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Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations — True Crime
Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations

Dakota Spotlight is a true crime series investigating unsolved murders, cold cases, and missing persons in North Dakota and the Midwest. Hosted by investigative journalist James Wolner, each season takes a deep dive into one case, from rural crime and small town murders to decades-old disappearances. Through meticulous research, exclusive interviews, and on-the-ground reporting, Dakota Spotlight brings forgotten crimes back into the public eye and gives voice to victims and their families. Alongside full investigative seasons, the show also features shorter standalone episodes that explore individual mysteries in a single sitting. If you are drawn to investigative journalism, small town true crime, and real crime stories based on actual events, Dakota Spotlight offers gripping and respectful storytelling you will not forget.

Copyright: © 2022 Everything Midwestern LLC

Latest Episodes:

Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Going Oct 08, 2026

Show notes

James looks back at a busy year for Dakota Spotlight and talks about what’s ahead, including plans for the podcast and YouTube, Indigenous cases, and four North Dakota cases listeners most often ask him to cover.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You Killed Chris Update: Linda meets with the FBI Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Season 10 update: Nearly six decades after the murder of Christine Rothschild, an FBI agent and a Wisconsin Department of Justice investigator traveled to Linda Schulko to interview her over two days. Linda joins James and Dakota Spotlight research assistant Mari Zoerb Hansen to describe what investigators wanted to know—and why the long-awaited meeting didn’t go quite as she had hoped.

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

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (9): Follow the Red Dirt Road Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

James shares new information about red scoria, or clinker, found on Shelly’s car and speaks with a North Dakota geologist about what that material could mean for the investigation.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (8): Frightened, Followed, Harassed Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

James examines allegations involving Bismarck Police Lieutenant Don Schaffer, discusses questions and comments from listeners, and lays out what he believes could still be done in Shelly’s case.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (7): A Missing Mother’s Son Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

James speaks with Jaden Woodworth about his memories of his mom, growing up without her, his father and grandparents, and a later police interview with Kevin Woodworth that centered on when Shelly was reported missing.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (6): Interview with Tony Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

James interviews Tony Hulm, former bartender at the Burnt Creek Club, and revisits questions about Shelly’s final days, the Comfort Inn, the railroad workers, and other leads still left to examine.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (5): Don’t Give Up Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

James sits down with Shelly's parents, Wes and Linda Julson, and retired Bismarck Police Officer Rob Carvell, who responded to the original missing persons call in 1994 and later volunteered to re-examine the case in 2016.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (4): Stones Unturned Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

James speaks with one of Shelly’s friends, retired investigator Bill Connor, and one of the railroad workers mentioned in the cold case file. He also goes looking for Jennie, the former Burnt Creek Club barmaid Shelly suspected may have been harassing her.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (3): Eenie, Meenie, Miny, Moe Jul 23, 2026

Show notes

James follows the early investigation into Shelly’s final known days, including Tony Hulm’s statements, the babysitter’s account, the two railroad workers, Rick Snell, and the missing records in Shelly’s case file.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Call Me Shelly (2): In Shelly’s Shadows Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

As investigators continue looking for Shelly, they interview friends and co-workers, follow reports of harassment, search for her Ford Thunderbird, and begin tracing the people who may have seen her before she disappeared.

Inspired by Dakota Spotlight Season 7, Call Me Shelly is now a documentary film. Watch the official trailer, see upcoming screenings, and purchase tickets at https://callmeshellyfilm.com

Call Me Shelly is written and produced by James Wolner.

Archival audio courtesy of the State Historical Society of North Dakota.

Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo.

Explore the full Dakota Spotlight catalog: https://DakotaSpotlight.com

Listen early and ad-free with Spotlight PLUS: https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus

Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/cw/DakotaSpotlight

Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter

Have information about a case or want to get in touch? Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

Join the Dakota Spotlight community on Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

Watch Dakota Spotlight on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

To advertise on Dakota Spotlight, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and sound design, is the property of Six Horse Media. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited. For permissions, contact info@sixhorsemedia.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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