Snap Judgment

Two boys hunting for crystals in the forest learn something out there is also on the hunt for them. And one wrong turn out on the road leads a group of friends to the most sinister encounter of their lives. Snap presents a ritual as old as our treachery, “Campfire Tales: Season of the Wolf.” Journey into the void while you still can... before this gate slams shut. This Spooked Spectacular features supernatural stories told by people who can barely believe it happened themselves. Spooked has a new season starting Friday the 13th of September! Brand new episodes will drop each and every week until All Hallows' Eve. Be afraid. Cross over and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and podcast platforms everywhere 9/13/24.STORIESThe Woods Have EyesNate and Keith love to explore the forests in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, hunting for stones and crystals to add to their collection. But something out there is also on the hunt… for them. Thank you, Nate, for sharing your story with Spooked!Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Doug Stuart.Buffer Night One wrong turn leads Kyan and his friends to the most sinister encounter of their lives.Thanks to Kyan Bond for sharing his story. If you know what’s up with Buffer Night, drop us a line.Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.Season 15 - Episode 40 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Cheyenne Brady knew next to nothing about the US census when she was given the job of counting everyone on her reservation. Writer Julian Brave Noisecat follows her through the ups and downs of the 2020 census, culminating in the first-ever Census Powwow.This story features descriptions of genocide and historical trauma, sensitive listeners please be advised.A big, big thank you to everyone on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Especially Cheyenne Brady and her family: Novi Runs Above, Holy Rope, Tayvin, Poncho, Tookie, Uncle Thomas, and Grandma Florence.Thank you also to Charlie Moran, Tavares Fimbres, Gabrielle Wilkinson, and Braedyn Taft, and Jazz Bearstail. Thanks to our friends at KMHA radio: Anne Morsette, Will Maguire, Ricky Raine, and Shelley Krueger for administering a rapid COVID test.And big thanks to the whole Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.Sincerest thanks to Dr. Cheryl Ann Kary, Cheryl Keepseagle, Logan Davis, Barb Anguino, D’Vera Cohn,  Byard Duncan, David Rodriguez, and Lycia Ortega Maddocks.This story was produced in partnership with Type Investigations.The original score was by Cheflee and Pat Mesiti-MillerThis story was produced and reported by Julian Brave NoiseCat and John FecileIt was written by Julian Brave NoiseCatSnap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 39 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Chase the storm until it chases you. Tornadoes! They don’t look like they do in the movies. When you’re in the path of one, all you’ll see is a wall of black wind. This week, Snap is heading directly into the monster’s maw to chase storms that should be left alone.Big thanks to Craig Wolter! Thank you, Windom High School... especially Sarah, Benny, and Danielle. Crystal Frank, another student on the trip, shared her home video with us. This story would not have been possible without her.Many thanks also to Sue, for sharing your story with us. Sue’s memoir is titled The Lake Turned Upside Down. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.If you listened to our radio broadcast and want to find out what happened to the 24 people that shut themselves in a beer cooler to wait out one of the strongest tornadoes in recorded history, you can listen to the full length version of the "Eye of the Storm" story here. Season 15 - Episode 38 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Amateur treasure hunters race to uncover $100,000 in gold and silver after a man buries his entire jewelry store around the state of Michigan. Hunters are given clues and left to explore the woods.This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.BIG thanks to Johnny & everyone out on the hunt for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Johnny and his treasure quest on his website and Facebook.Produced by Will McCarthy, original score by Derek Barber, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic Season 15 – Episode 37 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dr. Ayaz Virji, a Muslim doctor, shares his journey moving to Dawson, Minnesota, where he unexpectedly found a welcoming community. His wife, Mussarat, alongside community members Mandy France and Doug Peterson, discuss the challenges of cultural acceptance amidst political tensions. They explore the importance of support and identity in a predominantly white town. Ayaz also reflects on his presentations about Islam, facing backlash yet fostering dialogue, revealing the complexities of belonging in a rural backdrop.

A rock climber hits the jackpot in Yosemite and Moss Hills saves the day with his music on a sea cruise. Two stories… double the trouble.STORIESLake ChronicopiaDale Bard was a young rock climber in Yosemite in the ’70s. Back then, rock climbing was an obscure, expensive passion. And he came across the most unbelievable cash cow you’ve ever heard of.Thank you, Cisco DeVries, Papa Tom DeVries, all the climbers that helped us, and a big huge thanks to the filmmakers Greg Laut and Nicholas Rosen from Sender Films. Check out our link to their amazing documentary on this very story, “Valley Uprising.”Produced by Anna Sussman & Julia Dewitt, original score by Leon MorimotoThe Sinking of the Cruise Ship OceanosMoss Hills takes us on a sea cruise and saves the day with his music.Thanks, Moss, for sharing your story with us! Love this story? Learn more about the sinking of the Oceanos or watch a video of the ship’s final moments!Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Renzo GorrioSnap Classic – Season 15 – Episode 35 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A severed head turns up in a small rural town. While police investigate this as a crime, they look at disturbed graves, search for missing people — suspect a killer. But the forensic artist on the case has a very different theory for how the head ended up in the woods.This story contains references to forensic material, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you to Michelle Vitali & Mike O’Brien for sharing this story with Snap.Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 34 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything. And the story of a talented luchador who has an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side.STORIES Feelabeelia: One-Hit Wonder?Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything. Major thanks to Nick Murphy for sharing your story with Snap. Nick still lives in Leicester today and he’s continuing to make his dreams come true as one of the oldest students at De Montfort University, where he studies music technology. Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Clay Xavier.Cassandro El ExoticoCassandro is an up-and-coming luchador, a professional Mexican wrestler. He wants to get to the big arenas. He’s got the talent, no doubt. But because he’s also one of the only openly gay fighters, he’s got an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side.This story contains graphic imagery regarding suicide. Please take care while listening. Thank you for sharing your story, Cassandro!Produced by Eliza Smith, sound design by Leon MorimotoArtwork by Teo DucotSeason 15 - Episode 33 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

An undercover ATF agent is going full throttle on a highway to hell as he tries to infiltrate the most notorious motorcycle club on the planet.This story contains police violence, descriptions of violence, and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.BIG thanks to Jay Dobyns for sharing his story with Snap. There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Jay’s experience. To find out more check out his memoirs “No Angel” and “Catching Hell.”Special thanks to George Christie.The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club did not respond to requests for comment on this story.Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo DucotSnap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 32 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Your daddy is a bank robber, the world is on fire, and grandma’s last dress is in stitches. There’s got to be some way out of this... Chasing the Rainbow.STORIESSalmon Daddy After being fed up with life in rural Virginia, 15-year-old Deni Béchard calls his estranged father with one request: “I want to go live with you.” His dad, he found out, was a bank robber and Deni wanted a life right out of a crime novel. But when he finally gets to Vancouver, he finds out his dad doesn’t quite live up to the legend.Thanks, Deni, for sharing your story with Snap! Check out all of Deni's books and see what he's up to on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram or X.Produced by David Exumé. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio.As the World Burns What happens when the world around you starts to burn? Performed by Josh Healey at Snap Judgment LIVE! at San Francisco's Nourse Theater.Music composed by Alex Mandel and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.The Funeral DressPaul Valdez loved making dresses with his grandmother at her bridal shop in Santa Fe, but one particular dress he didn’t want to make… Thanks, Paul, for sharing your story!Produced by Jazmin Aguilera. Sound Design by Renzo Gorrio.Season 15 - Episode 31 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices