Podcast: Snap Judgment

Using broken refrigerators, mattresses and dishwashers, residents of Union Point Park barricade their tent-city. And they fight for an extraordinary idea: their own plot of land from the city, where they could live in community and set their own rules, on their own terms.

A Tiny Plot is a new 5-part series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Host and Reporter Shaina Shealy takes listeners inside an encampment in Oakland for an against-all-odds story about scarcity, community, and the complexity of building something new from the margins of a broken system. What happens when people who’ve been shut out of a system that has failed them decide to take the lead? Disaster, and unexpected beauty.

This episode contains strong language & graphic imagery. Please take care while listening.

Huge love & thanks to the entire cast from A Tiny Plot for sharing your worlds with us.

Hosted and produced by Shaina Shealy. Edited by Anna Sussman, original music by Renzo Gorrio, engineering by Pat Mesiti-Miller. Director of Production: Marisa Dodge. Executive Producers: Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich. Artwork: Teo Ducot.

Specials thanks: Jen Chien, Catherine Winter, the City of Oakland, Sweetie at the Travel Inn, Ryan Finnegan, Will Craft, JP Dobrin, Thomas Brouns, Sukey Lewis, Alistair Boone, The Street Spirit, KQED legal, and Ott House Audio.

Episode 1 of 5. Episodes drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen on any podcast platform, right here on Snap Judgment!

It's barricades vs. bobcats, tents vs. tiny homes and a team of people fighting to stay together. Listen to a radical experiment in freedom that puts an entire city under the microscope…

"A Tiny Plot” is a new series from KQED’s Snap Studios. Producer Shaina Shealy embedded with a group of people in an encampment in Oakland at a park called Union Point. They were ordered to disperse, running out of time, but they were bound together by an extraordinary new idea: their own living space where they can set their own rules. Over five episodes, we learn the story of Mama D, Papa Eddie, President Matt and more. They invite listeners in to witness high-stakes decisions, devastating failures and wild successes.

Episode 1 drops August 21, 2025. Episodes will drop on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Listen right here on Snap Judgment.

300 people spend a week on a plane with Rihanna to attend seven concerts, in seven countries, over seven days. And when morale is low among a group of paratroopers, their Sergeant takes them on an unexpected trip.

STORIES

Diamonds in the Sky

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 happened seven years ago?

This story contains explicit language. Sensitive listeners please be advised.

Special thanks to Kristen Gwynne, Lawrence Bull, and Elizabeth Nakano.

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Renzo Gorrio.

Acid Jump

When morale is low among a group of paratroopers, their Sergeant takes them on an unexpected trip.

Check out Ray’s podcast, “What’s Ray Saying?” and follow him on Twitter @WhatsRaySaying!

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto.

Season 16 - Episode 35

The hallowed halls of an Airbnb house a spirit that can only be seen through sprinkles, spritzes, and sparkles… of air freshener. Snap’s Queen of Comedy, Jen Kober, returns with a story only she could tell. Plus, Glynn shares a story about a close personal witch.

The episode contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

These stories were told at Spooked LIVE! We have a West Coast tour this year in Oakland, Los Angeles, and Seattle! Join us in September and October! Cross over. Pre-sale for our Oakland show begins August 13, 2025. Get your tix + listen to Spooked on any podcast platform.

Thanks, Jen, for sharing your story with us! For all things Jen -- and to see her live on tour -- check out her website.

Original music performed live by Doug Stuart and Brijean Murphy. Mixed by Miles Lassi. Artwork by Teo Ducot. Special thanks to Ryan Davis, Sarah Rose Leonard, Jon Cohn, Rebecca Stumme, Kristen Payne, and the LA Orpheum Team.

Season 16 - Episode 34

Eleven attractive, young people set sail across the Atlantic in a raft as part of a radical group experiment. And a boy falls in love with a girl… and her fungus.

STORIES

Vintage Spirit

Did you ever think that you missed a moment of history?  A moment you were made for? Glynn explores an era that had a spark.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller.

Raft of Passion

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.

Linda, Loretta, and Me

What happens when boy meets girl and fungus? This is a story about love and spores, from one of our favorite podcasts, Love Me. Be sure to check out producer Jonathan Zenti’s podcast, Meat.

Produced by Mira Burt-Wintonick, Cristal Duhaime, and Jonathan Zenti.

Snap Classic - Season 16 - Episode 33

She’s stunning grey, sleek as a race car, and stronger than all the boys. Her name is Winning Colors and for Dino and Miami she’s the long shot of a lifetime.

This story contains strong language and includes descriptions of gambling, sensitive listeners please be advised.

If gambling has become a problem for you or for someone you know, you can call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) to seek free, confidential, 24/7 problem gambling assistance.

A huge thank you to Mark “Miami” Paul for sharing his story with Snap!

Wondering what happened to Winning Colors? After her 1988 Kentucky Derby crown the big grey filly retired the following year with eight career wins. In 2000, she was inducted into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 2008, at the age of 23 Winning Colors was laid to rest in Lexington, Kentucky.

To find out more about Miami and Winning Colors’ story – check out Miami’s book, “The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told”

Produced by Bo Walsh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Snap Classic – Season 16– Episode 32

Here’s a preview from a new podcast, Charlie’s Place. How did a Black man in the 1940s Jim Crow South open a club where Black and white people danced together? Charlie’s Place was revolutionary, and that meant it was dangerous. Host Rhym Guissé explores the unbelievable true story of Charlie Fitzgerald, a mysterious Black businessman whose nightclub became an unlikely site of integration in Myrtle Beach.

Charlie broke down racial barriers through the power of music and dance, hosting some of the greatest musicians of our time: Little Richard, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and many more. But who was Charlie? How did he rise to power? And what price did he pay for achieving the impossible—an integrated club in the Jim Crow South? This is a story of joy and passion that erupted into violence and changed a community forever.

Listen to Charlie’s Place wherever you get your podcasts. Binge the entire season early and ad-free by subscribing to Pushkin+. Sign up on the Charlie's Place show page on Apple Podcasts or at pushkin.fm/plus.

World class runner Shelby Houlihan goes on trial and a bad burrito is her smoking gun. Plus, what do you do when you look just like figure skating’s supervillain?

STORIES

The Burrito Theory

World class runner Shelby Houlihan goes on trial and a bad burrito is her smoking gun.

Thank you Shelby, for sharing your story with us!

Produced by John Fecile, original score by Clay Xavier.

Tonya for Hire

What if one day you found out you look like one of the most famous people in the country — who everybody hates?

Lynn Harris is an author, commentator, award-winning journalist and mostly-retired comedian. She has a business, Gold Comedy, that teaches comedy to teenage girls. You can find her performing on stage as Tonya Harding here.

Produced by Liz Mak, original score by Leon Morimoto.

Season 16 - Episode 30

A young girl’s fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Plus – the story of the first dog to travel around the world and the hottest alien takeover of all time.

Round Trip

A young girl’s fantastic dream to be a doctor sends her into the middle of political realities of Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

This story contains scenes of domestic abuse and gun violence, please take care while listening.

Thank you, MJ Fièvre, for sharing your story with us! You can read more about MJ’s childhood in Haiti in her memoir: “A Sky the Color of Chaos” And she’s working on a book series that uplifts Black women and girls – check out all that and more at badassblackgirl.com

Produced by David Exumé, original story score by Lalin St. Juste. Music and sound design for opening story by Druuvy.

The Dog that Went Around the World

The story of the first dog to travel around the world (and refuse a free steak).

Produced by Joe Rosenberg, original score & sound design by Leon Morimoto.

Bionic Blondes

The hottest alien takeover of all time.

This story was originally written by Kelly Link, and comes from her collection, Stranger Things Happen. It was adapted, directed, and produced by Mark Ristich and Eliza Smith. Voice ActorsL Glynn Washington and Joyce Lee.

Season 16 - Episode 29

When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner. And in Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.

This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform, episodes drop weekly. If you want more supernatural fun, check out Spooked on YouTube.

The Gearbox

When Michelle moves into The Gearbox on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, she meets a new dance partner.

Produced by Anne Ford, original score by Doug Stuart.

Spirit of the Mountain

In Yauco, the mountain is alive. It knows you. It is aware of you. And when you pass, it will not let you leave unforgotten.

Thank you Adam, for sharing your story with us.

Produced by Erick Yáñez, original score by Doug Stuart, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 16 - Episode 28

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.

STORIES

Super Bowl Rick

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.

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

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

In the Big Top, the Ringmaster wows the crowd in his top hat and sparkly jacket. But underneath the glitz is a feeling that only a father can lay to rest. And what do you do when your family’s big moment on national TV turns into a total disaster? ...Happy Father's Day y'all!

Ringmaster

In the Big Top, the Ringmaster wows the crowd in his top hat and sparkly jacket. But underneath the glitz is a question that only a father can lay to rest.

Thank you Jonathan Lee Iverson for sharing your story with us! Jonathan is a Ringmaster to this day, you can find him touring up and down California.

Produced by Anna Sussman. Original score by Derek Barber. Photo credit: Wednesday Aja.

The Angry Marriage?

What do you do when your family’s big moment on national TV turns into a total disaster?

A huge thank you to Charles, Linda and Rebecca Kraus for sharing your story with Snap!

You can find all things Charles the Clown including  videos, songs, magic tricks, puppet routines and even book Charles for your next event in the Bay Area.

Dr. Bonnie Maslin and The Today Show did not respond to our requests for comment about this story.

Produced by Bo Walsh. Original score by Dirk Schwartzhoff. Edited by Regina Bediako & Anna Sussman.

Season 16 - Episode 25

This week on Snap, we go to Guadalajara, Mexico where Dante meets Jorge. As they start to understand each other they soon discover that what brings them together also sets them apart.

This episode contains sexual references, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Dante and Jorge, for sharing your story!

The Spanish version of this episode is available at CUIR: Historias Disidentes, a non-fiction podcast that showcases stories from the Latinx LGBTQ+ community and from people who challenge the way we think about love, identity, sex and pleasure. You can listen to more CUIR episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts and on the CUIR website: https://estonoesradio.mx/programas/cuir

Jorge was voiced by Terry Holiday, one of the most prominent trans actresses in Mexico. You can read more about Terry in this Vice article (in Spanish).

Produced by Erick Yáñez, edited by Nancy López. Reported by Dante Ureta. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Art by Teo Ducot.

Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 24

After years of fighting battles as a child soldier, a Sudanese man finds himself a refugee in Australia. As he struggles to overcome his past, he comes face-to-face with his childhood tormentor on a TV show.

This episode recounts real events that happened to a child soldier, including graphic scenes inside a prison camp, listener discretion is advised.

Thank you, Ayik, for sharing your incredible story with us! To learn more about Ayik’s life, check out his memoir, The Lost Boy. You can also catch Ayik on Harrow, a crime drama on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Produced by Ruby Schwartz, edited by Nancy López. Special thanks to Wendy Love. Original score by Renzo Gorrio. Artwork by Teo Ducot.

This week’s music spotlight features the song “Rocketeer” from our very own Renzo Gorrio! Renzo scores so many stories on Snap (like this one!) and he produces under the name Hydroplane. Listen to “Rocketeer” from his album “Rockets” available on cassette, vinyl, and digitally on Bandcamp.

Snap Classic – Season 16 – Episode 23

Have you ever wanted something so badly you’d do anything to make it happen? Sixteen-year-old Mohamed decides to dig deep in his religion to take the next step with his crush. There’s no love like young love… especially when it’s a secret.

This story contains strong language, discusses sexuality, and mentions corporal punishment. Please take care while listening.

BIG thanks to Mohamed Ali for sharing his story with us! Mohamed is an artist and comedian, he just got back to Canada after spending the last few years working and performing in Southeast Asia. Check out his Instagram!

Special thanks to Zahra Noorbakhsh. Big thanks as well to Zaiba Hasan & her crew from the podcast Mommying While Muslim.

Produced by Regina Bediako, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Snap Music Spotlight: “Honest” by Jada Imani (produced by Dakim)

Jada Imani is an East St. Louis-born, Bay Area-raised Hip-Hop R&B artist and organizer. In addition to a whole bunch of great music, Jada recently launched a new product line called “Good For The Soul”. Be sure to check out her Patreon and follow her on social media!

This song comes to us from the compilation Water For The Town Vol. 4, a project series from SmartBomb created to raise mutual aid and awareness for various organizations and grassroots movements doing vital work right here in Oakland.

The song is produced by Dakim, be sure to check out more of Dakim’s music and follow them on Instagram!

Season 16 – Episode 22 - Snap Classic

Three epic romances, but only one of them makes it into the time capsule. Nichole, Zakiya, and Emmanuel must choose the best Black Love story for the world of the future.

This week on Snap, we're featuring an episode from our friends at Our Ancestors Were Messy.

Our Ancestors Were Messy, is a podcast covering the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines in the Black newspapers of segregated communities during the pre-Civil Rights era. On each episode, host Nichole Hill and her guests follow the story of an ancestor in search of opportunity, adventure, love, and a way to beat Jim Crow. Hill and her guests learn the mess - and eventual history - their ancestors make along the way.

You can listen to this incredible show on any podcast platform!

Our Ancestors Were Messy is hosted by Nichole Hill (@nicholewthanh). This episode feautres Emmanuel Dzotsi (@newsmanual_) and Zakiya Gibbons (@zak_sauce). Executive Producer A.A. Hernandez. Sound design by Helena de Groot. Story Producer Martina Abrahams Ilunga (@m_tina). Research Producer Chioke I'Anson. Story Editing by Shonte Hill. Show Art by Aseloka Smith.

Season 16 - Episode 21

When the biggest baddest bird in the wild is on the brink of death, one couple will do anything to bring her back home. Snap presents, “Birdzilla: Mother of Eagles.” A Canadian love story.

This episode discusses the subject of death and contains strong language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

Thank you, Murdo Messer, for sharing your story with us! And all of us here at Snap are thinking fondly of the late Dr. Helene Van Doninck, wherever you are, thank you.

Learn more about the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre! Check out animal photos and videos on their Facebook and Twitter.

Produced by Nikka Singh, original score by Renzo Gorrio, artwork by Teo Ducot.

Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 20

A young woman wakes up in her Beijing dorm room to a call. A strange voice, a man she barely remembers, is asking her a question that will change her destiny. And a doctor hears one of her classical music idols play one of the greatest serenades of all time.

STORIES

Ping

A young woman wakes up in her Beijing dorm room to a call. A strange voice,  a man she barely remembers, is asking her a question that will change her destiny.

Thank you, Wang Ping, for sharing your story with us! Wang Ping is a poet, writer, photographer, performance and multimedia artist. Want to learn more about her? Check out her website.

Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Daniel Riera, artwork by Teo Ducot.

“Dying to Tchaikovsky”

Family medicine physician Catherine Sonquist Forest listens to one of her classical music idols serenade a dying loved one in the hospital.

This story came to us from The Nocturnists podcast, it was told by Catherine Forest, MD. The Nocturnists are a vibrant community of healthcare workers who are celebrating their humanity through storytelling. They have live performances, a podcast, and so much more. Listen & subscribe now!

Hosted by Emily Silverman. Produced by Emily Silverman and Marina Poole. Story Development by Adelaide Papazoglou. Sound Engineering by Alberto Hernandez. Assistant Producing by Kirk Klocke. Original theme music by Yosef Munro, additional music by Blue Dot Sessions.

Snap Classic - Season 16 – Episode 19

Outside of Mumbai, in the middle of nowhere, is a beautiful river. One side of the river is cursed. But which side is it?

This episode contains strong language. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

This story comes to us from our evil-twin, Spooked! You can listen to Spooked on any podcast platform. If you want more supernatural fun, check out Spooked on YouTube.

Produced by Anne Ford. Original score by Nicholas Marks. Artwork by Teo Ducot.

Season 16 - Episode 18