Snap Judgment

Love is sweeter than reason... Lupita Nyong'o asks, "How far would you go for family?" Her cousins and her sister spill the tea on a legendary nursing mishap, and a Nigerian barrister pours her love into a signature dish for a delivery across the globe. This week on Snap, we're featuring stories from our limited series Mind Your Own! STORIES "Sister Trouble" Lupita, her sister Fiona, and cousins Kitt, Tawi, and Mich get together to recount a legendary nursing mishap. Produced by David Exumé, with assistance from Fiona Nyong’o. Original score by Clay Xavier. "Oha Soup" Joan, a Nigerian barrister, pours all her love into her signature dish just so she can hand-deliver it for her daughter’s graduation in New York. Produced by Priscilla Alabi and David Exumé. Original score by Jeremy Uwah. Many thanks to Kitt, Tawi, Mich, and Fiona for joining us! And to Joan Okwuosa and her daughter (and Story Scout!) Ashley Okwuosa for sharing their story. Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo. "Sister Trouble" and "Oha Soup" come from Mind Your Own, a storytelling show hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong'o, that navigates what it means to belong all from an African perspective. You can listen to all ten episodes of Mind Your Own on any podcast platform! Managing Editor: Regina Bediako. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Series Producers: David Exumé and Priscilla Alabi. Music Supervisor: Sandra Lawson-Ndu. Story Scouts: Ashley Okwuosa, Fiona Nyong’o, Jessica Kariisa, Lesedi Oluko Moche. Editors: Nancy López and Anna Sussman. Engineering: Miles Lassi. Operations Manager: Florene Wiley. Graphic Design: Jemimah Ekeh. Original Artwork: Mateus Sithole. Mind Your Own is a production of KQED’s Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Special Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and Afripods. "Time Traveler" Jacoby Cochran walks through a Chicago neighborhood and into a time machine. That's where the story begins... Sensitive listeners, please note this story contains explicit language and references racial violence. Thank you, Jacoby, for sharing your story with us! For more of Jacoby’s work, please head on over to jacobycochran.com. Produced by Regina Bediako & Anna Sussman, original score by Clay Xavier. Season 16 - Episode 14 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A young filmmaker documents a political showdown between an authoritarian president and a brave Ugandan pop singer. When he aims his lens, he has no idea the shot he’s about to take. And – the story of people who come face-to-face one night in the Canyonlands of southern Utah. STORIES The Shot A young filmmaker documents a political showdown between an authoritarian president and a brave Ugandan pop singer. When he aims his lens, he has no idea the shot he’s about to take. Huge thanks to the amazing Moses Bwayo! Moses’s film ‘The People’s President’ was nominated for an Academy Award, for best documentary. It received a ten minute standing ovation at its premier at the Venice film festival. Produced by Anna Sussman and John Fecile. Original score by Renzo Gorrio, edited by Nancy Lopez, artwork by Teo Ducot. The Incident at Poison Spider Mesa The story of two men who come face to face one night in the canyonlands of southern Utah. Thank you, Brody, for sharing your story. Brody Young is a Utah State Park Ranger and motivational speaker, helping people figure out how to survive the unsurvivable. To find out more about his story, be sure to check out his website. Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score by Leon Morimoto. Season 16 - Episode 13 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Brian’s desperate for cash, until a random ghost writer answers his Craigslist ad for a roommate. Now, he’s about to get more drama than he ever imagined. And a young, penniless student arrives at UCLA with no place to stay and is forced to improvise. STORIES Roommate Wanted Brian’s desperate for cash, until a random ghost writer answers his Craigslist ad for a roommate. Now, he’s about to get more drama than he ever imagined. BIG thanks to Brian Boucher for sharing his story with Snap! Brian wrote about this experience in New York Magazine titled “My Roommate, The Diamond Thief.” Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo Ducot. The Kipling Hotel – Don Reed LIVE A young, penniless student arrives at UCLA with no place to stay and is forced to improvise. Performed by Don Reed at Snap LIVE in San Francisco, CA. Music composed by Alex Mandel, performed by the Snap Judgment Players: Alex Mandel, David Brandt, and Tim Frick. Season 16 - Episode 12 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sharing a new show from my friend Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson, called IMO. You know on Snap, we make stories that help you laugh, think, and see the world through someone else’s eyes. Similarly on IMO, Michelle and Craig bring candid perspectives to the everyday questions shaping our lives, relationships and the world around us. Each week, they’re joined by a guest to tackle real questions from real folks just like you, offering practical advice, personal storytelling, and plenty of laughs. Topics range from dating and relationships, to family and faith. Michelle and Craig share stories about being there for each other throughout their lives, from first crushes and fraught college years, to landing at the White House, to losing their mom. For six decades they’ve been each others’ most trusted counsel—and now, they want to be that counsel for you. In this episode, they’re joined by actress Issa Rae for a conversation about navigating the challenges of mismatched expectations in adult friendships. You can find more episodes of IMO at: https://lnk.to/imomichellecraigSJ Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

"His secrets filled the air around him like smoke..." A young boy idolizes his karate instructor. Each kick, throw, and punch a step on the path to becoming a man. But the power of his presence cannot hold back the questions of his character. STORIES The Master "His secrets filled the air around him like smoke..." A young boy idolizes his karate instructor. Each kick, throw, and punch a step on the path to becoming a man. But the power of his presence cannot hold back the questions of his character. Thank you, Simon Shieh, for sharing your story! Read the poems featured in this story and more -- in Simon's debut poetry collection Master. And an extra special thank you to Katherine Litwin. Produced by John Fecile. Edited by Anna Sussman and Nancy López. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Ego Tripping - Nikki Giovanni Read by Flo Wiley. Music by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Burning Books Glynn's mom finds the devil in her house. Performed by Glynn Washington at Snap LIVE. Original score composed and performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt. Season 16 - Episode 11 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Katie falls hard for Barys during a whirlwind trip to Belarus. But there’s a giant red flag she can’t ignore any longer. And two people who have the same name, live in the same city, and have the same professional interests soon find out what else they have in common. STORIES Real Love Boston-based writer Katie Simon is on assignment in Belarus when she meets and falls hard for Barys in less than a week. When she’s back home, her friends alert her to a giant red flag she can no longer afford to ignore. This story briefly mentions sex, sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you, Katie, for sharing this story with Snap! Keep up with her latest work, including an upcoming book about falling in love and generational storytelling here. Learn more about Katie on her Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Ovrkast “Love Somebody” – Music Spotlight This week’s Snap Music Spotlight features Oakland artist Ovrkast with the song, “Love Somebody” watch the video here! Listen to Ovrkast’s latest album, Try Again (DELUXE) out now!! To stay up to date with all things Ovrkast, be sure to follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Katie vs. Katie When Katie Crouch learned there was another Katie Crouch who lived in the same city and apparently had the same professional interests as her she thought, huh, what else do we have in common? She would soon find out. This story was done in collaboration with Ozy.com, the online magazine that published both Katies’ essays: The Other Me and Doppelgangers Unite? Katie Crouch continues to virtually cross paths with her name twin from her new city of Chicago, where she works for an educational publisher, raises a toddler on her own, and writes a blog. Katie Crouch is a New York Times best-selling novelist. Her books include Girls in Trucks and Abroad, among others. Produced by Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio Season 16 – Episode 10 - Snap Classic Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Coffee is the love language for two Gaza journalists Shrouq and Roshdi. But one morning at breakfast, their little family life is torn apart. Now, Shrouq must navigate a war, motherhood and the disappearing memories of love. And -- the story of a 10-year-old girl with a magnetic smile who makes magic out of breadcrumbs on a rooftop in Gaza and the internet is eating it up. STORIES After Roshdi Coffee is the love language for two Gaza journalists Shrouq and Roshdi. But one morning at breakfast, their little family life is torn apart. Now, Shrouq must navigate a war, motherhood and the disappearing memories of love. Thank you so much, Shrouq, for sharing your story with us. Produced by Ashley Cleek, Regina Bediako, and Shaina Shealy. Edited by Nancy López and Anna Sussman. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Chef Renad A 10-year-old girl with a magnetic smile who makes magic out of breadcrumbs on a rooftop in Gaza and the internet is eating it up. Many thanks to Chef Renad and her sister Nourhan Attallah. You can find Chef Renad on Youtube or Instagram. Special thanks to the Committee to Protect Journalists for sharing their extensive reporting from the Gaza Strip. Produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Nancy López. Translation by Ansam Ismail Kalloub. Recording by Shrouq. Season 16 - Episode 9 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ray looks back on his decision to join the army, unraveling a complicated history of Black military service and reflecting on the surprising changes the armed forces made in his life. This episode contains explicit language. Please take care while listening. This story comes to us from the incredible podcast, What’s Ray Saying? In each episode, Ray Christian, the award-winning storyteller, combat veteran, historian, and devoted father of six, invites you to become part of his community, as he shares stories from the scenic mountains of Appalachia. Listen to What's Ray Saying? wherever you get your podcasts! To get all things Ray -- check out his website. What's Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. What's Ray Saying? is supported by its amazing listeners, PRX, and The Moth. Season 16 - Episode 8 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Chris Lundy has always wanted to figure out why his family took him to see a Vodou priest and how this treatment made him better. And a group paratroopers go on a trip with their Sergeant that’s out of this world. STORIES Magic Potion Vodou Chris Lundy has always wanted to figure out why his family took him to see a Vodou priest and how this treatment made him better. There is one explicit word in this story. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Big thanks to Chris Lundy for sharing your story! Chris is a storyteller who’s performed at First Person Arts, RISK!, USA Today’s Storytellers Project, and more. Major thanks to WHYY’s The Pulse, who originally aired this story. Their podcast features stories about people and places at the heart of health and science. Check it out!! This story was produced and reported by Chris Lundy and Justin Kramon. It was edited by Maiken Scott and Lindsay Lazarski. Sound design by Maiken Scott. Engineering by Charlie Kaier. Special thanks to Dieu Nalio Chery for his help on the story. Acid Jump When morale was low among the paratroopers in his company, Sergeant Ray Christian takes them on a trip. Thanks Ray for telling us your story! Check out Ray’s podcast, What’s Ray Saying, and follow him on Twitter. Original score by Leon Morimoto, produced by Adizah Eghan. Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 16 - Episode 7 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

How long will you hurt yourself before you start loving yourself? Ronald Young Jr. grapples with the impending loss of his mother while still thinking about his weight. And a kid shares what it’s like to live with Gynecomastia (aka Man Boobs). STORIES The Weight of Sorrow Ronald Young Jr. grapples with the impending loss of his mother while still thinking about his weight. This story comes to us from Weight For It, a production of Oh It’s Big Ron Studios and is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Listen to Weight For It wherever you get your podcasts!! Follow Ron on Twitter, Threads, IG, and TikTok – @ohitsbigron Episodes of Weight For It are produced and written by Ronald Young Jr., with editing from Sarah Dealey. Sound design and mixing from the Reverend John DeLore of Starlight Diner. Theme music from Jay Redd, with additional music from Mass Potential, the artist DT, and the mysterious Breakmaster Cylinder. Episode artwork by Andy J. Pizza. If you need support for disordered eating or your body image -- please check out the resources below: Crescent Counseling Center Intuitive Growth Counseling National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated disorders Project Heal Muti-service eating disorders association National Alliance for Eating Disorders Eating Recovery Center What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat – Aubrey Gordon Heavy – Kiese Laymon Belly of the Beast – Da’ Shaun Harrison The Body is Not an Apology – Sonya Renee Taylor The Amazing T*tty Man How long will you hurt yourself before you start loving yourself? Nygel Turner shares what it’s like to live with Gynecomastia (aka Man Boobs). This story was produced by YR Media‘s Adult ISH podcast. Adult ISH is a culture, advice, and storytelling show about #adulting, that is produced entirely by folks who are “almost adults”. Subscribe and listen here! Produced by Nygel Turner and Davey Kim, sound design by Oluwafemi and Davey Kim. Season 16 - Episode … Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It was all they had. A spoon and a rusty nail. But for the young Uyghur men trapped in a cell, it meant… escape. Thank you, Hashim, for sharing your story with us. This episode was reported in partnership with Coda Story. Reported by Isobel Cockerell of Coda Story. Produced by Isobel Cockerell and John Fecile. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. English translation for Hashim by Ezra. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 16 - Episode 5 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Andy Marra is on a mission to Korea in search of the mother she never knew with a secret she absolutely has to tell. And when two close friends can’t see each other face-to-face, they exchange letters from two very different places. The Birth Dream Andy Marra is on a mission to Korea in search of the mother she never knew with a secret she absolutely has to tell. Thank you, Andy, for sharing your story with Snap! Find out more about her advocacy work here. Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Letters from Uncuffed It’s been almost a year since friends and family have been able to visit their loved ones in prison, due to the pandemic. Letters to the inside are always a lifeline. This year, more than ever. Today, from Uncuffed, we hear from Adamu Chan, who was recently released from San Quentin State Prison, while his friend Edmond Richardson, is still on the inside. Uncuffed is a storytelling project made by people behind bars, from inside California prisons, in collaboration with KALW. To hear the full version of this story, visit Uncuffed and make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Produced by Adamu Chan, Ninna Gaensler-Debs, Angela Johnston, Pat Mesiti-Miller & Eli Wirtschafter. Snap Classic – Season 16 – Episode 4 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Standup comic Cassandra Dee struggles with depression. She jokes about it in her standup comedy but isn’t sure if she can pull it off. She jokes about the kids that bullied her growing up, the bad dates, the suicide ideations, the failed therapy sessions. The audience laughs, but she wonders… has she gone too far? And - a story from a young woman feeling trapped in her body, until one day she finds the perfect getaway vehicle. STORIES The Last Thing on the List from Love & Radio Standup comic Cassandra Dee struggles with depression. She jokes about it in her standup comedy but isn’t sure if she can pull it off. She jokes about the kids that bullied her growing up, the bad dates, the suicide ideations, the failed therapy sessions. The audience laughs, but she wonders… has she gone too far? Although this is a story about finding hope, please note it discusses suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening. Thank you, thank you, to Cassandra Dee for sharing her story. Cassandra's comedy special, Uncle Earth, is available for free on YouTube from Helium Comedy Studios. You can also find her on Instagram. This story was produced by Justin Kramon with Ana Adlerstein for the Love and Radio podcast. Love and Radio is like family to Snap. Their stories are intense, strange, and unlike anything in podcasting – and they’re launching their tenth season later this year. Special thanks to Aviva DeKornfeld for her help on this story. Huge thanks also to Brett Wean at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Help is available. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the US. You can learn more about suicide prevention, healing, and connect locally with others whose lives have been affected by suicide through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The Minivan A young woman feels trapped in her body, until one day she finds the perfect getaway vehicle. This story was performed at Snap LIVE at The Power Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in partnership with Michigan Radio and The Ann Arbor Summer Festival. Original Music by Alex Mandel. Music performed by Alex Mandel, Tim Frick, and David Brandt. Re-recording mix by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Season 16 - Episode 3 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Eric and David score their dream house in the country… with a lily pond. When one frog finds it, he tells a friend, who tells a friend, and pretty soon quiet sunsets are now very trilling. It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s about to bring the whole house down. Plus — a story from a man who pulls off an airmail stunt that most could only dream about. STORIES Gay Frog Happy Hour Eric and David score their dream house in the country… with a lily pond. When one frog finds it, he tells a friend, who tells a friend, and pretty soon quiet sunsets are now very trilling. It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s about to bring the whole house down. A very big thank you to R. Eric Thomas for sharing his story with Snap! Eric tells more of the frog saga and other hilarious tales in his most recent essay collection, Congratulations, the Best is Over! R. Eric Thomas writes the nationally syndicated daily advice column Asking Eric. He is a playwright, screenwriter, national bestselling author, and long-running host of The Moth in Philadelphia. Find all things Eric on his website. Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot. Air Mail Man Ever wanted to get some place real bad but didn’t have the funds? Ever try to think up crazy ways to get to your destination, without having to pay? You’re gonna want to listen to this story. Brian Robson pulled off an airmail stunt that most of could only dream about. Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Season 16 - Episode 2 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

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. Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 1

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. Happy New Year Snap Nation! Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 58

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 from the land 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? Episodes drop weekly -- listen on any podcast platform! 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. Snap Classic - Season 15 – Episode 57

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 score by Renzo Gorrio, special thanks to Isobel Cockerell, artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 15 - Episode 56

The "Home Alone" Curse is all too real. The big-budget movie is in peril, and only one actor can save it. Not Macaulay Culkin. Not Joe Pesci. It's the goofball cop, Larry Hankin, with one iconic glazed donut. Thank you, Larry Hankin, for sharing your story! From Escape to Alcatraz to Friends to Seinfeld and Breaking Bad, Larry has left an indelible mark on your TV screens over the last five decades. Yes, Llarry has a book, entitled, That Guy: A Cautionary Memoir. Special thanks to Sam Shaw for sharing Larry’s story with us. Sam is working on a documentary on Larry’s improvisational theater company, The Committee. A special shoutout to The Crow Comedy Club in Santa Monica for hosting Larry during one of their unforgettable storytelling nights. Engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller & Miles Lassi. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Happy Holidays Snap Nation! Thank you for your support over the years -- we couldn't run this Snap train without you. Season 15 - Episode 55

Sieu is a young boy living in the big city of Phnom Penh, but he misses his old life in the Cambodian countryside. The air, the farms, but mostly… the animals. When the Khmer Rouge promises a return to the land, Sieu has no idea how far he and his family will have to go. This story recounts aspects of the Khmer Rouge civil war including scenes of torture and death. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. BIG thanks to Sieu Do for sharing your story with us! There is so much that we were not able to share with you about Sieu and his family’s incredible journey. To find out more check out his book, A Cloak of Good Fortune. Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic - Season 15 - Episode 54