"His secrets filled the air around him like smoke..."  A young boy idolizes his karate instructor. Each kick, throw, and punch a step on the path to becoming a man. But the power of his presence cannot hold back the questions of his character.STORIESThe Master"His secrets filled the air around him like smoke..."  A young boy idolizes his karate instructor. Each kick, throw, and punch a step on the path to becoming a man. But the power of his presence cannot hold back the questions of his character.Thank you, Simon Shieh, for sharing your story! Read the poems featured in this story and more -- in Simon's debut poetry collection Master.And an extra special thank you to Katherine Litwin.Produced by John Fecile. Edited by Anna Sussman and Nancy López. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Artwork by Teo Ducot.Ego Tripping - Nikki Giovanni Read by Flo Wiley. Music by Pat Mesiti-Miller.Burning BooksGlynn's mom finds the devil in her house.Performed by Glynn Washington at Snap LIVE. Original score composed and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt. Season 16 - Episode 11 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Katie falls hard for Barys during a whirlwind trip to Belarus. But there’s a giant red flag she can’t ignore any longer. And two people who have the same name, live in the same city, and have the same professional interests soon find out what else they have in common.STORIESReal LoveBoston-based writer Katie Simon is on assignment in Belarus when she meets and falls hard for Barys in less than a week. When she’s back home, her friends alert her to a giant red flag she can no longer afford to ignore.This story briefly mentions sex, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you, Katie, for sharing this story with Snap! Keep up with her latest work, including an upcoming book about falling in love and generational storytelling here. Learn more about Katie on her Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram.Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Ovrkast “Love Somebody” – Music SpotlightThis week’s Snap Music Spotlight features Oakland artist Ovrkast with the song, “Love Somebody” watch the video here!Listen to Ovrkast’s latest album, Try Again (DELUXE) out now!! To stay up to date with all things Ovrkast, be sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram.Katie vs. KatieWhen Katie Crouch learned there was another Katie Crouch who lived in the same city and apparently had the same professional interests as her she thought, huh, what else do we have in common? She would soon find out.This story was done in collaboration with Ozy.com, the online magazine that published both Katies’ essays: The Other Me and Doppelgangers Unite?Katie Crouch continues to virtually cross paths with her name twin from her new city of Chicago, where she works for an educational publisher, raises a toddler on her own, and writes a blog.Katie Crouch is a New York Times best-selling novelist. Her books include Girls in Trucks and Abroad, among others.Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo GorrioSeason 16 – Episode 10 - Snap Classic Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Coffee is the love language for two Gaza journalists Shrouq and Roshdi. But one morning at breakfast, their little family life is torn apart. Now, Shrouq must navigate a war, motherhood and the disappearing memories of love. And -- the story of a 10-year-old girl with a magnetic smile who makes magic out of breadcrumbs on a rooftop in Gaza and the internet is eating it up.STORIES After RoshdiCoffee is the love language for two Gaza journalists Shrouq and Roshdi. But one morning at breakfast, their little family life is torn apart. Now, Shrouq must navigate a war, motherhood and the disappearing memories of love. Thank you so much, Shrouq, for sharing your story with us.Produced by Ashley Cleek, Regina Bediako, and Shaina Shealy. Edited by Nancy López and Anna Sussman. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.Chef RenadA 10-year-old girl with a magnetic smile who makes magic out of breadcrumbs on a rooftop in Gaza and the internet is eating it up.Many thanks to Chef Renad and her sister Nourhan Attallah. You can find Chef Renad on Youtube or Instagram.Special thanks to the Committee to Protect Journalists for sharing their extensive reporting from the Gaza Strip.  Produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Nancy López. Music by Renzo Gorrio. Translation by Ansam Ismail Kalloub. Recording by Shrouq.Season 16 - Episode 9 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ray looks back on his decision to join the army, unraveling a complicated history of Black military service and reflecting on the surprising changes the armed forces made in his life.This episode contains explicit language. Please take care while listening.This story comes to us from the incredible podcast, What’s Ray Saying? In each episode, Ray Christian, the award-winning storyteller, combat veteran, historian, and devoted father of six, invites you to become part of his community, as he shares stories from the scenic mountains of Appalachia.Listen to What's Ray Saying? wherever you get your podcasts! To get all things Ray -- check out his website.What's Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. What's Ray Saying? is supported by its amazing listeners, PRX, and The Moth.Season 16 - Episode 8 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Chris Lundy, a talented storyteller known for his performances at RISK! and USA Today's Storytellers Project, shares his family's unforgettable encounter with a Vodou priest while navigating a mysterious childhood illness. Ray Christian, an Army Sergeant and host of the podcast What’s Ray Saying, recounts a surreal training night involving LSD and a daring parachute jump that lifted troop morale. Together, they explore themes of healing, family, and the unexpected twists of life that shape our stories.

Ronald Young Jr., creator and host of "Wait For It," shares a heartfelt story about coping with his mother's illness while grappling with his own perceptions of weight. Nygel Turner, host of "Adultish," opens up about his experience with gynecomastia, revealing the journey towards self-acceptance. The conversation dives into themes of body image, the emotional complexities of grief, and the significance of personal storytelling as a means to connect and heal. Together, they explore how love and support can aid in navigating life's challenges.

Isobel Cockerell, a journalist with Coda Story, shares the gripping tale of Hashim, a young Uyghur man trapped under an oppressive regime. The discussion explores themes of hope versus despair, following Hashim's harrowing journey of escape and the emotional bond he shares with fellow detainee Muhammad. They rely on a spoon and a rusty nail for their daring escape attempts, underscoring the urgent need for freedom. Cockerell highlights the complexity of familial separation and the weight of shared struggles among those seeking liberation.

Andy Marra is on a mission to Korea in search of the mother she never knew with a secret she absolutely has to tell. And when two close friends can’t see each other face-to-face, they exchange letters from two very different places.The Birth DreamAndy Marra is on a mission to Korea in search of the mother she never knew with a secret she absolutely has to tell.Thank you, Andy, for sharing your story with Snap! Find out more about her advocacy work here.Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Letters from UncuffedIt’s been almost a year since friends and family have been able to visit their loved ones in prison, due to the pandemic. Letters to the inside are always a lifeline. This year, more than ever.Today, from Uncuffed, we hear from Adamu Chan, who was recently released from San Quentin State Prison, while his friend Edmond Richardson, is still on the inside.Uncuffed is a storytelling project made by people behind bars, from inside California prisons, in collaboration with KALW. To hear the full version of this story, visit Uncuffed and make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!Produced by Adamu Chan, Ninna Gaensler-Debs, Angela Johnston, Pat Mesiti-Miller & Eli Wirtschafter.Snap Classic – Season 16 – Episode 4 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Cassandra Dee, a stand-up comic, candidly navigates her battles with depression and suicidal thoughts, using humor to transform pain into connection. She shares stories about bullying, bad dates, and therapy failures, questioning if her jokes might cross a line. Caitlin Gill brings a hilarious tale of a life-altering accident involving a minivan, reflecting on body image and self-acceptance. Together, they illustrate how laughter can be a powerful tool for healing and understanding mental health struggles.

Eric and David score their dream house in the country… with a lily pond. When one frog finds it, he tells a friend, who tells a friend, and pretty soon quiet sunsets are now very trilling. It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s about to bring the whole house down. Plus — a story from a man who pulls off an airmail stunt that most could only dream about.STORIES Gay Frog Happy HourEric and David score their dream house in the country… with a lily pond. When one frog finds it, he tells a friend, who tells a friend, and pretty soon quiet sunsets are now very trilling. It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s about to bring the whole house down.A very big thank you to R. Eric Thomas for sharing his story with Snap! Eric tells more of the frog saga and other hilarious tales in his most recent essay collection, Congratulations, the Best is Over! R. Eric Thomas writes the nationally syndicated daily advice column Asking Eric. He is a playwright, screenwriter, national bestselling author, and long-running host of The Moth in Philadelphia. Find all things Eric on his website.Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot.Air Mail ManEver wanted to get some place real bad but didn’t have the funds? Ever try to think up crazy ways to get to your destination, without having to pay? You’re gonna want to listen to this story. Brian Robson pulled off an airmail stunt that most of could only dream about.Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio.Season 16 - Episode 2 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices