Show overview
Shadows of the MidWest launched in 2023 and has put out 9 episodes, alongside 2 trailers or bonus episodes in the time since. That works out to roughly 5 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a roughly quarterly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 24 min and 40 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language True Crime show.
The catalogue appears to be on hiatus or wound down — the most recent episode landed 2.2 years ago, with no new episodes in over a year. The busiest year was 2023, with 7 episodes published. Published by Joe Kistner.
From the publisher
The iconography of the American heartland is often made up of rolling fields, hard work, family values, rural communities, and a sense of innocence. For many that truly sums up the whole of their existence. However there is no immunity from darker thoughts that lie at the edge of the light. Join in as we travel into the shadows with those who harbor dark thoughts,.. and deeds, in the Shadows of the Midwest. Come along as we take a deep dive into the people and events that hide in the darkness.
Latest Episodes
S1 Ep 7Secrets of County Ditch #5 "Someone's Daughter"
20 years had passed since the discovery of the young woman's body and she still had no name. Deb Anderson, a long time resident of Blue Earth, joined friends for drinks after a long work week. She had no idea a story relayed to her that evening would involve the next 14 years, changing her life and the lives of a Texas family. Deb Anderson tells her whole story in her search to identify Jane Doe.
S1 Ep 6Secrets of County Ditch #5 "From the Inside"
This episode takes you inside the Texas correctional system to hear from Robert Nelson after 30+ years behind bars. New information is revealed. Are you ready for it?
S1 Ep 5Secrets of County Ditch #5 "Solved or Resolved"
Robert Nelson's account of murder went from a cloudy recollection to a graphic confession in first 18 months in custody. Did he tell the truth? Does it even make sense? Did a murder serve his time or is the real killer or killers still out there.On this episode we go back and examine Nelson's final statement to police.
S1 Ep 4Secrets of County Ditch #5 "A Sort of Homecoming"
Robert Nelson returns to Minnesota to face charges. Included in the this episode Nelson's final interview with Faribault County law enforcement.
S1 Ep 3Secrets of County Ditch #5 "What About Bob?"
There were always stories of a baby left at the door of a church. In Texas the church leaves a killer at the door of the sheriff.
A Conversation with Jim Rothstein
bonusA conversation with Jim “Boots” Rothstein former New York City detective and advocate for victims of human trafficking. Since retirement Jim has worked consulting and assisted families in many notable missing persons cases. Jim also served as mayor of St. Martin, MN. The conversation takes several turns which I am sure you will find entertaining and informative.
S1 Ep 2Secrets of County Ditch #5 "A Freeway of Possibilities"
Where do you start? Investigators have very few leads but the region has no shortage of potential suspects. This episode examines the seedy and violent side of the I90 corridor circa 1980.
S1 Ep 1Secrets of County Ditch #5 "May 30, 1980" An Introduction
The story begins with a young woman abandoned in drainage ditch in rural Minnesota. Her story will span through time and across the country.
Cold Case Examination: JoAnn Bontjes Part 1
bonusWelcome to the first of many special episodes outside of the serialized shows. This is the first in a series where I am joined by Dr. Eric Grabowsky examining various cold cases from the Midwest. This installment features the first interview with retired police chief Don Mickelson and his work on the 1975 murder of JoAnn Bontjes in rural Martin County Minnesota.For more information visit the page Justice for JoAnn Bontjes Facebook page. You can also visit Dr. Grabowsky's page Cold Case Web Stay tuned for the first episode of season one “The Secrets of County Ditch #5”