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 | 253 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentaryTrue CrimeSociety & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
On a quiet night in 1971, in Huron, South Dakota Harold Pieper is asked to pick up a small case at the airport. Minutes later, it explodes. The investigation turns to Genevieve Johnson and her connection to Wallace Brenna, setting off a chain of even... more
In 1960, in St. Paul, something didn't look right with an office phone, and it leads back to Lloyd Brenna. By now, he has built a life that looks stable on the surface, a job, a home, a reputation, but there are cracks. A wiretap. A past he’s left be... more
In 1930s Chicago, Lloyd Brenna is arrested for burglary and sent to prison, where parole hearings reveal a young man who is both highly intelligent and deeply unpredictable. Given a rare second chance with a job and housing, he quickly violates parol... more
Lloyd and Wallace Brenna are two Midwestern brothers whose outwardly ordinary lives conceal a long pattern of troubling behavior. From rural North Dakota beginnings to a 1971 bombing in South Dakota, the story moves through wiretapping, theft, and an... more
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The best of the best true crime. Well told and the perfect voice which reels you in. My favourite podcast.
Podcast Addict54 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 Podcasts5ShelP75
United States5 months ago - Master story teller
Great storytelling, goes deep into the victim’s and those who loved them lives.
Apple Podcasts5apht!United States5 months ago - Northern Thoughtfulness
Excellent true crime reporting with Upper Midwestern thoughtfulness.
Apple Podcasts5MomofmatteoUnited States6 months ago - Love!!!
Such a great storyteller!!!
Apple Podcasts5MrsGinaGioUnited States6 months ago
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Apple Podcasts | #205 |  Brazil/True Crime |
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast
What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Dakota Spotlight focuses on in-depth true crime reporting with a strong regional lens on North Dakota and the Midwest. Episodes blend archival material, family memories, and exclusive interviews to illuminate unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons, often weaving community history and local context into the narrative. Its strength lies in careful storytelling that foregrounds victims and families, while inviting expert analysis from law enforcement, legal professionals, journalists, and community insiders. The show regularly features cross-disciplinary guests and long-form investigations, offering listeners a respectful, well-researched approach to complex cases and a sense of place that resonates with regional audiences. A stando... more
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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?
These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. PRETEND
2. Nobody Should Believe Me
3. Midwest Murder
4. Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders
5. The Binge Crimes: Cut, Color, Kill
How many episodes of this podcast are there?
this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 253 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. Derrik Dyka
2. Haley Fox
3. Betsy Shepherd
4. Mike Bauer
5. David Ridgen
6. Heather Keena
7. Peter Wold
8. Erica Lovelien
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