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.
101
Mid-Season Update
James shares what it is like to be an independent podcaster and a preview of the upcoming Spotlight PLUS Bonus Episode with Mari Zoerb Hansen.
7 min
102
You Killed Chris (2): The Unsolved Murder of Ch...
In Episode 2, friends recall dorm life at Ann Emery Hall, Christine Rothschild’s struggles at UW–Madison, and how the Dow Day protest framed the turbulent days leading up to her tragic fate.
31 min
103
You Killed Chris (1): The Unsolved Murder of Ch...
In Episode 1, Dakota Spotlight revisits the unsolved murder of 18-year-old Christine Rothschild outside Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, introducing her classmate Linda and the turbulent campus life of the 1960s.
44 min
104
You Killed Chris (Trailer): The Unsolved Murder...
Season 10 of Dakota Spotlight introduces You Killed Chris: A Friend’s Fight for Justice, revisiting the unsolved 1968 murder of 18-year-old Christine Rothschild at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her friend’s decades-long pursuit of the truth.
3 min
105
Nowhere To Be Found: Interview with "The Disapp...
Interview with "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith" creator and host Trisha Taurinskas
45 min
106
Throwback: 105 Bruises - Interview with Jamie P...
Originally broadcast Summer 2021. Interview with Jamie Pultz, creator of Beenham Valley Road podcast. The tragic story of 27 year old Kirra McLoughlin who was killed July 2014.
24 min
107
Zeeland Rebroadcast (8): Sebastian Speaks Out –...
Episode 8 features a prison interview with Sebastian Feist, who reflects on Zeeland, the 1976 Zick murders, and his perspective on why Wade and Ellen were killed.
32 min
108
Zeeland Rebroadcast (7): Crossing the Street – ...
Episode 7 of Zeeland explores the aftermath of Wade and Ellen Zick’s murders, with stories of weapons, dreams, and choices that blurred the line between innocence and guilt.
38 min
109
A Body in the Ditch: Interview with "Short Walk...
Interview with "Short Walk" host Lee Strubinger of SDPB
56 min
110
Zeeland Rebroadcast (6): Flip a Coin – The Wade...
Episode 6 of Zeeland examines Wade and Ellen Zick’s 1976 murders through chapters on jail time, shocking conversations, and the people whose choices reshaped the case.
38 min
111
Zeeland Rebroadcast (5): Caramel Rolls – The Wa...
Episode 5 revisits the Zeeland murders of Wade and Ellen Zick, uncovering small town conversations, calls for truth, and a community still struggling to speak out decades later.
42 min
112
Zeeland Rebroadcast (4): Pink Slip – The Wade a...
Episode 4 continues the 1976 Zeeland investigation into Wade and Ellen Zick’s murders, uncovering new community stories, shifting suspicions, and the growing search for answers.
38 min
113
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
114
Zeeland Rebroadcast (3): Z is for Zick – The Wa...
Episode 3 retraces the night of Wade and Ellen Zick’s murders in Zeeland, North Dakota, through witness accounts of darkness, dawn, and the fear that haunted the small town.
47 min
115
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
116
Zeeland Rebroadcast (2): No Banker Tomorrow – T...
Episode 2 continues the 1976 Zeeland investigation into Wade and Ellen Zick’s murders, as new discoveries emerge through phone lines, neighbors, and early community suspicions.
42 min
117
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
118
Zeeland Rebroadcast (1): A Deed Without a Name ...
Episode 1 revisits the 1976 Zeeland murders of Wade and Ellen Zick, beginning with unmade beds, a Sunday morning search, and the crime that shocked a small North Dakota town.
45 min
119
Taking the Leap: A new chapter for Dakota Spotl...
Announcing exciting changes for the show and the listeners
3 min
120
The Mandan Murders (9): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 9 features Chad Isaak’s mother and sisters breaking their silence, exploring his childhood, warning signs, possible targets at RJR, and two troubling encounters before the murders.
65 min
121
The Mandan Murders (8): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 8 offers a preview of what’s ahead in The Mandan Murders series and a Thanksgiving message from host James Wolner to listeners and supporters.
4 min
122
The Mandan Murders (7): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 7 honors Adam Fuehrer and Robert Fakler, with family members sharing stories of their lives, memories, and the lasting impact of the RJR Maintenance murders in Mandan, North Dakota.
39 min
123
The Mandan Murders (6): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 6 remembers Bill and Lois Cobb, as family and friends share stories of their lives, personalities, and the struggles their daughters faced in the aftermath of the RJR murders.
41 min
124
The Mandan Murders (5): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 5 presents Special Agent Joe Arens’ first interrogation of Chad Isaak and witness accounts of his unusual behavior around the time of the RJR murders in Mandan, North Dakota.
90 min
125
The Mandan Murders (4): Murder and Justice in N...
Episode 4 traces how investigators linked the RJR murders to a white Ford F-150, when detective Justin Krohmer recognized the truck as belonging to his chiropractor.
36 min