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Navigating Advocacy — True Crime
Navigating Advocacy

Navigating Advocacy is a true crime podcast that seeks to use the power of storytelling to raise awareness about unsolved crimes and bring justice to victims and their families through action-oriented advocacy. Hosted by Melissa and Whitney, who themselves started as true crime enthusiasts and have since become passionate advocates, their podcast aims to inspire action and promote positive change in the criminal justice system.

Our mission is to provide a platform for victims and their families to share their stories and be heard while offering practical guidance on how listeners can make a difference in their communities. In each episode, we will explore a different unsolved case in depth, highlighting key details and potential leads in an effort to spark new interest and help advance the investigation.Through our work, we hope to create a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a real difference in the fight for justice.

Whether you are a seasoned true crime fan or a newcomer to the genre, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and advocacy.

Copyright: © Copyright 2020-2022. Nerdly Ninja LLC, Cults, Crimes & Cabernet

Latest Episodes:

Michigan : Amber Arnett Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we speak with Marty, mother of 39-year-old Amber Arnette, who vanished in Lansing, Michigan, in June 2023. Amber was a loyal, nurturing caregiver known for her generosity and devotion to family—especially her niece. Despite her spontaneous nature, her sudden disappearance sparked deep concern.
Marty’s relentless efforts to find her daughter have been met with delays, jurisdictional confusion, and an alarming lack of urgency from law enforcement. From the last confirmed sighting at a local Dollar Tree to troubling rumors and ignored leads, Marty and her family have done more than authorities to push the search forward.
This is a story about more than a missing person. It’s about a mother’s love, a family left with unanswered questions, and a system that’s fallen short.
🚨 Have information? Contact the Lansing Police Department at (517) 483-4600.
📢 Follow and share: [Help Us Find Amber Facebook Page]
❤️ Support our work: Leave a 5-star review and subscribe.

Arizona : Stephanie Wasilishin Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin, tragically found shot to death in her Sedona, Arizona home on July 9, 1993. Despite compelling evidence suggesting homicide, the case remains unsolved. Stephanie's daughter Nikki, who has taken to social media and plans to launch her podcast 'Papi Killed Mommy,' continues to fight for justice. The episode uncovers the nuances of Stephanie’s life, her turbulent relationship with Russell Peterson, and the circumstances surrounding her death. With new forensic techniques available today, there’s hope that this cold case may yet find resolution.
If anyone has information or needs help, it is available.
Call: 800.799.7233
Text: BEGIN to 88788
Chat Online.
Available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183

Introducing: Papi Killed Mommy Jun 10, 2025

Show notes

Introducing:
Papi Killed Mommy
“Papi Killed Mommy” is a true crime podcast told from the inside—by the daughter of the woman who was murdered.
In 1993, 10-year-old Nikki was woken by police pulling her from bed. Her mother had been murdered just hours after making plans to leave her abusive boyfriend—the man who fathered Nikki’s little sister. In the back of a squad car, that 3-year-old sister repeated a phrase that would echo through the decades: “Papi killed Mommy.”
Now, more than 30 years later, Nikki is breaking her silence. This podcast dives deep into what happened that night, the red flags that were missed, and the justice system that failed them.
Raw, personal, and investigative—“Papi Killed Mommy” isn’t just about the crime.
It’s about what was never done.
Available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183

Iowa : Wilma Nissen May 19, 2025

Show notes

After a much-needed post-conference break, we’re back with a story that deeply moved us—and reminded us why we do this work. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we share the tragic and largely untold story of Wilma June Nissen, a woman who remained a Jane Doe for nearly 30 years after her brutal murder in rural Iowa.
Wilma’s life was marked by profound hardship—abandonment, abuse, and an unforgiving foster care system that failed her at every turn. Yet even in the face of unthinkable trauma, she showed resilience. Her daughter Krissi, who we met at Advocacy Con, is now on a mission to uncover the truth and find justice for the mother she never got to know.
We walk through Wilma’s early life, her disappearance in 1978, and the decades-long mystery that followed. With powerful insight from Krissi, we explore the barriers to solving this case, including degraded DNA evidence, gaps in the timeline, and a list of suspects still under scrutiny.
Wilma deserves justice. Her name deserves to be remembered.
➡️ Anonymous Tip Line: If you know anything about Wilma’s case, please call 712-472-8334.
➡️ Support Chrissy’s Advocacy Work:

➡️ Have a case we should know about? Email us at: info@navigatingadvocacy.com

Florida : Danielle Bell Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Danielle Bell was a bright and ambitious 14-year-old who dreamed of becoming a lawyer before she vanished in September 2001. More than two decades later, her sister, Bonnie—continues the relentless fight for answers.
Danielle was full of life, but behind her smile was a troubling connection to a 24-year-old male named Alfredo Sanchez. When Danielle disappeared, law enforcement listed her as a runaway, hindering immediate investigations.
In the nearly two decades Bonnie has been seeking answers for her sister, unsettling details of Danielle's history, home life, and pregnancy that Danielle had shared with friends and her mother have come alight.
Bonnie's dedication, mainly through social media, has reignited interest in Danielle’s case, proving that love and persistence can keep a story alive.
If you have any information, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Danielle deserves to be found. Bonnie deserves answers.
Follow Bonnie's journey: https://www.facebook.com/missingdaniellebell
#DanielleBell #Florida #NoMatterWhere #NoMatterWho #NavigatingAdvocacy

Texas : Cristian Rangel Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Monday, April 8, 2024, between 1:27 pm and 1:30 pm, Cristian Rangel was seen on surveillance cameras at Walmart at 5017 Hwy 290 in Austin, Texas. Footage shows a white GMC Terrain entering the parking lot, a short time after a blue Mustang (or similar) parked nearby.
The Terrain is seen leaving the parking lot at a high speed, with the passenger door opening as the vehicle speeds away. Kamery Wooldridge, the driver of the Terrain, was arrested and charged with tampering and disposal of Cristian’s body. She is currently out on bail.
Cristian’s body was found 11 days later near the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road in a greenbelt wooded area. April 8th, many people were outdoors at this time, specifically in the Austin area, due to the peak window of the solar eclipse.
If you or anyone you know has any information about Cristian, or the blue vehicle please contact Capital Area CrimeStoppers. 512.472.8477 OR AT AUSTINCRIMESTOPPERS.ORG
UP TO $10,000 REWARD AVAILABLE*
Follow Cristian's story: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664376744458902
*for information leading to the arrest and conviction of all parties responsible for Cristian's murderer

National Missing Persons Day Feb 03, 2025

Show notes

Over 600,000 people are reported missing annually in the United States. Melissa and Whitney are joined by fellow co-founder of AdvocacyCon, Eric Carter-Landin, to talk about the upcoming conference and why its inception was needed.
AdvocacyCon is a crime conference unlike any other. We bring together experts, non-profit organizations, families of the missing and murdered, and individuals passionate about advocating for justice. It aims to create a platform for education, connection, and collaboration in the fight for justice.
Learn more at: www.advocacycon.com
Purchase Tickets at: www.givebutter.com/advocacycon
#advocacycon #nationalmissingpersonsday #ignitethespark

Louisiana : Brandy Dyson Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Brandy Renee Dyson's story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and the fight for justice. Born on November 1, 1973, Brandy faced immense challenges but remained a loving mother and a kindhearted soul. Tragically, her life was cut short on November 5, 2005, when her body was discovered in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Despite compelling evidence and an initial suspect, her case remains unsolved nearly 20 years later. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Melissa and Whitney explore Brandy’s life, the systemic issues surrounding her murder investigation, and the tireless efforts of her family to seek justice.
To help Holly get to AdvocacyCon, consider donating here: https://givebutter.com/EVoTI0
Follow Justice for Brandy Dyson on Facebook
Get 45% off Magic Mind here: https://www.magicmind.com/navigatingjan

Rhode Island : Jason Fallon Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Jason Fallon, a sensitive and creative young man from Providence, Rhode Island, was tragically killed in an alleged hit-and-run on October 30, 2022. Despite the incident occurring in a well-lit area, Jason's case is mired with inconsistencies and insufficient investigation by law enforcement. His sister, Kristin, faces numerous obstacles in seeking justice, with unclear witness statements and missing critical evidence like surveillance footage. The driver that struck Jason has high-level political connections and a criminal history. Could it have affected the outcome of Jason's investigation?
Please contact Rhode Island Attorney General at (401) 274-4400
Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle here : www.magicmind.com/NAVIGATINGJAN
#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Revisit: Jason Landry Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

In the late hours of December 13, 2020, Jason was driving home to the Houston area to spend the holidays with family.
Jason would never be seen or heard from again. Only hours after Jason was known to be leaving his apartment, a volunteer firefighter found his wrecked and abandoned vehicle off of a dirt road near Luling, Texas. The next morning, the clothing he was last known to be wearing was found 900 feet from his vehicle.
Incredible advocacy efforts have been made in the 4 years since his disappearance, but Jason's family is still seeking answers.
Where is Jason Landry?
Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle here : www.magicmind.com/NAVIGATINGJAN
#magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

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