Snap Judgment

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. STORIES Sheep Shearer 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. 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 Good Malaclypse 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. STORIES The League of Impersonators When 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 Glitch Joel 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 Danger? You only get one double life on the latest Snap. STORIES We Have A Problem Comics, 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 Booked Do we take the Honolulu ghost tour with Lopaka, or the big time wresting match with Johnny Danger? 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 Home Sound 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 Ristich Managing Editor: Regina Bediako Director of Production: Marisa Dodge Series Producers: David Exumé and Priscilla Alabi Music Supervisor: Sandra Lawson-Ndu Story Scouts: Ashley Okwuosa, Fiona Nyong’o, Jessica Kariisa, Lesedi Oluko Moche Editors: Nancy López and Anna Sussman Engineering: Miles Lassi Operations Manager: Florene Wiley Story Consultant: John Fecile Graphic Design: Jemimah Ekeh Original Artwork: Mateus Sithole Special 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 exploring 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. STORIES The Woods Have Eyes Nate 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-Miller This story was produced and reported by Julian Brave NoiseCat and John Fecile It was written by Julian Brave NoiseCat Snap 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 Ducot Snap 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 Ducot Snap 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. 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. 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 Gorrio Snap 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 Ducot Snap 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 Exotico Cassandro 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 Morimoto Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 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 Ducot Snap 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. STORIES Salmon 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 Dress Paul 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

A woman’s life changes forever when she decides to tell a secret that she’s kept for 23 years. The first all-woman race car driving team in the Middle East is forced to find the center of gravity on and off the track. And a young boy makes waves in his family. STORIES Racing Harold Glynn races a rival for the ultimate prize. Score and Sound Design by Pat Mesiti-Miller The Secret Life of Katherine Ann Power What happens when you decide to keep a secret for a really long time...And then, you decide to tell. To learn more about Katherine’s experience, check out her book Doing Time: Papers from Framingham Prison Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Renzo Gorrio Speed Sisters Marah is the best racer on the Speed Sisters team--the first all-female racing collective in the Arab world. That is, until Betty joins the team. This story is a collaboration with Amber Fares, director of the documentary Speed Sisters. Produced by Eliza Smith, sound production by Leon Morimoto Translation and voice over: Amber Fares, as Marah. Jazmin Aguilera, as Betty. Avery Trufelman, as Maysoon. Mark Ristich, as Marah’s dad. Pat Mesiti-Miller, as Khaled. The Boy Who Made Waves Joe Blair is a pipe fitter in Iowa who writes in his spare time. He is the father of four, including one autistic son—Michael--who has been both a source of joy and a source of stress. This story was brought to us by Modern Love: the Podcast, a collaboration between The New York Times and WBUR Boston. It takes essays from the paper’s popular Sunday column and matches them with top talent from the stage and screen. Mykelti Williamson, who played "Bubba" in Forrest Gump and most recently Gabriel in the Oscar-nominated film "Fences" reads Joe Blair's essay "For The Boy Who Makes Waves." For more incredible stories of modern Love, go visit the Modern Love website and subscribe to their podcast. Then check out Joe Blair’s memoir, By The Iowa Sea, about the joys and sorrows of life on the great plains. And if you haven't already, go see Mykelti Williamson in Fences, directed by Denzel Washington. Original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller Episode artwork by Teo Ducot Season 15 - Episode 30

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. We proudly present supernatural stories our evil-twin podcast, Spooked. Spooked features stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. Be afraid. Listen on any podcast platform! 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 sharing your story with Spooked. Produced by Zoe Ferrigno, original score by Leon Morimoto Night Nurse Dennis is a nurse, a helper. But when spirits of former patients reach out to him, he’s not sure if he can care for them. Produced by Chris Hambrick, original score by Dakim Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 15 - Episode 29

Do you remember the moment you saw your first love? Rodney Hines sure does. He was 13 years old, and it was the 4th of July. His parents took him to their friends’ house where he saw Shani Browning. For the next two decades, their lives each resembled a rollercoaster ride with dramatic ups and downs. One day on the yard at Solano State Prison, Hines was recounting the details of how the relationship with his childhood crush transformed into a tragic love affair. Uncuffed producer Anthony Ivy realized he needed to get Hines into the studio to tell his story. Produced by Anthony Ivy with help from Andrew Stelzer, Sonia Paul, Kathy Novak, Angela Johnston, Ninna Gaensler-Debs, and sound designer Eric 'Maserati-E 'Abercrombie. This story, Hole In The Heart: A Love Stronger Than Prison Walls originally aired on Uncuffed. Uncuffed is KALW's award-winning radio training program and podcast in California prisons. Listen on any podcast platform! Season 15 - Episode 28

Carol dreamt of being the best elephant trainer in the world. When Carol met Tarra, a baby Asian elephant, she fell in love and wanted to teach her everything. As their friendship grew, Tarra became Carol's most important teacher. BIG thanks to Carol for sharing her story with us! Carol bought a piece of land and created a refuge for Tarra -- The Elephant Refuge North America, in Attapulgus, Georgia. Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Season 15 - Episode 27

A woman recounts her Aunt’s fairytale love story while searching for her own Modern Romance. An African princess learns she is truly beautiful. And a precocious eight-year-old finds himself on the brink of a revolution. STORIES Modern Romance In the second half of her life, Stephanie found her classic Hollywood romance. Now she attempts to understand the strange and confusing world of dating apps to help her niece – and the show’s host Nichole – find her happily ever after. This story comes to us from The Secret Adventures of Black People, hosted by Nichole Hill. This incredible podcast tells the stories of Black people holding it down across space and time. Be sure to check out the show and subscribe to the podcast at TheSecretAdventuresOfBlackPeople.com Stay in touch by joining the newsletter, following their Instagram, or by sending an email to secretadventuresofblackpeople@gmail.com Modern Romance was written and produced by Nichole Hill with production assistance by Shonte Hill, and story editing assistance by Talia Bender. Special thanks to Stephanie Camolli! Music: Epidemic Sound Beautiful – Sonya Renee Taylor An African princess learns she is truly beautiful. This story was performed by Sonya Renee Taylor at Snap LIVE in DC. Sonya Renee Taylor is an internationally acclaimed performance poet, actress, educator, and activist. The LIVE score was composed by amazing Alex Mandel & performed by Alex Mandel, David Brandt, and Tim Frick. Watch Sonya’s Snap LIVE performance. Liberation – Latif Doman When Latif Doman is growing up in Philly, he takes his schoolwork seriously… which is unfortunate for the parents in his neighborhood. Many thanks to Latif and Story District for bringing us this story! Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 26

Four hairstylists compete to win the Bronner Bros Hair Battle, a one-of-a-kind hairstyling showdown. Winning this competition doesn't just represent a feather in one's cap, it's a stepping stone to getting celebrity clients. Big hair. Big personalities. BIG thanks to all the stylists who shared their stories with us! Ashley Payne, the bob queen, moved her salon to a new location, a private, appointment-only, suite. She suffered some health blows and started a gofundme to help pay for a liver transplant. Check out Tammie B’s work! Que Barnes is still at the helm of her salon in Atlanta. Terrence Davidson, the king of hair, started selling hair products online called Kingz N Queenz. Produced by Chris Hambrick & Nancy Lopez, with assistance from Shaina Shealy Original score by Marco Prestige, sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 25