Southern Mysteries Podcast

723
History #176

Unearthing the forgotten, the mysterious, and the legendary—one Southern story at a time. Hosted by Shannon Ballard, Southern Mysteries explores the rich and often untold history of the American South through a captivating mix of folklore, legends, unexplained mysteries, and true crime. Each episode uncovers a compelling tale from a Southern state, blending history with intrigue to reveal the fascinating stories that time left behind. While some episodes delve into chilling crimes, others spotlight legendary figures, ghostly lore, or baffling events.Sometimes the mystery is: why haven’t you heard the story?

Recent Episodes
  • Coming Soon: Southern Mysteries Serial: Mystery on Montford Avenue
    Apr 28, 2025 – 01:38
  • Episode 164 Circus Tragedies and Mysteries of the South
    Apr 28, 2025 – 27:26
  • Episode 163 Toni Jo Henry Louisiana's Femme Fatale
    Apr 14, 2025 – 24:54
  • Episode 162: Vanished in the Smokies - The Mysterious Disappearance of Polly Melton
    Mar 31, 2025 – 28:35
  • Episode 161 Murder in Sebring - The William Carver Murder Trials
    Mar 17, 2025 – 26:26
  • Episode 160 Lincoln’s Rebel Relatives: When Family Stood on Opposing Sides
    Mar 3, 2025 – 33:02
  • Episode 159 Unraveling the Mystery of Dr. Death and the York Family
    Feb 17, 2025 – 24:31
  • Episode 158 The Louisville Torture House
    Feb 3, 2025 – 33:07
  • Episode 157 Murder at the Richards Mansion
    Jan 20, 2025 – 27:26
  • Episode 156 Blame No One But I: The Lawson Family Murders
    Dec 16, 2024 – 23:39
  • Episode 155 Appalachian Outlaw Kinnie Wagner
    Dec 2, 2024 – 21:27
  • Episode 154 The Curious Case of Condy Dabney
    Nov 18, 2024 – 26:47
  • Episode 153 The First Female Serial Killer in Texas
    Nov 4, 2024 – 22:17
  • Episode 152 Cyrus Teed and the Koreshan Unity
    Sep 23, 2024 – 37:38
  • Episode 151 The Mystery of the Witch of Yazoo City
    Sep 9, 2024 – 30:13
  • Episode 150 The Mystery of the Sensational Co-Ed Murder
    Aug 26, 2024 – 41:09
  • Episode 149 The Mysterious Disappearance of David Glenn Lewis
    Aug 12, 2024 – 27:28
  • Episode 148 The Mysterious Death of Mary Ravenel
    Jul 29, 2024 – 28:09
  • Episode 147 Helen Spence Arkansas Delta Folk Hero
    May 27, 2024 – 29:05
  • Episode 146 Dr. Feist and Mrs. Mangrum
    May 13, 2024 – 34:00
  • Episode 145 The Mystery of the Wagner Murders
    Apr 29, 2024 – 30:02
  • Episode 144 The Disappearance of the Nelms Sisters
    Apr 15, 2024 – 32:26
  • Episode 143 Battle of Blair Mountain
    Apr 1, 2024 – 26:45
  • Episode 142 The Mysterious Disappearance of Ruth Dorsey
    Mar 18, 2024 – 27:59
  • Episode 141 The New Orleans Trunk Murders
    Mar 4, 2024 – 23:34
  • Episode 140 William and Ellen Craft - Desperate Leap to Liberty
    Feb 19, 2024 – 25:59
  • Episode 139 Who Killed Betty Gail Brown?
    Feb 5, 2024 – 29:59
  • Episode 138 The Murder of Fannie McCue
    Jan 22, 2024 – 35:51
  • Episode 137 Myra Clark and The Great Gaines Case
    Dec 11, 2023 – 22:55
  • Southern Mysteries Classics The Kidnapping of Alice Speed Stoll
    Nov 27, 2023 – 27:09
  • Episode 136 The Murder of Stringbean Akeman The Kentucky Wonder
    Nov 13, 2023 – 35:52
  • Episode 135 The Legs Murder Scandal
    Oct 30, 2023 – 37:10
  • Episode 134 Haunted Savannah The City That Lives Upon The Dead
    Oct 16, 2023 – 39:46
  • Episode 133 The Shocking Smith Family Massacre
    Oct 2, 2023 – 27:22
  • Episode 132 The Flapper Bandit
    Sep 18, 2023 – 27:03
  • Southern Mysteries Classic Three Sisters in Black
    Sep 4, 2023 – 34:00
  • Episode 131 Otto Wood The Hillbilly Houdini
    Aug 21, 2023 – 23:34
  • Episode 130 The 1964 Freedom Summer Murders
    Aug 7, 2023 – 48:09
  • Southern Mysteries Classics The Widow of Hazel Green
    Jul 24, 2023 – 33:34
  • Episode 129 The Walker Family Murders
    Jun 19, 2023 – 46:53
  • Episode 128 The Kentucky Tragedy
    Jun 5, 2023 – 35:12
  • Episode 127 The Butcher of Elmendorf
    May 15, 2023 – 27:14
  • Episode 126 George Stinney, Jr
    May 1, 2023 – 32:52
  • Patreon Preview Audacious Chapter 1 The Man in the Attic
    Apr 24, 2023 – 21:46
  • Episode 125 The Mysterious Disappearance of Jane Rowell
    Apr 10, 2023 – 29:17
  • Episode 123 Lena Clarke The Murdering Postmistress
    Mar 13, 2023 – 25:13
  • Episode 122 Henrietta Wood and Elizabeth Key
    Feb 27, 2023 – 30:07
  • Episode 121 Harry Powers The Bluebeard of Quiet Dell
    Feb 13, 2023 – 26:48
  • Episode 120 The Disappearance of Alma Kellner
    Jan 30, 2023 – 35:49
  • Episode 119 The Scottsboro Boys
    Jan 16, 2023 – 30:37
Recent Reviews
  • CTMW Fan
    Excellent podcast!
    Great story telling and very interesting stories. Keep up the GREAT work! Keep the stories coming!!!!
  • Kat513
    Good Storytelling
    I’m not a fan of sensationalized crime stories. However, I am interested in stories that took place in the southern US, my adopted home. I never thought I’d subscribe to a true crime podcast, yet here I am. This podcast tells stories of real people who encountered awful things. It has just the right touch of respect for those who suffered, and judgment of those who committed the crimes.
  • nigeldoggie
    Love this podcast!
    One of my favorites! Love the well researched history and how the story is laid out.
  • Katienjourno
    My new favorite podcast!
    I love, love, love this podcast! So well-researched and narrated. It builds anticipation without adding unnecessary fluff.
  • Meri Virginia
    Meri Virginia
    I’m hooked!!!
  • Niki Ski
    Loving it!
    I’m a new listener, and really enjoying the laid back approach to the story telling. Everything is very well researched and delivered, without all the gore and added drama from some other shows. Thank you!
  • Melly2gatos
    Excellent Podcast
    As a voracious reader of mysteries I’m so excited to have found the Southern Mysteries podcast. Researched extremely well with mysteries that enrich my knowledge of the South. Thanks. 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
  • Evan's Mama
    Love!!!!❤️
    10 stars out of 5! Shannon is definitely not just regurgitating the same ole same ole… Informative and entertaining… 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
  • Noreen 52
    Best podcast!
    Shannon keeps it to the topic, I get tired of listening to podcasts that take up 15 minutes talking about themselves!
  • JulyDot
    Great Podcast
    Excellent podcast. Interesting topics. I really enjoy this podcast.
  • Cmtheresa
    One of my favorites
    I have listened for a few years now. This podcast has everything you want- well researched, wonderful voice, interesting topics, learn a little something, doesn’t drag on for multiple episodes. Whenever a new one shows in my feed it is the first thing I listen to. Keep it up!
  • Staff123456789
    My new favorite 🤩
    A must if you want some new crime . I have been looking for this type of podcast ! Must Listen!
  • jEffigy33
    Consistently Great Show
    I love this show! The host is great & the show is incredibly well done. Cannot recommend it enough.
  • Hopeless without reels
    Listening in Wisconsin
    I travel quite often, and I always am sure to download all the newest episodes before I am onto my next adventure
  • Darrin1265
    Do yourself a favor and listen!
    I never listened to podcasts before. Shannon was my first I picked. I’ve been hooked every since. Not only a great story teller but her historical research goes above and beyond. After listening to the episode on Robert Smalls I visited Beaufort SC, and took a tour. I could almost quote the tour guide.
  • Theyoungant
    Great show
    Great storytelling along with an interesting true crime story and historical context.
  • Thereassa
    Well Done!!
    This is a very interesting and well researched program. I enjoy historical crime and all history. This program checks all the right boxes. Thank you Shannon Ballard!!!
  • JenH313
    Excellent Stories and Storytelling
    What a well organized, thoughtful, interesting and entertaining podcast! Currently bingeing all episodes and looking forward to upcoming new releases.
  • Real Nikka 91
    Badder than a 3 year old
    She super fine
  • LoriP79
    My new favorite
    I looked up podcasts about a specific case. I came across Southern Mysteries and binged all the episodes. I love the mix of true crime and history.
  • Brittpetti
    Very interesting!
    We started listening to this on our road trip across the south. I love the cross section of stories.
  • 167farm
    Riveting, honest stories told with incredible attention to detail and integrity
    These stories are such important pieces of our history. Thank you for your dedication to the truth.
  • Lee Geranios
    George Stinney
    George Stinney was guilty. He led the police to the bodies and the murder weapon. Everyone in town knew he did it. Plus he was a mean kid. You need to research this instead of listening to libs. I do not condone the execution of 14 years olds. This was not racially motivated.
  • JEDooligan
    Excellent!!
    Just recently discovered this podcast and it’s SOOOOOO GOOD! Very well researched and such a great voice for narration, plus it’s super interesting and actually includes cases and stories I’ve never heard of before! LOVE!!!
  • Trekkie Jim
    Wonderful podcast
    A perfect combination of History and murder. Stories are perfectly told for a wonderful journey into the past. Shannon Ballard has the perfect voice
  • amie bee
    I’m not from the South but I love the voice and stories!
    Please make this a weekly show! I always learn more about the south and historic events. She has a calm southern charm to tell us the chilling, scary stories, love it ❤️
  • Champrincess
    Easy on the ears
    This is one of my favorite podcasts. Shannon has a great podcast voice. Excellent depth of content & very little small talk.
  • M!chelle;-D
    Sounds like Home
    Love Shannon Ballard’s voice, southern and educated. Enjoy listening to these podcasts.
  • 2929073
    Well done
    A nice mix of interesting Southern mysteries and histories. The stories are researched and narrated well and have just the right amount of detail to entertain and be memorable.
  • WHATUSAY
    Awesome Podcast
    This is an awesome podcast. I love Shannon’s voice, and the way she covers the story without a lot of unnecessary information. She has a perfect voice for a mystery love all the stories chosen.
  • MoFrenchy
    Amazing, professional podcast
    I have listened to many many true crime podcasts. One thing that really annoys me for most of them is the little talks about the hosts personal lives, opinions, political views… etc… I want to listen to the stories and learn about the people and what they went through. This podcast is AMAZING. It starts with the story and end with the story, no breaks during the story to talk about something completely off. Shannon’s voice was made to tell stories, it is always the same tone, there is no misspelling, there is no weird side noises, the microphone is great quality. I mean, I don’t know what else to say, it is just perfect. Also, I just moved to the South and so interested in what happened here.
  • Sistine25
    This is the podcast that hooked me on podcasts!
    Shannon is an absolutely fantastic storyteller and top-notch researcher!
  • rmerrick64
    Love!
    The stories on Southern Mysteries are well-researched and told so engagingly! Once I found this podcast, I told everyone about it, and always look forward to the next one! Thank you, Shannon Ballard!
  • Stacy Beth
    I adore this podcast!
    I am so excited every time a new one is released- thank you!
  • KACloud
    So Good!
    I am addicted to Southern Mysteries! Unique content and an excellent host. I highly recommend for anyone who loves a good story!
  • Pops.99
    Bad Pacing
    Good content ruined by bad pacing that comes off as if the storyteller is trying to read poetry instead. It’s not that hard… to tell a story… and sound natural… without exaggerated pausing… to try and sound… compelling to listeners… because it sounds… robotic. Just speak naturally as you already have a great voice that’s smooth, gentle, calming and captivating. I can’t continue w/ this podcast even though I’d love to.
  • Whit0604
    Great stories, soothing voice
    This show is absolutely fantastic. I normally listen to serialized podcasts. But Shannon has such a great way of summarizing the most interesting and obscure stories. Her voice is one of the best amongst podcasters. Whether you like true crime, or history, or the American South, or any combination of the above… this is the podcast for you!
  • PW from GR
    Great stories, writing, narrator
    Shannon knows her stuff and tells it well. I love it.
  • wild wild south
    Outstanding
    Kept us well entertained from New Orleans to Atlanta and back!
  • locashband1023
    Absolutely hooked on this podcast.
    I found your podcast
  • TopsailT
    Fantastic!
    My favorite podcast!! I love the content, the presentation and Shannon’s voice. I keep coming back searching for more episodes. Praying there will be more soon. I can’t find anything I like better!!
  • Lee Lee
    Hooked!
    A friend of mine shared your podcast with me last week and I was instantly hooked! I’m from Texas so I find all the stories from the south fascinating! Keep up the good work!
  • Rdbutler
    Weird pace
    The content is interesting, but I just can’t get past the weird pace of the narration. The host starts …. and stops in ways that through me off.
  • Cinnyn
    A lot of fun
    I love this podcast. I love to hear the weird and the old and the history all contained.
  • Devil4311
    Love this podcast
    I really enjoy her story telling. The podcast is well produced. ❤️
  • listener CG
    Love your history lessons !
    I love to listen to Miss Ballard tell about our history even if it it hard to hear and believe. Thank you.
  • gofannon1943
    Superb storytelling of little-known cases
    I adore this podcast. Ms. Ballard finds many cases that are mostly lost to history and revives them in a succinct but nonetheless fascinating way. I had never heard about Bloody Bob Sims. It’s a great American story about vengeance and justice, and the importance of choosing the latter.
  • Grover1889
    Excellent Podcast
    Single Host-no mindless, time wasting banter. She is a great storyteller and is very understandable. No politics, just the facts. Keep up the great work!
  • kiaaaaaajaaaaayyyyyyy777777
    I’m a southern girl living in a big city
    I’m so thankful for your podcast I get so homesick I’m from a small town in South Carolina, I feel like I’m home sitting on the porch when I hear you thank you
  • megmelmck
    If you like Southern history you’ll love this!
    Shannon is a wonderful storyteller with a great voice and brings old southern mysteries to life in an exciting and interesting way.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.