Snap Judgment

Your eyes may deceive you, your ears can betray you, but when it comes to love the nose knows. Plus - a reflection on life’s sliding doors and how we can never truly know all the versions of the people we love. This week on Snap, we kick off our FEVER series! Four weeks full of love stories that are not your typical romances... We love you Snap Nation! Catch the Fever.STORIESSmell Ya LaterAfter Laura’s husband gets a fatal diagnosis, he promises to contact her from beyond the grave. But how will she know it’s really him?This supernatural story comes to us from our evil twin podcast, Spooked. Spooked drops weekly, listen on any podcast platform! Thank you, Laura Packer, for sharing this special story. Laura’s a storyteller in Minneapolis. Learn more about Laura at her website.Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Leon Morimoto.My Dead Mother’s Italian Lover Not long after Peter’s mother Mara dies, a stranger messages him on Facebook. His name is Francesco and he says that before she met Peter’s dad, Mara was the love of his life. Francesco starts sending Peter poetry and links to love songs, describing his romance with Peter’s mom in more and more detail. And the woman in his stories is nothing like the mother Peter knew. So Peter reaches out to Francesco for a phone call. A reflection on life’s sliding doors and how we can never truly know all the versions of the people we love. This story comes to us from Love Me, from CBC. It was produced by Peter Lang-Stanton, Cristal Duhaime and Mira Burt-Wintonick. Sound design by Cristal Duhaime. Mix engineered by Michelle MACK-lem . Featuring original music by David Drury. To hear more stories about the messiness of human connection, check out Love Me wherever you get your podcasts. Season 17 - Episode 6  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

12/02/2026 • 53:10

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 check out their podcast!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.Snap Classic - Season 17 – Episode 5 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

05/02/2026 • 49:15

An Iranian American professor is on a date in the hills outside Tehran. She hears the thunder of galloping, and what comes over the crest will ignite an unbridled passion in her -  defining her future and explaining her past. Plus, an urban legend about a chicken that turns out to be true.This is our final week of the Tooth & Claw series -- stay tuned next month for our collection of love stories in February... Fever. Do not miss it.No ReinsAn Iranian American professor is on a date in the hills outside Tehran. She hears the thunder of galloping, and what comes over the crest will ignite an unbridled passion in her -  defining her future and explaining her past.This story contains state brutality and sexual situations, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you Pardis for speaking with Snap! Check out her book --Book of Queens -- all about her time on horseback in Iran. Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Headless ChickenSome schoolyard stories are true, and so are some urban legends.This story contains descriptions of a chicken without a head, please take care while listening.For more information about Mike The Headless Chicken, including Fruita, Colorado’s annual Mike The Headless Chicken Festival, check out miketheheadlesschicken.orgProduced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Renzo Gorrio with additional instrumentation by Andrew Vickers.Season 17 - Episode 4 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

29/01/2026 • 50:12

What if your sister -- the one your parents raised you with, the one that shared your toys -- what if she didn’t just have different hair, or a slightly different nose, but was an entirely different species altogether? Hannah Friedman experiences the Law of the Jungle firsthand in the (dis)comfort of her family home. STORIESMonkey SisterA huge thank you to Hannah Friedman and her parents Alison Pascoe & Dean Friedman for sharing their story with Snap!Hannah is a tv and film writer, producer and composer based in Los Angeles. To find out more about her life growing up with Amelia the monkey, check out  Hannah’s memoir “Everything Sucks” Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Photo by Robin Schwartz.The Gift Horse Tim Snyder thought he knew horses. He’d been around horses his entire life. Then he was introduced to a disabled horse that completely changed his life.Thanks Tim for sharing your story! Check out Tim's book "The Ghost Horse"Produced by Anna Sussman, sound design by Renzo Gorrio.Season 17 - Episode 3 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

22/01/2026 • 49:58

A dolphin named Dr. Spock is in danger and NBA star Clifford Ray is the only man big enough to lend a hand. Plus, torrential rain is ripping through the Appalachians and the people of the mountain are all looking for Plan B.STORIESJust Another Day for Big Clifford RayA dolphin named Dr. Spock is in danger and NBA star Clifford Ray is the only man big enough to lend a hand.A huge thank you to Clifford Ray and Mary O’Herron for sharing their story with the Snap!This year, Big Cliff and Author Laynie D. Weaver teamed up to bring Clifford and Dr. Spock’s story to life in an illustrated Children’s book titled “Big Clifford Ray Saves The Day.” Want more Big Cliff? Follow him on Instagram or X.Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff , artwork by Teo DucotPlan BSnap Storyteller, Dr. Ray Christian, found himself trapped by the rising floodwaters of hurricane Helene, he knew he had to flee. But he also knew that meant leaving behind all of his animals, including his favorite goat.Thank you, Ray, for sharing your story with us!Ray has shared some resources for hurricane Helene recovery: The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Rock.For a world of Southern-baked personal narratives, interwoven with Black American history, listen to Ray’s podcast: What’s Ray Saying?Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Derek BarberSnap Classic - Season 17 – Episode 2 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

15/01/2026 • 56:22

Can the dreaded Alligator Death Roll actually save your life? One man risks life and limb in the Florida swamplands.Thank you, Eric Merda, for sharing his story with us!Eric has been sharing his experience on stage doing stand-up comedy and also as a motivational speaker. Check him out on Instagram!Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks.Season 17 - Episode 1 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

08/01/2026 • 44:36

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 Ducot.Happy New Year Snap Nation -- thank you for listening in 2025! We love you!Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 61 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

01/01/2026 • 52:04

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.STORIESThe Christmas Tree MafiaScott 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, artwork by Teo Ducot.Secrets in SiberiaMike 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.Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 60 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

25/12/2025 • 49:19

German and his family are stuck behind the walls of a rusty old pencil factory in the jungle. When a Youtuber stumbles onto the scene with a camera, he may be their only hope.Thank you, to German, Eva, and Sasha. Thanks also to Julia Neusner.You can see more of Caya’s documentaries about tech and society on his Youtube channel “Slide Bean.”Check out this story featured on Today Explained!The Banished By Bargain project is a great resource to learn more about the Trump administration’s third-country deportations.Produced by John Fecile and Caya, edited by Nancy Lopez, original music by Renzo Gorrio.Season 16 - Episode 59 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

18/12/2025 • 48:30

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

11/12/2025 • 31:40

A woman wakes up in a hospital bed with no idea why she’s there. Her perception of reality is questionable. A doctor discovers a possible source for her delusions and what follows is her journey to recovery and back to herself. Thank you to Susannah Cahalan for sharing your story with us! Susannah tells the full tale of her descent into madness and rise out of it in her international bestselling memoir Brain on Fire.  She's written a new book called The Acid Queen, about the reality-bending world of psychedelics. You can find Susannah on IG @suscahalan.  Our friends at The Pulse will be continuing Susannah's story this coming week, as she investigates one of the most famous psychological experiments of all time... and discovers something incredible. You'll want to catch that on the next episode of WHYY's The Pulse, available on the NPR podcast feed. Produced by Justin Kramon, edited by Nancy Lopez, engineering by Boen Wang, music from Blue Dot Sessions.Season 16 - Episode 57 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

09/12/2025 • 18:28

A teenage hacker inspired by “Mr. Robot” takes on his principal, teachers, and the Board of Education. And a night-shift doctor shares a story of life after death. STORIESCode YellowA teenage hacker inspired by “Mr. Robot” takes on his principal, teachers, and the Board of Education.This story contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. This piece was adapted from the podcast, Darknet Diaries. Listen to the full story, called Finn.Produced by Jack Rhysider with assistance from Nancy Lopez, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.The Lazarus EffectA night-shift doctor shares a story of life after death.This story comes to us from the podcast, The Nocturnists, and was performed live in San Francisco in 2018. You can listen to the full story, called The Lazarus Effect.Special thanks to Emily Silverman, Ana Adlerstein, Ali Block, Adelaide Papazolou, Marina Poole, Kirk Klocke, and the storyteller, Joe Sills.Snap Classic – Season 16 Episode 56 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

04/12/2025 • 48:50

On the frozen tundra, a polar bear guide wakes up to a loud THUMP on the side of his ice buggy. It’s his 1,000 pound buddy, Dancer. And he wants a cup of coffee. Plus, Don Reed transports himself to 1970.Not So Tiny DancerOn the frozen tundra, a polar bear guide wakes up to a loud THUMP on the side of his ice buggy. It’s his 1,000 pound buddy, Dancer. And he wants a cup of coffee.Thank you, Dennis Comparye, for sharing your story with us! To learn more about his work to help the Polar Bears, email Dennis: polarbearfilmfund@gmail.comProduced by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot.Butter Laugh yourself silly with the Snap Judgment LIVE audience, as master storyteller Don Reed transports himself to 1970's Oakland.Original music performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick and David Brandt. Watch the LIVE version.Thank you Snap Fam for supporting us and listening all these years! We are so grateful for you.Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 55 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

27/11/2025 • 49:40

Jen Angel is a beloved cupcake baker whose life was taken in a smash and grab gone wrong. Now a young man accused of the crime has his future hanging in the balance. Cries for justice, retribution and reason all collide as everyone tries to figure out “What Would Jen Do?”This episode contains graphic imagery and strong language. Please take care while listening.Thank you to Ocean, Ashanthe, Emily, Moira, Tobias, Sandra, and people from our community, right here in Oakland, who opened up their hearts to share their story with Snap Judgment. Special thanks to Jemila, the Estate of Jen Angel (including Julie, Dana, Megan, Ryan, and Elle) and the entire team at Angel Cakes.Additional field recording by David Exumé. Expert Consultation from Sukey Lewis. Special thanks to KQED Legal. Produced by Regina Bediako, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Tribute image is Design Action Collective.Season 16 - Episode 54 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

20/11/2025 • 49:09

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

13/11/2025 • 49:45

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

06/11/2025 • 48:45

In a boarding house in Chicago, a young girl puts her questions to the universe and the answers are returned in coded messages from the other side. And a boy lost in the forest at the foothills of the Himalayas, sees a light in the distance… but it isn’t there to guide him.This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. Happy Halloween! STORIESKnock KnockIn a boarding house in Chicago, a young girl puts her questions to the universe and the answers are returned in coded messages from the other side.BIG thanks to Connie Shirakawa for sharing her story with us. Connie is a storyteller in Chicago. You can catch some of her performances on her website.Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Doug Stuart.Fire CreatureWhen you’re lost in the forest at the foothills of the Himalayas, a light in the distance is not always good news.  Thank you, Razdan, for sharing your grandfather’s story with Spooked.Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Clay Xavier, scouted by Aditya Mattoo.Season 16 - Episode 51 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

30/10/2025 • 48:12

A man visits prominent members of the Blackfeet Traditional Medicine community. After witnessing an unexplainable force, he learns just how important it is to practice good medicine. And a girl growing up in Mumbai knows money doesn’t grow on trees. But when times get tough, her family house begins to reveal its secrets.This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. STORIESBull BoyWhile Dan is at the compound of good friends and prominent members of the Blackfeet Traditional Medicine community, the Heavyrunner family, he learns just how important it is to practice good medicine.Thanks to Dan SaSuweh Jones for sharing your story with us! Learn more about Dan.Produced by Chris Hambrick, original score by Leon Morimoto.Hiding Spot Growing up in Mumbai, Rashi knew money didn't grow on trees.  But when times got really tough and the family was on the brink, their house began to reveal its secrets.Thank you Rashi for sharing your story with Spooked!Rashi is a radio DJ on BIG FM India. You can also follow her on Instagram: @rjrashiofficial @biglive @bigfm.jharkhandProduced by Erick Yáñez. Original score by Lauryn Newson. Scouted by Aditya Mattoo. Season 16 - Episode 50 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

23/10/2025 • 49:23

A young man gets “rollers” — the gift of a lifetime from a mysterious friend. Plus, an epic mixup at the funeral home is about to bring the house down.STORIES The Birds - LIVEA young man gets “rollers” — the gift of a lifetime from a mysterious friend.This story was told at the Orpheum Theatre at Spooked LIVE in 2023. Join us at our shows next week in Los Angeles and Oakland! Get your tix. Cross over.Thank you, Dr. Ray Christian! Check out Ray’s podcast: What’s Ray SayingOriginal music performed live by Doug Stuart and Brijean Murphy. Produced by Anna Sussman. Mixed by Miles Lassi. Special thanks to Ryan Davis, Sarah Rose Leonard, Jon Cohn, Rebecca Stumme, Kristen Payne, and the LA Orpheum Team.That's Not MamaAn epic mixup at the funeral home is about to bring the house down.Thank you, Sheri Booker, for sharing her story with Snap! Sheri is an author, poet, spoken word artist, and professor.  If you want to read more of Sheri's tales from her near-decade of work in the funeral business, check out her memoir: Nine Years Under: Coming of Age in an Inner-City Funeral Home.  Big thanks to Jessica Henkin and Laura Wexler at The Stoop Storytelling Series in Baltimore for introducing us to Sheri.Original score by Clay Xavier, edited by Nancy López, produced by Justin Kramon.Season 16 - Episode 49 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

16/10/2025 • 41:25

A woman in Texas takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead in her own home. And a Snap producer reveals he owes a lot to one single hairy flying mammal. STORIESBatwomanA woman in Texas takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead in her own home.Thank you, Mary Warwick, for sharing your story with us!Big thanks also to The Houston Humane Society, The TWRC Wildlife Center, and the Batworld Sanctuary in Texas – whose staff protect and rehabilitate bats, and provide education and training on the proper treatment of bats to people all over the US.Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by Shaina Shealy, artwork by Teo Ducot.Bless the BatSnap Producer, John Fecile, tells us how he got where is he today.Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by John Fecile.Season 16 – Episode 48 - Snap Classic Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

09/10/2025 • 43:10

DeAndre D’Angelo, a scam artist with a talent for forged documents and a taste for red sports cars finds the perfect persona to escape his checkered past. He's the Camaro driving, show tune singing, high school student who is actually 31 years old.What if you could relive your youth and do it all over again the right way?Thank you, Michael Backman, for sharing your story with Snap! Check out Michael's music.Produced by Jeff Maysh and Nancy López, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, illustration by Alex Williamson.Season 16 - Episode 47 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

02/10/2025 • 49:00

A team of high school students investigate a new hire at their school. What they discover leads them towards an all out battle for the truth. Extra special thanks to Emily Smith and her team of sleuthers!Produced by Shaina Shealy, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score Nick Marks. Season 16 - Episode 46 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

25/09/2025 • 49:30

Drama Club is the happy, safe space for Lee and Parker until their school play becomes a homophobic middle school meltdown. The lights get turned up to 10, the adults are in a media frenzy, and the kids are just trying to figure it all out.STORIESDon’t Say Gay DadsDrama Club is the happy, safe space for Lee and Parker until their school play becomes a homophobic middle school meltdown. The lights get turned up to 10, the adults are in a media frenzy, and the kids are just trying to figure it all out.This story contains descriptions of abuse directed at gay persons. Please take care while listening.A very big thank you to Lee and Parker—who are best friends to this day.  Thanks as well to Jamie McGonnigal.Produced by Mark Betancourt, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff. Artwork by Teo Ducot.Playground Bullies and Dark Secrets In middle school, Mike has a secret. But no one has ever seen “it.”This was performed at Snap LIVE in Los Angeles.“Mighty” Mike McGee is an international spoken word artist, writer, performer, speaker, slam poet and comic. McGee is the first slam poet to win both the American National Poetry Slam Individual Grand Championship and the Individual World Poetry Slam Championship.Original score composed and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt.Season 16 – Episode 45 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

18/09/2025 • 50:20

The county clerk in a sleepy town finds himself on the frontlines of a national fight over abortion care.  When a New York doctor prescribes abortion meds to a Texas woman, a state's rights fight erupts. Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck is front and center when he invokes the "shield law" to prevent Texas AG Ken Paxton from filing a case against the doctor. Produced by Anna Sussman and Zoe Ferrigno. Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.  Season 16 - Episode 43 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

16/09/2025 • 14:56

This week on Snap Judgment… it's the tough jobs, the rough jobs, the roll up your sleeves and get it done jobs. When the oddest man in town is arrested for murder, only one lawyer steps up to represent him. Plus misadventures under the Not-So-Big Top.STORIESThe Writing Is On The WallWhen the scariest man in town is arrested for murder, only one lawyer volunteers to represent him...Produced by Joe Rosenberg, sound design by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.Corrections: In a previous version, McCracken Poston is referred to as both a state senator and state representative.  He was a state representative, not a state senator.  Also, Virginia Ridley is described as having last been seen in public in 1980, 17 years before the events described in this story.  In fact it was in 1970, 27 years before.The Indiana Bust-OutHow does a well-mannered math kid become a first-class hustler? Through the ancient carnie tradition of "The Indiana Bust-Out."Check out Pete’s book -- Eyeing the Flash: The Making of a Carnival Con ArtistProduced by Davey Kim, sound design by Leon Morimoto and Davey Kim. Season 16 - Episode 42 - Classic Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

11/09/2025 • 50:48

The group from Union Point moves into their new homes on the tiny plot of land near Lake Merritt. They run their own security and decide who comes into their space. But then, on a Monday morning in March, we hear devastating news…A fire burns through the plot of land on E12th. Is this the end of the experiment, or will the group keep building?This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening. Thank you to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your story with us.Hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot.Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio.Episode 5 of 5. You can listen to the entire series now!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

04/09/2025 • 31:25

Mama D, President Matt, and the rest of the group are finally seeing their experiment in co-governance take shape. They built their security sheds and saw their tiny homes for the first time. But when Nino Parker stepped onto the sidewalk in a neck brace, on crutches, it was clear that the group was about to face a whole new level of chaos.  This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening. Thank you to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your story with us.A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios, hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot.Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio.Episode 4 of 5. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

02/09/2025 • 26:03

Mama D sees that the future of the experiment is up to her and what she decides: Lead the group to the plot of land offered by the city, hope and pray for a magical new plot, or disband the group and dissolve the experiment. Following weeks of indecision, Mama D makes a choice. And while everyone from the group was hard at work to turn their dream into reality, they didn’t seem to notice a major problem with the set-up. A fault line of sorts.  This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening. Big thanks to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your worlds with us.A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios, hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot.Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio.Episode 3 of 5. Episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

28/08/2025 • 33:59

The standoff between Public Works and the group from Union Point Park ends with a handshake -- a deal to build a new kind of housing community funded by the city where homeless residents make their own rules. But right away, the civility of this agreement seems to break down. And after months of waiting, the group from Union Point Park finally gets a plot of land on E12th street for their radical experiment. But there’s a big problem with the land. It's something that leaves the future of this experiment in limbo.This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening. A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Host and Reporter Shaina Shealy takes listeners inside an encampment in Oakland for an against-all-odds story about scarcity, community, and the complexity of building something new from the margins of a broken system. What happens when people who’ve been shut out of a system that has failed them decide to take the lead? Disaster, and unexpected beauty. Big thanks to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your worlds with us.Hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot.Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio.Episode 2 of 5. Episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

26/08/2025 • 37:46

Using broken refrigerators, mattresses and dishwashers, residents of Union Point Park barricade their tent-city. And they fight for an extraordinary idea: their own plot of land from the city, where they could live in community and set their own rules, on their own terms.A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Host and Reporter Shaina Shealy takes listeners inside an encampment in Oakland for an against-all-odds story about scarcity, community, and the complexity of building something new from the margins of a broken system. What happens when people who’ve been shut out of a system that has failed them decide to take the lead? Disaster, and unexpected beauty. This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening. Huge love & thanks to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your worlds with us.Hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot.Special thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio.Episode 1 of 5. Episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

21/08/2025 • 45:14