

Locations Unknown
Locations Unknown
Welcome to Locations Unknown, a podcast that dives into the mysteries of America's wilderness. Join hosts Mike & Joe as they explore the stories of those who have vanished without a trace in some of the country's most remote and treacherous landscapes. In each episode, we uncover the details of these disappearances, examine the investigations that followed, and discuss theories about what might have happened. From national parks to remote deserts, our journey takes you to the heart of the unknown, shedding light on the eerie and unexplainable. Tune in and discover that, sometimes, the wilderness holds more than just beauty—it has secrets.Presented by Unknown MediaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 23, 2026 • 48min
Special Release: Fan Voicemail reactions - Part 11
Hey friends! We’re taking this week off while we make a few upgrades to the studio. In the meantime, enjoy our latest subscriber only episode, where we listen to and react to the newest voicemails we’ve received. We also tease some exciting updates coming to the show later this spring. If you enjoy this kind of content and want to support the show, you can join us on Patreon for as little as $5 a month and never miss another episode. Link below!Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkRelishGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Epispode Sources (Coming Soon)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Mar 8, 2026 • 1h 10min
Melvin Nadel - Santa Fe National Forest - New Mexico
September 6th, 2009: a 61-year-old fitness instructor, black belt, and seasoned bow hunter leaves his campsite near Elk Mountain in New Mexico's Santa Fe National Forest. He tells his two companions he won't go far and will return by nightfall. When he doesn't return the search begins. Helicopters, volunteers, and K-9 units scour the rugged terrain and find nothing. No body, no gear, no trace. Join us this week as we investigate the strange disappearance of Melvin NadelLearn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkRelishNew Patreon Shoutouts: Aurelia Davenport, Emily Stevenson, Carley Leins, Joshua Schreiber, Lisa Holcomb, Brittany, Mandy Miller, Jeremy Evans, Christy Velasco, Dakota Hayes, Rachel Cowen, Susan ZoppiGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Epispode Sources (Coming Soon)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Feb 22, 2026 • 58min
Ron Dailey - Sierra National Forest - California
October 13th, 2025: a 65-year-old seasoned hunter leaves his Selma, California home for a routine day of deer hunting in the Sierra National Forest, a wilderness he's navigated for over fifty years. When he doesn't return that evening, his family sounds the alarm. A massive multi-county search unfolds across hundreds of square miles of rugged, snow-covered terrain, complicated by an early-season winter storm, freezing temperatures, and zero cell service. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Ron Dailey.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkRelishNew Patreon Shoutouts: Aurelia Davenport, Emily Stevenson, Carley Leins, Joshua Schreiber, Lis Holcomb, Brittany, Mandy Miller, & Jeremy Evans.Get 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Epispode Sources (Coming Soon)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Feb 8, 2026 • 56min
Johnny Waterman - Denali National Park & Preserve - Alaska
April 1st, 1981: a 28-year-old elite solo climber leaves a remote shelter deep in Alaska’s Ruth Glacier, pulling a sled and heading alone toward Denali’s imposing east side. Experienced, deliberate, and traveling light, he moved into heavily crevassed ice beneath one of the most unforgiving mountains on Earth. When his expected return window passes, concern begins to grow, and search efforts expand across glaciers, avalanche paths, and possible exit routes. Join us this week as we investigate the disappearance of Johnny Waterman in Denali National Park and Preserve.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkRelishNew Patreon Shoutouts: Justin Wear, Alexx Sisson, & Elizabeth PersonsGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Epispode Sources (Coming Soon)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseCover Image“Mount Denali” by David Zhang (from Canada), licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) — https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Denali_%2854022637874%29.jpgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Jan 25, 2026 • 1h 3min
Death Valley National Park Cold Cases
May 2019 to May 2022: three men travel alone into the vast desert backcountry of Death Valley National Park; one to cache water in a remote canyon, another to check on a vehicle at an isolated hot spring, and a third who never returns from a campground on the park’s edge. Each disappearance triggers a search. None of them are found. What do these cases reveal about risk, scale, and survival in one of the most unforgiving landscapes in North America? Join us this week as we investigate three Death Valley National Park Cold Cases. Cases covered: Rolin Bruno, Robert Alan "Bob" Wildoner, & Peter Harootunian.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkRelishNew Patreon Shoutouts: Haleigh MissldineGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Epispode Sources (Coming Soon)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Jan 9, 2026 • 46min
Paul Victor Tomasso - Tonto National Forest - Arizona
February 13th, 2014: a 56-year-old experienced outdoorsman drives deep into Arizona’s Tonto National Forest for a planned multi-day solo hike. After parking along a quiet highway near the community of Young, he leaves behind a note describing his route and steps into some of the most rugged backcountry in the state. Days later, concern begins to grow, triggering a large-scale search across remote canyons and forested ridgelines. What happened in that vast wilderness? Join us this week as we investigate the mysterious disappearance of Paul Victor Tomasso.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Epispode Sources (Coming Soon)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Dec 27, 2025 • 58min
Life Beyond the Map: Interview w/ Modern Explorer, Tay Wanders
Today we’re sitting down with Tay, a Southern girl turned road-warrior and modern explorer who approaches adventure with confidence, intention, and a grounded perspective.A single mom and storyteller at heart, Tay creates outdoor and travel narratives designed to help women step into big, wild places feeling prepared and empowered. Through thoughtful destination inspiration, practical safety insight, and carefully built itineraries, she works to make adventure feel accessible rather than intimidating.What began as traveling out of her truck during COVID quietly evolved into a full-scale business. By working remotely, Tay has built a life that allows her to stay present with her daughter while giving her firsthand experiences of the world from an early age.Tay’s story is about taking calculated risks, trusting your instincts, and realizing that adventure doesn’t have to wait for “someday.” We’re excited to dig into her journey, how it all came together, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.You can learn more about Tay below:InstagramTay Wanders LinktreeTayWanders.comYouTube Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkNew Patreon Shoutouts: Emily Happy & Sheryl YankovichGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Episode Sources (None for this episode)Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts:Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 2min
Laura Macke - Olympic National Park - Washington
Dive into the mysterious disappearance of Laura Macke in Olympic National Park. Experience the challenges she faced, including the harsh climate and terrain during a fierce storm. Learn about her extensive hiking background and the meticulous planning she undertook before her journey. Hear about the intense search efforts hampered by the weather and difficult terrain. Theories arise—from hypothermia to river accidents—while the unsettling absence of foul play looms large. Discover how her story remains an unsolved enigma in the wilderness.

Nov 28, 2025 • 52min
Bryan Skilinski - Great Sand Dunes National Park - Colorado
February 11th, 2017, a 40-year-old man from New York, deep in a mid-life crisis, vanishes into a brutal winter storm at Great Sand Dunes National Park. Miraculously he is rescued after five freezing nights, calling it his “mission to the stars.” Just three months later, he returns alone to the same vast Colorado wilderness—and disappears a second time with no trace. What drove him back to the dunes that nearly killed him the first time? Join us this week as we investigate the strange repeat vanishing of Bryan Skilinski.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The TrailsHike N' Seek Who Runs This ParkGet 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Episode Sources Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts: Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.

Nov 14, 2025 • 54min
Robert Fitzgerald - George Washington National Forest - Virginia
November 12th, 2012, a seasoned hiker and devoted runner fails to show up for work after a solo trip to Virginia’s Confederate Breastworks Trail. His car is discovered days later, packed with food and supplies, but no sign of him. Despite a massive five-day search across rugged, fog-shrouded ridges and icy hollows, not a single trace is found. What happened on that cold, windswept mountain? Join us this week as we investigate the mysterious disappearance of Robert “Bobby” Fitzgerald in George Washington National Forest.Learn more about Locations Unknown: https://linktr.ee/LocationsUnknownCheck out our other shows on the Unknown Media Network:Crime Off The GridOff The Trails Who Runs This ParkNew Patreon Shoutouts: Ashley Raynor, Kharris, Kara Knutson, Rhianna Thomasson, Greg, Gillian Lazzarini, Grant ritter, Jill Sentz, Tina Gatewood, Katie Jo Williams, Renee vorac, Richard Strack, Hoyt Maciain, Susan H Soto.Get 35% of all orders at The Hiker's Cache, the official store of Locations Unknown, by becoming a member on Patreon!Want to help the show out and get even more Locations Unknown content! For as little as $5 a month, you can become a Patron of Locations Unknown and get access to our episodes early, special members only episode, free swag, swag contests, and discounts to our Locations Unknown Store! Become a Patron of the Locations Unknown Podcast by visiting our Patreon page. (https://www.patreon.com/locationsunknown) All our Patreon only content (Audio & Video) can now be accessed via Spotify. (Active subscription to our Patreon channel is required.) -- Locations Unknown Subscriber Only Show | Podcast on Spotify Want to call into the show and leave us a message? Now you can! Call 208-391-6913 and leave Locations Unknown a voice message and we may air it on a future message! View live recordings of the show on our YouTube channel: Locations Unknown - YouTubeView Episode Sources Presented by Unknown Media Group.Hosts: Mike Van de Bogert Joe EratoIntro/Outro “Cornfield Chase” – Cinematic Waves & Rafael Krux (licensed) → https://soundcloud.com/cinematicwav3s/cornfield-chaseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/locations-unknown--6183838/support.


