An ecologist in Maine fears she will be criticized because she "communicates with animals." Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he could read her mind. And – a man in Alaska hears a rumor about the elusive blue bear. He never gave it much thought until a friend convinced him to search for one. We're wrapping up the FEVER series this week! Tune in. 

STORIES

When Doves Cry

An ecologist in Maine fears she must be crazy because she communicates with animals. Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he could read her mind. 

Thank you Sara and Lily B for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Anna Sussman, edited by John Fecile, original score by Nicholas Marks. 

The Blue Bear

Lynn Schooler grew up in Alaska hearing rumor after rumor about the elusive blue bear. He never gave it much thought until a friend convinced him they go out searching for one. What Lynn ended up finding was, of course, something much different.

Thanks Lynn for sharing your story with Snap! For more on Lynn Schooler's work check out his Facebook page.

Produced by Nancy Lopez, sound design by Renzo Gorrio and Davey Kim.

Season 17 - Episode 9

From puppy love to stolen moments to the thrill of the chase... their relationship made headlines.

A huge thank you to Toby Dorr for sharing her story with Snap!

Toby is an author, speaker and criminal justice reform advocate. She’s also the founder of the Fierce Grace Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting women impacted by incarceration  through storytelling and mentorship. 

There's so much that we were not able to share about Toby’s experience... to find out more, check out Toby’s memoir “Living With Conviction” 

Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nicholas Marks.

Season 17 - Episode 8

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 refuse. The crazy true story of the New York Christmas tree industry, full of turf wars, karate fights, and the mafia.

This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

This story is dedicated to the memory of Scott Lechner, the pontiff of Soho and the emperor of New York city treemen. Thanks as well to Russ and Little Scott.

Produced by Ilana Strauss, John Fecile & Annie Nguyen, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Secrets in Siberia

Mike Ramsdell is a covert operative for the federal government. He’s assigned to capture and extract a high-level target from Russia, but the mission goes horribly wrong.

Find Mike’s book here.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 60

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

Drama Club is the happy, safe space for Lee and Parker until their school play becomes a homophobic middle school meltdown. The lights get turned up to 10, the adults are in a media frenzy, and the kids are just trying to figure it all out.

STORIES

Don't Say Gay Dads

Drama Club is the happy, safe space for Lee and Parker until their school play becomes a homophobic middle school meltdown. The lights get turned up to 10, the adults are in a media frenzy, and the kids are just trying to figure it all out.

This story contains descriptions of abuse directed at gay persons. Please take care while listening.

A very big thank you to Lee and Parker—who are best friends to this day.  Thanks as well to Jamie McGonnigal.

Produced by Mark Betancourt, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Playground Bullies and Dark Secrets 

In middle school, Mike has a secret. But no one has ever seen “it.” 

This was performed at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles.

“Mighty” Mike McGee is an international spoken word artist, writer, performer, speaker, slam poet and comic. McGee is the first slam poet to win both the American National Poetry Slam Individual Grand Championship and the Individual World Poetry Slam Championship. 

Original score composed and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 24

Two sisters, Magi and Memo, track down an American man accused of sexual abuse at a children’s home in Kenya. It’s a story spanning two continents… following those who give everything to make things right. This episode is a 2024 Gracie Award Winner.

This story, while not graphic, does involve child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the death of a child. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you so much to everyone in this story. To Magi and Memo, for sharing your lives with us over the past two years. Magi has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the survivors of the Dow Children’s Home.

To Janice and especially to Joy — Kongoi for your courage and your strength. Kongoi as well to Geoffrey Ng’tich, Beatrice Korir, and Joshua Abudoh.

Translation by Caroline Chebet

Recording engineers: Josh Wilcox, Ryan Geesaman, and Coconut

Original score by Renzo Gorrio

Produced and reported by Halima Gikandi and John Fecile

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 22

Raymond Christian is back with a story that gives whole new meaning to the phrase “rear infantry.”

Thanks, Ray, for sharing this story! Listen to Ray's show “What’s Ray Saying” wherever you get your podcasts.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 22

It’s the 70’s, two young girls are caught up in the allure of smoking, and the whole scene is about to blow. And a veteran clown knows one thing… don’t bleed in front of the children.

STORIES

Smoke Rings

Back in the 70s, smoking was cool. Angie was not.

Thank you to Angie and her mom Marita for sharing this story.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Charles the Clown

When it's time to put on a good face... sometimes you just gotta improvise.

A huge thank you to the one and only Charles the Clown for sharing his experience with the Snap. Charles Kraus has been a children’s entertainer for more than 40 years. Check out his videos, songs, magic tricks, and puppet routines! You can even book Charles for your next event in Seattle and now in the San Francisco Bay Area .

Produced by Bo Walsh , original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 21

When twin rovers named Spirit and Opportunity landed on Mars twenty years ago, they were only supposed to last 90 Martian days. But years passed, they were still alive, and engineers kept taking care of them...

We proudly present a This is Love Spotlight — a story from out of this world, about two robots on Mars who just would not die. And the people whose job it was to check on them every day, who started to think about them as family.

This story Tau = 10.8, is from the podcast This is Love, part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. 

This is Love, hosted by Phoebe Judge is a show that tells stories about a lot of different kinds of love — sometimes love between people, sometimes not. It’s made by the same team that makes what was one of the first true crime podcasts out there — a show called Criminal. 

They have dozens more stories like this available wherever you get your podcasts! Their website is thisislovepodcast.com. 

Artwork by Julienne Alexander 

MUSIC

• “Spindash” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Oriel” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Line Exchange” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Stickle” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Idle Ways” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Vernouillet_Swing Swing” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “The Gran Dias” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “The Longshoreman” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Borough_Alternate Opening” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Awash” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Parissi” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Pxl Htra” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Trailmaker” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Bundt” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Pall Canyon” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Etude 3 Chessanta_Alt Arp” by Blue Dot Sessions
• “Town Market_Guitar” by Blue Dot Sessions

Season 15 - Episode 20 

In sweet home Alabama, from the heart of Libya, comes a renegade candidate with a boombox and a head scarf. The cheerleaders, the geeks, the dweebs and the freaks are about to send a message the country needs right after 9/11.

A very big thank you to Yasmin!

Yasmin is a comedian and storyteller. You can follow her on Instagram @yasminelhahahady or TikTok @yasmin_elhady. She first told a version of this story at Story District in Washington, DC.  

Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 19

German and his family are stuck behind the walls of a rusty old pencil factory in the jungle. When a Youtuber stumbles onto the scene with a camera, he may be their only hope.

Thank you, to German, Eva, and Sasha. Thanks also to Julia Neusner.

You can see more of Caya’s documentaries about tech and society on his Youtube channel “Slide Bean.”

Check out this story featured on Today Explained!

The Banished By Bargain project is a great resource to learn more about the Trump administration’s third-country deportations.

Produced by John Fecile and Caya, edited by Nancy Lopez, original music by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 16 - Episode 59

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 with Snap!

Wondering what happened to Winning Colors? After her 1988 Kentucky Derby crown the big grey filly retired the following year with eight career wins. In 2000, she was inducted into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 2008, at the age of 23 Winning Colors was laid to rest in Lexington, Kentucky.

To find out more about Miami and Winning Colors’ story – check out Miami’s book, “The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told” 

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Bo Walsh, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 18

Some roads are long and some roads wind. Some roads show you things you’d never think you’d find…

This week we’re featuring stories from our evil twin podcast Spooked! You can listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform. Be afraid.

STORIES

Demon Dog

A mysterious wolf creature hunts Chuck and his family on winding mountain roads. Chuck can hardly believe it was real, until he finds an old legend that confirms it.

Thank you, Chuck, for sharing your story!

Produced by Greta Weber and Chris Hambrick, original score by Yari Bundy

Deception Pass

When Shirley gets sent out on a trucking job two weeks before Christmas, she thinks the biggest thing she has to fear is winter weather. But she’s about to learn, there are scarier things than storms out on the road.

Thanks, Shirley, for sharing your story with Spooked!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Doug Stuart

Night Watch

When Dave took on the graveyard shift at the station, he saw all kinds of stuff. But he never saw anything quite like this.

Thanks, Dave, for sharing your story with us.

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot 

Season 15 - Episode 17

Melissa McFadden always saw police officers as protectors. But when she became an officer, she found herself with almost no one to protect her.

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. 

Thank you, Lt. McFadden for sharing your story with us! Check out McFadden’s book: Walking the Thin Black Line

Funding for this episode was provided by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, as part of its "Expanding Awareness of the Science of Intellectual Humility" initiative, supported by the John Templeton Foundation. 

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 16 

Things go horribly wrong for a safari guide on the Zambezi River when he comes face-to-face with a rogue hippo. And Dr. Ray Christian breaks the first rule about Fight Club and tells us all about it. 

This episode contains graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.

STORIES 

Belly of the Beast

Things go horribly wrong for a safari guide on the Zambezi River when he comes face-to-face with a rogue hippo.

Thank you, Paul, for sharing your story with Snap! Check out Paul Templer’s memoir, What’s Left of Me.

Produced by Erika Lantz, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Fight Club

The first rule about fight club is you do not talk about fight club. Dr. Ray Christian breaks that rule.

You can hear more of Ray on his podcast: What's Ray Saying?

Produced by Mark Ristich, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 15

A man fights freezing temperatures and extreme altitude while ascending Mt. Kilimanjaro, to search for answers to life’s questions. And when a resident of the Cadillac Hotel goes missing, her longtime lover and best friend won’t rest until she is found.

STORIES

Rocky’s Best Life

Glynn remembers the fond memories of a childhood friend, Rocky.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

The Enlightenment Trap

A skeptical journalist fights freezing temperatures alongside a fitness guru to test his limits.

Read more about Scott’s adventures with Wim Hof and his ascent up Mt. Kilimanjaro in his book, “What Doesn’t Kill Us.” See what else Scott is up to on his website.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by David Last

The Cadillac Hotel

At the Cadillac Hotel, an SRO in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, a resident has gone missing. Her long time lover and best friend won’t rest until she is found.

Produced by Parker Yesko with assistance from Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic: Season 15 - Episode 14

Three fanboys and a dead-sexy wax Burt Reynolds are on a mission. They are Eastbound and Down on a road trip from Cali to Florida State and the troopers… are hot on their heels.

A huge thank you to Mike Carano, Matt Leuthe, and Steve Millunzi for sharing their experience! Mike originally told a version of this story in conversation with Christine Blackburn on the Storyworthy podcast. Check out their collection of amazing stories!

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 13

A Chicago newspaper establishes an undercover bar to catch officials in the act of corruption. And a hardcore soccer fan from the crowd is put to the test in a game what happens next made him a legend.

STORIES

Night At The Mirage

A Chicago newspaper establishes an undercover bar to catch officials in the act of corruption. They soon acquire a cast of characters looking for more than just a drink. Snap presents, “Night at The Mirage.” The story of the famous undercover Chicago Sun bar, as told by two reporters posing as bartenders.

Produced by Joe Rosenburg and Anna Sussman, original score by Leon Morimoto

The Legend Of Steve Davies

In one of soccer’s most legendary fairy tales, manager Harry Redknapp once plucked a hardcore fan from the crowd and put him to the test for West Ham United. What happens next made the fan a legend.

Thank you, Steve Davies, for sharing your story with the Snap. A special thanks to Jeff for bringing us that story.

Produced by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic – Season 15 Episode 12

Cell Double L is the final cell in Oklahoma State Penitentiary. It is the cell you occupy before your execution. We speak to three men and their loved ones as they move through death watch row.

This episode includes references to penal executions and strong language. Please take care while listening.

Huge enormous thanks to Bigler Stouffer, Wade Lay, and Donald Grant for sharing your stories. Also major thanks to the loved ones, on the outside, for allowing us inside their lives.

Produced by Ellie Lightfoot and Gaby Caplan

Gaby Caplan and Ellie Lightfoot reported this story while participating in the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism’s National Fellowship and the Kristy Hammam Fund for Health Journalism.

Season 15 - Episode 11

We’re going back to college with Ronald Young Jr., where he couldn’t wait to explore a world beyond the watchful gaze of his churchgoing parents. He meets an amazing girl, but their story would not be a love story… because of their weight.

This story comes to us from Weight For It, a production of Oh It’s Big Ron Studios and is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. This podcast series was a Tribeca Official Selection. It was also picked by the New York Times as one of the best podcasts of the year. Listen to Weight For It wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Ronald Young Jr. on Twitter, Threads, IG, and TikTok - @ohitsbigron

Episodes of Weight For It were produced and written by Ronald Young Jr., with editing from Sarah Dealey. The version you heard was edited for Snap by Regina Bediako.

Sound design and mixing from the Reverend John DeLore of Starlight Diner. Theme music from Jay Redd, with additional music from Mass Potential, the artist DT, and the mysterious Breakmaster Cylinder.

Special thanks to Caitlin Scanlan, Jessica Taylor Dickin, Myra Mejia, and Dr. Caitlin Gunn. Artwork by Heather Wilder.

Support Resources

If you need support for disordered eating or your body image; please check out the links below:

Crescent Counseling Center

Intuitive Growth Counseling

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated disorders

Project Heal

Muti-service eating disorders association

National Alliance for Eating Disorders

Eating Recovery Center

What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat - Aubrey Gordon

Heavy - Kiese Laymon

Belly of the Beast - Da’ Shaun Harrison

The Body is Not an Apology - Sonya Renee Taylor

Season 15 - Episode 10

Armored trucks spew clouds of cash into the sky and the people who happen upon it are faced with an unexpected moral dilemma. And a kid from Harlem becomes the biggest heroin dealer in upstate New York. He soon learns what it will take for him to turn his back on a mountain of cash.

STORIES

Money Truck

Six people, six different times and places, but they all find themselves in the same predicament, asking the same question, should they stop or should they go?

This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to Tyler Estep, who first reported Philip Dean’s story for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Thanks also to Cole Richards and Randy Scott Carroll for recording assistance.

Thank you to everyone interviewed for this story: Troy Stokes, Philip Dean, Betsy Richards, Delrish Moss, Carol Steele, and the Lucky Guy.

Big love and thanks to Shannon Cason, who narrated this piece. Check out Shannon’s podcast ‘Homemade Stories’ to hear more from him.

Produced by Anna Sussman, John Fecile & Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Whiteboy John and The Seven Saints

A kid from Harlem becomes the biggest heroin dealer in upstate New York. He soon learns what it will take for him to turn his back on a mountain of cash.

Abdul-Kenyatta has performed as a workshop facilitator and motivational speaker. He is a poet, storyteller, jazz and blues vocalist, and a novelist.

He was an actor with the San Francisco Neighborhood Arts Children’s Theater for five years, and a San Francisco State University, Black Studies Department Associate Professor, lecturing on African and African-American History and Literature.

His novel Five Thousand Urgently Pointless Distractions was published in 2000. He is the 2005 Berkeley Poetry Festival Slam Poetry Champion. He was a member of the Oakland 2004 National Slam Team and the 2006 San Francisco Slam Master, the 2007 Marin County Fair Slam Poetry Champion, and a member of the 2007 San Francisco National Slam Team. He appeared in the Jamie De Wolfe film “SMOKED”.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Snap Classic – Season 15 – Episode 9

It’s the dawn of hip-hop and 15-year-old Roxanne Shanté is the best battle rapper in Queensbridge NYC. She spits out a hit record in the time it takes for her laundry to dry, for real. She’s bold, controversial and everyone wants to take her down at the “MC Battle for World Supremacy.”

This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

A giant thank you to the now Grammy-winning, forever "Queen of Rox," Roxanne Shanté for sharing her story with Snap! 

You can find Roxanne on IG @imroxanneshante. She also hosts a daily show on Sirius XM's Channel 43 Rock the Bells Radio. Tune in!

Produced Justin Kramon, edited by Nancy López, original score by Lauryn Newson.

Season 16 - Episode 58

Two correctional officers pay a high price for exposing corruption and abuse by their fellow officers, in the most dangerous prison in California–New Folsom. This incredible episode is from On Our Watch, an investigative podcast series from our friends at KQED.

This story touches on intense topics including substance use, state violence, and self harm. Please take care while listening. If you need support, there are resources below.

On Our Watch is a story about broken promises and unwritten rules. It’s a story about who gets hurt when the system that promises to keep us safe is bent on protecting itself. Host Sukey Lewis and co-reporter Julie Small piece together an explosive narrative through interrogation tapes, 911 audio, prison phone calls, personal audio recordings, and hours of emotional interviews. It includes exclusive analysis of hundreds of previously secret documents—some only unsealed by lawsuits brought by KQED—and sheds light on misconduct and abuse within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Listen and follow now.

RESOURCES

If you are currently in crisis, you can dial 988 [U.S.] to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
SAMHSA National Help Line
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Helpline
US Health and Human Services
Warmline Directory

Season 15 - Episode 8

When a reporter’s love story hits a dead end, she turns to a Palestinian couple for answers. A pretty ugly Photoshop project explodes and a man comes out to his mother repeatedly.

STORIES

Photo Session

When a reporter’s love story hits a dead end, she turns to a Palestinian couple for answers.

Thank you Rayan, Samih, and Anna!

Two years after their engagement, Rayan and Samih got married and moved to a flat just outside the camp and they still work there as journalists. Our storyteller Anna and her boyfriend got engaged shortly after she moved to Iraq to be with him. Read these two stories and many more in Anna Lekas Miller’s book Love Across Borders.

Produced by John Fecile. Original score by Clay Xavier. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Translation by Naziha Baassiri. Voice acting by Snap producer John Fecile and his wife Sarah Fecile.

Make Me Beautiful

Esther asked 50 Photoshop artists to make her beautiful. Things got pretty ugly.

Thanks Esther for sharing this story!

Esther Honig’s photo project still gets re-published to this day. It’s appeared in books for English language learners. The University of Cambridge put it in a textbook chapter about beauty. Her photos have been printed and hung on the walls of the Museum of Tomorrow in Brazil and The National Science and Media Museum in the UK. Check out her TED talk about this project.

Esther is currently a producer at Storycorps, and has also produced two Snap episodes, “White Gold Fever” and “Map to the Disappeared.”

Produced by John Fecile. Original score by Dirk Schwartzhoff.s

When Are You Going To Get Married?

For Ben Nakamura, coming out gay to his parents was not exactly like ripping off a band-aid…

Produced by Liz Jones. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 15 - Episode 7

From the heart of Waziristan, the legend of Genghis Khan is being rewritten... on the squash court. Maria Toorpakai Wazir was raised as a boy, and took on everyone and everything - neighborhood bullies, Peshawar weightlifters, and all the rules about who should be able to compete.

This story contains references to violence. Please take care while listening.

Thank you, Maria Toorpakai Wazir, for sharing your story with Snap.

In 2011, Maria moved to Toronto to train with Jonathon Power, a world champion in men's squash. Maria writes about this and so much more in her book: A Different Kind of Daughter: The Girl Who Hid from the Taliban in Plain Sight. She has also set up the Maria Toorpakai Foundation encouraging families to educate girls and allow them to play sports.

Produced by Zahra Noorbakhsh & Nancy López, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 6

A newlywed couple travels down a South American River into the thick of the Amazon jungle on a raft… alone. Their romantic adventure soon turns into the ultimate test for survival.

Thank you, Holly Fitzgerald, for sharing your story with us! Read more about Holly’s epic romance in her memoir, Ruthless River.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 5

A small plastic boat bobs helpless in the Aegean Sea, overwhelmed and overloaded. A young father from Mogadishu must take the helm to save everyone on board -- but will he lose his family because of it? And a boy on a top-secret mission tries to win over the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class.

STORIES

Hanad & Faysa

A small plastic boat bobs helpless in the Aegean Sea, overwhelmed and overloaded. A young father from Mogadishu must take the helm to save everyone on board -- but will he lose his family because of it?

Thank you, Hanad and Faysa, for sharing your story with us.

Reported by Niki Kitsantonis. Produced by John Fecile and Niki Kitsantonis. Original score by Lauryn Newson.

Hanad’s translation was read by Said Shaiye. Additional recording by Daphne Tolis. Additional translation by Abdi Mohamed.

Danger 9b

Richard Hatch is overseas on a top-secret mission… to win over Jill, the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class. He isn’t suave or sophisticated, so he’s gonna need help from The Beatles, the Russians, and even the CIA to pull it off.

Thank you, Richard Hatch aka Danger 9b, for sharing your story with us!

Rick is back in the US and is putting the finishing touches on a kid-friendly memoir about his travels abroad.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 4

Hyphy, the legendary youth culture movement from the Bay. Uptempo music, oversized airbrushed T-shirts, stunna shades and candy painted cars doing donuts in intersections. It was an unbridled, livewire, communal celebration. The people fueled the music, and the music moved the people. But beneath it all? That’s where it gets real.

Plus, a big story from a little boxer.

STORIES

Hyphy Kids Got Trauma from KQED

This week on Snap, we have a special story to share from our friends at KQED’s Rightnowish podcast– it’s from host Pendarvis Harshaw’s series, Hyphy Kids Got Trauma.

In 2006, Pen was 18 going on 19, and he had a front row seat to one of the most notable times in Bay Area hip-hop history– a period often referred to as “the hyphy movement”.

It was an era of uptempo-bass-heavy music, oversized airbrushed white t-shirts, candy painted cars and stunna shades. There was exuberant dancing, extravagant slang, and goofy party antics. While there was a lot of partying and celebration, there was also a lot of pain. That year Oakland saw its second highest annual homicide total ever.

Pen experienced all the highs and lows back then, but feels like the full story of the culture didn’t get told, until now when he brings us into the real meaning of “hyphy.”

This story contains explicit language, mention of drug use, and violence. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

BIG thanks to KQED and the whole Rightnowish team who shared this incredible story with us! Listen to the Hyphy Kids Got Trauma four part series on Rightnowish - wherever you get your podcasts!

Hosted by Pendarvis Harshaw, produced by Maya Cueva, edited by Chris Hambrick, sound designed and mixed by Trackademics.

With support from Eric Arnold, Jen Chien, Holly Kernan, Victoria Mauleon, Marisol Medina-Cadena, Gabe Meline, Xorje Olivares, Delency Parham, Cesar Saldaña, Sayre Quevedo, Katie Sprenger, Nastia Voynovskaya, and Ryce Stoughtenborough.

The Little Boxer

It's the 1950s in San Francisco. After getting beat one time too many, little Gus Lee decides to fight back.

A big thanks to Gus Lee. This story comes from his novel, “China Boy,” based on his childhood. Lee is a courage-based leadership trainer and consultant. He’s now completing his eighth book, "Courage Is a Verb."

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller, illustration by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 3

A rock band from Zimbabwe becomes the voice of a revolution. And a New York Rabbi has his faith tested when he takes a job helping a member of the KKK.

STORIES

Fault Lines

Glynn goes on a date...and things get shaky.

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Zim Heavy: Rock and Revolution in Zimbabwe

Before there was Zimbabwe, there was the “Heavy” scene. In the 1970’s, Rock music rang out from the black townships in Rhodesia. One band, Wells Fargo, became the voice of the people. Founding members Ebba Chitambo and Never Mpofu tell their story of music and revolution in the face of an oppressive government.

Listen to Wells Fargo’s release "Watch Out!" Learn more about the work Matthew Shechmeister and Eothen “Egon” Alapatt are doing to document the Heavy scene at Now-Again Records.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Correspondent: Albert Nyathi

Featuring Music by Wells Fargo courtesy of Now-Again Records

Rabbi And The KKK

A New York Rabbi has his faith tested when he takes a job in Nebraska.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original music by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 15 - Episode 2 - Snap Classic

A charming father wins just about everyone over until his criminal ways force his family on a ten-year journey running from the law.  A secret artist becomes an art world sensation but unearths a family scandal. And a bank manager who loves to gamble gets into trouble.

Sometimes the con job hits close to home.

STORIES

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

The Art Of The Con

What if the real story is even better than the fake story they made up? A secret artist, an art world sensation, a family scandal.

Thanks, Ron, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Andrew Stelzer with support from Anna Sussman

Insidious by Shannon Cason LIVE

And a bank manager who loves to gamble gets into trouble.

This story was told live by Shannon Cason at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles. Original music by Alex Mandel and Tim Frick.

Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 1

A family leaves their busy life in Southern California to live in a little cabin in the woods, without electricity. But then, strange things start happening… it seems this family aren’t the only occupants of the cabin. And a story about a grandfather who makes monsters tremble. Snap Judgment presents, “The Stormy Night.” Real stories from people fighting for their loved ones.

STORIES

Northspur Storm

Kathy and her kids leave a busy life in Southern California to live in a little cabin in the woods, without electricity. But then, strange things start happening. It seems Kathy and her children aren’t the only occupants of the cabin.

Thank you, Kathy Bolte, for sharing your story with Spooked!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Shayne Koyczan’s Monsters LIVE

Night creatures tremble in fear of Shane Koyczan's grandfather, until powers fail.

This story contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

This story was told by Shane at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles. Original Music by Alex Mandel, performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

Shane Koyczan is an award winning Canadian Poet, Author and Performer. He is also a TED Talks speaker. Shane's influential, anti-bullying, "To This Day Project" video went viral in early 2013 and currently has over 10 million views and counting.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 54

This week on Snap, the story of the first dog to travel around the world, a summer camp swimming contest to remember, plus - an earthquake that takes a man straight into the wreckage.

We are so grateful for you, Snap Nation. Thank you for listening and supporting our show! Cheers to you and yours this holiday season.

STORIES

The Best Little Swimmer

Terry Galloway is ten years old and absolutely in love with the idea of summer camp. The only problem is, her family can’t afford it. But after she fails a hearing test at school, Terry learns that she is deaf -- and also eligible to attend The Lions Camp for Crippled Children, a summer camp that is free to kids with disabilities. The summer of 1960, just got way more exciting.

Terry Galloway is a writer, director and performer for stage, radio, and film. For more about Terry’s childhood in Texas, check out her book Mean Little Deaf Queer.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto

The Dog That Went Around The World

The story of the first dog to travel around the world (and refuse a free steak).

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Quake City Hero

In 1989, an enormous earthquake struck the Bay Area. One of Oakland’s major arteries, the Cypress Freeway, collapsed. And one man named Raven, a local Oaklander, left his home, and dove into the wreckage to save lives.

This story contains strong language, violence, and graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.

This story comes from Liam O'Donoghue, host and producer of the podcast East Bay Yesterday.

Produced by Liam O'Donoghue and Eliza Smith, original score by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 53

A woman wakes up in a hospital bed with no idea why she’s there. Her perception of reality is questionable. A doctor discovers a possible source for her delusions and what follows is her journey to recovery and back to herself. 

Thank you to Susannah Cahalan for sharing your story with us! Susannah tells the full tale of her descent into madness and rise out of it in her international bestselling memoir Brain on Fire.  She's written a new book called The Acid Queen, about the reality-bending world of psychedelics. You can find Susannah on IG @suscahalan.  

Our friends at The Pulse will be continuing Susannah's story this coming week, as she investigates one of the most famous psychological experiments of all time... and discovers something incredible. You'll want to catch that on the next episode of WHYY's The Pulse, available on the NPR podcast feed. 

Produced by Justin Kramon, edited by Nancy Lopez, engineering by Boen Wang, music from Blue Dot Sessions.

Season 16 - Episode 57

From the podcast, Movement, we spotlight the story of a self proclaimed “drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them. Plus, we go on an adventure underwater to visit a secret kingdom for seahorses.

STORIES

Movement

From the podcast, Movement, we spotlight the story of a self proclaimed “drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them.

Produced by Meklit Hadero and Ian Coss. The Movement show was co-created by Julie Caine.

You can find all of San Cha’s music and projects at churchofsancha.com.

If you want to find more stories at the crossroads of music and migration, search for “Movement with Meklit Hadero,” wherever you listen!

Movement is supported by The Mellon Foundation and National Geographic Society, and distributed by PRX.

Under Pressure

After traumatic experiences underwater, a diver falls in love with the ocean again by building a secret kingdom for seahorses.

BIG thanks to Roger Hanson. Roger’s writing a children’s book, called “A Seahorse of a Different Color,” about a unique seahorse who was born different. It comes out in June.

Roger has previously been covered by the LA Times and Spectrum Channel 1, which called him the “world’s foremost expert on the Pacific Seahorse.”

Seahorse Update: In September, pregnant Deep Blue stopped showing up. Roger thinks he was eaten by an octopus. He’s moved any remaining octopuses in the area and resettled them elsewhere.

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Moriomoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 Episode 52

One beauty pageant. 12 contestants. 1000 rattlesnakes. And a story from a young girl who is confronted with the opportunity every kid at the orphanage dreamed of. Plus, the legendary Xiao Xiao.

STORIES

Been There Better Than That

Glynn witnesses a lady show what real class looks like.

12 Pageant Queens, 1000 Snakes

One beauty pageant. 12 contestants. 1000 rattlesnakes.

Produced by Anna Sussman

A Hard Knock Life

Sharon Skolnick was nine years old and an orphan in the Murrow Indian Orphanage, when she was confronted with the opportunity every girl at the orphanage dreamed of. Find out more about artist Sharon Skolnick at here.

Sound Design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Anna Sussman

Xiao Xiao

When Cindy adopted a four year old girl from China, there was a lot the two didn’t understand about each other.

Find out about Cindy’s story (and her books) at CindyChampnella.com.

Sound Design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, produced by Anna Sussman

Art by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 51

Two crazy cats and one hard-nosed reporter land in Syria right as it is thrown into turmoil. And a lovesick junior high kid will do anything to win over his crush. Even if that means going “undercover” for the US government.

STORIES

Wartime Cats

Two crazy cats and one hard-nosed reporter land in Syria right as it is thrown into turmoil. Rasha Elass navigates her way through Damascus amidst government crackdowns and whistling missiles in search of the country she loves.

This story contains graphic imagery and descriptions of wartime violence, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Rasha, for sharing your story with us! Rasha Elass is currently the editorial director at New Lines Magazine, where she first shared this story. She’s also working on a memoir about her childhood and reporting days in Syria. Follow what she’s up to on her website.

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot

Danger 9b

Richard Hatch is overseas on a top-secret mission… to win over Jill, the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class. He isn’t suave or sophisticated, so he’s gonna need help from The Beatles, the Russians, and even the CIA to pull it off.

Thank you, Richard Hatch aka Danger 9b, for sharing your story with us!

Rick is back in the US and is putting the finishing touches on a kid-friendly memoir about his travels abroad.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Season 14 – Episode 50

This dog has everything: mustard, onions, a scrap with Giuliani, Vietnam Vets, and The Met. Everyone is coming for the Throne of the Hot Dog King of New York… Dan Rossi. And a camp for kids with dermatological issues reveals that some summer romances are more than skin deep.

STORIES

The Hot Dog King of New York

This dog has everything: mustard, onions, a scrap with Giuliani, Vietnam Vets, and The Met. Everyone is coming for the Throne of the Hot Dog King of New York… Dan Rossi.

This story contains strong language - sensitive listeners please be advised.

A huge thank you to Dan Rossi for sharing his story with Snap! There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Dan’s experience. To find out more check out his new memoir The New York Hot Dog King: From Rags to Riches to Less Than Rags. You can also follow Dan on social media.

Additional thanks to our friends at VICE, whose series MUNCHIES featured Dan back in 2019 and was a big inspiration for this story.

Listen to the King’s tribute song featured in this episode recorded by The Burner Band.

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Skin Deep

It's days before the big dance at Camp Discovery — and there's a problem. A few problems. But the kids at this camp are more used to problems than your average camper.

Thanks to everyone in this episode! Learn more about Camp Discovery at aad.org.

Produced by Sarah Harris with help from Anna Sussman. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio.

Season 14 - Episode 49

A young girl was lost to her family. Torn away from them during their time in the Japanese-American prison camps, she was institutionalized and thought to be gone. But now, somehow she is rumored to be alive.

STORIES

Seeking Shizuko

A young girl was lost to her family. Torn away from them during their time in the Japanese-American prison camps, she was institutionalized and thought to be gone. But now, somehow she is rumored to be alive.

A very big thank you to David “Mas” Masumoto for sharing his story. Mas wrote about Shizuko in his book, Secret Harvests.

This story is part of Lisa’s podcast California Foodways. It gets support from California Humanities and the Food and Environment Reporting Network.

Produced by Lisa Morehouse, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot

Nellie’s Pond

When Peter Aguero got picked on as a kid, but it wasn’t the other kids he had to worry about.

Hear more stories, and find where Peter’s performing next on his website, www.peteraguero.com

Produced by Ana Adlerstein & Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Season 14 - Episode 48

Rooty isn’t like most farm pigs, she’s a city pig. This 300-pound Vietnamese pot-bellied pig is a New Orleans girl. But when Hurricane Katrina hits, everything in Rooty’s world is threatened.

BIG thanks to Jim & Connie for sharing their story with us! Thanks as well to Jeffery Tam & Dr. Alison Barca.

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Cheflee, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 47 - Snap Classic

Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong? And the infamous Pine Tar Game of baseball superstar George Brett... told by the bat boy.

STORIES

The Real Fleetwood Mac

Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong?

Thanks, Elmer, for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Elmer Gantry’s music in this blog post that producer John Fecile wrote for Aquarium Drunkard.

Kirby Gregory still performs with the band Curved Air.

Read an extensive history of Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera from the magazine Ugly Things.

Listen to a 10-song Spotify playlist that we put together of Elmer’s songs and other tunes from the story.

Special thanks to Mike Stax, Anja Stax, and David Prest.

Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by John Fecile

The Bat Boy And The Pine Tar Bat

Every baseball fan has heard of the superstar hitter George Brett and his infamous Pine Tar Game…but have you heard of the bat boy’s version?

For more info, check out Daniel Barbarisi’s story in the Wall Street Journal.

Sound design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Davey Kim

Season 14 - Episode 46

We’re getting spooky again this week with a quirky haunting from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and a tale from a girl who escapes a ghostly force through astral projection.

Be afraid… this Halloween special features supernatural stories from our evil twin podcast, Spooked, told by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform! Episodes drop weekly.

STORIES

Night at the Aquarium

On Kevin’s night shift at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, things get wet, wild, and very very weird.

BIG thanks to Kevin Wright and the magical Monterey Bay Aquarium. Thanks also to KAZU Radio in Monterey, California for its assistance.

Original score by Yari Bundy & Renzo Gorrio, produced by Anne Ford

Out of Body

Tiyi just wants to get away from the man in the closet. What happens next changes her life forever.

Thank you, Tiyi Schippers, for sharing your story with us! You can find more of her creepy tales on YouTube.

Original score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Anne Ford

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 45

This week on Snap, a BigFoot story from Pawnee Nation and a tale from a traditional-Filipino-tattoo practitioner who rids people of ancestral spirits. Some spirits move on… others don’t want to leave.

Be afraid… this Halloween special features supernatural stories from our evil twin podcast, Spooked told by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. You can listen to Spooked for free on any podcast platform!

STORIES

Big Man

When the Big Guy shows up, you keep your mouth shut. Be afraid…

Thank you to our storyteller for sharing his experiences.

Original score by Yari Bundy, produced by Anne Ford

Tattoo Exorcism

Traditional-Filipino-tattoo practitioner, Lane Wilcken, is never scared when ancestral spirits visit during tattoo sessions. He knows that those spirits, the ones that are just stopping by, aren’t the ones you have to worry about.

Thank you, Lane Wilcken, for sharing your story with us! Lane wrote the book on traditional Filipino tattooing — Filipino Tattoos: Ancient to Modern. Today, Lane is one of only twenty people in the world who practice Filipino tattooing in its traditional form.

Original score by Lauryn Newson, produced by Zoë Ferrigno

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 44

Promises. Some of them are worthless, some have infinite value, and some you will never know how much they are worth… until you have to cash them in.

STORIES

Birthday

Glynn witnesses a miracle... his daughter's birth.

Produced by Mark Ristich

The Spy’s Son

Bryan Denson was a court reporter for The Oregonian newspaper in Portland. It could be mind-numbing work sitting in the cheap seats of the American justice system. But then one day he got a tip about an espionage case coming in. The defendant was 24-year-old Nathan Nicholson. For Bryan it would turn out to be the story of a lifetime. For Nathan, it was the beginning of the end.

To learn more about Nathan’s story, make sure to grab a copy of Bryan Denson’s book: The Spy’s Son. You can check out his other work on his website. Bryan also wrote a six-part series of Nathan’s story for The Oregonian.

A big thanks to The Oregonian/OregonLive for allowing Snap Judgment to use tape from Bryan Denson’s interview with Nathan Nicholson.

Original score and sound design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Nancy López, artwork by Teo Ducot

The Admission

Pia's Letter of Acceptance from NYU should have been the best news she heard all day -- but her mother's reaction changed everything.

See the film of Pia's amazing Snap Judgment LIVE in NYC performance. Reach out to Pia via Twitter @PiaGlenn / Insta: @Pia_Glenn

Original score composed by Alex Mandel. Performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.

Remember The Baby

This radio play is about one of those days that you have that changes you forever. It comes from our friends at The Truth Podcast, and it was commissioned by The Sarah Awards from Sarah Lawrence College.

It was written by Louis Kornfeld, and produced by Jonathan Mitchell. The part of ANN was played by Ann Carr, ADAM was played by Louis Kornfeld, and Amy Warren was the sister. Produced by Jonathan Mitchell

Snap Classic - Season 14 - Episode 43

A teenage hacker inspired by “Mr. Robot” takes on his principal, teachers, and the Board of Education. And a night-shift doctor shares a story of life after death. 

STORIES

Code Yellow

A teenage hacker inspired by “Mr. Robot” takes on his principal, teachers, and the Board of Education.

This story contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. 

This piece was adapted from the podcast, Darknet Diaries. Listen to the full story, called Finn.

Produced by Jack Rhysider with assistance from Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.

The Lazarus Effect

A night-shift doctor shares a story of life after death.

This story comes to us from the podcast, The Nocturnists, and was performed live in San Francisco in 2018. You can listen to the full story, called The Lazarus Effect.

Special thanks to Emily Silverman, Ana Adlerstein, Ali Block, Adelaide Papazolou, Marina Poole, Kirk Klocke, and the storyteller, Joe Sills.

Snap Classic – Season 16 Episode 56

This week on Snap, two stories about the human mind and how it can play tricks on you. A young man comes to terms with his mother’s profound mental illness. And a father of five and devout Mormon is dragged into a world that upends everything he knows to be true.

STORIES

“Tracy: My Ride-or-Die“

When Adult ISH host Nyge Turner turned 17, he became the caretaker for his ride-or-die: Tracy. His mom.

This story was produced by YR Media‘s Adult ISH podcast (Mom ISH episode). Adult ISH is a culture, advice, and storytelling show about #adulting, that is produced entirely by folks who are “almost adults.” It’s distributed by PRX’s Radiotopia. Be sure to subscribe and listen here.

Sound Designer: DJ Clay Xavier

“A Short Stay in Hell”

A father of five and devout Mormon is dragged into a world that upends everything he knows to be true.

This story comes to us from Believable, a new podcast from Narratively about how our stories define who we are. Each episode dives into a personal, eye-opening story where narratives conflict and different perspectives about the truth collide.

Steve Peck works at Brigham Young University and tells this story to a microbiology class every year. Check out his novel, “A Short Stay in Hell“ which inspired this story.

Listen and subscribe to Believable wherever you get your podcasts.

Producer: Ash Sanders
Lead Producer & Sound Designer: Ryan Sweikert
Host & Executive Producer, Narratively Podcasts: Noah Rosenberg
Production Assistant: Emily Rostek
Story Consultant: Brendan Spiegel
Art Direction: Vinnie Neuberg
Believable Episode Art: Zoe Van Dijk
Additional Support: Ula Kulpa and Russell Gragg
Special Thanks: Made in New York Media Center and Brigham Young University

“Head Games” episode artwork: Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 42 - Snap Classic

Your kids love her, your in-laws fear her, but you can't do Friday date night without QANanny. The ice is cracking on Lake Huron... will it break the bond between two ice fishermen? And Dr. Ray Christian gets stuck in the mud at Burning Man. This week on Snap, stories of people trying to escape a mess of their own making.

STORIES

My Beloved QANanny

Your kids love her, your in-laws fear her, but you can't do Friday date night without QANanny.

Thank you, Josh Healey, for sharing your story with Snap!

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

No Ice Is Safe Ice

The ice is cracking on Lake Huron... will it break the bond between two ice fishermen?

Thank you Steve, Jeremy, and Telaine for sharing your story with us.

This episode was originally aired on Points North, podcast from Interlochen Public Radio. Go listen now for more stories about land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes!

Produced by Dan Wanschura, original score by Clay Xavier, edited by Nancy Lopez and John Fecile

Mud Burn

Dr. Ray Christian gets stuck in the mud… at Burning Man.

Thanks, Ray, for telling us this tale. Go check out Ray’s podcast, What’s Ray Saying, for a deeper view into Black life in America and all things Ray.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 41

Some commitments go way beyond words.

STORIES

True Friends

Glynn discovers the true meaning of friendship.

The Belfast Project

It’s not always easy to deal with the past, especially if it’s a troubled one. Do you hold on to it or do you let it go? For Anthony McIntyre the answer was easy.

Anthony McIntyre is a journalist and you can check out his writings on his website: The Pensive Quill.

Thank you to Ed Moloney for sharing the archival tape of the Brendan Hughes interviews from the Belfast Project that were featured in his book, Voices from the Grave.

Sound design by Renzo Gorrio, Produced by Nancy Lopez

Love Me

Two best friends have never met in person ... and one of them insists they keep it that way.

That was Allison Williams, and that piece was produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick  and Cristal Duhaime for CBC's Love Me. You can hear more at cbc.ca/loveme or subscribe on iTunes.

13 Ways To Destroy A Painting

How far would you go to save the person you love? This radio play was adapted from Amber Sparks’s story, 13 Ways of Destroying a Painting, from her short story collection The Unfinished World. You can find more of her work at www.ambernoellesparks.com

Narrator: Thao Nguyen of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down

Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, produced by Eliza Smith

Season 14 - Episode 40