Snap Judgment

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, artwork by Teo Ducot. 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. Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 60 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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.” This story will be featured on Today Explained on 12.23.25, tune in! 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

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

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 Wong, music from Blue Dot Sessions. Season 16 - Episode 57 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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. STORIES Code Yellow A 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 Effect A 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

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 Dancer 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. 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.com Produced 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

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

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

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! STORIES Knock Knock 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. 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 Creature When 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

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. STORIES Bull Boy While 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.jharkhand Produced 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

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 - LIVE A 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 Saying Original 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 Mama An 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

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. STORIES Batwoman 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. 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 Bat Snap 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

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. Season 16 - Episode 47 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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

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. STORIES Don’t Say Gay Dads 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. 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

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 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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. STORIES The Writing Is On The Wall When 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 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-Out How 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 Artist Produced by Davey Kim, sound design by Leon Morimoto and Davey Kim Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 14 - Episode 20 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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

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