Balun attended Bethany College in the fall of 1994 as a music education major. During his time as a Swede, Balun was a member of the Blue Dozen Pep band and Bethany College Symphonic Concert Band. In 2010, Balun was the "Voice of the Swedes", announcing all the home football games.

He is a 2000 graduate of McPherson College with a bachelor of science degree in philosophy and religion. At McPherson, Balun served as an equipment manager with the football team for four years.

Balun currently lives in Ellinwood where he writes sports for the Ellinwood Leader and is an active supporter of Ellinwood High School athletics, keeping stats for football, basketball and softball and helping with football equipment.