MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries
Wondery | Ballen Studios
The human body is a miracle. But when it’s not working, it can be the stuff of nightmares. On this new series from master storyteller MrBallen, we’re sharing medical horror stories and diagnostic mysteries that are surgically calibrated to make your blood run cold.From bizarre, unheard-of diseases and miraculous recoveries to strange medical mishaps and unexplainable deaths — you’ll never hear the phrase “heart-stopping” in the same way again. MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between MrBallen and Wondery, the award-winning company behind Dr. Death.Follow MrBallen's Medical Mysteries on Amazon Music, the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes publish for free every Tuesday. Prime members can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Amazon Music. Or, you can listen episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting https://wondery.com/links/mrballens-medical-mysteries/ now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 20, 2024 • 27min
Ep. 46 | Bad Blood
A single mother is terrified when her little boy becomes violently sick and doctors can’t figure out why. Every test is negative, yet the child seems to be dying. But when the mother finally finds out what’s wrong with him, it’s even more tragic than she ever imagined.Follow MrBallen's Medical Mysteries on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes publish for free every Tuesday. Prime members can binge episodes 41-48 early and ad-free on Amazon Music. Wondery+ subscribers can listen ad-free--join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aug 13, 2024 • 35min
Ep. 45 | The Buried Brain/Killer Jetlag
A harrowing ski trip turns life-threatening when a young man survives an avalanche but later suffers mysterious seizures. His struggle reveals shocking connections between trauma and neurological issues. Meanwhile, a woman's joyful return from Ghana spirals into a terrifying ordeal as nightmares and severe symptoms lead to a malaria diagnosis. Both stories highlight the fragility of health and the unexpected twists that can follow transformative experiences, showcasing the importance of swift medical intervention.
Aug 6, 2024 • 31min
Ep. 44 | Needle in a Haystack
A little girl faces a rare and lethal disease, sparking fears of a bioterrorism event. As investigators race against time, they uncover shocking truths about the infection's source. Meanwhile, the heartbreaking tale of a family's lost pet raccoon adds a layer of emotional chaos. The stark contrast between a mother’s fear for her child and the unsettling nature of the outbreak unfolds in gripping detail, revealing the unseen threats that can suddenly alter lives.
Jul 30, 2024 • 28min
Ep. 43 | Hard Case to Crack
A college student in Mississippi has to put his life on hold when his hips literally begin to die. Facing a life of unbearable pain, he must dig deep into his past to find a cure.Follow MrBallen's Medical Mysteries on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes publish for free every Tuesday. Prime members can binge episodes 41-48 early and ad-free on Amazon Music. Wondery+ subscribers can listen ad-free--join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 23, 2024 • 27min
Ep. 42 | Deadly Tourist
A man vacationing in Germany becomes violently ill, and no medicine is helping. The solution may be hidden somewhere on the man’s home of Vancouver Island… where a deadly outbreak is spreading.Follow MrBallen's Medical Mysteries on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes publish for free every Tuesday. Prime members can binge episodes 41-48 early and ad-free on Amazon Music. Wondery+ subscribers can listen ad-free--join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 16, 2024 • 31min
Ep. 41 | Adrian's Leg
Follow the story of 12-year-old Adrian as his leg swells mysteriously, diagnosed with elephantiasis. His teacher aids in a breakthrough discovery. Adrian undergoes a risky surgery for KTS, leading to a remarkable transformation in his academic and personal life.
Jul 9, 2024 • 31min
Ep. 40 | Glass Baby
A couple in Colorado is accused of child abuse when their infant daughter is diagnosed with multiple fractures in her legs. The ordeal threatens to break the family apart – and there may be no putting them back together.Follow MrBallen's Medical Mysteries on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes publish for free every Tuesday. Prime members can binge episodes 41-48 early and ad-free on Amazon Music. Wondery+ subscribers can listen ad-free--join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jul 2, 2024 • 35min
Ep. 39 | Family Ties
Seemingly out of nowhere, an otherwise healthy man’s body starts filling with a thick, lemon meringue-like liquid that is slowly drowning him in his own fluids. His family is terrified, both for him, and for themselves – because this mysterious disease might come for them too.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 25, 2024 • 28min
Ep. 38 | After the Bell
One night, two girls from the same school are rushed to the hospital with the same deadly disease. At first, doctors worry the girls’ entire school was exposed to the same disease. But soon they realize that the problem is even bigger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jun 18, 2024 • 40min
Ep. 37 | River of Blood
In late 1976, a terrifying new disease that causes eyes to bleed grips the country of Zaire. Doctors from all over the world arrive to search for the cure… if one exists at all.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
