A Barstool Beginning
This is the story about James Wolner, creator of Dakota Spotlight, and how a barstool conversation in 2018 about a suspicious death in western North Dakota sparked his journey into investigative storytelling. Determined to uncover what really happened to Victor Newberry, James launched Dakota Spotlight, now an acclaimed North Dakota true crime podcast with eleven binge-worthy seasons and counting. Together with Click Content Studios, he also co-produced the Emmy award-winning documentary The House on Sweet and Seventh, a film version of Season Three.
In 2024, after several years with Forum Communications Co., James returned to producing Dakota Spotlight fully independently. This year brings exciting additions, including new podcast series and the launch of Spotlight PLUS for supporters.
Originally from California’s wine country, James graduated from California State University at Fresno. He lived in Sweden for over 20 years before moving to North Dakota in 2013 by way of Colorado. Before focusing full-time on podcasting, he worked as a photographer and a web and database developer.
Contact James Wolner, creator of Dakota Spotlight
If you’d like to get in touch with James Wolner, creator of the North Dakota true crime podcast Dakota Spotlight, he welcomes hearing from listeners and readers. People often reach out to share tips or leads on cases, suggest new story ideas for the podcast, book James for interviews or events, discuss partnership or sponsorship opportunities, or simply to share feedback about an episode. Whatever the reason, James appreciates hearing from those who follow his work and is always open to meaningful conversations.
