A Barstool Beginning
James Wolner’s journey into investigative storytelling began in 2018 with a barstool conversation about a suspicious death in western North Dakota. Determined to uncover what really happened to Victor Newberry, James launched Dakota Spotlight, a true crime podcast that has since grown to thirteen seasons and counting.
James has also teamed up with filmmaker Derek Fletcher to bring stories from Dakota Spotlight to the screen. Their first documentary, The House on Sweet and Seventh, grew out of Season Three of the podcast and won an Upper Midwest Emmy Award. They worked together again on Call Me Shelly, another Upper Midwest Emmy Award-winning documentary, this time inspired by Season Seven.
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. While in Sweden, he operated a photographic arts gallery and worked as a photographer and a web and database developer. Before focusing full-time on podcasting, he had a few of his poems published and enjoys writing fiction as another creative outlet. His most recent project has been about a 1971 bombing in Huron South Dakota.
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.
