Episodes

  • Iowa : Wilma Nissen

    Iowa : Wilma Nissen
    May 19 2025
    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 unforgiving foster care system that failed her at every turn. Yet even in the face of unthinkable trauma, she showed resilience. Her daughter Krissi, who we met at Advocacy Con, is now on a mission to uncover the truth and find justice for the mother she never got to know.

    We walk through Wilma’s early life, her disappearance in 1978, and the decades-long mystery that followed. With powerful insight from Krissi, we explore the barriers to solving this case, including degraded DNA evidence, gaps in the timeline, and a list of suspects still under scrutiny.

    Wilma deserves justice. Her name deserves to be remembered.

    ➡️ Anonymous Tip Line: If you know anything about Wilma’s case, please call 712-472-8334.

    ➡️ Support Chrissy’s Advocacy Work:
    • Facebook Page
    • Change.org Petition
    • GoFundMe

    ➡️ Have a case we should know about? Email us at: info@navigatingadvocacy.com
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    30 mins
  • Florida : Danielle Bell

    Florida : Danielle Bell
    Mar 10 2025
    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 runaway, hindering immediate investigations.

    In the nearly two decades Bonnie has been seeking answers for her sister, unsettling details of Danielle's history, home life, and pregnancy that Danielle had shared with friends and her mother have come alight.

    Bonnie's dedication, mainly through social media, has reignited interest in Danielle’s case, proving that love and persistence can keep a story alive.

    If you have any information, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.

    Danielle deserves to be found. Bonnie deserves answers.

    Follow Bonnie's journey: https://www.facebook.com/missingdaniellebell

    #DanielleBell #Florida #NoMatterWhere #NoMatterWho #NavigatingAdvocacy
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    32 mins
  • Texas : Cristian Rangel

    Texas : Cristian Rangel
    Feb 17 2025
    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 Wooldridge, the driver of the Terrain, was arrested and charged with tampering and disposal of Cristian’s body. She is currently out on bail.

    Cristian’s body was found 11 days later near the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Road in a greenbelt wooded area. April 8th, many people were outdoors at this time, specifically in the Austin area, due to the peak window of the solar eclipse.

    If you or anyone you know has any information about Cristian, or the blue vehicle please contact Capital Area CrimeStoppers. 512.472.8477 OR AT AUSTINCRIMESTOPPERS.ORG

    UP TO $10,000 REWARD AVAILABLE*


    Follow Cristian's story: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1664376744458902



    *for information leading to the arrest and conviction of all parties responsible for Cristian's murderer
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    29 mins
  • National Missing Persons Day

    National Missing Persons Day
    Feb 3 2025
    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 passionate about advocating for justice. It aims to create a platform for education, connection, and collaboration in the fight for justice.


    Learn more at: www.advocacycon.com
    Purchase Tickets at: www.givebutter.com/advocacycon



    #advocacycon #nationalmissingpersonsday #ignitethespark
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    24 mins
  • Louisiana : Brandy Dyson

    Louisiana : Brandy Dyson
    Jan 27 2025
    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 years later. In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, Melissa and Whitney explore Brandy’s life, the systemic issues surrounding her murder investigation, and the tireless efforts of her family to seek justice.

    To help Holly get to AdvocacyCon, consider donating here: https://givebutter.com/EVoTI0

    Follow Justice for Brandy Dyson on Facebook

    Get 45% off Magic Mind here: https://www.magicmind.com/navigatingjan
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    30 mins
  • Rhode Island : Jason Fallon

    Rhode Island : Jason Fallon
    Jan 20 2025
    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 missing critical evidence like surveillance footage. The driver that struck Jason has high-level political connections and a criminal history. Could it have affected the outcome of Jason's investigation?


    Please contact Rhode Island Attorney General at (401) 274-4400


    Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle here : www.magicmind.com/NAVIGATINGJAN
    #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance
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    36 mins
  • Revisit: Jason Landry

    Revisit: Jason Landry
    Jan 13 2025
    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 found 900 feet from his vehicle.

    Incredible advocacy efforts have been made in the 4 years since his disappearance, but Jason's family is still seeking answers.

    Where is Jason Landry?

    Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle here : www.magicmind.com/NAVIGATINGJAN
    #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Montana : Rebekah Barsotti

    Montana : Rebekah Barsotti
    Jan 6 2025
    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 rebuild her life.

    Her remains were discovered nearly a year later, but conflicting autopsy findings and mishandled evidence have left her loved ones searching for clarity. Despite troubling details pointing to her estranged husband, David Barsotti, authorities ruled out foul play, leaving Rebekah’s family to navigate an uphill battle for accountability and answers.
    Rebekah’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges survivors of domestic violence face, even after they seek safety. Her family’s relentless pursuit of justice highlights the urgent need for reform in how these cases are handled.

    Help keep Rebekah’s memory alive by sharing her story, raising awareness about domestic violence, and demanding justice for Rebekah and other victims. If you have any information, contact the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office or CrimeStoppers. Together, we can ensure Rebekah’s legacy inspires change.

    Mineral County Sheriff's Office at 406-822-3555 or CrimeStoppers at 406-721-4444

    Follow Rebekah's Legacy: https://rebekahslegacy.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/RebekahsLegacyJusticeForRebekah/about
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    47 mins