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.
51
Zeeland Rebroadcast (5) – Caramel Rolls
Family and friends recall memories of Ellen; what the Feists and Huber were like leading up to the murders and the people who may have overheard them planning it; the young men are brought back to Bismarck to answer for their crimes.
42 min
52
Zeeland Rebroadcast (4) – Pink Slip
The Zeeland community mourns while the Feists and Huber head for Canada; a look back to when Wade and Ellen met and formed a new family,
38 min
53
Zeeland Rebroadcast - Never Be Predictable
In this episode we recap the Zeeland Rebroadcast and provide sneak-peaks of exclusive content available to Spotlight PLUS subscribers.
20 min
54
Zeeland Rebroadcast (3) – Z is for Zick
We recount Wade's early years, while law enforcement processes the crime scene, and the search for the Feists and Huber widens,
47 min
55
Valentine's Special - Bruce Blackman - Moonligh...
Interview with singer/songwriter Bruce Blackman, the musician behind the 1976 hit Moonlight Feels Right, heard in Season 4.
23 min
56
Zeeland Rebroadcast (2) – No Banker Tomorrow
When the Zick's are found tragically murdered outside the town of Zeeland, the investigation into their deaths begins as the shocked community locks their doors for the first time.
42 min
57
Zeeland Rebroadcast: Bonus Episode - Peter Hick...
An updated interview with Peter Hicks, singer and songwriter of the band Sleepy Driver, about his collaboration with Dakota Spotlight, his music and background.
33 min
58
Zeeland Rebroadcast (1) – A Deed Without A Name
On a July Sunday morning in 1976, when two local residents fail to show up to church, the sleepy town of Zeeland, North Dakota joins forces with the local Sheriff to figure out what happened to them.
45 min
59
Taking the Leap: A new chapter for Dakota Spotl...
Announcing exciting changes for the show and the listeners
3 min
60
The Mandan Murders (EP9)
In this episode, Chad Isaak's mother and two of his sisters break their silence after four and a half years. Who was Chad? As a child? As a grown man? What warning signs did they see? Also in this episode, what do Chad Isaak's actions at RJR say about...
65 min
61
The Mandan Murders (EP8) - Thanksgiving update
A preview of what's still to come in The Mandan Murders and a Thanksgiving greeting from host James Wolner. For a limited time, you can get 50 percent off an annual news subscription at To read and see more about Season 9, The Mandan Murders...
4 min
62
The Mandan Murders (EP7)
In this episode, a closer look at two of the four killed at RJR, Adam Fuehrer and Robert Fakler. Interviews with Adam's wife, sister, brother-in-law and stepmom. Also, Robert Fakler's wife and daughter share their memories of him. In...
39 min
63
The Mandan Murders (EP6)
In this episode, who were Bill and Lois Cobb? Friends and loved-ones of the Cobbs share their memories of Bill and Lois; we learn about their childhoods, their personalities, interests and more. Bill and Lois' daughters also share the challenges they...
41 min
64
The Mandan Murders (EP5)
This week we take a bit of a departure from the usual style of Dakota Spotlight as we listen in on the audio from the entire first interview and interrogation that Special Agent Joe Arens conducted with Chad Isaak. Also some comments by...
90 min
65
The Mandan Murders (EP4)
Two days after the murders BCI and Mandan PD had zero suspects. But they had a lead. The vehicle. The mysterious man in orange drove a white Ford F-150 pickup and the cops caught a good image of it from a security camera in Center, North Dakota. They...
36 min
66
The Mandan Murders (EP3)
Season 9, episode 3: In some ways it was elementary and simple. The way to catch the mysterious masked man in orange who killed four employees at RJR was to track him, to follow his trail. Not with a bloodhound but with video. Survellience...
53 min
67
The Mandan Murders (EP2)
Episode 2 of Season 9: In the second episode of The Mandan Murders, host James Wolner returns to the morning of the murders with a minute-by-minute look at Bockheim's discovery, a 911 call and the ensuing discovery of four murder victims. As he...
45 min
68
The Mandan Murders (EP1)
Episode 1 of Season 9: It was a crime that would shock the prairie. And that April morning the news quickly traveled across town: Four people had been found dead at a local business, RJR Maintenance and Management. The four killed were Robert Fakler,...
29 min
69
Announcing - The Mandan Murders Starting October 4
A short announcement and teaser about season 9 starting October 4, 2023. Homepage - Check out The Vault - Email - Facebook -
2 min
70
Summer Extra: Don Allard and the 1977 Epping Ea...
I'm still between Dakota Spotlight seasons, so today I am rebroadcasting for you one of my earliest pieces of audio work - an episode of a show I created to basically learn how to podcast in the first place - before Dakota Spotlight even existed. In...
48 min
71
Summer 2023 - Loyal Lundstrom
It's summer 2023. Finally! Dakota Spotlight is in between seasons and in research mode. Meanwhile here is a story by Trisha Taurinskas at The Vault. Check out email - at Facebook:
19 min
72
15 Years Later: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel ...
Episode 7 - 15 Years Later. In this, the last scheduled episode of season 8: An interview with Travis Stay's defense attorney Peter Wold. Also we meet Heather (Holter) Keena. She was on the party bus that night and later married Jon 'The Clown.' Also,...
38 min
73
Travis on Trial: Unresolved, The Murder of Joel...
Episode 6 - Travis on Trial. In this week's episode we dive deep into the 2008 trial of Travis Stay. Travis Stay was found not guilty after14 days of testimony. In this episode we meet Archie Ingersoll who reported on the trial. We also hear...
36 min
74
The Evidence Against Travis Stay: Unresolved, t...
Episode 5. The Evidence Against Travis Stay. In this week's episode we interview the prosecutors and detectives who investigated Joel's murder and ask "What was the evidence against Travis Stay exactly?" Travis Stay was arrested for the...
25 min
75
A Portrait of Joel : Unresolved the murder of J...
Episode 4. Remembering Joel Lovelien. In this week's episode we step back from the investigation for a moment and focus on the most important person in this story: Joel Lovelien. Joel's friends and family share their fond memories of the...
27 min