When a four-seater plane violently crashes onto the top of an 8,000-foot mountain, an 11-year-old fights to survive. A white boy discovers he's black. And history calls on an Oglala Lakota Headsman in South Dakota to stand up for his people. Snap Judgment presents, “Mettle.”

STORIES

Electric Fence

As a country boy, Glynn puts his family pride on the line when his neighbor challenges him to the ultimate test of manhood.

Produced by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Wonderboy

In 1979, a four-seater Cessna plane carrying Norman Ollestad, his dad, and his dad’s girlfriend violently crashed onto the top of an 8,000-foot mountain. He was just 11 years old.

This story does contain graphic elements. Sensitive listeners, please be advised.

To learn more about Norman’s story, check out his book, Crazy for the Storm. Be sure to also check out his thriller, French Girl With Mother.

Produced & scored by Davey Kim

One Drop

For 10-year-old Greg Williams, life was good...until the day his mom left.

To learn more about Greg’s story, check out his book Life on the Color Line.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score & sound design by Pat Mesiti-Miller

Third King

What happens when history calls on you to step up? We go to Standing Rock to find out.

Lance King is an Oglala Lakota Headsman from Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. For more information on his grandfather, Matthew H. King, check out “Noble Red Man: Lakota Wisdomkeeper Matthew King.”

Produced by Liz Mak, original score & sound design by Leon Morimoto

Artwork by Teo Ducot

Season 12 - Episode 16