Dakota Spotlight
Dakota Spotlight isn't your average true crime podcast. Creator James Wolner delves headfirst into unsolved mysteries and forgotten cases of the Upper Midwest and beyond, meticulously researching every detail to deliver a gripping, heartfelt narrative. Wolner prioritizes ethical storytelling, ensuring the victims are treated with care and respect. Prepare to be both enthralled and moved as James brings renewed hope for answers while offering a compassionate and soothing voice to the voiceless.
1
Krissi's Search: The Murder of Wilma June Nissen
Krissi Haas never knew her mother—now she’s searching for the truth about Wilma June Nissen’s unsolved murder.
30 min
2
Introducing - Ice Cold Case
Ice Cold Case is the story of what happened to J.C. McGhee on July 11, 2002 according to police records — some of which may not be entirely accurate nor adequate. Twenty years later, the search for answers begins.
29 min
3
Park Like a Fargonian - by James Wolner
A Fargo banker’s night spirals as parking vigilantes turn a harmless social media group into something dangerously dark.
47 min
4
Introducing Friday Night Fiction - by James Wolner
Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories from North Dakota and the Upper Midwest—fiction for true crime fans.
9 min
5
Vanished in Vermillion: Interview with Lou Raguse
2 teenagers in rural South Dakota go for a drive and never come home.
28 min
6
The Murder of Joli Truelson - New developments,...
Who killed 16-year-old Joli Truelson of Minneapolis in 1972?
33 min
7
Poetic Justice Rebroadcast - Interview with Deo...
Deon Wiggett, creator of the podcast "My Only Story," was interviewed by Dakota Spotlight in 2021.
22 min
8
Moonlight Feels Right: A Valentine’s Conversati...
James Wolner chats with Bruce Blackman about the romance and nostalgia of Moonlight Feels Right.
28 min
9
Homicide at House of Bottles Postscript
This postscript revisits the Homicide at House of Bottles case with archival news audio and insights from Detective Bob Haas on the investigation and its aftermath.
27 min
10
Homicide at House of Bottles (6)
The final episode honors Robbie Rahrich’s legacy, shares Shawn Helmenstein’s reflections after 25 years in prison, and highlights Robbie’s loved ones' enduring pain and opposition to his parole.
35 min
11
Homicide at House of Bottles (5)
Episode 5 follows Shawn Helmenstein's confession, trial, and life sentence for Robbie Rahrich's murder, while highlighting the emotional toll on Robbie's family and friends in their pursuit of justice.
37 min
12
Homicide at House of Bottles (4)
Episode 4 delves into Robbie Rahrich's life and legacy through heartfelt memories while detectives close in on the primary suspect, Shawn Helmenstein, in Montana.
31 min
13
Mid-Season Update
Get a free preview of PLUS bonus material as we gear up for the second half.
5 min
14
Homicide at House of Bottles (3)
Episode 3 follows detectives as they uncover key leads, including a mysterious pistol and suspicious figures, while piecing together connections that bring them closer to solving Robbie Rahrich’s murder.
43 min
15
Homicide at House of Bottles (2)
Episode 2 follows the murder investigation of Robbie Rahrich, as detectives probe a missing shell casing and a potential suspect, while the victim's fiancée and friend grapple with the tragedy.
33 min
16
Homicide at House of Bottles (1)
Episode 1 sets the stage for a 1999 Bismarck murder, unfolding a winter night during a state wrestling tournament that led to a harrowing discovery and a high-stakes investigation.
41 min
17
Season 11 Official Trailer - Homicide at House ...
Season 11 Official Trailer - Homicide at House of Bottles
3 min
18
Season 11 Teaser & Revisiting The Bowraville Mu...
Dan Box discusses Bowraville, his podcast on three unsolved child murders in one Australian town.
43 min
19
Introducing - The Sleep Retreat by James Wolner
This episode, "Gull Harbor: Warren Commission Report Part 1," is from the new podcast "The Sleep Retreat" by James Wolner.
121 min
20
Wilder Intentions: Revisiting A Murder in Minot
A kindergarten teacher masterminds a brutal murder and shows no remorse.
29 min
21
Introducing - Disturbed
I Woke Up To A Girl Watching Me Sleep - The Driftwood Drifter - Creepy Guy On A Bus - The Dam Man - Accidentally Stumbled Into A Christian Cult - This is Disturbed.
30 min
22
A Disturbing Confession
Police interrogation of Jesse Huy from March 2021, revealing his confession and the disturbing reasons behind the murders of his three family members.
22 min
23
Throwback: Unresolved, the Murder of Joel Lovelien
Joel Lovelien was just 38-years-old when he was found beaten to death outside of the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota on a Halloween-themed Saturday night in 2007. Who killed Joel Lovelien?
45 min
24
Broad Knowledge, Potentially Deceptive: My Inte...
James discusses hometown crimes like the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders with the AI chatbot, whose inaccuracies prompt him to ask, "Do you lie?".
37 min
25
Tough Questions, Sudden Silence: My Interview w...
James interviews an AI chatbot about true crime, Dakota Spotlight, his interest in the genre, and how the AI generates responses.
37 min