Podcasts > RUN, FOOL!

RUN, FOOL! • Ballen Studios

Out of the terrifying mind of Rodney Barnes comes RUN, FOOL!, a weekly compendium of grisly and harrowing tales guaranteed to make you scream. Pull up a seat at the campfire and lean in for a new breed of modern ghost story. If you get too scared ... RUN, FOOL! From the page to the screen – and now straight to your ears – Rodney Barnes has created genre defining stories about monsters, demons, vampires, and the occult. With RUN, FOOL!, every week he’ll tell a new story, each of a different place and period, all equally frightening - and all brought together with gripping and immersive sound design. New episodes every Tuesday. RUN, FOOL! is presented by Ballen Studios, Campside Media, and At Will Media.

Listen to the original

RUN, FOOL! • Ballen Studios

Episodes

  • The Snallygaster Gang

    Dive into the unsettling world of "RUN, FOOL!" where the latest episode unravels a chilling tale from the fringes of the occult and adolescent dare. Speakers Rodney Barnes and his co-hosts delve deep into the psyche of Simon, a young man lured into a dangerous brotherhood and subjected to a disturbing initiation rite that challenges the limits of loyalty and survival.

    In this gripping podcast, we explore the tragic trajectory of Simon's life: from the pivotal moment of betrayal during a nightmarish ceremony in the woods to his spiraling downfall into isolation and madness. The stark narrative laid out by the speakers paints a harrowing picture of loss, regret, and the irrevocable impact of a single, fateful choice. Witness Simon's struggles with mental health and homelessness outside the veneer of civilization, revealing the precarious balance between societal norms and the shadows that lie just beyond.

    Mar 19, 2024

  • The Mermaid

    Dive into the mythical depths with the latest "RUN, FOOL!" podcast episode, where spectacular fiction meets haunting reality. Join speakers Rodney Barnes and others as they unravel the tragic tale of Adam, a man ensnared by the beguiling yet lethal allure of a mermaid named Kaya. In this poignant narrative, listeners explore the powerful grip of love and the dangerous obsession that follows when one succumbs to the siren's call.

    This episode weaves a story of enchantment and peril, where entrancing beauty masks a deadly truth. As Adam's descent into an addictive fascination with Kaya becomes his undoing, the podcast presents a sobering exploration of the consequences that befall those who cannot resist the potent lure of destructive desires. The haunting message underscores the fine line between infatuation and fatal attraction, leaving the audience to ponder the risks of surrendering to the enchantment of the unknown.

    Mar 12, 2024

  • The Vampire of Mercy Notch Pt. 2

    Dive into the chilling saga of "RUN, FOOL!" as the speakers unravel the grisly and supernatural tale that unfolds in the small town of Mercy Notch. In the latest installment, authorities are confronted with a gruesome discovery in Mem Proctor's house, unearthing a sinister scheme that has left lasting scars on the community. With multiple bodies uncovered, including that of a long-missing boy subjected to unspeakable horrors, this episode delves deep into the evidence of unfathomable crimes and the unraveling of a staged suicide meant to conceal a nefarious truth.

    The mystery intensifies as the episode explores the age-defying secrets of Mem Proctor, whose vampiric tendencies are suggested to be the source of his extended lifespan. The fingerprints of a century-old Nazi officer and the dark revelations of an occult expert raise alarming questions about Mem Proctor's true nature. Coupled with the enigmatic psychic prowess used to lure his victims, this episode leaves listeners pondering his potential return, as the ominous prophecy casts a long, disturbing shadow over the unnerving events at Mercy Notch.

    Mar 5, 2024

  • The Vampire of Mercy Notch Pt. 1

    In the gripping "RUN, FOOL!" podcast, the mysterious vanishing of Ebin Toll sets the stage for a chilling investigation in the episode titled "The Vampire of Mercy Notch Pt. 1." The narrative unfolds as the hosts delve into the details of Toll's disappearance, highlighting the unsettling evidence left behind and the perplexing circumstances surrounding his potential plan to flee with his girlfriend. As suspicions mount, the lack of clues at his residence suggests there may be more to the story than a simple elopement.

    Throughout the episode, the podcast takes listeners along with Sheriff Bill and Deputy Flynn as they navigate the puzzling clues, from following a trail of footprints to a tense encounter with the critically wounded Jesse Ruiz at the Petersons' unoccupied summer home. Further complicating the case are the prior accusations against Wesley Mercer, a nearby resident with a checkered past, whose proximity to critical leads draws attention from law enforcement. "RUN, FOOL!" interweaves these threads, crafting a narrative that beckons for answers as much as it echoes with the unknown.

    Feb 27, 2024

  • The Dark Watchers

    Delve into the eerie and mystical world of Big Sur with "RUN, FOOL!" as guests Rodney Barnes and a local caretaker named Steve weave a tale of obsession and mystery. In this episode, listeners are plunged into the experiences of Rae Dean Curtis, an aspiring novelist who inadvertently falls under the spell of the Dark Watchers, supernatural entities rumored to roam the mountains. Her search for inspiration turns perilous as her fascination turns into an ominous trance, blurring the lines between reality and nightmares.

    Recounted through the eyes of Rodney and Steve, this narrative explores the dangers that can accompany the pursuit of artistic enlightenment. It takes us on an unexpected journey from an artist's hypnotic encounter to the lifesaving compassion of a caretaker who not only rescues Rae but finds a new companion in the dog left behind. As Rodney grapples with the harrowing account, we're offered a glimpse into the deep impact stories can have—sometimes redirecting one’s life path entirely back to the comforts and responsibilities of home.

    Feb 20, 2024