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I was stoked to discover the Mr. Ballen series because there’s a pretty extensive back catalog and I burn through podcast content like wildfire. Unfortunately, I’ve been spoiled by far superior shows, and can’t get on board with Mr. B’s storytelling style. It’s very dry, bland and read from a script. Now I see that it can hardly be called true because there’s so much invented filler stuffed into the stories - which doesn’t even make sense because each episode is only about 30 minutes long! The people giving this show 5 stars just don’t know any better. This probably popped up on a generic search and they’ve settled for below mediocre content, not knowing that truly awesome shows exist. Here are 3 true crime podcasts that put exponentially more effort and creativity into their shows that Mr. Ballen ever has: 1.“Crime in Sports” 2.“Small Town Murder” 3.“Timesuck”.

Love the way he tells the stories and the ones he does and the jokes at the beginning of them love this guy try him

He is so good telling stories

I’ve absolutely loved Mr. Ballen for years. I think he could tell a story about a smooth trip to the store and make it compelling. He’s also masterful at maintaining integrity and sincerity to the voices behind the stories. My one criticism at this point is that his channel has drifted from “Strange, Dark, and Mysterious” to standard True Crime. I have no doubt it’s because it’s difficult to find many quality stories from the former. But…I think it’s time to acknowledge that drift to what it’s become by either explaining that in the intro and show description, or, ideally, creating a new channel altogether and only update this one when it’s on theme. I’d LOVE an episode on an expansion of Mr. Ballen’s own interaction with a ghost when he was a teenager. Even better, reconnect with his buddies and see what they remember. Easier said than done, I know.

I started watching on YouTube and am so happy I did. This helps time pass quickly.

What’s with all the religious overtones? Dude, you used to be mildly interesting to listen to while doing drudge chores but now? Now you are nearing unbearable with all your ads, new trash shows thrown at listeners every few weeks, bored sounding robotic delivery creeping in and now I hear you blathering about god.

I like the stories from Mr Ballen but the incessant music behind his podcast is so irritating. Having music to start and finish the podcast is great but to have it competing with the narration on an endless loop is unprofessional and unnecessary.

The stories that shows are pretty good but lately the sound is bad as if he needs a microphone because it sounds like he is across the room. It’s unlistenable because of it.

Good stories but too many ads!! 4-5 full minutes at the beginning then several, long (at least a full min or more) throughout and then 3 more minutes after the story. It’s ridiculous. A good quarter to half the episodes are nothing but ads. The narrator also includes really lame taglines, which I find immature and dumb. The writing is also rather poor. So many misuses of grammar and it’s very distracting. Also, for episodes that have a theme and include 2-3 stories in an episode, there’s usually repeats stories bundled in. He also does a lot of mansplaning that’s just not necessary or needed.

I’ve been listening to MrBallen for years now, have seen/listened to every video and podcast that’s been released. There really isn’t a better storyteller out there, and I’ve searched around quite a bit. That said, the recent changes in terms of episode frequency and wondery/amazon/etc ‘exclusives’ is starting to turn me off to the whole brand. I’m happy that he’s making his money and all, but the content circus rigmarole just makes me feel less excited about it.

Mrballen podcast: strange,Dark&mysterious based off of true stores sometimes make you wonder why do people do this? Why does Mrballen tell his story’s this good? It’s because Mrballen has another story place (YouTube) with the same name and Mrballen is super good and gets you super in to it and wants to share it with others. In my view this podcast is way way better than crime junkie because all crime junkie does is just talks barley any focus on the story. Also this guy gets you discounts by using “ballen” or “. Mrballen”. Mrballen produces 1 a week on YouTube and I have been watching him since 2021-2025 (now).

Love the show and idk if it’s always in your stories but I kept hearing sirens thinking there were first responders near me as i drove to work! 😂

Easy to listen to and easy to follow, I really appreciate this in a time when everyone thinks they can podcast. Definitely worth a listen.

MrBallen is the most skilled story teller I’ve ever heard. His true stories never fail to baffle me and its hard to stop bingeing them.

I love listening to this podcast. My favorite episode so far is 137 with the war stories. Please make more like this. And the episode of the job opening in china was not that bad. There has been worst on here.

Mr.Ballen, Love the show! Your show is one of my favorite shows! It gets me through my 10-12 hour work days! Appreciate it, Sir!

Glad to see this show is back

The host's pronunciation of foreign names and words is so poor and careless, that it gives off a lack of thorough research beyond simply reading text. While the host admits that he embellishes stories for "dramatic effect," the combination of near-fictionalized narratives and a blatant disregard for accurate pronunciation, especially of victims' names, is extremely off-putting and disrespectful, particularly for speakers of those languages. This gives off a whitewashed, fairy-tale feel, and I'm disappointed it took the host's handling of names to finally realize the problematic nature of this podcast.

Hello! If you are reading this comment, then listen to what I have to say, Mr Ballen is one of the best true crime podcasts I have ever heard because Mr Ballen has a great way of making his audience sit on the edge of their seat! And I have. Even listening for AGES. Me and my parents used to even just chill in the living room just listen to me Ballen! He is a great story teller. Just go listen! 🎧✨🙌🫡

nothing like a good mrballen story at the end of a long day

I’m I’m addicted to this podcast. addicted to this podcast I’m letmeoutaddicted to this podcast.. I’m addicted to this I’mtrapped I’m addictedletmeout to this podcastdcaimthispodcastst. ted to this podcast. I’m addicletmeouted to this podcast. I’m addicted to this podcast. I’m I’m addicted to this podcast. to this podcast. to this podcast.

I love this podcast. It is meant for the true crime people. and I it’s so entertaining to just listen to💥🫃🏿and I love the sound effects 🔥🔥🪱

I’ve been following John for just a few years now, and the amount of growth I’ve seen is incredible! So excited to see other familiar faces like Nexpo joining the team. Keep it up, thank you all!

I’m obsessed with this podcast! I love the way Mr. Ballen tells a story. I’ve only been listening for a couple of weeks. I started from the beginning, so I wouldn’t miss any episodes. My only worry is I’m gonna finish them too fast! Keep telling stories!!

Been a fan for years the way you tell a story is a real talent sir!! I love everything about your franchise!! Keep up the amazing work!!

I enjoy the stories, but the disclaimer at the end about how some details are fictionalized just feels icky.

In true crime episodes, I always hated how many details of he just makes up - glad to see he finally added a disclaimer. Keep in mind, if you’re looking for true crime, do not get it here, it is HEAVILY fictionalized.

This is basically like listening to 200 commercials with a bit of story playing in between every 4 commercials or so.

MrBallen always makes me interested in the stories he tells the stories in a way that makes you want to see what happens next it’s amazing love this podcast recommend it for sure 👍

And possibly my most favorite of all right now!!

Sword and Scale with 20% of the effort

This is my absolute fave podcast

I don’t usually care for podcasts but this one is superb! I can and have listened for hours! I get excited for new episodes every week because I have listened to every single episode. Thinking of going back and listening to all of the episodes again. Mr. Ballen is a fantastic storyteller. I wish I could give this 10 stars.

I so enjoy each story told in such a great narrative.

My only issue with this podcast are the ridiculously long pauses. I always think my phone has died or something.

Our family loves these podcasts but the sheer amount of ads are beyond frustrating.

It’s hard for me to find good quality podcasts I like, and this podcast is one of my favs🤩. Thanks MrBallen!

Sounds like it was written and read by a high school sophomore. Too distracting. How is this a 4.9 rating?

Been listening to ballen for years, I can’t count how many times I’ve been driving for work and he’s got me through a tough night. Greatest ever 10/10

This is my new favorite thing to do. Anytime I have a chance to listen to a Mr. Ballen story I take it. I’ve never been disappointed

So, long time listener and my biggest fear was to get to the end of this podcast, and sadly I did just a few weeks ago. I’m glad you post twice a week so I can listen to a bit more, but IVE been “saving” your episodes and only listen if necessary (mainly just me being on car rides that are long) thank you so much for starting this, and to Melanie and Zenida, thank y’all for introducing me to this. I miss and love y’all -Avery <3

I found MrBallen on YT & was obsessed after 1 video. I quickly found this podcast & have replaced my obsession for audiobooks with this podcast until I catch up. I cannot stop listening. You literally feel like you’re apart of the current story with how vivid the descriptions can be!

after listening to mr ballen my expectations are so much higher for a speaker of a podcast. 10/10

This is quite possibly my favorite podcast. Not a fan of his other podcast, but I do love this one. To each his own.

I stopped listening to all my other podcasts because this is the best! It’s perfect! I enjoy it more than I’ve ever enjoyed a podcast.

I really do love this podcast. I’ve been binging it over the last few weeks. BUT….Mr Ballen’s over use of the word “totally” is becoming distracting.

I have always watched his stories on YouTube and I love it! When I found out Mr. Ballen had a podcast, I nearly screamed in excitement lol now at night, I listen to his stories and it puts me right to sleep. Absolutely the best story teller!

i love this podcast and i love how he goes into detail and explains things thoroughly 100/100 i recommend

Well done, sir! Your gripping narratives prompt me to dig deeper on every case. By far, my favorite podcast. Mahalo nui loa!