Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

A Better Search for Barbara

Claim This Podcast

by Dakota Spotlight | True Crime Podcast by James Wolner

22 episodes

Updated Daily

Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸

Podcast Overview

On April 11, 1981, fifteen-year-old Barbara Louise Cotton disappeared while walking home in Williston, North Dakota. She had just finished dinner and set out into the evening for what should have been a short, familiar walk. She never arrived. In the years that followed, her case was often dismissed as a runaway, leaving her family with few answers and a story that never fully settled. In A Better Search for Barbara, journalist James Wolner returns to one of North Dakota’s longest-running cold cases. What began as a short series grew into a far deeper investigation, stretching across decades and state lines. Through interviews, records, and newly uncovered testimony, the story unfolds piece by piece, following a search that has never truly ended.

Language

🇺🇲

Publishing Since

3/18/2026

Visit Website View on Apple Podcasts RSS Feed

1 verified contact email on file for A Better Search for Barbara

Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.

See contact details

Recent Episodes

March 18, 2026

A Better Search for Barbara (22): Case Update 2024 - New Testimony

More than forty years after Barbara Cotton disappeared, new testimony continues to shape the investigation. The search moves forward, one piece at a time. And it is not over yet. Connect with Lisa Jo and the #FindBarbCotton Movement: Email: findbarbcotton@gmail.com Website: https://findbarbcotton.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/findbarbcotton/ Instagram: @findbarbcotton TikTok: @findbarbcotton Bluesky: ‪@findbarbcotton.bsky.social‬ Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo: https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/ A Better Search for Barbara is a Dakota Spotlight investigation, part of the documentary style true crime podcast created by investigative journalist James Wolner. Support Dakota Spotlight Get episodes early and ad free with Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus Explore more Dakota Spotlight investigations https://dakotaspotlight.com Contact: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 18, 2026

A Better Search for Barbara (21): But, I Saw Barb Cotton! - Alleged Sighting

A witness recalls seeing Barbara Cotton after she was believed gone. The account is quiet, but difficult to ignore. It raises new questions about what may have happened after she vanished from Williston. Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo: https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/ A Better Search for Barbara is a Dakota Spotlight investigation, part of the documentary style true crime podcast created by investigative journalist James Wolner. Support Dakota Spotlight Get episodes early and ad free with Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus Explore more Dakota Spotlight investigations https://dakotaspotlight.com Contact: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 18, 2026

A Better Search for Barbara (20): Lost Suicide Note - Stacey Werder Death

The circumstances surrounding Stacey Werder’s death are revisited, including questions about a reported suicide note. The story remains unsettled. And the questions remain. Music by Wowza in Kalamazoo: https://wowzainkalamazoo.bandcamp.com/ A Better Search for Barbara is a Dakota Spotlight investigation, part of the documentary style true crime podcast created by investigative journalist James Wolner. Support Dakota Spotlight Get episodes early and ad free with Spotlight PLUS https://dakotaspotlight.com/spotlight-plus Explore more Dakota Spotlight investigations https://dakotaspotlight.com Contact: dakotaspotlight@gmail.com Dakota Spotlight is produced by Six Horse Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

22 total episodes available

Deep-dive analytics for A Better Search for Barbara

Frequently asked questions

Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

What is A Better Search for Barbara?: On April 11, 1981, fifteen-year-old Barbara Louise Cotton disappeared while walking home in Williston, North Dakota. She had just finished dinner and set out into the evening for what should have been a short, familiar walk. She never arrived. In the years that followed, her case was often dismissed as a runaway, leaving her family with few answers and a story that never fully settled.

In A Better Search for Barbara, journalist James Wolner returns to one of North Dakota’s longest-running cold cases. What began as a short series grew into a far deeper investigation, stretching across decades and state lines. Through interviews, records, and newly uncovered testimony, the story unfolds piece by piece, following a search that has never truly ended.
How often does this podcast release new episodes?: This podcast updates daily.
Where can I listen to this podcast?: This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
Does this podcast accept guests?: Information about guest appearances is not available.

Legal Disclaimer

Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.

All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.

We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.

By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.