National Park After Dark Podcast Joins fwd. Network, Expanding Women-Led True Crime Storytelling
National Park After Dark has officially joined the fwd. network, a move expected to expand the show’s audience while strengthening the network’s lineup of female-led programs.
The partnership, announced on March 10, 2026, places the investigative storytelling series among a growing portfolio of podcasts led by women creators and designed to reach new listeners and advertisers. The collaboration signals both the continued popularity of true crime content and the increasing influence of independent creators in the digital audio industry.
Hosted by Danielle LaRock and Cassie Yahnian, the podcast explores mysterious crimes, unexplained disappearances, and haunting historical events tied to America’s vast national parks. By blending investigative journalism with wilderness storytelling, the show has carved out a distinct niche within the crowded true crime landscape.
Below is a comprehensive look at the podcast, its creators, the new partnership with the fwd. network, and why stories from remote landscapes continue to captivate global audiences.
True crime podcasts have become one of the most dominant categories in the digital audio ecosystem. Over the past decade, audiences have shown an increasing appetite for storytelling that combines investigative reporting, suspense, and real-world history.
Why the Genre Continues to Thrive
Several factors have contributed to the genre’s sustained popularity:
Narrative storytelling: Podcasts allow for immersive storytelling that unfolds over episodes.
Accessible journalism: Listeners can consume investigative stories while commuting, exercising, or relaxing.
Emotional engagement: Real-life mysteries create emotional investment from audiences.
Community discussion: Online forums and social media help listeners analyze theories and share insights.
Against this backdrop, shows that bring a unique perspective or theme are especially successful — and National Park After Dark is one such example.
A Podcast That Blends Nature With Mystery
Unlike traditional true crime podcasts that focus on urban settings or famous criminal cases, National Park After Dark explores events tied to remote wilderness locations.
The show investigates incidents that occurred within or around America’s national parks, forests, and protected landscapes.
What Makes the Podcast Unique
The show stands apart because it focuses on stories rooted in nature and isolation.
Key elements of the podcast include:
Crimes occurring in national parks
Disappearances along hiking trails
Historical tragedies in remote wilderness
Survival stories and unexplained events
Investigations involving campers, hikers, and park visitors
These locations often carry a sense of mystery due to their vast size and limited human presence.
For listeners, the environment becomes part of the story itself.
Hosts Danielle LaRock and Cassie Yahnian
The podcast is driven by the chemistry and curiosity of its two hosts, Danielle LaRock and Cassie Yahnian.
Both creators share a deep connection to nature and an interest in untold stories hidden within America’s wild landscapes.
Danielle LaRock’s Inspiration
Danielle’s fascination with the topic began during a visit to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most famous national parks in the United States.
During that trip, she became intrigued by the lesser-known histories tied to such locations.
The idea that beautiful landscapes could also hold tragic or mysterious human stories sparked the concept for the podcast.
Cassie Yahnian’s Connection to the Outdoors
Cassie’s relationship with nature began much earlier.
Her love for outdoor spaces developed through childhood trips to Yosemite National Park, where she discovered the power and unpredictability of the wilderness.
These early experiences shaped her perspective on nature and inspired the storytelling direction of the show.
Growing Up in the Forests of New Hampshire
Another shared experience between the hosts is their upbringing in New Hampshire, a state known for its dense forests and rugged outdoor terrain.
Growing up in such an environment gave them a firsthand understanding of wilderness culture.
This background helped shape the tone and authenticity of their storytelling.
How Their Childhood Influenced the Podcast
Their early life in forested areas contributed to:
A respect for wilderness environments
Awareness of outdoor risks and survival realities
Curiosity about the human stories tied to natural landscapes
Appreciation for the balance between beauty and danger in nature
This perspective allows the hosts to present stories in a way that resonates strongly with audiences who enjoy both outdoor exploration and investigative storytelling.
The Dark Side of Beautiful Landscapes
National parks are often seen as symbols of natural beauty, adventure, and peaceful escape. However, they also contain complex human histories — some of which involve tragedy or crime.
According to the podcast’s hosts, uncovering these lesser-known narratives is a key motivation behind their work.
Danielle LaRock explained that while national parks inspire awe, they also hold stories that many visitors never hear about.
She noted that these landscapes contain “real history” — and sometimes that history includes unsettling events.
Stories That Challenge Expectations
One reason National Park After Dark resonates with listeners is that it challenges the romanticized image of wilderness destinations.
The podcast explores how remote locations can sometimes amplify risk.
Examples of Stories Covered
Episodes of the show have explored themes such as:
Missing hikers who vanished without explanation
Historical tragedies that occurred in remote campsites
The fwd. network has positioned itself as a platform designed to empower women creators in the podcasting world.
The addition of National Park After Dark fits directly into this strategy.
Goals of the Network
The network aims to:
Elevate women’s voices in audio media
Connect brands with established creator communities
Expand audiences for emerging podcasts
Support authentic storytelling perspectives
By focusing on female-led programs, the network hopes to bring more diversity and representation to podcast audiences.
Cathy Csukas on the Podcast’s Unique Perspective
Cathy Csukas, the chief executive of AdLarge and founder of the fwd. network, praised the podcast’s storytelling style.
She emphasized that the show stands out because it combines curiosity about the natural world with investigative storytelling.
According to Csukas, the hosts have built a strong connection with listeners through their approach to storytelling.
Their exploration of wilderness environments adds an adventurous dimension that is rarely seen in the true crime genre.
Why Stories From National Parks Fascinate Listeners
The setting of national parks plays a major role in the podcast’s appeal.
These locations evoke both wonder and mystery.
Elements That Make Wilderness Stories Compelling
Stories set in national parks often include:
Isolation: Remote environments heighten suspense.
Unpredictability: Weather, wildlife, and terrain create additional risks.
Limited evidence: Investigations can be more difficult in vast landscapes.
Historical layers: Many parks hold centuries of human history.
For listeners, these elements create a powerful storytelling experience.
True Crime Meets Outdoor Adventure
One of the podcast’s defining features is its blend of true crime investigation and outdoor adventure storytelling.
While many crime podcasts focus on police investigations, National Park After Dark often begins with the environment itself.
The hosts describe the geography, weather conditions, and trail systems involved in each story.
This context helps listeners visualize the events and understand how the landscape influenced what happened.
A Growing Audience for Outdoor Storytelling
Outdoor-themed media has grown significantly in recent years.
Documentaries, YouTube channels, and podcasts centered on hiking, survival, and exploration have attracted millions of followers.
The success of National Park After Dark reflects this trend.
Audience Interests Driving the Show’s Growth
Listeners are drawn to the podcast for several reasons:
Fascination with wilderness survival
Curiosity about unexplained disappearances
Interest in environmental storytelling
Love for national parks and outdoor travel
By combining these themes with investigative journalism, the show has created a distinctive brand.
The Role of Research in Each Episode
Although the podcast has a conversational tone, each episode involves significant research.
The hosts examine historical records, news reports, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the events they discuss.
Key Research Methods Used
Reviewing archived news coverage
Studying park records and historical documents
Analyzing investigative reports
Exploring local history related to each case
This research helps ensure that stories are told responsibly and accurately.
Respecting the Power of the Wild
A recurring theme throughout the podcast is respect for nature.
Cassie Yahnian has emphasized that wilderness environments should be approached with both curiosity and caution.
She often reminds listeners that the wild is powerful and deserves respect.
Lessons the Podcast Highlights
Many episodes also contain subtle safety messages about outdoor travel.
These include:
Preparing properly before entering remote environments
Understanding weather risks
Carrying survival equipment
Informing others about travel plans
In this way, the show serves not only as entertainment but also as an educational resource.
Expanding Opportunities for Advertisers
From a business perspective, the podcast’s partnership with the fwd. network also opens new advertising possibilities.
Podcast advertising has become a rapidly growing market.
Brands are increasingly interested in partnering with shows that have dedicated communities.
Why Advertisers Value Podcast Audiences
Podcast listeners often demonstrate:
Strong loyalty to hosts
High engagement with content
Trust in host-read advertisements
Interest in niche topics and communities
Because National Park After Dark has cultivated a passionate audience, it offers valuable opportunities for brand partnerships.
Community Engagement and Listener Interaction
Another factor behind the podcast’s success is its connection with listeners.
Fans often share their own experiences exploring national parks or hiking trails.
Some even suggest cases or stories they would like the hosts to investigate.
Ways Listeners Engage With the Podcast
Social media discussions
Listener emails and story submissions
Community forums analyzing episodes
Live podcast events or virtual meetups
This interactive relationship strengthens the show’s community.
The Future of National Park After Dark
With the support of the fwd. network, the podcast is likely to reach even larger audiences.
The hosts have expressed excitement about continuing to explore untold stories hidden within America’s natural landscapes.
Future episodes may include:
Deeper investigations into historical mysteries
Interviews with park experts or historians
Expanded storytelling formats
Coverage of lesser-known wilderness locations
As the show grows, it could become one of the leading voices in the emerging niche of nature-based true crime storytelling.
A New Era for Female-Led Podcasts
The partnership also highlights a broader shift in the podcast industry.
Women creators are increasingly shaping the medium through original storytelling, investigative journalism, and community-driven content.
Networks like the fwd. network aim to support this momentum by providing resources and distribution opportunities.
For listeners, this means greater diversity in voices and perspectives.
Why the Podcast Industry Is Still Booming
Even after years of growth, podcasting continues to expand globally.
Millions of people now listen to podcasts every day.
Factors Driving Continued Growth
Rising smartphone usage
Easier podcast distribution platforms
Increasing demand for on-demand audio
Growth of niche storytelling communities
Shows like National Park After Dark demonstrate how specialized topics can build dedicated audiences.
Final Thoughts
The addition of National Park After Dark to the fwd. network marks an important moment for both the podcast and the broader true crime genre.
By exploring mysteries hidden within America’s national parks, hosts Danielle LaRock and Cassie Yahnian have created a storytelling format that blends investigative journalism, environmental awareness, and suspense.
Their unique approach reminds listeners that even the most beautiful landscapes can hold complex human histories.
With expanded support from the fwd. network, the podcast is poised to reach new audiences while continuing to uncover the untold stories of the wild.
