Snap Judgment

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 DucotSeason 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.STORIESModern RomanceIn 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.comStay in touch by joining the newsletter, following their Instagram, or by sending an email to secretadventuresofblackpeople@gmail.comModern 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 SoundBeautiful – Sonya Renee TaylorAn 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 DomanWhen 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 ShealyOriginal score by Marco Prestige, sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, artwork by Teo DucotSnap 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.STORIESDon't Say Gay DadsDrama 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 SchwarzhoffPlayground 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 DucotSeason 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 ChebetRecording engineers: Josh Wilcox, Ryan Geesaman, and CoconutOriginal score by Renzo GorrioProduced and reported by Halima Gikandi and John FecileArtwork by Teo DucotSnap 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 DucotSeason 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.STORIESSmoke RingsBack 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 SchwarzhoffCharles the ClownWhen 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 DucotSeason 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 SessionsSeason 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 DucotSeason 15 - Episode 19

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 DucotSnap 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.STORIESDemon DogA 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 BundyDeception PassWhen 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 StuartNight WatchWhen 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 KimArtwork 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 LineFunding 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 DucotSeason 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 BeastThings 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 DucotFight ClubThe 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 GorrioSnap 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