Snap Judgment: The Awakening
Released on July 3, 2025
Hosted by Snap Judgment and PRX
Introduction
In the "The Awakening" episode of Snap Judgment, listeners are treated to a series of spine-chilling narratives that blend real-life experiences with hauntingly immersive beats. This episode, a collaboration with the sister podcast Spooked, delves into supernatural encounters and unexplained phenomena that challenge the boundaries between the natural and the paranormal. The stories are masterfully woven to encourage listeners to perceive the world through the eyes of others, all set to the podcast's signature dramatic and cinematic soundscape.
Michelle’s Haunting in Montserrat
Timestamp: [00:02 – 19:08]
The episode opens with the story of Michelle, a resident of the Caribbean island Montserrat. Raised in the opulent Gearbox house, Michelle's childhood was anything but ordinary. The Gearbox, owned by her grandparents, was a hub of social activity with lavish cocktail parties that transformed the spacious dining and drawing rooms into dance floors. Despite the grandeur, an undercurrent of mystery pervaded the household.
Michelle recounts experiencing eerie phenomena from an early age. At around 2 PM one afternoon, she hears a woman's voice calling her name with a "very posh British accent" ([05:41]). Confused and seeking answers, Michelle approaches the household staff, only to be told they did not hear her. This marks the beginning of her encounters with the supernatural.
Notable Quote:
“I heard a woman's voice calling me. She called my name very, very slowly with a very posh British accent. Me shell innocent sounding, sweet, lovely, almost playful.” – Michelle ([05:41])
The house itself seemed to be a conduit for strange occurrences. Glass windows allowed the wind to howl through the rooms, creating auditory illusions of "a thousand women screaming." Shadows danced along the walls, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. One night, as Michelle navigates a dark passage to the bathroom, she glimpses ghostly couples dancing silently in the drawing room. These apparitions, dressed in 17th-century attire, mesmerize her until she decides to investigate further.
During one such encounter, an older gentleman with "long and swept back" gray hair approaches Michelle. They dance together, but his touch becomes unnervingly cold, prompting her to flee in fear ([05:41]). This chilling interaction leaves her questioning the nature of these apparitions and the energy surrounding her friend, Mr. Gere.
The culmination of Michelle's haunting experience occurs during a violent thunderstorm. In a terrifying vision, she encounters a grotesque man with half of his face melted, who attempts to attack her. Upon waking, she discovers the manifestation of this figure in her bedroom, causing her immense fear and distress ([16:06]).
Michelle's account ends with the Gearbox being destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1995, burying the house and extinguishing the supernatural presence. Her return to the site years later revealed no trace of the once-grand house, suggesting that perhaps the spirits had finally found peace beneath the ash ([18:43]).
Notable Quote:
“I couldn’t understand why there was no music or talking or laughing. I knew that there was something not quite right.” – Michelle ([05:41])
Adam’s Journey with Pepito in Puerto Rico
Timestamp: [23:45 – 39:39]
The episode transitions to the poignant story of Adam, who shares his deep-rooted connection with his great-grandfather, Pepito, in the lush landscapes of Yaoko, Puerto Rico. Raised amidst mountains and dense jungles, Adam's childhood was intertwined with the wisdom and traditions of the Taino people, as embodied by Pepito.
One vivid memory involves a formidable bull that terrifies young Adam. With his father's guidance, Pepito uses a powerful whistle to exert control over the bull, demonstrating a profound bond between man and nature. This encounter not only alleviates Adam's fear but also instills a sense of awe and respect for the natural world ([23:45]).
Notable Quote:
“I didn’t like his cold hands. See, some people are sparks, the first ember of the inferno. Otherwise, the mystery will remain silent.” – Narration ([05:41])
As Adam grows older, he witnesses the interconnectedness between humans and animals on the mountain. During a thunderstorm, after the passing of Pepito, Adam experiences an overwhelming presence sensed by the animals. The valley is filled with the agonized cries of animals mourning Pepito's death, signaling a spiritual awakening and the animals' inherent ability to perceive the transition between life and death.
In a reflective moment, Adam grapples with the concept of death, questioning whether animals possess a unique sensibility that humans lack. His nocturnal encounter in a hammock, where he senses Papito’s spirit protecting him, solidifies his belief in an afterlife where bonds transcend death ([35:07]).
Notable Quote:
“I knew that death was something very, very powerful, very part of life. But Papito showed me that that death is not the end of.” – Adam ([39:39])
Adam's narrative emphasizes the profound connections between humans and the natural world, suggesting that death is not a final severance but a continuation of existence in another form. His story resonates with themes of legacy, memory, and the enduring spirit shared between generations.
Oscar the Feline: The Death Predictor in Providence
Timestamp: [39:39 – End]
The final tale introduces Oscar, a seemingly ordinary cat residing in Steer House, a hospice in Providence, Rhode Island. Unlike typical companion animals, Oscar exhibits an uncanny ability to predict impending deaths. His presence beside patients serves as an eerie harbinger of the end, transcending standard feline behavior.
As Oscar completes "over 100" interactions where his quiet companionship precedes the passing of patients, Dr. David Doa takes notice. A man of science, Dr. Doa is initially skeptical but soon acknowledges the patterns of Oscar's behavior. Families begin to interpret Oscar's presence as a comforting signal, granting them time to reconcile and bid farewell to their loved ones.
Notable Quote:
“It's eerie when daughter recalls. He gave us time to say everything. We needed another man, his eyes wet, voice cracking, remembers. He wasn't there for us. He was there for her.” – Narration ([35:07])
Oscar does not overtly interact or provide solace through traditional means. Instead, his silent presence during the final moments of patients' lives creates a poignant and mysterious connection between the living and the deceased. Dr. Doa documents these occurrences in his book, "Making Rounds with Oscar," exploring the intersection of animal behavior and the supernatural.
The story of Oscar invites listeners to ponder the roles animals play in our lives, particularly in moments of profound transition. It raises questions about the possibilities of animal intuition and their potential connections to the spiritual realms.
Notable Quote:
“Is it a trick? A gift? A miracle? Instincts? I don't know. But of course, I tell you this story to ask a favor.” – Narration
Conclusion
The Awakening episode of Snap Judgment masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with eerie supernatural elements, creating a tapestry of stories that challenge our understanding of reality and the beyond. Through Michelle’s haunted experiences, Adam’s spiritual connections with nature, and Oscar’s death-predicting presence, listeners are invited to explore the thin veil separating the mundane from the mystical. Each narrative not only entertains but also provokes deep reflection on the mysteries that lie beyond human perception.
The episode concludes with a thought-provoking monologue on the nature of time and existence, urging listeners to cherish the moments and connections that transcend life itself. By blending storytelling with emotional depth and atmospheric beats, Snap Judgment continues to deliver compelling content that captivates and resonates.
Notable Quote:
“What is our responsibility to those lost echoes left behind? I don't have a magic formula. The best I know to do is to never ever, never, never, ever turn out the light.” – Narration
Credits
- Original Scores: Doug Stewart
- Production: Ann Ford, Eric Yanez
- Storytelling: Glenn Washington, Michelle, Adam
- Produced by: Snap Judgment and PRX
For more enthralling stories, subscribe to Snap Judgment and explore additional content on the Spooked podcast’s YouTube channel. Stay tuned for more awakenings and be prepared to see the world through a different lens.