Audio by artist snap_judgment

Listen here to the full hour as heard on NPR.
On "5150 - Danger to Self," Snap Judgment drops stories of people who are their own worst enemy. Push through the hallways of a psychiatric ward, obsess over a late night talk radio host, and then get ready to run for your life.

When he hears the roar, Storn White knows he made a mistake, and prays for the mountain to forgive him. 
 
The mountain has other plans.
 
Story by Storn White.
 
Produced by Mark Ristich

Jason McLaughlin and his buddy took a canoe trip down Colombia's Putomayo River. Nobody warned them that the river cut through the heart of rebel territory during the middle of a civil war. Produced by Anne Elizabeth Moore and Roman Mars.

A talented young performer, Joshua Walters, battles demons for his soul. 
 
Is he a prophet?  A performer?  A maniac?
 
What is the difference?
 
Produced by Glynn Washington.

The tape rolls as we witness the tearful end of a perfect online world.
Produced by Roman Mars, based on a story from Robert Ashley's brilliant A Life Well Wasted internet radio program.

Jeff and his girlfriend escape the beaten path and all those annoying tourists.  Camping on a primitive island far, far away from “Resortville,” they discover what happens when survival and opportunity collide.
Produced by Roman Mars and Sarah Jessee.

Christianity was too violent.  Buddhism was too peaceful.  And everything was too organized.  So David and his friends came up with their own religion: Terrantism. They got a church, priests - pretty soon, they thought they'd found the secret to spiritual enlightenment.
Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Glynn struggles whether to escape the apocalypse in paradise . . .
 
LIsten now, or get the podcast . . .

Click to hear the amazing new episode -  Superheroes: Origin Stories!

Wanna-be Japanese gangsters drive Chris to the brink and a mighty warrior is born.
Story by Glynn Washington. Produced by Roman Mars.

Professional comic book artists reveal their first pen and ink creations.
Produced by Roman Mars and Stephanie Foo.
 

A medical student loses his finger on a Caribbean island in the middle  of a hurricane.  Can his fellow med students get him to an airport, off the island and to a hospital in time to save his finger?
Produced by Rebecca Hertz.

Falling in love with a superhero IS all it's cracked up to be--except  
when the guy turns out to be totally, tragically human.
Produced by Rebecca Hertz.

If you do not know him yet then it is high time you meet the Original Old School Superhero, Hanuman. Capable of defeating entire demon armies and carrying mountains over oceans, the beloved Hindu monkey God comes to the rescue.
Produced by Roman Mars and Rita Daniels.

Superman has met his match. Darnell is taking out the man of steel.
Story by Glynn Washington. Produced by Mark Ristich.

This is the full episode of The Man in the White Hat.

Frenchman Pascal loves America. He loves the scenery, the people, and most of all, his girlfriend. He loves it so much that he overstays his visa...and in El Paso, everything goes to heck. Lucky for him, there are still cowboys in Texas.
Produced by Roman Mars and Stephanie Foo.

At the end of a dark hallway lies a door.  Behind that door lurks a madman.  Two caring women approach the door and try to save him - and each other.

Thanks to StoryCorps for finding this story.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

The most famous science fiction author in the world reaches down and changes the destiny of a 14-year-old aspiring writer.

Produced by Roman Mars

As tempting as it is, you can not always trust the man coming to the rescue.

Story by Glynn Washington.

Listen now, to the full episode of "Plasticity."

Glynn's always been in the shadow of his caramel-colored cousin Virgil.  But he's about to fight back--even if that means the ultimate sacrifice.

Storm always knew he felt more like a man than a woman. But he also knew that he was a singer, and as a female, had spent years cultivating a beautiful singing voice. So when he decides to transition, many of his labels have to be reinvented. Find more of Storm's music on his website: stormflorez.com.
Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Kids always made fun of the way Sara looked growing up. She never quite looked like a boy or a girl. Now, at the age of 49, she's finally starting to realize the truth about her identity.  A picture of Sara here. It does contain a spoiler.
Produced by Stephanie Foo.

On one reality TV makeover show, it takes lengthy surgery and extreme diets to turn ordinary women into TV stars.  But what happens when a TV producer's personality begins to change just by working on the show? 
 
Produced by Rebecca Hertz.

What does the story of Noah and his three sons Shem, Japheth and Ham have to do with teenage love?  All is revealed when Glynn's best friend Quan goes before the Council of Elders for the "Look-See Test."

Listen now, to the full episode of "Magic Doors" . . .

1943.  Southern India.  A young mother rocks her feverish child.  She weeps, fearing he won't make it through the night. The Mother hears a knock on the door.  A young monk, robes tattered, whispers, "If someone, anyone, agrees to take the boy's illness as their own . . . I can save his life."

Sick and tired of the London rat race, writer Tahir Shah decides to move his whole family to an old Caliph's mansion in Morocco.  Turns out, the mansion teems with angry djinn--genies and spirits, oh my. And they ain't leaving without a fight.
 
Learn more about Tahir at TahirShah.com.

A young Bay Area poet, Josh Healey, rocks a story of a near-death experience and an unexpected visit from his grandfather.

In a rural South Carolina farmhouse during WW2, a woman wakes up in the middle of the night with a premonition about her husband fighting overseas.  She writes a letter to warn him, but mail runs slow during wartime . . .

Trekking in Indonesia, Ian and Stuart wander off the beaten path.  There, a broken man tells them he knows the way to magic . . .

Snap Judgment regular contributor Jeff Greenwald can't decide what he wants from Africa - but he finds it anyway.
 

Attempting to dig the family well in rural Michigan, Glynn's family comes up dry - until Daddy cuts a deal with the Devil . . .

In an amazing performance, Marc Bamuthi Joseph uses his many gifts to transport an entire live audience from San Francisco to the heart of Africa.  National Poetry Slam champion, Broadway veteran, GOLDIE award winner, Marc is also an inaugural recipient of the United States Artists Rockefeller Fellowship which annually recognizes 50 of the country's "greatest living artists." In 2007, Smithsonian Magazine named him one of the Top Young Innovators in the Arts and Sciences.

Joshua Walters, beatboxer, storyteller and poet, cranks a tale of family tension past the breaking point when Nana’s Netflix delivery goes horribly wrong.

 
Check out the video from Joshua at Snap Judgment LIVE!

 
Joshua Walters is a true “Renaissance Man,” excelling in all manner of performance art.  Joshua chronicled his battle with bipolar disease in the acclaimed one-man show, "Madhouse Rhythm," and advocates nationally for mental health patients, using humor to reframe his experience.  
Last year, Joshua released his first music album, "Grow the Good," to widespread critical and audience acclaim.  Joshua’s work has appeared on ABC, HBO, and MTV.  He is a regular contributor to Snap Judgment.
 
Discover more about the world of Joshua Walters at TheJoshuaWalters.com and check out an absolutely adorable picture of Joshua and his beloved Nana right here.

Joyce Lee, two-time National Poetry Slam Champion, exposes both her sacred and profane sides to a roaring Snap Judgment crowd.  After bursting onto the poetry slam scene in 2008, Joyce proved a versatile storyteller, singer, poet, and actor--routinely mixing all her passions into the same performance.

In addition to storytelling, Joyce regularly features with Valarie Troutt and the Fear of a Fat Planet, a jazz ensemble.  In the past few months, Joyce has astonished audiences in world-famous locations including San Francisco’s Yoshi's, da Poetry Lounge in LA, and New York's NuYorican Poets Cafe.

When it comes down to his place in life Jamie deWolf says  "My life ain't nothin but prologue." His future passes before his eyes as the spotlight turns to his daughter Nadia.
 
Check the video from Jamie at Snap Judgment LIVE!
 

 
Performer, teacher and filmmaker Jamie DeWolf reigned as both the Oakland and Berkeley Grand Poetry Slam Champion.  Jamie created the amazing Tourettes Without Regrets (a variety / vaudeville / comedy / slam show), founded the Suicide Kings performance trio, performed as an HBO Def Poet, and recently completed directing, acting and starring in the feature length film “Smoked.”   Jamie has performed everywhere from Moscow, Russia to San Quentin Penitentiary.

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington recalls battling his family curse as a young boy. 

Get the pocast, and hear why Ira Glass called Snap Judgment, "Amazing.  Like a cousin of This American Life that grew up in a wildly different neighborhood . . . "

Stream the full episode of Snap Judgment Live right here!

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington recalls a very, very, very secret bit of family lore.

Click here to hear the full episode of "Can't Go Home."

If you're a Syrian citizen named Mohamad Al-Baghdadi, immediately after 9/11 might not be the best time to board a plane without your green card. But Mohamad thinks, "Hey, what's the big deal?"

He's about to find out . . .

Produced by Glynn Washington and Stephanie Foo

When Vicki Crooks was five years old, her parents lured her out of school in Bolivia with promises of a trip to Disneyland. They never made it. Nineteen years later, Vicki reveals the story of a family trapped between two worlds. 

Vicki's situation is a common one.  The DREAM Act is a bipartisan legislation recently introduced into congress that would grant amnesty to people from foreign countries who were brought her as young children. Check it out here.

Produced by Rita Daniels

Michael Pearl decided to reconnect to his Jewish heritage. He booked a trip to Poland, where his family lived before the holocaust. Mike sought out the cemetery where his great-grandparents lay buried, but wound up uncovering some strange and ugly truths.

Following are some of the pictures referenced in the journey:

-The town of Raciąż.

-A barely-visible headstone.

-The cemetery.

-A picture of the samaritan giving Mike's driver directions. 

Produced by Stephanie Foo

In 1975, the city of Saigon fell under brutal attack by the Viet Cong. One woman decided that the only path to save her family ran directly through the approaching North Vietnamese army... 

Produced by Mark Ristich

Glynn Washington let chance set his course, and followed a new friend home to his Indonesian village.  All was well.  Drink, discovery, and friendship reign--until Glynn questioned The Most Important Thing to him.

Written by Glynn Washington. Produced by Mark Ristich and Stephanie Foo

Rita Daniels loved her sister.  Really.  She loved her.  But they were two different people and sometimes people grow apart, right? 

Then Rita got the phone call no sister ever wants to hear.   

Produced by Rita Daniels 

Tejero’s reading of Christianity demanded he practice “polygyny”, the act of having more than one female partner. And Tejero did what God told him to do, no matter what persecution he faced.  He was desperate for a community that would accept him and help him preach. But you have to be careful about who you let tell your story.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

For Jeff Greenwald, Tibet was a transcendentalist paradise. The people, the food, and the breathtaking beauty captivated him.  And Tibet loved Jeff right back, granting him access to areas no Westerner had ever seen.  It was almost like he fit right in.  

Almost.

Produced by Roman Mars and Stephanie Foo

(Learn more about the world of Jeff Greenwald at JeffGreenwald.com.)

What happens when a storyteller loses his voice?  Stories burned on Joel’s tongue, but his mouth remained silent - even when he gambled on the biggest story of his life.

Joel wrote about his experience in the book, "The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness." Find out more about him at his site.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Click to hear full episode of The Story.

Listen to the full episode of BUSTED.

One of our favorite storytellers, Joyce Lee, made excuses for why she didn’t show up to tape a piece.  Joyce told us she'd been “busted.”  What?  Busted?  Keep the tape rolling, baby.  We hit the record button while she related the events of her past night.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Professional illusionist Patrick Martin wows audiences all over the world.  Unfortunately, the East German Border Police don't care about that. Can one magician face off against the might of the Iron Curtain?

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Nobody likes getting busted, but when Lawrence uncovers evidence that a well-respected scientist is using fake data with million-dollar implications, he lands in the dangerous and uncomfortable role of “Bustee.”

Produced by Roman Mars and Matt Larson.

Alicia is a bad girl. Soon enough, she has to keep fronting to maintain her reputation. But when one wrong move begets another, and then another, getting busted becomes the only hope she has.

This piece is dedicated to the memory of Leah.

Produced by Rita Daniels
 

Snap Judgment’s host Glynn Washington recounts a story of a night well spent behind bars.

Produced by Roman Mars.

This is the full episode of Hacked.

Nerdboy’s sister needs help, and he doesn’t have the muscle.  But he’s not backing down.  Somebody is going to pay.

Story by Glynn Washington. Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Clifford Stoll is managing some computers at work when he realizes that somebody has stolen 75 cents from the lab.  He sets off to investigate, and finds the conspiracy runs deeper than he could ever have imagined. Stoll published a book on this story, which you can buy here.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Computers unite the world by putting everyone on the same playing field. Everyone (priests, wardens, 11-year old girls) assume the same equal status when reduced to a screen name.  But maybe that’s not such a good thing.  Not when children can start reigning over their parents.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Circumstance tempts some employees to find a creative way of leaving a job.  Some people steal office supplies. Others say what they really think.  Snap Judgment Executive Producer Mark Ristich started messing with the company computer.

Produced by Mark Ristich.

You don’t just need antivirus software for your PC.  Hearts can get hacked too.  When looking for love, Rebecca Hertz discovers some nasty worms crawling around her online dating site. 

Produced by Rebecca Hertz.

Joshua Walters is in a relationship and it’s complicated. But he doesn’t kiss his baby goodnight. No, he prefers to click her mouse. 

Everybody knows you have to be careful with the email spammers.  Horror stories abound.  But sometimes they push and push and push - practically daring you to respond.  Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington discovers the perils of getting even.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Heard a song in this episode that you loved? Gotta know what it is? Stephanie's got a full song list on her blog.

This is the full Episode of Breaking In.

Jillian Lauren had goals. She was studying at NYU to become a glamorously wealthy, Oscar-winning actress. But then she landed a potentially life-changing audition.  The new gig might not require knowledge of Shakesperean sonnets, but it’s got all the glamour and bling of Hollywood. It’s all she ever hoped for...isn’t it?

Check out Jillian's site and book here.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Sean Flannery needs a job, and he’s desperate enough to lie his way through an interview.  Until he gets zinged.

Sean was named the Best Stand-Up Comic of 2010 by the Chicago Reader, and he has a one-man show called Never Been to Paris.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Erin always wanted to be one of the guys.  As the only female working on an Alaskan fishing boat, she seizes the chance to prove that she’s just as macho as the next dude. 

Produced by Mark Ristich and Rita Daniels.

Straight reporter Ted Cox goes undercover at a religious gay-to-straight conversion camp.  He finds that lying about being gay to get the story is a lot easier before you meet the men in the program. You can read Ted's article about his experiences here.

Produced by Roman Mars.

Rebecca Hertz is a star student, to get into her dream college she simply needs to ace one final presentation.  So Rebecca chooses the most compelling subject she can think of: female anatomy.

Produced by Rebecca Hertz.

Everybody’s got that list. Dead or alive, which celebrity would you have dinner with? Which star would you cheat on your husband with? Who would you drink Cristal with on a giant yacht?  For Zach Slow, his dream date was the international rapper Lady Sovereign.  So Zach and his friend Jelly Donut embarked on a campaign to turn his dream into reality.

This piece was excerpted from Nick van der Kolk’s podcast, Love + Radio. Listen to the whole thing right here. 

It's scary, baby!  Get the podcast and take a little Snap with you wherever you go. 

Glynn’s friend Jenny is sick.  Up in her room, she’s shaking like there’s something inside of her. And Glynn is about to find out what . . .

Story by Glynn Washington. Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Baywatch’s Donna D’Errico tells a story about her childhood best friend, Nancy.  At first, she seems like the best playmate a girl could ask for, but then things go terribly wrong. 

Thanks to Celebrity Ghost Stories and the Bio channel for this story.

The good Judge has always gotten his way.  But he’s dead.  And there’s a new sheriff in town.

Produced by Rita Daniels and Anna Sussman.

Lee kept seeing things, hearing voices and noises late into the night.  As Lee’s mind slowly lost its grip on reality, a Chinese mystic (thousands of miles away) lent a helping hand.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Rita found a gorgeous place to stay for dirt cheap.  Problem was, she didn’t much care for her roommate.

Produced by Rita Daniels.

The trouble began in Sri Lanka, when Chandra’s aunt woke up one day and couldn’t move her arms or legs.  The doctors had no answers, but a mysterious priest led the family on a quest to find the truth beyond medical science.

Produced by Glynn Washington and Stephanie Foo

This is the full episode of The Man.

Lal Behari got up all fresh and bright one morning and walked to the bank--where he found out that he was dead. Or he was on paper, anyway. And no matter how hard he tried to prove his existence, nobody would believe otherwise.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Audio montage.

Right or wrong, John “narced” out his best buddy.  He learned the hard way that when you go undercover for “The Man”, you can kiss your old life goodbye.

Produced by Andrew Parsons, with sound design by Stephanie Foo and Anna Sussman.

When Brenda Clubine landed in prison with a life sentence for murder, she realized she was in a position to save the lives of countless women.

Link to Sin by Silence


Produced by Anna Sussman.

In China, local governments can often be corrupt, but you can’t bring them to court. You have to go through a long, painful bureaucratic process called “petitioning.” Some camp for years in a makeshift “petition village”, awaiting their chance at justice. Qi and her daughter Juan, just two petitioners out of millions, give everything up to find justice. The audio from this story is taken from the documentary Petition, by Zhao Liang.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

This is the full episode of Wild Kingdom LIVE!

Host Glynn Washington opens with a story of the fish that DIDN'T get away . . .

Actor, producer and fitness guru Tabitha Christopher takes the audience across the Caribbean Sea to her home island of St. Thomas, and the day when she learned the hard truth about her family’s tasty goat soup.

One of four children, Tabitha has always felt the need to fight for survival. At the age of four she began storytelling and learning to play the piano. She has since appeared on stage and screen across the country.  Tabitha turns the Snap Judgment stage into her childhood home, and gives the audience a peek inside.

(Listen now, you're gonna LOVE it!)

Journalist Thayer Walker has been chased by rhinos in Nepal and fought sharks in Guadalupe. But it wasn't until his Bolivian jungle walk, that he began to contemplate a desk job.

 
Dave Thomason is a stand-up comedian and writer based in San Francisco. He kept our audience juiced up during the filming of Wild Kingdom LIVE!

With heartbreaking candor, actress Kate Ascott-Evans reveals a story from her youth in South Africa as overseer for a family of mice . . .

Stealing is not cool..unless it saves a life, or two. Animator and storyteller Scott Kravitz explains why he stole from a homeless person, and wins over our Snap Judgment audience with his sneaky charisma.

Host Glynn Washington wraps up the episode with a story about escaping “the jackals” that smell blood after his “operation.”

Mistaken identity colors a decision made years later.

Produced by Rita Daniels, Anna Sussman and Mark Ristich.

Today!  NPR's Snap Judgment rocks a smoking-hot, one-hour television special - airing THREE times nationwide on WGBH's World TV.

The country's finest storytellers bob and weave on Stage Snap, backed by the musical stylings of the Snap Playaz.  Electric performances reinvent the Art of Story - do NOT miss it!

10:00 AM, 4:00 PM, and 11:00 PM - New York / Boston Time.  Click here for your local World TV station.

7:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 8pm - in Los Angeles (Everybody else, please figure it out depending on your time zone . . .)  Click here for your local World TV station.

The show is off the hook, you're gonna dig it!

If you can't catch the TV show, listen to the NPR radio show right here: True Confessions: LIVE!

Glynn kicks off True Confessions, LIVE!, with a story he never told his Momma . . .

Two-time Oakland Grand Slam Poetry Champion, writer, jazz artist, and teacher, Joyce Lee wondered who to trust . . . her boyfriend, or Mr. Policeman.

Actor, Delta Blues guitarist, and licensed attorney Erol Dolen recollects a journey through his own heart of darkness . . . 

To entertain us through our cameras’ tape change, San Francisco comedian Dave Thomason explains the pressures of parenthood . . .

Descendant of Scottish witches, actress Katharine McEwan explains to the Snap Judgment audience that while her British identity can fool most Americans into thinking she is pretty posh, she can never fool her own mother.

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington has spent a lot of time in the back of a squad car.  His last time locked up, Glynn decided to use the time productively . . .

While walking in San Francisco one day, Delfin Vigil noticed the name “Nikko” etched into the sidewalk.  Then Delfin saw the name again.  And again. And again.  Delfin had to know, “Who is Nikko?”

Read Delfin's chapbook, Nikko: Concrete Commando, here.
Produced by Stephanie Foo

Chicago's a tough city for a dame trying to stay out of trouble.  Stephanie Foo is trying to survive the asphalt jungle when she's picked up by a tough-talking cab driver who introduces her to the city under the city.

Jack Clark's book, Nobody's Angel, is available here.  Also, check out this blog for more information.
 

Produced by Stephanie Foo

When producer Rita Daniels finds herself introduced to a woman whom no longer lives, Rita realizes she has passed into a time-morphing world where lives of the long-dead inhabit the walls.

Produced by Rita Daniels and Mark Ristich

This is the full episode of Snap Judgment's Season One Finale.

The big, bad, world of network television let Snap Judgment borrow Rebecca for a short time, and she quickly proved one of the best producers in radio.  Rebecca digs deep, creating pieces that go straight to the heart.  But her sense of humor always lurks right around the corner.  In "The Vagina Report" Rebecca recalls how she made it to college, the hard way.

We dug it so much, we turned it into an animated film!  See "The Vagina Report," animated by Snap Judgment's own Joe Golling.

"Uber" Producer Mark Ristich is the person most responsible for the soundtrack behind every Snap Judgment episode.  But Mark is a storyteller in his own right.  In fact, Mark routinely places himself in grave danger just so that he can share the outlandish tale. 

Listen to Mark's "The Ghost Train", but please, please, PLEASE do not try this at home.

We were so appalled that we turned it into a short film!  Watch "The Ghost Train" right here . . .

Every new production needs a grizzled veteran.  Thankfully, Snap Judgment had the "The God of War and Radio", Roman Mars.  Roman is a storyteller's storyteller, and will be deeply missed as he conquers new challenges. 

Roman's genius at relating emotional content fueled one amazing story after the other.  Listen as Roman ROCKS an instant Snap classic, "Game Over."

People tell Rita Daniels strange things.  It's as if folk feel intuitively drawn to unburden themselves on a kindly, understanding soul.  (We're super glad that kindly soul carries a microphone.)  Rita crafted some of the most powerful Snap stories of the year, but her best gift may be the ability to truly LISTEN.

Listen with Rita, as one man explains his encounter with "Hanuman".    

This is the full episode of Hungry.

“It ain’t good ‘til yer hungry.”  Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington brings us face to face with the the world’s most satisfying buffet.

Story by Glynn Washington, Produced by Stephanie Foo

When Ricky Megee emerges from a shallow grave in the harsh Australian outback, fate forces him to redefine “food” as he struggles for survival.

Produced by Anna Sussman

Storyteller Joel ben Izzy recalls a conversation he had with an older gent who describes the true beauty of a piece of fruit.

Visit Joel’s site for more stories.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

It’s not always the smartest idea to lie about your previous experience.  Especially not when it involves sailing across the Atlantic Ocean head toward Europe.  Donna Salter learns her lesson in the middle of nowhere.

Produced by Stephanie Foo and Scott Gurian

In Soviet-era Russia, “Refuseniks” trying to escape the country were often denied their basic human rights by the Russian government. Debra Salan traveled to the Ukraine to help them, but encountered some KGB trouble of her own.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Host Glynn Washington recalls the worst trip to the grocery store of his young life.

Listen to the full Snap Judgment episode, "Abducted."

Scott Sanders arrived in Shenzhen on a business trip, and checked into a five-star hotel.  Scott had a great time exploring his new neighborhood...until he found himself tied to a cross in an empty apartment building.  Scott’s captors wanted information, and they wanted it NOW.

Scott submitted his story to us via the Snap Judgment website.  Submit your own story and rate others’ right here.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Chaos and bloodshed engulfed Iraq between 2006-2007.  Jamie Tarabay served as NPR’s Baghdad Bureau Chief during those years, reporting on the horrific tragedies that occured around her.  But disaster hit home when kidnappers seized a member of her colleague’s family.

Jamie’s original piece, produced by herself and Dianna Douglas, can be found here.
Thanks so much to the Third Coast Audio Festival for letting us use tape of Jamie at their last conference.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Southern hospitality pays off for a Texas oil worker kidnapped in Nigeria.

Produced by Anna Sussman.

While on a cross-country hitchhiking trip, Snap Judgment regular contributor Jeff Greenwald learned that the kindness of strangers sometimes comes with a price.

Produced by Glynn Washington and Stephanie Foo.

Listen to the full episode of "One of Our Own."

A young couple waits by the phone, hoping their social services agency has good news about a child placement.  When they do get the call, it’s even more than they bargained for.

Produced by Mark Ristich and Glynn Washington

Carol and Joel are about to meet.  They don’t know anything about each other and have never spoken, but they share the most intimate of bonds.

Produced by Shea Shackelford and Virginia Millington.

Kim de Blecourt and her husband Jahn thought it might be nice if their daughter had a sibling.  After a few unsuccessful domestic attempts at adoption, the de Blecourts extended their search, internationally.  

They considered various places and finally decided to work with a country Kim had traveled to as a missionary.

Ukraine.

Produced by Mark Ristich and Glynn Washington

When a mixed race baby is adopted in rural Vermont in the 1960’s, questions about her background take on a new gravity.

Produced by Anna Sussman.

During El Salvador’s long civil war, thousands of babies were adopted by American families. Now those children are using DNA samples to help them find their biological families in the wake of the conflict. Angela Fillingham had no idea where her cheek swab would lead .

Produced by Anna Sussman. 

Find out more about DNA matching for El Salvador’s disappeared here.

Rita D was a love child with an elusive, larger than life father.  In an attempt at understanding, she embarks on a quest to visit the Intentional Community her Father lived on at the time of her conception, and to ask him a few burning questions.  

(Like any self-respecting radio producer, Rita Daniels packs a recorder and brings listeners with her.) 

Check out a short video accompaniment to the story here:

Learn more about the Lama Foundation here.

“That’s one small step for a man; one giant leap for mankind.”  We know the quote, the perfect capstone for America’s triumphant quest to put a man on the moon.  

But Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong came within inches of tragedy when they landed Apollo 11. This story imagines the moon landing if things had gone a bit differently . . .

Moon Graffiti was produced by Jonathan Mitchell and edited by Hillary Frank for an amazing new storytelling project called “The Truth” (distributed by American Public Media.)  Matt Evans stars as Neil Armstrong, Ed Herbstman as Buzz Aldrin, and John Ottavino as Richard Nixon.

This is the full episode of Quest.

What do you do when an estranged cousin calls out of the blue and asks for a highly illegal favor to save his life?  Hang up the phone?  

Or catch the next airplane to China?

Daniel made his choice, and wrote about his quest in a book called, “Larry’s Kidney.”

Produced by Anna Sussman.

 

Forty years ago, Alan Sussman went backpacking through India, Afghanistan and Nepal, before climbing his way to a mountaintop temple called Tengboche Monastery, on the trail to Everest Base Camp.  

A few months ago, he asked his daughter, Snap Judgment producer Anna Sussman, to make the same trek with him one last time.

Adoption officials told Fisseha’s new, American family that his family had died.  Upon his return to Ethiopia, Fisseha’s adoptive family learned a far more complicated truth.

Produced by Molly Samuel and Stephanie Foo.

Kathleen answers a personal ad that stands out to her.  Buck is a lonely inmate looking for a reason to care about tomorrow.  The unlikely pair connect, writing letters, talking on the phone, having supervised visits and falling madly in love.  

As good as it is, one significant absence looms over their blossoming relationship .  . .

Listen here, or get the podcast for the whole episode!  

Produced by Kaitlin Prest and Anna Sussman

Adam and Meghan fell in love in Seoul, Korea.  After Meghan's battle with cancer, Adam discovers an expression of devotion that honors the most important thing that ever happened to him.

Meghan's blog and Adam's journey can be found right here.

Produced by Nick van der Kolk, Sean Cole and Ashley Ahearn, Nick van der Kolk, with help from Eva Wolchover and Stephanie Foo.

Eleanor Sheposh was a beloved science teacher.

Her final student field trip to Hawaii went awry as her late husband William’s wedding ring slipped from her finger and into the ocean.

Produced by Mark Ristich.

Snap Judgment regular contributor Joshua Walters goes looking for love in all the wrong places.

Produced by Mark Ristich

If you’ve run out of lines for the club, then please friends, turn to no other than Jamie DeWolf. 

He delivers, and believe us - Jamie's buttery words WORK.

Produced by Rita Daniels

Sometimes people really do mean what they say and say what they mean.  Aimee and Yuriy are a case in point.

Check out Aimee's videos right here.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

As one of a very few black people living outside Kyoto, Japan in the 90s, Glynn took the easy road to fame. That was all well and good--until the reckoning.

Story by Glynn Washington. Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Did you know a real-life Jane launched "Jane's Addiction?"

Jane Bainter inspired the band's massive hit, "Jane Says," and even the band's name.

With her image plastered all over the world, and crowds of music lovers singing her name, we asked her, "What's it like to be infamous?"  Jane broke it down.

Produced by Rita Daniels

When Anna approaches a small town in Northern India, the streets are lined with school kids, rickshaw drivers, and housewives, screaming at drivers to VOTE FOR PRASHANT.  But...who is Prashant?

And what’s he running for?

Check out  a video of the scene in Darjeeling on Indian Idol election night.

Listen now to discover how a pop-show election captures the imagination of Darjeeling.

Produced by Anna Sussman

Scott Sanders wants to be a serious actor. But his biggest competition isn’t Pacino or Hoffman -- it’s "Man's Best Friend."

Check out some photos of Scott and his dog Here.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

You couldn't turn on the radio without hearing her songs, like Flashdance...What a Feeling.  But it was her starring role in the mega-movie Fame that started it all. Irene Cara tells us how she rose to the top...and where it all went from there.

She now has a new group, Hot Caramel, and their album is dropping in March 2011 on Amazon.com. You can check out Irene's website at www.irenecara.com.

Produced by Mitzi Mock

Mary Tunno, an adorable Italian mother in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, professes her love each day for TV game show host Bob Barker.  Finally, Mary packs up and goes to California to meet him in person.

After listening, see footage from Mary's apperance on The The Price is Right!  And don't forget, the entire Fame episode is available now on the Snap Judgment podcast, free! ) 

Produced by Anna Sussman.

Poet-Actor extraordinaire, Sonya Renee Taylor, finally gets the phone call she's been waiting for . . .

Listen to the entire Snap episode on the free podcast!

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington stumbles on a friendly card game run amok--and someone is gonna pay.

Produced by Mark Ristich and Glynn Washington

Brian Babylon’s girlfriend keeps wanting him to grow up, and he tries his best.  But when he lands them both in deep trouble with the law, Brian marshals everything he has to prove he’s a grown man.

You can hear more of Brian Babylon at Vocalo.org.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Kaj Hasselriis works as a journalist in Africa, and he’s looking for love. But there are a couple of issues in his way.  Kaj is gay, which poses safety issues in notoriously homophobic East Africa.  And Kaj’s rich foreigner status tends to attract men looking for a sugar daddy.  

Can Kaj navigate a sea of freeloaders and find the real deal?

Produced by Anna Sussman and Stephanie Foo

Roby, Texas was a cotton farming town struggling with years of drought and debt. But one day, the cotton gin secretary came up with an idea.  If it worked, the whole town could become millionaires . . . 

Produced by Anna Sussman

Most of us struggle at some point to avoid fixating on money.  Performance artist Sara Juli tackled the idea head-on by handing out her life savings each night to an audience.  They can give the cash back at the end of the night, or walk out with ALL her money in their pockets.

Produced by Nick van der Kolk. Check out Nick’s marvelicious Vocalo.org podcast, Love and Radio.

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington never celebrated Christmas.  He didn’t want to.  His people had something better -  a weeklong festival of excess dedicated to the Lord . . .

Produced by Mark Ristich and Glynn Washington

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington enacted a secret plan to win over his not-yet-girlfriend’s family.  

Unfortunately, he missed out on one crucial bit of information.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Everybody loves their family.  But Rebecca really, really, REALLY loves her family.

Produced by Matt Miller and Mitzi Mock

Eli told the girl of his dreams the ultimate lie to win her heart.  And it actually worked.

(For a while.)

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

After the government drafted David’s brother to Vietnam, a lie stole his story from their family.

When David pieced together what really happened, his search for the truth changed everything.

David Ledesma would like to thank the members of the 35th Infantry Regiment Association for all of their support in his research, and the men who served with his brother Joe.

Information about the 35th Infantry Regiment Association available here.   Information on David's organization, One Voice, is available here. 

Produced by Anna Sussman.

In seventh grade, Rachel Hamilton knew she wasn’t down with the “in crowd.”  What she didn’t know is how far they would go to keep her out.

Rachel Hamilton is now an improvisational actor and teacher living in New York City.  She currently performs in the long form improv duo “Hamilton & Falcon”  at the Magnet Theater in NYC.

Produced by Mark Ristich and Mitzi Mock.

Mark Ristich was a rookie process server up for anything until he got his scariest assignment:  "Big Harley Guy."

Pennsylvania State Constables Hubie Coleman and Albert “Rocky” Younkin tried to get long-time outlaws off the street with varying degrees of success. Finally, they used their ultimate weapon: a van decorated in the NFL Steelers' colors and the team logo.

The Tricksy Foo Mix

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

This is the full episode of Road Trip.

Glynn lets you in on the secret of traveling on the cheap in Japan.

Producers: Glynn Washington and Stephanie Foo

 

As Producer Stephanie Foo's father drives her home from dinner, he regales her with tales of the animals he accidentally ran over in the Australian outback.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

 

Scott Terry, the lead singer of the band Red Wanting Blue, has been on the road with his band for a large part of the past decade. During their first national tour, the band discovered that while traveling, it’s not often a bad idea to trust in the kindness of strangers.

Most of the music used in this piece is by the band Red Wanting Blue.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

 

A few years ago our good friend Jeff Greenwald left for a very long trip, a half-way-around-the-world trip, to catch a glimpse of a solar eclipse.  On his journey, Jeff ran into a little trouble while looking for some grub.

Check out more from Jeff on his website: www.jeffgreenwald.com

Producer: Anna Sussman

When Mark Allen gets pulled over for some wild antics on the road, he tells the cops that there isn't anything suspicious in his car.  But he forgot about a few things under the seat...

This story was recorded for the fantastic Risk! True Tales Boldly Told Podcast.

Writer Mark Allen's website can be found here.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

 

When Rita D finds herself in Louisiana for Mardi Gras, she thinks she knows exactly what she's in for. Fancy floats, sparkly beads, flashy girls.  So when her friends throw her into their car and head out to the prairie, promising her the time of her life, she's skeptical.  But man oh man, thank goodness ignorance is bliss, because all the freaky mayhem in the world is about to break loose.

Producer: Rita Daniels

Main photo courtesy of Otis Ike.

Anna Sussman is an intrepid traveller.  She's been all over the world. So when her husband found a killer deal on an airfare to La Paz, Bolivia they jumped on it.  

Producer: Anna Sussman

Back in the day, Snap host Glynn Washington worked as a junior diplomat in Malaysia.  He discovered that in the business of deception, you never know who the enemy is.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Way, way, way back in the day, the first time hammer pants were in vogue, Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington worked as a junior foreign service officer in Malaysia.  Among his bosses, one CIA agent took him under his wing and showed him how foreign diplomacy is done.  But Glynn soon learned that in the business of deception, you never really know who the enemy is.

What happens when a 15-year old boy in the middle of a war zone discovers a way to bomb the government? 

This piece was inspired by Shane O’Doherty's book, "The Volunteer:  A Former IRA Man's True Story."

Produced by Anna Sussman

Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal were hiking in the Iraqi mountains when they followed a path that took them near the Iranian border.  Suddenly, they were pawns in a game without winners.

Produced by Reese Erlich, Anna Sussman, and Stephanie Foo.

***

Addendum:  Since this story aired, both Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer were sentanced to eight years in prison by an Iranian court.  All have since been released.  

Corrections:  Josh Fatal had been traveling elsewhere prior to joining Sarah Shourd and Shane Bauer, but did not reside in Damascus. Also, Shourd was released from prison in September 2010, not August. Finally , the three were NOT aware of Iranian Kurdish guerrillas operating in the far north of the country. They simply took a well-traveled, tourist road to the Ahmad Awa waterfall.

When strangers followed Miriam Moscowitz home from work one night, she thought something felt wrong. She never considered facing the betrayal of everything she held dear.

Find Miriam’s book here.

Produced by Anna Sussman.

Rita Daniels attempts to get to the truth about her grandfather’s profession.

Produced by Rita Daniels

When the CIA had to rescue six Americans hiding in Tehran, they called on Tony Mendez, CIA Chief of Disguises.  True to form, Tony scripted a cover story made in Hollywood . . .

Subscribe to the free Snap Podcast!

Find out more about Tony’s CIA adventures, check out his website.

Produced by Mitzi Mock

This is the Full Episode of "The Grey Zone."  Subscribe to the podcast!

When Elia’s Turkish friend Mehmed decides to visit him in America, they both celebrate by conquering the road. Mehmed discovers that in a country where nobody knows his name, anyone can be King.

That piece was told by Elia Lewin-Tankel.   Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Kate Ascott-Evans has a secret. She gets a job that means addressing her secret every day, and if she isn’t careful, somebody’s going to get hurt.

Told by Kate Ascott-Evans.  Produced by Mitzi Mock and Pat Mesiti-Miller

Snap Judgment regular contributor, Joyce Lee, takes a trip with the most important man she barely knows.

Produced by Mark Ristich

April Wolfe’s car literally had a mind of its own.  April knew exactly whose mind it was--her Aunt Janice's. Only thing was, Aunt Janice had died years ago.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

On a road trip through Mexico, a young couple learn the hard way why they should have used the bathroom before they left.

Produced by Anna Sussman

Dressed to impress the ex, Snap Judgment’s Mitzi Mock’s adventure leads to her own unique way of stopping traffic. 

Produced by Anna Sussman and Mark Ristich

The Man Full Episode

Someone stole Karen Lodrick’s identity: her name, her money, her credit score. Life was a living hell, until one day she came face to face with the thief.

Check out Karen’s website, fightingbacknow.com, to learn more about her story and get tips on identity theft protection. You can also visit www.identitytheftcouncil.org if you or someone you know has experienced cybercrime.

Producer: Mitzi Mock

In 1969, serving alcohol to a known homosexual was against the law. But the Stonewall bar in New York City was run by the mob and would sell to anyone. The police raided it on a hot summer night, causing riots that changed the gay rights movement forever. Matthew Levine was there and told his account of the night to Story Corps.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

A former French spy, Herve Jaubert, moves to Dubai to build a submarine factory.  Unfortunately, things turns sour, and Herve needs to make a hasty escape.   

(Natrually, things aren't that easy . . .  )

Check out his book Escape from Dubai

Produced by Anna Sussman

Poet, actor, playwright, teacher, Chas Jackson is an artist extraordinare.  This is his first Snap Judgment appearance (but we don’t think it’s going to be his last.)

Produced by Mark Ristich and Rita Daniels

In an amazing performance, Marc Bamuthi Joseph presents Rwanda Sioux.  National Poetry Slam champion, Broadway veteran, GOLDIE award winner, Marc is also an inaugural recipient of the United States Artists Rockefeller Fellowship which annually recognizes 50 of the country's "greatest living artists."

In 2007, Smithsonian Magazine named him one of the Top Young Innovators in the Arts and Sciences.  Marc Bamuthi Joseph is a Baaaaadd Man!

Want MORE amazingness?  Subscribe to the Snap Judgment podcast.

Alan was minding his own beeswax on the New York subway.  But when a little punk started beating people up in the subway, he just had to intervene.

Producers: Nick van der Kolk, Adrianne Mathiowetz, and Stephanie Foo

In a gang-infested neighborhood, a young girl seeks the wrong kind of family.

Producers: Anna Sussman and Pat Mesiti-Miller

Tanya grew up in the boonies of Oregon, where troublemakers prowled the woods looking to stir things up. But what they didn’t know is that Tanya’s sweet little mother was also  a Vietnam-era drill sergeant who took no nonsense.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Glynn learns that you don't get in between the notorious Yakuza when they are handing out a beatdown.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Privately Owned Public Open Spaces, or POPOS, are these little gardens, terraces, plazas, and seating areas that are private property, but are mandated for public use.  Blaine Merker (from the badass design activist group Rebar) showed Snap producer Stephanie Foo around a few of San Francisco’s POPOS to find out just how public these open spaces really are.
 
From the amazing podcast 99% Invisible.
 
Produced by Roman Mars and Stephanie Foo.

Bartlomiej Skorupa is having a great time diving off of the beautiful beaches of Madagascar.  But there is a price for living off the grid.

Check out Bart's amazing non-profit, Groundwork Opportunities, born of this adventure.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Keavy Neff thought he had it bad until he heard a man's cry for help in the Spokane River and knew that only he could help someone worse off than him. 

Produced by Mark Ristich and Pat Mesiti-Miller

In the middle of a rugged wilderness, Randy is hurt bad.  John Campou has two choices:  Get help in the middle of nowhere--or watch his friend die.

Produced by Mitzi Mock and Mark Ristich

War hits home, forcing a teenage boy to make a grown-up decision in the wake of his father’s sacrifice.

Produced by Anna Sussman

Jake Wood, a decorated Marine Corps Scout-Sniper comes home from war, and returns to a new kind of battlefield, using his wartime skills to save countless lives.

(Big thanks to Jake Wood and William McNulty.) 

Produced by Anna Sussman

See footage from Team Rubicon in Haiti:

Maribel always considered herself blessed by God. The two of them had an understanding, a relationship. But when her life is threatened, Maribel finds herself having too choose between her faith and her health. 

Produced by Stephanie Foo, Sarah Jessee and Natalia Jaeger

This is the full episode of Crossing Borders.

 Glynn sets off in search of orangutans and finds an underground railroad instead.

Max Hardberger recounts a tale of battling pirates in the deep blue seas in an attempt to recover a stolen ship.

Max has written about his adventures on the high seas in his memoir, Seized. To learn more about Max’s adventures, check out his website at: www.maxhardberger.com

Produced by Mitzi Mock

Alfredo Corchado’s parents where very supportive of his choice to become a journalist, with one condition: that he not report on drug trafficking.

Produced by Anna Sussman

When Mimi’s family crossed over from Bulgaria to the US after the fall of the iron curtain, many of her friends crossed into a much darker world.

Photo by Mimi Chakarova

WEBSITE: http://priceofsex.org

REACT PAGE: http://priceofsex.org/react

Human Rights Film Festival (New York Premiere)

AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Documentary Festival

Produced by Anna Sussman

Like many others around the globe, Pilar wanted the American dream. Her father lived in the United States and told her that he would help her cross the border from Mexico into San Diego, but Pilar soon found herself wondering if the dream was worth the journey.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

James Shpeherd Barron is an aid worker in Sudan during an outbreak of polio.  To stop the virus, and innoculate the children,  James has to  strike a deal with a local warlord who believes he is sent by the enemy to poison his children.

James now works as a disaster risk management consultant and he has written a new survival guide based on his experiences. He covers everything from landing an aircraft without a pilot, surviving an avalanche and evading an attacking hippo. It’s called: Everything That Follows Is Based On Recent, Real-Life Experience That Has Been Proven to Work: Professional Survival Solutions.

To learn more about James and his book, check out his website: J.Shepherd-Barron.com

Produced by Mitzi Mock and Mark Ristich.

Playing in the pool was cool.  But Glynn didn’t appreciate the price for his amusement.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

For Father’s Day, a nine-year-old boy is taken on a Father-Son backpacking trip through the Sierra Mountains. When the campers arrive at a Lake without fishing poles, the young boy innovates a new way to fish.

Click HERE to get the podcast!

Producer: Pat Mesiti-Miller

They didn’t care if Victor said he wasn’t going to college... because he already passed the test.

Producer:  Mark Ristich

When an aging man decides to provide for two needy children, becoming a "financial father" proves more complicated than he thought . . .

Producer: Jenny Asarnow

Sarah didn’t know much about her grandfather, until she started finding messages he left behind.

Producers: Sarah Neal and Mitzi Mock

Paul and his wife already had two young sons, and thought that their family was complete. But when a young orphan literally washed up into his arms,  Paul had to take her in.  

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Tracy never knew her Father and she never knew that she even wanted to.

But one day fate handed her an opportunity.

Producer:  Rita Daniels

Stephanie Foo and Natalia Jaeger hit the streets  to ask the question, “What advice did your daddy ever give you?”

Produced by Stephanie Foo and Natalia Jaeger

Forty years ago, Alan Sussman hitchhiked through India, Afghanistan and Nepal, before  climbing his way to a mountaintop temple called Tengboche Monastery, on the trail to Everest Base Camp.  
Last year, he asked his daughter, Snap Judgment producer Anna Sussman, to make the same trek with him, one last time.

Producer: Anna Sussman

Left: Wally Walker. Seated: Jose Mares.

For Jose Mares, it wasn’t much of a choice: prison or war. But in Korea, he excelled and had close friends, especially Wally Walker.  Both of their lives take a terrible turn when Jose makes a promise he isn’t able to keep.

Thank you to the Veterans History Project for providing audio for this story. To hear other veterans’ stories, go to http://loc.gov/vets.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Frances Liberty was a good Catholic school girl. But that all changed when she decided to serve as a nurse in the army.  She served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Grenada, and developed a sass that deeply affected many she came into contact with.

Thank you to the Veterans History Project for providing audio for this story. To hear other veterans’ stories, go to http://loc.gov/vets. The painting you see above is a portrait of Frances Liberty  by J.D. Nelson.

Producer: Natalia Jaeger and Mark Ristich

On the dance floor of a Malaysian night club, Glynn learns the true meaning of Semper Fi.

Producer: Stephanie Foo.

A young man makes the change from bad guy to good guy, and keeps his weapon by his side.

Marine Sergeant Marco Martinez relates the story of how he went from a young gangster to a recipient of the Navy Cross.

Find out more about Marco’s story in his book Hard Corps .
 

Producers
Anna Sussman and Mark Ristich 

Christopher Arendt served as a guard at Guantanamo Bay Prison, but when he got out, he realized that neither the prisoners nor he would not ever be able to leave Camp Delta.

Thanks to Justine Sharrocker and her book, “Tortured: When Good Soldiers Do Bad Things.”
Check out the Veteran’s Sanctuary here. They provide free housing for homeless veterans in Ithaca, New York.

And do visit Combat Paper’s site to see artwork made from pulped military uniforms.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Ravi wants to join the U.S. army--but he’s Hindu, and is therefore a pacifist. But somehow, he manages to fight for what he believes in.

Producers: Dhaya Lakshminarayanan & Stephanie Foo

Chance enlisted in the United States Marine Corp at the age of 25.  After three tough deployments, his welcome home was not what he envisioned.

Learn more about Paws and People Assisting Wounded Warriors.


Producer: Rita Daniels

Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington discovers that he really is bilingual after all . . .

Gifted griot David Perez transports the Snap Judgment audience back in time to his very first Quinceanera.

Snap Judgment veteran Jamie DeWolf crashes against a towering family legacy with a breathtaking performance.

In his first appearance on the Snap Judgment stage, Ise Lyfe delivers a devastating portrait of the relationship that made him who he is today.

Chas Jackson electrifies the Snap LIve audience with his story of the toughest phone call a man should ever have to take.

Dhaya’s mom is having trouble with math...  and it turns into a big story problem. 

Joshua Walters seizes an unorthodox approach to sorting out his love life.

Joyce Lee embraces the spirit of the woman that believed in her first.

When Josh Healey enters into a new relationship, he’s got a lot of explaining to do at home . . .

Snap’s Glynn Washington decides upon a radical strategy to discard his past.

Produced by Stephanie Foo.

Yolanda grew up in a privileged Berkeley neighborhood, but her loneliness drove her to teen pregnancy and later, the streets.  Yolanda’s mistakes catalyze of a cycle of addiction, leading her daughter towards a similar fate.

Thanks so much to Emile Klein of "You're U.S." for collecting this story. Emile is spending the next few years bicylcling across the United States and gathering stories from Americans. He will also be painting their portraits in exchange for places to stay--check out Emile's awesome quest and his version of Yolanda's story right here.

Produced by Emile Klein and Stephanie Foo

When a freak accident causes sporty, artistic Aerial to lose her sight, she finds herself terrified and unable to function. How can she adapt to a permanently dark world?

 Produced by Stephanie Foo. Video by Will Urbina and Mitzi Mock.

Check out the video!

A Liberian child soldier is brought up around so much violence that it winds up being all he knows.

Produced by Anna Sussman.

Thirty years after the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge, a Cambodian Family begins an unlikely search for their missing father.

Produced by Anna Sussman.

Writer and comedian Tania Katan decides to fight her fears of cancer and body image in the only way she has left.

Produced by Natalia Jaeger.

Listen as Dhaya Lakshminarayanan rocks 'Snap Judgment LIVE!" with a story of family adaptation.

This is the full episode of Careful What You Wish For

 One day in the third grade  little Glynn got exactly what he wanted . . .

 Chicken.

Matt came out as gay to his parents and moved to San Francisco.  But that was just precursor to his new life . . .

Produced by Rita Daniels and Glynn Washington

The Flaming Lips’ lead singer, Wayne Coyne, tells us a story about his 13 years of service at Long John Silver's--and how it wasn't nearly as bad as it seems.

Produced on the road by Snap Music Editor Stephanie Foo

A Poetical Pat goes to a dive bar looking for love and ends up with the girl of his dreams...

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Dr. Larry Dossey practiced medicine for over 20 years. He was chief of staff at a major Dallas hospital. But way back in the day, in his very first year as an MD, Dr. Dosey met a patient that would change his life and his medical career.

Produced by Anna Sussman and Renzo Gorrio

When she was a kid, Mel always wanted to have a big family with a lot of brothers and sisters. But when her wish comes true, she realizes that her dreams may have been misguided.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

A young aid worker goes to teach school in a Kenyan village, and finds the roles reversed when the students teach the most valuable lesson of all.

Produced by Anna Sussman

Local politician DNA decides to join forces with the Green Party and pulls off the ultimate publicity stunt, “Nudists for Nader.”

To learn more about DNA visit VoteDNA.com

Produced by Mark Ristich and Pat Mesiti Miller

On a recent commercial airline flight, Snap Judgment host Glynn Washington discovers that he is not alone.

When fourth grader Alexander Paul gets dragged out to the middle of the desert near Area 51 to watch the night sky, he thinks it’s ridiculous.  But then, when he witnesses the unbelievable, his entire life changes.

Produced by Rita Daniels, Mark Ristich and Pat Mesiti-Miller

Writer Jeff Greenwald delivers a story about when he had the honor or interviewing Buzz Aldrin. Find Jeff's latest book here.

Produced by Anna Sussman

Former Airforce pilot Joe Kittenger was the first man to go to space without a pressurized cabin. And once he got there, he jumped back down to earth. Find Kittenger's book here.

Produced by Anna Sussman and Mark Ristich

When Glynn Washington was a little boy, his uncle had an elaborate alien conspiracy theory that he adamantly stood behind.  Everyone around thought it was a bunch of hogwash, until one night when lights appeared above the family trailer.

There’s a lot of strange things going on in New Mexico and one of the strangest is a phenomenon called Cattle Mutilations. It’s so mysterious and bizarre that almost nobody is willing to talk about it even though it’s been plaguing the area for close to forty years. 

Produced by Rita Daniels and Mark Ristich with help from Renzo Gorio, Phaedra Greenwood, David Perkins and Pamela Harris.

When four art students went camping in Maine, they expected a normal fishing trip.  They emerged, changed men, bound together forever by what happened in the woods . . .

Produced by Molly Graham and Anna Sussman

All his nerd buddies were always talking about their girlfriends from Canada, but then Mark Ristich one ups them with a girl from the next dimension.  Until... he's gotta break it to his family,

Host Glynn Washington gets into his time machine and brings a dark tale from the not-too-distant future.

Produced by Pat Mesiti Miller and Glynn Washington

Something is talking to Elizabeth, and what they wanted is terrifying.

Producer: Jeremy Richards, with production assistance by Anna Sussman and Stephanie Foo

Some run away from the enemy, some like to cozy up.  Bobby Egan makes friends with folk who the US government says we aren’t supposed to pal around with.

Bobby Egan has done a lot of work for his country. He’s gathered information on American POW’s, helped Vietnamese citizens to defect, and spoken before the house senate select committee, among other things. He also, of course, befriended the Iraqi UN delegation too.  You can read all about it in his book, Eating with the Enemy, available on Amazon. Just to be clear, while Bobby is responsible for some amazing acts of diplomacy, he never acted alone, his friends and colleagues always backed him up.

Producer: Anna Sussman and Mark Ristich

Stephanie Foo really, really hated her Dad’s girlfriend. So when she found a little present from her, she decided that she needed revenge.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Snap Judgment producer Anna Sussman comes face to face with a warlord in Uganda.

Producer: Anna Sussman

Writer Ainsley Burrows delivers a powerful story from Old Jamaica about a man who vows to have his revenge.

www.burrowsink.com

Producer: Renzo Gorrio, Anna Sussman, and Natalia Jaeger

A developer moves into Jeff Greenwald’s childhood neighborhood with plans to destroy all that he holds dear . . .

http://www.jeffgreenwald.com

Producer: Anna Sussman and Pat Mesiti-Miller

Dale-Marie Prenatt was tormented by a school bus bully, until her mom taught her the old-fashioned Appalachian way to handle the problem. This story was originally heard at the Baltimore storytelling event, The Stoop. http://www.stoopstorytelling.com/

Producer: Rita Daniels, Anna Sussman

David was a high school kid who thought that he could change the world by pioneering the development of nuclear energy. But he didn’t want to wait until graduation -- David figured he'd start his nuclear reactor at the age of 15.

Ken Silverstein is an investigative journalist based in D.C.  He wrote the book, "The Radioactive Boy Scout" upon which this story is based.  Thanks also to Harper’s Magazine and Emile Klein for this story.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Andrew Tilin was an amateur bike racer and professional journalist living in northern California, when one day his passions for racing and storytelling collided.

You can check out Andrew's book, The Doper Next Door, here.

Produced by Anna Sussman

What happens when a young girl faces a fatal illness, told by writer and performer, Jaylee Alde.

Produced by Jamie DeWolf

Diana Lopez’s dream was to become a pilot, and since she lived in San Antonio, Texas, she knew that the best way to go into aviation was to join the Air Force. But her choices were called into question when she began to find out that her community was suffering from an epidemic of mysterious illnesses.

Thank you so much to Lindsay Patterson, The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and Wilma Subra for their help on this piece. Learn a little more about the Toxic Triangle by checking out Steve Lerner’s book, Sacrifice Zones, or this LA Times article.

Produced by Stephanie Foo and Renzo Gorrio

A blues and jazz soaked journey through the bloodlines of a drug dealing father and the next generation, performed by emcee and slam champion Ner City. He runs the Golden Gate Slam in Oakland. His work can be found here.

Produced by Jamie DeWolf and Pat Mesiti Miller

Poisonous scorpion stings are a definite danger in India, as Mr. Lakshminaryanan finds out. But thankfully, he lives next door to a faith healer with some mad skills. Thanks to Dhaya Lakshminarayanan for her help on this story.

Produced by Rita Daniels, Stephanie Foo and Renzo Gorrio

Mark Ristich needed space to create. He found his toxic Bohemia in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Turns out he had some unwanted roommates.

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

Producer: Anna Sussman, Rita Daniels, Renzo Gorrio

An unexpected passenger joins Chas Jackson after a night out.
Producer: Pat Mesiti-Miller

When Bob Gray moves to LA, he’s a nobody--a stranger surrounded by the glamour of Hollywood. But that all changes when he gets a new cell phone . . .

Thanks to author Adam Gropman, who wrote this article about Bob in the LA Times.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

What happens when you fill-in for a buddy at work, and it all goes horribly wrong? Connstance Squires finds out.

Check out her book “Along the Watchtower.”

Producer: Anna Sussman, Pat Mesiti-Miller

What’s the biggest mistake a prosecutor can make?
.
Producer: Anna Sussman

A beloved music teacher falls dangerously ill, but hides an even more dangerous secret . . .

Producer: Richard Parks, Stephanie Foo and Jamie DeWolf

Comedian Richard Stockton wants to look more dangerous - and a new haircut does the trick. Listen to more stories from Richard Stockton here.

Producer: Pat Mesiti-Miller

Donald Cabana thought he understood his job as prison warden, but never knew it would cost so much . . .

Producer: Anna Sussman

A young boy prepares himself for the worst during the last family ride. A powerful story of love, loss and mileage by the 15-year-old Youth Speaks Grand Slam Champion, Noah St. John.

See Noah perform a DIFFERENT piece for Youth Speaks on stage right here.

Produced by Jamie DeWolf and Renzo Gorrio

When a gunman bursts into Colin Goddard’s classroom, he is forced to understand survival in more ways than one.

Find out more about Colin and his fight by watching the documentary, “Living for 32.”

Producer: Stephanie Foo

In the middle of a season of loss, Ted Wiard thought it couldn’t get any worse. Then it did.

You can check out Ted's book, Witnessing Ted:  The Journey to Potential Through Grief and Loss, and well as his grief center.

Producer: Rita Daniels

Shoshana Johnson’s tale of abduction in the Iraqi War has been told for her. Today, Shoshana takes control of her own story.

Producer Anna Sussman

Snap favorite Joyce Lee takes the Snap Judgment microphone and delivers her narrative magic in a story about how she learned to respect her Mother.

Check out Joyce's brand new album, No Country For Honest Womyn, right here.

Producer: Jamie DeWolf and Stephanie Foo

In Belgrade, Jonathan discovers that you can remove a man from a country, but you can never remove the country from the man.

Jonathan Groubert hosts the wonderful storytelling program, "The State We're In", from Radio Netherlands Worldwide. The show plays around the globe these days, but if you can't find it, check them out at TSWI.org. 

Producers: Anna Sussman, Mark Ristich

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.

Producer: Anna Sussman

Sound Design:  Pat Mesiti-Miller

A young devotee tries a little too hard to become the Lord's microphone.

Jamie DeWolf is an Oakland based storyteller and performer.  Hear more of his stories at JamieDeWolf.com. 

Written and performed by Jamie DeWolf.

Scored by Stephanie Foo.

Some people know not to fool around in strangers' wine cellars.

Alexander Labinov never got that memo.

Producers: Jamie DeWolf and Renzo Gorrio

The only thing Simon Lewis ever wanted to do was to make movies. But when he found himself lost in a tragic script, his only option was to write himself out.

Simon wrote a fantastic book about his experience called Rise and Shine.

Simon's TED talk is also worth checking out.

Thanks to the Rumpus and Chris Colin’s magnificent piece, "Blindsight," in The Atavist for leading us to this story.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Michelle Joyce is just starting out in the world of belly dancing when she gets an invitation to perform at a big show in India.

Problem is, it involves one "small" lie . . .

Producer: Anna Sussman

When one woman decides to rebuild an old home, she finds that it is currently occupied.

Producer: Rita Daniels

Check out Annabelle's Pie Crust Recipe.

An apprentice mortician spends his first night alone with a body and finds out how the dead can possess the living. A true story by the writer and performer Kyle Bowen.

Kyle Bowen is a real life graduate of the San Francisco college of Mortuary Science, and has worked as a mortician for over 15 years. He now writes and performs in Chico, CA.

Producer: Jamie DeWolf and Pat Mesiti-Miller

When Ken’s crazy neighbors go into foreclosure, he starts eyeing their 10-acre farmstead. Everyone tells him it’s cursed, but of course, Ken doesn’t believe in those silly things. Until mysterious events start engulfing his family . . .

Thanks so much to Emile Klein for venturing into the haunted house to get this story. Check out his storytelling and art project, You’re U.S.

Producer: Stephanie Foo and Emile Klein

When Cisco was a young boy, the kids in his hood played a very dangerous game.

Producer: Rita Daniels and Renzo Gorrio

Nicole Selken found the perfect room in a Victorian house to rent. When she first walked in, the house was empty except for some old photos of past owners. She didn’t know how well she’d get to know them.

Niki now lives in San Francisco. Check out her website!

Producer: Stephanie Foo

It’s not easy to scare a fifth degree black belt and professional martial arts instructor.  But it can be done...

Producer: Jamie Dewolf and Anna Sussman

Glynn’s friend Matt discovers a new talent one day while selling frozen submarine sandwiches-- a connection to the spiritual world. But the talent soon becomes a curse when his girlfriend falls ill.

Producer: Stephanie Foo   
 

When a prison yard conflict between guards and an inmate heats up, one guard puts himself in the line of fire.

Producer: Anna Sussman, Mark Ristich

Stephanie goes from being an independent, nerdy kid to just another sheep in the herd when she falls for the most popular girl in school.  But no matter how hard she tries, “cool” remains elusive.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Rais Bhuyian’s parents taught him to forgive. They never knew how powerful that forgiveness could be. Check out more of Rais Bhuyian’s work at www.worldwithouthate.org

Producer: Anna Sussman, Stephanie Foo

When Erin Auerbach gets the chance to become a telephone psychic, she knew it was a risk, but the reward proved priceless.

Producer: Anna Sussman, Pat Mesiti-Miller

You can feel when Christmas starts sweeping New York. The tree goes up in Rockefeller plaza, snow piles on lampposts.  For Dylan and Jim, the mailbox at their apartment on 22nd Street starts to fill up with letters to Santa.

Thanks so much to the New York Times and Sarah Klein for making this gorgeous mini documentary about Dylan and Jim. It’s a must-watch. If you’re in New York, help Dylan and Jim out by visiting their Facebook page, but they ask that you also participate in Operation Santa. Operation Santa fulfills letters to Santa from children across the nation. You can get your own letter to fulfill at your local post office.

Producer: Stephanie Foo

Mohammed's mother is in a coma in a Beirut hospital and needs blood to survive.  Mohammed and his father must venture deep into Hezbollah territory to find the blood to save her life, but he comes away with something more.

Producer: Mark Ristich

Stephen was a model student in a British boarding school who took a younger awkward lad under his wing. Together they used their good boy reputation to swindle the school out of thousands until the under-master got wind of their scheme. That's when the real adventure began...

Producer: Lindsey Lee Keel and Renzo Gorrio

Storyteller Joel ben Izzy recalls a conversation he had with an older gent who describes the true beauty of a piece of fruit.

Produced by Stephanie Foo

We sent Lindsey Lee Keel out into downtown Oakland to find some thanks.   

They call it a Foo Mix so it is...

Produced by Stephanie Foo

Glynn's always been in the shadow of his caramel-colored cousin Virgil.  But he's about to fight back--even if that means the ultimate sacrifice.

Regie Cabico is the first Asian American queer writer to take top prizes in the National Poetry Slam.  He has appeared on two seasons of HBO's Def Poetry Jam, and performs throughout North America and the U.K.  Regie currently serves as the artistic director of Sol & Soul, an arts and activist organization in Washington, D.C.

Noah St. John is a 15-year-old writer and actor who exploded onto the performance scene by winning the Youth Speaks Grand Slam Championship and representing the Bay Area at the Brave New Voices festival as a sophomore in high school.

Jack McCarthy is a veteran performer, poet and storyteller whose book “Say Goodnight, Grace Notes,” was released in 2003 by EM Press to rave reviews. His work has appeared in a number of anthologies, including The Spoken Word Revolution, and the film Slamnation.  Jack currently resides in Seattle, Washington.

Kate Ascott-Evans is an alumnus of the prestigious Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Los Angeles. She has appeared in the film Play Dead, the was seen on stage in the highly-acclaimed Los Angeles play Sensitive Skin.  When not performing she works with South African youth programs and is in the process of developing a documentary to be shot there.

Joshua Walters is a performer, comedian, beat-boxer, playwright and the star of the acclaimed one man show Madhouse Rhythm, which has sold out theaters for the last three years.

Sonya Renee is an Internationally Acclaimed Performance Poet, Actress, Educator and Activist who's been seen on HBO, CNN, BET, MTV, Oxygen Network; performing on stages from New Zealand to Scotland to New York, currently residing in Baltimore, MD.

Would you save the life a man who hated you, who hated you because of your race? Aaron Owens was not so sure.

Producer: Anna Sussman

All Ameena Matthews ever wanted was love and respect. She thought she’d found it on the streets of Chicago as the lieutenant of a major drug ring, but discovered instead that love born of violence is no substitute for the real thing.

This piece contains audio from the fantastic documentary, “The Interrupters.” Definitely watch it. It’s incredible.

Producer: Stephanie Foo