Navigating Advocacy

On this special holiday bonus episode titled “True Crime Convos,” Melissa has teamed up with two fellow true crime podcasters to converse about our various experiences in the medium. Join me as I chat with Robin with "The Trail Went Cold" and Robert Parmer of “The Broken System Podcast” about such topics as researching cold cases, working with victims’ families, and even some of the more bizarre things we’ve experienced as podcasters.

As a holiday treat, Whitney had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Amanda of Wine & Crime and Javier of PRETEND. In a podcasters on podcasters style convo, the three talk about true crime, podcasting as a whole and their dream team!

Check out Javier and Amanda wherever you get your podcasts!

Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal Conduct, Ponzi Playbook
https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7UvlN9aTIzW6kNCo

Amanda Jacobson - Wine & Crime 
https://open.spotify.com/show/5OeKXVPomhbejM9v7CDqxJ?si=4451247ce3704a0a

In January of 2022, the Navigating Advocacy podcast played a pivotal role in raising awareness and pushing for action in the search for Brandon Lawson.  During a foot search that nine people were on, including Whitney and myself, clothing items were discovered, which ultimately alerted Texas Rangers to conduct a more thorough search.  Today we are deeply moved to share that human remains were found during that search and through DNA confirmation,  those remains are  Indeed Brandon Lawson's.   We are honored to have been a part of this journey, and we will continue to stand with the Lawson family now and always.

Here is an interview we had with LaDessa, Brandon's wife, earlier this year about her journey as an advocate trying to find her missing loved one. She gives words of wisdom and advice as she talks about her rocky road over the last decade. 

#brandonlawson #nomatterwhere #nomatterwho

In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Whitney and Melissa share the story of Nikki Cheng Saelee-McCain, a devoted mother, sister, and daughter whose life was marked by resilience and compassion despite enduring unimaginable struggles. Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Nikki’s journey was one of hope and perseverance, yet her marriage to Tyler McCain became a cycle of control, abuse, and violence. 

Nikki was last seen on May 18, 2024, in Shasta County, California. Standing at 5’0” and weighing 100 lbs, Nikki has brown eyes and brownish-red hair.


𝑼𝒑 𝒕𝒐 $𝟑𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑹𝒆𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑵𝒊𝒌𝒌𝒊 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒂𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒆-𝑴𝒄𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒏



If you have any information, contact:
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨:
- Website: scsecretwitness.com/submit-a-tip
𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛'𝙨 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚:
Case Number: SCSO24-002069
- Call: (530) 245-6135
- Email: [email protected]
𝙍𝙚𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙗𝙮 𝙉𝙤𝙧-𝘾𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜:
- Call: (530) 638-3855
- Website: nor-calallianceforthemissing.org
𝙉𝙤𝙧-𝘾𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙮𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨:
- Call: (530) 378-4491
- Anonymous tip link:
- https://forms.office.com/r/HsqN3dBCv0?origin=lprLink
𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙧𝙥:
- Call: (786) 509-7135
- Email: [email protected]
(See the $10,000 reward terms by Kingsman Philanthropic Corp) https://uspasecurity.com/rewards

#MissingPerson #FindNikki #HelpFindNikki #ReddingCA #AndersonCA #BringNikkiHome #NorCalAllianceForTheMissing

Eric Nelams was a loving son, brother, father, and veteran whose life was tragically cut short in an unsolved 2003 homicide. Born on June 10, 1971, in Columbus, Georgia, Eric was raised in a large, tight-knit family, the son of Annie Nelams and Ernest Hodges, with eight sisters and six brothers. Known for his compassion and generosity, Eric was described by his family as selfless, kind-hearted, and always ready to help those in need.Eric’s jovial personality and love for life were evident in his everyday actions. A devoted father, Eric shared a deep bond with his son and embraced the role of stepfather to two children, loving them all as his own. Eric transitioned to civilian life after serving honorably in the U.S. Army and earning multiple awards and medals. He was known for his extraordinary work ethic and ability to excel in any role he undertook.

Eric’s murder remains unsolved, and his family continues to fight for justice. If you have any information about Eric Nelams’ case, please contact Crime Stoppers of Central Alabama at 334-215-STOP (7867).

Every tip can remain anonymous, and a $10,000 reward is still available.

Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/K4ZzYmSkrd and don't forget to share! 

Join Eric's family's pursuit of justice: https://linktr.ee/justiceforericnelams

Melissa and Whitney had the opportunity to join Kristen Seavey and Eric Carter-Landin at the Berkshire Podcast Festival in October.

Brandy Lynn Myers was 13 years old when she disappeared in 1992 after going door-to-door fundraising for a read-a-thon.  Her older sister, Kristin, has dedicated over 30 years to advocating for her younger sister. Despite strong suspicions towards two persons of interest, the case remains unresolved with insufficient evidence. Kristin, who tragically passed away in October 2024, tirelessly worked to keep Brandy's memory alive.

We are sharing Brandy's story to help keep Kristin's legacy going.

If you are interested in donating towards Kristin's go fund me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-lay-kristin-dennis-to-rest

Jennifer Kay Wix and her 2-year-old daughter, Adrianna Nikol Wix, disappeared over 20 years ago from Cross Plains, Tennessee.

Jennifer was a strong-willed, loving young mother with dreams of working in equestrian therapy. Adrianna, her bright blue-eyed little girl, adored animals and brought joy to everyone she met. Their disappearance in March 2004 shattered their family and has left a void in the community ever since.

Jennifer’s sister, Casey, and her mother, Kathy, continue the fight to bring Jennifer and Adrianna home — and they need our help.

Donate: Contributions go toward funding Casey and Kathy’s attendance at AdvocacyCon.
www.givebutter.com/advocacyfoundation

Follow: https://www.facebook.com/@jenniferandadrianna

Listen: Missing in Hushtown

Emma Compton Layne, a beloved community figure and devoted caregiver, disappeared in 2017 under suspicious circumstances. Months later, her remains were discovered, revealing a devastating story of domestic violence and unanswered questions. In this episode, we honor Emma’s legacy, uncover the chilling details of her case, and discuss the importance of advocacy for victims of abuse. Join us as we demand justice, share her family’s fight for answers, and launch a letter-writing campaign to bring attention to her case. Emma’s light still shines, and together, we can ensure her story is never forgotten.

Princella Yolanda Eppes, lovingly known as“Lady Bird,” was a vibrant, creative, and deeply spiritual young woman whose life was tragically cut short in 1990. Raised in a close-knit family, her sisters Kim and Ebonyrecall her as a protector, artist, and jokester with a passion for baking, poetry, and faith. In July 1990, Princella was found murdered in her Atlanta apartment. Her family, led by her sister Kim, has never stopped fighting for justice.

Witnesses last saw Princella with a man the night of her murder, but the investigation stagnated for decades leaving the family without closure or justice for Princella. The family‘s determination, along with community support, keeps the fight for answers alive as they work to ensure Princella is never forgotten.

If you have any information about Princella’s murder, please contact Crimestoppers of Greater Atlanta 404.577.8477. *$10,000 Reward available for tip that leads to an arrest and conviction*