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, and why true crime fans will feel right at home in these moody, mysterious, and distinctly Midwestern settings.

Welcome to Friday Night Fiction—your weekly escape into the dark side of the North.

About Friday Night Fiction: Written and narrated by James Wolner, Friday Night Fiction delivers original crime stories set in North Dakota and the Upper Midwest. Inspired by The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, The Twilight Zone, and Dragnet, each episode blends atmosphere, moral complexity, and sharp storytelling—ranging from eerie one-shots to serialized suspense. New episodes released on select Friday nights.

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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Friday Night Fiction is written and produced by James Wolner. All stories, dialogue, and creative content are original works of authorship and are © James Wolner. Reproduction, redistribution, or adaptation of any part of this podcast without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Legal Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for any perceived associations, misinterpretations, or unintended similarities. No real persons or groups should be inferred from this story.

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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 Infamous Cold Case.

Check out Lou's website: https://vanishedinvermillion.com/

Purchase the book on Amazon https://www.amazon.se/-/en/Lou-Raguse/dp/1637587252

Check out the full catalog and everything Dakota Spotlight: https://dakotaspotlight.com/

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YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected]

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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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 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/

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Sign up for the Dakota Spotlight newsletter: https://dakotaspotlight.com/newsletter/

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YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected]

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

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Introducing Wendy Suzuki: 2 Powerful Tools To Use When You Feel Stressed Out (This Will Lower Your Anxiety in 1 Minute) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

What’s one thing that’s been stressing you out lately?

Have you noticed any physical signs of stress in your body?

Today, Jay with renowned neuroscientist, professor, and author Dr. Wendy Suzuki to explore the science of anxiety, stress, and resilience. Wendy is the author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion and Healthy Brain, Happy Life, where she explores how movement, mindfulness, and positive habits can enhance brain function. 

Jay and Wendy discuss the physiological effects of chronic stress, how it impacts key brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and why movement, breathwork, and mindfulness are essential for improving brain health. They also examine why so many people ignore their own stress cues and how simple daily habits can rewire the brain for greater well-being.

Wendy opens up about her personal experience with grief, explaining that the flip side of anxiety and grief is deep love. She shares why embracing these emotions, rather than avoiding them, is key to healing. Jay also reflects on his own journey of overcoming anxiety and the mindset shifts that foster growth and resilience.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Through Breathwork

How to Use Movement to Improve Brain Health

How to Identify Your Personal Stress Cues

How to Build Resilience After Trauma

How to Create a Morning Routine for Mental Clarity

How to Foster Meaningful Social Connections for Brain Health

Instead of letting stress and anxiety control you, start taking small, intentional steps to rewire your mind for resilience, clarity, and joy.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:11 Get to Know the Brain's Potential

02:10 What Makes a Healthy Brain?

04:35 The Complexity of the Brain

06:12 Scientific Difference Between Anxiety and Stress

09:42 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety

15:36 The Dangers of Chronic Stress

17:34 Protect Your Brain from Stress and Anxiety

19:38 What's Your Morning Routine?

21:39 Exercise Promotes Better Brain Function

23:36 Staying Focused Takes Effort

26:34 Start Small to Build a Habit

28:38 Everyday Anxiety Versus Anxiety Disorder

33:05 How to Look at Anxiety Differently

36:24 Approaching Grief with Positivity

40:03 How Resilient is the Brain?

42:57 Emotional Trauma 

45:19 Can We Resilience Against Trauma?

47:29 The Joy Conditioning

52:32 The Classic Growth Mindset

57:13 What Happens in the Brain During Healing 

01:00:20 The 5 Pillars of Better Brain Health

01:05:48 Find a Natural Place of Community Gathering

01:07:43 Develop the Love for Learning

01:11:37 Your Brain is Beautiful

01:14:04 Does Positive Affirmation Work?

01:15:05 4 Things That Make Memories Stick

01:19:35 How to Strengthen Your Memory

01:20:47 Wendy on Final Five 

Episode Resources:

Wendy Suzuki | Website

Wendy Suzuki | Flickr

Wendy Suzuki | Instagram 

Wendy Suzuki | Facebook 

Wendy Suzuki | LinkedIn

Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: 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 [email protected].

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/

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YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly Produced by Six Horse Media: [email protected]

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of Six Horse Media. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of Six Horse Media is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing ⁠Lewis Howes: The Scarcity Belief That’s Blocking You from Making Money & How to Feel Rich Even When You’re Broke from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Have you ever avoided looking at your finances?

If money were a person, how would you describe your relationship with it?

Today, Jay welcomes back his long time friend, Lewis Howes, a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and former professional athlete. He is the host of The School of Greatness podcast, one of the top-ranked business and self-development shows in the world, where he interviews some of the most influential leaders in business, wellness, and personal growth.

The conversation highlights key principles for transforming one's financial mindset, including the power of awareness, gratitude, and generosity. Jay and Lewis examine how early experiences with money influence current financial behaviors and emphasize the importance of developing a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. By recognizing and reshaping these beliefs, financial opportunities can be approached with clarity and confidence.

Lewis emphasizes on the distinction between making money easy and chasing easy money. While many seek quick financial success, they explore the pitfalls of short-term thinking and the long-term benefits of building sustainable wealth through skill development, strategic planning, and emotional resilience. The concept of mapping out financial goals is introduced as a way to create structure and direction in money management.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Identify and Change Your Money Beliefs

How to Develop Awareness Around Your Financial Habits

How to Shift from a Scarcity Mindset to an Abundance Mindset

How to Invest in Yourself to Build Long-Term Financial Success

How to Create a Clear Financial Plan for Stability and Growth

How to Use Energy, Passion, and Curiosity as Valuable Currency

Financial freedom isn’t just about earning more—it’s about breaking free from limiting beliefs, embracing abundance, and making intentional choices that align with long-term success. 

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:06 Awareness Around Money and Finances

06:23 How to Get Out of Debt

09:44 How to Attract Financial Abundance

14:28 Rewire Your Brain to Earn More Money

16:22 The Mindset Habit to Unlock Abundance

20:11 Create an Opportunity to Showcase Your Value

27:08 3 Skills to Create Valuable Connection

33:41 Building a Foundation for Your Dream Career

35:44 Can You Manifest Money?

41:01 What’s Your Relationship with Money?

48:32 Generosity Attracts Abundance

53:10 Lessons from Quick and Easy Money

57:55 Invest in Your Self Growth

01:00:51 Money Cant Solve All Problems

Episode Resources:

Lewis Howes | Website

Lewis Howes | TikTok

Lewis Howes | Instagram 

Lewis Howes | Youtube

Lewis Howes | Facebook 

Lewis Howes | LinkedIn

Lewis Howes | X

Make Money Easy: Create Financial Freedom and Live a Richer Life

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: 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 [email protected].

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: [email protected]

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YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Claudia Oshry: How to Stop Letting Your Body Image Hold You Back & Build Lasting Confidence from On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Do you ever feel held back by body image?

What’s one thing that instantly boosts your confidence?

Today, Jay welcomes Claudia Oshry, a comedian, podcaster, and social media personality. Claudia is the co-host of the extremely popular podcast "The Toast" and has gained a large following on Instagram for her relatable and often self-deprecating posts. Claudia has been open about her personal life, including her struggles with body image and her journey to motherhood. 

Claudia opens up about the misconceptions surrounding her online persona, her journey with Ozempic, and her decision to embrace motherhood. She discusses the challenges of vulnerability on social media and the importance of self-acceptance and living life on your own terms and finding fulfillment. 

Jay and Claudia share their personal experiences with weight and body image, revealing the societal pressures and internal struggles they have faced. They explore the complexities of Claudia's weight loss journey and decide to use Ozempic openly in the public eye. Claudia shares her personal transformation and the newfound confidence she gained through her weight loss journey.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Overcome Misconceptions    

How to Embrace Vulnerability           

How to Deal with Weight Stigma    

How to Build Confidence    

How to Find the Right Partner    

Remember, it's okay to seek support and share your struggles. Embrace your true self, live life on your own terms, and never stop pursuing your dreams.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.

Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:27 How It Feels to Be Misunderstood

04:57 Protect Your Own Peace 

06:56 What is Fat Camp?

08:34 The Struggle of Losing Weight

12:38 Responsible Use of Ozempic 

16:20 Struggle with Self Image and Confidence

19:36 How Does Getting Pregnant Feel?

24:18 Getting Ready to Start a Family

30:46 Friends Change Throughout Your Life

33:08 Choosing What to Share About Your Life

39:45 Becoming a Content Creator

42:45 Learnings from the Corporate Life

46:16 Building a Brand as a One-Man Team

49:26 Smart Advice for Content Creators

52:49 Just Get Started

55:08 Stability is Beneficial in Running a Business

58:04 Running a Business with Family

01:01:44 How to Record a Good Episode

01:03:27 Know When to Listen

01:07:11 The Worst Type of Humor

01:10:46 Greatest Lesson from Grief

01:14:50 The Girl with a Dead Dad

01:18:37 The Dangers of Exposing Children Online

01:21:30 Claudia on Final Five 

Episode Resources:

Claudia Oshry | Website

Claudia Oshry | TikTok

Claudia Oshry | Instagram 

Claudia Oshry | Youtube

Girl With No Job: The Crazy Beautiful Life of an Instagram Thirst Monster

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DISCLAIMER: 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 [email protected].

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 interview assistance by Mari Zoerb Hansen. Special thanks to Bob Haas, Lloyd Halvorson, and the Bismarck Police Department for their contributions to this season.

Email: [email protected]

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

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Instagram: @dakotaspotlight

TikTok: @dakotaspotlight

Bluesky: @dakotaspotlight.bsky.social

YouTube: @dakotaspotlightpodcast4800

Proudly Produced by PorchLight Podcast Network: https://porchlightpodcast.network/

Advertise your podcast or brand in Dakota Spotlight episodes: [email protected]

All content in this podcast, including audio, interviews, and soundscapes, is the property of PorchLight Podcast Network. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or rebroadcast of this material without the express written consent of PorchLight Podcast Network is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing The 3 Things EVERY Human Wants with Esther Perel | The Oprah Podcast from The Oprah Podcast.

Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast

In this episode of The Oprah Podcast, presented by Ulta Beauty, world renowned relationship therapist Esther Perel offers her profound insight on modern romance, and what we can do to feel more alive in all our relationships – not just the romantic ones.

With wisdom gained as a therapist and from her hit podcast, Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel, Esther offers frank sexual advice along with her thoughts on dealing with betrayal, life transitions and relational burn out. Couples and individuals will join via Zoom to hear Esther do what she does best: reveal the hidden truth beyond the stories we tell. She’ll also discuss her ingenious conversation-starter card game, “Where Should We Begin? A Game of Stories by Esther Perel.”

Thank you to our partners at Ulta Beauty. They want to help you celebrate all the relationships in your life - not just the romantic ones! Share a post, tag your bestie and @ULTABEAUTY and share why they’re so special to you! Ulta Beauty will help pay the joy forward with a chance to receive a ‘surprise and delight’ beauty experience. www.ulta.com

“Where Should We Begin? A Game of Stories by Esther Perel” is available on her website,

And Esther's books are available here: https://www.estherperel.com/books

Conflict to Connection: https://www.estherperel.com/courses/turning-conflict-into-connection 

Desire Bundle: https://www.estherperel.com/course-bundles/the-desire-bundle 

Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social:

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@Oprah

https://www.instagram.com/oprah/

https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/

Listen to the full podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DISCLAIMER: 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 [email protected].