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Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

True Story Media
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
Bismarck Tribune
Sebastian Feist
David Feist
True Crime
Mcintosh County
RJR
Thanksgiving
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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes213Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentaryTrue CrimeSociety & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Latest Episodes

Episode 6, Escape to the Movies, brings forward Misty Jones — remembered as the girl with the little red car — in a 2020 interview. Misty recalls her early path into a party lifestyle, her personal struggles since 1998, and her account of the night B... more

The arrest of Brian Erickstad and Robert Lawrence confirmed their role in Barbara and Gordon Erickstad’s murders, but the aftermath shocked the community. Episode 5, A Sick Salute, reveals how the East Sweet crew rallied disturbingly behind the kille... more

The night before Barbara and Gordon Erickstad’s murders revealed troubling signs in Bismarck, North Dakota. Episode 4, One of These Days, traces September 16, 1998, through interviews and police files. Detectives Bob Haas and Steve Lundin worked para... more

Episode 3, Patience Pays Off, captures how patient police work broke open the Erickstad murder case. Barbara and Gordon Erickstad’s deaths had left Bismarck shaken in 1998. Detectives pressed a hesitant witness until the truth began to surface, while... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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
Deon Wiggett
Producer, writer, and host of My Only Story
My Only Story
Episode: Poetic Justice Rebroadcast - Interview with Deon Wiggett, creator of the podcast My Only Story
Bob Haas
Retired lieutenant from Bismarck PD involved in the Robbie Rarick case
Bismarck Police Department
Episode: Homicide at House of Bottles (Postscript): The Bismarck Murder of Robbie Rahrich

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 1.1k ratings
  • 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 States3 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 States3 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 States4 months ago
  • Friday night fiction

    Enjoying and following you again.

    appreciate your blossoming and embrace of North Dakota

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    austenlover2
    United States4 months ago
  • Well-researched and insightful

    There are so many reasons to love Dakota Spotlight! You can tell by the level of research and writing that James is committed to telling an accurate story. He cares about what happened. He cares about the victim’s story by interviewing friends and loved-ones of the victim. He’s both journalist and broadcaster. Plus, he’s not regurgitating what others have written. It’s original work! You’ll also love his voice.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Axebassninja
    United States7 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
#155
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#115
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#164
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#234
France/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#240
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#72
Israel/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Barbara Cotton Cold Case Update: New Witness Insights on Williston's Unsolved Disappearance
Q: What does the new testimonial reveal about Stacy and his possible involvement with Barb's disappearance?
The new testimonial suggests that Stacy was indeed known to her and could have had a connection with her, which adds complexity to the investigation into her disappearance.
The Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank Abagnale
Q: Do you feel that way though? Do you feel like you got conned?
Slightly, but we all got conned by Frank Abagnale because we believed his story, influenced by the movie and media.
The Real Catch Me If You Can: Javier Leiva on Debunking Frank Abagnale
Q: So when did you decide you were gonna take on this story, the real Catch Me If You Can?
After Frank Abagnale declined my interview request, I started to question his story and researched it, which led to uncovering the truth behind his claims.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Keith Schmidt
Q: What events happened leading up to Keith's disappearance?
Keith's routine shifted significantly in the ten days before he went missing, including an early morning text indicating something was off.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Keith Schmidt
Q: Who was Keith Schmidt?
He was a well-liked man known for being quiet and reserved, with a successful flooring business in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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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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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Midwest Murder
2. Ice Cold Case
3. The Vanished Podcast
4. Truer Crime
5. And Then They Were Gone

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 213 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. Javier Leiva
2. Eric Grabowsky
3. Joe Loya
4. Eric Carter-Landin
5. Dr. Ramani Durvasula
6. Lou Raguse
7. Claudia Oshry
8. Deon Wiggett

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