Snap Judgment

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!

In this episode, Finn, a teenage hacker, shares his wild journey of pulling off a high-school network intrusion that led to a shocking Code Yellow lockdown. Inspired by 'Mr. Robot,' he details his reckless exploration of the school’s server and the panic that ensued. Joe Sills, an emergency physician, narrates a gripping tale of life after death, recounting the moment he revived a patient and the profound impact of delivering such heartbreaking news. Both stories dive into themes of consequence, reflection, and the thin line between life and death.

Join Dennis Comperi, a polar bear guide and filmmaker from Churchill, as he shares his heartwarming tales of Dancer, a playful polar bear who once thumped on his tundra buggy for coffee. Dennis recounts thrilling close calls and intimate moments that highlight wildlife interaction and respect for nature. Meanwhile, Don Reed takes us on a hilarious journey through his childhood in Oakland, with stories of buttered hair and fatherly wisdom on being true to oneself. A blend of adventure and comedy awaits!

Ocean Motley, Jen Angel's partner and a defense attorney, shares the aftermath of Jen's tragic death during a robbery. Emily Harris, a devoted friend, discusses their efforts for restorative justice rather than incarceration. Ashanti, connected to the accused, reflects on her relationship with Ishmael and how the situation has impacted them both. The group navigates grief, media narratives, and the complexities of justice, all while honoring Jen's values and advocating for change in the community.

A fisherman down on his luck finds gold at the bottom of the sea. It’s only after his treasure hunt is underway that he discovers what is truly valuable deep down.BIG thanks to Joe Pennisi for sharing your story with Snap.This story would not have been possible if not for the amazing, on-the-ground reporting work of Tara Duggan, Jason Fagone, and Santiago Mejia who first told this incredible story for the San Francisco Chronicle.Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 53 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

When a young man is told he is going deaf, he sets out on a challenge to memorize the songs that defined his life. He had no idea that those songs would come back to him in the most unexpected way. And a musical savant shares the inner workings of his amazing gift. STORIES The Soundtrack of Silence When a young man is told is he going deaf, he sets out on a challenge to memorize the songs that defined his life. He had no idea that those songs would come back to him in the most unexpected way.Thank you, Matt Hay, for sharing your story! A version of this story aired on KQED’s Q’ed Up.Produced by April Dembosky. Sound Design by April Dembosky, Leon Morimoto & Renzo Gorrio.Sudden Savant Although most musicians spend decades honing their craft, musical genius Derek Amato never had to practice a day in his life. One day, he just sat down at the piano and his fingers began to fly across the keys with ease.As an immediate musical genius, Derek is one of the few people on Earth diagnosed with Acquired Musical Savant Syndrome. Derek takes us into the inner workings of his amazing gift.Produced by Anna Sussman &  Pat Mesiti-Miller. Original score & sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller.Season 16 - Episode 52 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Connie Shirakawa, a Chicago storyteller, shares her haunting experiences growing up in a boarding house, where she communicates with a 'knock-knock ghost' through coded messages. She recounts finding a Ouija board and using the ghost’s signals to grapple with family loss. Chetanur Razdan reveals his grandfather's eerie encounter with floating lights in the Himalayas, warning of the mischievous Rachok spirit that lures travelers. Together, their tales explore the supernatural and the connections between the living and the beyond.