgment LIVE! at San Francisco's Nourse Theater.Music composed by Alex Mandel and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.The Funeral DressPaul Valdez loved making dresses with his grandmother at her bridal shop in Santa Fe, but one particular dress he didn’t want to make… Thanks, Paul, for sharing your story!Produced by Jazmin Aguilera. Sound Design by Renzo Gorrio.Season 15 - Episode 31