Snap Judgment
Snap Judgment and PRX
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2021 • 43min
The Feast
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 sandwich a reality for the men in Muskegon. Additional shout-outs to Catherine Nouhan, Stephen Carmody, and Delores Ingram.
And major thanks to Tana Ganeva, a criminal justice reporter who has written extensively about Michael Thompson’s incarceration and petitions for clemency. You can read more about the George Floyd celebration of life in her article in The Counter. Tana is currently working on a book about Cold War escapees.
Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio
Artwork by Teo Ducot
Season 12 - Episode 48
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Nov 25, 2021 • 50min
In Search of a Black Utopia from VICE News Reports
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 are seeking refuge in a small fishing town south of Cancun.
This piece comes to us from our friends at VICE News Reports. VICE has so many amazing stories, make sure you subscribe to their podcast asap!
This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.
Special thanks to Nubia Younge, Patricia Talley, and all those in Tulum!
This episode was produced by Adizah Eghan and edited by Kate Osborn and James T. Green with help from Annie Aviles and Stephanie Kariuki. The original score is by Kyle Murdock.
Artwork by Teo Ducot
Season 12 - Episode 47
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Nov 18, 2021 • 50min
The 2021 Gratitude Special
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. Thank you… for supporting us.
This episode contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.
STORIES
Turn on the Lights - Shane Koyczan
The monsters of Shane's night terrors tremble in fear of Shane's grandfather... until his powers fail. Watch Shane perform this heartfelt story LIVE.
The Last Mile - Noah St. John
15-year-old storyteller Noah St. John describes the trials and tribulations of growing up the son of same-sex parents. Watch Noah perform this breathtaking story LIVE.
Mad Love - Joyce Lee
Do not get on Joyce Lee’s bad side. Just don't do it. You did it? Oh, no.
Back of the Bus - Glynn Washington
Glynn has an unfortunate initiation on his first day of school. Watch Glynn perform this incredible story LIVE.
Girl Scout Cookies - Jen Kober
As a little 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 altogether. Watch Jen perform this hilarious story LIVE.
All music in this episode was performed live by Alex Mandel, David Brandt, and Tim Frick. Original Music by Alex Mandel.
Artwork by Teo Ducot
Season 12 - Episode 46
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Nov 12, 2021 • 29min
Con Man Daddy
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
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Nov 4, 2021 • 41min
Double Trouble
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.
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 12 - Episode 44
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Oct 28, 2021 • 50min
The Torment - Spooked
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 told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. To listen to all #Spooked episodes as they’re released, subscribe to Luminary directly, or to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts. Either way, just go to: luminary.link/spooked
STORIES
Green Demon
When Austin’s dad starts having night terrors, the family thinks it’s just nightmares -- but Austin thinks something else is going on. He soon discovers that there is an actual demon plaguing his father… and Austin must confront it.
Thank you, Austin, for sharing your story with Spooked!
Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Leon Morimoto
Libby
Jennifer and her daughter Taylor both know their family home is haunted… but they don’t want to share that secret, even with each other.
Thank you, Jennifer & Taylor, for sharing your story with us!
Produced by Eliza Smith, original score by Bells Atlas
Artwork by Teo Ducot
Season 12 - Episode 43
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Oct 21, 2021 • 47min
The Final Reckoning - Spooked
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! Snap Judgment proudly presents our evil-twin podcast, Spooked. Spooked features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. To listen to all #Spooked episodes as they’re released, subscribe to Luminary directly, or to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts. Either way, just go to: luminary.link/spooked
Be afraid.
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 the 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 12 - Episode 42
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Oct 14, 2021 • 50min
The King's Ransom
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
Season 12 - Episode 41
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Oct 7, 2021 • 51min
The Fall Guy - Snap Classic
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 the request the Talib made.
Find out more about Qais Akbar Omar’s journey during Afghanistan’s long wars in his book, Fort of Nine Towers.
Produced by Anna Sussman, sound design by Renzo Gorrio
Nellie’s Pond
When Peter Aguero got picked on as a kid, it wasn’t the other kids he had to worry about.
Produced by Ana Adlerstein & Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Leon Morimoto
Icarus
How close can Glynn get to the sun?
Produced by Pat Mesiti Miller
Cece’s Ghost
Not even death can keep true friends apart.
Susan Kent is a Brooklyn-based writer and performer who curates the storytelling show, Tell It: Brooklyn. Learn all about her on her blog.
Produced by Ana Adlerstein, sound design by Pat Mesiti Miller
Artwork by Teo Ducot
Snap Classic - Season 12 - Episode 40
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Sep 30, 2021 • 55min
“August 21, 1971” from Ear Hustle
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 and mentions violence and suicide. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.
To learn more about George Jackson and the events of August 21, 1971, check out the resources listed at the bottom of this page.
BIG love and thanks to all our friends over at Ear Hustle. Want to hear more stories from Ear Hustle? They just dropped Season 8! And they're keeping busy with other projects too:
One of their episodes this season is a participation challenge. For 30 days, Ear Hustle team members on the outside will attempt to eat and work out the same way their team members on the inside do. They are inviting listeners to join them in this exploration of constraint.
And Nigel and Earlonne’s book, This Is Ear Hustle: Unflinching Stories of Everyday Prison Life will be out 10/19/21. You can pre-order it here.
This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, Rhashiyd Zinnamon, and David Jassy.
Artwork by Antwan Williams
Be sure to visit www.EarHustleSq.com to hear more stories, see pictures from episodes, and follow everything Ear Hustle.
Spotlight - Season 12 - Episode 39
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