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Dakota Spotlight isn't your average true crime podcast. Creator James Wolner delves headfirst into unsolved mysteries and forgotten cases of the Upper Midwest and beyond, meticulously researching every detail to deliver a gripping, heartfelt narrative. Wolner prioritizes ethical storytelling, ensuring the victims are treated with care and respect. Prepare to be both enthralled and moved as James brings renewed hope for answers while offering a compassionate and soothing voice to the voiceless.
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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…
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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 question…
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Introducing Dr. Vonda Wright: Formula to Lose Weight and Gain Muscle (Why your Current Workout is Not Giving You Results) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty How often do you work out? What’s been the biggest challenge in your fitness journey so far? In today’s episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Vonda Wright, a…
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Introducing Friday Night Fiction - by James Wolner
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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…
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Vanished in Vermillion: Interview with Lou Raguse
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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 Infam…
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The Murder of Joli Truelson - New developments, interview with Trisha Taurinskas
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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 ab…
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Poetic Justice Rebroadcast - Interview with Deon Wiggett, creator of the podcast My Only Story
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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.or…
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Moonlight Feels Right: A Valentine’s Conversation with Bruce Blackman
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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 playlis…
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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 though…
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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 delving into themes of justice, rehabilitation, and accountability. This episode features conversations with Shawn Helmenstein, who has spent 25 years in prison for the murder. Shawn offers new insights, includi…
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In Episode 5, the case of Shawn Helmenstein moves toward resolution. After confessing to the murder of Robbie Rarich, Shawn participates in a videotaped walkthrough of the crime scene, calmly recounting his actions in stark contrast to the brutality of the crime. At trial, the prosecution systematically dismantles his defense of emotional duress, p…
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Episode 4: This episode intertwines poignant memories with pivotal investigative breakthroughs, pulling us deeper into a story marked by heartbreak, betrayal, and an unyielding quest for justice. In Clinton, Montana, Detectives Haas and Wooten close in on Shawn Helmenstein, the primary suspect in Robbie Rarich’s murder. We also step into the life o…
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In this special mid-season update, James takes a moment to reflect on the progress of Season 11, Homicide at House of Bottles. With three episodes behind us and three more to go, listeners are treated to a sneak peek of Spotlight PLUS bonus material for episodes one and two. Discover exclusive materials, including photographs, videos, and behind-th…
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In Episode 3 of Homicide at House of Bottles, the investigation picks up steam as detectives chase leads stretching across North Dakota and Montana. Their relentless digging unearths a tangled web of connections surrounding The House of Bottles, including former employees with complicated histories. A mysterious 9mm pistol known as the "Baby Eagle"…
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In Episode 2 of Homicide at House of Bottles, the investigation into the 1999 murder of Robbie Rahrich at a Bismarck liquor store intensifies. Detectives arrive at the scene in the early hours of February 21, taking in the grim details and piecing together a picture of what happened. Was this a robbery gone wrong, a crime of opportunity, or somethi…
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Welcome to Season 11 of Dakota Spotlight. This season, we uncover the haunting 1999 murder of a young man in Bismarck, North Dakota—a tragic event that reverberated through the community and left a lasting impact on everyone involved. In Episode 1, we set the stage during a bustling winter weekend in Bismarck, when the city was filled with out-of-t…
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Season 11 Official Trailer - Homicide at House of Bottles
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Dakota Spotlight’s six-part podcast series, Homicide at House of Bottles, delves into the 1999 murder of a promising young man, whose life was tragically cut short in Bismarck, North Dakota. Featuring immersive soundscapes and interviews with detectives, family, friends, and even the convicted killer, this season examines the layers of a crime that…
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Season 11 Teaser & Revisiting The Bowraville Murders
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Crime reporter Dan Box joins us to discuss Bowraville, his podcast about the tragic murders of three Aboriginal children in a small Australian town. Teaming up with The Australian, Dan investigates how all three vanished from the same street and searches for answers in this haunting case. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight h…
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