True Crime Obsessed · True Crime Obsessed

Trainwreck: Balloon Boy

October 14, 2025·1 hr 14 min·5 clips

Jillian and Patrick clash over whether the Balloon Boy story was a hoax or a genuine family disaster.

This episode of True Crime Obsessed covers the "Balloon Boy" incident from the documentary series *Trainwreck*. Hosts Patrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle react to the 2009 story of a homemade flying saucer that launched in Colorado. The episode focuses on the Heene family, particularly father Richard, who built the aircraft. Richard Heene is described as an amateur scientist obsessed with building a flying saucer since 1979. The hosts detail the family's move to Fort Collins to chase tornadoes and conduct science projects with their three sons. On October 15, 2009, the family prepared to test-launch the helium-filled, foil-and-tape saucer, which was tethered to hover at 20 feet. During the test, the tether allegedly failed, and the saucer floated away with their six-year-old son, Falcon, reportedly inside. The hosts note the extensive home video footage of Falcon repeatedly stating he was inside the craft before it launched. The 911 call is recounted, where the dispatcher asked to speak to Richard's wife, Mayumi, for verification. Local news stations, including a helicopter from a channel Richard called directly, began covering the incident as the saucer traveled for over two hours. National news networks like CNN and Fox News picked up the story, with one official comparing it to an "Apollo 13 situation." The saucer eventually deflated and landed softly in a field, where a photojournalist on scene reported no child was inside. Back at the house, Falcon was discovered hiding in the attic above the garage. A surprising claim is that Richard and Mayumi met in an acting class in 1997. The hosts debate whether the event was a genuine accident or a manufactured hoax, with one host convinced it was entirely staged. They point out the perfectly framed camera shots and what they call "poorly acted" reactions during the crisis. Richard's behavior is characterized as having "zero impulse control," with him screaming and kicking a chair when the saucer initially floated away. The tone is highly conversational and comedic, filled with sarcastic commentary and pop culture references like *The Jetsons* and *Waiting for Guffman*. The style is reactive, with the hosts frequently interjecting their personal opinions and disbelief while narrating the documentary's events. Listeners who enjoy comedic recaps of bizarre true stories and media frenzies will love this episode. Those seeking a straightforward, serious analysis of the event might find the constant commentary and humor distracting.

As heard by us

A commentary-heavy Balloon Boy recap that stays with the descent and the ground-level scramble.

The episode starts with banter and platform chatter, so the case arrives a little late, but once the balloon begins to drop, the coverage stays close to the scene.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

For when you want Balloon Boy with disbelief and a lot of side-eye.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from True Crime Obsessed