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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.

PublishesDailyEpisodes563Founded5 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 spooky stories about messages from beyond. The audio from all three stories has been pulled from our main YouTube channel, which is just called "MrBallen," and has been remastered for today's podcast.

Story names, prev... more

Today, I’m going to tell three stories about people whose stressful lives actually drove them to the brink of insanity – until doctors finally discovered the root of all their issues.

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

One afternoon in December 1980, one of the most famous comedians in France pulled a stack of letters from his mailbox in Paris. As he flipped through them, one caught his eye: It had no postmark or return address, and there was something small and ha... more

Tonight, I have a very special guest joining me at the Campfire! Liana is a HUGE MrBallen fan, and I wanted to tell a few stories live, just for her.

All proceeds from this episode will be donated to Liana’s family to help with medical expenses foll... more

Key Facts

Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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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 133.5k ratings
  • Love the stories,not the person.he did a gofundme episode 4 a little girl,but think he did for views

    I like the stories in the podcast, but I just think I could recite the adds in the show from memory by now. Also, I am disappointed that I’m just now finding out he’s maga. Not judging, but I am sad. I guess I should have guessed since he went in the Joe Rogan show. Also would if he made some completely factual episodes, but I don’t mind the somewhat fictional ones either. Just wish he would make it more accessible for people to get higher quality no ads episodes :(

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Higuysitsme😘
    United States6 days ago
  • Sweet

    October 2nd stories with the kids were so so sweet. Sounds like they had fun and definitely need that during this tough time. Thank you Mr. Ballon for all that you do.ā¤ļø

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MarsFav
    United States6 days ago
  • A true hero in many ways

    Thank you for helping us get through our day man and helping Leanna

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Paper_routeJD
    United States6 days ago
  • Best story teller of this day and age

    I’ve always loved MrBallen. I’ve watched his YouTube for years and just recently started listening to his podcast. After listening to episode 553, I have so much more respect for this man. God bless you, sir!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mjricky203
    United States6 days ago
  • Long time listener, first time caller 🄲

    This newest released episode for all listeners. Camp fire story with Liana, Oct 1, 2026.

    Mr Ballen my dude…

    First - thank you for your service🫔

    Second - thank you for bringing dark and mysterious stories to us 2, 3, 4 even more times every week 🄰🤣

    Third - this is the most amazing episode of yours or any podcast I’ve ever had the privilege to listen. 🄲

    @Liana. I love you and I your family. I am sending you and your dad every single positive vibe/prayer/thought my heart can muster. I will ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TheRealNanner
    United States6 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.

Sometimes the Vanished Never Return | Campfire for a Cause
Q: What do you think about that story, dude?
The guest acknowledges the ambiguity and emphasizes that some stories work because of the speaker's perspective and the audience's reaction, rather than strict truth, highlighting that belief and narrative can be powerful on their own.
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.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
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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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

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

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 563 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

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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