Journalist and former TV news reporter and anchor Amanda Denise is the creator and host of Cold and Untold, a short-form true crime podcast delivering concise, easy-to-digest episodes that focus on the facts while honoring the lives of the victims.
Each episode focuses on an unsolved case in North Carolina, with interviews from victims' family members and friends, law enforcement, and others with firsthand knowledge or research, along with details from requested documents and information made public by law enforcement.
Drawing on her experience as a news reporter, Amanda crafts each story as a compelling narrative while avoiding personal opinions. Her approach is informative, compassionate, and direct—designed to keep cold cases in the public eye, honor victims, and help families share their loved ones’ stories.
Please follow us on social media @coldanduntold
N. Leigh Hunt introduces a new investigative podcast, "NOLA '93 The Murder and The Journal," which examines the unsolved murder of Morris Smith and the potential wrongful arrest of a suspect.
8 Jul 2025
Recap Ep. - Final Thoughts
The host reflects on impactful stories and voices from the season, emphasizing the importance of keeping cold cases alive through powerful sound bites.
22 May 2025
Ep. 6: Election Night | Mark Freedman
On the night America chose its next president, a beloved Greensboro restaurant owner was found in the parking lot of his own business suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Mark Freedman—known for his love of food, people, and community—was murdered on Election Night 2020. Years later, his case remains unsolved, despite a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. In this episode, you'll hear from Mark's sister, Robin who has remained a steady and determ...
17 May 2025
Election Night Tragedy | Mark Freedman
On the night America chose its next president, a beloved Greensboro restaurant owner was shot and killed in the parking lot of his own business. Mark Freedman—known for his love of food, people, and community—was murdered on Election Night 2020. Years later, his case remains unsolved, despite a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. In this episode, you'll hear from Mark's sister, Robin who has remained a steady and determined advocate for answers. Who...
27 Mar 2025
Ep. 5: Christy Lynn Russell | A Life Stolen, Not Defined
On October 26, 2010, Christy Lynn Russell was found buried under a mound of dirt in Laurinburg, NC. She was unhoused and battled substance use disorder but never failed to make contact with her family. In this episode, you'll hear from the law enforcement about the chilling discovery of Christy's body and from Christy’s sister, Holly Collins, who despite giving up hope, knows Christy's story needs to be told! Thank you all for listening to this podcast. A sincere thank you to l...
16 Mar 2025
Bonus Ep.: Interview w. Matt Duff | Cold Case of Beth-Ellen Vinson
In this bonus episode of the "Cold and Untold" podcast, we sit down with private investigator Matt Duff to discuss one of Raleigh, North Carolina’s oldest unsolved murder cases. In August 1994, a 17-year-old girl left her apartment to meet with an escort-service client. She was found murdered, and for decades, her family, friends, and the community are still searching for answers. Matt Duff brings his investigative expertise to this case, shedding light on the kind of person Bet...
18 Feb 2025
Ep. 4: Murder in Dorm Room 125 | Sharon Beatrice Jones
This year marks 41 years since the tragic death of 21-year-old Sharon Jones, a college student with a promising future ahead. Sharon was preparing to graduate when her life was cut short. In this episode, Australian true crime writer Greg Fox shares his extensive research on the case, shedding light on the mystery that still remains unsolved. Join us as we revisit Sharon’s story. Sources referenced: The Virginian-Pilot: 6 March 1984 & The Daily Advance: 9 March 1984 Thank you ...
7 Jan 2025
Ep. 3: Unsolved Murder | Cathy Dawson
In the early hours of a cold winter morning, a woman is brutally murdered, stabbed multiple times in what authorities believe to be targeted. Her lifestyle may have played a role in her tragic death, but law enforcement needs help from the community to solve this case. Any names mentioned in this episode, including those who may have been considered persons of interest, have not been charged by law enforcement. Any names referenced are based on speculative information until confirmed by...
27 Nov 2024
Ep. 2: Not a Statistic | Dennis Hayle
A college student is shot dead in the breezeway of his off campus apartment in Greensboro, NC. Despite tireless efforts, his family and detectives are still searching for answers. You’ll hear from his mother, Stephanie Hayle, his sister, Julie, and the cold case detective now assigned to the case. They all believe someone out there holds the key to solving his murder. Thank you all for listening to this podcast. A sincere thank you to law enforcement, but most importantly to the families wh...
13 Nov 2024
Ep. 1: My Only Brother | James Smith, IV & John Mattmiller
A double murder remains unsolved for nearly 27 years. Two men ending their shift at a pawn shop in Havelock, NC are found bludgeoned to death. Today, with the advancement in DNA technology, there’s hope this case will soon be solved. Michelle Pitman, the sister of James Smith and investigators hope so too. Thank you all for listening to this podcast. A sincere thank you to law enforcement, but most importantly to the families who trust me to tell their loved one's story. Cold and Untold...
14 Oct 2024
TRAILER - Welcome to the Cold & Untold Community
Welcome to Cold and Untold, the podcast that shines a light on cold cases in my home state, North Carolina. I’m your host, Amanda Denise. With your help, we can bring attention to these missing persons and unsolved murder cold cases. Get ready for factual storytelling with real emotions. Thank you all for listening to this podcast. A sincere thank you to law enforcement, but most importantly to the families who trust me to tell their loved one's story. Cold and Untold™...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
3,778
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
18 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
11
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
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