Snap Judgment

Today on Snap, we join a notorious anarchist organization in the midst of chaos and travel to the Syrian desert to meet a monk.

STORIES

Chaotic Good

Malaclypse was part of a dangerous anarchist group. They stole, they killed, they escaped, until one day when Malaclypse could run no further...

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Jazmin Aguilera

Modern Love

When Stephanie Saldana was 27 years old, she thought her calling was to become a nun. But at a monastery in the Syrian desert, she met a monk who made her rethink everything.

This story comes to us from Modern Love: The Podcast. It’s a collaboration between The New York Times and WBUR in Boston, where they take pieces from the Modern Love column, and ask actors to perform them. This story is read by Linda Cardellini.

Sound design by John Perotti, produced by Caitlin O’Keefe

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 23 - Snap Classic

When Tameer gets hit in the head as a kid, he inherits an entire new lifetime of memories.

Original score by Renzo Gorrio, producer by Shaina Shealy, artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 22

Amaryllis was fast on track to become an established journalist when her mentor was kidnapped and killed by a terrorist group. She decided she had to give up the transparency of journalism if she wanted to truly help curb terror, and instead joined the shadow world of the CIA. But the shadow world had its own cost.

A big thanks to Amaryllis Fox for sharing her story with us. You can buy her book on Knopf, Amazon, or anywhere books are sold.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Teo Ducot

Snap Classic – Season 10, Episode 31

This week on Snap Judgment… it's the tough jobs, the rough jobs, the roll up your sleeves and get it done jobs. When the oddest man in town is arrested for murder, only one lawyer steps up to represent him. Plus misadventures under the Not-So-Big Top.

STORIES

The Writing Is On The Wall

When the scariest man in town is arrested for murder, only one lawyer volunteers to represent him...

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Renzo Gorrio

Corrections: In a previous version, McCracken Poston is referred to as both a state senator and state representative.  He was a state representative, not a state senator.  Also, Virginia Ridley is described as having last been seen in public in 1980, 17 years before the events described in this story.  In fact it was in 1970, 27 years before.

The Indiana Bust-Out

How does a well-mannered math kid become a first-class hustler? Through the ancient carnie tradition of "The Indiana Bust-Out."

Check out Pete’s book -- Eyeing the Flash: The Making of a Carnival Con Artist

Produced by Davey Kim, sound design by Leon Morimoto and Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 20

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 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

Season 14 - Episode 19

The first time someone says I love you could be the same moment you never see them again… Liz and John are lost in the chaos and struggling to find their way to safety when a country music concert in Vegas becomes the site of a senseless tragedy.

This story references an incidence of mass gun violence. Know that while this story does contain trauma it is not only a story of trauma… it’s a story of love, community, caring, and hope.

A tremendous thank you to Liz Heaton for sharing her story with us.

This story was produced by Dave Nadelberg, creator of the global stage show and podcast Mortified, now celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Additional production support from Joey Fischground and Zahra Noorbakhsh

The original score for this story was by Dirk Schwarzhoff

Special thanks to Neil Katcher and Jessica Lawrence

Season 14 - Episode 18

Jay J. Armes was a real life superhero... until real life intruded. And after living in darkness for decades, a man’s life changes forever when someone suddenly switches the lights on.

STORIES

Jay J. Armes, Private Eye

Jay J. Armes was a real life superhero... until real life intruded.

Produced by Vanessa Rancano, sound design by Leon Morimoto

Switched On

Imagine spending the first four decades of your life in darkness. Then imagine that someone suddenly switches the lights on.

John Elder Robison is a writer, speaker and advocate for people with autism. Be sure to check out his Neurodiversity work at the College of William and Mary as well as his car restoration work at Robison Services.

Produced and scored by Davey Kim

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 17

As a littler 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 all together.

Performed Live by Jen Kober at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Music written by Alex Mandel and performed by the Snap Players Alex Mandel, Tim Frick and David Brand

Season 14 - Episode 17

Sometimes what you want to say, what you mean, and what comes out of your mouth are entirely different things.

STORIES

I Love You Dadbot

James Vlahos wanted to keep his dad around for as long as possible, so he saved the best part about him in the best way he knew how.

Vlahos is also working on a book, Talk To Me, about Silicon’s Valley’s quest to create conversation-making A.I.s. Check out his article about Dadbot in Wired Magazine. Follow James on Twitter.

Original Score by Renzo Gorrio, produced Jazmin Aguilera

Date With The Devil

When he was younger, Greg Stone was always a good boyfriend. Or, he tried to be.

Greg Stone is a comedian living in New York. You can also hear him on his podcast, The Rad Dude Cast. Check out Greg’s website.

Original Score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Liz Mak

My Big Pee Break

Actress Diona Reasonover was on the brink of her big break. But she never expected it to happen while she was on her vacation.

Diona Reasonover is an actress who lives in LA, you can check out her writing on “I Love You America” with Sarah Silverman on Hulu.

Produced by Adizah Eghan

Sherlock Hound

Kirby Verret’s grandpa was a Houma who just wanted to hunt and be free on the Louisiana bayou. He couldn’t be bothered by anyone...except for his best friend, Brown the dog.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 14 - Episode 16

Todd’s uncle was one mean son of a biscuit. But long after he’s dead and gone, his descendants worry that his meanness might rub off on them. Master storyteller Todd Narron is our tour guide as we explore the mysterious, spooky American South.

This story comes to us from our evil twin podcast, Spooked. Episodes drop weekly on Friday! Featuring brand new stories - along with episodes previously available only by subscription. Listen for free on any podcast platform.

Thank you, Todd Narron, for sharing your stories with us! If you want more stories from Todd, check out his incredible books: Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men & Country Stories of Ghosts and Bad Men: Series 2 - The Dead Ones.

Season 14 - Episode 15