{"podcast":{"title":"Dakota Spotlight: True Crime & Cold Case Investigations","slug":"dakota-spotlight-true-crime-cold-case-investigations-783746","podcast_index_feed_id":783746,"rss_url":"https://feeds.megaphone.fm/EELCL3827885072","website_url":"https://dakotaspotlight.com/","image_url":"https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/fb86126c-acc6-11ee-84aa-875b938fd05e/image/5ced801af181d641452bb88f25be3806.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress","author":"James Wolner","episode_count":240,"summary":"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.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-09T20:20:46.624356+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/dakota-spotlight-true-crime-cold-case-investigations-783746"},"episode":{"title":"From Vacation to Investigation - Inside Someone Knows Something with David Ridgen","slug":"from-vacation-to-investigation-inside-someone-knows-something-with-david-ridgen","published_at":"2026-04-16T10:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/dakota-spotlight-true-crime-cold-case-investigations-783746/from-vacation-to-investigation-inside-someone-knows-something-with-david-ridgen","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/dakota-spotlight-true-crime-cold-case-investigations-783746","url":"https://dakotaspotlight.com/","audio_url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pscrb.fm/rss/p/pdcn.co/e/tracking.swap.fm/track/GShUDppPATUMmMhYllkv/traffic.megaphone.fm/EAISI9416103831.mp3?updated=1775936557","summary":"James sits down with award-winning filmmaker and host of Someone Knows Something, David Ridgen. We talk about his approach to storytelling, how he works with families, and what it really means to stay with a case over time. We also get into his latest investigation, the disappearance of Jaclyn Ferland-Smith, and how a simple trip to Costa Rica turned into something much more. Following our conversation, you’ll hear Episode 1 of the Jaclyn Ferland-Smith investigation from Someone Knows Something. Jaclyn Ferland-Smith moved to Playa del Coco with her husband Sebastien to find and build a new life. But then Jackie disappears, with no trace found. Jackie's family, with David's help, begins the process of picking up the pieces. More episodes of of Someone Knows Something are available wherever you get your podcasts, and here: https://link.mgln.ai/SKS10xDSP Explore the full 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 choice…","meta_description":"James sits down with award-winning filmmaker and host of Someone Knows Something, David Ridgen. We talk about his approach to storytelling, how he works w…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3164,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/dakota-spotlight-true-crime-cold-case-investigations-783746/episodes/from-vacation-to-investigation-inside-someone-knows-something-with-david-ridgen/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/dakota-spotlight-true-crime-cold-case-investigations-783746/from-vacation-to-investigation-inside-someone-knows-something-with-david-ridgen.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}