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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
Ellen Zick
Wade 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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes227Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentaryTrue CrimeSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Latest Episodes

Forty years after 22-year-old Kelly Jean Robinson was found floating in a gravel pit pond in rural Minnesota, her case had gone cold — until DNA tests taken by an adopted man revealed that Kelly was his biological mother, and she had been murdered.

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YouTube

James shares a Christmas message with Dakota Spotlight listeners. A moment to pause, say thank you, and reflect before the year comes to a close, with appreciation for everyone who listens, supports the show, and makes this work possible.

Learn more... more

YouTube

In the season’s final chapter, Dakota Spotlight returns to Rapidan, Minnesota—to the classmates, friends, and families still living in the shadow of Ray Dahms’s murder. Host James Wolner traces the final years of Brian Lee Hendrickson, from later cri... more

YouTube

By the early 1980s, Brian Lee Hendrickson was still working at the Minnesota Home School in Sauk Centre, supervising teenage girls. When one of them—Michelle—spoke up, she was dismissed as unstable and her accusation brushed aside. Hendrickson walked... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Jeff Lucas
The biological son of Kelly Jean Robinson, who discovered his mother's identity through DNA testing.
Episode: They Found Her in Water - A Case Reexamined with Trisha Taurinskas
Kathy Moller
Sister of Kelly Jean Robinson who has been seeking justice for her sister.
Episode: They Found Her in Water - A Case Reexamined with Trisha Taurinskas
Roger Funson
Former classmate of Ray Doms.
Episode: Meanwhile in Mankato (4): The Parole Experiment That Failed at Sauk Centre
Mark Hendrickson
Brian Hendrickson's brother, and youngest of four children, who offers insights into the family and Brian's actions.
Episode: Meanwhile in Mankato (3): The Trial That Collided with Miranda
Gary Hendrickson
Another brother of Brian, who shares his experiences and reactions to the murder and trial.
Episode: Meanwhile in Mankato (3): The Trial That Collided with Miranda
Ron Fields
Witness who discovered Ray Dahms' body
Episode: Meanwhile in Mankato (2): Inside the Murder Investigation
Gaye Bulo
Ray Dahms' fiancée
Episode: Meanwhile in Mankato (2): Inside the Murder Investigation
Javier Leiva
Host of the Pretend Podcast
Pretend Podcast
Episode: The Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank Abagnale
Eric Grabowsky
Freelance news writer with an interest in cold cases
The Dickinson Press
Episode: The Mysterious Disappearance of Keith Schmidt

Host

James Wolner
Host and investigative journalist known for in-depth exploration of true crime cases and dedication to bringing victim stories to light.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • 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 States14 days ago
  • Master story teller

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    apht!
    United Statesa month ago
  • Northern Thoughtfulness

    Excellent true crime reporting with Upper Midwestern thoughtfulness.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Momofmatteo
    United Statesa month ago
  • Love!!!

    Such a great storyteller!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MrsGinaGio
    United Statesa month ago
  • Excellent!!

    This podcast is very well researched & presented. It’s now one of my favorites.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CW from Portland
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Audience members appreciate the compassionate and professional journalism style, especially regarding sensitive topics and marginalized voices.
Listeners commend the in-depth coverage and investigative quality, highlighting the personal connections and emotional nature of the stories shared.
There are mixed feelings about the podcast's engagement with political topics, with some praising the humanitarian approach while others express frustration over perceived bias.
The series is well-researched and atmospheric, captivating listeners with its storytelling and attention to detail.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#86
Belgium/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#165
Russia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#248
Finland/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The House on Sweet and Seventh (2): Never Ever Narc – A North Dakota True Crime Story
Q: What was Detective Halvorson's approach while interviewing the teenagers?
He attempted to extract truth from Ryan and others, all while grappling with their defense of each other during the investigation.
The House on Sweet and Seventh (2): Never Ever Narc – A North Dakota True Crime Story
Q: How did the teenagers involved in the situation view their loyalty to each other?
They prioritized loyalty to friends over truth, leading to their reluctance to share information about the killings with police.
The House on Sweet and Seventh (2): Never Ever Narc – A North Dakota True Crime Story
Q: What did Ryan know about the events that took place leading up to the murders?
He initially claimed not to know much but eventually revealed disturbing details about his friends' involvement in the murders.
The House on Sweet and Seventh (6): Escape to the Movies – A North Dakota True Crime Story
Q: What happened on that night in September of 1998?
Misty recalls confusion and fear as she describes witnessing the violence but initially not fully grasping the gravity of the events.
The House on Sweet and Seventh (3): Patience Pays Off – A North Dakota True Crime Story
Q: What can you tell us about your experience during the investigation?
It was a traumatic moment reliving the details of such a brutal crime.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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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 true crime investigations, particularly unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons primarily in North Dakota and the Midwest. Each season is dedicated to a specific case, providing in-depth explorations through meticulous research and personal stories that showcase the effects of these crimes on victims' families and communities. The podcast features compelling narratives that interweave personal testimonies and thorough investigative journalism, ensuring that the stories of forgotten crimes are revived and heard in a respectful manner. It stands out for its unique blend of detailed storytelling and investigative rigor, appealing to listeners interested in social justice and the intricacies of criminal justice ... 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. Ice Cold Case
4. Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders
5. Hell and Gone

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 227 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. Jeff Lucas
2. Kathy Moller
3. Roger Funson
4. Mark Hendrickson
5. Gary Hendrickson
6. Ron Fields
7. Gaye Bulo
8. Javier Leiva

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.

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