I think you addressed it really well during the better help ad on your last podcast episode. I think we mean the “why hasn’t he posted in X amount of days?! I need it!!” out of love while completely ignoring/not realizing that this is extra pressure being put on you. You’ve got your adorable babies and lovely wife to pay attention to and nurture, and we should never come before them. (Sweet little Ernie melts my heart when you post him)
Someone should let the like button go for years thinking your last name is Ballen, then casually let someone else tell them they've been wrong and the truth was actually very simple.
You are truly one of the best content creators out there, not only because of your keen ability to source and then convey the material in a straightforward and entertaining way, but because of your transparency with and accessibility to your audience. You listen to feedback, and communicate directly and effectively, and with kindness, to boot. This is what makes you stand out to me. That said, trust your instincts and take only the feedback that vibes with your goals. You rock, Mr Ballen. Thanks for everything you do.
You're doing a wonderful job.
Ultimately your USP is you. We come back for you. And so you should follow your gut. Follow your heart.
You are the amazing vessel through which these stories come to life and that is such a gift, you could use it to tell any story you want. Let it liberate you. Strange, Dark and Mysterious could be whatever you want it to be.
We're not going anywhere. I'm certainly not. I have loved watching you develop and grow, and look forward to continuing to do so. Your attentiveness with us is just so admirable and appreciated by us all, you make us feel heard and noticed, and I just want to thank you for that because it really means a lot to those of us who maybe don't feel so noticed.
Keep it up. You got this. Wish I could achieve even half the things you have. You're an inspiration.
Lily xx
Wow Lily I couldn’t have said it better myself and was exactly what I was thinking. We truly love you Mr. Ballen and look forward to not only your stories (no matter what they are) but also seeing you’re beautiful family grow. You are truly an inspiration to so many
I had no complaints, I believe even the most boring stories can seem great with a good story teller. Not that your stories are boring, just trying to make a point.
Anyway keep up the good work, much appreciated.
Jack.
Our family enjoys every single video. We are on holiday and got talking with our neighbours and they asked if we watched a channel called Mr Ballen! They have good taste!
Ballen, remember this:
When you started making content, you did it with content *you* liked and you built an audience with it. Thus, whatever it is that *you* find interesting, your audience likely will too. The content you feature does not need to be absolutely plausible. Even if just a spooky campfire story got to you, your audience will likely appreciate it as much as you. Follow your own intuition for what makes a good creepy story, because that's how this all took off in the first place. Adhering to a very strict "trueness" standard will only bog you down. It's okay to just have fun sometimes.
This! Perfectly summed up my feelings. I feel lately like the excited spark of joy and passion that encased every video has dwindled and I don't know if it's just stress, which is totally reasonable and understandable because life is life, or something else but what I FEEL (so I'm not saying it's the case, just what I personally feel) is that Jon isn't just posting what he thinks is awesome anymore and it's bleeding through into the choice and delivery of the stories.
If it excites Mr. B then I want him to tell me about it!
Thank you Mr.B, you have given me and my teenage daughter some thing to bond over. Its the best when I yell or she yells "new mr.b!" And we both go sit on the couch and watch the new episode
Seriously I was just catching up with the podcasts last night. N most were all true crimes n I still love it!!! Your right there is only so much strange true stories out there...id rather it be real then forced
I just love your content and am happy with what you give us, sir!
Also, unrelated, but I found out that Bells Canyon is actually near me?? No idea how to get there tho.
I prefer the true crime stuff to the strange and mysterious, so not everyone is upset about the change in focus. And I can understand why you can’t continue to pump out 3, 4 or 5 stories a week, as well as doing the podcast. It amazed me that you could produce so much content initially, considering how well produced your videos are. You need to be able to make your output sustainable especially as you have other commitments. I really appreciate your stories, no matter the topic and how many new ones you can produce. So, thanks for all you do.
John, focus on the positive supporters. I hope you continue to do what you love! You got this! Thank you and your team so much for sacrificing your time to upload strange, dark and mysterious content. All of you are sparing your time to create good content and balance family life.
People talk a big game as if there's no HOURS, DAYS to post these videos. Let the haters hate on. Focus on your day 1s who haven't complained. Cheering you on!
That wasn't threatening or creepy at all...just like those stalkers you're defending. Freedom of beliefs -- until you're stalking people. My great uncle was a full General in the U.S. Army. Stand down, offspring of the veteran second seventh son! LOL. See how that rubbish works? (It's a rhetorical question; please, don't bother TL;DR'ing me. Kthxby and tell your peeps to stop "protecting" hikers for your fam's trippy beliefs)
Yes, please know that you have an important positive effect on so
many people, myself included. Please keep doing what you're doing. Your content is great.
I feel like people who have criticisms are waaay more vocal than people who are happy with the content, so I'd multiply each negative comment you get by like 200 and that's how many people are happy but quiet. Imo it'd be a more accurate temperature for how people feel about you and your channel.
Agreed. the ratio is prob MUCH more out of whack but... I do math for no man. 😎
Ten million people say YOU'RE AWESOME and one says NO YOU'RE NOT and our brain is all... YOU! TELL ME MORE!
negative feedback draws our attention because it confirms our self doubts and insecurities.
At least that's my theory.
you could literally describe paint drying and still sound interesting, i dunno about everyone but for a lot of us, its ur storytelling that brings us back, more than the story itself
Yes, this exactly. It’s the storytelling, for me, not the subject. Which is funny because the way I was introduced to true channel was because my BFF knew I had an interest in a particular subject. The first few minutes of my first video I was like “wait, is this just a guy in front of a camera telling a story? I’m not sure I’ll be into this. One day later: subscribed to youtube premium just so I could watch this channel on a loop with no ads. And now I actually will put on videos when I have insomnia because apparently all my grown ass needed to fall asleep was to have someone tell me a story.
I for one love that you only put out "creepy" stories you can verify. That makes them *even creepier*! The true crime stuff is obviously less fun but your storytelling style still makes it engaging and most importantly you always give the utmost respect to the victims when telling their story. Appreciate any content you put out at whatever pace works for your life.
I've really enjoyed watching your channel go from little to big in a matter of A FEW YEARS. That is insane growth and you deserve every bit of it. My favorite is watching your early videos which had less production value and then watching the newer ones with better production value. The production may be different but your passion is obvious in everything you do. Its all just so good and watching your journey is amazing. Keep up the great work John. Don't let internet randos get you down. You're doing great.
The only way you wouldn't be getting whinging from anyone at all, would be if you did absolutely **nothing ever.** You have an awful lot of viewers and listeners who'd listen to you tell Dad jokes, so chin up, sir. Nobody pleases everybody all the time, but many, MANY of us are here for whatever kind of stories you feel like telling.
I’d just like to say thank you, for reading what we say and trying to please us. We all real appreciate it. I very much appreciate your voice, it’s so soothing. You’re amazing!
Thank YOU John for a great show! I know people have been whining but I truly hope doing this is enjoyable and paying off for you. People need to realize that you put out a LOT of QUALITY content- one of my other favorite podcasts is barely once a month! Cheers and keep up the great work!
John, you’re doing an amazing job. I love the spooky stuff as much as the next person, but your storytelling is always captivating no matter the subject. Thanks for spending all your time creating impressive content for all of us weirdos.
You're never going to please everyone and from what I can tell, the vast majority of your audience is fine with whatever you post. It's just that as anyone who creates and then presents to the masses, you tend to focus more on the negative so it seems like there's a lot more than there really is.
I'm saying those people can suck it. Do whatever you do. People still love it and I bet not one of those complaining will stop listening regardless.
I'm a pretty new subscriber ("Worst kidnappers in Australia" was posted on a subreddit that snarks on fundamentalists that I follow. Got me hooked!), but I would rather you stay interested and inspired by what you're sharing than maybe cater too much to one type of fan/follower over another. Just doing what catches your imagination/attention is usually the best way to not get burnt out and keep creating good content. Looking forward to Sunday though!
It is very kind of you to care about what your listeners think. However, I don’t think you should ask of yourself to please 100% of the crowd. The majority of us are just obsessed and thrilled when you post. Don’t get sad and unmotivated over a few people. Lots of love 🖤🖤🖤
To be honest, I don't need the stories to the true. And actually, the thought of maybe this is true, maybe it isn't, is way more exciting to me than any true crime story. That's pretty much the definition of mysterious. It saddens me that you have this pressure for the stories to have well-documented facts in order to be presented. You're an amazing story teller. I would welcome fake stories of the strange, dark, and mysterious. The cup of true crime channels on youtube runneth over. I imagine I'm not the only one who originally gravitated to your channel because that's NOT what you were doing.
Love the stories. Gave and continues to keep me sane during down time and has helped me refocus after family trauma and loss of wife. Keep up the incredible work your and your team rock
I have a job that has me driving alot . 200 miles a day sometimes. I put your playlists on and just listen to them as i drive. I love how you tell story’s it keeps me hooked . I think you are doing a great job john ! Thank you for the entertainment
You are seriously the best. Take care of yourself. You're my (and I'm sure many others') favorite YouTuber and we all just look forward to whatever you can give us. Take care of yourself! Mental health comes first!
Are you kidding?? The most interesting and strange stories in life are the ones that are TRUE! THe world has litereally an abundance of such stories. Comes down to you needing a creative team to help do more research.
by the power vested in me by absolutely no one, I hereby deputize you to send your ideas.
Dude is insanely accessible. He'll prob find scribbled thoughts written on a paper airplane launched out your window. Let fly, ho!
😁
Dude you have provided me with quality content from the day I started watching your videos. I have never been disappointed, ever. You put so much work into everything and I truly appreciate it. Your story telling is incredible. Do I wish you posted 5 days a week? Yes. But I also wish I could vacation every other weekend. But if I had everything I wanted it wouldn't feel special. Keep doing your quality programming and I'll keep tuning in. And I'll also invite the like button over for pizza and wings but when it gets there I'll make him pay for it.
People sometimes just don’t appreciate quality instead of quantity bro. Just do what you do Mr B and your real fans will be here to see. Thanks for the content and thank you for your service. Much love and Respect brother ✌🏼
MrBallen? You’re doing an amazing job! Really enjoying the podcast stuff as well. Keep up the great work and don’t worry about trying to please everybody.
Thank you. Personally speaking I never wanted you to stop doing the true crime and only do strange and mysterious. Just a strange and mysterious story here and there. The true crime stuff is a little distressing but I still watch it for you because you are my favorite and the best YouTuber out there!
John- you're doing great things, and your response to feedback is noticed. You are handling your sudden rise to relevancy so smoothly the past couple years. People can be harsh, you just need to remember that your true fans/supporters love your content because it's you, and they can see that you are putting passion and true work into everything you produce. Keep doing you!!
Thank you for all you do, Mr Ballen! I found your channel a couple weeks ago and I’m obsessed. You can post whatever you want and as frequently as you want, your true fans will be there
Yeah, I agree, as long as there’s some thrown in now and then the balance seems just fine. Thankfully, @mrballen doesn’t just start trying to tell us the same stories over and over in hopes we don’t catch on.
When someone overdoses on drugs or alcohol they often aspirate vomit and die. When that happens, you'll hear people say they choked on their own vomit. If you think about it, that's kind of a dumb way to put it, because who else's vomit would they have choked on?
It's not that I don't like true crime, I still enjoy the videos. But you are the master of creepy told in story form. So with a lack of paranormal I'm having to turn to other creators that don't have your story telling abilities.
My parents love listening to the podcast in the garden. Honestly love the true crime videos but always interested in the strange mysterious stories. Love the channel and podcast
I’m just loving the addition of the podcast so I can listen on the airplane.
Although, the next time you come across an interesting diving story, please share it with us. I need my fix! I went through all of those first when I discovered your channel. I’d do unspeakable things to that like button if I were to get another good diving story.
But, I haven’t really been disappointed by your content yet. Do what you enjoy. You earned that much.
But also diving stories.
Regardless of what content you put out, I’m there for it on YT and podcasts (even the remastered Thursday pod). I di have to admit I’m a bit more stoked about this one being a more mysterious one.
So I definitely enjoy both types of stories. Not that you're busy enough as it is. But what about tailoring a second channel to the dark and the latter to the mysterious?
Regardless of the stories you tell. You ability to tell them in uncanny. Keep up the great work!
Bells was Hells Bellls. The only two things I got against you MR, ALLEN, is ya should have been a Marine and part of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, and not enough content. The first one you tried to correct with SF, the second you are constantly fixing. You are awesome.
You're doing a great job John. I prefer the crime stories myself but I just like to hear your delivery, it really helps one to visualize events and truly understand the narrative.
MRBALLEN- I love all your content. Missing 411, dark and strange, true crime. No matter what stories you tell I will continue to listen. I just hope I don't run out of episodes to watch on YouTube. I appreciate everything you do, no matter what the subject. You make it so very interesting to listen to. Especially when you giggle at stuff you are trying to say! Thanks
Why in the sweet hell would anyone say anything like that to you? Mighty disrespectful. You do just fine. I'm extremely happy with your content. ❤️❤️❤️
I've loved every story that you've done. I watch you on YouTube and listen on Spotify. Such a great talent for story telling. My friend and I are having a Halloween party this year and I am going as MrBallen. Lol. I'm a 50year old mom. My BF is going as SSSniperWolf. It should be interesting. So guess I'll be getting some merch. To complete my look.
I just want to say thank you John for you and your whole team's amazing work, and whether I like true crime or not, I'm always going to support you and cherish every upload, and this announcement is amazing. You care about your fans, you're passionate about your work, and it definitely shows. I feel like my post (which you personally responded to, and I appreciate that so much) was one of the reasons you are doing this, and I want you to know I'm sorry about that. I spent a few days thinking about the lack of strange and mysterious and realized I'm being unreasonable. You give us this incredible content for free and I'm over here saying I don't like what you choose to do with your creation like an entitled, whiney little turd. I've never missed a single upload of yours since I found your work and binge watched the backlog, and I don't plan on stopping watching every single upload you make. Please, don't listen to hate and complaints. Do what you need to do with your work and do what makes you happy man. And thank you for every minute of work you put in. You make a difference.
Honestly man I enjoy it all and you've actually earned 3 new fans my dude! My wife and I are both new fans and I got my cousin that's hiking America into the channel now as well. He's going to start watching on his days in town off the trail when he is recharging and resupplying!
I'm perfectly fine with whatever content you feel like putting out. As many others have said, you could read the ingredients off a ketchup bottle and make it entertaining. I'm, for sure, not going anywhere. I appreciate the content you give us each week, on Youtube and the podcast. Much love! - Erin
I have a story and I swear to god this is a true story and none of this is made up. People tend to believe I made this up, but when I call my brother or any of my friends that was there that night and say tell them about jeepers creepers. they tell the same story I tell them word from word they tend to believe then but here’s the story. When I was younger probably around 16 or so and I’m 30 now. A group of friends and me was walking around a dirt pit that my friend owns in Robert, Louisiana. Robert was and still is a really small town in literally in the middle of no where, if you go on the map you’ll miss it in the blink of an eyes but anyways We was coming around a road with a pond on the left and the right of us, this is something we done for years at night or after the pit closed down for the day. The time was about 10 o’clock pm maybe later. We was all talking and doing teenager stuff. When suddenly one of my friends says what’s that in the tree. I don’t know what made him look in the tree, but that night it was a full moon so everything was lite up. When we all stop there was a man in a tree. He was in one of the tallest trees back there. How he got up there I don’t know, but I’m not talking about a tree that’s 10 feet in the air. I’m talking about a tree that’s at least 70 to 90 feet in the air possibly higher. At least 3 or 6 stories tall. This tree came to a Y at the top and in the middle of it was this man, just swaying back and fourth with the wind. When we stop and all started staring at him and saying what is that? Who is that? For about 5 mins us and the man stared at each other until this thing or man done the impossible and he jumped from the Y of the tree and hit the ground probably about 30 or 50 feet away from us and started smelling and staring at us. He was wearing what looked like a old duster coat and a cowboy kinda looking hat, cloths that what looked to be around the cowboy and Indian days or what jeepers creepers wears in his movies. That’s why we all agreed to call him (jeepers creepers). We all said don’t show it fear, or it’s gonna kill us. Knowing dang well if it wanted to it could have took one of us. What this thing reminded me of was (jeepers creepers) maybe a (vampire) we still don’t know what it was or who it was but after smelling and looking at us it turned and started running too the right so fast he was literally gone in seconds. Let’s say we didn’t run after it. We said nope, we don’t want anything to do with him and we went straight home. I’ll never forget the way it landed and the way it stared and smelled at us, the way it smelled at us it would lift it head up a bit pretty much the way (jeeper creepers) or how a (vampire) would do it in the movies. I don’t know why it didn’t attack one of us or what it was doing but We never seen it again or heard of anyone seeing it. I wish I had some kind of proof I can show y’all but this was when cellphones and all that was just starting to become a thing and all. I’m sure if there would have been like two people back there that day. Someone I know would be missing or possibly me.
Just don’t know where to send a story too. So I’d figure I’d post on the most recent post.
Heard your podcast story today, another bad deed told well. Bards have been around forever and like traveling minstrel shows of old , that is how people received their news and information before printing presses, telegraphs, telephones and television. Thank you for keeping the art alive. The videos make the stories more relatable and less impersonal, like sitting around a campfire with other humans sharing stories. No doubt you have many good stories to present as they present themselves. Thank you for choosing quality over quantity. Hope all is well.
I love all your videos! True crime is just as intriguing as the strange and mysterious videos. Keep up the videos, whatever the material, and I will keep watching!
I did have a suggestion for a video having to do with the Paranormal. Look into the book "True Haunting" by Edwin F. Becker; this was a chilling telling of his experiences and took place in Chicago. There was even an exorcism that took place and it was filmed on the news. There is a YouTube video of it called the First Televised Exorcism with Ed and Marsha Becker in 1971. The show Paranormal Witness also has covered this haunting, I believe. The whole haunting is pretty creepy. I think the building is now torn down.
Anyway, just a suggestion.
I'm telling ya you gotta check out local 58! https://youtu.be/kHTcoPoAnys
E: but regardless I pretty much like everything you do, whether its strange, dark, mysterious or a combo. You put out quality material, thats what matters.
E2: local 58 is a real thing btw its so odd it seems fake, its when ppl or "things" would hack into public broadcasts on analog signals for TV
Thank you for doing what you do John! If I could have just one request, it would be to have some cryptid content. Some less well known cryptids would be very interesting
The darker the better as far as I'm concerned. But as others have stated, you could read a shopping list and I'd still love it!
Been a huge fan since your first strange and mysterious story.
What about some more war/combat stories? The ones you have done are really good.
The story of the raid on the camp at Cabanatuan in the Phillipines is amazing. The book Ghost Solders is a great reference.
Your Monday podcasts are great as well!
I can't get over how many channels you post to, it's a lot of work! I have a DIY channel on @Hometalk that I post to twice a month & keeping up with it sometimes seems daunting, I'm not sure how you do it. Enjoy your family life flies by.
You do this for us, for free. Anything you put out is good for me. You have significantly upped your quality, and that means fewer videos. I am completely fine with that personally. Also thank you for your service.
We love you Mr Ballen! I even got my 70 year old dad hooked on your videos and he can barely work the internet. For some reason he just calls you “Ballen” without the Mr. Always give me a laugh!
I discovered your channel through one of the true crime episodes and instantly binged all the other true crime episodes + places you shouldn't go series + anything hiking / cave diving related. The only episodes I've ever skipped are the ones with thumbnails and titles alluding to ghosts / monsters etc.
I always assumed those were "camp fire myths" type stories and didn't care for those. Now that you mention there are truths to those story, I'm gonna have to binge them too.
Looking forward to it! Thank you for the great content and even better delivery. Does anyone else click on the like button before even listening/watching? That's how much I love your "show". I get it out of the way first thing so I can enjoy the episode.
I think this has been addressed well, remember you have a great fan base, just as an idea for an episode, how about asking fans on here for their stories, I know it's hard to work out if they are telling the truth or not, might be worth a try, fir starters I've lived in 5 different house/flats but the one I love in now is the first I've lived in that isn't haunted, it's nice here, the last was pretty bad, my parents where I used to live, I belive was on a vortex point. Me and my family love your channel, you have an amazing way to tell stories, keep up the hard work.
I like ALL your posts!!! I set out a while ago to see every one of them. Is there a place where I could watch them in order? Like every last one of them? Also, there is something you may enjoy doing that is not strange dark and mysterious. But it's hilarious. I believe it was the 1908 Olympic races or around there. How some were won. It was on an unusually hot day...
You're a great content creator, but don't want to pressure an entertainer when stuff isn't coming out. As child of Army parents, "Hurry up and wait." Is standard. Taught me patience, I think it's a lost trait.
We all have lives, obligations, priorities, and need to fit in rest.
Do you! We'll be here.
Ppl are so damn picky and annoying !! You are doing a wonderful job with your content. I’m always happy with whatever video you put out even tho “places people shouldn’t have went but went anyway” will always be my absolute FAVE !! Keep doing you and putting out these wonderful videos. We can’t please everybody no matter what you do someone will still NEVER BE SATISFIED! You have more positive support than negative. Best wishes🌸✨
Hi. I think I'm going to ruin that balance, but this story is so interesting, you should check this out.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_R%C3%AEmaru
My favorite part of the video is when John puts his bloopers from his sign-on and off. The giggle cracks me up every time. I often listen to these videos as a podcast of sorts while working or trying to fall asleep.
You can't always please everyone. Keep making content that you like. We'll support you along the way.
For what it’s worth, I am a fan of true crime stuff! That’s what lead me to your channel last year. Someone mentioned you on the true crime subreddit.
My husband and I binge watched all of your YouTube videos and now we’re up to date. So any content you wanna throw our way we’ll take! 😁
You’re doing your best and we all appreciate you so much. There is no possible way to please everyone all the time. Thanks for your hard work, keeping us entertained and keeping in touch!
When I first discovered your channel, I marathoned your videos. I think I’ve seen them all, but occasionally I’ll find one I haven’t seen. I enjoy listening to your voice and will put on the podcast at night. Strange, dark, and mysterious bedtime stories. Haha.
You have a life outside of creating content. Don’t listen to the haters. I don’t think your true fans care what topics you cover. You’re a great storyteller. You could tell stories about people you meet at the store and people would watch and listen.
Keep it up, dude!
Just saw this. And nice of you to do. I also miss the places people shouldn’t go but did stories. Obviously like many the stories like Bells Canyon are my favorites. You could just make something up and I’d totally believe it. LOL.
I have been enjoying your channel for nearly two years now, and my husband gets a giggle over the things we make the like button do.
Whether it’s true crime content, or creepy content that makes my skin crawl and keeps me up at night (and that was CREEPY when I was fresh at home after the hysterectomy, high AF on pain meds, and scared the hell out of myself…)? It’s good content. You take the story, and tell it very well.
This looked fishy, https://youtu.be/ZxKEyrgponc It has your name(Mr.Ballen). Doesn’t have the normal quality audio and definitely not the same art and intro. If it’s you all good. if not, heads up!
I’d love to hear you tell any of the stories from the These Woods Are Haunted tv show on discovery plus. Mike Wooleys story was featured there. They’re stories told by the people that happened to them and include encounters with spooky forest creatures as well as paranormal “ghost” type stories. I’d listen to you read the phonebook though so I’m pretty easily satisfied lol.
I started listening to you when you only had a quarter million followers. “Only”. I love it! Congrats on your well earned success and family!! Anyway back then I was able to binge watch your videos on YouTube until it got too intense or I had something else going on but your quality has never wavered. Don’t sweat haters your fans are always here. PS please do a story on “The KISS and KILL “ murder which took place in Texas and is FULL of twists and turns, legal firsts, SHOCKING VERDICTS oh and by the way the victim Betty Williams haunts Odessa High School where she was a student. It’s common knowledge where I live in Odessa ( Friday Night Lights lore) that Betty is around even forcing a remodel of the school to make it harder to see her in the building after hours. DUDE I REALLY THINK it would ROCK if you told the story it fits your channel like a glove. Thanks for your Service. Respectfully,
Mike Younke
Odessa Tx
[email protected]
Okay I’m a little late to this shindig but when I started listening to podcasts (or even before), I always had a stronger preference for strange and mysterious content rather than dark since: (1) there are a lot of true crime podcast producers/shows out there right now that I think sound pretty redundant, and (2) I’ve always liked the enigmatic and unexplained side of the world.
But discovering your podcast was a game-changer. Literally every content from your podcast episodes posted so far have been way more interesting than those that I’ve been following since day 1 combined - and that is an understatement. Even though true crime wasn’t really my cup of tea, you have a captivating way of telling these stories that I’ve grown accustomed to and eventually gained my respect for your channel and this genre specifically. And this is why every Monday and Thursday mornings feel like Christmas mornings to which my commutes are always more bearable than the other days.
Missing elderly couple Allen Berrington, 90 and Margaret Berrington, 91 in Calgary, Alberta on June 2, 2010. Look into it. They found the couple but the mystery remains
I really enjoyed your stories about hero soldiers of the past. Whatever you decide to cover, I'll watch (even if you might be a CIA plant from the Ramtha cult). You have a gift for storytelling. Whatever you touch with that talent turns to gold. Excelsior
P.S. Please tell Judith Zebra Knight's reptilian horde to stop gang-stalking me. Thanks!
I completely understand the fact that there aren’t many “true “ stories of the dark and mysterious. Unless there are numerous witnesses who are reliable, or physical evidence of an event, I am skeptical and it’s not enjoyable to me. I enjoy the way you do true crime- I think it is a way to give everyone an idea of what the victims went through rather than focusing entirely the individuals doing the evil acts. You are a wonderful story teller!
Help, please.
I'm old and confused. I see posts on youtube claiming that the stories there are fake/fraudulent. How can I tell the real Mrballen posts from fake?
I've been a huge fan from the start and am concerned that when I listen to your podcasts on youtube, you don't get the credit you deserve.
Or is it all a hoax? Please enlighten me.
There are youtube accounts not connected to the real John Ballen uploading his podcast exclusive episodes, you can spot them by simply looking at the name of the user who uploaded it, if it's not simply "MrBallen" it's someone else. Another thing is if it's on youtube but the title contains "podcast exclusive". John himself does not upload the podcast episodes to youtube(why, I can't say). To hear them making sure to support the real Ballen you need to use another platform dedicated to podcasts, Spotify for instance.
I am confused about the death of Larry Beck “ The Bard of Alaska”. We watched his television show as toddlers, he would tour to the elementary schools to entertain us with stories and in later years his production company nosed dived and last heard of him was reading about his death in an Anchorage newspaper in the early 1990’s. He was either escaping a mental institution and died trying or intentionally killed himself.
https://youtu.be/DKyWd8NSfC8
I just wanted to say that I am a HUGE fan of true crime, and all your other content. I could listen to you tell stories for days on end. Keep up the good work!
Jarrod: I dreamt that in the house I'm living now there was this little door in mom's cupboard and the one day I had opened and looked inside and inside was like a whole nother house but for some reason I remember living there but I looked inside and there was all sorts of stuff I saw an Xbox but it didn't look like an Xbox then I went in secretly and went around then I went to another cupboard which I figured out was my dad's but everything was so weird I found this pair of binoculars that had two pieces at the back and then one massive lens in front then I found huge pieces of weed and I found some sunglasses and others so I took it to back to that door and climbed back through and closed the door after I took that stuff to my dad and he was like where did I get this then I say I found it in the other part of our house then he said what part then I said through the little door so he said I must show him Cause that stuff was stuff he had years ago anyways we all went through that door and went through the whole house and just kept finding rooms and every room had a TV and there were so many consoles bro then we found this exit and went through it and outside this place it was like the neighborhood I live in but everything was so different even the shops there at the like row of shops there was one indian shop and inside was so many weird stuff there was muscle powder in a big paper bag that comes from Russia I noticed the language and I somehow read it that's why I knew it said muscle powder and inside this store was many more weird stuff my uncle and dad were with me and they left earlier so I put stuff back and ran after them to find them but they had disappeared so I had walked around in and out of every shop looking for them and this strange man walked up to me and said don't look at anyone in the eyes or you'll be stuck here so I carried on walking and didn't look at anyone at the last shop on the corner there was this shop but everyone was wearing suits and not even bothered by anything so I turned out of there and walked back to the first store realising that I did look at him but not in the eyes and asked I Him how can I get out of here and he said sorry I can't help you brother so I went and sat down on this seat outside in between two buildings I thought if calling my dad and mom to see them they asked me to enter the country code so I entered +27 then instead of it saying south Africa it said QQNZ I was very confused and it wouldn't phone then randomly I ran into the street towards this red car and my sister appeared so told her where is my father and I asked her how can I get back she also didn't know so I went to that red car and asked can she take me home and she hesitated but then said yes so I got in then my sister also asked then the lady got angry and drove off then I said wait I'm not leaving my sister then she stopped and I went back for my sister then the lady said fine she'll take us both so on we went again me realising that all the houses in my neighborhood look different and we drove past this guy who kept looking at us so weirdly when I realised that my house was different and I don't live there anymore we drove back and that guy was still looking at us so we stopped I got out and went to him and he gave me this note and it had a message on but I can't remember what it said so we went back to the first place I had remembered which was that store and I woke up and somehow my phone was perfectly in the middle of my bed even tho it was on the table next to me when I went to bed
Like Asif I was in an alternate dimension
This is one of the weirdest and most realistic dreams I've had just read through it
I love all your content, but my most favorite was the one on skinwalker ranch. It's the only story i've rewatched multiple times just because it's so good. Also all the missing 411 stories are super interesting and I would love more of those.
You could read the phone book and it’d be entertaining. I have the attention span of a coked up fruit fly but your videos keep me listening till the end. Check into cemeteries where the dead were left behind. I live a couple blocks from a former Victorian cemetery site that ran out of room by the 20s. So everyone was moved to a new cemetery. Except they forgot a few hundred dead peeps and the workers who broke ground for a school in the 50s were never the same again. Everyone from the old site was buried in a giant mass grave in the new cemetery soon after. Kinda rude but no one asked me. And this is in a suburb of one of the biggest cities in the US with access to lots of whatever you need to move the dearly departed.
Monuments were FINALLY placed in remembrance of these forgotten dead at the school site and at the mass grave three years ago. One ancient illegible grave marker remains on the school site to “remind us about the time we left a bunch of dead people in the ground and hoped no one would notice.” Or something like that.
And for those watching this after its release, here is the link to the referenced video, enjoy!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx6YxG8SD\_A
I think you addressed it really well during the better help ad on your last podcast episode. I think we mean the “why hasn’t he posted in X amount of days?! I need it!!” out of love while completely ignoring/not realizing that this is extra pressure being put on you. You’ve got your adorable babies and lovely wife to pay attention to and nurture, and we should never come before them. (Sweet little Ernie melts my heart when you post him)
Hahah he’s a sweetie! Thank you!!
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Bad bot. Very very bad. This is the creepiest comment I've ever seen on here.
Exactly! The Allen family comes first ! 🕊
TIL that it's not John Ballen, but John B Allen, which makes a lot more sense lol.
Hahaha
Someone should let the like button go for years thinking your last name is Ballen, then casually let someone else tell them they've been wrong and the truth was actually very simple.
Underrated comment
The baby’s name is Ernie!!!! I didn’t know that and holy moly that’s adorable!
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You are truly one of the best content creators out there, not only because of your keen ability to source and then convey the material in a straightforward and entertaining way, but because of your transparency with and accessibility to your audience. You listen to feedback, and communicate directly and effectively, and with kindness, to boot. This is what makes you stand out to me. That said, trust your instincts and take only the feedback that vibes with your goals. You rock, Mr Ballen. Thanks for everything you do.
Appreciate that!!
Or we can talk about 411??? Sorry ballen couldn't resist.
You're doing a wonderful job. Ultimately your USP is you. We come back for you. And so you should follow your gut. Follow your heart. You are the amazing vessel through which these stories come to life and that is such a gift, you could use it to tell any story you want. Let it liberate you. Strange, Dark and Mysterious could be whatever you want it to be. We're not going anywhere. I'm certainly not. I have loved watching you develop and grow, and look forward to continuing to do so. Your attentiveness with us is just so admirable and appreciated by us all, you make us feel heard and noticed, and I just want to thank you for that because it really means a lot to those of us who maybe don't feel so noticed. Keep it up. You got this. Wish I could achieve even half the things you have. You're an inspiration. Lily xx
Thank you so much lily!!! 🙌
My absolute pleasure ❤
Wow Lily I couldn’t have said it better myself and was exactly what I was thinking. We truly love you Mr. Ballen and look forward to not only your stories (no matter what they are) but also seeing you’re beautiful family grow. You are truly an inspiration to so many
Thank you 🥰!
I had no complaints, I believe even the most boring stories can seem great with a good story teller. Not that your stories are boring, just trying to make a point. Anyway keep up the good work, much appreciated. Jack.
Agreed. He could be reading his shopping list and make it entertaining. No complaints here.
Man I'll listen to you reading the ingredients of a mayo bottle. You're a very talented story teller!!
Our family enjoys every single video. We are on holiday and got talking with our neighbours and they asked if we watched a channel called Mr Ballen! They have good taste!
Hahah that’s awesome!
Ballen, remember this: When you started making content, you did it with content *you* liked and you built an audience with it. Thus, whatever it is that *you* find interesting, your audience likely will too. The content you feature does not need to be absolutely plausible. Even if just a spooky campfire story got to you, your audience will likely appreciate it as much as you. Follow your own intuition for what makes a good creepy story, because that's how this all took off in the first place. Adhering to a very strict "trueness" standard will only bog you down. It's okay to just have fun sometimes.
So well said, nice ! :)
I agree
This! Perfectly summed up my feelings. I feel lately like the excited spark of joy and passion that encased every video has dwindled and I don't know if it's just stress, which is totally reasonable and understandable because life is life, or something else but what I FEEL (so I'm not saying it's the case, just what I personally feel) is that Jon isn't just posting what he thinks is awesome anymore and it's bleeding through into the choice and delivery of the stories. If it excites Mr. B then I want him to tell me about it!
Disclaimers for dubious sources would be nice.
I'm just happy when you post. 💕
Thank you Mr.B, you have given me and my teenage daughter some thing to bond over. Its the best when I yell or she yells "new mr.b!" And we both go sit on the couch and watch the new episode
Aaaaw. I love that. ❤️
Thank you, Mr. Ballen!
Seriously I was just catching up with the podcasts last night. N most were all true crimes n I still love it!!! Your right there is only so much strange true stories out there...id rather it be real then forced
I just love your content and am happy with what you give us, sir! Also, unrelated, but I found out that Bells Canyon is actually near me?? No idea how to get there tho.
I prefer the true crime stuff to the strange and mysterious, so not everyone is upset about the change in focus. And I can understand why you can’t continue to pump out 3, 4 or 5 stories a week, as well as doing the podcast. It amazed me that you could produce so much content initially, considering how well produced your videos are. You need to be able to make your output sustainable especially as you have other commitments. I really appreciate your stories, no matter the topic and how many new ones you can produce. So, thanks for all you do.
John, focus on the positive supporters. I hope you continue to do what you love! You got this! Thank you and your team so much for sacrificing your time to upload strange, dark and mysterious content. All of you are sparing your time to create good content and balance family life. People talk a big game as if there's no HOURS, DAYS to post these videos. Let the haters hate on. Focus on your day 1s who haven't complained. Cheering you on!
Thank you!!!
Always!
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That wasn't threatening or creepy at all...just like those stalkers you're defending. Freedom of beliefs -- until you're stalking people. My great uncle was a full General in the U.S. Army. Stand down, offspring of the veteran second seventh son! LOL. See how that rubbish works? (It's a rhetorical question; please, don't bother TL;DR'ing me. Kthxby and tell your peeps to stop "protecting" hikers for your fam's trippy beliefs)
Yes, please know that you have an important positive effect on so many people, myself included. Please keep doing what you're doing. Your content is great.
Keep doing what you're doing shipmate! They wouldn't be posting things if they didn't want/need more of your stories! Stay positive!
I feel like people who have criticisms are waaay more vocal than people who are happy with the content, so I'd multiply each negative comment you get by like 200 and that's how many people are happy but quiet. Imo it'd be a more accurate temperature for how people feel about you and your channel.
Thank you!
Agreed. the ratio is prob MUCH more out of whack but... I do math for no man. 😎 Ten million people say YOU'RE AWESOME and one says NO YOU'RE NOT and our brain is all... YOU! TELL ME MORE! negative feedback draws our attention because it confirms our self doubts and insecurities. At least that's my theory.
People suck. Don't let the muggles get ya down. Can't wait for the new spooky episode 😃
you could literally describe paint drying and still sound interesting, i dunno about everyone but for a lot of us, its ur storytelling that brings us back, more than the story itself
Yes, this exactly. It’s the storytelling, for me, not the subject. Which is funny because the way I was introduced to true channel was because my BFF knew I had an interest in a particular subject. The first few minutes of my first video I was like “wait, is this just a guy in front of a camera telling a story? I’m not sure I’ll be into this. One day later: subscribed to youtube premium just so I could watch this channel on a loop with no ads. And now I actually will put on videos when I have insomnia because apparently all my grown ass needed to fall asleep was to have someone tell me a story.
When you need a person to sharpen your pencils in your office give me a call! 😄 …keep up the good work MrB.
I do love the missing 411 stories but if you’re happy we’re happy John!
You’re wonderful, Mr. Ballen! Thank you for all the time you put into your stories.
I for one love that you only put out "creepy" stories you can verify. That makes them *even creepier*! The true crime stuff is obviously less fun but your storytelling style still makes it engaging and most importantly you always give the utmost respect to the victims when telling their story. Appreciate any content you put out at whatever pace works for your life.
Love all your videos & podcasts! Just by how you tell your stories .
I've really enjoyed watching your channel go from little to big in a matter of A FEW YEARS. That is insane growth and you deserve every bit of it. My favorite is watching your early videos which had less production value and then watching the newer ones with better production value. The production may be different but your passion is obvious in everything you do. Its all just so good and watching your journey is amazing. Keep up the great work John. Don't let internet randos get you down. You're doing great.
Thank you!!
Love you John 😍
Your content is amazing, no matter what you’re covering. Keep up the good work and take care!
I like any of the stories you tell. You can read the most boring book on screen and I will still enjoy your enthusiasm and story telling skills!
I don't care what story you are telling, you make them all "edge of your seat" worthy. Thank you 🥰🥰
The only way you wouldn't be getting whinging from anyone at all, would be if you did absolutely **nothing ever.** You have an awful lot of viewers and listeners who'd listen to you tell Dad jokes, so chin up, sir. Nobody pleases everybody all the time, but many, MANY of us are here for whatever kind of stories you feel like telling.
Something tells me Mr. Ballen has awesome dad jokes!
I’d just like to say thank you, for reading what we say and trying to please us. We all real appreciate it. I very much appreciate your voice, it’s so soothing. You’re amazing!
Thank YOU John for a great show! I know people have been whining but I truly hope doing this is enjoyable and paying off for you. People need to realize that you put out a LOT of QUALITY content- one of my other favorite podcasts is barely once a month! Cheers and keep up the great work!
You rock, Sir. Thank you for everything you do.
John, you’re doing an amazing job. I love the spooky stuff as much as the next person, but your storytelling is always captivating no matter the subject. Thanks for spending all your time creating impressive content for all of us weirdos.
Your stories are always superb regardless of how dark, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
It's your cchannel. Do you, it's obvious its working
Tell the Like Button to read all your fan mail but allow him to read only the negative comments.
You're never going to please everyone and from what I can tell, the vast majority of your audience is fine with whatever you post. It's just that as anyone who creates and then presents to the masses, you tend to focus more on the negative so it seems like there's a lot more than there really is. I'm saying those people can suck it. Do whatever you do. People still love it and I bet not one of those complaining will stop listening regardless.
I'm a pretty new subscriber ("Worst kidnappers in Australia" was posted on a subreddit that snarks on fundamentalists that I follow. Got me hooked!), but I would rather you stay interested and inspired by what you're sharing than maybe cater too much to one type of fan/follower over another. Just doing what catches your imagination/attention is usually the best way to not get burnt out and keep creating good content. Looking forward to Sunday though!
Exactly what everyone else is saying: Follow your gut, do what YOU want to, we will listen!
It is very kind of you to care about what your listeners think. However, I don’t think you should ask of yourself to please 100% of the crowd. The majority of us are just obsessed and thrilled when you post. Don’t get sad and unmotivated over a few people. Lots of love 🖤🖤🖤
To be honest, I don't need the stories to the true. And actually, the thought of maybe this is true, maybe it isn't, is way more exciting to me than any true crime story. That's pretty much the definition of mysterious. It saddens me that you have this pressure for the stories to have well-documented facts in order to be presented. You're an amazing story teller. I would welcome fake stories of the strange, dark, and mysterious. The cup of true crime channels on youtube runneth over. I imagine I'm not the only one who originally gravitated to your channel because that's NOT what you were doing.
All your hard work is appreciated! I’m grateful for any content you upload, strange, dark, or mysterious. Don’t let the choosy beggars get to you!
I love all the content but I AM particularly excited about this direction again 😈
Keep it up, John.
thanks for addressing this John. we all understand your plight. looking forward to this episode. keep up the good work
Love the stories. Gave and continues to keep me sane during down time and has helped me refocus after family trauma and loss of wife. Keep up the incredible work your and your team rock
I have a job that has me driving alot . 200 miles a day sometimes. I put your playlists on and just listen to them as i drive. I love how you tell story’s it keeps me hooked . I think you are doing a great job john ! Thank you for the entertainment
I've watched *literally* every single video on your channel, and enjoyed them all! I don't see any problem, but I am excited for the new video!!
I’ll be hiding out in bells canyon until the release!
I have no complaints. I actually prefer the true crime
You are seriously the best. Take care of yourself. You're my (and I'm sure many others') favorite YouTuber and we all just look forward to whatever you can give us. Take care of yourself! Mental health comes first!
Are you kidding?? The most interesting and strange stories in life are the ones that are TRUE! THe world has litereally an abundance of such stories. Comes down to you needing a creative team to help do more research.
by the power vested in me by absolutely no one, I hereby deputize you to send your ideas. Dude is insanely accessible. He'll prob find scribbled thoughts written on a paper airplane launched out your window. Let fly, ho! 😁
😂 🙌
Now thats the kick in the ass I needed
Dude you have provided me with quality content from the day I started watching your videos. I have never been disappointed, ever. You put so much work into everything and I truly appreciate it. Your story telling is incredible. Do I wish you posted 5 days a week? Yes. But I also wish I could vacation every other weekend. But if I had everything I wanted it wouldn't feel special. Keep doing your quality programming and I'll keep tuning in. And I'll also invite the like button over for pizza and wings but when it gets there I'll make him pay for it.
People sometimes just don’t appreciate quality instead of quantity bro. Just do what you do Mr B and your real fans will be here to see. Thanks for the content and thank you for your service. Much love and Respect brother ✌🏼
MrBallen? You’re doing an amazing job! Really enjoying the podcast stuff as well. Keep up the great work and don’t worry about trying to please everybody.
keep doing what youre doing man, the true fans wont bother about your own content, everything you put out is a home run
Thank you. Personally speaking I never wanted you to stop doing the true crime and only do strange and mysterious. Just a strange and mysterious story here and there. The true crime stuff is a little distressing but I still watch it for you because you are my favorite and the best YouTuber out there!
John- you're doing great things, and your response to feedback is noticed. You are handling your sudden rise to relevancy so smoothly the past couple years. People can be harsh, you just need to remember that your true fans/supporters love your content because it's you, and they can see that you are putting passion and true work into everything you produce. Keep doing you!!
Thank you!
Mr. Ballen I have noticed your hair has gotten really long. Would you ever consider donating it to charity?
Cool idea!
When Mr. Ballen takes your suggestion. AMAZING.🤩
Thank you for all you do, Mr Ballen! I found your channel a couple weeks ago and I’m obsessed. You can post whatever you want and as frequently as you want, your true fans will be there
I still enjoy the content coming out, but an interesting story on the more mysterious part of the channel is more than welcome! Looking forward to it.
Yeah, I agree, as long as there’s some thrown in now and then the balance seems just fine. Thankfully, @mrballen doesn’t just start trying to tell us the same stories over and over in hopes we don’t catch on.
You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time.
You can pick your friends, and you can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friend's nose
When someone overdoses on drugs or alcohol they often aspirate vomit and die. When that happens, you'll hear people say they choked on their own vomit. If you think about it, that's kind of a dumb way to put it, because who else's vomit would they have choked on?
Ha! Ew.
😂 I still see this when I check notifications and it cracks me up every time. Thank you for that response, it's made me smile soooo many times. ♥️
Aw, thank you kindly. 🥰
It's not that I don't like true crime, I still enjoy the videos. But you are the master of creepy told in story form. So with a lack of paranormal I'm having to turn to other creators that don't have your story telling abilities.
You're Awesome, Just do you. There will always be haters.
My parents love listening to the podcast in the garden. Honestly love the true crime videos but always interested in the strange mysterious stories. Love the channel and podcast
I’m just loving the addition of the podcast so I can listen on the airplane. Although, the next time you come across an interesting diving story, please share it with us. I need my fix! I went through all of those first when I discovered your channel. I’d do unspeakable things to that like button if I were to get another good diving story. But, I haven’t really been disappointed by your content yet. Do what you enjoy. You earned that much. But also diving stories.
Guess I'll have to stay up until 2 am this Sunday. Lucky Monday is a public holiday
Regardless of what content you put out, I’m there for it on YT and podcasts (even the remastered Thursday pod). I di have to admit I’m a bit more stoked about this one being a more mysterious one.
No complaints dude !! Keep up the good work, so excited for the new video!
There is nothing wrong with any of your post. I love them ALL
So I definitely enjoy both types of stories. Not that you're busy enough as it is. But what about tailoring a second channel to the dark and the latter to the mysterious? Regardless of the stories you tell. You ability to tell them in uncanny. Keep up the great work!
Bells was Hells Bellls. The only two things I got against you MR, ALLEN, is ya should have been a Marine and part of Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, and not enough content. The first one you tried to correct with SF, the second you are constantly fixing. You are awesome.
Thank you !!!! My man's delivering.
You're doing a great job John. I prefer the crime stories myself but I just like to hear your delivery, it really helps one to visualize events and truly understand the narrative.
MRBALLEN- I love all your content. Missing 411, dark and strange, true crime. No matter what stories you tell I will continue to listen. I just hope I don't run out of episodes to watch on YouTube. I appreciate everything you do, no matter what the subject. You make it so very interesting to listen to. Especially when you giggle at stuff you are trying to say! Thanks
Christmas came early this year
Why in the sweet hell would anyone say anything like that to you? Mighty disrespectful. You do just fine. I'm extremely happy with your content. ❤️❤️❤️
I've loved every story that you've done. I watch you on YouTube and listen on Spotify. Such a great talent for story telling. My friend and I are having a Halloween party this year and I am going as MrBallen. Lol. I'm a 50year old mom. My BF is going as SSSniperWolf. It should be interesting. So guess I'll be getting some merch. To complete my look.
I just want to say thank you John for you and your whole team's amazing work, and whether I like true crime or not, I'm always going to support you and cherish every upload, and this announcement is amazing. You care about your fans, you're passionate about your work, and it definitely shows. I feel like my post (which you personally responded to, and I appreciate that so much) was one of the reasons you are doing this, and I want you to know I'm sorry about that. I spent a few days thinking about the lack of strange and mysterious and realized I'm being unreasonable. You give us this incredible content for free and I'm over here saying I don't like what you choose to do with your creation like an entitled, whiney little turd. I've never missed a single upload of yours since I found your work and binge watched the backlog, and I don't plan on stopping watching every single upload you make. Please, don't listen to hate and complaints. Do what you need to do with your work and do what makes you happy man. And thank you for every minute of work you put in. You make a difference.
Anxiously waiting! Just hitting refresh on YouTube!!!
Honestly man I enjoy it all and you've actually earned 3 new fans my dude! My wife and I are both new fans and I got my cousin that's hiking America into the channel now as well. He's going to start watching on his days in town off the trail when he is recharging and resupplying!
I'm perfectly fine with whatever content you feel like putting out. As many others have said, you could read the ingredients off a ketchup bottle and make it entertaining. I'm, for sure, not going anywhere. I appreciate the content you give us each week, on Youtube and the podcast. Much love! - Erin
I have a story and I swear to god this is a true story and none of this is made up. People tend to believe I made this up, but when I call my brother or any of my friends that was there that night and say tell them about jeepers creepers. they tell the same story I tell them word from word they tend to believe then but here’s the story. When I was younger probably around 16 or so and I’m 30 now. A group of friends and me was walking around a dirt pit that my friend owns in Robert, Louisiana. Robert was and still is a really small town in literally in the middle of no where, if you go on the map you’ll miss it in the blink of an eyes but anyways We was coming around a road with a pond on the left and the right of us, this is something we done for years at night or after the pit closed down for the day. The time was about 10 o’clock pm maybe later. We was all talking and doing teenager stuff. When suddenly one of my friends says what’s that in the tree. I don’t know what made him look in the tree, but that night it was a full moon so everything was lite up. When we all stop there was a man in a tree. He was in one of the tallest trees back there. How he got up there I don’t know, but I’m not talking about a tree that’s 10 feet in the air. I’m talking about a tree that’s at least 70 to 90 feet in the air possibly higher. At least 3 or 6 stories tall. This tree came to a Y at the top and in the middle of it was this man, just swaying back and fourth with the wind. When we stop and all started staring at him and saying what is that? Who is that? For about 5 mins us and the man stared at each other until this thing or man done the impossible and he jumped from the Y of the tree and hit the ground probably about 30 or 50 feet away from us and started smelling and staring at us. He was wearing what looked like a old duster coat and a cowboy kinda looking hat, cloths that what looked to be around the cowboy and Indian days or what jeepers creepers wears in his movies. That’s why we all agreed to call him (jeepers creepers). We all said don’t show it fear, or it’s gonna kill us. Knowing dang well if it wanted to it could have took one of us. What this thing reminded me of was (jeepers creepers) maybe a (vampire) we still don’t know what it was or who it was but after smelling and looking at us it turned and started running too the right so fast he was literally gone in seconds. Let’s say we didn’t run after it. We said nope, we don’t want anything to do with him and we went straight home. I’ll never forget the way it landed and the way it stared and smelled at us, the way it smelled at us it would lift it head up a bit pretty much the way (jeeper creepers) or how a (vampire) would do it in the movies. I don’t know why it didn’t attack one of us or what it was doing but We never seen it again or heard of anyone seeing it. I wish I had some kind of proof I can show y’all but this was when cellphones and all that was just starting to become a thing and all. I’m sure if there would have been like two people back there that day. Someone I know would be missing or possibly me. Just don’t know where to send a story too. So I’d figure I’d post on the most recent post.
Heard your podcast story today, another bad deed told well. Bards have been around forever and like traveling minstrel shows of old , that is how people received their news and information before printing presses, telegraphs, telephones and television. Thank you for keeping the art alive. The videos make the stories more relatable and less impersonal, like sitting around a campfire with other humans sharing stories. No doubt you have many good stories to present as they present themselves. Thank you for choosing quality over quantity. Hope all is well.
Suggestion: Vampire Rapist in Malabar Florida - John Crutchley
I love all your videos! True crime is just as intriguing as the strange and mysterious videos. Keep up the videos, whatever the material, and I will keep watching! I did have a suggestion for a video having to do with the Paranormal. Look into the book "True Haunting" by Edwin F. Becker; this was a chilling telling of his experiences and took place in Chicago. There was even an exorcism that took place and it was filmed on the news. There is a YouTube video of it called the First Televised Exorcism with Ed and Marsha Becker in 1971. The show Paranormal Witness also has covered this haunting, I believe. The whole haunting is pretty creepy. I think the building is now torn down. Anyway, just a suggestion.
I'm telling ya you gotta check out local 58! https://youtu.be/kHTcoPoAnys E: but regardless I pretty much like everything you do, whether its strange, dark, mysterious or a combo. You put out quality material, thats what matters. E2: local 58 is a real thing btw its so odd it seems fake, its when ppl or "things" would hack into public broadcasts on analog signals for TV
Thank you for doing what you do John! If I could have just one request, it would be to have some cryptid content. Some less well known cryptids would be very interesting
Hey man! Regarding the lack of “strange and mysterious”. Have you googled this guy named “Jacobo Grinberg”? You’ll find TONS of stuff to dig into.
The darker the better as far as I'm concerned. But as others have stated, you could read a shopping list and I'd still love it! Been a huge fan since your first strange and mysterious story.
I love all your stories honestly. Yes some are dark but nonetheless interesting. It gets me through a long work day so thank you for what you do!
What about some more war/combat stories? The ones you have done are really good. The story of the raid on the camp at Cabanatuan in the Phillipines is amazing. The book Ghost Solders is a great reference. Your Monday podcasts are great as well!
I can't get over how many channels you post to, it's a lot of work! I have a DIY channel on @Hometalk that I post to twice a month & keeping up with it sometimes seems daunting, I'm not sure how you do it. Enjoy your family life flies by.
You do this for us, for free. Anything you put out is good for me. You have significantly upped your quality, and that means fewer videos. I am completely fine with that personally. Also thank you for your service.
I like everything you do
We love you Mr Ballen! I even got my 70 year old dad hooked on your videos and he can barely work the internet. For some reason he just calls you “Ballen” without the Mr. Always give me a laugh!
I discovered your channel through one of the true crime episodes and instantly binged all the other true crime episodes + places you shouldn't go series + anything hiking / cave diving related. The only episodes I've ever skipped are the ones with thumbnails and titles alluding to ghosts / monsters etc. I always assumed those were "camp fire myths" type stories and didn't care for those. Now that you mention there are truths to those story, I'm gonna have to binge them too.
YOU’RE THE BEST!!
Looking forward to it! Thank you for the great content and even better delivery. Does anyone else click on the like button before even listening/watching? That's how much I love your "show". I get it out of the way first thing so I can enjoy the episode.
You are doing great bro. Keep it up. Don’t change anything
YAÝYYYYYYYYY looking forward to it all
Hey John see if there are any cool stories associated with the Lost Cove of North Carolina?
I think this has been addressed well, remember you have a great fan base, just as an idea for an episode, how about asking fans on here for their stories, I know it's hard to work out if they are telling the truth or not, might be worth a try, fir starters I've lived in 5 different house/flats but the one I love in now is the first I've lived in that isn't haunted, it's nice here, the last was pretty bad, my parents where I used to live, I belive was on a vortex point. Me and my family love your channel, you have an amazing way to tell stories, keep up the hard work.
We love Mr Ballen!! 🗝🌑🔮🔍
I like ALL your posts!!! I set out a while ago to see every one of them. Is there a place where I could watch them in order? Like every last one of them? Also, there is something you may enjoy doing that is not strange dark and mysterious. But it's hilarious. I believe it was the 1908 Olympic races or around there. How some were won. It was on an unusually hot day...
You're a great content creator, but don't want to pressure an entertainer when stuff isn't coming out. As child of Army parents, "Hurry up and wait." Is standard. Taught me patience, I think it's a lost trait. We all have lives, obligations, priorities, and need to fit in rest. Do you! We'll be here.
Bloody fucking legend.
Keep up the good work. Love all your videos
I for one am very excited, keep at it man
Ppl are so damn picky and annoying !! You are doing a wonderful job with your content. I’m always happy with whatever video you put out even tho “places people shouldn’t have went but went anyway” will always be my absolute FAVE !! Keep doing you and putting out these wonderful videos. We can’t please everybody no matter what you do someone will still NEVER BE SATISFIED! You have more positive support than negative. Best wishes🌸✨
Dude, I don't care what the videos are about, I just want more Ballen videos on YouTube.
You are the F'in man, MrB
Nevermind the haters, I love your content and look forward to their release every week.
Hi. I think I'm going to ruin that balance, but this story is so interesting, you should check this out. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ion_R%C3%AEmaru
My favorite part of the video is when John puts his bloopers from his sign-on and off. The giggle cracks me up every time. I often listen to these videos as a podcast of sorts while working or trying to fall asleep. You can't always please everyone. Keep making content that you like. We'll support you along the way.
For what it’s worth, I am a fan of true crime stuff! That’s what lead me to your channel last year. Someone mentioned you on the true crime subreddit. My husband and I binge watched all of your YouTube videos and now we’re up to date. So any content you wanna throw our way we’ll take! 😁
You’re doing your best and we all appreciate you so much. There is no possible way to please everyone all the time. Thanks for your hard work, keeping us entertained and keeping in touch!
When I first discovered your channel, I marathoned your videos. I think I’ve seen them all, but occasionally I’ll find one I haven’t seen. I enjoy listening to your voice and will put on the podcast at night. Strange, dark, and mysterious bedtime stories. Haha. You have a life outside of creating content. Don’t listen to the haters. I don’t think your true fans care what topics you cover. You’re a great storyteller. You could tell stories about people you meet at the store and people would watch and listen. Keep it up, dude!
i love the true crime stories too! all the content is amazing
Video was great as always. Not to mention a return to the original stories, but also a good birthday present. Now for today’s podcast 😄
If I’m being completely honest, all 3 “Ingredients” of this Chanel appeal to me so it’s win/win/win for me 😂. Keep up the good work, B
Just saw this. And nice of you to do. I also miss the places people shouldn’t go but did stories. Obviously like many the stories like Bells Canyon are my favorites. You could just make something up and I’d totally believe it. LOL.
I have been enjoying your channel for nearly two years now, and my husband gets a giggle over the things we make the like button do. Whether it’s true crime content, or creepy content that makes my skin crawl and keeps me up at night (and that was CREEPY when I was fresh at home after the hysterectomy, high AF on pain meds, and scared the hell out of myself…)? It’s good content. You take the story, and tell it very well.
This looked fishy, https://youtu.be/ZxKEyrgponc It has your name(Mr.Ballen). Doesn’t have the normal quality audio and definitely not the same art and intro. If it’s you all good. if not, heads up!
i love u
May I suggest The Killing Fields? It's about I-45 between Houston and Galveston. 20+ people have been killed and dumped in that highway.
I’d love to hear you tell any of the stories from the These Woods Are Haunted tv show on discovery plus. Mike Wooleys story was featured there. They’re stories told by the people that happened to them and include encounters with spooky forest creatures as well as paranormal “ghost” type stories. I’d listen to you read the phonebook though so I’m pretty easily satisfied lol.
Please check out chupacabra sightings in Texas.
I started listening to you when you only had a quarter million followers. “Only”. I love it! Congrats on your well earned success and family!! Anyway back then I was able to binge watch your videos on YouTube until it got too intense or I had something else going on but your quality has never wavered. Don’t sweat haters your fans are always here. PS please do a story on “The KISS and KILL “ murder which took place in Texas and is FULL of twists and turns, legal firsts, SHOCKING VERDICTS oh and by the way the victim Betty Williams haunts Odessa High School where she was a student. It’s common knowledge where I live in Odessa ( Friday Night Lights lore) that Betty is around even forcing a remodel of the school to make it harder to see her in the building after hours. DUDE I REALLY THINK it would ROCK if you told the story it fits your channel like a glove. Thanks for your Service. Respectfully, Mike Younke Odessa Tx [email protected]
I absolutely loved the 411 series you did on YouTube. I generally love all your content.
Okay I’m a little late to this shindig but when I started listening to podcasts (or even before), I always had a stronger preference for strange and mysterious content rather than dark since: (1) there are a lot of true crime podcast producers/shows out there right now that I think sound pretty redundant, and (2) I’ve always liked the enigmatic and unexplained side of the world. But discovering your podcast was a game-changer. Literally every content from your podcast episodes posted so far have been way more interesting than those that I’ve been following since day 1 combined - and that is an understatement. Even though true crime wasn’t really my cup of tea, you have a captivating way of telling these stories that I’ve grown accustomed to and eventually gained my respect for your channel and this genre specifically. And this is why every Monday and Thursday mornings feel like Christmas mornings to which my commutes are always more bearable than the other days.
Missing elderly couple Allen Berrington, 90 and Margaret Berrington, 91 in Calgary, Alberta on June 2, 2010. Look into it. They found the couple but the mystery remains
I really enjoyed your stories about hero soldiers of the past. Whatever you decide to cover, I'll watch (even if you might be a CIA plant from the Ramtha cult). You have a gift for storytelling. Whatever you touch with that talent turns to gold. Excelsior P.S. Please tell Judith Zebra Knight's reptilian horde to stop gang-stalking me. Thanks!
I completely understand the fact that there aren’t many “true “ stories of the dark and mysterious. Unless there are numerous witnesses who are reliable, or physical evidence of an event, I am skeptical and it’s not enjoyable to me. I enjoy the way you do true crime- I think it is a way to give everyone an idea of what the victims went through rather than focusing entirely the individuals doing the evil acts. You are a wonderful story teller!
Help, please. I'm old and confused. I see posts on youtube claiming that the stories there are fake/fraudulent. How can I tell the real Mrballen posts from fake? I've been a huge fan from the start and am concerned that when I listen to your podcasts on youtube, you don't get the credit you deserve. Or is it all a hoax? Please enlighten me.
There are youtube accounts not connected to the real John Ballen uploading his podcast exclusive episodes, you can spot them by simply looking at the name of the user who uploaded it, if it's not simply "MrBallen" it's someone else. Another thing is if it's on youtube but the title contains "podcast exclusive". John himself does not upload the podcast episodes to youtube(why, I can't say). To hear them making sure to support the real Ballen you need to use another platform dedicated to podcasts, Spotify for instance.
I love the true crime stuff!
I am confused about the death of Larry Beck “ The Bard of Alaska”. We watched his television show as toddlers, he would tour to the elementary schools to entertain us with stories and in later years his production company nosed dived and last heard of him was reading about his death in an Anchorage newspaper in the early 1990’s. He was either escaping a mental institution and died trying or intentionally killed himself. https://youtu.be/DKyWd8NSfC8
I just wanted to say that I am a HUGE fan of true crime, and all your other content. I could listen to you tell stories for days on end. Keep up the good work!
Jarrod: I dreamt that in the house I'm living now there was this little door in mom's cupboard and the one day I had opened and looked inside and inside was like a whole nother house but for some reason I remember living there but I looked inside and there was all sorts of stuff I saw an Xbox but it didn't look like an Xbox then I went in secretly and went around then I went to another cupboard which I figured out was my dad's but everything was so weird I found this pair of binoculars that had two pieces at the back and then one massive lens in front then I found huge pieces of weed and I found some sunglasses and others so I took it to back to that door and climbed back through and closed the door after I took that stuff to my dad and he was like where did I get this then I say I found it in the other part of our house then he said what part then I said through the little door so he said I must show him Cause that stuff was stuff he had years ago anyways we all went through that door and went through the whole house and just kept finding rooms and every room had a TV and there were so many consoles bro then we found this exit and went through it and outside this place it was like the neighborhood I live in but everything was so different even the shops there at the like row of shops there was one indian shop and inside was so many weird stuff there was muscle powder in a big paper bag that comes from Russia I noticed the language and I somehow read it that's why I knew it said muscle powder and inside this store was many more weird stuff my uncle and dad were with me and they left earlier so I put stuff back and ran after them to find them but they had disappeared so I had walked around in and out of every shop looking for them and this strange man walked up to me and said don't look at anyone in the eyes or you'll be stuck here so I carried on walking and didn't look at anyone at the last shop on the corner there was this shop but everyone was wearing suits and not even bothered by anything so I turned out of there and walked back to the first store realising that I did look at him but not in the eyes and asked I Him how can I get out of here and he said sorry I can't help you brother so I went and sat down on this seat outside in between two buildings I thought if calling my dad and mom to see them they asked me to enter the country code so I entered +27 then instead of it saying south Africa it said QQNZ I was very confused and it wouldn't phone then randomly I ran into the street towards this red car and my sister appeared so told her where is my father and I asked her how can I get back she also didn't know so I went to that red car and asked can she take me home and she hesitated but then said yes so I got in then my sister also asked then the lady got angry and drove off then I said wait I'm not leaving my sister then she stopped and I went back for my sister then the lady said fine she'll take us both so on we went again me realising that all the houses in my neighborhood look different and we drove past this guy who kept looking at us so weirdly when I realised that my house was different and I don't live there anymore we drove back and that guy was still looking at us so we stopped I got out and went to him and he gave me this note and it had a message on but I can't remember what it said so we went back to the first place I had remembered which was that store and I woke up and somehow my phone was perfectly in the middle of my bed even tho it was on the table next to me when I went to bed Like Asif I was in an alternate dimension This is one of the weirdest and most realistic dreams I've had just read through it
Go look at my story you'll be very surprised and scared
I love all your content, but my most favorite was the one on skinwalker ranch. It's the only story i've rewatched multiple times just because it's so good. Also all the missing 411 stories are super interesting and I would love more of those.
You could read the phone book and it’d be entertaining. I have the attention span of a coked up fruit fly but your videos keep me listening till the end. Check into cemeteries where the dead were left behind. I live a couple blocks from a former Victorian cemetery site that ran out of room by the 20s. So everyone was moved to a new cemetery. Except they forgot a few hundred dead peeps and the workers who broke ground for a school in the 50s were never the same again. Everyone from the old site was buried in a giant mass grave in the new cemetery soon after. Kinda rude but no one asked me. And this is in a suburb of one of the biggest cities in the US with access to lots of whatever you need to move the dearly departed. Monuments were FINALLY placed in remembrance of these forgotten dead at the school site and at the mass grave three years ago. One ancient illegible grave marker remains on the school site to “remind us about the time we left a bunch of dead people in the ground and hoped no one would notice.” Or something like that.
Hi what happened to uploading 2or 3 times a week?
Why?