Snap Judgment

300 people spend a week on a plane with Rihanna to attend seven concerts, in seven countries, over seven days. And when morale is low among a group of paratroopers, their Sergeant takes them on an unexpected trip. STORIESDiamonds in the SkyFans and journalists embark on a seven-show tour with Rihanna… in seven countries, over seven days, on a Boeing 777, to celebrate her seventh album in seven years. Did we mention this happened seven years ago?This story contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Special thanks to Kristen Gwynne, Lawrence Bull, and Elizabeth Nakano.Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio.Acid JumpWhen morale is low among a group of paratroopers, their Sergeant takes them on an unexpected trip. Check out Ray’s podcast, “What’s Ray Saying?” and follow him on Twitter @WhatsRaySaying!Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto.Season 16 - Episode 35 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The hallowed halls of an Airbnb house a spirit that can only be seen through sprinkles, spritzes, and sparkles… of air freshener. Snap’s Queen of Comedy, Jen Kober, returns with a story only she could tell. Plus, Glynn shares a story about a close personal witch.The episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. These stories were told at Spooked LIVE! We have a West Coast tour this year in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Seattle! Join us in September and October! Cross over. Get your tix + listen to Spooked on any podcast platform.Thanks, Jen, for sharing your story with us! For all things Jen -- and to see her live on tour -- check out her website.Original music performed live by Doug Stuart and Brijean Murphy. Mixed by Miles Lassi. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Special thanks to Ryan Davis, Sarah Rose Leonard, Jon Cohn, Rebecca Stumme, Kristen Payne, and the LA Orpheum Team.Season 16 - Episode 34  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Eleven attractive, young people set sail across the Atlantic in a raft as part of a radical group experiment. And a boy falls in love with a girl… and her fungus.STORIES Vintage SpiritDid you ever think that you missed a moment of history?  A moment you were made for? Glynn explores an era that had a spark.Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller.Raft of PassionMary needed to get away from her husband. A handsome stranger offered her a way out. All she had to do was participate in the strangest group experiment of all time.Thank you, Mary Gidley, for sharing your story with Snap. Mary just released a memoir titled Point to Point. You can learn more about the Acali experiment in the incredible documentary The Raft. Hear from Mary and other participants as they relive the experiment on a life-size recreation of the raft. The Raft opened in theaters in the U.S. in 2019 and begins streaming on digital platforms in the U.S. on May 19, 2020.Special thanks to director Marcus Lindeen.Produced by John Fecile, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by: Sanaa Khan.Linda, Loretta, and MeWhat happens when boy meets girl and fungus? This is a story about love and spores, from one of our favorite podcasts, Love Me. Be sure to check out producer Jonathan Zenti’s podcast, Meat.Produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick, Cristal Duhaime, and Jonathan Zenti.Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 33 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

She’s stunning grey, sleek as a race car, and stronger than all the boys. Her name is Winning Colors and for Dino and Miami she’s the long shot of a lifetime.This story contains strong language and includes descriptions of gambling, sensitive listeners please be advised.If gambling has become a problem for you or for someone you know, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) to seek free, confidential, 24/7 problem gambling assistance.A huge thank you to Mark “Miami” Paul for sharing his story with Snap!Wondering what happened to Winning Colors? After her 1988 Kentucky Derby crown the big grey filly retired the following year with eight career wins. In 2000, she was inducted into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 2008, at the age of 23 Winning Colors was laid to rest in Lexington, Kentucky.To find out more about Miami and Winning Colors’ story – check out Miami’s book, “The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told” Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Snap Classic – Season 16– Episode 32 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Here’s a preview from a new podcast, Charlie’s Place. How did a Black man in the 1940s Jim Crow South open a club where Black and white people danced together? Charlie’s Place was revolutionary, and that meant it was dangerous. Host Rhym Guissé explores the unbelievable true story of Charlie Fitzgerald, a mysterious Black businessman whose nightclub became an unlikely site of integration in Myrtle Beach. Charlie broke down racial barriers through the power of music and dance, hosting some of the greatest musicians of our time: Little Richard, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and many more. But who was Charlie? How did he rise to power? And what price did he pay for achieving the impossible—an integrated club in the Jim Crow South? This is a story of joy and passion that erupted into violence and changed a community forever. Listen to Charlie’s Place wherever you get your podcasts. Binge the entire season early and ad-free by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

World class runner Shelby Houlihan goes on trial and a bad burrito is her smoking gun. Plus, what do you do when you look just like figure skating’s supervillain? STORIESThe Burrito Theory World class runner Shelby Houlihan goes on trial and a bad burrito is her smoking gun.Thank you Shelby, for sharing your story with us!Produced by John Fecile, original score by Clay Xavier.Tonya for HireWhat if one day you found out you look like one of the most famous people in the country — who everybody hates?Lynn Harris is an author, commentator, award-winning journalist and mostly-retired comedian. She has a business, Gold Comedy, that teaches comedy to teenage girls. You can find her performing on stage as Tonya Harding here.Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto.Season 16 - Episode 30 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A young girl’s fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Plus – the story of the first dog to travel around the world and the hottest alien takeover of all time.Round TripA young girl’s fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.This story contains scenes of domestic abuse and gun violence, please take care while listening.Thank you, MJ Fièvre, for sharing your story with us! You can read more about MJ’s childhood in Haiti in her memoir: “A Sky the Color of Chaos” And she’s working on a book series that uplifts Black women and girls – check out all that and more at badassblackgirl.comProduced by David Exumé, original story score by Lalin St. Juste. Music and sound design for opening story by Druuvy.The Dog that Went Around the World The story of the first dog to travel around the world (and refuse a free steak).Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score & sound design by Leon Morimoto.Bionic BlondesThe hottest alien takeover of all time. This story was originally written by Kelly Link, and comes from her collection, Stranger Things Happen. It was adapted, directed, and produced by Mark Ristich and Eliza Smith. Voice ActorsL Glynn Washington and Joyce Lee.Season 16 - Episode 29 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner. And in Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.  This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. If you want more supernatural fun, check out Spooked on YouTube.The Gearbox When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner. Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Doug Stuart.Spirit of the MountainIn Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.  Thank you Adam, for sharing your story with us.Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot.Season 16 - Episode 28 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

He’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick. And meet his counterpart… Tom Garvey. The man who lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style. It’s Pittsburgh vs Philly in an epic sports story-off.This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised. STORIESSuper Bowl RickHe’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick. Thank you Rick Steigerwald for telling us your story! When Rick returned home following the Super Bowl , he shared his story with the Pittsburgh Press - check out the 1979 article! Rick retired after a 39 year career in steamfitting and now serves as the Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner. He’s a three time former Golden Gloves Boxing champion and longtime referee, and was just inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame this past year. Big thanks as well to Ryan O’Shea who originally interviewed Rick and the late Steeler Jack Deloplaine on his Youtube channel. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.A Vet in the Vet For years, Tom Garvey lived every sports fan’s secret dream: he lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style.Thanks Tom, Jud Bertholf, and John Grossman!Read Tom’s story in his memoir The Secret Apartment and his autobiographical novel Many Beaucoup Magics.Produced by John Fecile, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.Season 16 - Episode 27 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

David Rocha, aka Sir Dyno, is a former gang member turned pastor and rapper who shares his gripping journey from the streets of California to finding faith. He discusses his origins in Norteño culture, navigating gang loyalty, and the challenges of fame intertwined with a tumultuous legal journey. Sir Dyno reflects on tense confrontations that led to life-altering consequences and his transformation into a community leader with a church called House of Rest. His story is one of struggle, redemption, and the power of music.