140 episodes

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.

Dakota Spotlight Spotlight PLUS Standard

    • True Crime
    • 4.6 • 21 Ratings

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

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.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    You Killed Chris (1)

    You Killed Chris (1)

    In this episode, 18-year-old freshman Christine Rothschild was found brutally murdered outside Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1968. We are introduced to her classmate, Linda, who reflects on their friendship and campus life amidst the 1960s counterculture.
    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 
    A very special thanks goes out this season to Mari Zoerb Hansen, a 4th generation UW alum, for all the amazing research, fact checking and just stellar assistance with this season. Mari’s dedication and hard work on this story is in the memory of her late father, David Zoerb, who was finishing his senior year at UW when Christine was murdered. Thank you Mari.
    Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/
    Get episodes 1 week 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/
    Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes info@sixhorsemedia.com
    Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight
    X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 50 min
    You Might Also Like: Shrink The Box

    You Might Also Like: Shrink The Box

    Introducing S2,Ep1 The hidden story behind Frasier Crane (Frasier) from Shrink The Box.
    Follow the show: Shrink The Box
    Where does Frasier’s snobbery originate from?  Why does he revert to his ‘child state’ when around his father?  And... the hidden story behind Frasier being a Freudian analyst and Niles (his brother) being a Jungian analyst.

    Plus, Ben and Nemone’s minds are blown when they realise a crazy coincidence with Frasier and Tony Soprano.

    We want to hear from you!!! Please drop the team an email with your questions and theories (which may be part of the show): shrinkthebox@sonymusic.com



    NEXT CLIENTS ON THE COUCH. Find out how to view here

    Cersei, Game of Thrones (Season 1)

    Tommy Shelby, Peaky Blinders (Season 1)

    Larry David, Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 7)

    Sydney, The Bear (Season 2)

    Michael, Office (USA. Season 1)



    CREDITS

    We used clips from Season 1 of Frasier

    Starring: Kelsey Grammar as Dr Fraiser Crane, David Hyde Pierce as Niles Crane, John Mahoney as Martin Crane, Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle and Jane Leeves as Daphne Moon.

    Created and written by: David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee and Brad Hall.

    Directed by: James Burrows, David Lee, Andy Ackerman and Rick Beren.

    Produced by: Grub Street Productions, Paramount Network Television, Paramount Television (in association with) Grammnet Productions and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)



    Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts

    To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesDISCLAIMER: 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 team@podroll.fm.

    You Killed Chris (2)

    You Killed Chris (2)

    In this episode, friends recall dorm life at Ann Emery Hall and Christine's struggles with being at UW-Madison. Meanwhile, the campus is shaken by the Dow Day protest, and Linda recounts the days leading up to Christine's tragic fate.

    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

    A very special thanks goes out this season to Mari Zoerb Hansen, a 4th generation UW alum, for all the amazing research, fact checking and just stellar assistance with this season. Mari’s dedication and hard work on this story is in the memory of her late father, David Zoerb, who was finishing his senior year at UW when Christine was murdered. Thank you Mari.

    Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/
    Get episodes 1 week 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/
    Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes info@sixhorsemedia.com
    Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight
    X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight

    Trailer - You Killed Chris

    Trailer - You Killed Chris

    Season 10 of Dakota Spotlight, "You Killed Chris: A Friend's Fight for Justice" is set against the backdrop of the 1960s US counterculture and delves into the unresolved murder of 18-year-old college freshman Christine Rothschild. Hosted by James Wolner, “You Killed Chris” goes beyond the well-known Manson murders to explore this lesser-known case, focusing on the victim's friend’s relentless pursuit of the truth and the impact the crime had on the University of Wisconsin-Madison community.

    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 

    A very special thanks goes out this season to Mari Zoerb Hansen, a 4th generation UW alum, for all the amazing research, fact checking and just stellar assistance with this season. Mari’s dedication and hard work on this story is in the memory of her late father, David Zoerb, who was finishing his senior year at UW when Christine was murdered. Thank you Mari.

    Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/
    Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/
    Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/
    Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes info@sixhorsemedia.com
    Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight
    X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 3 min
    Spotlight PLUS Bonus Episode - Season 10 Sneak Peek

    Spotlight PLUS Bonus Episode - Season 10 Sneak Peek

    Sneak peek of Season 10 of Dakota Spotlight. For Spotlight PLUS subscribers only.

    Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more.

    Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more.

    Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com

    Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com

    Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight

    Nowhere To Be Found: Interview with "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith" creator and host Trisha Taurinskas

    Nowhere To Be Found: Interview with "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith" creator and host Trisha Taurinskas

    In this episode, James interviews Trisha Taurinskas, creator and host of "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith"; a podcast detailing the events surrounding the 1974 cold case in Eagle Lake, MN. Trisha's investigation into Belinda's disappearance exposed significant early investigative failures and missed opportunities to probe the main suspect.
    Check out "The Disappearance of Belinda Van Lith", by Trisha Taurinskas at https://www.inforum.com/people/belinda-van-lith/?utm_source=dakota_spotlight.
    Check out the full catalog of Dakota Spotlight true crime podcasts at https://dakotaspotlight.com where you can sign up for a newsletter, subscribe to the new and exciting Spotlight PLUS ad-free experience and much more. 
    Head over to https://dakotaspotlight.com to learn more. 
    Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes by sending email to info@sixhorsemedia.com
    Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight 
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 50 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
21 Ratings

21 Ratings

NessaCanuck ,

Investigative journalism at its best!

This is a well done investigative podcast told with compassion for the victims. James’ voice is also easy on the ears. I also like that the stories are not well-known to most people. The sound quality is excellent as well. Highly recommend!

RCrom ,

Dekota Spotlight

I can’t get enough of James Wolner’s voice. It’s such a great podcast. So far all 5 seasons (still ongoing) is amazing! I know it’s definitely worth a download. Binge worthy!!!
Rosemarie Cromlish

Reen 3 ,

I am hooked

I started listening to this podcast just recently. A Better Search For Barbara was about a friend’s missing Aunt. I thought I would give it a listen and I am hooked. I am a few episodes away from being done all 5 seasons now. James has a knack for story telling and his descriptions make you feel like you are right in the story. His attention to detail is second to none. You can tell by his dedication and his ability to ask the right questions that he really cares about getting to the truth. I am already looking forward to many more seasons.

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