Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

By the early 1980s, Brian Lee Hendrickson was still working at the Minnesota Home School in Sauk Centre, supervising teenage girls. When one of them—Michelle—spoke up, she was dismissed as unstable and her accusation brushed aside. Hendrickson walked free again. In this episode, Michelle tells her story, while Hendrickson’s brothers and Michelle’s husband reflect on how this could have happened. Dakota Spotlight revisits a Minnesota courtroom case where no one seemed to realize that the man on trial had already been convicted of murder years earlier. Through careful investigative journalism, this true crime podcast examines how blind faith in rehabilitation allowed history to repeat itself—and how one survivor’s courage brings long-overdue clarity to a broken justice system. Meanwhile in Mankato was written, researched, edited, and produced by James Wolner. Additional research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

This episode looks inside Minnesota’s prison and parole system during the years when Brian Lee Hendrickson was behind bars—and how shifting attitudes toward rehabilitation vs punishment helped lead to his early release. We hear from Brian’s brothers, Mark and Gary, about the shock of seeing him walk free after just five years for murder, and how he soon ended up working for the State of Minnesota at the Minnesota Home School in Sauk Centre. Through interviews, records, and careful investigative journalism, Dakota Spotlight examines the Minnesota parole experiment that failed to protect the vulnerable and reveals how the optimism of reform collided with the realities of crime and manipulation. A Dakota Spotlight true crime podcast that uncovers how one man’s early release exposed deep flaws within Minnesota’s corrections system—and how the consequences still echo decades later. Meanwhile in Mankato was written, researched, edited, and produced by James Wolner. Additional research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

The second half concludes the You Killed Chris story — newly abridged and remastered. Through interviews, archives, and reflection, I revisit Linda’s decades-long effort to confront the man she believes murdered her college friend — and how her determination kept the story alive through five decades of silence and disbelief. Check out the music of MVLL CRIMES: https://mvllcrimes.bandcamp.com/ Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Linda’s book on Amazon⁠ https://amzn.to/4cX0DEe⁠ Cold: The Unsolved Murders of Seven Young Women: Kevin Damask. Get Kevin’s book on Amazon⁠ https://amzn.to/43YFy8l Additional research by Mari Zoerb Hansen Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

A newly abridged and remastered two-part version of You Killed Chris: A Friend’s Fight for Justice. In 1968, 18-year-old Christine Rothschild was found murdered outside Sterling Hall on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. This first part takes us back to the turmoil of the 1960s and into Christine’s world — and to her friend Linda, who refused to let her story be forgotten. Two Good Books about Christine Rothschild: Murder on the 56th Day: Linda Schulko. Get the Kindle version of Linda’s great book. Linda donates all proceeds to charity. Get Linda’s book on Amazon⁠ https://amzn.to/4cX0DEe⁠ Cold: The Unsolved Murders of Seven Young Women: Kevin Damask. Get Kevin’s book on Amazon⁠ https://amzn.to/43YFy8l Additional research by Mari Zoerb Hansen Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

Episode 3 follows Brian Lee Hendrickson’s case through late 1965 and 1966, as court procedures, psychiatric evaluations, and a Minnesota trial unfold under the state’s Youth Conservation Commission. At the same time, a new Supreme Court ruling on Miranda rights reshapes the very laws surrounding confession and sentencing. We meet Hendrickson’s brothers, Mark and Gary, whose memories of that era reveal a family story caught between denial and discovery, and we open a parallel thread on Michelle’s early life — the beginnings of a second tragedy yet to come. Through careful investigative journalism, Dakota Spotlight continues this true crime podcast journey through Minnesota’s justice system, where one decision inside a courtroom still echoes six decades later. Meanwhile in Mankato was written, researched, edited, and produced by James Wolner. Additional research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

In the aftermath of Ray Dahms’s killing, Blue Earth County investigators launch a Minnesota murder investigation that soon points to a local teenager, Brian Lee Hendrickson. When they finally bring him in for questioning, Hendrickson shocks officers with a murder confession that seems to close the case almost as quickly as it began with the justice system.  Episode 2 of Meanwhile in Mankato revisits those first tense hours of the Mankato Gas Station Murder and the community’s mourning for Ray Dahms, whose death left Rapidan searching for answers. Through careful investigative journalism, Dakota Spotlight explores how a small-town murder rippled across Minnesota, shaping perceptions of truth and accountability. A Dakota Spotlight true crime podcast where every answer reveals another question—and where justice proves far more elusive than anyone imagined. Meanwhile in Mankato was written, researched, edited, and produced by James Wolner. Additional research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

In 1965, seventeen-year-old Brian Hendrickson committed a small-town murder when he walked into a gas station outside Mankato, Minnesota, and shot clerk Ray Dahms twice at close range. Sentenced to forty years, he served just over five.The case would later be remembered as the Mankato Gas Station Murder. In this opening episode of Dakota Spotlight’s twelfth season, host James Wolner takes us back to 1965 and the small town of Rapidan, Minnesota. We meet the classmates and friends of Ray Dahms, shot down at the age of 18 in this Minnesota murder case — people who have never forgotten him. The episode traces Ray’s final hours on September 25, 1965, and introduces us to seventeen-year-old Brian Lee Hendrickson, whose own path that night would lead to tragedy at Rothfork Truckstop in Blue Earth County, Minnesota. Dakota Spotlight is a true crime podcast dedicated to investigative journalism, revisiting cold cases and small-town murders across the Midwest. Learn more about the Mankato Gas Station Murder at DakotaSpotlight.com. Meanwhile in Mankato was written, researched, edited, and produced by James Wolner. Additional research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2025

On October 27, 2007, Joel Lovelien stepped outside the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota, during a night filled with costumes, celebration, and heavy drinking. Moments later, he was found in the parking lot, gravely injured. Despite a rapid emergency response, Joel did not survive. For this Halloween throwback, Dakota Spotlight revisits the first episode of Unresolved: The Murder of Joel Lovelien — a true story that began with a party bus, a crowd in costume, and a tragedy that left behind more questions than answers. Through interviews, trial evidence, and police reports, journalist James Wolner reexamines one of North Dakota’s most haunting unsolved cases — and the night that changed a community forever. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

Announcing Season 12 Meanwhile in Mankato: Lies, Silence & Murder in Minnesota arrives this November. Episode 1 premieres for all listeners on Thursday, November 6. Spotlight PLUS subscribers can hear — and binge — the entire season ad-free that same day. Learn more at https://dakotaspotlight.com/meanwhile-in-mankato-true-crime-podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

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 Barbara and Gordon Erickstad were killed. She also discusses figures like Rick Storhaug and Ryan Werner. This North Dakota true crime story adds a human voice to one of the state’s most disturbing small town murder cases. Welcome to Nobody Should Believe Me listeners, and for Dakota Spotlight listeners who haven’t yet heard Andrea Dunlop’s show, you can check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

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 killers — with salutes, letters, and public disrespect for the victims’ families. Former detectives Bob Haas and Lloyd Halvorson reflect on what the case meant and whether unanswered questions remain. This episode captures the unsettling loyalty at the center of a North Dakota true crime tragedy. Welcome to Nobody Should Believe Me listeners, and for Dakota Spotlight listeners who haven’t yet heard Andrea Dunlop’s show, you can check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

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 parallel leads, while interviews with Misty’s boyfriend Rick Storhaug and others uncovered disturbing details. A darker side of Robert Lawrence also came to light. This North Dakota true crime investigation shows how teenage choices and violence collided in a small town murder. Welcome to Nobody Should Believe Me listeners, and for Dakota Spotlight listeners who haven’t yet heard Andrea Dunlop’s show, you can check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

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 a frightened woman rushed into the station with new details in the middle of the night. This documentary style true crime story reveals how testimony reshaped a North Dakota small town murder investigation. Welcome to Nobody Should Believe Me listeners, and for Dakota Spotlight listeners who haven’t yet heard Andrea Dunlop’s show, you can check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

Detective Lloyd Halvorson knew where to look for answers about the murders of Barbara and Gordon Erickstad in 1998. Episode 2, Never Ever Narc, follows Bismarck police as they questioned Brian Erickstad’s teenage friends and the East Sweet crew, searching for someone who would talk. With Brian and Robert Lawrence wanted for questioning, the pressure mounted. This North Dakota true crime story reveals how silence and loyalty complicated a devastating small town murder case. Welcome to Nobody Should Believe Me listeners, and for Dakota Spotlight listeners who haven’t yet heard Andrea Dunlop’s show, you can check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

September 1998 brought a chilling moment in Bismarck, North Dakota, when 17-year-old Aimee walked into the police station. She suspected her boyfriend, Brian Erickstad, had harmed his parents. A welfare check was meant to set things straight — but it uncovered something far worse. Episode 1, A Little Red Car, introduces Barbara and Gordon Erickstad’s case, a North Dakota true crime story that exposed violence hidden within a circle of teens. Welcome to Nobody Should Believe Me listeners, and for Dakota Spotlight listeners who haven’t yet heard Andrea Dunlop’s show, you can check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tU5rLsNkx7LeI2GhLlQ4X/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

In this gripping update on the Barbara Cotton cold case, we delve into new testimony surrounding one of North Dakota's most enduring unsolved disappearances. Barbara Louise Cotton vanished from Williston in 1981, and after decades of silence, a man who worked with Stacey Werder in Montana shares critical insights about seeing him with Barb in Williston. This episode, hosted by James Wolner and Lisa Jo of #FindBarbCotton, explores the troubling behaviors of Stacey Werder, his movements across Scobey and Miles City, and his tragic suicide weeks after Barb's disappearance. With renewed investigative journalism and fresh leads, we aim to uncover answers in a haunting North Dakota true crime mystery that has persisted for over forty years. Join us as we shine a light on unresolved mysteries in rural crime and the ongoing search for justice. Connect with Lisa Jo and the #FindBarbCotton Movement: Email: [email protected] Website: https://findbarbcotton.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/877478459791085/ Instagram: @findbarbcotton TikTok: @findbarbcotton Bluesky: ‪@findbarbcotton.bsky.social‬ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2025

In July of 2018, 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts went on a run in her small hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa. Something she’d done countless times before. But this time, she didn’t come home. What followed was a search unlike anything this town had ever seen. Neighbors combed the fields. Reporters camped out at the local diner. And as the weeks stretched on without answers, the questions only grew louder: How does someone vanish without a trace in a town this small? Who could have seen something and stayed silent? Once you've finished part 1, head over to the Truer Crime feed to listen to "Mollie Tibbetts Part 2".  About Truer Crime: Vanished. Vilified. Voiceless. This season on Truer Crime, every story has something in common: it’s not what it seems. What starts as a disappearance, a tragedy, or a headline quickly reveals something deeper—about power, about prejudice, about who gets to be heard and who gets written off. We’re digging into six gripping cases. Some you might recognize. Others you’ve never heard before. But every one of them will leave you questioning the stories we’re told and the stories we choose to believe. Six months. Six cases. One show that digs deeper. Truer Crime is available now wherever you get your favorite podcasts.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2025

What if 90% of Frank Abagnale’s claims are totally made up? In this special Dakota Spotlight episode, host James Wolner talks with Javier Leiva, creator of PRETEND, about his season The Real Catch Me If You Can. In this series, Javier debunks Abagnale’s extraordinary con-man story using court and prison records, while also bringing forward new victim testimonies. After the interview, hear the full Episode 1 as Leiva begins dismantling Abagnale’s legend and follows the trail all the way to Las Vegas, where he confronts Abagnale himself. This is the real-life Catch Me If You Can. Listen to the full series and explore everything from PRETEND wherever you find podcasts and at pretendradio.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

In this Case Snapshot, Dakota Spotlight investigates the 1984 disappearance of 12-year-old Sharon Bald Eagle, who vanished while traveling from South Dakota to Idaho. This unsolved mystery devastated her family and community and led to the capture of Royal Russell Long, a predator who stalked rodeos, carnivals, and highways for years. Through careful research and respectful storytelling, investigative journalist James Wolner explores the lasting impact on those who knew Sharon and why her story remains a significant South Dakota cold case in the history of Midwest crime. If you have any information related to the disappearance of Sharon Bald Eagle, please call the Fall River County Sheriff's Office at 605-745-4444. Produced by James Wolner. Research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

In this Case Snapshot, we travel back to September 1991 in Jamestown, North Dakota, where millionaire cattleman Joe Anderson is found murdered under strange and troubling circumstances. It all starts with a car parked too long at a local hotel—and ends with more questions than answers. Who would want Joe Anderson dead, and why has his case remained unsolved for almost 35 years?  If you have any information about the disappearance of Joseph “Joe” Anderson, please contact the Jamestown Police Department at 701-252-2414 or the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 701-328-5500. Produced by James Wolner. Research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

In this update episode, we break down the North Dakota Supreme Court’s recent decision in the Brian Erickstad case. The court ruled that Erickstad’s sentence was improperly amended in 2022 without notice, and has sent the case back to the lower court for correction. While not a reversal of his conviction, the ruling could impact when he becomes eligible for parole. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/dakota-spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

In 1995, 75-year-old retired truck driver Talmadge “Pat” Patton vanished from his home in the quiet town of Alexander, North Dakota. No one had heard from him, and when his daughter arrived to check on him, she uncovered a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. This episode revisits the strange disappearance of Pat Patton and explores what might have happened in those final days. If you have any information about the disappearance of Talmadge “Pat” Patton, please contact the McKenzie County Sheriff’s Department at 701-444-3654 or the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 701-328-5500. Produced by James Wolner. Research assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

In 1995, Mary K. Ross, a 25-year-old single mother and college student, was stabbed to death in her Sioux Falls apartment while her baby watched. This essay reflects on how evil drifts from place to place, preying on the vulnerable, recruiting the unguarded, and how quiet compassion can remain our strongest defense. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

In July 2002, 19-year-old Russell Turcotte disappeared while hitchhiking home to Montana. Last seen at a truck stop in Grand Forks, his body was discovered months later near Devils Lake. Russell had been murdered, and two decades later his case remains one of North Dakota’s most haunting cold cases. This episode retraces his final steps and the tireless efforts of his family to seek justice, efforts that continue to this day. If you have any information about the murder of Russell Turcotte, or if you were in Grand Forks in July 2002, especially near the Simonson truck stop, please contact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department at 701-662-0700 or the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 701-328-5500. Watch the 2002 Rainbow Gathering footage https://dakotaspotlight.com/rainbow/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Nineteen-year-old Russell Turcotte vanished in July 2002 while hitchhiking home to Montana. Last seen at a truck stop in Grand Forks, his body was found months later near Devils Lake. He had been murdered. This episode retraces his final steps and the tireless efforts of his family to find justice, efforts that continue more than 20 years later. If you have any information about the murder of Russell Turcotte, or if you were in Grand Forks in July 2002, especially near the Simonson truck stop, please consider coming forward. Tips should be directed to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department at 701-662-0700 or the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 701-328-5500. Watch the 2002 Rainbow Gathering footage https://dakotaspotlight.com/rainbow/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Part 5 (Chapters 23-27): As the story draws to a close, Doug Rolfstad faces the full weight of his choices, with each moment tightening the grip of consequences. What began with a mysterious envelope now hurtles toward a chaotic and unexpected conclusion. Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style. About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/⁠⁠ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/⁠⁠ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight.bsky.social⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800⁠⁠ Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited. Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

Part 4 (Chapters 17-22): With tensions still simmering, Doug Rolfstad follows through on key parts of the plan as new information and close calls tighten the emotional grip. As the walls begin to close in, Doug must navigate rising pressure, uncertain alliances, and the weight of choices that can’t be undone. Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style. About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/⁠⁠ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/⁠⁠ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight.bsky.social⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800⁠⁠ Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited. Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

Season 6 of Nobody Should Believe Me–out weekly starting June 19, available in full for subscribers at launch–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.  For the past twelve years, Lisa McDaniel worked for The Guthy Jackson Foundation, a high-profile non-profit, dedicated to a rare disease called NMO (Neuromyelitis Optica), from which Lisa claims her son suffered.  But while Lisa appears to be a sweet Southern mom whose personal tragedy led to her heroic work, this image hides her dark history of abuse. How was Lisa able to keep her felony conviction for poisoning and suffocating her infant daughter hidden? How did her children slip through the cracks of the healthcare and legal systems again and again? What really happened to her son Collin?   Season 6 breaks a story that is years in the making and made possible through the astounding courage of Mishelle Roberts. This season ties together many elements introduced in previous seasons: ways that systems fail vulnerable victims, the culture of silence and inaction within hospitals that enables abuse, and the damage done to rare disease advocacy and victims’ groups which can devastate families and echo through generations.  Listen to Nobody Should Believe Me wherever you get podcasts or https://www.nobodyshouldbelieveme.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Keith Schmidt was last seen on the morning of May 20, 2024, in Dickinson, North Dakota. In this episode, we revisit the days leading up to his disappearance, hear from those who knew him best, and speak with a journalist covering the case to better understand both the man and the mystery he left behind. Anyone with information regarding Keith Schmidt’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Dickinson Police Department at 701-456-7759, Badlands Crime Stoppers at 701-840-6808, or leave a tip at ⁠⁠www.dickinsonpd.com/crimestoppers⁠⁠. To contact Eric Grabowsky email him at ⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ To read more and see photos of Keith Schmidt visit: ⁠⁠https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/north-dakota/what-happened-to-keith-schmidt⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/local/volunteers-to-resume-search-for-keith-schmidt-one-year-after-disappearance⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.thedickinsonpress.com/news/dickinson-police-continue-search-for-missing-man-keith-schmidt⁠⁠⁠⁠https://namus.nij.ojp.gov/missing-person-namus-mp123952⁠⁠ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/⁠⁠ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: ⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/⁠⁠ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight.bsky.social⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800⁠⁠ Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Part 3 (Chapters 12-16): As tension rises and new layers of uncertainty unfold, Doug Rolfstad pushes deeper into a world far beyond his quiet life as a Bismarck plumber. With paranoia mounting and unsettling discoveries piling up, Doug is forced to confront how much—and whom—he can really trust. Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style. About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/⁠⁠ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/⁠⁠ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight.bsky.social⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800⁠⁠ Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited. Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Getting started as a bank robber isn’t easy for Joe Loya. It takes courage … and rage. But Joe does the math. Thousands of dollars gained for a few minutes work. That’s what he figures he deserves. Meanwhile at home, losses mount. Get the Money and Run is a production of Western Sound and aCast Studios in association with Orbit Media Inc. Get the Money and Run is available now on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Part 2 (Chapters 6-11): Back in Bismarck, Doug sets their plan in motion, taking cautious steps to protect Mandy and make sense of the situation. But with each move, the tension tightens—and a growing sense of unease suggests there may be more at play than they first realized. Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style. About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/⁠⁠ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/⁠⁠ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Bluesky: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight.bsky.social⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800⁠⁠ Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited. Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

In 1962, 14-year-old Larry Jo Phebus vanished from Tioga, North Dakota. Months later, two farmers discovered his body in a snow-covered field. Sixty years later, the case remains unsolved. Who was Larry Jo, and what happened to him that night? Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

In 1962, 14-year-old Larry Jo Phebus vanished from Tioga, North Dakota. Months later, two farmers found his body in a snow-covered field, sparking one of the state’s earliest and most haunting cold cases. Six decades later, the murder of Larry Jo Phebus remains unsolved, leaving the small town still asking what happened to him that night and why justice has never been found. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Part 1 (Chapters 1-5): At a truck stop near Valley City, North Dakota, Bismarck plumber Doug Rolfstad meets his daughter Mandy at her unexpected and urgent request. There, she reveals she found a manila envelope filled with cash. As unsettling news follows, father and daughter are drawn into a situation neither of them fully understands. Dead Cold Drop by James Wolner is told across five gripping episodes in the signature Friday Night Fiction style. About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/⁠⁠ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/⁠⁠ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: ⁠⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ TikTok: @dakotaspotlight⁠⁠ Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800⁠⁠ Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited. Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

This isn’t your typical true crime story. Brittani Ard steps back into the shadowy labyrinth of memories, scars, and fragile ties that bind us to our past. Where wounds still ache and the bonds of connection blur between salvation and entrapment. After revealing her own story in the first 8 chapters, she’s pulling at the threads of the past—threads so delicate they threaten to unravel everything. This time, it’s not just her story. It’s the stories of others whose lives intertwine with hers in ways no one could have predicted. A woman searches for a photograph of her abusive ex, but the picture holds more than just memories. A foster youth exchanges black trash bags for a voice that refuses to be silenced anymore, revealing a haunting past that demands to be heard. And a story of rekindled love, as strength and vulnerability collide to reveal what was always meant to be. You Probably Think This Story’s About You is raw, haunting, and achingly human—a tapestry of messy, beautiful lessons stitched together by the lives we touch and the stories we share. The secrets we carried no longer have power over us. Listen to You Probably Think This Story’s About You wherever you get your podcasts or at https://brittaniard.com/podcast. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

More than 30 years ago, Eric’s brother Jacob was murdered—a case that remains unresolved to this day. In this conversation, we discuss his pursuit of justice and explore the ethical challenges of creating content in the ever-growing, often problematic true crime genre. Originally released on July 28, 2021. Listen to the True Consequences podcast: https://www.trueconsequences.com/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Slaycation is a darkly funny true crime podcast hosted by Kim Davis, a former social worker and true crime fanatic, her comedy-writer husband Adam “Tex” Davis, and Emmy-nominated producer Jerry Kolber. Blending horror, humor, and empathy, Slaycation explores vacations gone tragically wrong, offering travel tips that just might save your life. In this episode, “You Cruise, You Lose,” a dream getaway unravels into a chilling mystery that will leave you wondering: accident… or murder? Finish listening to this episode and explore all episodes of Slaycation:⁠ https://www.slaycation.wtf/⁠ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: ⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/⁠ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: ⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/⁠ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: ⁠https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠ Instagram: ⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠ TikTok: ⁠@dakotaspotlight⁠ Bluesky: ⁠@dakotaspotlight.bsky.social⁠ YouTube: ⁠@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800⁠ Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: ⁠[email protected]⁠ All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact ⁠[email protected]⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

In 1978, the body of a young woman was discovered in a rural Iowa ditch—no name, no missing persons report, and clear signs of a violent death. For 27 years, she was known only as a Jane Doe. Her name was Wilma June Nissen. She was 23 years old and believed to have been killed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, around the time of her daughter Krissi’s first birthday. In this episode, Krissi Haas shares her decades-long search for the truth and the emotional journey to reclaim the story of the mother she never had the chance to know. If you have any information about Wilma June Nissen, her murder, or individuals known as Sugar or Peaches, please consider reaching out. Krissi Haas is still searching for answers, and even the smallest detail could help. You’ll find contact information and links to other resources dedicated to Wilma below. Krissi’s email: [email protected] Facebook: https://bit.ly/facebook-wilma-june-nissen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilma_june_nissen_cold_case/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/WilmaJuneNissen/ Petition to help families of cold case victims: https://bit.ly/petition-help-cold-case-families KELOLAND News story on Wilma June Nissen (2021): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7SIelmPDKw&t=25s Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

In 2002, Madison McGhee’s father, John McGhee, was shot and killed in his own home in Belmont County, Ohio. Driven by her desire to find justice she began conducting her own investigation into his murder that remains unsolved to this day. The police investigation did not yield any significant leads, leaving Madison and her family with more questions than answers - until now. Join her not only on a quest for justice, for closure, for answers and she stops at nothing to answer this question: Who Killed J.C. McGhee? It doesn’t get more personal than this. Listen to Ice Cold Case: https://linktr.ee/icecoldcase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

In this first installment of Friday Night Fiction, a new series by James Wolner, a harmless social media group turns sinister in this modern noir tale set in Fargo, North Dakota. When a local banker’s carefully planned Friday night is disrupted by a group of self-appointed parking vigilantes, what begins as an inconvenience escalates into something far more dangerous. Written and narrated by James Wolner, Park Like a Fargonian explores how easily judgment can masquerade as justice—and how quickly control can slip away. About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited. Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

We introduce you to our new series of original crime-inspired short stories, all set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. If you're a fan of true crime but curious to explore fictional tales with the same tension, twists, and emotional depth—this series is for you. We’ll walk you through what to expect from future episodes, how often they’ll drop, and why true crime fans will feel right at home in these moody, mysterious, and distinctly Midwestern settings. Welcome to Friday Night Fiction—your weekly escape into the dark side of the North. About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited. Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

In May 1971, Pam Jackson and Sherri Miller were two seventeen-year-olds driving to an end-of-the-school-year party in a rundown Studebaker Lark when they seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth. In this episode James interviews author Lou Raguse, author of the riveting book Vanished in Vermillion: The Real Story of South Dakota’s Most Infamous Cold Case. Check out Lou's website: https://vanishedinvermillion.com/ Purchase the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.se/-/en/Lou-Raguse/dp/1637587252 Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

On the evening of July 3, 1972, 16-year-old Joli Truelson stood hitchhiking in Uptown Minneapolis, MN. Just 15 hours later she was found deceased in Minnehaha Creek, four miles away. She died from blunt force trauma to the back of her head. In this episode, Dakota Spotlight interviews Trisha Taurinskas, journalst and host of a new podcast series about Joli's murder: Joli Truelson: Connecting the Dots. Trisha shares insights about this 53-year-old cold case and the exciting new developments taking place in 2025. Will Trisha's fresh work on this case assist in the Truelson family finally getting answers into what happened to Joli Truelson? Listen to Joli Truelson: Connecting the Dots on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vault/id1566136098 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Y6sk7Jkm8P9ruuNMOfO6w Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

In 2017, Deon Wiggett confronted a repressed trauma: he had been sexually abused by a schoolteacher as a teenager. His response was to create "My Only Story," a podcast exploring justice, activism, and revenge. Dakota Spotlight interviewed Wiggett in August 2021 about the podcast and his experience. My Only Story podcast: https://www.myonlystory.org/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected] Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Continuing a Dakota Spotlight Valentine’s tradition, this special episode features an interview with Bruce Blackman, the mastermind behind the 1976 hit Moonlight Feels Right by Starbuck. James chats with Bruce about the song’s romantic charm, its iconic marimba solo, and the stories behind its creation. Whether it’s part of your Valentine’s playlist or a nostalgic favorite, don’t miss this heartfelt conversation celebrating love, music, and the magic of the ’70s. Homicide at House of Bottles PLUS Bonus Material Free Preview https://dakotaspotlight.com/bottles/ Season 3: The House on Sweet and Seventh https://bit.ly/dakotaspotlight-season3 Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

Introducing Claudia Oshry: How to Stop Letting Your Body Image Hold You Back & Build Lasting Confidence from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay ShettyDo you ever feel held back by body image? What’s one thing that instantly boosts your confidence? Today, Jay welcomes Claudia Oshry, a comedian, podcaster, and social media personality. Claudia is the co-host of the extremely popular podcast "The Toast" and has gained a large following on Instagram for her relatable and often self-deprecating posts. Claudia has been open about her personal life, including her struggles with body image and her journey to motherhood.  Claudia opens up about the misconceptions surrounding her online persona, her journey with Ozempic, and her decision to embrace motherhood. She discusses the challenges of vulnerability on social media and the importance of self-acceptance and living life on your own terms and finding fulfillment.  Jay and Claudia share their personal experiences with weight and body image, revealing the societal pressures and internal struggles they have faced. They explore the complexities of Claudia's weight loss journey and decide to use Ozempic openly in the public eye. Claudia shares her personal transformation and the newfound confidence she gained through her weight loss journey. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Overcome Misconceptions     How to Embrace Vulnerability            How to Deal with Weight Stigma     How to Build Confidence     How to Find the Right Partner     Remember, it's okay to seek support and share your struggles. Embrace your true self, live life on your own terms, and never stop pursuing your dreams. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:27 How It Feels to Be Misunderstood 04:57 Protect Your Own Peace  06:56 What is Fat Camp? 08:34 The Struggle of Losing Weight 12:38 Responsible Use of Ozempic  16:20 Struggle with Self Image and Confidence 19:36 How Does Getting Pregnant Feel? 24:18 Getting Ready to Start a Family 30:46 Friends Change Throughout Your Life 33:08 Choosing What to Share About Your Life 39:45 Becoming a Content Creator 42:45 Learnings from the Corporate Life 46:16 Building a Brand as a One-Man Team 49:26 Smart Advice for Content Creators 52:49 Just Get Started 55:08 Stability is Beneficial in Running a Business 58:04 Running a Business with Family 01:01:44 How to Record a Good Episode 01:03:27 Know When to Listen 01:07:11 The Worst Type of Humor 01:10:46 Greatest Lesson from Grief 01:14:50 The Girl with a Dead Dad 01:18:37 The Dangers of Exposing Children Online 01:21:30 Claudia on Final Five  Episode Resources: Claudia Oshry | Website Claudia Oshry | TikTok Claudia Oshry | Instagram  Claudia Oshry | Youtube Girl With No Job: The Crazy Beautiful Life of an Instagram Thirst MonsterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

In this postscript to Homicide at House of Bottles, we revisit key moments from the 1999 Bismarck murder of Robbie Rahrich through archival news reports recorded immediately after the homicide and following the arrest of a suspect. Former detective Bob Haas shares additional insights, reflections, and his perspective on the missing shell casing, offering listeners a deeper understanding of one of North Dakota’s most haunting murder cases. Videos of the original news coverage: News segment immediately after the crime News segment after a suspect was arrested Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and PorchLight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season. Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

In this postscript to Homicide at House of Bottles, we revisit key moments from the case through archival audio from local news reports—segments recorded immediately after the robbery-homicide and after a suspect was arrested. We also speak with Bob Haas, a detective who worked the case, as he shares additional insights, reflections, and his thoughts on what really happened with the missing shell casing. Videos of the original news coverage: News segment immediately after the crime News segment after a suspect was arrested Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and PorchLight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season. Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

In the final scheduled episode of Homicide at House of Bottles, we reflect on the profound impact of Robbie Rahrich’s life and death while exploring themes of justice, rehabilitation, and accountability. This episode features conversations with Shawn Helmenstein, who has spent 25 years in prison for the 1999 Bismarck murder. Helmenstein shares new insights about the missing shell casing, his evolving perspective on the crime, and his frustrations with the uncertainty of parole. Robbie’s family and friends express their enduring pain and strong opposition to Shawn’s efforts for early release. Most importantly, this episode celebrates Robbie’s kindness, energy, and the lasting influence he had on those who knew and loved him, even as his absence continues to shape their lives. Thank you for listening and for joining us in honoring Robbie’s life. Stay tuned for bonus episodes in the coming weeks. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and PorchLight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season. Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/ Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected] All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025