Snap Judgment

The Real Fleetwood Mac - Snap Classic 28.05.2026 49min

Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong? And the infamous Pine Tar Game of baseball superstar George Brett… told by the bat boy. STORIES The Real Fleetwood Mac Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong? Thanks, Elmer, for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Elmer Gantry’s music in this blog post that producer John Fecile wrote for Aquarium Drunkard. Kirby Gregory still performs with the band Curved Air. Read an extensive history of Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera from the magazine Ugly Things. Listen to a 10-song Spotify playlist that we put together of Elmer’s songs and other tunes from the story. Special thanks to Mike Stax, Anja Stax, and David Prest. Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by John Fecile, artwork by Teo Ducot. The Bat Boy And The Pine Tar Bat Every baseball fan has heard of the superstar hitter George Brett and his infamous Pine Tar Game…but have you heard of the bat boy’s version? For more info, check out Daniel Barbarisi’s story in the Wall Street Journal. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Davey Kim. Season 17 – Episode 25

Silence Speaks 21.05.2026 47min

You don't always need words to speak up. Silence Speaks In a time when words were dangerous, Grigory found a way to speak up using silence. Mimes. Robots. Mermaids. You’ll only hear a story like this on Snap Judgment. Thank you Grigory for sharing your story! Check out Grigory’s work on his Youtube...watch Man and the Sea, The Acrobats, Jungle, and Black Square, recorded by Grigory before he left the Soviet Union. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Marcel on the Train During WWII, a young Marcel Marceau helped rescue children from the Nazis. How he did so became the basis of his art. Thanks Marshall for speaking with us! You can find more info about Marshall Paillet’s work here. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio. The Kiss - LIVE at Story Fest In high school, Nimisha Ladva was used to keeping her head down and her test scores up. But she surprises everyone by getting a lead in the school play -- well, that role it comes with a chance to do something she'd never done before: kiss a boy. A huge thank you to Nimisha Ladva. She's a playwright and college essay coach. You can find her at theessayadvantage.com and on instagram @nimishaladva Nimisha Ladva performed this story live at Story Fest. If you haven't heard of Story Fest, it's a national show that finds amazing local writers, journalists, and performing artists to perform their work LIVE on stage. Read about the work they do, see what cities they are coming to, and get tickets at storyfest.org. Season 17 - Episode 24

Heavyweight 14.05.2026 43min

At 101 years old, Deborah discovered a box she'd stashed away a lifetime ago. What was inside reignited an old love and turned her life upside down. This is an episode from a podcast we love, Heavyweight. We are so excited to share it with you! Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, creates space for difficult conversations and resolving long-standing regrets and unanswered questions. Balancing humor and empathy, host Jonathan Goldstein helps his subjects pinpoint the moment things went wrong and joins them on a quest to make them right. Find Heavyweight wherever you get your podcasts! Or connect on Instagram: @pushkinpods, @heavyweightpodcast Season 17 - Episode 23

Fire Escape: Worthy EP6 07.05.2026 34min

The Fire Girls blast their sirens to salute Amika as she is released from prison after seven years. She has no career, no home, no money, and teenage children who have been waiting for their mom to return. But the hardest part of regaining her freedom, would be believing that she is worthy. This episode contains graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 22

Fire Escape: Release EP5 05.05.2026 33min

As wildland fires burn hotter and stronger across California, Amika and the incarcerated firefighters are put in extreme danger. At a massive, out of control fire, Amika must defy orders for the sake of the women on her crew. This episode contains graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 21

Fire Escape: Reckoning EP4 30.04.2026 35min

Amika and the Fire Girls are called to the scene of a terrible crash to rescue the passengers from the wreckage. Amika realizes the driver of the car is intoxicated. While saving his life, she reckons with lives lost and the harsh future awaiting the young patient. Back at the firehouse, Amika’s crew are called out to a Christmas Eve emergency. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 20

Fire Escape: Caught EP3 28.04.2026 32min

At the firehouse, Amika plans a drop – a secret plan to sneak forbidden cell phones to her friends still on the inside. She begins to worry she might get caught. And then she’s called to an emergency involving one of her jailers. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 19

Fire Escape: Escape EP2 23.04.2026 31min

Amika is thrown in the hole for forty days. Locked in a windowless cell, she can hear the women through the walls losing their sanity. To protect herself, Amika must shut down all connections with everyone she loves: her cellies, her mom, and even her kids. The world looks dark until she sees a small light that may illuminate a path to her new life when she gets a call from the firehouse. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 18

Fire Escape: The Crash EP1 21.04.2026 33min

How did Amika Mota go from a midwife and mother of three to a prisoner inside one of the largest women's prisons on Earth? Handcuffed to a hospital bed, awaiting trial, Amika tries to come to grips with the tragic crash that cost one man his life and took her away from her children. Inside the Chowchilla prison walls, she faces the "green cops" and the threat of solitary confinement. Outside the walls sits Firehouse Five, the home of the legendary crew of incarcerated firefighters called the Fire Girls. This episode contains descriptions of a car crash & strong language. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here. Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 17

The Ledge - Snap Classic 16.04.2026 49min

Strapped in a harness, on the edge of a mountain, the snow bridge lets out a hollow crack as it gives way. The story of two climbers whose fates are intertwined by a length of rope. Big thanks to Jim Davidson for sharing his story! Jim wrote a book with Kevin Vaughan about surviving the fall on Mt. Rainier, called The Ledge. He also wrote a book about his experiences during and after the Nepal earthquake called The Next Everest. Check them out! Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Snap Classic - Season 17 - Episode 16

Announcing Snap+ 10.04.2026 1min

Snap+ is the new subscription membership program from Snap Judgment. You’ll get an ad-free stream, special behind-the-scenes features, and even some virtual hangs with Glynn. Bonus episodes will drop every month. Join us! Sign up at Supercast.

Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell 09.04.2026 50min

A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and a musical force the world over. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt. Starring Nichole Hill, Natalie Tulloch, and Christabel Nsiah-Buadi. This incredible story comes to us from Our Ancestors Were Messy, a show about our ancestors and all their drama. It dives into the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines and then history in pre-Civil Rights Era America. Host Nichole Hill takes her guests through the story of an ancestor in search of opportunity, adventure, love, and a way to beat Jim Crow. Along the way, these ancestors make messes that land them in the gossip columns of Black newspapers. Listen to Our Ancestors Were Messy on any podcast platform! Or follow along on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. This story was written and produced by Nichole Hill. Sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller with additional music by Mellat Makeda. Season 17 - Episode 15

Last Paper Standing 02.04.2026 51min

Zaki is in Kabul running an indie newspaper called The Etilaatroz. The Taliban are approaching the city, and the entire newsroom is on edge. But the question in Zaki’s mind is, “How do we save the paper?” Plus, a story from a journalist who decides what belongs in her bag. Last Paper Standing This story contains graphic imagery, sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you to Zaki Daryabi for sharing your story with Snap! Extra thanks to Luft Ali Sultani and the entire team at Etilaatroz. If you want to learn more about Etilaatroz and their journey to cover the news, visit their website or watch a documentary about their days in Kabul on Youtube for free. Produced by Shaina Shealy, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Lost Baggage Fatima decides what belongs in her bag. Thank you Fatima for sharing your story! You can see her reporting from Afghanistan on topics like women’s rights and education in The New York Times. Season 17 - Episode 14

The Wave - Snap Classic 26.03.2026 36min

What if you invented something the whole world knows but someone else took the credit? This week on Snap, we uncover the story of Krazy George, a shy wood-shop teacher turned professional cheerleader, who sparked a phenomenon from the stands of the Oakland Coliseum. A huge thank you to the man, the myth, the legend… Krazy George Henderson for sharing your story. At 80 years young, George is still banging his drum for the Spartans at his alma mater, San Jose State. He also just celebrated his 50th season cheering professionally for the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer. To read more about the life and times of George, check out his memoir “Still Krazy After All These Cheers” Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 17 - Episode 13

Rained Out Rook 24.03.2026 15min

A call from the Philadelphia Phillies brings a big league opportunity to a pitcher holding out hope. Thank you, Brian Mazone, for sharing your story with the Snap! After retiring from baseball in 2010, Brian started a new career in medical supply sales in the San Diego area. To read more about Brian’s journey in baseball, check out the article from the Washington Post by Dave Sheinin which inspired this story. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, art by Teo Ducot. Season 17 - Episode 12

Bros Being Bros 19.03.2026 42min

A Los Angeles radio show prank-calls random French citizens and unintentionally reach le président. A hotheaded comedian gets into a fight. Plus, a seven-year parking spot war. This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. The French Connection A Los Angeles radio show prank-calls random French citizens and unintentionally reach le président. A very big thank you to Ralph Garman & Kevin Ryder for sharing their story with Snap! Radio rules. Produced by Max Jungreis, original score by Renzo Gorrio, edited by Nancy López + Anna Sussman. Choke Zone Moshe Kasher tells a little story about conflict resolution. Thank you, Moshe, for sharing your story! Check out Moshe’s memoir: Subculture Vulture: A Memoir in Six Scenes Produced by David Exumé, original score by Clay Xavier. The Parking Space War A seven-year vendetta stemming from a parking spot war. Told live at the Black Cat by DC Benny. Thank you DC Benny for sharing this story! Big thanks also to 800 Pound Gorilla Media. Follow DC Benny at... Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, or on YouTube. Stay Connected with 800 Pound Gorilla -- check out their Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, or on YouTube. Season 17 - Episode 11

The Cut - Snap Classic 12.03.2026 40min

When the man in charge of a small, insular northern Ohio town wreaks havoc on his followers, a young Amish boy with a passion for good hair tries to clean up the mess. Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Season 17 - Episode 10

When Doves Cry / Fever 05.03.2026 50min

An ecologist in Maine fears she will be criticized because she "communicates with animals." Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he could read her mind. And – a man in Alaska hears a rumor about the elusive blue bear. He never gave it much thought until a friend convinced him to search for one. We're wrapping up the FEVER series this week! Tune in. STORIES When Doves Cry An ecologist in Maine fears she must be crazy because she communicates with animals. Then a tiny, collared Dove told her he could read her mind. Thank you Sara and Lily B for sharing your story with us! Produced by Anna Sussman, edited by John Fecile, original score by Nicholas Marks. The Blue Bear Lynn Schooler grew up in Alaska hearing rumor after rumor about the elusive blue bear. He never gave it much thought until a friend convinced him they go out searching for one. What Lynn ended up finding was, of course, something much different. Thanks Lynn for sharing your story with Snap! For more on Lynn Schooler's work check out his Facebook page. Produced by Nancy Lopez, sound design by Renzo Gorrio and Davey Kim. Season 17 - Episode 9

The Crate Escape / Fever 26.02.2026 49min

From puppy love to stolen moments to the thrill of the chase... their relationship made headlines. A huge thank you to Toby Dorr for sharing her story with Snap! Toby is an author, speaker and criminal justice reform advocate. She’s also the founder of the Fierce Grace Movement, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting women impacted by incarceration through storytelling and mentorship. There's so much that we were not able to share about Toby’s experience... to find out more, check out Toby’s memoir “Living With Conviction” Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nicholas Marks. Season 17 - Episode 8

Loves Actually / Fever 19.02.2026 44min

Could you choose a lover for the love of your life? Our Fever Series continues with more stories from the heart -- of the heart. STORIES Loves Actually A Colorado couple explore uncharted territory when their idyllic marriage gets hit with a curve ball. Thank you to Mil and Jan Markle for sitting down with Snap, opening up your hearts and sharing your story! Produced by Regina Bediako, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Love Rivals After a whirlwind romance, Brian and Vanessa get married and move to Kinshasa. Everything is going well until she shows up. Thank you Vanessa Woods for sharing your story! Produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick, Cristal Duhaime and Jodie Taylor. This story comes to us from CBC's Love Me. Listen to more Love Me on any podcast platform. Season 17 - Episode 7