Jodi's Hope

09/27/2026

We will admit that we at times tune in to true crime, whether it be the shows on TV, documentaries, or certain podcasts. I can only speak for myself here, but I do so with intention. Usually it’s a mix of finding a sense of connection in other people’s experiences and feeling less alone in our own, and, if the case is solved, possibly finding some nugget of information or insight that could be helpful with our own investigation. It is never about being “entertained.” Personally, we find it abhorrent for people to seek entertainment from another family’s loss, grief, and personal tragedy. I'm sure this can bring up feelings for some, but we won’t apologize for having this view on it. There are many in the true crime genre who do it right with integrity, a foundation in facts, and a commitment to keeping their work victim-centered. As the end of this segment so aptly says: “Keep reminding yourself this is a real person.”

09/12/2026

To honor Jodi's spirit of positivity, optimism, and self-improvement, we are posting an inspirational quote or image here sporadically to hopefully brighten your day a bit. With all of the negativity out there, Jodi would want us to try to lean in to the positive, and this is one way for us to do just that. 🌞

As painful as being in this situation can be for us, it has also shown us how good people truly can be. This week was no exception. You know who you are. ❤

09/04/2026

09/01/2026

The National Center for Victims of Crime has some great reminders for everyone to consider as you listen to the news, podcasts, and/or any docuseries or documentaries. All of them will be housed in the Highlights section on this page, but here are two that especially resonate with us.

SOURCE: The National Center for Victims of Crime
LINK: https://victimsofcrime.org/media-ethics/

08/31/2026

To honor Jodi's spirit of positivity, optimism, and self-improvement, we have posted an inspirational quote or image here every week with the intent to start your week off on a more positive note. Going into Fall, we will continue to post uplifting messages and photos, but we’re going to move to posting at random instead of having it set weekly at the start of each week. We’ve sincerely appreciated the kind messages received and the support people have shown since we started doing this. As we have said, with all of the negativity out there, Jodi would want us to try to lean into the positive, and this is one way for us to do just that. 🌞

08/23/2026

To honor Jodi's spirit of positivity, optimism, and self-improvement, we will try to post an inspirational quote or image here every week to start your week. With all of the negativity out there, Jodi would want us to try to lean into the positive, and this is one way for us to do just that. 🌞

One thing that has always marked summer for me is a county fair. Just a few days ago, I went to one with some friends, as is our annual tradition, and I’m always reminded of memories from when I was a kid. A memory that stands out every year is when Jodi worked for KSAX in Alexandria, MN, which was just a short drive from my hometown. Part of her job would require her to attend local county fairs to promote the station and also report from the fair. My local fair was on the list, and I was never more popular with my friends than when my aunt was working there.

I remember one year she enlisted me as her personal assistant, which really meant I just ran a few errands for her when she couldn’t step away from her booth. One such errand included getting her dinner while she was prepping to do a report. However, instead of making a run to one of the food booths to pick something up, I was asked to run to my house and get her a chef’s salad. It wasn’t a hard task, especially since we lived close by to the fairgrounds, but I remember thinking as a kid that my aunt was a little crazy to want a salad from home when she was at the fair. Now as an adult, I realize she probably didn’t want to spend the money and preferred a healthier, homemade option.

I made the trek home, and my Mom prepped a salad in a Tupperware container to take back to her. When I returned, I handed her the salad thinking I could then go on with enjoying the fair with my friends, but Jodi had other plans. I had to help her and the cameraman cart items to the midway for their evening report, and then Jodi said I had to stay and be in the background of her report as part of the crowd. Most kids would be thrilled at the idea of this, but I was not most kids. I had grown up being the subject of some of Jodi’s practice interviews and camera shots, and in nearly all of them, I’m more tolerating it than anything else. 😆 However, Jodi knew my parents would get a kick out of seeing me behind her in the report, so she put me dead center front right behind her. I wish I could find the video, because I distinctly remember everyone’s reaction to seeing it. I looked miserable in the shot – straight face, arms crossed, and my eyes squinting because the sun was in them. My Mom couldn’t believe I didn’t smile at least once while I was in the frame, while both my Dad and Jodi thought it was funniest thing they had watched in a while. After standing for the shot, I was finished with my personal assistant duties, and though it wasn’t required, Aunt Jodi made sure I was compensated for my work by giving me money to go enjoy the fair. ❤

08/17/2026

To honor Jodi's spirit of positivity, optimism, and self-improvement, we will try to post an inspirational quote or image here every week to start your week. With all of the negativity out there, Jodi would want us to try to lean in to the positive, and this is one way for us to do just that. 🌞

08/05/2026

I took a road trip with a friend to Iowa City/Coralville this past weekend to visit another friend who is currently attending the University of Iowa for her Ph.D. I hope I won’t offend any of my Iowa friends here when I say for the longest time, the idea of traveling to Iowa was just too painful for me. It’s only been within the last few years that I’ve come to a place where I’m able to make visits on my own. Not to say these visits are not still difficult, because they are, as my mind is generally flooded with flashbacks and memories both pre- and post-June 27th, 1995. However, they have also been absolutely worth it. I’ve found so much healing in making them, and I am forever grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to us by so many of the good people we’ve been able to connect with while there. I hope to meet more of you on future visits.

My road trip partner was gracious enough to indulge me in a quick detour to one of Jodi’s former news stations in Cedar Rapids (photo below). I personally do not have a lot of memories of Jodi working here aside from the one time she invited all of us to meet her in Rochester, MN (the approximate half-way point between our home and Cedar Rapids). While I'm sure we did more than this, my only memory is all of us spending family time together swimming in the hotel pool. Even so, it was still a little surreal for me to be in a place she called home for a period of time.

While staying in Coralville with friends, I received the news that the human remains found in the area several weeks ago had now been identified. There had been a lot of speculation that this could be tied to Jodi, but this is not the case. Our hearts are with the family of Grant Leonard this week as they process this news. While we’re sure there is peace in having more answers, it does not make the loss any easier to bear. 💜