

MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Ballen Studios
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories is a true crime and mystery podcast that presents strange, dark and mysterious content delivered in story format. The program is hosted by John Allen a.k.a. MrBallen.
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Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes 7-days early and ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 29, 2024 • 33min
Phantom Driver
Two chilling stories highlight drivers who stray from their paths, leading to haunting discoveries. The investigation into a reckless driver on England's A3 reveals a tragic car crash and ties to a missing man. Meanwhile, a mysterious rumbling in an Arizona forest hints at something far more unsettling. Adding to the intrigue is the perplexing disappearance of a truck driver, whose fate remains shrouded in mystery after the discovery of his skull years later. These narratives intertwine the eerie with the mundane, captivating listeners.

Aug 26, 2024 • 39min
The Cold, Dark Basement (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
An abandoned house fire in Queens uncovers a chilling crime scene with a corpse in a basement. The narrative delves into the tragic murder of Kim Antonakis, exposing a web of danger tied to a figure called Psycho. Eerie insights from psychics color the mystery surrounding Kim’s disappearance. The complexities of police work and the contrasting investigative styles of detectives add tension. Additionally, a review of high-profile crime trials reveals controversies and the looming shadows of unresolved narratives.

Aug 22, 2024 • 32min
Wetsuits & Lasers
The guest, a man involved in a bizarre 911 call about his missing girlfriend, presents a strange tale of love and kidnapping. His erratic behavior raises suspicions during the police investigation. As detectives delve deeper, they uncover a twisted narrative filled with eerie clues about men in wetsuits and lasers. The story reveals a complex web of deception, emotional turmoil, and the harrowing journey of the victims, Denise and Aaron, who ultimately find resilience and healing amid the chaos.

Aug 19, 2024 • 40min
The Smell of Cyanide (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
In a gripping tale from 1986, a medical examiner discovers the smell of almonds, hinting at cyanide poisoning in a seemingly healthy woman. This shocking revelation leads to a nationwide investigation into her mysterious death. The story unravels the chilling circumstances surrounding the collapse of a bank vice president, revealing deep family secrets and a mother's horrific greed for insurance money. As detectives chase leads, the case escalates into a public health crisis, leaving everyone shaken.

Aug 15, 2024 • 27min
Stranger Than Fiction Vol. VI
Dive into bizarre tales of true events that blur the line between reality and fiction. Uncover shocking medical injustices from the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and a life-threatening incident involving a questionable delicacy. Discover the astonishing story of an octopus found in an esophagus, paired with a discussion on mental health. Finally, explore a karaoke night gone tragically wrong, where a simple song choice leads to a haunting fatal encounter. These stories will leave you questioning what’s real.

Aug 12, 2024 • 40min
Silent Screams (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
Sergeant Dan Birbeck, a seasoned officer who tackled a chilling crime scene in Texas, details a baffling case. He discovered a bloody scene with a missing victim while the family remained eerily silent nearby—sleeping and gaming through the chaos. Unraveling this mystery, he questions whether the family is hiding something sinister. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll of violent crimes, the complexities of evidence, and the darker secrets lurking within communities that often go unnoticed.

Aug 8, 2024 • 31min
Malicious
Dive into unsettling tales of deception and chaos rooted in dark relationships. One story reveals a man's shocking reaction when he discovers his wife's pregnancy with another man. Another tale takes a chilling turn during a Christmas dinner, uncovering sinister secrets behind a charming facade. These narratives illustrate the dangerous consequences of seemingly innocent actions and relationships, leading to heart-wrenching betrayals and life-altering fates.

Aug 5, 2024 • 38min
The Final Keystroke (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A classroom of sixth graders waits in vain for their substitute teacher, leading to a chilling discovery at her home. The tragic story of the Cola family unfolds, revealing dark secrets behind their shocking murder. An agent uncovers critical clues at the crime scene, while the victim's son shares haunting memories. As family secrets and financial troubles come to light, unexpected twists emerge, implicating a relative. The podcast also hints at a mysterious illness affecting students, inviting listeners to explore even more strange occurrences.

Aug 1, 2024 • 26min
Medical Mysteries - "It Moves"
A young woman experiences a strange burning sensation while fishing in Alaska, leading to a disturbing discovery. She encounters a rare eye parasite that forces her to confront her own health in a chilling and suspenseful journey. As she grapples with the psychological effects of her infection, she learns to adapt to life at sea and the importance of health guidelines. This captivating story blends horror with relatable adventure, leaving listeners both fascinated and unnerved.

Jul 29, 2024 • 39min
The Artist (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
An art student stumbles upon a chilling mystery when she finds her roommate unresponsive in their Dallas apartment. This leads to a haunting investigation, revealing dark secrets about the people around them. The story takes a personal turn as it explores the power of art in dealing with loneliness and emotional struggles. As the investigation unfolds, jealousy and hidden motives emerge, culminating in a tragic yet poignant tribute to a life lost too soon, through a scholarship established in her memory.


