About a month ago, I added a new feature to my blog: In the Spotlight. I have a Q&A with some of the most amazing podcasters and authors I have met. My next one is with Renee Roberson, host of Missing in the Carolinas. Not only is she a fantastic podcaster, but also a good friend of mine. I’m so glad to have her here! Her podcast explores “missing people from North and South Carolina, along with true crime cases.”
Let’s get this started! Everyone, welcome Renee!
Nicole: First, thank you for taking the time to chat with me today. How did you come by your podcast name, “Missing in the Carolinas”?
Renee: Several years ago, our local NPR station held a contest for podcasters. You didn’t need to have a podcast to enter, only a concept. I decided to flesh out an idea that had been floating around in my head for several months and knew it had to be true crime. I’ve been fascinated by missing persons cases my whole life, so that’s where I wanted my focus to be. I think I originally titled the podcast for the contest “Missing from Our Backyard” or something like that, but then a podcast about the Kristin Smart disappearance in California was released with the title “Your Own Backyard” so I changed it to “Missing in the Carolinas” once I finally decided to publish.
Nicole: Good catch on your part! Why did you decide to start your podcast?
Renee: To be honest, I created it to spite the NPR contest, which turned out to be more about how popular you were than what the podcast concept was. The rules stated you had to ask people to vote for your podcast daily on various social media channels and the ones who got the most votes had the opportunity to pitch their concept to a panel of judges. Because I wasn’t a large business or well-known person in the community, the podcast went nowhere in the contest. I began to research how hard it would be to start my own, and realized I could do it without a lot of startup costs, and after that, I was on my way!
Nicole: I LOVE that you started your own podcast for that reason. What have you learned about yourself (and/or others) through your podcast?
Renee: I have learned so much, from how to develop a concept, plan out content, set up the technical aspects, like creating an RSS feed and podcast distribution, research and produce episodes, and what types of social media posts perform the best. This year I’ve incorporated more video into the podcast through a new platform and that’s been a bit of a learning curve. I’ve learned that I want to be a podcaster with integrity—I’m not going to create an episode about a missing person or a crime for clickbait and always want to be sensitive to everyone involved in the cases. Many of these victims still have surviving family members and the episodes can find their way to them.
Nicole: You handle your episodes with such great respect for the remaining loved ones. How has your podcast evolved since you first started?
Renee: The podcast has grown slowly, but I’ve stuck with it because I’m passionate about the topic. It’s a great platform that I hope will help me land an agent (I’m an aspiring novelist currently pitching a suspense/thriller). At first, I only produced episodes twice a month, but in the fall of 2023, I made the decision to stick to a weekly schedule to help accelerate the growth. My initial idea was to share stories of missing people from the Carolinas, but when I began adding in bonus episodes about cold cases and other true crimes from North and South Carolina, those brought in new listeners. Now the podcast is a mix of missing people, some whose cases have been resolved, cold cases, true crime, true crime book reviews, and interviews with experts and authors.
Nicole: You are an example of perseverance! What’s been the biggest surprise or challenge you’ve experienced while podcasting?
Renee: There have been so many surprises! I think the biggest surprise was that I have the ability to shed light on cases where almost no digital footprint exists. One of my main sources is a newspaper archive site that requires a subscription, and I consider that a worthwhile investment. But I have been contacted by family members of victims thanking me for my research, because they learned details about their loved ones cases that they didn’t know about or had forgotten. Immediately after I produce an episode, I put a transcript on the official website for the podcast, and often share details of other cases on my writing blog, FinishedPages.com. Both of these sites rank high on Google search engines and therefore when people type in the name of a missing person or other victim, they are led to the podcast. It warms my heart every time I receive one of these messages of gratitude. It helps me keep going even when I’m tired or discouraged about my progress.
Nicole: That is so amazing! You obviously do such thorough research for each show. What has been your most memorable episode(s) and why?
Renee: Oh wow, that’s a hard one! I think at first my most memorable episodes were numbers 5 and 6 because I covered a missing persons cases from Hilton Head Island that has intrigued people for year (and my family used to visit the place where a potential murder occurred). It was memorable because I was shocked the authors of a true crime book about the case agreed to talk to me, a newbie podcaster. I had to conduct those interviews in my closet because it was during the pandemic when my entire family was home. I’ve had so many true crime authors agree to come on the show and for that, I’m eternally grateful and humbled.
My second most memorable episode, “How to Avoid Being the Victim of a Cybercrime” is simply ironic. I was researching it when I became the victim of a Zelle phone scam that resulted in me losing almost $4,000. I think because of the podcast, and this episode in particular, I was able to attract the attention of a local consumer affairs reporter who ended up helping me get my money back when the case had already been rejected by bank and identity theft insurance.
Nicole: Such memorable episodes! How do you prepare for each episode?
Renee: I prepare for each episode in a variety of ways. First of all, I don’t write about a case unless I feel like there is enough information either in the public domain or with the help of experts and family members or friends. For the older cases, this is why access to media archives is so important. I read everything I can, from articles to true crime books and anthologies, view related documentaries if they are available, and share each resource on the podcast website when the episode is published.
Nicole: I think that’s a smart approach. If you could have a dream guest on your podcast, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Renee: There are so many! Locally, I’d love to have Javier Leiva from the Pretend Podcast on the show. He’s from North Carolina and started out as an indie podcaster just like me and through hard work and determination, has created a great show with an incredible following. You must check out his series on Frank Abagnale if you haven’t heard it already!
Nicole: Good recommendation! What major accomplishment or milestone have you been most proud of through your podcast?
Renee: The podcast has grown organically, and I’m still surprised at how many people listen to the show! I’ve done a few promo swaps, notably with “Dateline: Missing in America.” I was shocked when they reached out to me. I think the thing I’m most proud of is that the show is rapidly approaching one million downloads worldwide, and I’ve never paid a single cent in advertising, besides boosting a few social media posts. I operate on a shoestring budget and the only help I have is that of my husband (my sound editor) and my daughter, who helps with episodes when she’s home from college. It’s a true family affair!
Nicole: How amazing is that! Would you like to nominate another podcaster for me to feature in an upcoming interview? If so, what do you like about their show?
Renee: There’s a podcast called “The Consult,” led by former FBI profiler Julia Cowley, that I think would be a good feature. I love the podcast because they discuss a variety of crimes, and you literally feel like you’re sitting in a room with a group of profilers discussing the cases. The hosts are really thorough, and episodes often span three or four parts, which are perfect for those of us who love a good binge.
Nicole: What a great nomination! Thank you again for joining me.
Remember, don’t forget to check out her podcast, Missing in the Carolinas.
