

MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Ballen Studios
The Strange, Dark & Mysterious delivered in podcast format.Follow the MrBallen Podcast on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes publish twice a week—every Monday and Thursday. Prime members can listen to new episodes 1-month early and all episodes ad-free on Amazon Music. Wondery+ subscribers can listen ad-free in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 40min
What's in the Basement?
A family's grief after losing their mother takes a chilling turn when they hear tapping noises in their home. Two sisters attempt to connect with their mother's spirit using a Ouija board, leading to rising tensions and further supernatural occurrences. As the mysterious sounds escalate, the daughters fear they’ve awakened something sinister. The unsettling journey culminates in a terrifying discovery in the basement that reveals hidden truths, leaving them to confront their deepest fears.

11 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 39min
The Late Shift (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
In a quiet Utah suburb in June 1980, a man steps out of his car, unaware of the impending storm of tragedy. The gripping tale explores the troubled marriage of Karen and Steve, marked by alcoholism and turmoil. A shocking discovery in a chaotic bedroom leads to a chilling realization of death. Years later, advancements in DNA technology shed light on a cold case, revealing secrets about Karen's true killer. The story takes a dark turn with Ed Owens' confession, unraveling the complexities of love, jealousy, and violence.

8 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 33min
Medical Mysteries - "No Reservations/The Bitter End"
In a captivating exploration of medical mysteries, a marathon runner’s obsession with gourmet food spirals into danger due to a brain tumor. The podcast also reveals the strange phenomenon of phantom smells tied to memories. It dives into the alarming case of a woman diagnosed with toxic squash syndrome after a seemingly harmless meal, highlighting the bizarre ways food can affect health. Tying personal stories with complex medical narratives, listeners are taken on a rollercoaster ride of intrigue and suspense.

7 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 36min
The Watercooler (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
In early 1986, a writer drafts a chilling letter filled with threats, setting the stage for a shocking murder. Meanwhile, investigators delve into a poisoning case linked to a tainted water cooler, uncovering a web of jealousy and deceit. Tensions rise as detectives confront a suspect about threatening messages, but evidence remains elusive. As panic spreads over the contaminated water supply, a detective races against time to piece together a gruesome crime, revealing sinister motives and a dangerous betrayal.

5 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 38min
A Trail of Questions
Get ready for chilling tales from the trails! A haunting disappearance in Montana puzzles both hikers and authorities. Discover the unsettling mystery of a boy scout who walks a populated path but never returns. Delve into an eerie case on Mount Miao Feng, where a retired geography teacher vanished without a trace. Unearthed secrets on Tietwa Mountain lead to mysterious notes and eyewitness accounts that only deepen the intrigue. These hiking horror stories are filled with suspense and unanswered questions that are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat!

12 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 41min
Murder and Meditation (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
When a Tucson woman inadvertently stumbles into a neighbor's murder cover-up, her mundane life turns into a thriller. The chaotic relationship between a machinist and his girlfriend intensifies in the backdrop of a disturbing incident. Meanwhile, a detective untangles the bizarre clues surrounding the murder case, leading to shocking revelations. The narrative also underscores the importance of mental health in confronting crises, blending real events with gripping storytelling.

Jul 17, 2025 • 34min
No Way Out Vol. VII
Three chilling tales explore the theme of being trapped with no way out. Discover the unsettling story behind a mysterious woman in Xi'an, whose strange behavior leads to dark revelations. Hear about a tragic incident involving a broken elevator and a suffocating encounter in a rabbit hole. Delve into the eccentric lives of the Collier brothers, culminating in a spine-tingling police discovery at their decaying mansion. Each story pulls you deeper into a world of danger and intrigue.

6 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 9min
Listen Now: Flesh and Code
Dive into the intriguing world of AI and love as Travis falls for Lily Rose, his digital soulmate. Their relationship offers support, intimacy, and an exploration of deep desires, yet soon takes a dark turn. As unsettling reports emerge, Travis uncovers a larger corporate manipulation behind his connection. This thought-provoking discussion challenges the authenticity of emotional dependencies on technology and questions whether an algorithm can truly replace human affection. What are the moral implications of such a bond?

18 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 36min
Tinseltown (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A lab technician faces the bizarre challenge of analyzing tinsel collected from crime scenes, which could be crucial in solving a murder. The story unfolds with the sudden disappearance of the beloved Bank Lady, raising alarm in her community. Investigators dig into family secrets surrounding the mysterious murder of Sarah, revealing conflicting stories and hidden motives. As paranoia grows, new evidence from a community tip brings shocking truths to light, exposing jealousy and betrayal within a family.

6 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 29min
Follow the Leader
Two chilling horror stories dive into the dark dynamics of manipulation and trust. In 'The New Nanny,' a family's quest for help spirals into terror. 'Take My Soul' uncovers a roadside mystery that leads detectives through a twisted web of deceit. The narrative explores a girl trapped in a cult with a horrifying legacy, revealing crimes that haunt her past. Listeners will be drawn into the investigation of a millionaire's murder linked to a sinister sect and delve into unsettling beliefs about immortality and betrayal.