Snap Judgment Podcast Summary: "Roommate Wanted - Snap Classic"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Snap Judgment
- Host/Author: Snap Judgment and PRX
- Description: Snap Judgment blends real stories with compelling beats to create cinematic, dramatic radio. Their unique storytelling approach encourages listeners to view the world from different perspectives, delivering "storytelling... with a BEAT."
- Episode: Roommate Wanted - Snap Classic
- Release Date: March 20, 2025
1. Introduction
[00:02] Flynn Washington sets the stage by exploring the modern dilemma of finding a trustworthy roommate amidst high living costs. He emphasizes the universal challenge of affording rent alone, highlighting the necessity of sharing living spaces with someone who is more than a stranger.
Notable Quote:
“The one thing that unites all of us is the certain knowledge that the rent is too damn high.” — Flynn Washington [00:35]
2. Brian Boucher’s Quest for a Roommate
The narrative centers on Brian Boucher, a struggling writer in New York City who, after a breakup, seeks a new roommate to share his one-bedroom apartment.
Key Points:
- Brian's ideal roommate criteria: dependable and able to pay rent on time.
- He discovers Don Williams (preferred name Don), a ghostwriter, through Craigslist.
- Don moves in quickly, paying more than half the rent in exchange for privacy in the bedroom, leaving Brian to sleep on the couch.
Notable Quotes:
“I felt humiliated, honestly. I felt like, ugh, has it come to this?” — Brian Boucher [03:20]
“The only thing that took up space is that he would take really epic showers.” — Brian Boucher [04:10]
3. Growing Suspicion and the Mysterious Break-In
As time progresses, Brian notices unusual patterns in Don's behavior, such as irregular comings and goings, leading to unease about his roommate's reliability.
Key Points:
- Brian observes Don’s sporadic presence and long, quiet periods in the apartment.
- In December, Brian returns to find Don’s room ransacked without any signs of theft from his own belongings.
- Brian contacts the police, who find little to act upon without evidence of theft.
- Unable to reach Don, Brian becomes anxious and suspects Don of foul play, contemplating changing the locks and safeguarding himself.
Notable Quotes:
“It seemed too strange that somebody should break into the apartment just the one night that I happened to be away.” — Brian Boucher [07:05]
“I felt like I have to protect myself from him and just hope that he doesn't ever come back.” — Brian Boucher [09:30]
4. The Revelation of Don’s Criminal Past
After weeks of uncertainty, Don finally contacts Brian, revealing the tragic loss of his sister and explaining his absence.
Key Points:
- Don explains his sister’s death and his need to handle family matters in Seattle.
- Upon return, Brian awkwardly attempts to restore the disturbed state of Don’s room to avoid embarrassment.
- Don inspects the damage, noting missing items and suggesting the installation of webcams, which Brian resists.
- Further investigation uncovers Don’s true identity: Dino Lauren Smith, a convicted criminal involved in large-scale jewelry heists.
Notable Quotes:
“When you rented me, you weren't just getting a roommate; you got a career criminal.” — Brian Boucher [12:45]
“You have to fight. You gotta fight, Don.” — Don Reed performing [34:10]
5. Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Brian becomes entangled in the legal repercussions of Don’s criminal activities, leading to a high-stakes courtroom drama.
Key Points:
- Brian discovers incriminating information on Don, including personal and others’ sensitive data.
- A laptop reveals Don’s alias and his history of burglary and robbery.
- Police locate Don, leading to his arrest in connection with a significant jewelry heist in San Francisco.
- Brian testifies in court, contributing to Don’s conviction on multiple counts, resulting in a 23-year prison sentence.
Notable Quotes:
“Based in part on the evidence found on the computer, the jury convicted him of eight of 11 counts.” — Brian Boucher [24:30]
“I got the whole thing wrong. He was a murderer.” — Brian Boucher [27:15]
6. Reconnection and Reflections
Years later, Brian revisits his past by visiting Don in prison, uncovering deeper layers of their shared history.
Key Points:
- In 2017, Brian visits Don at Folsom Prison, rekindling their estranged relationship.
- Don reveals his careful selection of Brian as a roommate, hinting at a method behind his initial deception.
- The encounter provides closure and a deeper understanding of Don’s complex character.
Notable Quotes:
“When you rented me, you weren't just getting a roommate; you got a career criminal.” — Don [32:01]
“You never know who you're going to run into on Craigslist.” — Flynn Washington [32:01]
7. Don Reed’s Live Storytelling Performance
The episode transitions to a live performance by Don Reed, who shares his own story of resilience and survival.
Key Points:
- Don recounts his turbulent youth in Oakland, recruitment to UCLA on a flawed scholarship, and subsequent homelessness.
- He describes his unconventional job serving breakfast at the Kipling Hotel, interacting with elderly patrons, including George, a 92-year-old man contemplating violence.
- Don draws parallels between his past struggles and his path to success, emphasizing the theme of perseverance.
Notable Quotes:
“Nothing is too wonderful to be true.” — Don Reed performing [34:10]
“I treated people well. I keep my word.” — Don Reed performing [41:00]
8. Conclusion
Flynn Washington wraps up the episode by highlighting the profound impact of storytelling, urging listeners to engage with the Snap Judgment podcast to experience life-changing narratives.
Notable Quotes:
“Storytelling can change lives. If you want to change someone's life right now, snatch up their phone and get them the Snap Judgment podcast.” — Flynn Washington [45:00]
Summary: "Roommate Wanted - Snap Classic" is a gripping episode of Snap Judgment that intertwines Brian Boucher's unnerving experience with his roommate Don Williams, who is later revealed to be the criminal Dino Lauren Smith. The story delves into themes of trust, deception, and the unforeseen consequences of shared living spaces. Through Brian's harrowing journey—from initial roommate optimism to uncovering a criminal past and eventual courtroom drama—the episode underscores the complexities of human relationships and the hidden depths individuals may possess. The live storytelling segment by Don Reed adds another layer of resilience and survival, complementing the main narrative with a tale of personal struggle and triumph. Overall, the episode offers a compelling exploration of how chance encounters can profoundly alter one's life.
Production Credits:
- Original Score: Dirk Schwarzoff
- Produced by: Bo Walsh
- Live Performance by: Don Reed
- Snap Judgment Players: Alex Mandel, David Brandt, and Tim Frick
- Full Video Available On: Snap Judgment Films YouTube Channel