Navigating Advocacy
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...
Episodes
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 searchi…
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 …
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—especi…
Arizona : Stephanie Wasilishin
In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, hosts Melissa and Whitney delve into the tragic story of Stephanie Marie Wash, tragically found shot to death in her Sedona, Arizona home on July 9, 1993. Despite compelling evidence suggesting homici…
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 j…
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 …
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 lif…
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 …
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. Advocac…
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 Nov…
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 inconsistenci…
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 f…
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 qu…
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" a…
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! …
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 i…
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. Bor…
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…
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.
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 …
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 brigh…
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…
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,…
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 …
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…
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 e…
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 e…
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 …
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 stude…
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…
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 s…
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 name…
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…
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…
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, vanishe…
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 caree…
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 neighbor…
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.go…
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…
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 b…