Snap Judgment - Episode: Bonkers
Release Date: October 10, 2024
Hosts: Snap Judgment and PRX

Introduction

In the "Bonkers" episode of Snap Judgment, host Quinn Washington delves into extraordinary tales that push individuals to their limits. This episode intertwines gripping narratives with dynamic beats, creating a cinematic auditory experience that challenges listeners to view the world from unconventional perspectives.

Brian Lee Knopp's Sheep Shearing Saga

Timestamp: [00:52] - [18:53]

Brian Lee Knopp, a retired private investigator and sheep shearer, recounts his harrowing experience navigating the unpredictable world of professional sheep shearing in North Carolina.

Key Highlights:

• The Call to Shear: In May 1989, Brian begins his side hustle as a sheep shearer, responding to a peculiar call from Dwayne Bagwell in Rutherford County.

  "They left messages. And there was this guy... I think Texans love guns. Guns bad steak, jalapeno peppers, and titty bars." [04:26]

• Meeting Dwayne Bagwell: Upon arrival, Brian encounters Dwayne, a tough, gun-toting man who immediately establishes tension. The environment is tense, with Brian sensing something amiss even before the shearing begins.

  "I said, I'm a sheep shearer." [18:53]

• Chaos Ensues: As Brian starts shearing, chaos erupts when a ram becomes uncontrollably aggressive, leading to a violent confrontation between Brian and Dwayne. The tension escalates to the point where Brian discovers dangerous dynamite in the shed, highlighting the unpredictability and peril of his occupation.

  "He was still kicking and snorting and rolling around... I was soaked completely through." [10:05]

• Aftermath: Exhausted and traumatized, Brian grapples with the aftermath of the encounter, reflecting on the surreal and dangerous nature of his experience.

  "I was taking my equipment off, and I couldn't unclench the nail that held that sort of gallows pole that hold my shearing." [18:53]

Notable Quotes:

• "These were big sheep... they were nasty. You have to shear sheep or they die in the Southeast." [04:26]
• "I'm still not sure why it happened to me, but I accepted." [18:53]

Dan Comstock's LARPing Misadventure

Timestamp: [25:28] - [35:10]

Dan Comstock shares a transformative experience from his participation in Live Action Role Playing (LARP), juxtaposing fantasy immersion with real-world consequences.

Key Highlights:

• The Challenge: In fourth grade, Dan accepts a dare from his friend Carl to urinate on an electric fence. Determined to uphold his reputation, Dan prepares meticulously to avoid getting shocked.

  "I start thinking I'm gonna pee on the fence when it ain't on." [18:53]

• The Shock: Despite his preparations, Dan receives a severe electric shock, leaving him physically debilitated and emotionally scarred.

  "The shockage sends me 10ft in the air, crashing down on my back, trembling, groaning, foam leaking from my eyes, my mouth, my nose." [18:53]

• Descent into the Woods: Struggling to cope, Dan narrates his disoriented state leading him into the snowy Pennsylvania woods. Lost and alone, his journey takes a surreal turn as he encounters Amish farmers.

  "I pulled on through the gate. I felt like I just... why did you do that to yourself?" [18:53]

• Amish Encounter: In a humorous twist, Dan finds himself inadvertently dressed in a fantasy outfit while seeking help from Amish neighbors, leading to a blend of reality and his LARP persona.

  "I realize I'm like really lost. It's now past sunset and the snow has been falling so I've only got like 100ft of footprints and then it's gone." [29:57]

• Return to Reality: As dawn breaks, Dan is rescued by fellow LARPers, blurring the lines between his imagined adventures and actual survival.

  "This is Amish country. That's terrible." [29:57]

Notable Quotes:

• "I can prove otherwise. I can." [25:28]
• "I'm a madman, a revolutionary in the world of Tira, on the continent of Avalon." [35:10]

Conclusion

The "Bonkers" episode masterfully showcases tales of individuals thrust into extreme and unexpected circumstances. Through Brian's dangerous sheep shearing ordeal and Dan's LARP-induced wilderness survival, listeners are invited to explore the depths of human resilience and the thin line between reality and fantasy. Snap Judgment continues to deliver compelling narratives that challenge perceptions and engage the imagination.

Notable Production Credits

• Original Scores: Renzo Gorio
• Producers: David Exabe, Jasmine Aguilera
• Production Team: Mark Ristich, Nancy Lopez, Pat Mesiti, Miller, Anna Sussman, John Fasille, Shayna Shealy, Tayo Dakot, Flo Wiley, Bo Walsh, Marissa Dodge, David Exime, Regina Badiaco

Snap Judgment expertly blends storytelling with dynamic beats, ensuring each episode is an immersive experience. Whether it's real-life chaos or fantastical adventures, this episode of "Bonkers" exemplifies the podcast's commitment to daring and engaging narratives.