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Artwork for MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

Ballen Studios
Murder
True Crime
Murder Investigation
Devon Guzman
Brazil
China
Michelle Hetzel
Carrie Renner
Brandon Bloss
Rhonda Boggs
Romantic Relationships
Hiking Disappearances
Nick Robinson
Cannibalism
Domestic Violence
Florida
New York City
Missing Persons
Pataskala
Dave Boggs

MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories is a true crime and mystery podcast that presents strange, dark and mysterious content delivered in story format. The program is hosted by John Allen a.k.a. MrBallen. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes 7-days early and ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

PublishesDailyEpisodes551Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
True Crime

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

Latest Episodes

Today’s podcast will feature 3 stories that prove the deadliest threats are often the hardest to recognize. The audio from all three stories has been pulled from our main YouTube channel, which is just called "MrBallen," and has been remastered for t... more

Today, I’m going to tell you four stories about people who went through incredibly strange experiences – and came out of them believing that everything that happened, had a purpose.

You can WATCH all new & exclusive MrBallen podcast episodes on my Y... more

One morning in March of 1999, a detective in Norcross, Georgia leaned in closely to his computer screen. He was reviewing video footage his team had recorded at a murder scene – and finally, he arrived at the exact frame he wanted. He zoomed in and s... more

Welcome back to the Campfire! Tonight, I’m sitting down with a legend of the outdoors, Steven Rinella from MeatEater. We swap stories in the Montana wilderness, including an experience from my own life that I truly cannot explain.

Be sure to WATCH t... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
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Recent Guests

Steve Rinella
Founder of MeatEater; outdoorsman and conservationist
MeatEater
Episode: What I Saw in My Room | Campfire Stories with MrBallen
Patrice Chevalier
Bartender at the Rose Garden, later identified killer
Rose Garden bar (Paris area)
Episode: Last Call (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
Paul Cortez
Catherine's on-again-off-again boyfriend, known for his jealousy issues and alleged violent past.
Episode: Dancer in the Dark (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
Oz Pearlman
World-renowned mentalist known for his performances with celebrities and professional athletes.
Episode: Storytime with MrBallen | Oz Pearlman
Tom Segura
A popular comedian and actor known for his storytelling abilities.
Netflix
Episode: Storytime with MrBallen | Tom Segura
Erin Brockovich
Famous environmental activist and author
Episode: Listen Now: Hysterical

Host

John Allen
Host of the show, commonly known as MrBallen; primary narrator and guide through stories.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 133.1k ratings
  • Sad

    It turns out he is MAGA, which I had wondered about, but we got confirmation by his appearance with Rogan.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Tb dub
    United States18 days ago
  • Moving to Sirius has seriously caused this one to suffer.

    I still like this podcast a ton, but I used to LOVE it. After moving to Sirius it has truly suffered. Selling out means they killed the other Mr. Ballen pods that were developed with Wondery and now it’s filled with much less engaging content by usually going for 2-4 small stories rather than a complex mystery the episodes are way shorter now. When this podcast was with Wondery the episodes were always AT LEAST 30 minutes but now you’ll be lucky if they hit 26. Also, the audio in the “campfire” ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    LfromSea
    United States18 days ago
  • Goated

    This is one of the best podcasts EVER I love it so much he is amazing at telling stories

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hdiajgdnfkoq
    United States19 days ago
  • Interesting murders !!

    Geez! I already finished all of the episodes ! Ig I gotta start on the other Mr ballen shows cuz I really enjoyed listening to these kool episodes I will obvi still listen to the new episodes but I cannot believe I really have that much free time. Thanks for keeping me entertained!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aliengirl👽🛸
    United States21 days ago
  • TONED DOWN

    Miss the original Ballen, a little gory-now it's all hunky dory.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Allimiao77
    United States22 days ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, the host is viewed as compelling and the content as high quality and addictive for true crime fans.
Many feel the stories are engaging and shareable, though some criticize repetition or paywall exclusives.
Ads are a frequent complaint, with calls for faster-forward options or fewer interruptions.
Listeners praise the host's storytelling voice and pacing for bedtime listening.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Storytime with MrBallen | Rosie Grant
Q: What has this experience done for your relationship with mortality?
It has taught me that death becomes less scary as you talk about it more openly.
Storytime with MrBallen | Rosie Grant
Q: How did you start doing what you do?
I got started with this when I was trying to become a librarian and ended up interning at a cemetery during COVID.
Storytime with MrBallen | Oz Pearlman
Q: How do you prepare for your performances?
I've learned to remain calm under pressure, as it greatly contributes to success in mentalism.
Storytime with MrBallen | Oz Pearlman
Q: How does someone know they have the skill to be a mentalist?
People can be taught mentalism, but it involves innate talent similar to music; some may reach a ceiling despite learning.
Storytime with MrBallen | Oz Pearlman
Q: What is a mentalist?
A mentalist is a form of magic that involves skills developed over decades focused on how people think, using psychology, misdirection, and influence.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A gripping true crime and mystery storytelling show that presents strange, dark, and mysterious cases in a narrative, campfire storytelling style. Episodes frequently center on long-form reconstructions, twists, and atmospheric narration, often interwoven with sponsor reads and production notes. The host's compelling narration and the mix of historic cases, modern investigations, and unusual anecdotes help this program stand out as a immersive, story-driven true crime experience. It likely appeals to listeners who enjoy vivid storytelling, well-researched cases, and cautionary tales that blend suspense with factual context, though there are occasional complaints about ads and paywalls limiting access to new content.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Bedtime Stories
2. Wartime Stories
3. REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana
4. Every Town
5. Morbid

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 551 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Steve Rinella
2. Patrice Chevalier
3. Paul Cortez
4. Oz Pearlman
5. Tom Segura
6. Erin Brockovich

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