Snap Judgment

Patricia Talley, researcher supporting Afro-Mexican communities; Nubia Young, Tulum resident and organizer of Black in Tulum; Adizah Eghan, reporter who investigated Black migration to Tulum. They explore why Black people are drawn to Tulum, the social scenes and community meetups, tensions beneath the utopian image, infrastructure and safety challenges, and how diaspora connections are being built.

Pardis Madhavi, an Iranian American medical anthropologist and author who rode through Iran’s hidden riding culture. Troy Walters, a Fruita farmer and storyteller who grew up with the true tale of Mike the Headless Chicken. They recount galloping women defying morality policing and secret stables in Tehran. They also tell a sideshow-era family saga about a famous headless chicken and its strange fame.

Hannah Friedman, a TV and film writer, shares her unique upbringing with Amelia, a capuchin monkey adopted by her mother, Alison Pascoe, a zoologist. They reflect on the challenges of raising a monkey as a sister, from playful childhood memories to jealousy during adolescence when Amelia's fame overshadowed Hannah's life. Tim Snyder introduces his relationship with a racehorse named Lisa’s Booby Trap, highlighting how training her pulled him from grief after losing his wife. The intertwining stories reveal deep connections between humans and animals.

Clifford Ray, a former NBA center, shares his remarkable story of rescuing a dolphin named Dr. Spock by reaching into its stomach to retrieve a swallowed bolt. His love for marine life shines through as he recounts the intense rescue mission. Meanwhile, storyteller Ray Christian brings us into the chaos of Hurricane Helene, describing the heart-wrenching decision to evacuate his farm while letting his animals seek higher ground. His eventual reunion with Brownie the goat highlights the resilience of both human and animal spirits.

Eric Merda, a former landscaper and father of seven, shares his harrowing tale of survival after a near-fatal alligator attack in Florida. He delves into the shocking details of the encounter, including the death roll that almost cost him his arm. Eric talks about battling despair and navigating through the swamp with an open wound before ultimately being rescued. His story transforms from darkness to resilience as he now channels his experience into stand-up comedy and motivational speaking, inspiring others to fight for survival.

Chief Michael O'Brien, a small-town police chief from Economy Borough, shares the chilling story of discovering a severed, embalmed head in the woods. He delves into the forensic investigation, facing dead-end leads despite public sketches. Forensic artist Michelle Vitale introduces a shocking theory of anatomical disassembly for body trade, prompting renewed investigation efforts. After numerous twists, including clay reconstructions and grave inspections, a nameless burial brings closure, but the mystery deepens around the grim industry behind body trading.

Scott Lechner, known as the "Pontiff of Soho," shares his wild experiences running a luxury Christmas tree business in Manhattan, where turf wars and mob dealings threaten his success. He recalls turning down a dangerous offer from mafia figures to control tree sales. Meanwhile, Mike Ramsdell, a covert operative, recounts a botched extraction mission in Soviet Russia, filled with near-death escapes and unexpected moments of hope. Their intertwining stories illuminate the dark and humorous sides of holiday hustle.

A family finds themselves trapped inside a rusty pencil factory in the jungle after seeking asylum in the U.S. A YouTuber discovers their plight and becomes their lifeline, revealing the harrowing conditions they face. As the family grapples with panic and despair, moments of hope arise during visits to the city. With the support of a Quaker community, they start to heal, learning a new language and embracing joy again. Their story sheds light on the larger issue of third-country deportations, highlighting the struggles of many in similar situations.

It’s the dawn of hip-hop and 15-year-old Roxanne Shanté is the best battle rapper in Queensbridge NYC. She spits out a hit record in the time it takes for her laundry to dry, for real. She’s bold, controversial and everyone wants to take her down at the “MC Battle for World Supremacy.”This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.A giant thank you to the now Grammy-winning, forever "Queen of Rox," Roxanne Shanté for sharing her story with Snap! You can find Roxanne on IG @imroxanneshante. She also hosts a daily show on Sirius XM's Channel 43 Rock the Bells Radio. Tune in!Produced Justin Kramon, edited by Nancy López, original score by Lauryn Newson.Season 16 - Episode 58 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Join journalist and author Susannah Cahalan as she shares her surreal journey from madness to recovery. Known for her memoir, Brain on Fire, Susannah recounts waking up in a hospital with confused perceptions and vivid delusions. She reveals her diagnosis of a rare autoimmune condition and the grueling treatment that followed. Delve into her experiences with mood swings, fragments of memory, and the struggle to regain confidence. Plus, get a glimpse into her exploration of psychedelics in her new book, The Acid Queen!