Snap Judgment

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 12 – Episode 52

Two stories from the mountains full of holiday spirit(s). It's the Nightmare before New Year's with a very Spooky episode from Snap… where guardian angels don't get snow days. Snap Judgment presents, “The Don’t Look Back! Special.” Amazing stories of the unexplained from our evil-twin podcast, Spooked.

Spooked, features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. Want more Spooked? Season 6 is streaming now, rolling out new episodes through Spring, 2022. You can hear the newest episodes by subscribing to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts, or directly on Luminary.

STORIES

Cliffhanger

Bill is home from college, on his way to meet his girlfriend, when his car swerves off the road.

This story contains one brief scene of graphic material.

Big thanks to Bill Love for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Leon Morimoto

Cowboy Ghost

Valerie is lost in a snowstorm in rural Montana. She thinks she might not be able to get out, when she sees two headlights coming to her through the storm. Help is on the way - she hopes.

Thank you Valerie for sharing your story. Valerie’s story comes to us from the book “Trucker Ghost Stories” edited by Annie Wilder.

Produced by Eliza Smith, original score by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 51

Scott Lechner is the king of Christmas trees in Manhattan, nicknamed the “Pontiff of Soho.” But when his business runs afoul of the mob, he gets an offer that he can’t refuse. And a covert operative is assigned to extract a high-level target from Russia, and it's about to ruin his holiday plans.

STORIES

The Christmas Tree Mafia

Scott Lechner is the king of Christmas trees in Manhattan, nicknamed the “Pontiff of Soho.” But when his business runs afoul of the mob, he gets an offer that he can’t refuse. The crazy true story of the New York Christmas tree industry, full of turf wars, karate fights, and the mafia.

This story contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

This story is dedicated to the memory of Scott Lechner, the pontiff of Soho and the emperor of New York city treemen. Thanks as well to Russ and Little Scott.

Produced by Ilana Strauss, John Fecile & Annie Nguyen

Original score by Renzo Gorrio

Secrets in Siberia

Mike Ramsdell is a covert operative for the federal government. He’s assigned to capture and extract a high level target from Russia, but the mission goes horribly wrong.

Find Mike’s book here.

Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 50

It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “JoAnne” Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get “the call.” It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history. And a young massage therapist in Miami Beach gets the business offer of a lifetime. So he shakes hands with the devil and hopes for the best.

STORIES

We Are Not Yellow Pearl

It’s 1972 and Singer Nobuko “JoAnne” Miyamoto and her partner Chris Ijima get “the call.” It’s Yoko Ono and John Lennon inviting them to sing on national TV. What happens next is musical history.

This story contains strong language and references to Japanese Internment and racism against Asians and Asian Americans. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Thank you, Nobuko, for sharing your story with Snap!

After their first and last TV performance, Nobuko and Chris recorded “Yellow Pearl,” “We Are The Children,” and other songs on their 1973 album A Grain of Sand: Music for the Struggle by Asians in America. And while Chris, unfortunately, passed away in 2005, Nobuko is still making music to this day.

For more, check out Noboku’s recently released memoir: Not Yo’ Butterfly: My Long Song of Relocation, Race, Love, and Revolution. And go to Noboku’s website to see what she’s working on next!

Produced by David Exumé, original score by Daniel Riera

The Accidental Arms Dealer

A young massage therapist in Miami Beach gets the business offer of a lifetime. So he shakes hands with the devil and hopes for the best.

Big thanks to David Packouz for sharing your story. If you want to find out the dirty, dirty, gritty, gritty behind this piece, check out the book written by Guy Lawson; it's called "Arms and the Dudes."

Produced by Anna Sussman & Julia DeWitt in collaboration with Guy Lawson. Original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 49

When men living in Muskegon prison watch the breaking news of George Floyd’s murder on TV, they decide to host a one-of-a-kind celebration of life. This story is a tribute to Robert “Silk” Cannon Junior.

This episode contains strong language and references to police violence. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

Special thanks to William Welch and Dee Dee Kirkwood who helped make the bagel sandwich a reality for the men in Muskegon. Additional shout-outs to Catherine Nouhan, Stephen Carmody, and Delores Ingram.

And major thanks to Tana Ganeva, a criminal justice reporter who has written extensively about Michael Thompson’s incarceration and petitions for clemency. You can read more about the George Floyd celebration of life in her article in The Counter. Tana is currently working on a book about Cold War escapees.

Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 48

This past year Adizah Eghan noticed an interesting trend on social media: everyone seemed to be living it up in Tulum, Mexico. Some were flocking there to have a good time, while others were seeking something much deeper: they wanted to escape racism and seek refuge with like-minded people. Adizah traveled to Mexico to experience the vibes of Tulum for herself -- and also dig into why Black people are seeking refuge in a small fishing town south of Cancun.

This piece comes to us from our friends at VICE News Reports. VICE has so many amazing stories, make sure you subscribe to their podcast asap!

This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Special thanks to Nubia Younge, Patricia Talley, and all those in Tulum!

This episode was produced by Adizah Eghan and edited by Kate Osborn and James T. Green with help from Annie Aviles and Stephanie Kariuki. The original score is by Kyle Murdock.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 47

We’re reflecting back on stories that give thanks for a monster-fighting grandfather, growing up with same-sex parents, and stuffing your face with Girl Scout Cookies…  LIVE. Even in another tough year, we’ve got a lot to be grateful for.

Snap Nation, every year we make a Gratitude Special and every year we grow increasingly grateful for YOU. Thank you for listening. Commenting. Laughing. Crying. Thank you… for supporting us.

This episode contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

STORIES

Turn on the Lights - Shane Koyczan

The monsters of Shane's night terrors tremble in fear of Shane's grandfather... until his powers fail. Watch Shane perform this heartfelt story LIVE.

The Last Mile - Noah St. John

15-year-old storyteller Noah St. John describes the trials and tribulations of growing up the son of same-sex parents. Watch Noah perform this breathtaking story LIVE.

Mad Love - Joyce Lee

Do not get on Joyce Lee’s bad side. Just don't do it. You did it? Oh, no.

Back of the Bus - Glynn Washington

Glynn has an unfortunate initiation on his first day of school. Watch Glynn perform this incredible story LIVE.

Girl Scout Cookies - Jen Kober

As a little girl, Jen Kober discovered the allure of being a brownie scout: the Girl Scout Cookie. Holding out for Girl Scout Cookie release day...was another struggle altogether. Watch Jen perform this hilarious story LIVE.

All music in this episode was performed live by Alex Mandel, David Brandt, and Tim Frick. Original Music by Alex Mandel.

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 46

You’re young, fun, and on the run from the law. One kid’s journey across the Deep South leads to a big confrontation with the man who inspired it all… Con Man Daddy.

BIG thanks to Jason Russel Waller as well as his brothers, Randy and Kel, for sharing your story with Snap!

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 45

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.

STORIES

Lake Chronicopia

Dale 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 Morimoto

The Sinking of the Cruise Ship Oceanos

Moss Hills takes us on a sea cruise and saves the day with his music.

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 Gorrio

Snap Classic - Season 12 - Episode 44

When a man starts having night terrors his family thinks it’s just nightmares. Only it’s not just bad dreams — there is an actual demon plaguing him. And two family members know their house is haunted but they don’t want to share that secret… even with each other.

To celebrate Halloween week, we’re bringing you more Spooked stories! Our evil-twin podcast, Spooked, features supernatural stories told by people that can barely believe it happened themselves. To listen to all #Spooked episodes as they’re released, subscribe to Luminary directly, or to the Luminary Channel on Apple Podcasts. Either way, just go to: luminary.link/spooked

STORIES

Green Demon

When Austin’s dad starts having night terrors, the family thinks it’s just nightmares -- but Austin thinks something else is going on. He soon discovers that there is an actual demon plaguing his father… and Austin must confront it.

Thank you, Austin, for sharing your story with Spooked!

Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Leon Morimoto

Libby

Jennifer and her daughter Taylor both know their family home is haunted… but they don’t want to share that secret, even with each other.

Thank you, Jennifer & Taylor, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by Eliza Smith, original score by Bells Atlas

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 43