Hide and Seek

Deputies and the FBI just spent two days digging around a buried structure in a field near Mendon. Sara Jo and I talk about what that search means, what it doesn’t, and why the tip behind it feels familiar. Then we open the diary. Eric Shank’s Google account recorded where a device was, every few seconds, for 48 days after Brittany Wallace Shank disappeared. I’ve walked every mile of it. A sheriff’s office at 1:00 in the morning, twice. A tire shop that keeps showing up after dark. A night in the fields on Fawn River Road where the record goes quiet for 40 minutes. A traffic stop on video that proves whose hand the phone was in. Two devices reporting at the same time, 16 miles apart. A command sent to Brittany’s phone on Christmas morning, and three words that came back. Yes, it’s at Mike’s. The file can’t tell us who was holding the phone. It can tell us where the phone went, when it stopped talking, and who was asking it questions. Then we close some loose ends: Laron, the story Skylar told us, a tip we…

On November 30th, 2018, Brittany Wallace Shank said she was almost to her grandma’s. She never made it. She was 23. A mother of four. Sturgis, Michigan. For years, her case sat still. Then, in 2023, people started sitting down in the other chairs. A lot of you have asked what happened after we brought what we found to law enforcement. Here’s the answer: we gave them everything we saved. All of it. In Part 1, you heard what they did with it — Ashley’s interview, and the questions that never got asked. Part 2 is the rest of the chairs. The husband — Eric, across the table from Detective Auton, answering the questions this case has been circling since day one. The drug dealer — the man who says he met Brittany exactly once, and the message thread that says more than he does. The boyfriend. And the third man in the apartment. Plus a phone call I recorded in 2022, a year before detectives caught up — so you can hear one man’s story twice, a year apart, and decide for yourself what changed. You’ll hear Brittany’s…

The people who were physically closest to Brittany in her last week sat in interview rooms across five years. We have the tapes. We have the paper the detectives filed afterward. This episode runs on one process: play the tape, read the paper, compare. Part one is the best friend — Ashley. Two chairs, four and a half years apart, and the night nobody ever really asked her about. Brittany Wallace Shank has been missing since November 30, 2018 — Sturgis, Michigan. Nobody heard in this episode has ever been charged with anything connected to her disappearance. Part two — “The Other Chairs, Part 2: You Forwarded a Video” — is out now: the husband’s week of texts, and the interview that never asked about any of it. — — — IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING If you were in Sturgis in November 2018 — if you knew this circle, or heard something that winter you’ve been carrying — the line is open. Reach the show: hideandseekpod@yahoo.com · (509) 866-6985 Prefer to go straight to law enforcement? St. Joseph County Sheriff’s…

For seven years, the world has known one phone call from Brittany Wallace Shank's last day. There were more. On the afternoon of November 30, 2018 — hours before she vanished outside Sturgis, Michigan — Brittany spoke three times with a man calling from a Michigan prison. Those calls were recorded. Today, for the first time, you'll hear them: three calls, in order, on the clock, ending with the last conversation of her known life. And then you'll hear the other side of it. In a brand-new 2026 interview, the man on the other end of that line — Zachary — sits down with James, seven years later, to talk about what's on that tape: the message she said she couldn't say over the phone, the people she named, what he heard in her voice, and something he saw eight months after she disappeared that he's never been able to shake. New audio. A new interview. A newly released case file with details never discussed publicly. The Bonus Series starts now. ⚠️ This episode contains explicit language and mature subject matter.…

For the first time, you'll hear Brittany Wallace Shank's own voice from the day she disappeared — and what the people closest to her said when they didn't think anyone was listening. This summer, Hide and Seek returns to Brittany's case with a bonus series built on what we never had the first time: newly obtained interviews — audio and video — and a case file that runs right up to today. Her final 911 call. What her husband answered, and what he wouldn't. A man who told police one story, and the truth another. What we were told. What we found out. The lies we uncovered. New here? Start with Season 3. It's the full story of Brittany's disappearance from Sturgis, Michigan — and it'll make everything coming this summer land, with no catching up required. And to everyone waiting on Season 5: it's still a full go. I'm actively working that case right now. The plan is Brittany's bonus series this summer, with Season 5 tentatively eyeing a late-2026 start. No firm date yet — but I'm not stepping away from it. If…

Seven years after Brittany Wallace Shank vanished in St Joseph County, Michigan, we return to where her story began. This bonus episode takes you inside Brittany’s seven year memorial. A gathering shaped by love, grief, and a refusal to let her name fade. You will hear from family, community members, and Sheriff Spence as they come together during a winter storm that could not stop people from showing up for Brittany. This is not a recap of the case. This is about what Brittany left behind. The bonds she created. The community that still stands. And the quiet hope that refuses to die. This is Hide and Seek. And this is Brittany’s legacy. If this episode means something to you, the conversation continues after it ends. Subscribe today to our Lifer tier, members join us to listen to listen to the episode together in a private Zoom with James and Sara Jo. Stay for a private conversation after. We'll talk through what you just heard, share context we cannot fit into the episode, and give real updates during the…

James is able to make contact with Don Hill. Will his story sounds as strange as it did in the case file?

Nearly seven years have passed since Brittany Shank disappeared into the night on Fawn River Road. In this bonus episode, we revisit Brittany’s 911 call for help, her father Greg Wallace’s fight to keep her story alive, and the new sheriff’s promise to bring answers. On November 30th, 2025, the community will gather for a memorial event to honor Brittany’s life and renew the call for justice. You can find details on Facebook Search events for, "Brittany Wallace Memorial: Holding on to Hope". Investigations like this take time, resources, and persistence. If you’d like to support Hide and Seek and help us continue digging into Brittany’s case and others like it, consider joining our Patreon community: patreon.com/c/hideandseekpodcast. Your support makes this work possible.

Former federal prosecutor Tad DiBiase breaks down the evidence. Sara Jo returns for an unfiltered roundtable. And I close the season with one final message.. for Shane, and for the one still hiding the truth.

Beneath the surface, something breaks. This is Part 1 of the finale. (Press Play)

Not all lies are spoken. Some get buried. This week, James follows a lead back to the last place anyone wants to look. The timelines aren’t lining up. The money’s still unaccounted for. And the one thing no one thought would be questioned... might need to be ripped open.

Two polygraphs. Two promises of truth. But when the tests ended, the real deception began. One passed. One failed. Neither told the full story. In this explosive chapter, James confronts Howard Wheeler with proof his airtight alibi was a fabrication, and catches it all unfolding in real time. Meanwhile, Rachel Barton’s collapse after her failed test triggers something no one saw coming: a new timeline. A new last sighting. A new crack wide enough to change everything. This isn’t about who fooled the machine. It’s about who kept lying after the mask fell off. And this time, the cracks are too big to ignore.

In Part 2 of Recap Episode 3, Chloe joins James to tackle your biggest questions about the Apple Health data featured in two of the latest episodes. You had a lot to say — and even more to ask. Together, they revisit key movements, clarify confusing moments, and dig deeper into what the data might really be telling us. Thank you listeners, for your texts, calls, comments, and theories. Keep them coming (509) 866 6985. #FindRider912

You called, texted, and commented — and now it’s time to respond. In this first half of Recap Episode 3, James dives into your questions, clears up confusion, and sets the record straight on a few key moments from the last several episodes. From theories to timelines, nothing’s off-limits. Part 2 drops soon — but for now, let’s unpack what’s been keeping you all talking.

In episode XX we hear more from Danner; his thoughts on the voicemail, his take on Rachael seeing Shane on the morning of the 9th, and his where his perspective is at today. Does he still feel suicide is what happened to his Dad on March 9, 2023? Or does he feel differently now that he's heard episodes play out? Tune in as Danner and James delve into these topics and finalize the timeline for March 8-9.

In episode XIX, we follow Shane's final known movements—captured minute by minute through digital footprints. From a seemingly quiet morning to mysterious short-distance pings, an unexplained phone call, and one last piece of recorded information at 10:37a, this data-driven deep dive brings us closer to understanding Shane’s last steps before he vanished. These are the last known traces of Shane Barton. Want to dig deeper into this episode? A visual timeline of Shane’s final movements will be available shortly after release on our free tier of Patreon. Just head to patreon.com/hideandseekpodcast and join at no cost to get access. 🕵️‍♂️ Continue the conversation: ➡️ Join the Official Hide and Seek™ Discussion Group on Facebook ➡️ Follow James Baysinger Podcast on Facebook ➡️ Follow the Hide and Seek™ Facebook page for news and updates Your support and engagement help keep these cases alive. Thank you for being part of the Hide and Seek™ community.

n this episode, we explore new information in the disappearance of Shane Barton, brought to light through the help of technology. For the first time, we’re able to walk you through the movements of both Shane and Rachael the day before Shane vanished. What you learn in this episode may challenge your perspective—or confirm what you’ve believed all along. Join us as a special member of the team guides us through the timeline that could be key to understanding what really happened to Shane Barton. This, is Project Pulse.

A key conversation with BT sheds light on Shane's financial struggles, potential drug trade connections, and a mysterious $50,000 deal that may have been his way out. Questions arise about missing money, hidden stashes, and whether Shane's phone being shut off played a role in his fate. As tensions start to mount, new revelations challenge the timeline, leaving us to wonder—was Shane caught in something much bigger than we ever imagined? Plus, a major development promises to shift the entire investigation. Stay tuned to the very end for an important announcement.

For the first time ever, you’ll hear the unreleased recordings from the morning of March 9th, 2023, when Rachael Barton reported her husband, Shane Barton, missing. These are the exact words she gave to law enforcement that day. What did she say? What details did she leave out? And more importantly—how do her statements compare to what she told me one year later? This is Shane Barton’s case in real time. The timeline. The inconsistencies. The moment the search began. Listen closely. Because once you hear this, there’s no going back. 🎙️ New episode of Hide and Seek. Press play.

A storm looms over Scatter View, thunder rolling in like an omen. The road is slick, the trees towering, the night swallowing everything in its path. Somewhere in the chaos, a story is unraveling—twisting, slipping through fingers like a memory half-remembered. A voicemail surfaces, buried and forgotten. A message that shouldn’t be missing—gone from one phone, but not the other. A bloodhound picks up a trail, but where it leads changes everything we thought we knew. The pieces don’t fit, the timeline bends, and a blue sedan speeds off into the unknown. This isn’t just a disappearance—it’s a maze of contradictions. And the closer we get to the truth, the more the shadows shift. Did Shane Barton leave on his own? Or did something far more sinister take him into the night?

In this episode, James sits down with Rachael to revisit the details of Shane’s disappearance. As they walk through the events of that day, we're left to wonder—does Rachael’s story hold up, or are there subtle shifts in her account? New revelations surface during the interview, shedding light on aspects of the case that had remained in the shadows. Rachael also opens up about her new relationship, sharing why she chose to move forward with her life amidst unanswered questions.

In this bonus episode, part 2 of episode 13, James sits down with someone who has, until now, remained somewhat elusive—Nathan Wheeler, the brother of Howard Wheeler. Nathan speaks out for the first time, addressing the frustration of having his name tangled in speculation surrounding Shane Barton's disappearance. He sets the record straight, explaining why there is no way he could be involved. This candid conversation offers a rare glimpse into Nathan’s perspective as he pushes back against the rumors and sheds light on his side of the story.

🚀 Boost your focus, energy, and creativity with Magic Mind – the ultimate productivity shot! Whether you’re diving into deep work or need a mental edge, this nootropic blend has your back. ✨ Get 45% OFF your first purchase when you order now! Just head to ⁠https://www.magicmind.com/hideandseekjan⁠ and start optimizing your day. Don’t miss out—your brain will thank you In today’s episode, James sits down with Howard for a candid and unfiltered conversation. Howard doesn’t hold back, openly sharing his opinions and theories about Shane’s disappearance. From the Barton family’s financial struggles to his firm belief about what happened to Shane—and where he thinks he is now—Howard lays it all out. Do his theories hold water? As he points fingers and presents his perspective, one question remains: Where was Howard on March 9, 2023? Does he have an alibi? James presses for answers, leaving no stone unturned in the search for the truth.

For a limited time only, you can grab 45% OFF your first Magic Mind purchase through this exclusive link: magicmind.com/hideandseekjan When a neighbor spots a car speeding away at the crack of dawn, it seems like a fleeting detail—until it doesn’t. As James digs into the case, the lines blur between memory and reality. Was it a blue sedan, or was it something else entirely? Meanwhile, unsettling questions arise about Rachael's account and the shadow of a missing $12,000 looms large. With expert Tad DiBiase in tow, the team pulls threads that may finally unravel the truth—or tighten the knot. In a town where whispers echo louder than facts, every clue brings them closer to an answer no one is prepared for. Buckle up. The morning of the 9th holds secrets that refuse to stay buried.

The clock ticks in the shadows as secrets claw their way to the surface. In this gripping chapter of Hide and Seek, James (Baysinger) plunges into the chaos surrounding Shane Barton's disappearance, unraveling a story where every answer spawns two more questions. The text messages, the arguments, the desperate pleas—they all carry the weight of something just out of reach, like a voice in the dark whispering warnings too late to hear. Rachel Barton, raw and relentless, opens a window into a fractured past, piecing together memories of love, frustration, and eerie silence. Shane’s phone is a treasure chest of clues—cryptic messages, unsettling patterns, and sudden shifts that feel more like cracks in a frozen lake Tension twists tighter with every revelation. Financial strains that snap like frayed ropes, family ties that bind too tightly, and a lingering question—was this escape, betrayal, or something far worse? The answers feel close enough to touch, but just as elusive as Shane himself. The truth is…

Unlock 45% off Magic Mind products! 🧠✨ A game-changer. Use this exclusive link to save big: https://www.magicmind.com/hideandseekjan. Try it out and see the difference for yourself! 💪 In this recap episode, we revisit the most compelling moments and unanswered questions from Shane Barton’s story so far. What secrets lie hidden on the Montesano property, and why is its isolated layout so critical to understanding Shane’s plans? We explore the cryptic voicemail that has everyone speculating—what does it reveal, and who is behind the voice? Dive into Howard’s unshakable confidence that Shane is still out there, and hear why some believe Rachel may hold more answers than she’s shared. From theories of deception to poignant memories of Shane’s character, we’ll unravel the threads that connect these stories and examine the clues that could lead to a breakthrough. Join us as we piece together the puzzle in the search for truth https://www.magicmind.com/hideandseekjan #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

In this gripping first part of Episode Nine, James takes us deep into the tangled web of relationships, events, and secrets surrounding Shane Barton's disappearance. Through exclusive interviews and key details, the pieces of the puzzle begin to take shape. As James uncovers a voicemail from the night before Shane vanished, he finds himself in the middle of an intense confrontation with Rachael Barton, caught between trust, truth, and the relentless pursuit of answers. With questions of loyalty, anger, and hidden motives swirling, the stakes are higher than ever. What truths lie hidden in Shane’s final hours? Listen closely.. every word matters.

In this gripping final part of Episode Nine, James sits down with Howard Wheeler, whose candid recollections paint a vivid picture of Shane Barton’s last known dealings. Howard’s sharp, no-nonsense perspective uncovers a tangled web of financial disputes, unfulfilled promises, and tensions that preceded Shane’s disappearance. From unpaid debts to suspicions of a carefully orchestrated scheme, Howard raises bold claims—including his belief that Shane may still be alive. As James digs deeper into Howard’s account, a haunting question lingers: Are these details fragments of the truth or pieces of a broader deception? Every revelation edges us closer to understanding Shane’s fate—or further into the unknown.

In this second installment of Episode Nine, James dives into Jon Bean's account of his complex history with Shane Barton. From the struggles of shared property and unpaid debts to suspicions surrounding Shane's disappearance, Bean reveals stories of loyalty, betrayal, and unanswered questions. As secrets surface, the lingering question remains: Was Shane's departure voluntary, or did something darker unfold?

James dives deeper into the mystery following his first trip to Shane’s property, uncovering the tangled web of relationships and secrets surrounding his disappearance. A conversation with Dane, the property owner caught in the fallout between Shane, Rachael, and Howard, could hold the answers James has been searching for—but will Dane reveal what he knows? New revelations emerge when a friend claims to have seen Shane the day before he vanished, a detail James had never encountered before. As the investigation unfolds, Shane’s fixation on a property in Montesano takes center stage. Was this the driving force behind his disappearance, or does it lead to an even darker truth? No stone will go unturned, no question left unanswered. As James follows every lead, the lines between clarity and chaos blur, pulling him deeper into the unknown. Help us shine a light on the missing. Follow Hide and Seek Podcast on Patreon for exclusive content and updates. Stay connected by following us on Instagram and Facebook…

In this episode of Hide and Seek, James delves deeper into the tangled narratives surrounding Shane Barton’s disappearance by revisiting key interviews and analyzing conflicting recollections. James’s investigation takes him to the Barton property, where Rachael Barton retraces her actions on the day Shane vanished. Yet, her timeline is riddled with inconsistencies — from phone usage to the supposed last sighting of Shane in the fifth wheel. James also interviews Shane’s son, Danner Barton, whose stoic demeanor and strained relationship with his mother add new layers to the case. Danner’s perspective on the events of March 9th raises questions about family dynamics, while his insight into the family’s access to Wi-Fi adds another piece to the puzzle. Additionally, conversations with Shane’s daughter, Hayden Barton, reveal a shift from openness to silence, leaving more questions than answers. Further complicating the narrative are insights from Howard Wheeler and John Bean, who expose past financial disputes…

As the investigation unfolds, James delves deeper into the tangled threads of Shane Barton’s disappearance. In this gripping episode, we dissect Rachael’s accounts, confront contradictions, and explore the dynamics of the Barton family’s property—where every creak of a floorboard and every shadow may hold the answers. From the unsettling events on the ninth to the revelations of strained relationships and financial pressures, the pieces of this puzzle begin to shift. But can they lead us to Shane?

Four episodes in, the mystery surrounding Shane Barton grows deeper. In this special recap, James and the team revisit the labyrinth of clues that have emerged: the coffee Shane brewed before his sudden disappearance, the haunting cries of Charlie the bull that morning, and the final moments his family claims to have seen him. Rachael’s testimony—layered with emotion and contradiction—takes center stage, as does the chilling layout of the property where everything began. Join us as we untangle threads, unpack revelations, and question everything we thought we knew.

On a quiet morning, Shane Barton prepared coffee, and life seemed routine—until it wasn’t. What clues linger in the frozen ice cubes, the untouched phone, and the peculiar silence of that day? As Rachel retraces her steps, every detail feels both mundane and deeply mysterious. Could the smallest of actions—a closed bedroom door, the scent of coffee, a missing jacket—hold the answers? Where did Shane go, and why does his absence feel like a void left untouched? Dive into the reenactment of Shane's last known moments and uncover the questions that still remain unanswered. ❓ What would you do if someone you loved simply vanished without a trace? 🌟 Your support means everything! Help us shine a light on Shane’s story and other missing persons by leaving a 5-star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Every rating helps us reach more people and spread awareness—it’s a small action that makes a huge difference. 📲 Stay connected and join the mission: Follow James Baysinger Podcast on Instagram 📸 and Facebook 👥 Keep up with the show on the…

James and the team arrive at the Barton property—a place shrouded in mystery, still haunted by Shane’s memory and the unanswered questions left in his absence. Tensions rise as Rachael grapples with visitors digging too close, while Hayden's absence looms heavily, leaving James with more questions than answers. In every corner, secrets lie in plain sight, waiting to be uncovered. Each quiet exchange, each twist in the road, unveils another layer of a story slipping just out of reach. As tensions peak and secrets tighten, James finds himself searching for Shane—and for the truth buried at the vanishing point. How far would you go to uncover it? Join us as we dive deep into this chilling chapter of Hide and Seek. Connect with us on social media: 📸 Instagram: @HideAndSeekPodcast or @JamesBaysingerPodcast 📘 Facebook: Hide and Seek Podcast or James Baysinger Podcast 💬 Join the discussion! Search The Official Hide and Seek Podcast™ Discussion Group on Facebook and connect with fellow listeners as we dissect the…

As March 9th dawned, Shane Barton vanished from his family’s farm, leaving behind his phone, wallet, and a growing list of questions. In this episode, Rachel opens up, her voice wavering between hope and dread as she retraces her last conversations with Shane—a husband, father, and racer with a love for the thrill. But as details emerge, subtle hints and curious behaviors begin to paint a more complex picture. Did he simply wander, or was there something calling him deeper into the woods? The search for answers reveals a man at the center of a growing mystery, where even the smallest choices may hold the key.

Season 4 of Hide and Seek: The Disappearance of Shane Barton After nearly two years in Michigan, James Baysinger returns to Washington, driven by an unwavering commitment to uncover the truth behind a chilling new mystery. This season, James and his team dive headfirst into the haunting disappearance of Shane Barton, who vanished without a trace from Rochester, WA, on March 9, 2023. As his family grapples with the unknown and a community holds its breath, James reveals the intimate details of Shane’s life, the family he left behind, and the unsettling final hours before he disappeared. Episode by episode, James peels back the layers of Shane’s world, revealing a web of dark secrets, buried tensions, and unexplained events. With each twist and turn, the team inches closer to answers that may change everything. Get ready to journey into the unknown—because sometimes, the darkest truths are hidden in plain sight, waiting to be uncovered. But what really happened to Shane Barton on that fateful day? Did someone…

On March 9, 2023, Shane Barton vanished from his home in Rochester, Washington. No phone. No wallet. No trace. Just... gone. This season on Hide and Seek, we unravel the mystery of Shane's disappearance. We explore the moments leading up to that fateful day—was his vanishing an act of free will, a tragic accident, or the result of something far more sinister? The haunting questions leave us wondering: Did Shane walk away from his life, or does a far darker truth lie hidden beneath the surface? James is back in Thurston County, a place that has become all too familiar over the past year. This isn’t just a routine trip —it's a return to where it all started, the ground zero of Shane Barton’s disappearance.

In this special bonus episode, we sit down with Melissa Sandberg, creator of Dog With a Bone, an investigative true crime podcast under Sasquatch Productions. Melissa delves into the tragic case of John “Bernie” Burnside, a 32-year-old man with cerebral palsy whose death in 1993 was initially ruled a suicide before being reclassified as a homicide. Join us as we explore Melissa's journey into podcasting, her passion for justice, and how she teamed up with Sasquatch Productions to bring Bernie's story to life. Dog With A Bone, 9.12.24

Looking for a podcast? While we're in the waiting period for Season Four, check out this new show "In the Blood!"

In this special bonus episode, James shares an exclusive interview with Nathan, who challenges the widely accepted narrative regarding Jeffrey K.'s whereabouts on November 30th, 2018. Contrary to the claim that Jeffrey was babysitting his nieces and nephews that evening, Nathan asserts that he himself was in fact the caretaker. This revelation casts new light on the events of that day, inviting listeners to re-examine what they thought they knew about Jeffrey K.'s activities.

Brittany Wallace Shank

James delves into the heart of his investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Brittany Shank. He meticulously summarizes the multitude of testimonies and leads he has amassed throughout his journey, and sheds light on the various suspects who could be involved in the case.

James returns home from Sturgis. It's not long before he receives a bizarre message from someone. This person is unlike any other call James has received.

We got three more days in Sturgis. No time to waste. We pick up were we left off from the last episode. The teenagers house.

Trip 4, June 2023. Come with me.

In this episode, James and Sarah delve into the portrayal of Brittany as a reckless individual and its potential implications. They explore the motives behind such portrayals and question the validity of this narrative. As they continue their preparations for the upcoming presentation, they also discuss the importance of safety and logistics for their team. Additionally, they reflect on the possibility of individuals choosing to disappear and start a new life, considering the challenges and contradictions that arise in Brittany's case.

In this episode, James and Sara interview Tad DiBiase, a former federal prosecutor who specializes in no-body homicide cases. DiBiase discusses the challenges of these cases, including the lack of a body, the difficulty in determining when and how the murder occurred, and the vast amount of evidence needed to prosecute. He also explains the importance of circumstantial evidence and the high conviction rate in no-body murder trials.

In this episode, host James interviews a man named Zach H. about his connection to Brittany Shank's case. Zach denies knowing Brittany and claims that he never spoke to her on the phone. However, James discovers that Zach's old phone number appears to be in question.

In this gripping episode, James Baysinger delves into the ongoing quest to uncover the truth behind Brittany Shank's disappearance. Journey with him to Michigan, where a high-stakes search unfolds across multiple locations, aided by specialized teams. Tensions rise during an exclusive interview with an enigmatic informant claiming to hold critical digital evidence. Despite setbacks and unforeseen obstacles, a game-changing twist emerges, setting the stage for a high-tech showdown. Will this be the breakthrough everyone's been waiting for? The answer lies behind a locked screen. Tune in to find out.