logo
episode-header-image
Jul 1
28m 10s

Ep. 91 | The Mad Gasser

Wondery | Ballen Studios
About this episode

During World War 2, the small town of Mattoon, Illinois erupts into a panic. Some of its residents are falling prey to what seem like random gas attacks from an unidentified assailant. But who is the man known as “the Mad Gasser”? And why is he doing this? Is he a local madman, conducting a twisted experiment? A Nazi saboteur? Or something else entirely?

Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter

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.


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up next
Sep 11
Fan Favorite | Darkness in Donora
Following the epic crossover between MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries and Redacted: Declassified Mysteries, hosted by Luke Lamana, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes where the line between medical mystery and dark conspiracy becomes blurred.In the 1940s, the people of Don ... Show More
29m 12s
Sep 9
Fan Favorite | Culture Clash
Following the epic crossover between MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries and Redacted: Declassified Mysteries, hosted by Luke Lamana, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes where the line between medical mystery and dark conspiracy becomes blurred.When a quiet town in Oregon is ... Show More
31m 22s
Sep 4
Fan Favorite | The Carancas Curse
Following the epic crossover between MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries and Redacted: Declassified Mysteries, hosted by Luke Lamana, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes where the line between medical mystery and dark conspiracy becomes blurred.In September 2007, a meteor str ... Show More
30m 36s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Negotiation with the Devil | 5
Charlie finally has a plan to save her brothers from the scam factory when she gets a chilling phone call. Now, she must race to rescue them before it’s too late.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wonder ... Show More
28m 32s
Feb 2025
The Butcher’s Block | 3
Charlie excels at her new job, which has devastating consequences for two women who pay the price. And one of them won’t let Charlie get away with it. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, here are some resources:The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can ... Show More
32m 42s
Mar 2025
This Will Be My Last Message | 4
Jella is determined to find a way to escape, while Charlie finds herself in a desperate situation. Both women seek help from a mysterious man in Bangkok. But working with him could mean Charlie's downfall.Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendatio ... Show More
30m 36s
Aug 11
SERIAL KILLER: "The Killer Boy" Pt. 1
In the 1870s, a wave of brutal attacks rocked Boston. The shocking culprit? A 12-year-old boy named Jesse Pomeroy. In Part 1, we examine the origins of his violent behavior—from childhood trauma to disturbing fantasies—and the warning signs that signaled a killer was emerging. Ki ... Show More
44m 4s
Jun 2025
Killer Conversation: Sebastian Burns & Atif Rafay - Part 1
Did two teenagers attempt to execute the perfect crime back in 1994? Sebastian Burns has been described as the mastermind who used a metal baseball bat to kill his friend Atif Rafay's mother, father, and sister, while Atif stood by. But what was their motive? 48 Hours corresponde ... Show More
45m 14s
Aug 29
EP. 214 - MINNESOTA: The Punk Rock Axe Murders
In today’s episode, we examine a disturbing story of family annihilation, punk rock and axe murder. This is the story of David Brom and his murderous rampage, and you’re listening to “MURDER IN AMERICA”! - Listen to our new show, "THE CONSPIRACY FILES"!: -Spotify - https://open.s ... Show More
1h 35m
Jul 15
Murder in Mississippi: The Medgar Evers Assassination Case
For decades, justice for civil rights leader Medgar Evers remained out of reach. Assassinated in his own driveway in 1963, his killer walked free after two all-white juries refused to convict him. But the story didn’t end there. Nearly 30 years later, long-hidden government docum ... Show More
37m 3s
Aug 18
MURDEROUS MINDS: The Killer Step-Brother Pt. 1
When Becky Watts vanished, her family begged the public for help. But no one expected her stepbrother could be the culprit. In Part 1, we uncover the disturbing psychology of Nathan Matthews—his fixation on control, violent fantasies, and the moment that obsession turned deadly.K ... Show More
44m 56s
Sep 2
Encore: Brian Dugan, Part I
In the first half of this two part episode, former FBI agent and criminal profiler Candice DeLong revisits the crimes of Brian Dugan. Having worked on this case personally, Candice's inside knowledge brings a unique perspective to this murderer.Be the first to know about Wondery’ ... Show More
50m 11s
Mar 2025
Operation Greylord: Chicago’s Corrupt Courts
In 1979, prosecutor Terry Hake made a bold choice. He agreed to go undercover for the FBI and report on widespread corruption in the Chicago courts. As he navigated a world of bribery and backroom deals, Hake risked everything to take down some of the most powerful figures in Coo ... Show More
40m 35s