Hello you savages. Get up to 32% discount on the best supplements from Momentous at livemomentous.com/modernwisdom Get a Free Sample Pack of all LMNT Flavours with your first box at www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period from Shopify at www.shopify.com/modernwisdom Get $500 discount on Fountain Life at fountainlife.com/modernwisdom Here's the timestamps: 00:00 From Navy SEAL to Storyteller 04:14 Why People Love Gruesome True Crime 07:24 The Best Story MrBallen Has Ever Told 18:56 Living a Double Life in a Coma 22:56 Developing a Storytelling Style 32:37 Biggest Mistakes in Telling a Great Story 36:47 Audience Reactions at Live Shows 39:15 The Story With the Biggest Reaction 49:45 Where MrBallen Finds His Stories 58:46 Who Was MrBallen Before the SEALs 1:08:32 Advice for People Stuck in a Rut 1:11:54 Getting Through SEALs Training 1:24:23 The Worst Element of Hell Week 1:30:13 What it Feels Like to Be Hit By a Grenade 1:49:49 Rewatching the Video of the Hit 2:00:46 Adjusting From War to Home 2:07:52 MrBallen’s View on a Good Life 2:14:24 Principles for When Life Gets Hard 2:19:45 The Couple Who Almost Caught Ted Bundy 2:26:44 The Most Evil People 2:32:49 Tom DeLonge’s Alien Obsession 2:37:21 Receiving Backlash for Sharing Stories 2:43:00 Why the Military Has an Issue With MrBallen 2:54:06 Speaking in Depth About Military Experiences 3:04:26 Dealing With Rapid Growth 3:12:15 MrBallen’s Favourite Storytellers 3:20:34 What’s Next for MrBallen? 3:26:01 Where to Find MrBallen

@drewallen671

13 күн бұрын

You need to interview Antony Peak! Seriously PLEASE

@SethMathis1st

13 күн бұрын

I’m sure you’re aware, but on Apple Podcasts and Spotify the pod cuts off at like 2h37m.

@user-rt8ik1ow4i

13 күн бұрын

How you say,what you say,is as important, as what you say😮

@ZarrocLP

10 күн бұрын

Amazing show!

@sh0sh0n3

9 күн бұрын

Hard pass, just here 4 MrBallen

This was so fun to film, thanks again Chris!!!

@istrijanhomopit9318

13 күн бұрын

Yes

@ChrisWillx

13 күн бұрын

Appreciate the hell out of you, thank you man

@blockraven22

13 күн бұрын

We love you MrBallen 🤘

@Faroutamazingadventures

13 күн бұрын

I’ve watched your channel for a while and definitely have became a big fan over the years! Thank you Mr Ballen of what you do!

@ItsRedLion

13 күн бұрын

Hey Mrballen

One of the reasons I respect Mr Ballen as a storyteller in the true crime space is because his telling feels respectful to the victims in a way almost nobody else does. As someone who lost a close family member to murder, the attitude so many true crime podcasters and storytellers have just feels exploitative and gross.

@lio5073

12 күн бұрын

Have you watched Dire Trip?

@justified_edc

11 күн бұрын

Agreed, that’s why he’s pretty much the only true crime podcast I listen to. The rest just feel very exploitative

@FutureAbe

11 күн бұрын

I don’t really care for story telling (I’m not a child); I care more about what’s true, and to me he cares less about the validity of the stories he tells, since some of them definitely are not factual.

@justified_edc

11 күн бұрын

@@FutureAbe “I don’t care for storytelling, I’m not a child” bruh storytelling is like a foundational component of being human. You must be a real drag to be around irl

@Arvak

11 күн бұрын

@@FutureAbe You kinda sound more like a child by saying you "don't really care for storytelling". That's such a rebellious teenager attitude

The one thing you can't fake and that translates over the internet is authenticity, being an interesting person and being a good egg. I think that's why he's so successful.

@KDu400

13 күн бұрын

He seems so down to earth!

@MrBallen

13 күн бұрын

thank you!

@robincrawford2252

13 күн бұрын

Good egg 😊

@TTFN55

12 күн бұрын

@@robincrawford2252 - He IS a good egg!

@TTFN55

12 күн бұрын

@@MrBallen - I'm sharing this with my grandsons! I didn't breathe during the retelling of your first Afghanistan operation. Damn, son.

15/10 interview. Really enjoy letting him speak and go off on side tangents and not interrupting that so many other shows seem to do to get to "the point". Mr Ballen deserves all the success and more.

Me Ballen's stories are fascinating -- But also it's his voice. No matter how frightening the story is, his voice conveys that we'll get through to the end and be ok.

@TxWildflower247

12 күн бұрын

100%!! ❤

@jaketomtishen8607

10 күн бұрын

Couldn't agree more 👍🏼

Its crazy to hear him re tell stories I have heard him tell before and how perfectly re told it is! This man is a legend

My husband, 8 year old daughter and I have been watching Mr Ballen for about two years…. When we first started about 2 years ago, our daughter would ask to watch “flannel stories” 😂😂😂😂 he might be mr ballen to potential SEALs but to us, you’ll always be flannel man LOL

@austinhughes3506

12 күн бұрын

My God is "flannel" stories" the cutest thing I've read today lol

@MrBallen

12 күн бұрын

Tell your daughter she’s super cool!

@kaley2933

12 күн бұрын

❤she will love this so much, thank you!

@BlyGuy

4 күн бұрын

Haha nice. Anytime my family (s is 7, d is 3) take longish drives somewhere, we always listen to fun and happy music on the way there, since it's usually b/c we are going somewhere fun and exciting, whereas on our drives home, when things are much more subdued and the kids are dreading school the next day, it's always MrBallen or The Why Files. I mainly just stick to the three places you can't go and stranger than fiction episodes, and totally avoid the dark/disturbing ones or any that have to do with murder. My kids are big time nature lovers, especially the 7 year old, so I am a little hesitant to do the missing 411's with them and have them scared of the great outdoors (my 3 year old isn't comprehending what she's hearing yet, so it's only my son I'd actually be worried about and he's truly a maniac for the outdoors).

@kaley2933

4 күн бұрын

@@BlyGuy when my daughter was younger, I’d prewarch episodes that I wasn’t sure about… like some of the ‘creepy’ ones, just to make sure they weren’t too scary. She really likes the ‘places you can never go’ episodes, too☺️

Dude! I love seeing John do the podcast rounds. He’s such a captivating storyteller, he can just talk about himself and hold my attention for hours.

@SoulixStories

12 күн бұрын

I listened to a similar interview with him on a different podcast and I’m absolutely watching it again on a new one xD

@Malfunkshun87

12 күн бұрын

@@SoulixStories was it the Shawn Ryan show? I saw that one also. The stories about navy seal training blew my mind.

@SoulixStories

12 күн бұрын

@@Malfunkshun87 I had to go back and look haha it was “the iced coffee hour” podcast

@paxdriver

11 күн бұрын

In 3 hours he doesn't say umm or uh even once, I think. I've done 100hrs of podcasting and I'm amazed by his unscripted eloquence in plain language. That's really, really hard to learn, but easy to do once you've learned. It's the gift of ADHD imho lol

@trevorfields9153

4 күн бұрын

​@@SoulixStoriesDid you notice he didn't tell the story about him getting beat up on this one?😂

The interpreter lying on him and praying made me tear up... ❤😢

@jennifermckinley8477

2 күн бұрын

Me too 🥺🖤

This set up was made for MrBallen period!!!!!!

@paulogorris18

13 күн бұрын

The difference a comma can make...

@danielclark-hughes692

13 күн бұрын

​@@paulogorris18 😂

@borntoclimb7116

13 күн бұрын

Lol

@tigertalk2106

12 күн бұрын

Great background! Excellent when the jet seemed like it was flying right over/at you! I love story telling, as an example the way Wynona Rider narrates in the beautifully made, "Little Women," or Jude Law's narration in the beginning & off & on throughout the movie,"Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events." There's a talent & skill set to creating captivating content. Mr. Ballen is right, NEVER give up the reveal (plot) up at the beginning! As a serious reader & movie fan since a child....I found that as an adult I lost great interest in watching movies where the description gave up the story! Off I went to find something else! I started off in life with comic books & the Hardy Boys Mysteries....to this day "Mysteries," intrigue me. Trying to figure out what happened BEFORE the reveal is a challenge! Now who doesn't like a good challenge?! Like this podcast, subscribed 👍 I've already picked my spring/summer mystery book, a cross between Indiana Jones & the Da Vinci Code called "The Fifth Gospel," by Ian Caldwell. But of course I'll get Mr. B's book....there's mystery content!! Yes! Good luck!!

@jordanwilliams8040

11 күн бұрын

You can tell he's such a good dude and family man. So surprising cause most seals are HARD dudes and less socially likeable and easy going

That story of the guy who dreamt of a family is going to haunt me. Dammit Chris

@Rellikan

11 күн бұрын

If you're interested in how this might look in a movie/TV show the Star Trek: Next Generation episode "Inner Light" is an amazing episode.

@92R1gger

8 күн бұрын

oh yeah I remember that one. That was indeed some fucked up stuff😮

@sacvhi

7 күн бұрын

i genuinely cannot stop thinking about it

@JoseCalderon-qx8mq

7 күн бұрын

Yeah…… that story weirded me out for days.

@travispickle2147

3 күн бұрын

@@Rellikan Also the film ‘Stay’ with Ryan gosling if you’re interested

What I learned about story telling with MrBallen in this episode is worth one year of writing courses and three years and a half of writing!😃

@arthurmorgan7086

10 күн бұрын

It’s not tho is it..

@DanielCrossBoss

3 күн бұрын

@@arthurmorgan7086you can learn so much more by people that have mastered the craft and then actually applying it. You just haven’t learned anything.

@DanielCrossBoss

3 күн бұрын

@@arthurmorgan7086it is you just didn’t learn anything

@arthurmorgan7086

3 күн бұрын

@@DanielCrossBoss no I’m afraid a short video does not compare to 4 years of education. You don’t know because you don’t have one.

Dude has a gift with speaking. He easily draws your attention.

I really have so much respect for John, not only for his service (his service alone is something to revere), but for who he has become. Beautiful human being

Watching this video and hearing, “The lamp turned blurry”. Gut punch. Every time

"can you tell me how to get to bells canyon"

@DemonChildNicoRobin2.0

7 күн бұрын

NOOOO LOL

@tristinaugs

6 күн бұрын

That was the scariest one

@yasodabhagavatula4126

6 күн бұрын

😭😭😭 I will never forget that one

Mr. Ballen is my favorite KZread channel. No one else comes close.

I've stumbled into MrBallen during COVID in 2020 and was captivated by his distrubing russian sleep experiment story and his personal paranormal story. I have loved his story telling since. I am amazed but not surprised how much he has blown up in popularity! YOU ROCK BALLEN!

@Hi-zu9by

4 сағат бұрын

Yes his own story wow I had to stop half way in to take a break I was sooooo scared 😱

Interviews that MrBallen has been doing lately are just as great to watch as his stories.

I had a much milder version of the 2nd life that they talked about. I had a dream, very vivid, i fell in love, had a family, just like these stories. I woke up, I was driving to work when I realized that it wasn't real. I went from being the happiest I had ever been, to the saddest I've ever been. I pulled over and just started crying. Every once in a while, I find myself daydreaming about the memories from that life, and it takes me a few moments to remember it didn't happen, and I get that feeling of loss all over again. I never thought about it happening to others, but it makes total sense that im mot the only one.

Listened to the whole thing straight through, because I could listen to MrBallen talk ALL DAY ❤

The lamp is definitely his most haunting story and that story about the twin towers, I had to watch multiple times before I made it all the way through. The way he tells it really projects the terror and despair those poor people must have experienced. Such a great storyteller.

I was an instant fan of Mr Ballen from that first tiktok video. He’s come so far and worked his butt off to get to where he is.

@MrBallen is that good friend you always go camping with and he keeps you rapt with tales around the campfire. I think that's where the "comfort" comes in.

I got shot by a sniper (2x) while deployed and when asked what it felt like by a military dr i said "it kinda felt like chuck noris round house kicked my in the side"... an army reporter got ahold of that quote 😂 its now in an article "soldier displays courage under fire"

i was one of his first 10 subscribers and its crazy how fast he grew

@francomelendez2192

6 күн бұрын

Pretty cool thing

Mr Ballen is a fantastic story teller. Even here when has to give a quick synopsis of the stories, it's enthraling.

Mr Ballen is definitely my fav KZread channel & has been for years. So happy you interviewed him - Thanks for this!

I’ve watched so much of Mr. Ballen’s stories that I knew the Elle story before 😅😅😅. Love this guy

@sadiemichaels6405

13 күн бұрын

Right, I've watched story he's produced

@perfectlyimperfect628

11 күн бұрын

Yeah... I knew each story that he retold him n this interview!!!

@valerieickstadt4044

11 күн бұрын

This story is just insane😮

I greatly appreciate and respect Chris’s style of hosting by simply letting his guest speak. There isn’t a narcissist need to mark his territory throughout the interview by incessant interjections. John has moved and continues to go through his life in true form of the human condition - trail, error and learn. Rinse and repeat. He has this inalienable right as much as you and I. Period. I agree with John that in the micro prospective, our life is a detailed and complex compilation and in the macro prospective relative to cosmic time our existence in mass of our species, isn’t even a blip on its timeline = You’re significant while being insignificant at the same time.

I broke a tear about the guy in a coma... Had no idea it was only for 10 secs. How heartbreaking to have a connection with a son that never existed 😢

I love it when hosts just let their guests talk. ❤

“True Crime”. You mean the strange, dark and mysterious delivered in story format.

@PA1NK1LLER

12 күн бұрын

I was really into his content and I didn’t know he was a seal lol

@coledorney

4 күн бұрын

I scrolled for this comment 😂 10/10

@stanettiels7367

4 күн бұрын

@@coledorney 😂👍🏻

I would go to a theater to sit and listen to Mr. Ballen telling stories, the thing is, I hate theaters, but he is so good on his craft, and feels between a friend and bard that is so soothing!

Ballens family sound extremely intelligent. Can see how he is the way he is now

The best story Mr. Ballen has ever told: I firmly believe this is why we don’t remember past lives. I had a dream once that I was a tiger and my baby cub drowned in front of me. When I woke up I was fcked up about it for WEEKS

Mr. Allen, not only are you an American hero, but also a very accomplished story teller, which is a skill and talent in and of itself. I have followed you for 3 years now and now I have my bf, coworkers and some family hooked. Thank you sir for keeping me on my toes and entertained....tell Seagull Lung I say hi;)

This podcast has to be my absolute favorite. I cant lie I was in tears listening to the war story. Thanks for this wonderful podcast.

Might be two of my favourite KZreadrs in a conversation. Either of them could talk about making breakfast and I'm in, fully. Amazing set as well. Super well done, Chris and co.

the production value of this podcast is insane compared to anything else out there

When I saw that this was three and a half hours long, I didn't think I was going to watch the whole thing. But I quickly and easily got sucked in. Mr. Ballen has a way of doing that. I could listen to him for hours... And I guess I just did.

I loved the background changing. Especially for the story telling moments.

51:16 This is actually why I only watch Mr. Ballens spooky or paranormal stories, I just don’t like feeling thru the true crime stories, it doesn’t give me anything but sadness to hear about the awful things that happened to people. Thankfully in this case, he has plenty of content that is more mysterious or weird or paranormal, so I get my kicks there

I hope, that when i die, and there happens to be a spector to greet and guide me into the next life, that it is something like Mr. Ballen.

I’ve never watched this channel before but I’ll certainly be going through and watching old videos. You asked incredible questions and seemed so interested in not only the logistical questions regarding his content but him as a person and his feelings about things. Amazing.

Mr Ballen?! This one was so cool Chris! Ballen is the evidence of how we are wired for story telling, and how much we need it, albeit special effects productions, and other "sophisticated" contents. He´s an internet "bazinga". Thanks a lot to both of you.

He's so self-aware, which I absolutely love.

I always knew Mr.Ballen is just an awesome person. Easy to admire. This interview just amplified that admiration for me.

I have being watching Mr.Ballen from the start everynight I listen to his stories,addicted now to the strange dark and mysterious!!

I used to watch MrBallen's video's all the time. Then I started watching video's of people like Chris Williamson and to see MrBallen on this podcast now talking about his life story, his time as a navy seal and knowing that he is a magican in storytelling makes me really feel like I want to watch the entire podcast a couple times over. 2 amazing people on the table😃

After watching the entire thing I have to say I'm in awe of how beautiful this set is, I have never seen anything like it here on YT, the images are so wonderful, the tones used, even the table and mics, there is a minimalist feel to it too , congratulations on such a gorgeous set.

I love the way John tells a story. Every episode is like the movie Sixth Sense.

I love Mr ballen because of the way he delivers his stories. He doesn't sensationisle or try to drag you threw it. It's a very subtle and succinct deliverance and he comes across as a genuinely nice guy. All in all chuffed to bits for him and his family the success he's having.

What the hell? What an extremely unexpected surprise! Love Mr Ballen's storytelling. This will be great!

Crazy story. Im an avid hiker. Years ago i came down with some strange flu. It lasted for 2 years. I was tired, my head felt stuffy and my joints were sore. I started taking propolis which is a compound made by bees. My step father had become a bee keepwr and over 6 months of taking propolis and having been stung several times my mystery illness went away

A lot of the things that were said during this episode is exactly what i needed to hear right now. I'm going through a big transition in my life at the moment - moving away from my childhood home/ city that I've lived in for 25 years. I've become such a home body and the gaurd rails are up and i'm afraid of leaving my comfortable routine. But I'm doing it anyway. It's funny how these things work out. Thank you for that. Thank you.

So glad I can listen to the Mr Ballen podcast now that it’s available outside of Amazon Music app.

I live in Africa and I know that being stung by a bee/s helps to alleviate inflamation in my body. (I have chronic back problems).

@michaelr5606

13 күн бұрын

If you don’t mind sharing what kind of bees, how many stings, how often? I’m unfamiliar with this but I’m very curious.

@ms-jl6dl

13 күн бұрын

I'm from the Balkans,Europe and we also know that about bee sting (mostly used for knee pain,arthritis). What also helps is heating up your body to above 39°C (sauna,bath,sand) for 10-15 minutes. Almost all pain and infections get better and dissapear after few days.

@ms-jl6dl

13 күн бұрын

​​​@@michaelr5606If you're not alergic (!) let one common typical honey bee sting you close to the painful place and wait 24 hours for results. Than do it again. If it doesn't help after second sting,try something else. Usualy people have 1-3 stingings as therapy.Most common other natural therapies are ginger tea 3×daily,curcumin + pepper (or curcuma powder+pepper) - that's from India,and castor oil massaged into painful place in the evening. They all have strong anti-inflamatory effects and together with heating up from the reaction above it helps almost 100%. Most people have no patience or discipline to do those things properly. Max. daily intake of curcuma powder (not curcumin extracted from the plant) is 1,5 grams. Ginger according to taste,3×daily small quantities like in a teabag (other people make beer or liquer or add fresh to food but I hate the smell and taste so I use as tea).

@zin153

13 күн бұрын

​@@michaelr5606They are the common African killer bees. I am conflicted about using them because they obviously die after stinging. But for me about one or two stings a month obviate my need for anti-inflamatories for a couple of days per sting. The commentator below mentions that bees are used therapeutically in a number of countries. I discovered the benefits of bee stings by accident. If you're not allergic try one and see if it benefits you.

@zin153

13 күн бұрын

​@@michaelr5606They are the common African killer bees. I use about 2 a month and each sting is effective, for me, for about 2 days and it obviates my need to use anti-inflamatories for that period. I would utilise bee stings more frequently but I'm conflicted because the bees obviously die delivering each sting and I'm loath to inflict death on any living thing. The commentator below mentions that bee stings are used therapeutically in many countries. The bees are placed strategically at the point of pain to bring relief. You may want to try one and see if you reap any benefits from it. I discovered the relief of a sting purely by accident, having stepped on a bee.

Much respect for Mr. Ballen, such a great example of perseverance.

Man I could listen to John talk for litterally hours... thank you so much for having him here, cuz 15minutes a week isn't enough for me =P much love and support MrBallen

I love that John is doing podcasts! I started watching his videos when he was just starting out and I binged all the videos he had at the time in one sitting, and I’ve been hooked ever since. He’s an incredible storyteller ❤

He’s so right about his style. A great storyteller doesn’t tell you the story, they _show_ you the story. As an amateur writer, that’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten. Show, don’t tell.

Everyone loves to be frightened because it makes you feel alive.

@hexinvert2056

13 күн бұрын

People like being frightened when they are watching something. Not being the person in danger. People like to be comfortable and cozy while other people are in frightening danger. It makes them feel even more comfy in their warm house feeling better about themselves for not doing risky things.

@BorisBidjanSaberi11

13 күн бұрын

Whenever I go rock climbing I look down to remind myself of my mortality lol

This video has one of the best vids i have seen in a long time. The qualitiy, the personalities, the content, everything is on point. I actually felt like i was in the cinema watching a movie. Well done, good effort! 👍

Intersting story, in the 60's, my grandfather lived many years with Leukemia far past what he should of. He was a bee keeper and the Mayo clinic actually studied his case. The study was inconclusive, but they specultaed that the frequent bee stings must be what kept his cancer in remission for so long.

@sarah29880

12 күн бұрын

That’s amazing

Usually listen to this podcast on Spotify! Today I watched this episode on KZread and the background and the studio you have is just phenomenal. I especially like how it matches the theme and the mood of the story. As Mr.Ballen was talking about his military stories with his articulation and storytelling plus the background made me feel like I was actually there. Well done Chris!

I don't think most people would like these stories as much if someone else was telling them. YOU are the best at story telling!

What an amazing interview. Great from start to finish.

Haven't watched anything over 2 hrs let alone 3 hrs in 5 yrs or longer. New subscriber and early MrBallen subscriber

@MrBallen

12 күн бұрын

Thank you!

@itzcapondabeat9804

12 күн бұрын

@@MrBallen and thank u. As a former military vet myself- thank u for also showing there's life after duty.

Oh man, I am so happy to hear MrBallen's story this way. I got teary a bunch of times, but what a gift to hear. He's been such a lovely experience as a storyteller and got me through some serious times lately. This was wonderful.

Dude…… his stories that are claustrophobia inducing are TERRIFYING. Great channels to both of you. All the success lads.

Got to be one of the best story tellers on the internet. Even the Grenade story Fkn crazy how much detail and emotion he can add

Chris asked: are you pain at this point? John answered: right now? Or in the story? God bless you, MrBallen! That's kind of telling, John thought Chris meant "at this moment, TELLING the story". This is really amazing to me, seeing MrBallen talking about himself. At the beginning, I could tell he was out of breath just speaking, and that's so relatable. And beautiful! I've been on the MrBallen train since 2020, when he had a couple hundred thousand followers, and watching him blow up has been so cool! Well deserved, sir!

It's really interesting, he completely blew my mind with the 1st story and I absolutely didn't see the end coming. Then once he explained his process on the 2nd story about the dying woman I figured out the ending before he hit the reveal.

very good chemistry between you two! Very nice watch

7:23 my mom specifically had me watching true crime growing up just to know what to look out for and safety reasons like that. This is the first time I’ve heard someone else mention it. She’s on her way home and I can’t wait to show her this!!

My man John is doing plenty of interviews and podcasts now. I love it! Ever since the iced coffee one ive been hoping he does more. Found this randomly on my homepage! 👏🏾

I probably am one of the biggest Mrballen fans, listening to his stories since day one and never missing a new story. Your question about the "morbid obsession of the people with normal life gruesome stories", is a bit inadequate, I believe most of his subscribers will continue listening even if he starts repeating Jimmy Fallon jokes. As I see in the comments of his videos people are enjoying him mostly because of the atmosphere which he creates during the story. And that's also the main reason I've listened the full length of this podcast 😅 Nice

@MrBallen

11 күн бұрын

Thank you!

I just recently found Mr Ballen through the Sean Ryan Show! You can just tell he’s an all around good dude. He’s such great story teller too!!

I love MrBallen. His story telling is the best. Just listened to his episode on the Shawn Ryan Show. Now he is on another one of my favorite podcasts. Love it!!

"Cuz they don't care about you... And you're going to die." -Jonathan B Allen ❤️ Cracking himself up there and Chris was clueless lol. I saw u buddy. Brilliant!!

Thank you for the fantastic interview. Finished Sean Ryan’s yesterday, after 4+ hours I didn’t know what else you could cover. Clearly, A LOT. And I could STILL listen to more. Thank you for your questions as he was talking, I had some of the same. John Allen is fascinating, his life is an inspiration. Figure out what you want and go for it, especially if it scares you. Beautiful. PS British accents are the best 😂

Favorite interview of all time. I literally subscribed just for that alone. Good job, sir!

Easily the best podcast I have listened to, used to listen to MrBallen but due to work, life ect haven’t really watched much of him as of the last year or so. Was such a refreshing experience to listen to these story’s and conversations.

Mr Ballen is the GOAT of storytelling. Fell in love with his channel and went through all the stories on his yt channel. Put it on and listen to it while I work, best ever.

its a reminder to us that we are not here forever. We all know we will eventually die, but these stories are a reminder of our mortality. Also reminds us of the unknown and how sometimes our worst fear are not fiction to someone else.

Wow, I never knew the extent of John's experience in Afghanistan. So happy you made it, you wonderful human being

I almost asked in comments during the teasers for this episode why you release clips first. But you answered it in this episode! Thanks :)

Been watching mrballen since he started his journey, and the background DID make a HUGE difference, made me feel I was watching a new 2hr mr ballen story, not an interview. Amazing job!❤

You're a genuine inspiration and I'm so grateful for you sharing your truths, experiences and all things strange and mysterious.

Woah I didn’t expect his family to be made of such incredibly successful people.. Wonder what their family gatherings are like..

The big cinematic wall gave this particular conversation so nice depth. It was obvious the team prepared some scenarios in forward, based on the topics which could occur, and were switching scenes based on the conversation. Well done, well done :)

Everything Mr. Ballen said is so true. I was oversees with the military, and I was only scared during the briefings beforehand. The strongest guys a knew were shitting 10 minutes before we moved out every single time. He always kept pepto bismol in his truck. It was until I got old and had kids that I begin to understand. My children are 8, 6, and 3. I miss being a member of a good cohesive unit.

Love Mr Ballen! Discovered him during lockdown and have been watching his videos since! So cool to hear about his amazing life and experiences. What an inspiration🤙🏼

The fact that you were trying new things with the backdrop and everything is CRAZY to me because it all felt so seamless! Granted - I am a first time viewer of this channel so I do not have any frame of reference point, but the overall production of this video felt like a movie to me xD Well done mate

This has been a fantastic experience. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I found you in 2020 after breaking my leg and spending 7 months in bed recovering. Two things I'd like to know...how/what do you say or how do you "thank" a serviceman, because I've heard they hate hearing "thank you for your service."

Really enjoyed this. First time being introduced to MrBallen and I can't wait to check out his stories. Loved the background and how it kept changing in line with the change in stories. Just brilliant.

Been watching Mr. Ballen since he used to hide images in his videos 😂 I kinda miss that not gonna lie. I love u B.Allen ❤

This is one of the best interviews I've seen with Mr.B(Jon). Great job!! I'd go as far as to call him the *Master of Campfire Stories*! I was so incredibly lucky to find his channel after I had a major loss in my family. I'm sensitive to stories told in certain ways but Mr.Ballen tells his stories from a perspective that makes it much easier to digest. He's like a good friend who is eager to tell you an incredible story. What's better than that? He's changed the way I look at stories with his perspectives. He can tell the same story from 2 different perspectives and you don't even realize it's a story you've already heard many times, until the end or deep into the storyline. It's truly amazing! Starting Ballen studios was genius also. Go Mr.B go!!