PODCAST · society
Navigating Advocacy
by Navigating Advocacy Podcast
Navigating Advocacy is a true crime podcast that seeks to use the power of storytelling to raise awareness about unsolved crimes and bring justice to victims and their families through action-oriented advocacy. Hosted by Melissa and Whitney, who themselves started as true crime enthusiasts and have since become passionate advocates, their podcast aims to inspire action and promote positive change in the criminal justice system. Our mission is to provide a platform for victims and their families to share their stories and be heard while offering practical guidance on how listeners can make a difference in their communities. In each episode, we will explore a different unsolved case in depth, highlighting key details and potential leads in an effort to spark new interest and help advance the investigation.Through our work, we hope to create a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a real difference in the fight for justice. Whether you are
Episodes
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New Jersey: Margaret Haddican-McEnroe
In October 2006, 29-year-old mom, volunteer firefighter, and Army veteran Margaret Haddican McEnroe vanished from her Warren Township, New Jersey home after a tense period in her marriage; her baby was left alone, and her car, wallet, and most belongings remained. For six days, her family wasn’t...
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Brandon Lawson: Still Waiting
Brandon Lawson disappeared off of the side of Highway 277 just outside of Bronte, Texas. After running out of gas, calling his brother, Kyle, and a chilling 911 call, Brandon remained missing for over 8 years. January 15, 2022, Melissa and Whitney joined a 9-person volunteer search team that…
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Navigating Advocacy with Crawlspace Media
In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we’re joined by two well-known voices in true crime podcasting—Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna of Crawlspace Media. Tim and Lance have spent years helping shape the true crime podcasting landscape, and in this conversation, we dive into how the industry…
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Indiana : Alex VanDalsen
Alex VanDalsen was a free-spirited 21-year-old who disappeared on February 3, 2021, after leaving his home in Lafayette, Indiana. Days later, his body was found in suspicious circumstances, leading to questions about the initial investigation, which quickly ruled his death a suicide. Despite…
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Texas : Deanna Merryfield
In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney explore the heartbreaking story of Deanna Merryfield, who vanished at age 13 from Killeen, Texas, in 1990. Deanna's troubled family background, including her mother's alcoholism and her stepfather's sexual abuse, is discussed in...
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Oklahoma : April Kelly Reed
April Kelly Reed disappeared from Del City, Oklahoma in 2001 under mysterious circumstances. Raised amidst familial instability and trauma, April endured significant hardships, including being traded for a vehicle as a child and navigating life with schizophrenia. Her sister Kelsey, who uncovered...
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New York : Stephen Spina
On September 17, 2007, 36-year-old Stephen Spina, a beloved father, postal worker, and longtime Little League umpire, was found stabbed to death in his Mamaroneck, NY apartment. With no signs of forced entry and nothing stolen, investigators believe Stephen knew his killer. He was last seen at…
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Colorado : Megan Trussell
In this episode of the Navigating Advocacy podcast, the story of Megan Piper Trussell, a bright and artistic 17-year-old from Boulder, Colorado, whose mysterious disappearance and death in February 2025 left her family and community searching for answers. Despite Megan’s promising future and…
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Nevada : Camille Dardanes Dodson
Camille Dains Dodson, born in 1964 in Los Angeles, was a talented and driven woman who faced unexpected life challenges. She married Gary Dodson, the first person exonerated of rape by DNA evidence in the USA, but their relationship turned abusive. After leaving Gary, Camille moved to Las Vegas...
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Michigan : Amber Arnett
On this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we speak with Marty, mother of 39-year-old Amber Arnette, who vanished in Lansing, Michigan, in June 2023. Amber was a loyal, nurturing caregiver known for her generosity and devotion to family—especially her niece. Despite her spontaneous nature, her…
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Arizona : Stephanie Wasilishin
In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wasilishin, tragically found shot to death in her Sedona, Arizona home on July 9, 1993. Despite compelling evidence suggesting homicide, the case remains unsolved. Stephanie's daughter...
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Introducing: Papi Killed Mommy
Introducing: Papi Killed Mommy “Papi Killed Mommy” is a true crime podcast told from the inside—by the daughter of the woman who was murdered. In 1993, 10-year-old Nikki was woken by police pulling her from bed. Her mother had been murdered just hours after making plans to leave her abusive...
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Iowa : Wilma Nissen
After a much-needed post-conference break, we’re back with a story that deeply moved us—and reminded us why we do this work. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we share the tragic and largely untold story of Wilma June Nissen, a woman who remained a Jane Doe for nearly 30 years after her...
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Florida : Danielle Bell
Danielle Bell was a bright and ambitious 14-year-old who dreamed of becoming a lawyer before she vanished in September 2001. More than two decades later, her sister, Bonnie—continues the relentless fight for answers. Danielle was full of life, but behind her smile was a troubling connection to a...
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Texas : Cristian Rangel
Monday, April 8, 2024, between 1:27 pm and 1:30 pm, Cristian Rangel was seen on surveillance cameras at Walmart at 5017 Hwy 290 in Austin, Texas. Footage shows a white GMC Terrain entering the parking lot, a short time after a blue Mustang (or similar) parked nearby. The Terrain is seen leaving…
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National Missing Persons Day
Over 600,000 people are reported missing annually in the United States. Melissa and Whitney are joined by fellow co-founder of AdvocacyCon, Eric Carter-Landin, to talk about the upcoming conference and why its inception was needed. AdvocacyCon is a crime conference unlike any other. We bring...
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Louisiana : Brandy Dyson
Brandy Renee Dyson's story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and the fight for justice. Born on November 1, 1973, Brandy faced immense challenges but remained a loving mother and a kindhearted soul. Tragically, her life was cut short on November 5, 2005, when her body was discovered in Lake...
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Rhode Island : Jason Fallon
Jason Fallon, a sensitive and creative young man from Providence, Rhode Island, was tragically killed in an alleged hit-and-run on October 30, 2022. Despite the incident occurring in a well-lit area, Jason's case is mired with inconsistencies and insufficient investigation by law enforcement. His...
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Revisit: Jason Landry
In the late hours of December 13, 2020, Jason was driving home to the Houston area to spend the holidays with family. Jason would never be seen or heard from again. Only hours after Jason was known to be leaving his apartment, a volunteer firefighter found his wrecked and abandoned vehicle off of…
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Montana : Rebekah Barsotti
Rebekah Barsotti was a compassionate and adventurous young woman whose life was tragically cut short under troubling circumstances. On July 20, 2021, she vanished near the Clark Fork River in Montana, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a family desperate for justice. Months before...
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Collab Bonus: True Crime Convos
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…
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Grapes, Grifts, and Gavel
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…
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Brandon Lawson : Confirmed
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…
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California : Nikki Cheng-Saelee McCain
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…
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Alabama : Eric Nelams
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....
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From Podcasting to Advocacy : Berkshire Podcast Festival
Melissa and Whitney had the opportunity to join Kristen Seavey and Eric Carter-Landin at the Berkshire Podcast Festival in October.
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Arizona : Brandy Myers
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…
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Tennessee : Jennifer & Adrianna Wix
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…
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Virginia : Emma Compton
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...
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Georgia : Princella Eppes
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,...
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Update: Bryan "Vladek" Hasel
Bryan "Vladek" Hasel was last seen near The Place at Alafaya apt in East Orlando, FL on 11/15/21 and hasn't been in touch with family since 11/6/21, when his father, with whom he was residing, went out of town. He didn't have a vehicle and left his cell phone and his belongings. His family is...
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Utah : Kiplyn Davis
Kiplyn Davis was a 15-year-old high school sophomore who disappeared in the middle of the day. Kiplyn’s bubbly personality, love of theater, and close-knit family made her disappearance even more devastating for those who knew her. Her case, although cold, remains one of deep heartache for her...
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Ohio : J.C. McGhee
JC McGhee lived a life full of contradictions—once a drug dealer turned confidential informant, he was also a bar owner, a father, and a man trying to leave his troubled past behind. But in July 2002, his life was brutally cut short in an execution-style killing that remains unsolved to this day....
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Season 6 Episode 1 : Coming Soon
JC McGhee lived a life full of contradictions—once a drug dealer turned confidential informant, he was also a bar owner, a father, and a man trying to leave his troubled past behind. But in July 2002, his life was brutally cut short in an execution-style killing that remains unsolved to this day....
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Wyoming : Daniel "Danny" Moser
Daniel Dewaye Moser, known to many as Danny, was born on December 18, 1973, and raised in Casper, Wyoming. A friendly and outgoing man, Danny had a passion for animals, leading him to become a master groomer. He married Chasity, becoming a loving stepfather to her son, Johnathan, and, later, a...
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AOA : Arrilla Webb Vaul & Dodie Gay
Today, we explore the tragic disappearances of Arrilla Webb-Vaul and Dodie Gay, two young women who vanished just months apart from the same shopping mall in 1979. Arrilla, a 23-year-old housewife, and Dodie, a 17-year-old high school student, were full of life and promise. Their cases are...
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Wisconsin : Rose Marie Bly
Rose Marie Bly vanished after telling her husband she was meeting a cousin, but her car was found abandoned 14 miles away. Despite extensive searches and leads, Rose remains missing. Rose's family was hit with further tragedy when her niece, Summer Moon Wells also disappeared. Learn more about…
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West Virginia : Brenda Lambert
Brenda Lambert's life was marked by resilience and complexity. She was known for her lively, mischievous spirit, a girl who loved both climbing trees and experimenting with makeup. Grew up quickly and became a mother at a young age, where she thrived. Brenda's life took a mysterious and...
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Washington : Alyssa McLemore
In April 2009, then 21-year-old mother, Alyssa McLemore, disappeared. A chilling 911 call came in the day she was last seen and was later traced to Alyssa's Blackberry. Her phone did not have GPS capabilities and the call was short, no names were given and it was just of a woman asking for help....
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Virginia : Sage Smith
Sage Smith, a 19-year-old transgender woman, was living her authentic life and pursuing her dreams when she vanished on November 20th, 2012, just 11 days after publicly coming out as female. Sage was the first in her family to graduate high school and had recently moved into her own apartment…
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Vermont : Dean Webster
This week we share the story of Dean Webster, a well-liked Vermont outdoorsman who was tragically murdered outside his rural home in 2001. Despite a thorough investigation, all leads have run dry. Law enforcement uncovered DNA evidence, but questions still remain. Who killed Dean Webster?
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Utah : Jack Jason Simmons
Jack Jason Simmons, known as "Red" due to his striking red hair, has been a figure of mystery and sorrow since his disappearance. Born on November 5, 1969, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Jason, affectionately called "Jason" by his family, vanished in 1994 under strange circumstances. Jason struggled…
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Texas : Bianca Carrasco
Bianca Zannette Carrasco vanished on May 1, 2016. The 29-year-old nurse was last seen after an argument with her husband, Daniel, in San Antonio, Texas. Bianca was a devoted mother who would never abandon her three children or leave a career she loved. Where is Bianca Carrasco? Follow Help Us…
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Tennessee : Joshua Lee Walden
On December 8, 2000, 10-year-old Joshua Lee Walden, a cheerful and helpful fourth-grader known for his friendly nature and love of outdoor adventures, vanished. Joshua had been last seen riding his newly painted red bike around the neighborhood like he always did. Despite a thorough search by...
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Introducing : Gone Cold - Texas True Crime
Introducing: Gone Cold - Texas True Crime available wherever you get your podcasts. Gone Cold - Texas True Crime features unsolved homicides, missing persons, & other mysteries from throughout the Lone Star State. Learn more: https://www.gonecold.com/
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South Dakota : Serenity Dennard
Serenity Dennard was a nine-year-old girl who vanished from the Black Hills Children's Home in Rockerville, South Dakota. In February 2019, Serenity ran away from the facility, sparking an exhaustive and ultimately fruitless search impacted by severe weather. Despite extensive search efforts...
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South Carolina : Linda McCord, Sarah Boyd, and Kimberly Boyd
This week, we highlight the tragic case of three missing victims: Linda McCord, Sarah Boyd, and her daughter Kimberly Boyd. On April 3, 1987, they vanished after attending a gospel concert in Waterloo, South Carolina. Linda's blue Lincoln broke down, leading to their disappearance. Despite…
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Rhode Island : Roy Weber
Born in 1981 near San Diego, Roy moved to Newport, Rhode Island. His troubled childhood, marked by his father's departure and substance abuse, led to multiple runaway incidents and a state group home placement. As a teen, Roy turned to sex work to fund his drug habit. He frequented adult video...
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Pennsylvania : Alicia Markovich
Alicia Bernice Markovich was born on February 20, 1972, to John and Marcy Markovich in Pennsylvania. Raised by a young mother, Alicia grew up loved and active. On April 26, 1987, at 15, she vanished after an argument with her father in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. Despite extensive searches and an...
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Oregon : Wendy Dehoop
Wendy Dehoop dropped her husband off at his job outside Eugene, Oregon, on Friday, April 22, 2005, before heading to her shift at the Georgia Pacific Mill. She was never seen again. Her purse and car would be recovered on two separate days, but no sign of Wendy. What happened to Wendy Dehoop?
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Navigating Advocacy is a true crime podcast that seeks to use the power of storytelling to raise awareness about unsolved crimes and bring justice to victims and their families through action-oriented advocacy. Hosted by Melissa and Whitney, who themselves started as true crime enthusiasts and have since become passionate advocates, their podcast aims to inspire action and promote positive change in the criminal justice system.
Our mission is to provide a platform for victims and their families to share their stories and be heard while offering practical guidance on how listeners can make a difference in their communities. In each episode, we will explore a different unsolved case in depth, highlighting key details and potential leads in an effort to spark new interest and help advance the investigation.Through our work, we hope to create a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to making a real difference in the fight for justice.
Whether you are
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Navigating Advocacy have?
Navigating Advocacy currently has 336 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Navigating Advocacy about?
Navigating Advocacy is a true crime podcast that seeks to use the power of storytelling to raise awareness about unsolved crimes and bring justice to victims and their families through action-oriented advocacy. Hosted by Melissa and Whitney, who themselves started as true crime enthusiasts and have...
How often does Navigating Advocacy release new episodes?
Navigating Advocacy publishes regularly with 336 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Navigating Advocacy?
You can listen to Navigating Advocacy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Navigating Advocacy?
Navigating Advocacy is created and hosted by Navigating Advocacy Podcast.
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