

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
Dec 16, 2024 • 38min
Head for the Hills (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A chilling discovery in Griffith Park leads to a complex investigation involving dismembered body parts. A woman's haunting find of a severed head opens the door to betrayal and deep personal connections. The story delves into the tragic murder of Hervey Medellin, highlighting ties to drug cartels and the lies surrounding his wealth. Key evidence in the case draws a chilling line between the murderer and the crime, showcasing the intricacies of true crime storytelling.

12 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 34min
The City of Death
A former Navy SEAL shares his harrowing journey from combat to humanitarian aid. He confronts moral dilemmas while witnessing the brutality of war, particularly involving innocent children. The story depicts intense battles against ISIS, showcasing bravery and the urgent need for medical assistance in conflict zones. Amid chaos, a miraculous rescue exemplifies hope. This incredible narrative reveals how one man's experiences fueled his commitment to helping families in dire situations through his initiative, Stronghold Rescue and Relief.

9 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 41min
Murder on the Answering Machine (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A woman's normal evening takes a chilling turn when a disturbing voicemail filled with screams prompts her to call 911. The haunting case of Sarah Rarris unfolds as her friend receives the tragic message, leading police to uncover the dark realities of her murder. Tension rises during the investigation, as emotional interviews raise doubts about the estranged husband's innocence. Detective Rettig's relentless pursuit of the truth reveals surprising twists, forever changing the lives of those involved.

Dec 5, 2024 • 35min
Stranger Than Fiction Vol. VII
Reality often outshines fiction in this intriguing collection of tales. Discover the eerie backstory behind a beloved 90s song that takes a sinister turn. Unravel the mysteries surrounding an elderly couple's chilling disappearance while bound for a music festival. And dive into the chaotic journey of the Russian Baltic Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War, filled with shocking blunders and miscommunications that shaped history. Each story weaves together elements of tragedy, inspiration, and the unforeseen consequences of reckless decisions.

11 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 36min
Square Dance of Death (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
In a seemingly joyous square dance event, a widow unknowingly becomes the target of a dangerous obsession. As the night unfolds, chilling moments reveal a fellow dancer's fixation spiraling out of control. Friends rally to investigate alarming signs when her safety is compromised. The emotional layers deepen as she revisits the dance club, confronting past traumas. Ultimately, the tale unravels into a web of betrayal and jealousy, leading to shocking revelations about the complex relationships within the dance community.

32 snips
Nov 28, 2024 • 26min
An Unforgettable Fare
A mysterious missing person case in Taiwan takes a chilling turn, highlighted by a spine-tingling apartment scene. The story dives into the eerie transformation of a taxi driver, Leo, whose bizarre obsession with Buddhist statues raises red flags. His unsettling behavior intertwines with past disappearances, creating a web of intrigue. As the investigation unfolds, Leo's connection to a missing woman named Mariko reveals haunting secrets that delve into psychological fear, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.

5 snips
Nov 25, 2024 • 34min
The Lipstick on the Wall (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A woman in Alabama awakens from a chilling vision, leading police to a horrifying crime scene. The story dives into the tragedy of a blended family shattered by a brutal double homicide, revealing connections to past crimes. As investigators unravel the case, intriguing insights emerge from the victims' daughter. The plot thickens with dark revelations about the killer, Randy, whose desperate attempts to hide his crime only deepen the trauma for the victims' family. It's a gripping exploration of mystery and emotional fallout.

6 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 26min
Ghost Town
Dive into the eerie tales of ghost towns, starting with the haunting history of Portlock, Alaska. Discover the chilling mysteries that drove its residents away and the unsettling folklore surrounding a creature linked to the town. Then, explore Dudley Town and its dark legacy filled with tragedies and ghostly occurrences. Unravel the stories of oblivion where once-thriving communities decayed into shadows of their former selves, revealing the sinister side of forgotten places.

Nov 18, 2024 • 34min
In the Weeds (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
In 1986, a nurse goes missing in San Antonio, sparking fears of a serial killer. Colleagues find haunting notes at her door, hinting at deeper mysteries. As investigators uncover a murdered teenager, connections unravel in a web of deceit. Suspicion falls on loved ones, revealing disturbing betrayals and shocking truths. The gripping parallel stories highlight the struggle of law enforcement against a backdrop of manipulation and fear. Amidst the chaos, the search for justice exposes chilling realities of the human condition.

Nov 14, 2024 • 36min
Clinical Lycanthropy
Delve into a harrowing tale that explores the descent of a once-promising student into chaos fueled by mental turmoil. Discover chilling incidents stemming from severe mental health crises and the tragic consequences of untreated illness. Examine the dark concept of clinical lycanthropy as forensic psychology sheds light on violent behavior. A remorseful admission following a brutal attack raises unsettling questions about accountability and justice, wrapped in a narrative of complex human psychology.