Podcast · Arts & Books

Snap Judgment

by Snap Judgment and PRX · English · Arts & Books

Snap Judgment mixes real stories with beats to produce cinematic, dramatic audio. Snap’s raw, musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. It's storytelling... with a BEAT.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest: 1 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026 · 43 min

We Are Jane Doe E3: What Happens in the Dark Always Comes to the Light

Ali faces down her attacker in court and wins. But will the Central California Women's Facility officers who assaulted her former cell mate and 150 other women see justice? And with the story still unfolding, reporters Madi Bolaños and Anna Sussman unpack the investigation with editor Sukey Lewis in the studio. Part 3 of 3. This episode contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening. "We Are Jane Doe" is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Over three episodes, we trace Ali Prout's dramatic fight for justice and the stunning…

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Earlier episodes 28 most recent

S17 · E44 · 29 Sep 2026 · 26 min

We Are Jane Doe E2: Operation Breakdown

August 2nd, 2024, started with a search. More than 150 women rounded up into chow hall as their cells were tossed. What happened next was beyond their imagination. It would be investigated by the feds and the state. Things did not go to plan, or did they? Part 2 of 3. This episode contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening. "We Are Jane Doe" is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Over three episodes, we trace Ali Prout's dramatic fight for justice and the stunning ripple effects that threaten to upend the system of power…
S17 · E43 · 24 Sep 2026 · 29 min

We Are Jane Doe E1: Ali’s Story

Ali Prout had only been at the Central California Women’s Facility for a few days when an officer stopped her at a checkpoint. “You have beautiful lips and beautiful eyes,” he said. But he didn’t realize… this time he’d picked the wrong girl. Part 1 of 3. This episode contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening. "We Are Jane Doe" is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Over three episodes, we trace Ali Prout's dramatic fight for justice and the stunning ripple effects that threaten to upend the system of power and control at…
S17 · E42 · 17 Sep 2026 · 42 min

The Roughhouse - Snap Classic

A man washes up on shore in Sitka, Alaska and finds himself in the middle of an underground boxing show. It’s a place where you might duke it out with the bartender, the locals, or your own troubled past. This episode contains violence and strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you, Jaed “The Stone” Coffin, for sharing your story with us! For more about Jaed’s story, check out his memoir Roughhouse Friday. Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic - Season 17 - Episode 42
S17 · E41 · 10 Sep 2026 · 49 min

The Whale

On the volcanic island of La Palma biologists unravel a massive mystery. Is it a crime scene, a treasure or a dream come true? And in the town of Trinidad a grade school trip to the ocean is about to get beautiful, raw, and wild. Whalecano On the volcanic island of La Palma biologists unravel a massive mystery. Is it a crime scene, a treasure or a dream come true? A huge thank you to Paula Alonso, and Dr. Antonio Fernandez for sharing your story with Snap! Produced by Erick Yáñez, with help from Anna Sussman. Original score by Nicholas Marks. Translation by Elvis Di Marcantonio. Art by Teo…
S17 · E40 · 3 Sep 2026 · 46 min

Vote for El Hottie - Snap Classic

In sweet home Alabama, from the heart of Libya, comes a renegade candidate with a boombox and a head scarf. The cheerleaders, the geeks, the dweebs and the freaks are about to send a message the country needs right after 9/11. A very big thank you to Yasmin! Yasmin is a comedian and storyteller. You can follow her on Instagram @yasminelhahahady or TikTok @yasmin_elhady. She first told a version of this story at Story District in Washington, DC. Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Snap Classic - Season 17 – Episode 40
S17 · E39 · 27 Aug 2026 · 49 min

Campfire Tales: Hot Wheels

There’s a jumbie in a jalopy and the spirits are flowing during happy hour on St. Thomas. Plus, everybody kicks butt in Lee’s Los Gatos Spin Class but Cycle 23 is out of this world. Snap Judgment presents this year's Campfire Tales... "Hot Wheels.” A supernatural summer tradition that features stories from our evil twin Spooked . Spooked drops weekly, you can listen on any podcast platform. Tune in and be afraid... STORIES Joyride There’s a jumbie in a jalopy and the spirits are flowing during happy hour on St. Thomas. Thanks, Greg, for sharing your story! Produced and scouted by Paulina…
S17 · E38 · 20 Aug 2026 · 50 min

Feelabeelia: One-Hit Wonder? Snap Classic

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…
S17 · E37 · 13 Aug 2026 · 50 min

Super Pizza Man

A pizza delivery guy goes full superhero out on the job. And a husband trying to bring joy to his pregnant wife pays a high price to satisfy her sweet tooth. Super Pizza Man A pizza delivery guy goes full superhero out on the job. A huge thank you to Nicholas Bostic for sharing your story! Nick would go on to be awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Honor ; the highest civilian honor for heroism. He currently runs his own lawn care business in Lafayette, Indiana. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks, art by Teo Ducot. Heavy, High & Far A husband…
S17 · E36 · 6 Aug 2026 · 50 min

The Shadow Side

The dead man does not know the value of his coffin. This episode comes to us from Mind Your Own ! Mind Your Own is a storytelling podcast navigating what it means to belong, all from the African perspective. Join Lupita Nyong’o as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind. Listen to and enjoy Mind Your Own on any podcast platform! This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. “Comeuppance” 12-year-old Lupita’s split-second playground decision haunts her for years.…
S17 · E35 · 30 Jul 2026 · 46 min

The Black Wind - All Systems Down

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…
S17 · E34 · 23 Jul 2026 · 50 min

Fire & Ice - All Systems Down

Randy, the local surfing legend is in a one-man battle with the blaze at Sunset Point. Plus, the blizzard of the century traps four men on top of a Tennessee bald, frozen and hungry, but with a song in their heart. Sunset Point Randy, the local surfing legend is in a one-man battle with the blaze at Sunset Point. Thanks to Randy and Andrew for sharing your stories with us. Thanks to the whole Sunset Point surf crew. Special thanks to Sonya Geis, Phil Richards, and KCRW. And shout to Los Angeles Fire Department Station 23. The heroes who put out the fire on Gladstones and fought the flames in…
S17 · E33 · 16 Jul 2026 · 51 min

Father of the Bride - All Systems Down

Dad goes into hero mode and no hurricane, no barricade, no live power line is gonna stand between him and his daughter’s wedding day. Father of the Bride Dad goes into hero mode and no hurricane, no barricade, no live power line is gonna stand between him and his daughter’s wedding day. Thank you David Jones and his daughter Elizabeth Marquez for sharing their story! David is a performance excellence coach and consultant for businesses and the founder and president of the Excellence Advisory. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks, artwork by Teo Ducot.…
S17 · E32 · 9 Jul 2026 · 59 min

Vroom - All Systems Down

A teenager is trapped behind the wheel of a speeding SUV with a mind of its own. It’s blowing through intersections at high speed, police in hot pursuit, Mom’s on with 911… and one lone trooper has got a crazy idea. And -- when NASA loses contact with a spacecraft over 12 billion miles away, scientist Suzanne Dodd has to throw a Hail Mary. When the system crashes, when the first responders can’t respond, when you’re left all alone... what do you do? For the next four weeks, we’re sharing stories of people trying to think their way out of situations where no help is coming. And all of them…
S17 · E31 · 2 Jul 2026 · 49 min

The Belgian Beaver Bandit - Snap Classic

One man takes it upon himself to reintroduce the beaver to Belgium. When his proposal to the Ministry of Conservation is rejected he takes matters into his own hands. And -- the "Home Alone" Curse is all too real. The Belgian Beaver Bandit Sacré bleu! The damn beavers are on the loose! Belgium authorities are hot on the tail of Oliver Rubbers. A renegade with a wild mission… bring the beaver back. Thank you, Olivier Rubbers, for sharing your story with us! Olivier now lives with his wife and kids in Belgium and is still engaging in nature advocacy work. Produced by David Exumé, original…
S17 · E30 · 30 Jun 2026 · 43 min

Blood Memory from Love and Radio

From our friends at Love and Radio, the groundbreaking new series Blood Memory . In this first episode, two women meet the same man in prison and walk away with decidedly different impressions of him. “Sometimes, if you want something great, you have to make a lot of sacrifices.” You can listen to the rest of the series over at the Love and Radio podcast! Stay tuned after this episode for an interview with Love and Radio creator Nick van der Kolk and Snap Producer John Fecile. This episode featured the voices of Ariel, Heather Brown and Michael Thompson. The series producer is Meera Kumar.…
S17 · E29 · 25 Jun 2026 · 48 min

Movement - Snap Classic

The story of a self proclaimed “drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them. Plus, we go on an adventure underwater to visit a secret kingdom for seahorses. STORIES Movement From the podcast, Movement, we spotlight the story of a self proclaimed” drunk drag queen,” and the music that saved them. Produced by Meklit Hadero and Ian Coss. The Movement show was co-created by Julie Caine. You can find all of San Cha’s music and projects at churchofsancha.com . If you want to find more stories at the crossroads of music and migration, search for “ Movement with Meklit Hadero ,” wherever you…
S17 · E28 · 18 Jun 2026 · 50 min

Deliverance

Little Sammy has three loves. Bumble bees, the Bible and boys. Raised by preachers, he’s kept one of these secret, but Deliverance Day is on the way. A very big thank you to Dr. Sammy Ramsey and Pastor Roosevelt Ramsey for sharing their story! You can learn more about Sammy and his work with bees here . Big love and thanks to Lulu Miller as well. Sammy and Lulu work together to make a kids podcast for Radiolab, it’s called Terrestrials and they just dropped an episode all about dads in the animal world... How they’re different than what you’ve been taught. It’s called “The DADventure.” It’s…
S17 · E27 · 11 Jun 2026 · 50 min

Kismet - Snap Classic

Two women set sail on a tiny boat embarking on a journey to freedom that takes them across the globe. And a Hungarian composer dreams of changing the world… he did. This episode contains strong language, violence, and mentions suicide. Sensitive listeners please be advised. From Russia With Love Two women, a tiny boat, the wide-open ocean… and kismet. Elena has written a book about their adventure, called Talking to the Moon. You can read the story on the couple’s website . Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Teo Ducot. Gloomy Sunday Hungarian composer Rezső…
S17 · E26 · 4 Jun 2026 · 49 min

Something Sacred

A Coast Guardsman scans the dark, starry horizon with a pair of night vision goggles. He’s looking for hazards in the water and other ships. But nothing can prepare him for what he’s about to see. And -- in Hilo, Hawaii, hula sisters are about to take the stage at the 1986 Merrie Monarch Festival. They’ve been practicing for months. But the gods have other plans. This supernatural story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked ! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. Coast Guard Haunts It’s midnight in the middle of the Atlantic ocean and Jordan is standing…
S17 · E25 · 28 May 2026 · 49 min

The Real Fleetwood Mac - Snap Classic

Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong? And the infamous Pine Tar Game of baseball superstar George Brett… told by the bat boy. STORIES The Real Fleetwood Mac Elmer Gantry gets an offer to join a notoriously unstable rock n’ roll band on a tour of the US. What could possibly go wrong? Thanks, Elmer, for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Elmer Gantry’s music in this blog post that producer John Fecile wrote for Aquarium Drunkard. Kirby Gregory still performs with the band Curved Air . Read an…
S17 · E24 · 21 May 2026 · 48 min

Silence Speaks

You don't always need words to speak up. Silence Speaks In a time when words were dangerous, Grigory found a way to speak up using silence. Mimes. Robots. Mermaids. You’ll only hear a story like this on Snap Judgment. Thank you Grigory for sharing your story! Check out Grigory’s work on his Youtube ...watch Man and the Sea , The Acrobats , Jungle , and Black Square , recorded by Grigory before he left the Soviet Union. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Marcel on the Train During WWII, a young Marcel Marceau helped rescue children from the Nazis. How he did so became…
S17 · E23 · 14 May 2026 · 43 min

Heavyweight

At 101 years old, Deborah discovered a box she'd stashed away a lifetime ago. What was inside reignited an old love and turned her life upside down. This is an episode from a podcast we love, Heavyweight . We are so excited to share it with you! Heavyweight, hosted by Jonathan Goldstein, creates space for difficult conversations and resolving long-standing regrets and unanswered questions. Balancing humor and empathy, host Jonathan Goldstein helps his subjects pinpoint the moment things went wrong and joins them on a quest to make them right. Find Heavyweight wherever you get your podcasts!…
S17 · E22 · 7 May 2026 · 34 min

Fire Escape: Worthy EP6

The Fire Girls blast their sirens to salute Amika as she is released from prison after seven years. She has no career, no home, no money, and teenage children who have been waiting for their mom to return. But the hardest part of regaining her freedom, would be believing that she is worthy. This episode contains graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here . Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at…
S17 · E21 · 5 May 2026 · 33 min

Fire Escape: Release EP5

As wildland fires burn hotter and stronger across California, Amika and the incarcerated firefighters are put in extreme danger. At a massive, out of control fire, Amika must defy orders for the sake of the women on her crew. This episode contains graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here . Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED , made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery).…
S17 · E20 · 30 Apr 2026 · 36 min

Fire Escape: Reckoning EP4

Amika and the Fire Girls are called to the scene of a terrible crash to rescue the passengers from the wreckage. Amika realizes the driver of the car is intoxicated. While saving his life, she reckons with lives lost and the harsh future awaiting the young patient. Back at the firehouse, Amika’s crew are called out to a Christmas Eve emergency. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can…
S17 · E19 · 28 Apr 2026 · 32 min

Fire Escape: Caught EP3

At the firehouse, Amika plans a drop – a secret plan to sneak forbidden cell phones to her friends still on the inside. She begins to worry she might get caught. And then she’s called to an emergency involving one of her jailers. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes here . Fire Escape is a production of Snap Studios at KQED , made in partnership with Audible…
S17 · E18 · 23 Apr 2026 · 31 min

Fire Escape: Escape EP2

Amika is thrown in the hole for forty days. Locked in a windowless cell, she can hear the women through the walls losing their sanity. To protect herself, Amika must shut down all connections with everyone she loves: her cellies, her mom, and even her kids. The world looks dark until she sees a small light that may illuminate a path to her new life when she gets a call from the firehouse. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Amika Mota, for sharing your story with us! Fire Escape , the 6-part series is dropping weekly on…
S17 · E17 · 21 Apr 2026 · 34 min

Fire Escape: The Crash EP1

How did Amika Mota go from a midwife and mother of three to a prisoner inside one of the largest women's prisons on Earth? Handcuffed to a hospital bed, awaiting trial, Amika tries to come to grips with the tragic crash that cost one man his life and took her away from her children. Inside the Chowchilla prison walls, she faces the "green cops" and the threat of solitary confinement. Outside the walls sits Firehouse Five, the home of the legendary crew of incarcerated firefighters called the Fire Girls. This episode contains descriptions of a car crash & strong language. Sensitive listeners…

About Snap Judgment

Snap Judgment is a English arts & books podcast from Snap Judgment and PRX. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Snap Judgment and PRX
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 48 min
Latest episode: 1 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id283657561
Rights: Snap Judgment.

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