Navigating Advocacy

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 with storytelling, the shift toward ethical, victim-centered coverage, and how creators can use their platforms to make a real impact. We also explore the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a case that continues to raise questions and deserves ongoing attention. Together, we discuss the importance of keeping cases like Nancy’s in the public eye and what advocacy can look like in real time. This episode is an honest, insightful conversation about growth, responsibility, and the power of using your voice for good.🎧 About Our Guests: Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna are the creators and hosts behind Crawlspace Media, known for podcasts like Missing, Crawlspace, and The Missing Podcast. Their work focuses on in-depth storytelling, bringing awareness to unresolved cases, and amplifying the voices of families.🔗 Where to Find Them: Website: https://crawlspace-media.com Listen to their shows: Crawlspace, Missing, The Missing Podcast (available on all major platforms) Instagram: @crawlspacepodcast

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 until her sister Missie took charge, advocating relentlessly for answers. A renewed search effort and public advocacy continue as her family seeks closure. Listeners are urged to share Deanna's story and help in the search for answers.Follow Deanna’s Story: findingdeanna.comSocial media: @findingdeannaTeam Texas K9s: https://teamtexashrdtrackingk9s.org/

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 tires, past relationships, and community tips, no suspect has ever been named. Stephen’s murder devastated his family and shook the close-knit community.His killer remains at large. Learn more about Stephen: https://www.facebook.com/JusticeforStephenSpina

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 relationships and activities. Camille disappeared on September 3, 1994, after being released from the Clark County Detention Center. Despite multiple theories about her disappearance, including possible ties to the mob and abusive partners, her case remains unsolved. Camille's daughter, Ashley, continues to seek justice and raise awareness about her mother's case. If you have any information, please contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.For more information: findcamille.com#CamilleDardanesDotson #GaryDotson #Nevada #LasVegasNevada

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 fight for justice. The episode uncovers the nuances of Stephanie’s life, her turbulent relationship with Russell Peterson, and the circumstances surrounding her death. With new forensic techniques available today, there’s hope that this cold case may yet find resolution. If anyone has information or needs help, it is available.Call: 800.799.7233Text: BEGIN to 88788Chat Online. Available on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183

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 PetitionGoFundMe➡️ Have a case we should know about? Email us at: info@navigatingadvocacy.com

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.ORGUP 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

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/EVoTI0Follow Justice for Brandy Dyson on FacebookGet 45% off Magic Mind here: https://www.magicmind.com/navigatingjan

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

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 things we’ve experienced as podcasters.

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 found during that search and through DNA confirmation, those remains are Indeed Brandon Lawson's. We are honored to have been a part of this journey, and we will continue to stand with the Lawson family now and always.Here is an interview we had with LaDessa, Brandon's wife, earlier this year about her journey as an advocate trying to find her missing loved one. She gives words of wisdom and advice as she talks about her rocky road over the last decade. #brandonlawson #nomatterwhere #nomatterwho

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, and always ready to help those in need.Eric’s jovial personality and love for life were evident in his everyday actions. A devoted father, Eric shared a deep bond with his son and embraced the role of stepfather to two children, loving them all as his own. Eric transitioned to civilian life after serving honorably in the U.S. Army and earning multiple awards and medals. He was known for his extraordinary work ethic and ability to excel in any role he undertook.Eric’s murder remains unsolved, and his family continues to fight for justice. If you have any information about Eric Nelams’ case, please contact Crime Stoppers of Central Alabama at 334-215-STOP (7867).Every tip can remain anonymous, and a $10,000 reward is still available.Sign the Petition: https://chng.it/K4ZzYmSkrd and don't forget to share! Join Eric's family's pursuit of justice: https://linktr.ee/justiceforericnelams