Dakota Spotlight Podcast

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 about Joli's murder: Joli Truelson: Connecting the Dots. Trisha shares insights about this 53-year-old cold case and the exciting new developments taking place in 2025. Will Trisha's fresh work on this case assist in the Truelson family finally getting answers into what happened to Joli Truelson? Listen to Joli Truelson: Connecting the Dots on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vault/id1566136098 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Y6sk7Jkm8P9ruuNMOfO6w Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more.

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.org/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes 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/ Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/Twitter: @dakotaspotlight Instagram: @dakotaspotlight TikTok: @dakotaspotlight Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800 Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: info@sixhorsemedia.com Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: info@sixhorsemed

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 playlist or a nostalgic favorite, don’t miss this heartfelt conversation celebrating love, music, and the magic of the ’70s. Homicide at House of Bottles PLUS Bonus Material Free Preview https://dakotaspotlight.com/bottles/ Season 3: The House on Sweet and Seventh https://bit.ly/dakotaspotlight-season3 Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes 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/ Email: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/groups/dakotaspotlight X/T

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 thoughts on what really happened with the missing shell casing. Videos of the original news coverage: News segment immediately after the crime News segment after a suspect was arrested Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes 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/ Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and PorchLight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. Research and

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, including what happened to the missing shell casing and his evolving perspective on the crime. He also expresses his frustration with the uncertainty of his potential parole date some day. Robbie’s friends and family express their enduring pain and opposition to Shawn’s attempts at early release. Most importantly, this episode celebrates Robbie Rahrich—his kindness, energy, and the lasting influence he had on those who knew and loved him. His friends share their memories and reflect on how his absence continues to shape their lives. Thank you for listening and for joining us in honoring Robbie’s life. Stay tuned for bonus episodes in the coming weeks. Check out the full ca

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, presenting his confessions, the murder weapon, and witness testimonies. The sentencing judge delivers a pointed verdict, describing the murder as premeditated and calculated. Shawn is sentenced to life in prison, with parole eligibility only after serving 85% of his life expectancy. The episode also brings us into the emotional heart of the story, as Robbie’s family and friends reflect on the pain of the trial and their enduring quest for justice. As we approach the series finale, we’ll delve into Shawn’s life behind bars, his efforts for sentence reduction, and a fuller portrait of Robbie Rarich as remembered by those who loved him. Check out the full catalog and ev

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 of Robbie himself—a man whose vibrant energy, kindness, and big dreams left an indelible mark on those around him. Through touching interviews with his sister Casey and friends Angie and Mike, we gain insight into Robbie’s humor, warmth, and generosity. Their stories not only honor his memory but also reveal the devastating impact of his loss on those who loved him most. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes 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/ Homicide at Ho

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-the-scenes details that bring the story to life. James also shares the many benefits of a Spotlight PLUS subscription, from ad-free bingeing of all episodes to access to bonus content and exclusive newsletters. Tune in to learn more and prepare for the exciting second half of the season! Season 11 Spotlight PLUS Bonus Material Free Preview https://dakotaspotlight.com/bottles Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/ Homicide at

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" emerges as a key focus, while witnesses recount sightings of enigmatic figures, like a man in a FUBU jacket seen running near the crime scene. Suspicion deepens when detectives connect with Shawn, Travis’ freeloading tenant, who has suspiciously skipped town. With critical clues beginning to fall into place, this episode pulls back the curtain on the tireless work of investigators determined to solve a murder that left Robbie Rahrich’s friends and family shattered, their lives forever changed by heartbreak and loss. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlig

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 something more personal? Through present-day interviews with retired officers and archival audio from the investigation, we retrace the steps of law enforcement as they separate witnesses, examine the crime scene, and grapple with one particularly puzzling detail: the missing shell casing. Was it an oversight, or something more sinister. You’ll also follow the victim’s fiancée, whose night takes a devastating turn, and Travis, a friend grappling with the unimaginable reality of the murder. Together, they muster the strength to write statements at Bismarck PD and also undergo gunshot residue testing. Meanwhile, detectives canvas the neighborhood, uncovering a connection to

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-town visitors attending the state wrestling tournament. Through vivid storytelling, you’ll ride along as the night unfolds, culminating in a harrowing discovery that ignites a high-stakes investigation. This season features firsthand accounts from detectives, loved ones, and even the convicted killer, as we unravel the complexities of this crime and explore deeper questions about memory, justice, and the enduring ripple effects of violence. Trigger Warning: This episode includes content that may be disturbing, including a 911 call. Please listen with care. Welcome to Homicide at House of Bottles. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dako

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 shook a community—and the enduring questions of justice, rehabilitation, and forgiveness. More than a true crime story, Homicide at House of Bottles is about the lives forever changed by it.Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get all episodes 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/ Homicide at House of Bottles is a production of Dakota Spotlight and Porchlight Podcast Network. This season was written, produced, and sound-edited by James Wolner, who also serves as the host. R

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 https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A kindergarten teacher masterminds a brutal murder and shows no remorse. In this special, stand-alone episode we learn about a macabre crime from the true north. In 2015, Angila Wilder was brutally murdered in her home while her two-year-old child slept just down the hall. True crime author C.J. Wynn meets with Dakota Spotlight to discuss this crime. C.J. WYNN's book https://www.amazon.com/Wilder-Intentions-Murder-North-Dakota/dp/193491293X Music in this episode: https://drjmart.bandcamp.com/ Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM 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: @dakotaspot

I Woke Up To A Girl Watching Me Sleep - The Driftwood Drifter - Creepy Guy On A Bus - The Dam Man - Accidentally Stumbled Into A Christian Cult - This is Disturbed. Featuring narration by: Kyra Cornett Elizabeth Flood Brian Jeffords Kat Carter Terra Ashe Disturbed is a production of Killer Podcasts, a part of the Evergreen network. For more paranormal and true crime shows, visit KillerPodcasts.com. Follow our social channels, @disturbedpodcast on instagram or disturbed_pod on twitter. If you enjoyed the show, please consider subscribing and reviewing on your favorite listening platform. Music by epidemic sound and by Carl Casey at white bat audio. Our Host is Doug Bailey. Our Producers are Noah Foutz and Elizabeth Flood. Our audio engineer is Nathan Corson, Executive Producers Brigid Coyne and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks for listening! Listen ad-free, unlock bonus episodes and more: patreon.com/disturbedpodcast Submit your true, original experience: disturbedpodcast.com/submit Disturbed Merch: disturbedpodcast.co

We share the full audio of a police interrogation from March 2021 with Jesse Huy, who killed three family members and then turned himself in. This recording includes a full confession and reveals the disturbing reasons behind the murders, offering a rare insight into the "Why". Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joel Lovelien was just 38-years-old when he was found beaten to death outside of the Broken Drum Bar in Grand Forks, North Dakota on a Halloween-themed Saturday night in 2007. Who killed Joel Lovelien? Music by HandTurner and Wowza in Kalamazoo Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part 2 of 2 - James continues his intriguing yet sometimes exhausting conversation with the AI chatbot. In Part 2, they delve into notable crimes near James' hometown, covering the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders, Steven Stayner, and the Zebra Killings, with the AI's often inaccurate responses leading James to ask, "Do you lie?". Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part 1 of 2 - In an attempt to deepen his understanding of AI, James interviews an expert who, interestingly enough, happens to be an AI chatbot. The interview proves challenging, as the AI often becomes evasive, stalls, or even "walks out" of the conversation. In Part 1, the AI shares its perspectives on true crime, discusses the Dakota Spotlight podcast, explores the cases that sparked James' fascination with true crime, delves into AI's own motives, and reveals how it generates its responses. Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight https://dakotaspotlight.com/ Get episodes early, ad-free, and more. Subscribe to Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM 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: @dakotas

James interviews researcher Mari Zoerb Hansen. Mari, a UW grad, played a crucial role in creating “You Killed Chris.” They share behind-the-scenes details and how the story became part of Dakota Spotlight. They also take a walk around the UW campus, visiting key locations from the Season 10 story. Sterling Hall bombing content mentioned in this episode https://dakotaspotlight.com/SterlingHallBombing/ 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/ Support the show on PayPal https://bit.ly/3wDhonM 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices