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Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

James Wolner | Investigative Journalist & Creator of Dakota Spotlight
Wade Zick
Ellen Zick
Mandan Murders
Dakota Spotlight
Zealand
Zealand, North Dakota
1976 Murders
Zeeland
North Dakota
RJR Murders
Chad Isaak
RJR Maintenance and Management
David Feist
Sebastian Feist
True Crime
Mcintosh County
RJR
Thanksgiving
Bismarck Tribune
Zealand, the Untold Story Of Wade and Ellen Zick

Dakota 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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes244Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureDocumentaryTrue Crime

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Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Latest Episodes

James sits down with award-winning filmmaker and host of Someone Knows Something, David Ridgen. We talk about his approach to storytelling, how he works with families, and what it really means to stay with a case over time. We also get into his lates... more

Years pass, and the case remains. In this final episode, we hear from people still connected to that night, to the investigation, and to what followed. They reflect on what has changed, what has not, and the question that still lingers at the center ... more

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Inside the courtroom, the story is told again, through testimony, through argument, through the structure of a trial. And when it is all over, the jury returns a verdict, not guilty. A moment that resolves one question, and leaves others behind.

Mus... more

YouTube

Here, we look at the case as it was built. What investigators believed, what prosecutors brought forward, the evidence piece by piece. And the questions that come with it, not just what it shows, but what it cannot fully explain.

Music by HandTurner... more

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Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Heather Keena
Heather, formerly Heather Holter, on the party bus trajectory and her involvement in the case
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (7): 15 Years Later
Erica Lovelien
Joel Lovelien's sister, memory segment at the episode end
Family of the victim
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (7): 15 Years Later
Nancy Yon
Lead prosecutor in the Travis Stay trial
State of North Dakota
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Travis on Trial
Archie Ingersoll
News editor, former Grand Forks Herald reporter who covered the trial
Forum Communications / Grand Forks Herald
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Travis on Trial
Peter Wold
Defense attorney for Travis Stay
Minnesota-based law firm (Peter Wold & Associates)
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Travis on Trial
Meredith Larson
Co-counsel to Travis Stay
Law
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Travis on Trial
Joe Friedberg
Defense attorney, notable courtroom presence
Minnesota-based law
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Travis on Trial
Heather Holter
Friend of the clown (key party bus witnesses)
Noted in trial interviews
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (6): Travis on Trial
Nancy Yawn
County prosecutor who handled the case
Grand Forks County State's Attorney's Office
Episode: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel Lovelien (5): The Evidence Against Travis Stay

Host

James Wolner
Host of a true crime series, known for his investigative journalism on unsolved murders and cold cases, emphasizing responsible storytelling and deep community engagement.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • The best of the best true crime. Well told and the perfect voice which reels you in. My favourite podcast.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Jonzsie
    3 months ago
  • 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 Podcasts
    5
    ShelP75
    United States3 months ago
  • Master story teller

    Great storytelling, goes deep into the victim’s and those who loved them lives.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    apht!
    United States4 months ago
  • Northern Thoughtfulness

    Excellent true crime reporting with Upper Midwestern thoughtfulness.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Momofmatteo
    United States4 months ago
  • Love!!!

    Such a great storyteller!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MrsGinaGio
    United States5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, the series has garnered a reputation for compassion and a commitment to uncovering truths in cold cases, making it a favorite among true crime enthusiasts.
There are some mixed reviews regarding occasional political comments during episodes, with some listeners appreciating the humanitarian approach while others find it off-putting.
The podcast is frequently noted for its engaging narrative structure and attention to emotional depth in the cases covered.
Listeners praise the series for its gripping storytelling and thorough research, highlighting the host's respectful approach towards victims' stories.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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Listeners will get an inside look at the investigative process for sexual assault cases, including interviews with detectives and victims, plus a careful narrative about how testing and justice intersect, with audio and testimony not previously heard.
Filed and Forgotten - The Untested Podcast on Rape Kit Backlogs
Q: Untested Rape Kits, how did you find this story?
Gina Barton explains that the project began with a federal grant program to test more kits, and through court records and detective work, she uncovered cases where testing finally connected DNA to suspects, revealing the broader systemic issues and potential for justice.
Inside the Talina Zar Investigation
Q: What should listeners expect when listening to this series?
She describes a twisty tale that explores connections between people, perseverance in solving mysteries, and the idea that public attention can both help and complicate investigations.
Inside the Talina Zar Investigation
Q: Can you tell us just a little bit about yourself?
Melissa Jeltsen explains her background in daily news coverage, focusing on violence against women, and how the pandemic led her to start podcasting and eventually develop the What Happened To Talina Zar project.
From North Dakota to Roughing It: Peter Hicks Returns
Q: Did you do any research about wilderness survival for this book?
Peter conducted research to correct his misconceptions about wilderness survival and shared that he had experiences from his youth in the Boy Scouts which informed his writing.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series focuses on unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons, primarily in North Dakota and the Midwest, offering a thorough examination of each case. In providing detailed narratives that often include exclusive interviews and meticulous on-the-ground research, the series aims to shed light on forgotten crimes while honoring the stories of the victims and their families. Each season typically zeros in on a single case, unraveling the complexities and implications associated with these tragedies. Listeners can also find standalone episodes that present mysteries in a compact format, making the show both engaging and accessible to true crime enthusiasts looking for depth and sensitivity in storytelling.

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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. Nobody Should Believe Me
4. The Binge Crimes: Fatal Fantasy
5. The Binge Cases: My Mother's Lies

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 244 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. Heather Keena
2. Erica Lovelien
3. Nancy Yon
4. Archie Ingersoll
5. Peter Wold
6. Meredith Larson
7. Joe Friedberg
8. Heather Holter

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