MrBallen Podcast: Vanished – A Detailed Summary

MrBallen's "Vanished" episode from the "Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories" series delves into three perplexing disappearances, each shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions. Released on March 13, 2025, this episode captivates listeners with tales of unexplained vanishing acts that have left families and authorities baffled.

1. Not Human: The Disappearance of Bobby Panknon

Overview: The first story, titled "Not Human," recounts the mysterious vanishing of four-year-old Bobby Panknon during a family camping trip in Washington State's Deep Lake area on August 2, 1963.

Key Events:

• Camping Trip: Bobby, his two older brothers, and their parents embark on a camping trip to Deep Lake. The following day, Mrs. Panknon, Edna, decides to explore an overgrown logging road near their campsite seeking a waterfall.

• Separation Incident: Edna instructs Bobby to stay on the road with his older brother Jimmy while she and the eldest son, Bill, go ahead. Shortly after, Jimmy, frustrated from waiting, joins his mother and older brother, leaving Bobby alone.

• Sudden Disappearance: Approximately 60 seconds after Jimmy and Edna return, Bobby is nowhere to be found. Initial searches yield no clues, leading to escalating panic.

Investigation Insights:

• Bloodhound Search: A bloodhound is brought in after three days without any leads. The dog tracks Bobby's scent two miles into the forest but finds nothing, ending the search after seven days.

• Abduction Theory: The lead investigator posits that an abduction is the most plausible explanation, albeit highly unlikely due to the remote location and the absence of any signs of struggle or evidence.

Notable Quote:

"Whatever it did, it probably wasn't good." – Narrator [05:19]

Conclusion: Despite extensive searches and various theories—from animal attacks to supernatural occurrences—Bobby Panknon remains missing, with his fate unresolved to this day.

2. M Cave: The Vanishing of Kenny Veach

Overview: The second narrative, "M Cave," explores the disappearance of Kenny Veach, an avid hiker who vanished while investigating a mysterious cave near the secretive Area 51 in the Mojave Desert in 2014.

Key Events:

• YouTube Investigation: Kenny, a dedicated long-distance hiker, comments on a YouTube video about Area 51, mentioning his encounter with an M-shaped cave that induced an inexplicable vibrating sensation in his body ([14:43]).

• Community Pressure: Encouraged by viewers to document his findings, Kenny returns to locate and explore the cave but fails to find it in subsequent attempts. Pressured to make another trip, he eventually heads out a third time on November 10, 2014.

• Disappearance: Kenny does not return, prompting his girlfriend to contact authorities. Searches yield his cell phone near an abandoned mineshaft but no further evidence, leading to the termination of the search.

Investigation Insights:

• Access Denial Systems: The vibration Kenny described bears resemblance to military access denial systems, which prevent unauthorized entry into secure areas ([19:13]).

• Unsolved Mystery: Theories range from natural wilderness dangers to potential secrets linked to Area 51, but no concrete evidence explains Kenny's disappearance.

Notable Quote:

"It's like being thrust inside of a microwave." – Narrator [19:12]

Conclusion: Kenny Veach's disappearance remains a haunting mystery, fueling speculation about hidden secrets near Area 51 and emphasizing the perilous nature of exploring uncharted territories.

3. Mine Is Mine: The Vanishing of Robert "Volcanic" Brown

Overview: The final story, "Mine Is Mine," tells the tale of Robert Brown, affectionately known as "Volcanic," an 86-year-old gold prospector who disappeared in 1931 while searching for a legendary gold mine in British Columbia, Canada.

Key Events:

• Preparation for the Expedition: Volcanic, a seasoned prospector, purchases supplies for his expedition to Stave Lake, driven by a map gifted by a grateful indigenous woman ([22:29]).

• Journey Begins: Despite physical limitations, including a limp from previous frostbite-induced amputations, Volcanic embarks on his quest, facing harsh wilderness conditions.

• Mysterious Encounter: Near Stave Glacier, Volcanic experiences eerie phenomena—a phantom wind that doesn't correspond to any visible weather patterns ([39:43]).

• Final Expedition and Disappearance: On November 2, 1931, a game warden discovers Volcanic's collapsed tent near Stave Lake, containing an empty sleeping bag, his supplies, a journal (missing the last page), and a glass jar with ambiguous contents.

Investigation Insights:

• The Glass Jar: Two theories surround the jar's contents:

  • Gold Nuggets: Suggesting Volcanic found the mine, indicating its existence.
  • Golden Teeth: Symbolizing Volcanic's disappearance without evidence of the mine's existence.

• Legacy: Over 33 individuals have perished or vanished seeking the elusive mine, underscoring its enigmatic and perilous reputation.

Notable Quote:

"It's going to take weeks to reach the gold mine, but he knew he was going the right way..." – Narrator [22:29]

Conclusion: Robert "Volcanic" Brown's disappearance adds another layer to the mythos surrounding hidden treasures and cursed endeavors. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the relentless pursuit of legends in unforgiving landscapes.

Final Reflections

The "Vanished" episode masterfully intertwines real-life mysteries, highlighting the thin line between adventure and the unknown. Each story serves as a testament to the enduring allure of unexplained disappearances and the human fascination with uncovering the truth behind them.

Disclaimer: All stories are based on true events, with pseudonyms used to protect individuals involved. Some details are fictionalized for dramatic purposes.

For more intriguing and eerie tales, explore MrBallen Studios' extensive podcast collection, available on Amazon Music and various other platforms.