Podcast appearances and mentions of john fecile

He's slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan's dream. He's the stuff of legends, he's Super Bowl Rick. And meet his counterpart… Tom Garvey. The man who lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style. It's Pittsburgh vs Philly in an epic sports story-off.This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised. STORIESSuper Bowl RickHe's slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan's dream. He's the stuff of legends, he's Super Bowl Rick. Thank you Rick Steigerwald for telling us your story! When Rick returned home following the Super Bowl , he shared his story with the Pittsburgh Press - check out the 1979 article! Rick retired after a 39 year career in steamfitting and now serves as the Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner. He's a three time former Golden Gloves Boxing champion and longtime referee, and was just inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame this past year. Big thanks as well to Ryan O'Shea who originally interviewed Rick and the late Steeler Jack Deloplaine on his Youtube channel. Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.A Vet in the Vet For years, Tom Garvey lived every sports fan's secret dream: he lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style.Thanks Tom, Jud Bertholf, and John Grossman!Read Tom's story in his memoir The Secret Apartment and his autobiographical novel Many Beaucoup Magics.Produced by John Fecile, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.Season 16 - Episode 27 Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sir Dyno is the Chicano Eazy-E, the king of lowrider car shows, an up-and-coming gangsta rapper straight outta Northern California. But when he gets the money to finance his next CD, he has no idea that the same music that made him a legend will also lead to his downfall.This story contains drug references and offensive language, sensitive listeners please be advised.Thank you, David Rocha, for sharing your story with us. Thanks also to Sharon Rocha, Justin Berton & Julia Reynolds.David Rocha left prison in June 2009. He became a pastor and started a church in Modesto called House of Rest.Produced by John Fecile. This story featured the music of David Rocha, the original score is by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.Snap Classic – Season 16 – Episode 26 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. STORIESThe ShotA 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 MesaThe 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

"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.STORIESThe 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 BooksGlynn'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

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

This story originally aired on the Snap Judgment radio show and podcast. This is “Flipped Out!---The original score for this story was by Renzo Gorrio. It was produced by Zak Rosen with help from John Fecile. You can find all of Snap Judgment's many years of excellent episodes and stories at SnapJudgement.org. You can also listen to Snap Judgment on any podcast platform!---You can listen to Murf Meyer's show, Self Medicated: Weekly Dose and Chris Gethard's Beautiful/Anonymous and New Jersey Is the World wherever you get your podcasts.  Help Zak continue making this show by becoming a Best Advice Show Patron @ https://www.patreon.com/bestadviceshow---Call Zak on the advice show hotline @ 844-935-BEST---Share this episode on IG @BestAdviceShow

You go all the way or YOU DON'T GO. Thank you to Murf Meyer for not dying. To Matt Mayer, for being our backflipping guru. And to Chris Gethard, for letting this whole sorry mess happen in the first place. We thank you.You can listen to Chris Gethard's Beautiful/Anonymous and New Jersey Is the World wherever you get your podcasts. Zak Rosen produces the show Best Advice. Listen here.Produced by Zak Rosen with help from John Fecile. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.Season 15 - Episode 45

When Umid is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help... from two of the world's most dangerous men. And a glitch in time brings mayhem to a man's life day after day… no matter how many times he resets his clocks.This episode contains some strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.STORIESThe League of ImpersonatorsWhen Umid Isabaev is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help… from two of the world's most dangerous men.Thank you, Umid, for sharing your story with Snap!Thanks to Ethan Herschenfeld who voiced Umid's words, and to, Mars Lipowski, who was the voice of Steve Poland. BIG thanks as well to our translators for this piece, Muhitdin Ahunhodjaev and Magdalena Balz.The three fake heads of state reunited recently in Poland for a magazine photo shoot! This photo will also be on our social media accounts.Want more from the Kim Jong Un Look-alike? Check out his Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Trying to hear from the Putin Look-alike? Visit his website.Produced by John Fecile & Anne Ford, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Time GlitchJoel Gheen is out of the military, newly married, and in college. His new life is going great… if he could just catch the damn bus.Thank you, Joel, for sharing your story with us!If you're hungry for more details about Joel's experience with a real-life glitch in the matrix, check out his website. Joel also has a fun podcast that covers weird topics from a Biblical perspective. Listen to hear all the paranormal stuff that never gets discussed from a traditional church pulpit or Bible study.Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.Season 15 – Episode 43

Chase the storm until it chases you.STORIESThe Black WindTornadoes! 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 The Lake Turned Upside Down. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.Eye of the Storm - 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 listen to the full length version of the "Eye of the Storm" story here. Season 15 - Episode 38

Raymond Christian is back with a story that gives whole new meaning to the phrase “rear infantry.”Thanks, Ray, for sharing this story! Listen to Ray's show “What's Ray Saying” wherever you get your podcasts.Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo DucotSeason 15 - Episode 22

It's the 70's, two young girls are caught up in the allure of smoking, and the whole scene is about to blow. And a veteran clown knows one thing… don't bleed in front of the children.STORIESSmoke RingsBack in the 70s, smoking was cool. Angie was not.Thank you to Angie and her mom Marita for sharing this story.Produced by John Fecile, original score by Dirk SchwarzhoffCharles the ClownWhen it's time to put on a good face... sometimes you just gotta improvise.A huge thank you to the one and only Charles the Clown for sharing his experience with the Snap. Charles Krause has been a children's entertainer based out of the Seattle area for more than 40 years. Check out his videos, songs, magic tricks, and puppet routines! You can even book Charles for your next event.Produced by Bo Walsh , original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff, artwork by Teo DucotSeason 15 - Episode 21

Armored trucks spew clouds of cash into the sky and the people who happen upon it are faced with an unexpected moral dilemma. And a kid from Harlem becomes the biggest heroin dealer in upstate New York. He soon learns what it will take for him to turn his back on a mountain of cash. STORIES Money Truck Six people, six different times and places, but they all find themselves in the same predicament, asking the same question, should they stop or should they go? This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. BIG thanks to Tyler Estep, who first reported Philip Dean's story for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Thanks also to Cole Richards and Randy Scott Carroll for recording assistance. Thank you to everyone interviewed for this story: Troy Stokes, Philip Dean, Betsy Richards, Delrish Moss, Carol Steele, and the Lucky Guy. Big love and thanks to Shannon Cason, who narrated this piece. Check out Shannon's podcast ‘Homemade Stories' to hear more from him. Produced by Anna Sussman, John Fecile & Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Whiteboy John and The Seven Saints A kid from Harlem becomes the biggest heroin dealer in upstate New York. He soon learns what it will take for him to turn his back on a mountain of cash. Abdul-Kenyatta has performed as a workshop facilitator and motivational speaker. He is a poet, storyteller, jazz and blues vocalist, and a novelist. He was an actor with the San Francisco Neighborhood Arts Children's Theater for five years, and a San Francisco State University, Black Studies Department Associate Professor, lecturing on African and African-American History and Literature. His novel Five Thousand Urgently Pointless Distractions was published in 2000. He is the 2005 Berkeley Poetry Festival Slam Poetry Champion. He was a member of the Oakland 2004 National Slam Team and the 2006 San Francisco Slam Master, the 2007 Marin County Fair Slam Poetry Champion, and a member of the 2007 San Francisco National Slam Team. He appeared in the Jamie De Wolfe film “SMOKED”. Produced by Anna Sussman, original score by Renzo Gorrio Snap Classic – Season 15 – Episode 9

Rayan and Samih found love in a hopeless place, but it didn't feel that way to them. The Palestinian camp of Shatila became the backdrop for the couple's engagement photos and the world's response was overwhelming. Plus - a pretty ugly Photoshop project and a story from a man who comes out to his mother repeatedly. STORIES Photo Session Rayan and Samih found love in a hopeless place, but it didn't feel that way to them. The Palestinian camp of Shatila became the backdrop for the couple's engagement photos and the world's response was overwhelming. Thank you Rayan, Samih, and Anna! Two years after their engagement, Rayan and Samih got married and moved to a flat just outside the camp and they still work there as journalists. Our storyteller Anna and her boyfriend got engaged shortly after she moved to Iraq to be with him. Read these two stories and many more in Anna Lekas Miller's book Love Across Borders. Produced by John Fecile. Original score by Clay Xavier. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Translation by Naziha Baassiri. Voice acting by Snap producer John Fecile and his wife Sarah Fecile. Make Me Beautiful Esther asked 50 Photoshop artists to make her beautiful. Things got pretty ugly. Thanks Esther for sharing this story! Esther Honig's photo project still gets re-published to this day. It's appeared in books for English language learners. The University of Cambridge put it in a textbook chapter about beauty. Her photos have been printed and hung on the walls of the Museum of Tomorrow in Brazil and The National Science and Media Museum in the UK. Check out her TED talk about this project. Esther is currently a producer at Storycorps, and has also produced two Snap episodes, “White Gold Fever” and “Map to the Disappeared.” Produced by John Fecile. Original score by Dirk Schwartzhoff.s When Are You Going To Get Married? For Ben Nakamura, coming out gay to his parents was not exactly like ripping off a band-aid… Produced by Liz Jones. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio. Season 15 - Episode 7

A small plastic boat bobs helpless in the Aegean Sea, overwhelmed and overloaded. A young father from Mogadishu must take the helm to save everyone on board -- but will he lose his family because of it? And a boy on a top-secret mission tries to win over the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class. STORIES Hanad & Faysa A small plastic boat bobs helpless in the Aegean Sea, overwhelmed and overloaded. A young father from Mogadishu must take the helm to save everyone on board -- but will he lose his family because of it? Thank you, Hanad and Faysa, for sharing your story with us. Reported by Niki Kitsantonis. Produced by John Fecile and Niki Kitsantonis. Original score by Lauryn Newson. Hanad's translation was read by Said Shaiye. Additional recording by Daphne Tolis. Additional translation by Abdi Mohammed. Danger 9b Richard Hatch is overseas on a top-secret mission… to win over Jill, the most elusive, electrifying student in his 7th-grade class. He isn't suave or sophisticated, so he's gonna need help from The Beatles, the Russians, and even the CIA to pull it off. Thank you, Richard Hatch aka Danger 9b, for sharing your story with us! Rick is back in the US and is putting the finishing touches on a kid-friendly memoir about his travels abroad. Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 15 - Episode 4

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 Aquarium Drunkard. Kirby Gregory still performs with the band Curved Air. Read an extensive history of Elmer Gantry's Velvet Opera from the magazine Ugly Things. Listen to a 10-song Spotify playlist 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 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 story in the Wall Street Journal. Sound design by Renzo Gorrio, produced by Davey Kim Season 14 - Episode 46

Your kids love her, your in-laws fear her, but you can't do Friday date night without QANanny. The ice is cracking on Lake Huron... will it break the bond between two ice fishermen? And Dr. Ray Christian gets stuck in the mud at Burning Man. This week on Snap, stories of people trying to escape a mess of their own making. STORIES QANanny Your kids love her, your in-laws fear her, but you can't do Friday date night without QANanny. Thank you, Josh Healy, for sharing your story with Snap! Produced by David Exumé, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff No Ice Is Safe Ice The ice is cracking on Lake Huron... will it break the bond between two ice fishermen? Thank you Steve, Jeremy, and Telaine for sharing your story with us. This episode was originally aired on Points North, podcast from Interlochen Public Radio. Go listen now for more stories about land, water, and inhabitants of the Great Lakes! Produced by Dan Wanschura, original score by Clay Xavier, edited by Nancy Lopez and John Fecile Mud Burn Dr. Ray Christian gets stuck in the mud… at Burning Man. Thanks, Ray, for telling us this tale. Go check out Ray's podcast, What's Ray Saying, for a deeper view into Black life in America and all things Ray. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 14 - Episode 41

A woman takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead. A Snap producer reveals he owes a lot to one single hairy flying creature. And a man sets out to put clothes on all naked pets. Snap Judgment presents, “Batwoman.” True stories about animals told by humans. STORIES Batwoman A woman in Texas takes animal rehabilitation to new heights when she brings over a thousand bats back from the dead. There is an explicit word in this story. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. 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 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 Society For Indecency To Naked Animals After witnessing a deplorable act of immorality, Alan Abel founds The Society for Indecency to Naked Animals (SINA), a campaign to clothe all naked animals for the sake of decency. Thanks to, Alan Abel, for sharing your story with Snap. After the original airing of this story, Alan has since passed away. We feel so lucky to have spoke with him before his passing. To learn more about Alan's life of antics, be sure to check out the documentary, ABEL RAISES CAIN directed by his daughter, Jessical Abel, and Jeff Hockett. Scored and produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 14 - Episode 35

Before creating the Snap Judgment radio show, Glynn worked as an educator, diplomat, community activist, actor, political strategist, fist-shaker, mountain-hollerer, and foot stomper. Snap Judgment is heard on about 500 public radio stations in the U.S. and on podcasts everywhere. Scroll down for takeaways you can use from today's show.The episode discussed on today's show"Zoo Nebraska," a Snap Classic, Season 13, Episode 18.The story of a chimpanzee and a man whose dream brought disaster to a small American town.This story details violence against animals. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.Read more about Zoo Nebraska in Carson's book, Zoo Nebraska: The Dismantling of an American Dream.Additional thanks to Patti Ragan from the Center for Great Apes.Produced by John Fecile and Carson Vaughan, original score by Renzo GorrioAdditional production by Jesse Dukes and Pat Mesiti-MillerArtwork by Teo DucotInterested in protecting Great Apes? Learn more at the Center for Great ApesSubscribe to Sound Judgment, the Newsletter, our once- or twice-monthly newsletter about creative choices in audio storytelling. Share the show! Follow Elaine on  Facebook | LinkedIn | InstagramHelp us find and celebrate today's best hosts!Who's your Sound Judgment dream guest? Share them with us! Write us: allies@podcastallies.com. Because of you, that host may appear on Sound Judgment.For more information on Sound Judgment and Podcast Allies, our production and training company, visit us at www.podcastallies.com.Takeaways from today's show: 1. What you're doing is taking the listener on a journey with you. That takes intention. From the very beginning of any episode, Glynn is thinking about how to persuade the listener to go on a journey with him. He's taking you into a different world, introducing you to the interior lives of the characters in these stories. He wants you to be curious, surprised, to feel things. He asks this question: “What piece of myself can act as an avatar for this journey I want to take people on? What piece of me can do that? That's the hostiness of it all.” 2. To have hostiness is to be animated by a question – and the question that lights you up will be different than the one that lights me up. Snap Judgment is all about empathy - how to evoke, how to get listeners to walk in someone else's shoes for  a little while. But Jad Abumrad of RadioLab's animating force was curiosity. What animates you? Stay true to that. 3. To Glynn, the best characters are not the famous and successful.  They're the people who've made mistakes; who don't want to face the ramifications of their actions, who've had some hard knocks – like Dick, the zookeeper in Zoo Nebraska who didn't want his story told. Rarely – if ever – are people villains on purpose. 4. You don't have to be Batman to have a good story to tell. In fact, you may be able to tell an amazing story about walking across the street, if we learn what it took for you to get from one side of the street to the other, and how high the stakes are. 5. And five…Don't leave out the washing machine. It's the ordinary details of life – even when they happen in the middle of a chimp escape – that make stories real for listeners.     

A centuries old tradition. A history of racism. What's it take to get a little love in the City of Brotherly Love? This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. Thank you to the Mummers Parade and everyone who was in this story! Produced by David Exumé and John Fecile. Additional field production by Daisylove James. Original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot. And a very very Happy New Year to you all from Snap Judgment! Season 13 - Episode 43

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. 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. Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 – Episode 41

When Umid Isabaev is trapped behind enemy lines, he gets help… from two of the world's most dangerous men. This story contains some strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you, Umid, for sharing your story with Snap! Thanks to Ethan Herschenfeld who voiced Umid's words, and to, Mars Lipowski, who was the voice of Steve Poland. BIG thanks as well to our translators for this piece, Muhitdin Ahunhodjaev and Magdalena Balz. Want more from the Kim Jong Un Look-alike? Check out his Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Trying to hear from the Putin Look-alike? Visit his website. The three fake heads of state reunited recently in Poland for a magazine photo shoot! We have a link to that photo on our website and it will also be posted on our social media accounts. Produced by John Fecile & Anne Ford, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 55

Six people, six different times and places, but they all find themselves in the same predicament, asking the same question, should they stop or should they go? This episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised. BIG thanks to Tyler Estep, who first reported Philip Dean's story for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Thanks also to Cole Richards and Randy Scott Carroll for recording assistance. Thank you to everyone interviewed for this story: Troy Stokes, Philip Dean, Betsy Richards, Delrish Moss, Carol Steele, and the Lucky Guy. Big love and thanks to Shannon Cason, who narrated this piece. Check out Shannon's podcast ‘Homemade Stories' to hear more from him. Produced by Anna Sussman, John Fecile & Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 36

Mary needed to get away from her husband. A handsome stranger offered her a way out. All she had to do was participate in the strangest group experiment of all time. This story contains scenes of domestic abuse as well as sexual situations. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you, Mary Gidley, for sharing your story with Snap. Mary just released a memoir titled Point to Point. You can learn more about the Acali experiment in the incredible documentary The Raft. Hear from Mary and other participants as they relive the experiment on a life-size recreation of the raft. The Raft opened in theaters in the U.S. in 2019 and begins streaming on digital platforms in the U.S. on May 19, 2020. Special thanks to director Marcus Lindeen. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Leon Morimoto Artwork by: Sanaa Khan The beat doesn't happen without YOU. Support Snap storytelling… stories you won't hear anywhere else. Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 31

A mild-mannered theater professor attempts to stage a controversial play in a small East Texas town. This episode discusses drug use, sex, homophobia, and contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you to Joseph Magee, Justin Adams, Jennifer Ann Handy, and the rest of the cast and crew of Angels in America Kilgore College, 1999. BIG love and thanks to Raymond Caldwell, who retired after 54 years of teaching theater. This story was based on the Texas Monthly magazine article “When ‘Angels in America' Came to East Texas” by Wes Ferguson. Special thanks also to the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Matthew Simpson, Helena de Groot, Kyle Henry, Katie Song and Colin Hyer. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic - Season 13 - Episode 27

The story of a chimpanzee and a man whose dream brought disaster to a small American town. This story details violence against animals. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you, Carson Vaughan, for sharing your story with Snap! Read more about Zoo Nebraska in Carson's book, Zoo Nebraska: The Dismantling of an American Dream. Additional thanks to Patti Ragan from the Center for Great Apes. Produced by John Fecile and Carson Vaughan, original score by Renzo Gorrio Additional production by Jesse Dukes and Pat Mesiti-Miller Artwork by Teo Ducot Interested in protecting Great Apes? Learn more at the Center for Great Apes Season 13 – Episode 18 - Snap Classic

Two women, Bates and Stokes, were LPCs at Pontiac Correctional Center outside Chicago. They were popular with their clients. They always had each other's back. And that... was just the start of their problems. Plus, the story of two men who come face to face one night in the canyonlands of southern Utah. STORIES Bates & Stokes Two women, Bates and Stokes, were LPCs at Pontiac Correctional Center outside Chicago. They were popular with their clients. They always had each other's back. And that... was just the start of their problems. This story comes to us from WBEZ's new season of the Motive podcast. This season investigates the hidden world of big prisons in small towns. Places where everyone knows each other and difficult truths get buried. Listen and subscribe to Motive now! Reported by Shannon Heffernan Produced by Jesse Dukes, Marie Mendoza, and Joe Deceault with story editing from John Fecile, Annie Nguyen, and Nancy Lopez Original Score by Cue Shop and Renzo Gorrio 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. Brody Young is a Utah State Park Ranger and motivational speaker, helping other 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 13 - Episode 17

A DJ hosts a radio show from a garden shed in his backyard. For over forty years he had an audience of one. This story was co-produced in partnership with our friends at Narratively, which celebrates humanity through authentic storytelling. They have amazing stories, podcasts, and so much more. Reporting for this piece came from Jeff Maysh. It was produced by Jeff Maysh, John Fecile, and Narratively‘s founder, Noah Rosenberg. Original Score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 13 - Episode 5 - Snap Classic

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 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 Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 12 - Episode 50

A computer learns to speak with emotion and conviction but lacks the ability to distinguish good ideas from absolute madness. And a man has a chance to work on a secret project involving millions of flying mammals that could put an end to World War II. STORIES Theodora Making sense of the world is always a struggle.  And that's why, as far back as time has existed, some people have chosen to stand up in front of others and tells stories and share ideas that make sense of the chaos around us. We call them "orators" or "the ones who speak"  They turn the chaos into meaning and inspiration. But there's a bad side of orators too—it's the snake oil salesmen....the buzzword charlatans...the intellectual xenomorphs who prey upon those who just want to find some deeper truths. Producer Jeff Emtman is particularly sensitive to this dual nature of public speaking...he's got some of those darker traits himself.  So he developed a simple robot named Theodora who could speak to him about the highly porous barrier that separates inspiration and madness. This piece comes to us from the podcast Here Be Monsters (HBM146: Theodora). Music by James Li, of Liance.  Album: This Painting Doesn't Dry Theodora's also a Twitterbot. Read her latest meanderings on Twitter at @hypo_inspo. The Other Secret Weapon A young man has the chance to work on a very secret, very powerful weapon that could put an end to World War II. The project involves no toxins, no chemicals, no shrapnel and no bullets. Instead, the project involves lots and lots of flying mammals. Lots. This story details a war situation involving both people and animals, sensitive listeners please be advised. BIG thanks to Jack Couffer, who is now 97, and BIG love to the entire Couffer family. Special thanks to producer Elizabeth Nakano & to Doctor Peter Kuznick from the Nuclear Studies Institute at American University. The bat recordings were made for us by artist & composer Geneva Skeen. Learn more about Geneva's work. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller, artwork by Teo Ducot Season 12 - Episode 32

In the mid-70s, Conan was hired to direct and produce a nature documentary. But he wanted to do something more ambitious. The film he made became one of the most infamous movies ever, but his success came with deadly consequences... This episode contains a content advisory for graphic imagery and strong language. It describes scenes of both human and animal death. This story is not for children and sensitive listeners, please be advised. Special thanks to our film consultants, Spencer Parsons and Todd Wieneke. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot Snap Classic

Fans and journalists embark on a seven-show tour with Rihanna… in seven countries, over seven days, on a Boeing 777, to celebrate her seventh album in seven years. Fasten your seat belts, it’s time for liftoff… This episode contains strong language and descriptions of a ‘rockstar lifestyle,’ sensitive listeners please be advised. Special thanks to Kristen Gwynne, Lawrence Bull, and Elizabeth Nakano. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot #rihannaplane Snap Classic - Season 10 - Episode 32

Six people, six different times and places, but they all find themselves in the same predicament, asking the same question, should they stop or should they go? BIG thanks to Tyler Estep, who first reported Philip Dean’s story for the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. Thanks also to Cole Richards and Randy Scott Carroll for recording assistance. Thank you to everyone interviewed for this story: Troy Stokes, Philip Dean, Betsy Richards, Delrish Moss, Carol Steele, and the Lucky Guy. Big love and thanks to Shannon Cason, who narrated this piece. Check out Shannon's podcast 'Homemade Stories' to hear more from him. Produced by Anna Sussman, John Fecile & Nancy López, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 12 - Episode 1

What if after the craziest year on record somebody asked you… “what happened?” The Snap team spoke to some of the people that changed our world in 2020 to see if their stories have a part II. BIG thanks to all of the storytellers who let us take a little peek back into their lives for this special episode: Patti Ragan from “Zoo Nebraska” Naandar from “Letters from Lockdown - Gaza, Myanmar, and at Sea” Jacoby Cochran from “Time Traveler” Gregory from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to America” Dr. Ayaz Virji & Doug Peterson from “The Country Doctor” Chanthon Bun from “Outbreak at San Quentin” Mary Gidley from “Raft of Passion” After an insane year, there is still so much to be thankful for. We are exceptionally grateful for you Snap Nation! The best people in all the world listen to this show. Happy Holidays from our family to yours… and cheers to the new year ahead. Produced by Anna Sussman, Nancy Lopez, John Fecile, Shaina Shealy, Regina Bediako, & Pat Mesiti-Miller Original score by Pat Mesiti-Miller Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 11 - Episode 40

A mild-mannered theater professor attempts to stage a controversial play in a small East Texas town. This episode discusses drug use, sex, homophobia, and contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. Thank you to Joseph Magee, Justin Adams, Jennifer Ann Handy, and the rest of the cast and crew of Angels in America Kilgore College, 1999. BIG love and thanks to Raymond Caldwell, who just retired after 54 years of teaching theater. This story was based on the Texas Monthly magazine article “When Angels in America Came to East Texas” by Wes Ferguson. Special thanks also to the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Matthew Simpson, Helena de Groot, Kyle Henry, and Katie Song. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 11 - Episode 36

A DJ hosts a radio show from a garden shed in his backyard. For over forty years… he had an audience of one. This story was co-produced in partnership with our friends at Narratively, which celebrates humanity through authentic storytelling. They have amazing stories, podcasts, and so much more. Reporting for this piece came from Jeff Maysh. It was produced by Jeff Maysh, John Fecile, and Narratively's founder, Noah Rosenberg.  Original Score by Renzo Gorrio Artwork by Teo Ducot Season 11 - Episode 20 The beat doesn’t happen without YOU. Support Snap storytelling... stories you won't hear anywhere else.

Some stories that seem the furthest away hit closest to home. Team Snap presents more lockdown advice from around the world, even from the places you least expect. Listen to the fifth installment of "Letters from Lockdown." Philippines Father Picx is a Catholic priest from the Philippines. Every year he spends months alone in his hermitage, but his first experience with real solitude wasn’t on a retreat... it happened in a place called the Dragon Room. Greece Noah and Freya met in a refugee camp in Greece. But after they fell in love, and wanted to start a new life together, they found it wasn’t quite so easy to leave. Watch Noah recite his poem + learn about Freya’s business. Michigan Alison wanted to take a nice long soak and found herself trapped for days. Special thanks to Juuni in Michigan for helping us out during the pandemic. Libya Rafram is a visual artist who grew up in Jerusalem and traveled to Libya 10 years ago to photograph synagogues and Jewish graveyards. Rafram says he was granted permission from the Libyan government and police, but on the last day of his visit... Rafram was kidnapped. These days, Rafram lives in Tunis, and usually posts pictures of his culinary adventures on Instagram. But he’s currently on a social media break for 170 days, to mark 10 years since he spent 170 days in prison. “Freedom is priceless, and real freedom is happening inside us,” he wrote in his last post. Thank you, Father Picx, Noah, Freya, Alison, and Rafram, for sharing your stories with us! Produced by Shaina Shealy, Naomi Zeveloff, Liz Mak, Anna Sussman, and John Fecile Music by Renzo Gorrio, additional production by Pat Mesiti-Miller Artwork by Sanaa Khan Digital Producer: Marisa Dodge Season 11 - Episode 16 The beat doesn’t happen without YOU. Support Snap storytelling... stories you won't hear anywhere else.

Who better to seek advice from than a mother? This week, Team Snap brings you the fourth installment of, "Letters from Lockdown,” featuring moms around the world. Happy Mother's Day to all the Snap Moms out there! Liberia In the Liberian city of Monrovia, there was one neighborhood, notoriously the poorest neighborhood in the city, that was completely locked down during the Ebola crisis. Bendu Kanu Pajibo is a mother of three and has lived in that neighborhood her entire life. Find out she managed to keep her smile.  Columbus After years struggling to get US papers, Edith Espinal finally had no choice but to hide from the government in the only place she felt safe.  Learn more about Edith’s story, and support her case. Her team also put together a COVID-19 Stay of Removal, sign the petition.  Chicago This isn’t the first time Ameena has been worried about her kids going outside. A violence interrupter talks life and death in Chicago. Hear her message to all the parents out there. Learn more about Ameena and check out these Chicago organizations: Pause for Peace and Protector of the Bread Food Pantry.  Thank you, Bendu, Edith, and Ameena, for sharing your stories with us! Produced by Shaina Shealy, Naomi Zeveloff, Anna Sussman, Liz Mak, Ana Adlerstein, John Fecile Music by Renzo Gorrio, additional production by Pat Mesiti-Miller Artwork by Sanaa Khan Digital Producer: Marisa Dodge Season 11 - Episode 14 The beat doesn’t happen without YOU. Support Snap storytelling... stories you won't hear anywhere else.

The story of a chimpanzee and a man whose dream brought disaster to a small American town. This story details violence against animals. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.  Thank you, Carson Vaughan, for sharing your story with Snap! Read more about Zoo Nebraska in Carson's book, Zoo Nebraska: The Dismantling of an American Dream.  Additional thanks to Patti Ragan from the Center for Great Apes. Produced by John Fecile and Carson Vaughan, original score by Renzo Gorrio Additional production by Jesse Dukes and Pat Mesiti-Miller  Interested in protecting Great Apes? Learn more at the Center for Great Apes Season 11 - Episode 6 The beat doesn’t happen without YOU. Support Snap storytelling... stories you won't hear anywhere else.

Best of the Best is Third Coast’s annual ode to audio storytelling, taking listeners on a journey through the full breadth of what’s possible in stories made from sound. This episode showcases two of the winning stories from the 19th annual Third Coast / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition: the Best Documentary Honorable Mention, Bronze & Silver Award winners, plus a behind-the-scenes interview with producer Neena Pathak.A Sense of Quietness [Excerpt], produced by Eleanor McDowall for Lights Out, a Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.Winner of the 2019 Best Documentary: Bronze AwardIn a beautifully flowing narrative, the stories of four unrelated women in the UK and Ireland connect in unexpected ways, as they discover the quiet power and hidden dangers of speaking out about abortion. Listen to the full piece here.ROW-cub, produced by Neena Pathak.Winner of the 2019 Best Documentary: Honorable Mention AwardAfter Aaji innocently asks if her granddaughter, Mithu, is bringing her "friend" home for the holidays, Mithu struggles to translate her heartache. [Note that this story is bilingual, but it can still be understood by non-Marathi speakers - to view a subtitled version of ROW-cub, go to RadioAtlas.org]This Is Not A Drill, produced by Jazmín Aguilera with Anna Sussman for Snap Judgment from WNYC. With co-producers John Fecile, Erika Lantz, Nancy López, and Eliza Smith; original score by Renzo Gorrio; sound design by Renzo Gorrio, Leon Morimoto, and Pat Mesiti-Miller; edited by Anna Sussman and Mark Ristich; with executive producer Glynn Washington.Winner of the 2019 Best Documentary: Silver AwardFor exactly 38 minutes on January 13th, 2018, the state of Hawaii was thrown into a state of panic. This story recounts what it was like for residents on that unforgettable morning as they tried to wrestle with impending doom, death and destruction. You can hear all the winning stories from the 2019 Competition at ThirdCoastFestival.org.The program is made possible with support from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and distributed to public radio stations by PRX.Music in this hour by Pablo Torri (“Retorno” & “Volta”), Skill Borrower (“Heartstring Hotel”), VicthorA3 (“Los Derechos Se Consiguen En La Calle”), and Aviscerall (“Sanctuary”). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mary needed to get away from her husband. A handsome stranger offered her a way out. All she had to do was participate in the strangest group experiment of all time. Thank you, Mary Gidley, for sharing your story with Snap. Mary just released a memoir titled Point to Point.  You can learn more about the Acali experiment in the incredible documentary The Raft. Hear from Mary and other participants as they relive the experiment on a life-size recreation of the raft. The Raft opened in theaters in the U.S. in 2019 and begins streaming on digital platforms in the U.S. on May 19, 2020. Special thanks to director Marcus Lindeen. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Leon Morimoto Artwork by: Sanaa Khan Season 11 - Episode 2 The beat doesn’t happen without YOU. Support Snap storytelling... stories you won't hear anywhere else. 

Fans and journalists embark on a seven-show tour with Rihanna... in seven countries, over seven days, on a Boeing 777, to celebrate her seventh album in seven years. Did we mention this is the seventh anniversary of the tour? Fasten your seat belts, it’s time for liftoff...  Special thanks to Kristen Gwynne, Lawrence Bull, and Elizabeth Nakano. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio #rihannaplane Season 10 Episode 32   

You know the most haunted places. The houses, the castles, the hotels. And you know the most haunted objects. The mirrors, the necklaces, the dolls. In this episode, we take you to the Stanley Hotel and introduce you to Robert the Doll. STORIES Room 324A film producer visits one of the most iconic haunted places in the world: The Stanley Hotel. He doesn’t believe in ghosts at all. But he’s about to question reality.  A big thanks to Daniel Noah for sharing this story with us. Daniel is the cohost of SpectreVision's Visitations Podcast. Produced by Eliza Smith, original score by Davey Kim Robert the DollRobert the doll is infamous. He can curse you and ruin your life if you disrespect him. But one man is determined to figure out how Robert got his powers. Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio Season 3 Episode 15  There are 26 new episodes of Spooked being released this season each week through Halloween and into a spooky November. To listen to them all, download the Luminary mobile app or go to LuminaryPodcasts.com.   

On January 13th, 2018, at exactly 8:07 in the morning, one text message turned the state of Hawaii into a state of emergency. From panic and fear to acceptance and joy, Snap Judgment explores the 38 minutes when the people of Hawaii faced an incoming ballistic missile threat. Lead Producer: Jazmin Aguilera Editor: Anna Sussman Producers: Eliza Smith, Erika Lantz, John Fecile Additional production assistance: Nancy Lopez Original score and Sound design: Renzo Gorrio and Leon Morimoto Season 10 Episode 1

The Visage: A man is hired to do remodel work on a notorious haunted house. But something inside the house doesn’t want anything to change. Producer: Anna Sussman Original Score: Leon Morimoto   Decorations:  Paintings start appearing on the walls. Dark, odd, and disturbed. All Nic knows is, something sinister is at work. Producer: John Fecile Original Score: Leon Morimoto  

This hour, some of the winners of our annual documentary competition.Featuring...Quiet Revolution — Best New Artist Award by Laura Irving for BIRSt.co.uk This autobiographical account follows a middle-aged woman embarking on an unconventional new hobby of roller skating. Is she a fearless warrior against age and gender stereotypes?Standing Out from the Crowd at a Trump Rally — Best News Feature Award by Ike Sriskandarajah for Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX In Myrtle Beach, candidate Donald Trump spoke at a Tea Party convention about banning Muslims: “We don’t know where these guys are from.” At a motorcycle rally outside, producer Ike Sriskandarajah is personally confronted with the same skepticism.Blink Once for Yes — Best Documentary: Bronze Award by John Fecile, Steven Jackson and Lizzie Schiffman Tufano for Love + Radio, from Radiotopia When Mike comes home after an accident, his family is faced with a new reality and an impossible choice.Heavyweight: Gregor — Skylarking Award by Jonathan Goldstein with co-producers Wendy Dorr, Kalila Holt, Chris Neary for Heavyweight from Gimlet Media.20 years ago, Gregor lent some CDs to a musician friend. The CDs helped make him a famous rockstar. Now, Gregor would like some recognition. But mostly, he wants his CDs back.Emancipation: A Young Man Leaves Foster Care on His Own Terms — Radio Impact Award by Noel Anaya with Brett Myers and Denise Tejada for Youth Radio and NPR’s All Things Considered When Noel Anaya had his final hearing before aging out of California’s foster care system, he wanted to bring millions into that courtroom with him, where he’d suffered time and time again.Majd’s Diary: Two Years in the Life of a Saudi Girl — Best Documentary: Silver Award by Sarah Kate Kramer and Joe Richman for Radio Diaries and NPR’s All Things Considered Majd Abdulghani dreams of becoming a scientist, while her parents want to arrange her marriage. From the age of 19 to 21, Majd Abdulghani used a microphone to chronicle her life, taking listeners inside a society where the voices of women are rarely heard.This hour of Best of the Best was produced by Dennis Funk.Music for Best of the Best was provided by Patient Sounds, a private-press record label and book publisher in Chicago. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One family, one story, three acts. The amazing Fecile family invites us behind closed doors to witness the hardest choice they ever had to make. A special stunning collaboration with Love and Radio... “Blink Once For Yes." This story comes to us from Nick van DerKolk's podcast Love and Radio. Produced by John Fecile, Steven Jackson and  Lizzie Schiffman Tufano Additional recording by Patrick Tufano    Original Music by Pat Mesiti-Miller and Curtis Heath Recorded Music permission given by Daniel Lanois  and Rocco DeLucca To hear the original full length version of this story go to Loveandradio.org.  Learn more about The Brain Injury Association of America and the work the Fecile family has done with them. Season 8 Episode 14 

When Mike comes home, his family is faced with a new reality and an impossible choice. Produced by John Fecile.