Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations
James Wolner | Investigative Journalist & Creator of Dakota SpotlightDakota Spotlight is a true crime series investigating unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons in North Dakota and the Midwest. Hosted by investigative journalist James Wolner, each season takes a deep dive into one case, from rural crime and small town murders to decades-old disappearances. Through meticulous research, exclusive interviews, and on-the-ground reporting, Dakota Spotlight b... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 263 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
James examines allegations involving Bismarck Police Lieutenant Don Schaffer, discusses questions and comments from listeners, and lays out what he believes could still be done in Shelly’s case.
Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly ... more
James speaks with Jaden Woodworth about his memories of his mom, growing up without her, his father and grandparents, and a later police interview with Kevin Woodworth that centered on when Shelly was reported missing.
Inspired by Dakota Spotlight S... more
James interviews Tony Hulm, former bartender at the Burnt Creek Club, and revisits questions about Shelly’s final days, the Comfort Inn, the railroad workers, and other leads still left to examine.
Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shel... more
James sits down with Shelly's parents, Wes and Linda Julson, and retired Bismarck Police Officer Rob Carvell, who responded to the original missing persons call in 1994 and later volunteered to re-examine the case in 2016.
Inspired by Dakota Spotlig... more
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Reviews
- Decent
This podcast is thoroughly researched and presented well. James has a calm voice that is pleasant to listen to.
Please consider not doing interviews “on the spot” as these tend to ramble and are frustrating to listen to…perhaps script out the interviews or edit them as they are by far the weakest part of the podcasts…I usually skip through them.
Also, just stick to doing the podcasts and don’t get political, as you tend to divide your listeners with your opinions.
Apple Podcasts3cakewalk33
United States2 months ago - Decent
This podcast is thoroughly researched and presented well. James has a calm voice that is pleasant to listen to.
Please consider not doing interviews “on the spot” as these tend to ramble and are frustrating to listen to…perhaps script out the interviews or edit them as they are by far the weakest part of the podcasts…I usually skip through them.
Also, just stick to doing the podcasts and don’t get political, as you tend to divide your listeners with your opinions. You aren’t that important to p... more
Apple Podcasts3cakewalk33United States2 months ago - Among the best
Great stories. Great writing. Great music. I cannot believe I only just discovered this amazing podcast. Great job!
Apple Podcasts5amb1968
Canada4 months ago The best of the best true crime. Well told and the perfect voice which reels you in. My favourite podcast.
Podcast Addict58 months agoJonzsie- The best storytelling!
I love this podcast not only for the storytelling—though it’s the best—but the host’s care and respect for each person involved is exemplary. Well done. It’s by far my favorite!
Apple Podcasts5ShelP75United States8 months ago
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A meticulous true crime series that centers on unsolved cases, missing persons, and cold cases in the Midwest, with a strong emphasis on on-the-ground reporting and firsthand interviews. Episodes blend archival material, family and witness perspectives, and expert commentary to reframe investigations and explore how small-town dynamics shape investigations. Standout aspects include a respectful, in-depth narrative style, persistent pursuit of new leads, and a willingness to challenge official accounts while connecting listeners with victims' stories and local context.
Across recent episodes, the show balances long-form investigations with shorter, single-sitting explorations, often returning to families and communities affected by lingerin... more
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. PRETEND
2. Midwest Murder
3. The Binge Cases: What She Buried
4. The Binge Crimes: What Happened to the Harrisons?
5. Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 263 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on this podcast?
Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Jaden Woodworth
2. Tony Holm
3. Linda Juleson
4. Rob Carvel
5. Holly Ness
6. Sheila Heil
7. Bill Connor
8. Walter Czerenski
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.