Snap Judgment

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 t...

It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “JoAnne” Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get “the call.” It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history. And a young massage therapist in Miami Beach gets the business offer of a lifetime. So he shakes hands with the devil and hopes for the best. STORIES We Are Not Yellow Pearl It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “J...

When men living in Muskegon prison watch the breaking news of George Floyd’s murder on TV, they decide to host a one-of-a-kind celebration of life. This story is a tribute to Robert “Silk” Cannon Junior. This episode contains strong language and references to police violence. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Special thanks to William Welch and Dee Dee Kirkwood who helped make the bagel sand...

This past year 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...

We’re reflecting back on stories that give thanks for a monster-fighting grandfather, growing up with same-sex parents, and stuffing your face with Girl Scout Cookies…  LIVE. Even in another tough year, we’ve got a lot to be grateful for. Snap Nation, every year we make a Gratitude Special and every year we grow increasingly grateful for YOU. Thank you for listening. Commenting. Laughing. Crying....

You’re young, fun, and on the run from the law. One kid’s journey across the Deep South leads to a big confrontation with the man who inspired it all… Con Man Daddy. BIG thanks to Jason Russel Waller as well as his brothers, Randy and Kel, for sharing your story with Snap! Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 12 - Episode 45 Learn about your ad choices:...

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, a...

When a man starts having night terrors his family thinks it’s just nightmares. Only it’s not just bad dreams — there is an actual demon plaguing him. And two family members know their house is haunted but they don’t want to share that secret… even with each other. To celebrate Halloween week, we’re bringing you more  Spooked stories! Our evil-twin podcast, Spooked, features supernatural stories to...

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. ‘Tis the season of the shadow!...

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...

An Afghan man is asked the unexpected by one of the most notorious Talibs in his neighborhood. A boy is picked on at school but it isn’t the other kids he has to worry about. Glynn flies too close to the sun. And not even death can keep true friends apart. STORIES Extremist Makeover A young boy in Afghanistan was approached by one of the most notorious Talibs in his neighborhood. He never expected...

August 21, 1971, was the deadliest day in San Quentin history, and it’s still a painful topic, both inside the prison and out. At the center of the story was a Black revolutionary named George Jackson. Who was he, and what makes him so controversial, even today? Snap Judgment presents, “August 21, 1971," a special spotlight on Ear Hustle from PRX’s Radiotopia. This episode contains strong language...

You know we had to go for Round 2! We’ve brought your favorite Snap storytellers from around the world Backstage again, sharing the real stories that bubble up when the stage lights go down. Dino Archie , Shannon Cason , Dr. Ray Christian , Joyce Lee , and Don Reed join Glynn to spar about problematic side dishes, code-switching, and skin-lightening cream. Big thanks and love to the whole crew! Th...

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. STORIES From Russia With Love Two 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. This story contains sce...

It’s when the last glow of amber fades from the sky. When you can’t quite tell who approaches you on the dark path. When everyone starts to speak with lowered voices. That when you know… it’s time for Campfire Tales. This week, Spooked stories that will keep you up at night! A policeman experiences a sinister omen with deadly consequences. Crows set out to send a man warnings in Santa Fe. And it’s...

ALM – as referred to in court documents – is a Navajo and Cherokee toddler. When he was a baby, a white couple from the suburbs of Dallas wanted to adopt him, but a federal law said they couldn’t. So they sued. Today, the lawsuit doesn’t just impact the future of one child, or even the future of one law. It threatens the entire legal structure defending Native American rights. Today, from Crooked...

Sir Dyno is the Chicano Eazy-E, the king of lowrider car shows, an up-and-coming gangsta rapper straight outta Northern California. But when he gets the money to finance his next CD, he has no idea that the same music that made him a legend will also lead to his downfall. Thank you, David Rocha, for sharing your story with us! Thanks also to Sharon Rocha, Justin Berton & Julia Reynolds. David...

When Ian Coss decided to get married, every living member of his family who had ever been married had also been divorced. He wonders: are we doomed to recycle the patterns of behavior we get from our ancestors? And a fictional tale of marital mayhem! STORIES Forever is a Long Time When Ian Coss decided to get married, every living member of his family who had ever been married had also gotten divo...

A computer learns to speak with emotion and conviction but lacks the ability to distinguish good ideas from absolute madness. And a man has a chance to work on a secret project involving millions of flying mammals that could put an end to World War II. STORIES Theodora Making sense of the world is always a struggle.  And that's why, as far back as time has existed, some people have chosen to stand...

When Heidi Shin had her first baby, she took an entire year to care for her daughter full-time. For the most part, she loved it. But she also felt like she was losing part of herself to motherhood. So she decides to take a work trip to an island off the coast of South Korea. She comes away with an unexpected discovery about motherhood and herself. Check out more of  Heidi’s work . Listen to Heidi’...

The podcast The Turning from Rococo Punch and iHeartRadio tells the story of religious sisters who joined Mother Teresa’s order of nuns, but who eventually decided they had to leave. It asks, what is the line between devotion and brainwashing? Can you truly give yourself to God? If you make a lifelong vow, what does it mean to break it? Produced by Erika Lantz, Elin Lantz Lesser, and Emily Forman....

A woman in Veracruz, Mexico receives a map from a pair of anonymous strangers that leads her on a search to solve a mystery that’s haunted her for years. And a psychiatrist brings together three men who believe they are all Jesus Christ, hoping to cure them of their delusions. STORIES Map to the Disappeared A woman in Veracruz, Mexico receives a map from a pair of anonymous strangers that leads he...

On January 13th, 2018, at exactly 8:07 in the morning, one text message turned the state of Hawaii into a state of emergency. From panic and fear to acceptance and joy, Snap Judgment explores the 38 minutes when the people of Hawaii faced an incoming ballistic missile threat. Lead Producer: Jazmin Aguilera Editor: Anna Sussman Producers: Eliza Smith, Erika Lantz, John Fecile Additional production...

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 & Mik...

A tiny, pirate radio station broadcasts to the thousands of families trapped in ISIS-controlled Mosul. A man’s fingers fly across the keys with ease when he sits down at a piano for the first time. And a young kid learns a lesson in friendship. STORIES Mixed up Mixtape Glynn tries to front as an angsty mixtape master, and it's got him all mixed up. Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller Good Morning Mosul...