Navigating Advocacy

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 found evidence leading to the discovery of human remains. After extensive DNA testing, it was confirmed th...

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 has evolved—from its early days to where it stands today. We talk about the responsibility that comes w...

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 clear inconsistencies and a lack of thorough investigation, Alex's family continues to seek justice and ans...

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 detail. The case, filled with investigative missteps and lack of attention, saw no progress for years unt...

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 April’s disappearance later in life through a Facebook post, is tirelessly seeking answers. Kelsey's s...

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 9:30 a.m. and discovered by his girlfriend three hours later. Despite numerous leads, including slashed t...

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 close family bonds, her case was quickly ruled a suicide by authorities, even though evidence raised seriou...

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 with her young daughter, Ashley, where she struggled with low-paying jobs and got entangled in dangerous...

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 sudden disappearance sparked deep concern.   Marty’s relentless efforts to find her daughter have been met...

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 Nikki, who has taken to social media and plans to launch her podcast 'Papi Killed Mommy,' continues to...

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 boyfriend—the man who fathered Nikki’s little sister. In the back of a squad car, that 3-year-old sister re...

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 brutal murder in rural Iowa. Wilma’s life was marked by profound hardship—abandonment, abuse, and an unfo...

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 24-year-old male named Alfredo Sanchez. When Danielle disappeared, law enforcement listed her as a runa...

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 the parking lot at a high speed, with the passenger door opening as the vehicle speeds away. Kamery Wool...

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 together experts, non-profit organizations, families of the missing and murdered, and individuals passion...

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 Charles, Louisiana. Despite compelling evidence and an initial suspect, her case remains unsolved nearly 20...

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 sister, Kristin, faces numerous obstacles in seeking justice, with unclear witness statements and miss...

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 a dirt road near Luling, Texas. The next morning, the clothing he was last known to be wearing was fou...

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 her disappearance, Rebekah had escaped a turbulent marriage marked by domestic violence, determined to...

 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 such topics as researching cold cases, working with victims’ families, and even some of the more bizarre...

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 podcasts! Javier Leiva - PRETEND, Criminal Conduct, Ponzi Playbook https://open.spotify.com/show/2vaCjR7Uv...

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 Rangers to conduct a more thorough search.  Today we are deeply moved to share that human remains were foun...

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 of hope and perseverance, yet her marriage to Tyler McCain became a cycle of control, abuse, and viole...

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. Known for his compassion and generosity, Eric was described by his family as selfless, kind-hearted, an...

Melissa and Whitney had the opportunity to join Kristen Seavey and Eric Carter-Landin at the Berkshire Podcast Festival in October.