Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold C...
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 brings forgotten crimes back into the public eye and gives voice to victims and their families. Alongside full investigative seasons, the show also features shorter standalone episodes that explore individual mysteries in a single sitting. If you are drawn to investigative journalism, small town true crime, and real crime stories based on actual events, Dakota Spotlight offers gripping and respectful storytelling you will not forget.
51
Dead Cold Drop (4) - by James Wolner
With close calls and new revelations mounting, Doug Rolfstad pushes ahead with the plan as the walls close in and trust becomes perilous.
30 min
52
Introducing - Nobody Should Believe Me: Season 6
Season 6 of Nobody Should Believe Me covers the extraordinary and tragic saga of the McDaniel family, a real-life Southern Gothic tale of Munchausen by Proxy that spans decades and has left untold damage in its wake.
3 min
53
The Mysterious Disappearance of Keith Schmidt
In May 2024, Keith Schmidt vanished from Dickinson, North Dakota, a disappearance that remains an unfolding mystery.
35 min
54
Dead Cold Drop (3) - by James Wolner
As paranoia builds and unsettling discoveries mount, Doug Rolfstad realizes his quiet life in Bismarck is gone—and trust is now a dangerous gamble.
28 min
55
Introducing - The Burden: Get the Money and Run
From 1989-1990, Joe Loya robbed over 30 banks across Southern California.
32 min
56
Dead Cold Drop (2) - by James Wolner
In Bismarck, Doug sets a plan in motion to protect Mandy, but each step deepens the tension and hints at a larger mystery.
30 min
57
North Dakota’s Coldest Case: The Unsolved Murde...
In 1962, 14-year-old Larry Jo Phebus disappeared from Tioga, North Dakota, and his unsolved murder remains one of the state’s oldest cold cases.
13 min
58
Dead Cold Drop (1) - by James Wolner
Doug Rolfstad meets his daughter Mandy at a Valley City truck stop, where an envelope of cash pulls them into a tense North Dakota mystery.
28 min
59
Introducing - You Probably Think This Story’s A...
You Probably Think This Story’s About You, created by Brittani Ard, is a raw, haunting, and deeply human podcast that explores the messy beauty of the connections we make and the secrets we finally set free.
33 min
60
The Ethics of True Crime: A Conversation with E...
Interview with Eric Carter-Landin, host of the True Consequences podcast.
32 min
61
Introducing - Slaycation
Slaycation is a darkly funny true crime podcast about vacations gone fatally wrong, hosted by Kim Davis, Adam “Tex” Davis, and Jerry Kolber.
24 min
62
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
63
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
64
Park Like a Fargonian - by James Wolner
In Fargo, North Dakota, a banker’s Friday night collides with a group of parking vigilantes in a modern noir story where judgment spirals into danger.
47 min
65
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
66
Vanished in Vermillion: Interview with Lou Raguse
2 teenagers in rural South Dakota go for a drive and never come home.
28 min
67
The Murder of Joli Truelson - New developments,...
Who killed 16-year-old Joli Truelson of Minneapolis in 1972?
33 min
68
Poetic Justice Rebroadcast - Interview with Deo...
Deon Wiggett, creator of the podcast "My Only Story," was interviewed by Dakota Spotlight in 2021.
22 min
69
Moonlight Feels Right: A Valentine’s Conversati...
James Wolner chats with Bruce Blackman about the romance and nostalgia of Moonlight Feels Right.
28 min
70
Homicide at House of Bottles (Postscript): The ...
This postscript revisits the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich through archival news audio and reflections from Detective Bob Haas on evidence and unanswered questions.
27 min
71
Homicide at House of Bottles (6): The Bismarck ...
The Season 11 finale reflects on Robbie Rahrich’s life and legacy, while Shawn Helmenstein speaks from prison about the crime, justice, and parole.
35 min
72
Homicide at House of Bottles (5): The Bismarck ...
Episode 5 follows Shawn Helmenstein’s confession, trial, and sentencing for the murder of Robbie Rahrich, while loved ones reflect on justice and loss.
37 min
73
Homicide at House of Bottles (4): The Bismarck ...
Episode 4 blends memories of Robbie Rahrich’s life with investigative breakthroughs that bring detectives closer to suspect Shawn Helmenstein.
31 min
74
Homicide at House of Bottles: Mid-Season Update...
This mid-season update offers a behind-the-scenes look at Homicide at House of Bottles and a Spotlight PLUS preview with bonus photos, videos, and subscriber perks.
5 min
75
Homicide at House of Bottles (3): The Bismarck ...
Episode 3 follows detectives as leads in the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich stretch from Bismarck to Montana, uncovering weapons, witnesses, and new suspects.
43 min