Snap Judgment

Aliksandria Prout had only been at the Central California Women’s Facility for a few days when an officer stopped her at a checkpoint. “You have beautiful lips and beautiful eyes,” he said. And that was just the beginning. But he didn’t realize… this time he’d picked the wrong girl. Part 1 of 3. This episode contains violence against women, sexual assault, and strong language. Please take care while listening.  "We Are Jane Doe" is a new 3-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios.  Over three episodes, we trace Ali Prout's dramatic fight for justice and the stunning ripple effects that threaten to upend the system of power and control at one of the largest women’s prisons on earth. KQED reporters Anna Sussman and Madi Bolaños spent two years investigating this story. They spoke to more than a dozen women incarcerated at the Central California Women’s Facility, read through hundreds of pages of internal prison documents, obtained leaked audio, and painstakingly watched hours of video footage to reconstruct one of the most complex and devastating use-of-force incidents in state history.    This series was made possible in part with support from <a href="https://www.poynter.org/">The Poynter Institute</a>. Produced by: Madi Bolaños, Anna Sussman &amp; Sukey Lewis Featured Story Voices: Aliksandria Prout, Katrina Cameron, Christina Wind, Wisdom Mohammed, Elizabeth Lozano Editors: Sukey Lewis, Nancy Lopez &amp; Mark Ristich Fact-checking: Mark Bettancourt Original Music &amp; Engineering: Dirk Schwarzhoff Director of Production: Marisa Dodge Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich Season 17 - Episode 34

A man washes up on shore in Sitka, Alaska and finds himself in the middle of an underground boxing show. It’s a place where you might duke it out with the bartender, the locals, or your own troubled past. This episode contains violence and strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you, Jaed “The Stone” Coffin, for sharing your story with us! For more about Jaed’s story, check out his memoir <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Roughhouse-Friday-Memoir-Jaed-Coffin/dp/0374251959">Roughhouse Friday.</a> Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic - Season 17 - Episode 42

On the volcanic island of La Palma biologists unravel a massive mystery. Is it a crime scene, a treasure or a dream come true? And in the town of Trinidad a grade school trip to the ocean is about to get beautiful, raw, and wild. Whalecano On the volcanic island of La Palma biologists unravel a massive mystery. Is it a crime scene, a treasure or a dream come true? A huge thank you to Paula Alonso, and Dr. Antonio Fernandez for sharing your story with Snap! Produced by Erick Yáñez, with help from Anna Sussman. Original score by Nicholas Marks. Translation by Elvis Di Marcantonio. Art by Teo Ducot.  The Trinidad Whale In the town of Trinidad a grade school trip to the ocean is about to get beautiful, raw, and wild. Special thanks to Trinidad elementary’s seventh grade class: Alana, Jolena, Xavier, Joda and Atticus. Thanks as well to the third grade class: Remy, Harriet, Emmett Bowman, Margie Cunningham and Emmett Bowman.  Big thanks also to The Marine Mammal Stranding network at Cal Poly Humboldt, Alison Lewis, Dr. Dawn Gulley, The Trinidad Rancheria, Ron Sundberg, Selena Rowan, Dessa Gunning, and Jessica Gravelle.  Produced by Sukey Lewis, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.  Season 17 - Episode 41

In sweet home Alabama, from the heart of Libya, comes a renegade candidate with a boombox and a head scarf. The cheerleaders, the geeks, the dweebs and the freaks are about to send a message the country needs right after 9/11. A very big thank you to Yasmin! Yasmin is a comedian and storyteller. You can follow her on Instagram @yasminelhahahady or TikTok @yasmin_elhady. She first told a version of <a href="https://vimeo.com/515798993">this story</a> at Story District in Washington, DC. Produced by Justin Kramon, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. Snap Classic - Season 17 – Episode 40

There’s a jumbie in a jalopy and the spirits are flowing during happy hour on St. Thomas. Plus, everybody kicks butt in Lee’s Los Gatos Spin Class but Cycle 23 is out of this world.  Snap Judgment presents this year's Campfire Tales... "Hot Wheels.” A supernatural summer tradition that features stories from our evil twin <a href="https://spookedpodcast.org/">Spooked</a>. Spooked drops weekly, you can listen on any podcast platform. Tune in and be afraid... STORIES Joyride There’s a jumbie in a jalopy and the spirits are flowing during happy hour on St. Thomas. Thanks, Greg, for sharing your story! Produced and scouted by Paulina Creque, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot. Soul Cycle  Everybody kicks ass in Lee’s Spin Class but Cycle 23 is out of this world.  Thanks Lee for sharing your story! Produced by Zoë Ferrigno, original score by Sandra Lawson-Ndu. Season 17 - Episode 39

Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything. And the story of a talented luchador who has an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side. STORIES Feelabeelia: One-Hit Wonder? Hold onto your mullets! British drummer Nick Murphy and his band are overjoyed after signing a record deal with THE Quincy Jones in 1984. That is, until a chance encounter with one of the biggest stars in the world changes everything. Major thanks to Nick Murphy for sharing your story with Snap. Nick still lives in Leicester today and he’s continuing to make his dreams come true as one of the oldest students at De Montfort University, where he studies music technology. Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Clay Xavier, artwork by Teo Ducot. Cassandro El Exotico Cassandro is an up-and-coming luchador, a professional Mexican wrestler. He wants to get to the big arenas. He’s got the talent, no doubt. But because he’s also one of the only openly gay fighters, he’s got an uphill battle to get the crowd and the press on his side. This story contains graphic imagery regarding suicide. Please take care while listening.  Thank you for sharing your story, Cassandro! Produced by Eliza Smith, sound design by Leon Morimoto. Season 17 – Episode 38

A pizza delivery guy goes full superhero out on the job. And a husband trying to bring joy to his pregnant wife pays a high price to satisfy her sweet tooth.  Super Pizza Man A pizza delivery guy goes full superhero out on the job.  A huge thank you to<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watzdrifting/"> Nicholas Bostic</a> for sharing your story! Nick would go on to be awarded the prestigious <a href="https://www.carnegiehero.org/hero-search/nicholas-l-bostic/">Carnegie Medal of Honor</a>; the highest civilian honor for heroism. He currently runs his own <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BosticLawnCareandMowingLLC">lawn care business</a> in Lafayette, Indiana.  Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Nick Marks, art by Teo Ducot. Heavy High &amp; Far  A husband trying to bring joy to his pregnant wife pays a high price to satisfy her sweet tooth.  A huge thank you to<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gastoralmonte/"> Gastor Almonte</a> for sharing his story with Snap! Gastor is a standup comedian and storyteller from Brooklyn. He’s also the co-host of the weekly comedy news podcast <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4x8TNmP0IMQKsey9qsiI5g">“The War Report” </a>You can watch Gastor perform <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-45JbszTSE">this story live</a> for the <a href="https://worldchannel.org/show/stories-stage/">World</a>. You can also find him on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gastoralmonte/">Instagram</a>. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Clay Xavier. Season 17 - Episode 37

The dead man does not know the value of his coffin.  This episode comes to us from <a href="https://lemonadamedia.com/show/mind-your-own-with-lupita-nyongo/">Mind Your Own</a>! Mind Your Own is a storytelling podcast navigating what it means to belong, all from the African perspective. Join Lupita Nyong’o as she shares tales of her own and dives into the lives of real people finding their way in new worlds of every kind. Listen to and enjoy <a href="https://lemonadamedia.com/show/mind-your-own-with-lupita-nyongo/">Mind Your Own</a> on any podcast platform!  This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. “Comeuppance” 12-year-old Lupita’s split-second playground decision haunts her for years. Produced by Regina Bediako &amp; Marisa Dodge. Original score by Clay Xavier. “Graveyard Shift” John Kibera has found the hustle to end all hustles in Nairobi. The shillings pour in. But one day, a job goes very, very wrong. Thank you, John, for sharing your story with us. Produced by David Exumé. Original score by Lalin St. Juste and Sam Law. Translation by Salome Nduku. Voiceover by Ndungi Githuku. Special thanks to our fixer Michael Kaloki. Original Mind Your Own theme song by Sandra Lawson-Ndu AKA Sandu Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo. This episode also featured the song O.T.T by Rouge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich 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 Story Consultant: John Fecile Graphic Design: Jemimah Ekeh Original Artwork: Mateus Sithole Special Thanks: Allan Coye, Jake Kleinberg, Samara Still, Sarah Yoo, Warner Music Group, and Afripods Mind Your Own is a production of KQED’s Snap Studios, with sales and distribution by Lemonada Media. Hosted and produced by Lupita Nyong’o.

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