
Dakota Spotlight is a true crime series investigating unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons in North Dakota and the Midwest. Hosted by investigative journalist James Wolner, each season takes a deep dive into one case, from rural crime and small town murders to decades-old disappearances. Through meticulous research, exclusive interviews, and on-the-ground reporting, Dakota Spotlight b... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 226 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | DocumentaryTrue CrimeSociety & Culture | |||

In the season’s final chapter, Dakota Spotlight returns to Rapidan, Minnesota—to the classmates, friends, and families still living in the shadow of Ray Dahms’s murder. Host James Wolner traces the final years of Brian Lee Hendrickson, from later cri... more
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... more
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,... more
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 deter... more
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Fabulous podcast
Well researched and atmospheric. Love the voice too!
I come back season after season for a reason; compassionate, creative and professional journalism. And I for one am thrilled you made a point to publicly support and stand with immigrants.
❤️ It further confirmed why I love this channel. Don’t stop speaking up!
I've loved this podcast, so much so, I became a subscriber. Recently, James posted a FB disclaimer "apologizing" for the ads that play in between shows, one of which was apparently an ICE recruitment ad. Why give it any attention at all? For those who allegedly complained about the ad, just a reminder that the ads are independent ads would have sufficed but been unnecessary; rather, James went on to plead that in addition to him not being responsible, he was NOT a supporter of ICE. Not cool. I p... more
I 100% support your right to express whatever opinions you like. I have listened to everything you’ve done, your documentaries have always been focused on the humanitarian and compassionate side of the story. That’s why I return. I would expect nothing less.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #233 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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This series focuses on true crime investigations, particularly unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons primarily in North Dakota and the Midwest. Each season is dedicated to a specific case, providing in-depth explorations through meticulous research and personal stories that showcase the effects of these crimes on victims' families and communities. The podcast features compelling narratives that interweave personal testimonies and thorough investigative journalism, ensuring that the stories of forgotten crimes are revived and heard in a respectful manner. It stands out for its unique blend of detailed storytelling and investigative rigor, appealing to listeners interested in social justice and the intricacies of criminal justice ... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:
1. Midwest Murder
2. PRETEND
3. Ice Cold Case
4. Betrayal: Weekly
5. Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders
this podcast launched 7 years ago and published 226 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Roger Funson
2. Mark Hendrickson
3. Gary Hendrickson
4. Ron Fields
5. Gaye Bulo
6. Javier Leiva
7. Eric Grabowsky
8. Joe Loya
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