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Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

True Story Media
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
Sebastian Feist
David 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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes223Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureDocumentaryTrue Crime

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Latest Episodes

Episode 3 follows Brian Lee Hendrickson’s case through late 1965 and 1966, as court procedures, psychiatric evaluations, and a Minnesota trial unfold under the state’s Youth Conservation Commission. At the same time, a new Supreme Court ruling on Mir... more

YouTube

In the aftermath of Ray Dahms’s killing, Blue Earth County investigators launch a Minnesota murder investigation that soon points to a local teenager, Brian Lee Hendrickson. When they finally bring him in for questioning, Hendrickson shocks officers ... more

YouTube

In 1965, seventeen-year-old Brian Hendrickson committed a small-town murder when he walked into a gas station outside Mankato, Minnesota, and shot clerk Ray Dahms twice at close range. Sentenced to forty years, he served just over five.The case would... more

YouTube

On October 27, 2007, Joel Lovelien stepped outside the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota, during a night filled with costumes, celebration, and heavy drinking. Moments later, he was found in the parking lot, gravely injured. Despite a rapi... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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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

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
Joe Loya
Former bank robber and the subject of the show 'Get the Money and Run.'
Episode: Introducing - The Burden: Get the Money and Run
Eric Carter-Landin
Host and producer of the podcast True Consequences, seeking justice for his brother's murder.
True Consequences
Episode: The Ethics of True Crime: A Conversation with Eric Carter-Landin
Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Clinical psychologist, bestselling author
Episode: You Might Also Like: The Tamsen Show
Lou Raguse
Journalist and author of 'Vanished in Vermillion'
NBC affiliate Care 11
Episode: Vanished in Vermillion: Interview with Lou Raguse
Claudia Oshry
Multi-talented entertainment personality, known as Girl With No Job.
Episode: You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Host

James Wolner
Host and investigative journalist focused on true crime and cold case investigations in North Dakota.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • I don't think keeping ads for the better help app that steal confidential data is compatible with ethical true crime in any way.

    Podcast Addict
    1
    Ophelia_Drowned
    a month ago
  • Evil

    I just listened to your Evil podcast. I enjoyed your writing, and melancholy delivery. I had to go back and reread the transcript because somewhere along the way I got confused why the Erickstad murder fit in this scenario (I lived a block away when this murder happened). Rereading the transcript clarified what you were doing in your story. Excellent projection of evil doers in two separate crimes. Creative writing, thinking, and delivery. Loved it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Umbra Listener
    United States4 months ago
  • Thoroughly Fascinating

    I didn’t know there were so many disturbing murders and disappearances in North Dakota!! This show is so well researched and so respectfully presented. I’ve recommended it to several people.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    marymurtz
    United States5 months ago
  • Dakota Spotlight

    James does a wonderful job of researching each case and really connecting with the families of the victims. He gives a heartfelt and respectful deep dive into each case.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Swagistra H
    United States6 months ago
  • Friday night fiction

    Enjoying and following you again.

    appreciate your blossoming and embrace of North Dakota

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    austenlover2
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some criticism has been noted regarding pacing or the detail level in certain episodes, but overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
The host is commended for his empathetic narrative style and commitment to highlighting lesser-known true crime cases.
Listeners praise the quality of research and the respectful storytelling approach taken towards victims and their families.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#118
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#132
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#202
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#198
Sweden/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#221
Spain/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#245
Taiwan/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
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 true crime stories, primarily revolving around cold cases, unresolved murders, and missing persons in North Dakota and the broader Midwest. Each season meticulously investigates one specific case, providing in-depth analysis through detailed research, exclusive interviews, and firsthand reporting. The storytelling is characterized by a commitment to bringing attention to forgotten crimes, ensuring that the voices of victims and their families are honored and heard. Additionally, shorter episodes are offered, highlighting various mysteries in a more digestible format. With its blend of thorough investigative journalism and gripping narratives, the series appeals to listeners who are captivated by real crime stories and... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Midwest Murder
2. Ice Cold Case
3. Truer Crime
4. Culpable
5. PRETEND

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 223 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. Ron Fields
2. Gaye Bulo
3. Javier Leiva
4. Eric Grabowsky
5. Joe Loya
6. Eric Carter-Landin
7. Dr. Ramani Durvasula
8. Lou Raguse

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