Snap Judgment

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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+lake+turned+upside+down&amp;hvadid=777807450637&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvexpln=67&amp;hvlocphy=9031107&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvocijid=7666977443573017881--&amp;hvqmt=e&amp;hvrand=7666977443573017881&amp;hvtargid=kwd-1074933357786&amp;hydadcr=22160_13655696&amp;mcid=9291dfb388e830e9a2d286bccadb489b&amp;tag=googhydr-20&amp;ref=pd_sl_3bg5nnol4b_e_p67"> The Lake Turned Upside Down.</a> Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. If you listened to our radio broadcast and want to find out what happened to the 24 people that shut themselves in a beer cooler to wait out one of the strongest tornadoes in recorded history, you can <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/story/eye-of-the-storm-snap-615-caught-up/">listen to the full length version of the “Eye of the Storm” story here. </a> Season 17 – Episode 35

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 the Palisades. This story was produced by Jesse Dukes, John Fecile, and David Exumé. Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.  Tennessee Whiteout  The blizzard of the century traps four men on top of a Tennessee bald, frozen and hungry, but with a song in their heart. Thank you Roger Redding for sharing your story with us! Produced by Anna Sussman, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.  Season 17 - Episode 34

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 <a href="https://theexcellenceadvisory.com/">Excellence Advisory.</a> Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks, artwork by Teo Ducot. Reservoir Panic As a violent wildfire heads toward the town of Twisp, Andrew Denham realizes he’s the guy responsible for making sure the town has enough water for the firefight. But there’s a big problem... there are only two well pumps to get water to the reservoir... and one of them isn’t working. Thanks Andrew for sharing your story!  Produced by Shaina Shealy, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

Today, we are sharing the debut episode of First America, the brand-new history podcast from Critical Frequency and Pushkin Industries. Hosted by award-winning journalist Rebecca Nagle and featuring leading Native historians, First America explores how Native people have been left out of the American story. And without them, that story is wrong. From the Declaration of Independence to the founders' real motivations for rebellion and the government they built, First America reveals the true story of the founding of the United States – and how today's political moment has been 250 years in the making. In this premiere episode, Rebecca sits down with Ned Blackhawk, who is Western Shoshone and a leading scholar of Indigenous history. They explore why the drive to seize Indigenous land – not taxation without representation – fueled the American Revolution. To listen to the rest of the series, follow First America on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 are just gonna have to figure it out because this July on Snap Judgment... it's "All Systems Down." Runaway Car 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.  A huge thank you to Sam Dutcher and his mother, Catherine Johnson Dutcher, along with Minnesota State Trooper Zach Gruver for sharing their story with Snap! Very special thanks to Lieutenant Mike Lee of the Minnesota State Patrol as well.  Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio. Voyager When NASA loses contact with a spacecraft over 12 billion miles away, scientist Suzanne Dodd has to throw a Hail Mary. Thank you Suzy Dodd, for sharing your story with us! Learn more about the <a href="https://science.nasa.gov/mission/voyager/">Voyager mission. </a> Produced by John Fecile, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Doug Stuart. Season 17 - Episode 32

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 score by Renzo Gorrio, special thanks to Isobel Cockerell, artwork by Teo Ducot. The Home Alone Curse 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. This story contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. 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, <a href="http://www.thecommitteemovie.com/">The Committee</a>. A special shoutout to <a href="https://crowcomedy.com/">The Crow Comedy Club</a> in Santa Monica for hosting Larry during one of their unforgettable storytelling nights. Engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller &amp; Miles Lassi.  Season 17 – Episode 31

From our friends at Love and Radio, the groundbreaking new series <a href="https://loveandradio.org/2026/02/blood-memory/">Blood Memory</a>. 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 <a href="https://loveandradio.org">Love and Radio </a>podcast! Stay tuned after the 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. Rrobin Amer is the Managing Editor with additional reporting by Brian Krans and Anya Schultz. Fact checking by Nicole Pasulka. Bill Rohlfing provided the voice of the radio announcer. This episode featured music from: <a href="https://nataliabeylis.bandcamp.com/track/the-lighthouse-trembles">The Lighthouse Trembles – Natalia Beylis – Mermaids</a> <a href="https://banabila.bandcamp.com/track/mind-shifts">Mind Shifts – Michel Banabila – The Unreal Realm</a> <a href="https://loveandradio.org/2026/02/blood-memory/%22https://tambien.bandcamp.com/track/acqua%3C/a">Acqua – Las Olas – Las Olas</a> <a href="https://banabila.bandcamp.com/track/not-in-our-name">Not In Our Name – Pierre Bastien &amp; Michel Banabila – Nuits Sans Nuit</a> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tambi3n/vertigo">Vertigo – Zoroxxe – Zoroxxe</a> <a href="https://nataliabeylis.bandcamp.com/track/mermaids">Mermaids – Natalia Beylis – Mermaids</a> <a href="https://ab-memoryscale.bandcamp.com/track/apr-s-la-pluie">Après La Pluie – Memory Scale – And All Things Begin to Drift</a> <a href="http://soundcloud.com/zoroxxe/07-zoroxxe-revoluciones-micro">Revoluciones (mirco) – Zoroxxe – Zoroxxe</a> <a href="https://sereptie.bandcamp.com/track/good-grief">Good Grief – Sereptie – Sulpher’s End</a> <a href="https://glitchbird.bandcamp.com/track/intemperie">Intemperie – Glitch Bird – Intemperie</a> <a href="https://russyoung.bandcamp.com/track/a-listening-voice">A Listening Voice – Russ Young – Cloak</a> <a href="https://tambien.bandcamp.com/track/la-inmanencia-del-ser">La Inmanencia del Ser – Interspecifics – Reducción</a> <a href="https://quixosis.bandcamp.com/track/tigre-de-papel-feat-king-klav">Tigre de Papel (feat. King Klavé) – Quixosis – Zen &amp; Caro</a> <a href="https://quixosis.bandcamp.com/track/chanclas-de-mercurio-2">Chanclas de Mercurio – Quixosis – Zen &amp; Caro</a> <a href="https://dialect-trax.bandcamp.com/track/sentimental-sedimentary">Sentimental, Sedimentary – Dialect – Under~Between</a> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tambi3n/vertigo">Vertigo – Zoroxxe – Zoroxxe</a> <a href="https://eezzmmeerraallddaa.bandcamp.com/track/l-grimas-de-sangre-ii">Lágrimas de Sangre II – Ezmeralda -Patrimonio Inmaterial de la Nada</a> <a href="https://banabila.bandcamp.com/track/the-process-from-birth">The Process from Birth – Michel Banabil – The Unreal Realm</a> <a href="https://soundcloud.com/tambi3n/2-paisaje-oblicuo">Paisaje Oblícuo – Zoroxxe – Zoroxxe</a> <a href="https://timbertimbrefth.bandcamp.com/track/well-find-out">We’ll Find Out – Timber Timbre – Timber Timbre</a> <a href="https://quixosis.bandcamp.com/track/chahuarmishqui-remastered-2">Chahuarmishqui – Quixosis – Acid Juanito Reloaded</a> Season 17 - Episode 30

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 <a href="http://churchofsancha.com/">churchofsancha.com</a>. If you want to find more stories at the crossroads of music and migration, search for “<a href="https://www.meklitmusic.com/movement">Movement with Meklit Hadero</a>,” wherever you listen! Movement is supported by The Mellon Foundation and National Geographic Society, and distributed by PRX. Under Pressure After traumatic experiences underwater, a diver falls in love with the ocean again by building a secret kingdom for seahorses. BIG thanks to Roger Hanson. Roger’s writing a children’s book, called “A Seahorse of a Different Color,” about a unique seahorse who was born different. It comes out in June. Roger has previously been covered by the <a href="https://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-col1-seahorse-pacific-california-20190709-htmlstory.html">LA Times</a> and <a href="https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/orange-county/la-stories/2019/09/23/socal--seahorse-whisperer--says-species-teaches-him-about-life">Spectrum Channel 1</a>, which called him the “world’s foremost expert on the Pacific Seahorse.” Seahorse Update: In September, pregnant Deep Blue stopped showing up. Roger thinks he was eaten by an octopus. He’s moved any remaining octopuses in the area and resettled them elsewhere. Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Moriomoto, artwork by Teo Ducot.  Season 17 - Episode 29

Sammy has three loves. Bumble bees, the Bible and boys. Raised by preachers, he’s kept of one 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 <a href="https://www.drsammy.online/">here</a>. Big love and thanks to Lulu Miller as well.  Sammy and Lulu work together to make a kids podcast for Radiolab, it’s called <a href="https://radiolab.org/radiolab-kids?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20986778840&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD9J8hHDQdavMg_3w5xp-kfQnSMwd&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw6MPRBhBTEiwAd-7Mr4rfvRUQFT-Mf5hWZb2LV33gKbjiSoA-BJ40vvjAtK7lYGa9fWVDBxoCEtEQAvD_BwE">Terrestrials</a> 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 a very fun romp, beautifully sound designed and full of great stories. Go listen to <a href="https://radiolab.org/radiolab-kids?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20986778840&amp;gbraid=0AAAAAD9J8hHDQdavMg_3w5xp-kfQnSMwd&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw6MPRBhBTEiwAd-7Mr4rfvRUQFT-Mf5hWZb2LV33gKbjiSoA-BJ40vvjAtK7lYGa9fWVDBxoCEtEQAvD_BwE">Terrestrials</a> on any podcast platform!  Produced by Lulu Miller and Nancy López, original score by Nicholas Marks.  Season 17 - Episode 28

We’re sharing an episode of What It’s Like to Be… from New York Times bestselling business book author Dan Heath. On the podcast, Dan explores the world of work, one profession at a time, and interviews people who love what they do. He finds out: How does a stand-up comedian come up with new material? Does a cattle rancher ever get attached to certain calves? What are the clues that suggest fraud to a forensic accountant? If you’ve ever met someone whose work you were curious about, and you had 100 nosy questions but were too polite to ask… this is the show for you. In this preview, Dan talks with a brain surgeon about the most harrowing part of a brain surgery, why he operates on people’s brains while they’re awake, and his remarkable path to the operating room. You can find more episodes of “What It’s Like to Be…” at <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/26UoCBBnzjczG11ZcNiwc2ykK4?domain=link.mgln.ai">https://link.mgln.ai/snapdanheath</a>

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 <a href="https://elenameg.com/">website</a>. Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto, artwork by Teo Ducot. Gloomy Sunday Hungarian composer Rezső Seress dreamed of changing the world with his music. He did. Produced and scored by Davey Kim. Season 17 Episode 27

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, <a href="https://spookedpodcast.org/">Spooked</a>! 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 watch on board a Coast Guard cutter ship, scanning 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. Jordan, thank you, for sharing your story with us! Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Lauryn Newson. Merrie Monarch It’s a spring night in Hilo, Hawaii. Lei-Ann and her 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. Thank you, Lei-Ann, for sharing your story. The 2026 Merrie Monarch Festival was in April. Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Clay Xavier, scouted by Ixchel Lopez, artwork by Teo Ducot. Season 17 - Episode 26

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 <a href="https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2023/11/03/elmer-gantrys-velvet-opera/">Aquarium Drunkard.</a> Kirby Gregory still performs with the band <a href="https://www.curvedair.com/">Curved Air</a>. Read an <a href="https://webstore.ugly-things.com/ugly-things-57-p457.php">extensive history</a> of Elmer Gantry’s Velvet Opera from the magazine Ugly Things. Listen to a 10-song <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/31zlARqGynMUEAiGdDsBbT?si=bd256095157b48b9">Spotify playlist</a> that we put together of Elmer’s songs and other tunes from the story. Special thanks to Mike Stax, Anja Stax, and David Prest. Original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, produced by John Fecile, artwork by Teo Ducot. The Bat Boy And The Pine Tar Bat Every baseball fan has heard of the superstar hitter George Brett and his infamous Pine Tar Game…but have you heard of the bat boy’s version? For more info, check out Daniel Barbarisi’s <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/n-y-yankees-dugout-has-both-the-talkative-and-the-silent-1406767818">story</a> in the Wall Street Journal. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Davey Kim. Season 17 – Episode 25

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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GurevichGrigory">Youtube</a>...watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iozXqSv01o">Man and the Sea</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DnqOrPac0Q&amp;t=4s">The Acrobats</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikbZ-NVDAQg">Jungle</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Bt3rjzfr_8&amp;list=RD-Bt3rjzfr_8&amp;start_radio=1">Black Square</a>, 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 the basis of his art. Thanks Marshall for speaking with us! You can find more info about Marshall Paillet’s work <a href="https://www.marshallpailet.com/">here</a>.  Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio. The Kiss - LIVE at Story Fest In high school, Nimisha Ladva was used to keeping her head down and her test scores up. But she surprises everyone by getting a lead in the school play -- well, that role it comes with a chance to do something she'd never done before: kiss a boy.  A huge thank you to Nimisha Ladva. She's a playwright and college essay coach. You can find her at <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ZCWZC2k96Qf01Zq5cnfjU5OyYa?domain=theessayadvantage.com">theessayadvantage.com</a> and on instagram @nimishaladva  Nimisha Ladva performed this story live at <a href="https://www.storyfest.org/">Story Fest</a>. If you haven't heard of Story Fest, it's a national show that finds amazing local writers, journalists, and performing artists to perform their work LIVE on stage. Read about the work they do, see what cities they are coming to, and get tickets at <a href="https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/117EC3197PSWq91DSqhyUQklLZ?domain=storyfest.org">storyfest.org</a>.  Season 17 - Episode 24

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, <a href="https://lnk.to/HWSnap">Heavyweight</a>. 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 <a href="https://lnk.to/HWSnap">Heavyweight</a> wherever you get your podcasts!  Or connect on Instagram: @pushkinpods, @heavyweightpodcast Season 17 - Episode 23

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! <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/fire-escape/">Fire Escape</a>, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes <a href="https://wondery.com/shows/fire-escape/">here</a>. Fire Escape is a production of <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/">Snap Studios</a> at <a href="https://www.kqed.org/">KQED</a>, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 22

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! <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/fire-escape/">Fire Escape</a>, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes <a href="https://wondery.com/shows/fire-escape/">here</a>. Fire Escape is a production of <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/">Snap Studios</a> at <a href="https://www.kqed.org/">KQED</a>, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman. Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi. Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 21

Amika and the Fire Girls are called to the scene of a terrible crash and need 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! <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/fire-escape/">Fire Escape</a>, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes <a href="https://wondery.com/shows/fire-escape/">here</a>.  Fire Escape is a production of <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/">Snap Studios</a> at <a href="https://www.kqed.org/">KQED</a>, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman.  Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi.   Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 20

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! <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/fire-escape/">Fire Escape</a>, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes <a href="https://wondery.com/shows/fire-escape/">here</a>.  Fire Escape is a production of <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/">Snap Studios</a> at <a href="https://www.kqed.org/">KQED</a>, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman.  Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi.   Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 19

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! <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/fire-escape/">Fire Escape</a>, the 6-part series is dropping weekly on the Snap Judgment podcast feed. You can access the bonus episodes <a href="https://wondery.com/shows/fire-escape/">here</a>.  Fire Escape is a production of <a href="https://snapjudgment.org/">Snap Studios</a> at <a href="https://www.kqed.org/">KQED</a>, made in partnership with Audible (previously Wondery). This series was created, written and produced by Anna Sussman.  Snap Senior story editors: Mark Ristich and Nancy López. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Original music by Renzo Gorrio and Doug Stuart. Doug Stuart also created the theme song. Sound design and engineering by Miles Lassi.   Audible senior story editor: Phyllis Fletcher. Development producer: Eliza Mills. Senior Producers: Clare Chambers, Lauren Dee and Mandy Gorenstein. Managing Producer: Sarah Mathis. Executive producers: Glynn Washington, Mark Ristich, Marshall Lewy, Morgan Jones, George Lavender and Jen Sargent. Special thanks to Adizah Eghan, Kathryn Styer Martínez, Pat Mesiti-Miller, Allison MacAdam, Catherine Winter and the San Francisco Fire Department. Season 17 - Episode 18