

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

12 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 27min
Origins
Discover the ripple effects of pivotal decisions in life. A woman finds a crumpled manuscript page that leads to a literary phenomenon, turning Stephen King's 'Carrie' into a household name. Hear about a carpenter whose unexpected audition lands him the iconic role of Han Solo. Finally, witness how an impulsive act during a bad date transforms into a golden opportunity, propelling a man into the spotlight as Jon Snow. Each tale highlights how a single moment can alter destinies!

8 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 25min
When Your Eyes Deceive You (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
Explore how perceptions can lead to devastating outcomes in two gripping stories. Discover Yvonne's chilling encounter with her gorilla friend Boquito, where a smile turns sinister. Then, join Ali on a precarious bus ride that ends in chaos after a horrific accident. When the bus crashes, the truth behind the smoke exposes a shocking reality. These tales remind us that what we see isn’t always what is.

21 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 47min
The Devil's Diary (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
In a chilling tale, a man discovers haunting diaries inside a trailer that once belonged to a deceased owner. The diaries are filled with disturbing confessions about demons and a deal with the devil. The story shifts to Susan Woods, who faces a harrowing breakup and later becomes the victim of a brutal crime. A long investigation unravels, filled with twists, as suspects are scrutinized. Ultimately, a cold case review leads to the identity of the killer, revealing a shocking connection to the diaries that started it all.

20 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 41min
Fan Favorite - "The Piranha"
A routine police assignment takes a dark turn when an officer locates a missing woman, unveiling a shocking legacy of horrors. An unmarked metal drum containing a woman's body leads to suspicions of organized crime and domestic violence. As investigators dig deeper, they uncover more hidden bodies and a manipulative leader controlling families for decades. The story highlights twisted family dynamics, a mysterious escape, and the tangled web of crime, all culminating in a gripping tale of survival and deception.

9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 31min
Unreal
Get ready for three unbelievable true stories that defy all odds. A terrifying car crash leaves a driver trapped but somehow alive, with a miraculous rescue that will astound you. In another tale, a woman's routine commute takes a mysterious turn when she is hospitalized with a gunshot wound, sparking an investigation filled with twists. Finally, witness a shocking lightning strike during a wake, leading to an explosive conclusion that uncovers strange weather science. These impossible moments will leave you questioning reality!

18 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 29min
Shipwrecked (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A mysterious night unfolds in Antwerp as Odey vanishes after leaving a club. His friend's growing concern leads to a police investigation that uncovers shocking CCTV footage of two muggings. As detectives track the thieves, a massive citywide search ensues, drawing public attention and even support from Cristiano Ronaldo. Tragedy strikes when Odey's body is discovered under a sunken pool. The story raises questions about the investigation, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.

14 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 43min
Touch Me and Die (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A chilling tale unfolds in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, involving a messy chemistry lab and a mysterious note that suggests danger. Bobby Curley's unsettling illness spirals from a harmless prank into a diagnosis of thallium poisoning. Investigators find incriminating evidence, including a rag labeled 'Touch me and die.' The case takes shocking turns with family accusations and polygraph tests, ultimately revealing a calculated plot by Joanne, driven by financial motives. The gripping details of this slow poisoning saga will keep you on the edge of your seat.

9 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 29min
Vital Signs
Dive into chilling medical horror tales that will make your skin crawl. A man's nightmare unfolds after a deceptive home injection leaves him fighting for his life against a rare infection. Meanwhile, another man's mysterious illness at work reveals a hidden menace as specialists unravel a shocking diagnosis. As investigations unfold, dark secrets come to light, leading to life sentences and gripping revelations. These stories will keep you on the edge of your seat!

12 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 44min
Life is a Circus (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
A chilling story unfolds as friends gather for a cozy dinner, only for one to receive a distressing call. The tale spirals into a gripping mystery involving a disappearance, police inquiries, and a detective on the hunt. An unexpected lead from a psychic shifts the investigation toward darker secrets. As the case unravels, relationships turn deadly, revealing a shocking twist involving betrayal and a chilling murder. This narrative will keep you guessing until the very end.

16 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 28min
Family Values
A family stumbles upon alarming secrets on a laptop, unraveling dark truths. Tension escalates as they uncover a father's affair and chilling insurance policies. Suspense builds with the discovery of incriminating emails linking him to potential harm. A night of confrontation turns violent, leading to a desperate cover-up. As the truth unfolds, shocking legal consequences follow, revealing a plot to fake death for insurance money. This tale of betrayal raises the stakes on family loyalty and trust.


