Snap Judgment Podcast: End of the Rainbow - Snap Classic

Release Date: July 10, 2025

Introduction

In the "End of the Rainbow - Snap Classic" episode, Snap Judgment host Glenn Washington weaves together evocative real-life stories infused with cinematic soundscapes and rhythmic beats. This episode delves into themes of aspiration, struggle, fame, and the elusive nature of fulfillment, encouraging listeners to perceive the world through diverse perspectives. Below is a detailed summary capturing the essence of each narrative, complete with notable quotes and timestamps.

1. End of the Rainbow: The Story of MJ Fievre

Duration: 00:02 – 22:24

Overview

Glenn Washington introduces the first story, focusing on MJ Fievre, a teenage girl from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and personal abuse, MJ's journey symbolizes the pursuit of dreams amidst adversity.

Key Points

• MJ's Passion for Learning: At 13, MJ finds solace in reading, identifying with characters like Fantomet, a superhero without supernatural powers. This inspiration fuels her desire to seek a better life.

• Opportunity Abroad: MJ discovers a medical program in the Dominican Republic, viewing it as her ticket out of Haiti's instability. Despite her enthusiasm, familial and cultural barriers impede her plans.

• Family Tensions and Abuse: MJ describes a turbulent home life marked by her father's controlling nature and incidents of domestic violence, which intensify her longing to escape.

• Attempt to Leave: Determined, MJ decides to run away to seize the interview opportunity. Her journey on the bus amidst protests escalates into chaos, culminating in gunshots that thrust her into a life-threatening situation.

• Aftermath and Reflection: Returning home without securing the program, MJ grapples with feelings of failure and continued desperation. A pivotal quote reflects her disillusionment:

  "I felt that it was a reflection of what I had been going through the entire time. Like I'm hurting on the inside and many people don't even notice." (Timestamp: [21:50])

Notable Quotes

• MJ Fievre:

  "Reading was this way of seeing how other people lived, but also what my life could be." ([04:25])

• Host Glenn Washington:

  "The story of Mjfiev was far from over. After high school, MJ did end up going to medical school, but she realized it wasn't quite her calling." ([22:24])

Conclusion

MJ's story is a poignant depiction of youthful ambition crushed under societal and familial pressures. Her eventual move to the United States and transition to a writing career underscores themes of resilience and self-discovery. Listeners are encouraged to explore her memoir, A Sky the Color of Chaos, to gain deeper insights into her experiences.

2. Oni: The World's Most Famous Postal Dog

Duration: 25:29 – 37:39

Overview

The second narrative explores the extraordinary life of Oni, a dog who became a legendary figure within the United States Postal Service. Through Nancy Pope's account, listeners witness Oni's rise to fame and the eventual decline that led to his untimely death.

Key Points

• Oni’s Origins: Introduced as a scruffy puppy in Albany, New York, Oni's fascination with mailbags leads him to accompany postal clerks on their routes, marking the beginning of his widespread travels.

• Touring the Nation: Oni's consistent presence on mail trains earns him a reputation, allowing him to traverse numerous cities across the United States. His charm captivates both postal workers and the public, leading to media attention and personalized tags commemorating his visits.

• Symbols of Fame: Customized tags serve as souvenirs, symbolizing Oni's impact on each location. These tags not only represent advertising but also the deepening association between Oni and the communities he visited.

• The Final Journey: A marketing stunt takes Oni on a transcontinental trip to East Asia. However, over time, the increasing number of tags and forced travels take a toll on him. In Toledo, friction with postal clerks culminates in Oni attacking them, resulting in his fatal shooting by a U.S. Marshal.

• Legacy and Recognition: Despite his death, Oni's legacy endures. Nancy Pope’s discovery of Oni's preserved form at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum highlights the enduring fascination with his story. A significant quote encapsulates Oni's fate:

  "It was like, I know, I know, I know. Get this. Then she knocks on my door again." ([43:33])

Notable Quotes

• Nancy Pope:

  "Oney proved so popular that eventually it wasn't enough that he simply come to town. People wanted to prove that he'd been there." ([31:21])

• Host Glenn Washington:

  "Oney was growing increasingly irritable, especially when people tried to touch the tags on his harness." ([34:33])

Conclusion

Oni's tale is both heartwarming and tragic, highlighting the complexities of fame and the loss of autonomy. As Oni becomes a national icon, the ethical implications of his exploitation emerge, culminating in his demise. Nancy Pope's efforts to resurrect Oni's story ensure that his legacy remains a poignant lesson on the consequences of unchecked adulation.

3. Radio Play Inspired by Kelly Link

Duration: 39:19 – 50:59

Overview

Breaking away from real-life narratives, the episode ventures into a fictional radio play inspired by author Kelly Link. This segment blurs the lines between reality and imagination, exploring themes of obsession, identity, and the supernatural.

Key Points

• Characters Introduced: The play involves interactions between Glenn Washington, Jack, and Kelly, delving into their personal and creative struggles.

• Supernatural Elements: The narrative introduces mysterious "Beyonce" figures and hints at the presence of fembots, creating an eerie atmosphere that questions the protagonists' perceptions of reality.

• Interpersonal Dynamics: Tensions between characters reveal deeper insecurities and fears, particularly concerning creative endeavors and personal relationships.

• Climactic Unraveling: As the story progresses, supernatural manifestations intensify, culminating in a revelation that the fembots are purely fictional creations within the narrative, reinforcing the theme of blurred realities.

Notable Quotes

• Glenn Washington:

  "It's not true, Snappers. It's not. Fembots are not taking over the world." ([50:59])

• Kelly:

  "The man in my bed said something stupid like, I like what you got going on down there." ([48:54])

Conclusion

The radio play offers a surreal departure from the grounded storytelling of previous segments, engaging listeners with its inventive narrative structure and psychological depth. By intertwining creativity with elements of the supernatural, the play challenges audiences to question the boundaries between storytelling and lived experience.

Closing Remarks

Glenn Washington concludes the episode by acknowledging the diverse tales shared, each encapsulating different facets of human experience—from the pursuit of dreams against all odds to the unintended consequences of fame, and the intricate dance between reality and imagination. The episode underscores Snap Judgment's commitment to delivering compelling, beat-driven storytelling that resonates on multiple emotional and intellectual levels.

Listeners are encouraged to visit the Snap Judgment website for additional resources, including an interactive map of Oni's travels and further information on MJ Fievre's work. The episode's rich sound design and production quality enhance the immersive experience, making it a standout installment in the Snap Classic series.

Credits

• Narrators and Hosts:

  • Glenn Washington
  • Nancy Pope

• Creators and Contributors:

  • Original score by Laleen Sejust
  • Produced by David Exume
  • Sound design by Leon Morimoto
  • Produced by Joe Rosenberg

• Voice Actors:

  • Joyce Lee
  • Glenn Washington

For more information and to explore full episodes, visit snapjudgment.org.