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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
North Dakota
True Crime
Dakota Spotlight
Murder
Christine Rothschild
Wade Zick
Ellen Zick
Bismarck Police Department
Zeeland
Crime
House Of Bottles
Brian Hendrickson
Niels Jorgensen
Mandan Murders
Barbara Cotton
Cold Cases
Minnesota
Homicide
Williston
University Of Wisconsin-Madison

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes252Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureTrue CrimeDocumentary

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Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Latest Episodes

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

The Bagpiper and His Brother traces 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,... more

YouTube

James is joined by Dakota Spotlight researcher Mari Zoerb Hansen for a conversation with investigative reporters Hayley Fox and Betsy Shepherd about the making of Valley of Shadows, their deep dive into the disappearance of Los Angeles County Sheriff... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

Key Facts

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

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Recent Guests

Haley Fox
Investigative journalist, co-creator of Valley of Shadows
Valley of Shadows / Pushkin Industries
Episode: More Than a Missing Hiker - Talking Valley of Shadows with Hayley Fox and Betsy Shepherd
Betsy Shepherd
Investigative journalist, co-creator of Valley of Shadows
Valley of Shadows / Pushkin Industries
Episode: More Than a Missing Hiker - Talking Valley of Shadows with Hayley Fox and Betsy Shepherd
Mike Bauer
Retired captain, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, supervisor of the canine unit at the time of Ajay's disappearance
LA County Sheriff's Department
Episode: More Than a Missing Hiker - Talking Valley of Shadows with Hayley Fox and Betsy Shepherd
David Ridgen
Award-winning filmmaker and writer, host of Someone Knows Something
CBC / Someone Knows Something
Episode: From Vacation to Investigation - Inside Someone Knows Something with David Ridgen
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

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 1.3k 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
    4 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 States4 months ago
  • Master story teller

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    apht!
    United States5 months ago
  • Northern Thoughtfulness

    Excellent true crime reporting with Upper Midwestern thoughtfulness.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Momofmatteo
    United States5 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.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#193
India/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

More Than a Missing Hiker - Talking Valley of Shadows with Hayley Fox and Betsy Shepherd
Q: How did you get into this story and what drew you to it?
We're investigative reporters with a background in law enforcement and disappearances; a retired captain connected us to the case, and his personal stake and suspicions about a possible cover-up drew us in, prompting us to conduct our own independent investigation.
From Vacation to Investigation - Inside Someone Knows Something with David Ridgen
Q: What drew you to the Jaclyn Ferland-Smith case in Costa Rica?
Ridgen describes how a planned personal trip turned into a case investigation, the complexity of cross-border dynamics, and the challenge of staying focused on new information.
From Vacation to Investigation - Inside Someone Knows Something with David Ridgen
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how you got into this work.
Ridgen explains his background in documentary film with CBC, his move into true crime in 2004-2005, and how family connections and past cases shaped his investigative approach.
Filed and Forgotten - The Untested Podcast on Rape Kit Backlogs
Q: What should listeners expect following you along on this story?
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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. Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders
5. The Binge Cases: My Mother's Lies

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 252 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. Haley Fox
2. Betsy Shepherd
3. Mike Bauer
4. David Ridgen
5. Heather Keena
6. Erica Lovelien
7. Nancy Yon
8. Archie Ingersoll

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