A Disaster You've Never Heard of is Still Controlling Our Timeline

[@JE4-1]

"Mistakes were made." is one of my favorite historical phrases of all time. Perfect for all occasions.

[@SurprisedCoyote-mj8px]

Mine too! I wouldn't be here otherwise! Cheers!!

[@1963Jax]

It's exactly at that point when I settle down nicely with drinks and snacks 😂

[@Mr_Booshy]

Even birthdays?

[@caw7007]

😂 you are so right!! Perfect for all occasions! Brilliant. 💖💐

[@erikfinkel2717]

That's what my parents said after the pregnancy test was positive

[@spongebobsqueeze]

Being 67 years old I knew right away you were talking about Joe and John Kennedy. I learned Joe died in grade school history but I was taught he was shot down. I never learned the real story. Thank you for schooling an old woman in WWII history.

[@juliejindra1325]

As soon as he said dad said could be president and that the siblings were highly competitive, with dad playing favorites, I knew it was Joe Kennedy.

[@bellasinister5743]

Same here, being 70. Even though this was just posted, I feel as though I've already watched it. My own father was in the army air corps, and now my son has his silver 'gunner's wings'.

[@stephenmcdonagh2795]

I've known about this story for years- maybe it's been kept from the American public. I didn't know that the whole exercise was basically superfluous though. They used TV screens and cameras as a rudimentary way of aiming the plane.

[@Eventual-Visitor]

@@juliejindra1325 Dad was a successful bootlegger right beside the mob.

[@toniacollinske2518]

Me too. First I've heard of this story. And I knew right away who it was. Being 9 when Jack died, he was one of the most important people in our young lives

[@CoLe2003.]

If social studies was taught by Mr. Ballen in story form, no one would fail.

[@n_baileyname2698]

I believe your right!!! Kids would eat up history!!! I had a fantastic history teacher in 7th and 8th grade. He started the passion in me.

[@deydey6777]

Ong

[@kelleyabitbol6156]

No doubt! Wouldn’t he be a great teacher!!!

[@h.s.lafever3277]

social studies, perhaps, history, no...

[@lethal_legend3927]

The fat electrician is pretty good too

[@RavenCroftLoft]

Sometime around 1941 when Germany was bombing Greece my grandmother hears a smashing sound from the back yard. She looks out the window and sees it, a huge bomb that was dropped hit the back yard and never went off. I’ll never forget when she told me that.

[@mikeseibert4889]

Wow your grandmother had GOD on her side that day 👍

[@YunxiaoChu]

Lucky

[@YunxiaoChu]

🍀🍀🍀

[@gregbuster4187]

@@mikeseibert4889Which god?

[@mikeseibert4889]

@gregbuster4187 Whatever GOD she believes in wtf.

[@yohannbiimu]

I think the most tragic story from the Kennedy family (yes, more tragic than Joe's, John's, and Robert's deaths) is the horrifying case of Rosemary, how she was actually kept from being born for two hours until the doctor arrived (her mother's legs were kept crossed to keep Rosemary from going through the birth canal), that resulted in a dangerous lack of oxygen, leading to her having development issues. She had a very difficult time growing up, culminating with Joseph Kennedy's decision to have her get a lobotomy when she was 23, utterly destroying her life. Besides this, her mother didn't visit for 20 years and Joseph Kennedy never saw her again. They lied to their other children about her whereabouts and they didn't find out about her until after their father suffered a stroke in 1961. All-in-all, it was a tragedy of the Kennedy family's making and to me what happened to Rosemary was diabolical

[@vickyzimmer527]

I completely agree.

[@jackspring7709]

True.

[@mariobtron5907]

​​@@vickyzimmer527my son was born with lack of oxygen. He was practically dead . But he pulled thru hes my inspiration .

[@annnichols3091]

I knew about the lobotomy, but not about the brain damage from oxygen deprivation. Poor Rosemary!

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

It was all to save the family from embarrassment. Rosemary was pretty and was beginning to take an interest in men. They were afraid she would get pregnant and same the family. So she was horribly mutilated

[@markelly-de1hy]

I'm 60, taught US History, and all of my uncles fought in WWII. I knew this was about the Kennedys as soon as you mentioned the rivalry and the father, but never knew the circumstances of Joe's death, just assumed he was shot down. One of your best, Mr. Ballen!!

[@migueldesanta9748]

No

[@TheNtxawmtoog]

​@@migueldesanta9748Wdym "No"

[@Chimichungus69]

@@migueldesanta9748Yes.

[@MaternalUnit]

Same! I'm also 60. I think most of us familiar with the Kennedy family story knew as soon as the wealthy family and fraternal rivalry were mentioned. Oh, and the photo. (3:45) But like you, I did not know details of how Joe died.

[@Fuzzamajumula]

I love the way he sneaks a history lesson into the strange, dark, and mysterious, every now and again!

[@Dontmovestories]

1.6k likes and hundreds of comments before your video even drops that just shows how much you're loved!

[@missmissy_90]

Absolutely. At first, I disagreed, but then realized this is his REAL ACCOUNT. Great comment.

[@debbiemurray1496]

💯🤜🏻🇺🇸

[@poejinxrandom6760]

Big Facts

[@sharpm0102]

Agreed! I thought I was late lol

[@resaneal9538]

Yes, sir, you are loved ❤️❤️❤️✌🏾🫶🏽

[@xandradeah5102]

I stumbled into this channel after seeing a few of the shorts. I really enjoy the format and the fact that there is no sensationalizing in these stories. As well, it's wonderful to see a Veteran who had significant struggles come out the other side and share of himself in such a way. I come from a long line of Military members ( and these are only the ones that I grew up with, I know it goes farther back but need to do more research - both Grandfathers, 2 Uncles, my Father and my brother, all USMC, except for 1 Uncle who was an Army Medic.) And while I, myself, am not a soldier, I've unfortunately had to deal with severe PTSD involving a very violent and invasive criminal event. So watching others with similar struggles aids in my own healing process - Thank You MrBallen, Tara W.

[@danktankdragkings7117]

You are not alone. Noncombat PTSD is just as real and damaging as shell shock. I'm so proud of how much work went into casually saying what happened to you. Keep growing Tara

[@rosanabeyer]

I have a minor in history, and I love to hear him and all the stories. If we have more teachers like him, kids would love history and appreciate it!

[@rickgates.official]

I'm sure if teachers were paid what he's paid to produce this content, there'd be a lot more teachers like him.

[@anselpeneloperainblossom-s3489]

People like Mr Ballen, Mike Duncan, and Dan Carlin are why I discovered history is so damn interesting. It only took until my early 40’s

[@bibekjung7404]

ALMIGHTY :-;. KAVER :- GOD -:❤😊

[@lizardog]

@@bibekjung7404 Go home. You're drunk.

[@rosannerossi6376]

@@rickgates.officialmy grandkids are homeschooled, they don’t have to sit at a desk all day like I did. Their dad is really smart and was a high school teacher (was called favorite teacher in the school, by the students) before they had kids. They couldn’t pay him enough to put them in a brick and mortar school. I’m going to get them this book! 🙌

[@Trickytree29]

My Grandparents always told me they were never afraid when they saw the V1 & V2 rockets flying noisily over them. It’s when they go quiet and their fuel has run out when you know you’re in trouble……..

[@southie21]

V1s (doodlebugs) you could hear. V2s you only heard post-explosion. My in-laws' house is a rebuilt one after a V2 hit the previous house. You can still see the damage on the school next door.

[@Wretchedsinner777]

My great grandpa was a combat engineer in ww2 he said he wasnt scared when the germans were engaging them but he would get sacred when it got quiet or quiet for a good period of time because you didnt know where they were or if they had or were surrounding you

[@celticbarbarian6680]

They were never targeting civilians. The artillery shells Churchill knew about never had the capacity to reach the planes that took out factories. Instead the shells arched and landed on civilian housing. Churchill knew they never made their target and continued to shell his own civilians "for morale" as if the Germans were doing it.

[@oldcountryboy]

​@@Wretchedsinner777 My Grandpa was an army Core engineer He rebuilt bridgesThey shot those things at him tooHe said you could kind of see what they were going to hitSo they really weren't a worryHe said 1 day One came by and it came so close to him he could have padded it as it went by My Grandpa also brought back A 32 German mauser Pistol He always saidHe got it Fair and square he won it in a poker game

[@Wretchedsinner777]

@@oldcountryboy thats awesome a mauser pistol always thought those were pretty cool yeah my grandpa didnt bring back any trophies he was captured twice tho by the german army the 2nd time being in the battle of st vith he said they fell back at one point before getting captured the fled to a top of a hill and the last position they were in got bombarded with artillery the second the got on to the high ground that must of been wild knowing if you didnt retreat when you did you wouldve been blown to peices i have all his maps and stuff from the war pretty awesome stuff he was in the 168th combat engineers theres a monument in st vith of the unit i hope to go see one day

[@TheReesie]

Our 14 year old son (Zeke) discovered your channel a few years back and you have become a staple and HIS favorite! You announced your book coming out on your birthday! Well, Zeke (our son) happens to share his birthday with you! And he asked for your book for his 15th birthday!! I just pre ordered it! He will get so much joy from this, and we will too!!

[@charlescowan6121]

You named your kid zeke? My God, the poir kid!

[@vincentbbrody]

​@@charlescowan6121Zeke is better than Charles.

[@monito3575]

​@@charlescowan6121 there are literally different cultures and languages on earth! Do you think the rest of the world names their child Kyle or John?

[@dabofiron.itzsimplicity]

Does Zeke have a brother named Eren?

[@TheReesie]

@@dabofiron.itzsimplicity ironically, he has one brother named Charles and one named John. I love all their names and I don’t care what others think:)

[@anitaford4138]

I can't lift my jaw back up!!! Holy . . . WOW!!! Completely stunned. Why in the hell isn't this a common thing taught in our history classes?!!!!!

[@jelikgyattebayo]

I also had my jaw drop. I can't believe it!

[@commonsense571]

We don’t invest enough to h education … 🤷🏻‍♀️. it’s true😞

[@1pcfred]

Because it was insignificant. A lot of people died in the war.

[@kilo9015]

he was a Kennedy... The wires being crossed was no accident. It's also hard to believe we didnt already know the Vengance weapons had been destroyed 5 weeks earlier.

[@Boobook663]

Absolutely!

[@FrankieBlueEyes]

The wires being crossed is pure speculation. It was never determined what caused the plane to explode.

[@rawsmackdown619]

Very suspicious!!!

[@FrankieBlueEyes]

@@rawsmackdown619 not even a little bit.

[@FrankieBlueEyes]

@kevinnygaard1257 no evidence the wires were crossed, it's pure speculation by the content creator.

[@edwardgofsky4862]

The “Strange, Dark, & Mysterious” is the best. MrBallen getting close to 9 million subs. Well deserved. Fantastic storytelling.

[@shawns.12]

Fr. He used to be my hidden gem channel. Id leave comments like “you deserve to be so much bigger” and “keep at it bro! Success will come!” And now he’s here and I’m so happy for him.

[@kristenisaac7038]

My whole family loves listening to your stories. We look forward to your videos every week. My husband thinks I’m a little crazy; I have insomnia but your soothing voice always helps me sleep (despite the content).

[@oblivian9505]

I have bad insomnia too, but his narration keeps my heart racing like I'm in the middle of all the action...lol

[@SummerSetBytheSea]

Helped my insomnia a lot during the lockdown! He should have his voice insured! Unique 🎶 tone! He'd be great at radio hosting! Not too many people are born with his tone, pitch.....like certain vocalists!! 👍💥💫

[@notduhpopo]

My friend has a 3 year old baby girl. He told me that when she has a fussy nite he plays Mr. Ballentine and before long she's asleep.

[@countroshculla]

But I bet you don't fee sleepy when he talks about Ole Lungie and his adventures!

[@andreawilliams2095]

I've fallen asleep to a Playlist of his stories also... very calming for some reason.

[@spongevee1]

I recognized his picture as I had a 'read tons of Kennedy books' era, but it has been years and I really enjoyed your video as a refresher.

[@zoehopwood8463]

I remember when you were at less than 100k followers now you're at 8.7million ... Very much deserved

[@pauldavis5665]

What took you so long? I was here at 10k subscribers.

[@rylandvanmeldert]

@@pauldavis5665 Y'all I was here when he was still taking off on tiktok you have to catch up

[@CycoKilla13]

@@pauldavis5665 ah, remember the good ole days when he would upload 3-4 times a week?..... 🙂

[@FariesWearBoots]

​@@pauldavis5665 What took you so long? I was his first ever subscriber.

[@MoGumboFukUTubeForChngngMyName]

Yeah… that’s when his stories were good and he put out content. Now he’s just another greedy slime bag who reads what people write for him and promotes his other 50 projects to make more money.

[@noneofyobiznizz9516]

One of the best things about Mr Ballen, is his fans. You never see(or almost never) his fans creating drama in the comments section - unless it's about the poor Like Button.

[@utley]

yeah I dont get the hate on the like button...it keeps him employed on youtube!

[@tobiastwynholme9532]

Pretty frequent to see people in the comments complaining about the infrequency of videos and/or length of video and/or the existence of the Shorts and podcasts, unfortunately.

[@cosmizy9805]

⁠@@tobiastwynholme9532And some comments about trans person in his videos

[@moxxy3565]

Shut up Edit: sorry I didn't mean it

[@jahruuts]

Agreed‼️

[@remeylionheart5497]

My 2 cents will inevitably be lost in the sea of comments, but I must acknowledge MrBallen for everything he's done and continues to do! Much love, brobro! Semper fi

[@Tarabull7353]

❤️🤍💙 I hope a TON of people bump your comment up by commenting like me. SERIOUSLY THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE AND GOD BLESS! 🙏 HAPPY PALM SUNDAY! ✝️ ❤️🤍💙

[@modestgrower2017]

👍

[@kojoyeboah7]

Hoorah😎

[@SMGR2X9]

👍

[@MamaMariaFromKorea]

🇺🇸

[@PBBBWis]

As soon as I saw the photo of Joe and his dad I remembered why the story felt familiar. Listened to a podcast last year that told the story of this famous family’s history and it’s truly fascinating! Thanks, John, for another amazing listen!

[@outspoken5808]

I knew exactly what story was being told as soon as Joe's photo was shown, and yet listened to Mr. Ballen intently and still got chills.... that's how good of a storyteller he is.

[@thecomedypilot5894]

No one asked

[@shaokhanwins1037]

​@@thecomedypilot5894I did.

[@outspoken5808]

@@thecomedypilot5894 No one asked

[@thecomedypilot5894]

@@outspoken5808 Correct. Your point?

[@whimsygrove9971]

I’m embarrassed that I DIDN’T know! Although it sounded familiar, I seriously thought it was going to go in a completely different direction. Like most of his stories, I assumed it was going to have a paranormal twist at the end.

[@robertdaniels-lane7321]

“It should’ve been Joe” Yep, that’s definitely boggled my mind after hearing this story 🤯 butterfly effects are a strange phenomenon for sure!

[@5goldenhammer]

Maybe "it should've been Joe" but for some other reason God had other plans.

[@michelg3811]

“The wrong kid died” - Dewey Cox father

[@indigowulf]

Given some of the things our leaders have done, like what happened to JFK, I wonder if those wire that crosses and caused the explosions were TRULY an accident.

[@TheGeenat]

@@indigowulfthe cia could have crossed the wires.

[@TheGeenat]

@@indigowulfI mean think about it, what are the shear odds that both sons of one person had the ability to become president?? I’d say zero without massive corruption

[@lily484]

Just so you know, my fiance and I found your videos a few months ago and we now watch them religiously every single night. It's become our ritual! We live in a tiny rural town in Central Australia. So the fact you have reached us shows the sheer gravity of your amazing story telling abilities. Well done and never stop posting the strange, dark and mysterious! 😊

[@cytherians]

That's so terrific. Mr. Ballen is a great story teller. Another guy you need to check out is Thoughty2. He's also a terrific orator.

[@samuelhasell7507]

Greetings fellow Australians! I’ve also recently introduced my partner to Mr B and now we both love watching and listening to his content 😊

[@Misskj167]

Yay more Australians hi guys 👋🏻😊 Mr B is great love love love the storytelling he makes it so interesting ❤

[@samuelhasell7507]

@@Misskj167 Hey it’s nice to meet you guys! My girlfriend is especially invested in the way he tells his stories it makes me so happy

[@lily484]

Hey all! This is super cool! What a community Mr B has started !! It's amazing!

[@lorrainewilhelm6555]

Knew the story but loved your telling of it. I never realized the implications of that event. Thank you. Could listen to you all day

[@katecatcheside4186]

Your storytelling skills are unmatched. They're literally so good I can rewatch them over and over while waiting for new content. Please keep posting - you're the GOAT!

[@deneilbaker]

Super original comment 👍👍👍

[@Fctsdntcarebouturfeelings]

❤

[@reneebrauner3474]

I’m 63, and had never learned the truth of the story until now. Bravo, Mr. B! 🙌🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🫶🏼😎

[@cytherians]

As soon as I saw that photo... I recognized JPK. But I was expecting the ending to be that before they could bail out of the plane, they were attacked and he was killed. I did NOT know that it was a grave technical issue with crossed wires. That's just so maddening. A single wire... changed history. Can you imagine the technician who was responsible? I wonder what happened to him.

[@bethbartlett5692]

​@@cytherians 8 did as well, it's why * selected the video.

[@retriever19golden55]

I'm also 63, and very interested in history. I knew Joe was killed in the war, but not how it happened. If Joe had become President, would John have had a long career in Congress, as Teddy did? Would Bobby have lived?

[@valeriemarott1923]

I'm 63 and love history but never knew this too! I can't imagine what the US would be like with the Kennedy family changed by this.

[@mrzrrixgaming2738]

The real question is would he get the same faith as his brother?? What would be his decision on Vietnam and Cuba and more would ww3 happened if he was the president?? Sometimes all that is left for us is to wonder what would happen ( I'm Iraqi kurd and love other nations history specifically ww2 and ww1 soooo don't mind me 😅 ) ​@@retriever19golden55

[@bigmikesdhurtsbarrysb5073]

I know the story backwards and forwards but never heard MB tell it. So here i am. Perfectly told with extreme hand gestures to bring it home. Dude could make me doing my taxes sound interesting. Your a legend Mr. B.

[@Sorchia56]

True! Even though I knew the ending, I was still riveted. He would make for a brilliant history teacher!

[@MrBallen]

Hahah thanks!!!

[@bradburke8232]

My grandparents bought a farm house from a guy in the 1960's named Bud Liebenow who just so happened to be the captain of the PT boat that saved John F. Kennedy and his crew after their PT boat (PT-109) was attacked by a Japanese destroyer in 1943. Bud was invited to his inauguration and met up with JFK every time he was in the area for one reason or another. They remained friends until the day JFK was killed. That goes to show you that JFK himself almost didn't survive that war and if not for Bud Liebenow and crew, there never would've been a President John F. Kennedy.

[@annehaase3380]

He looks so proud of his book. You rarely see that honest of facial expression. Made me smile to see his happiness and sense of pride. Beautiful. I'll give it a try. I'm sure it's awesome.

[@nathanenterline8610]

My grandfather was in this mission and flew in one of the planes! There is a book about this mission that goes into much more detail about the mission. It was attempted many times and my grandfather survived one of the first attempts. The pilot of his plane was scared about the explosives, but my grandfather joked by saying to him, "A lot of money was spent on smart people to make this. I am sure it is fine." Haha

[@GinaAllen-fd6wh]

That is amazing!!!!

[@AhranMaoDante]

That they did it so many times successfully makes this "mistakes were made" case, that happened after Britain had taken care of the threat, while they were in communication, seem suspicious. More so after the assassinations of John and Robert. Or maybe the family really is cursed.

[@nathanenterline8610]

@@AhranMaoDante so my grandfather was one of the people involved in this in this mission. He was interviewed for a documentary book sometime in the 70s. I need to re read the book to re confirm, but from how the book reports, Robert definitely vulentered. The book recounts how others didn't even want him to go cause of the failed attempts before him. I see your point though. Not sure what to think about any theory of some government cover up. The book also states that the bunkers were empty and did not mention the British taking them out without the U.S. knowing. The book could be wrong or @mrballen haha. We may never know.

[@mumtazamiri6409]

Ugh! Famous last words... Reminds me of the Unsinkable Titanic 😑

[@nathanenterline8610]

@@mumtazamiri6409 that's funny! It is definitely reported that the plans were unusua. I think my grandfather said that as a joke to ease the tension. Fun fact, Winston Churchill inspected some of the first planes on some tour of the US base

[@ingridn0g]

It's amazing how, late at night, Mr. Ballen's voice helps me sleep (I put the podcast on every night), but I will also get very attentive to what he's saying when I'm watching his videos during the day or early night, and can binge watch them for hours without falling asleep. His storytelling is amazing like that! Perfect for every occasion.

[@heidiwilkes1]

Same for me!! ❤

[@toddkoltes3570]

Same

[@brendaernst310]

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! I loved reading the comments afterwards and came across the one by the 60 year old history teacher who didn’t know the story. I bet this was such a cool experience for him to listen. Well done sir!!!

[@ShawSix.]

Mr Ballen is my favorite person to watch I even go to bed listening to the stories

[@OnryōmainDBDM]

Don't mind my username but I just wanted to say how much I love your videos they get me through the day each one of them are interesting and unique in their own way❤

[@missmissy_90]

I always have him playing at night. Even the brand new ones I wait for on Mondays. Then I listen in full in the morning. Or I put a playlist on. Always.

[@lisawalden5279]

✨️I put them on and right at the end I start dozing off, b'cos who could fall asleep during a Mr. BALLENS STORY? NOT I....HOW ABOUT YOU???❣️

[@PoorOldGator]

Bro, Just checked out your channel. Red Dot is fire. I want to hear that in the next drift/street racing game that comes out. Or in the New GTA. Just all over. Keep grinding bro.

[@darlenefraser3022]

He has a GREAT voice that puts me right to sleep!

[@larab4999]

I’ve been listening to you for years and have told my friends and family about your amazing story telling to which are just as excited about your stories as I am! Your story telling has genuinely brightened up my days and I’ve really looked forward to settling myself in to listen to another podcast or video. My sister was actually waking past her neighbour who she has never spoken and saw that they were watching you on their tv! We were coming up with ideas of getting their attention by her wearing one of your T-shirts and just “casually” strolling by their house again hoping they’d see… Basically, I just want to say I appreciate this channel a lot. Thank you very, very much :)

[@Vid_Master]

Same! ive told at least 5 people about mrballen after I binge listened to every video last summer 😂

[@marinothegreatsan]

Just go and talk to your neighbour,life's too short man

[@ConsistentlyInconsistent21]

What do you think is gonna happen?

[@sylviawebster7066]

I always say when I'm bout to watch him I say "going ballen"

[@cindybailey3718]

My grandfather was in the RAF in WW2, there's some amazing stories that these heroes are very humble about

[@Bearwithme560]

My father was an unknown hero, along with his fellow Danes, who risked his life several times hiding Jewish Danes on fishing boats to safety in Sweden during WWII. He also had a "hit" on his life by the SS for spying. None of this we knew of growing up. I only found out when l visited Denmark and was told by my incredulous cousins who assumed he would have told us. My observation has been that true heroes say little about their deeds, many of which must have involved difficult choices.

[@darrenglick100]

​@Bearwithme560 Thank you for sharing and your father, a True hero. I'm very familiar with the Danish mission to save Jewish people by using fishing boats to Sweden. ❤️ 💙

[@Bearwithme560]

❤ 🇩🇰 🇸🇪 🇨🇦

[@bailydekker9377]

I’m so happy to live in a time where MrBallen exists.

[@SurprisedCoyote-mj8px]

I want you to know there have been many a night where I TRULY found myself lost, we'll say. Depression is definitely a terrible affliction. I heard you say how you were finding yourself getting mad at people! I hate myself when I get to that point because I'm agonizing myself trying to understand why! I guess my point is that you, and your team have been there for me on some really low nights that binge watching your uploads is the only thing that got me through another night. I'm giving therapy a try as well, and i am having a positive experience so far. Sir, I want to thank you for all that you do, and for your dedication to people bettering their lives. I hope you get a chance to read this just to know you continue to help save lives even after serving our country. I will be there for sunday's premiere. I love having something to look forward to! Thank you, again! Also, my heart goes out to anyone who is suffering. I wish I could offer better advice other than to keep trying. There truly is hope. I wish everyone the best.

[@paulapreston937]

You are never alone! God's got you!!

[@ritamarchi2168]

​@paulapreston937 Please believe me when I say that I know how you agree totally with what you say. I loved it when Mr Ballen was uploading a few times a week because watching him kept me going also. Not so keen on the podcasts as I am as watching him read the stories. You can always leave a comment if you have a bad night & you will usually get a response from someone. I hope you have more good days than bad & that Mr Ballen helps keep you interested & keen to watch or listen. God Bless & all good prayers for your future recovery. ❤❤❤

[@SurprisedCoyote-mj8px]

@@ritamarchi2168 I know! I was staying in my travel trailer but I couldn't use WiFi so I'd walk to a hardware store that had 24/7 WiFi and an extension cord, and outlet (I knew the owner and I kept it clean. Plus I liked 4 houses down the road) ANYWAY.. point is when he was loading three or four times a week I would sometimes get so excited! I love to tell stories, and I have a nak for keeping people entertained but I just love his content. When he started sharing about mental health, and his experiences, I guess I just always felt welcomed. I'd get McDonalds, and it was right before social distancing here in Florida, so I couldn't eat there and use WiFi. It's something to look back on that time in my life, and think how happy, and grateful I was for his content. Thank you, and I appreciate the comment.

[@SurprisedCoyote-mj8px]

That reply was pretty much for both of you, BTW! And thank you, as well, Mr Ballen, sir. You continue to help so many people. Getting a notification made my day a little brighter!

[@jahnreyortiz8500]

Hi Mr Ballen... I'm from South Africa It just shows how many lives you have touched all over the world ... Keep doing the great work and GOD Bless❤

[@rock_star2010]

This episode has so many actual pictures and footage from the operation!!! I think this episode has the most media from the events out of all the episodes you've done, and it was really awesome to see.

[@migueldesanta9748]

No

[@migueldesanta9748]

Yes

[@just_kendall212]

It finally dawned on me why I like listening to these stories so much. You're this generation's Paul Harvey.

[@nanip685]

Hear, hear!! ❤

[@user-uc4pf2rt4j]

Great comparison!

[@jackalope2302]

"And that's the rest of the story."

[@ntwaha732]

Who's Paul Harvey?

[@Godzilla763]

Who's Paul Harvey?

[@markeastman5910]

You are appreciated in many ways. Thank you Mr. Ballen.

[@LkORiUONG.]

Been subscribed since the channel only had a couple thousand subs and now i can honestly say its been an honor to see how far this channel has come. Cheers to a million more Mr.Ballen🤙🏾💯🇵🇼

[@cplmpcocptcl6306]

I’m so glad you’re sharing your stories from the military. I say this because I know how much flak you got from fellow veterans. You have every right to share your experience.👍🏻

[@paulandrews5611]

Yeah, I don't think this is MrBallen's military story. 😂 He's a few decades too young!

[@PinkOpal90]

Hey Mr. Ballen! I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and your whole team for all that you guys do to put out compelling content for all of us! I don’t know if you’ve been thanked recently, but I wanted you guys to know how appreciated you are and how much we all love your channel! Keep up the great work! Much love and God bless, Aysar ❤

[@thedouble1269]

imagine in like 100 years instead of “one night in 1944” it was “one morning in 2001”

[@fabiolacristina10]

I’ll never forget watching MB with my mom during Covid & how much his videos helped me during that time I think I’ve watched every single video he’s uploaded on this channel

[@whimsygrove9971]

I legit screamed when I saw the book! This is right up my alley, I have so many paranormal/unexplainable books in my collection and to own one from MrBallen would be the ultimate prize! I cannot wait for my book to get here!

[@TyeArtisik]

I'd love to get one

[@tjs653]

He's got a BOOK??​@@TyeArtisik

[@bgee461]

The book is a nice touch

[@AzazelAlarick]

Can you tell me some of your favorite books so I can read them too ?

[@Soobutoomuch]

For anyone that is wondering, vengeance weapons, are actually the V-1 fly bombs (buzz bombs) which were launched from the French coastline and had preprogrammed flight paths to crash into major population centers, ultimately the V-1 wasn't a huge success and was discontinued for the more versatile V-2. The V-1 was the world first cruise missile , the V-2 was the worlds first ballistic missile.

[@jimbo987]

Aka blazings saddles “we dont want the irish”

[@celticbarbarian6680]

The artillery shells Churchill knew about never had the capacity to reach the planes that took out factories, instead the shells arched and landed on civilian housing. Churchill knew they never made their target and continued to shell his own civilians "for morale" as if the Germans were doing it. Also if they were going for mass population in this video Mr. Ballen stated only 5,000 casualties ever done by the V2's.

[@domjranck]

@@celticbarbarian6680that’s interesting. Seems to be the way of the world for now

[@PamelaRiley-gg9dy]

@@celticbarbarian6680 Nobody EVER during the course of human warfare launched artillery shells at planes. Are you daft? You think England had no anti aircraft cannons ? FLAK?

[@StoneSaltIsGood]

​​@@PamelaRiley-gg9dy Sry to tell U but he's right Churchill was the biggest piece of trash.

[@blackjoy9079]

My big smile when I saw Mr. Ballen's book reveal! I love this for him so much!

[@tracyhaverstick5672]

I found you when you had thousands of subscribers. You're the best story teller since my Dad. He passed in 2016, he was a Marine Sargeant. You help me remember all his stories. Thank you. I also want you to know that I always fast forward over ads but not yours ever because I love Ole Seagull Lung!

[@Kvon-j4c]

Ole SEAGULL LUNG😂😂

[@jimcantswimveryfar]

You must admire how well this man put his channel together and how much attention and love he puts into each video and makes sure that there is content regularly. It is one thing to have good content but it is another thing to go the extra 100 miles that Mr. Ballen goes to make this channel literally the best in my opinion when it comes to his topic of discussion in his videos.

[@thecomedypilot5894]

Ok.

[@jimcantswimveryfar]

@@thecomedypilot5894 You sound salty dawg ?

[@thecomedypilot5894]

@@jimcantswimveryfar It’s just that I hear these comments 500 times a day and I’m just getting sick of them. It sounds like a bot.

[@jimcantswimveryfar]

@@thecomedypilot5894 Thanks for your two penny's man, go spread hate elsewhere

[@thecomedypilot5894]

@@jimcantswimveryfar Go get help.

[@debbieellis5074]

I enjoy listening to Mr. Ballen tell the stories, but especially when he's on the screen.

[@jannahhendersons2080]

His speaking voice is actually different when he's not on screen. I listen, but love these so much more. Even though i usually don't watch, just listen.

[@TheElectronicDilettante]

Really, well done. I was thinking the butterfly effect tag was just click bait BS but you did an excellent job of making the connection and hiding the reveal to the bitter end. Thanks for the video!!

[@amethystkortz4283]

"Mistakes were made" is a great phrase! I know my dad used it at least once when my mom got a little surprise... on a stick.

[@PaigeMalmborg]

So excited for this book. Your storytelling got me through an extremely difficult time with postpartum depression last year. Like how you said books were your escape during boot camp, your videos were mine during the most lonely part of my life. I can not thank you enough.

[@michellesood4419]

Hope you're feeling much better now ❤

[@laura121684]

I second that. I hope you and your little one are both happy and thriving.

[@MattL-dl2su]

Postpartum is when you feel like you want to eat your child?

[@MattL-dl2su]

So...did you? Eat "it" i mean..?

[@laura121684]

@@MattL-dl2su And you should apologize to this woman for saying something so absolutely heinous. You're disgusting.

[@joshuayarrington9684]

Please do videos on the following: -The North Hollywood shootout -The time a former tanker stole a tank in CA. -The Shiloh Inn Murders -The 17 Edinburgh coffins -Clutty's escape tools for WW2 POW's & LT Bowlings escape. -The sinking of the M/S Estonia. -The Thefts of Gilbert Bland or Forbes Smiley. -The remarkable trail crossing of Preacher William Kyle. -The Good Samaritan act and Deception of Melvin Dummar. -The death of Mike Malloy. -The Biosphere 2 experiment. -The inspiration of "The Blob" story. -Ted Serois' "Thoughtographs". -The Clairvoyance of Lady Wonder. -The Dalnegorsk Spaceship remnants. -The battle of Athens Tennessee. -The Story of AWOL Annie. -The Survival of Ludgar Sylbaris. -The invasion of Sealand. -The story of "La Pain Maudit". -The time Wagner "Wag" Dodge revolutionizes firefighting. -The incredible evacuation of Ba Van Nguyen from Viernam. -The settlers of Poyais. -The Chaffin Brothers estate battle -Dr. Blackburn's Yellow Feaver clothes -The Descent of Skylab -The Ghost Blimp -How Casmir Pulaski saved General Washington. -How Ronald Harris beat the casinos. -The kidnapping of Eichmann -Jose Delgado's Stimociever Stunt -The Surgery of Leonid Rogozov -The Universe 25 Experiment -The Beast of Bladenboro -The Beast of Geavudan.

[@brendatomlinson]

Wow what a list! The kidnapping of Eichmann is the only one I know.

[@the8cuevas552]

@@brendatomlinsonRIGHT?!! I can’t wait to look into some of these!!

[@maryeckel9682]

Those are great ideas!

[@JessicaBurns-fx3rp]

Awesome list

[@gsmrg]

That's a big list...how did you compile this together?

[@BrandonGraham-z8h]

Just got your book last week and it definitely hasn't let me down, it feels like an adult comic book...I'm taking my time going through it.

[@Theintuitivefairy]

I have been with your channel for the longest of times. You're my favourite story teller. I have adhd and autism.. I manage to follow, I'm never lost and am always fully invested in your stories..many thank yous from accross the pond. Love from Southampton uk xx I've been watching so long that I was watching some and realised that York story form was so on form I didn't realise you were telling the same story in a different way, either that or I just felt at ease and full understanding... You sir are very cool 😎 xx

[@Whitepowerful10]

You're not autistic you just British

[@GaylaRoof]

Ive watched you for years, and i do want to say, im so proud of you. You've come so far, w/ podcasts. & now a book. Congratulations!

[@migueldesanta9748]

Yes, thank you

[@sableempire9654]

Thats 05.00 AM MONDAY morning in Australia. Geeze Mr Ballen have mercy on your Southern Hemisphere fans. 😂

[@valeriafontoura8850]

Sorry to correct you but time zones are defined by longitude not latitude. Im on south hemisphere too but the difference here is just +1hour

[@SummerSetBytheSea]

😂

[@HoodMrT]

Nooooo I’m still waiting til the afternoon!!!!!

[@Toofan705]

Sunday night.

[@mimc1831]

Do you watch it upside down?

[@mercedesmurray4990]

I love the "personal" POV you add to your stories

[@kennip24]

Literally pre ordered your book before the video finished. Been a fan for YEARS. I wish so much success for you, Mr.Ballen!!!!

[@ky03tmoses18]

Wish I had the money to pre-order it rn. Imma do it in 2 weeks when I get paid again.

[@davidmcdonald1469]

Thanks for making my commute to work actually enjoyable. From one Soldier to another thank you.

[@jesseerickson662]

Thank you for your service.

[@devilknight2099]

Same man. It makes getting to base every morning so much better - a Marine

[@alicea9123]

Thank you ❤🇺🇸

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

@@devilknight2099 Semper Fi and OOHRAH!! ❤️🇺🇸💝

[@antonioluna4538]

Same here bruh lmao

[@c0h090]

I love your platform/stories Jon and feel so protective over it - like, I just want you to do so well so you can take care of your family while doing what you love!

[@mercedesmurray4990]

More people need to hear this story. So many risked their lives (knowing it was super high risk) for our country. Joe didn't have to go, but he volunteered himself literally

[@ericadgaf]

I have been re watching Ballen's older videos and I still enjoy every single one. Thanks Mr.Ballen! Also I’m SO excited about your surprise!!! This is freaking awesome.

[@dianehutchins9206]

I've been watching your wonderful stories everyday for about the past 6 months now and I just wanted to say that I like when you show your face while telling the story. I find that it keeps my interest more watching your expressions and hand movement, rather than just watching a generic background play over and over. Keep the great stories coming. One of your true stories actually happened when I live in Springtown PA at the church right down the road from where I was living at the time it happened. I remember a littler more detail, but it was pretty accurate. I look forward to watching your new stories on a regular basis. Thank you so much!!

[@VanessaMcGivern]

I agree 💯👍👍 🫛🫛🫛 podcasts aren't the same 😢

[@VanessaMcGivern]

Now only 1 video rest podcasts 😢😢😢

[@ncgx2655]

I struggle massively with shutting off from all the things that run wild in my mind but I can truly say that my mind is on nothing other than your videos when I’m watching. It really does give me that break from all the worries and overthinking. Look forward to your video each and every week and I know I’m not alone in saying that! Thank you MrBallen for giving me a bit of serenity each week❤️

[@danielhall-wl4ql]

I feel your pain , I truly do .ones mind can be so cruel .wish there was a reset button

[@jessehardin8500]

Maybe you'll should learn to train your brain and thoughts.

[@TwizzlerGirl]

I’m sorry you and practically all of todays youth suffer from ADD or ADHD. Electronics are a plague to this world that no one saw coming.

[@TwizzlerGirl]

⁠@@danielhall-wl4qlactually there is a “reset” button…it’s called death, but I wouldn’t recommend it

[@ncgx2655]

@@TwizzlerGirl I’m 24 and unfortunately I wish I was just down to electronics, would be a lot simpler

[@dejaliloquy]

ive become so good at fastforwarding through commercials, I can always see it coming on almost every channel

[@faywilson2880]

Cant believe ive been watching you for almost (if not right on) 4 years. You got me through lockdown, when you were uploading 4 or 5 times weekly. My now 3yo knows your theme tune and will shout your name. Thank you. For everything.

[@bonnabrimhall8080]

My mother was watching the funeral of JFK when she went into labor with me. I was born at 6:01pm, November 25, 1963. From an early age, I held a lot of respect for JFK and was always trying to learn things about him. This is one story I had never heard! Thank you Mr. Ballen for sharing this and teaching me another fact about JFK!!!

[@andreahelenagabrielaberank9571]

It is admirable how mr.Ballen studio is active..promote other channels, or create other sub-channels, or now a book... Its all admirable. I just think that people most love just this...to watch the videos with John and lissen his stories and see his performance when he says his stories... ❤

[@robynsegg]

As soon as I saw Joe with his dad, I knew who he was along with his kid brother. I grew up hearing about Joe & his family. Great way of telling his story in a new & refreshing way!

[@trinivegan7649]

Congratulations on your book @MrBallen. And thanks for chatting with us.

[@burr-zc2dy]

Wow I thought I was the only Trini who watched this channel 😅 big ups from port of Spain ❤

[@trinivegan7649]

@@burr-zc2dy Aye! 🇹🇹 Big ups from the US but I’m from St James. 🙌🏾

[@migueldesanta9748]

Thanks brother

[@Hotshotz-94]

It is so awesome to me watching when you first began your story telling videos. Every week you we’re picking up new subscribers. When you reached a certain point with your subscribers there was chatter everywhere about your stories ! And I’m happy to see all of your hard work and dedication paying off ! I must say through all of your success, you’ve never let it change you. Thank you for the stories every week.

[@cytherians]

I remember when he had just over 100k subscribers. And I also remember when he had that milestone reach of 1M subscribers. To think he's now almost at 9M. Pretty remarkable! I just can't conceive of how he's able to keep finding more content ideas.

[@corrinaallman4338]

I've been following Mr Ballen for awhile now. When he presented the graphic novel and mentioned that it would be available on his birthday on October 1st I nearly broke down and cried. My Mom who's journey ended on January 20th is on October 1st. Thank you Mr Ballen for your wonderful content. Hope your upcoming day will be an awesome day.

[@awzthemusicalreviews]

3.5 minutes in, and as soon as you mentioned a successful father and competitive family, I got extremely excited. It's so weird how one plane crash changed so much for the family, let alone the nation.

[@Tangeffect]

Mr. Ballen. I love you not just for your stories but just from seeing where you came from to where you are now is so inspiring. Even despite struggles you faced, you kept grinding on those videos and now you've used your talents and brain and found a way to share even more of yourself and your awesome stories, and to show others how to share their talents as well. Seeing you on the Best Sellers list would be an awesome. I can't wait to see you grow even more man!

[@NicoleZXO]

🙌🏻

[@spiritualtaurus7942]

Found Mr Ballen during COVID and it kept me sane, plus he's an awesome story teller and hilarious. 💯🙏🏻❤️🇬🇧

[@users1rachaelcrooney]

I agree 👍 he is amazing 👏 from rachael and philip dublin 🇮🇪ireland 🇮🇪

[@RandyBaumery]

I didn't obey quarantine, went outside in the air and Sun. Sanity intact.

[@TyeArtisik]

Glad you enjoy

[@RandyBaumery]

Ballen is on my list along with Paulides and Stockton. And others.

[@amyarlotta807]

One day, about 2 years ago, Mr Ballen mysteriously showed up in my KZbin feed, along with many other of my favorite KZbin sites. So I chose to listen and have followed Mr Ballen ever since!!!

[@skfineshriber]

I knew very early in the story who you were talking about and what happened to Joe, but was still on the edge of my seat the whole time. Great story telling. 👍

[@kellicos]

Thanks for the storytelling. I think storytelling is an important skill. I recently found out my elderly mom who has dementia found your channel and watches it almost continuously. I think your book would be a nice thing to give her for Christmas. I went to see her and she had one of your videos up on her ipad. She says “Have you seen this man? He tells stories!” 😊

[@inkyblack000]

I love how much I've watched you over the years, my parents used too and still do call me a psychopath bc of how much I listened to you, you make my day everyday xx

[@migueldesanta9748]

Love❤

[@martinnielsen5805]

One of my favorite moments of the week. MrBallen uploading a new story

[@jenniferantonik8999]

Dear Mr. Ballen, I hope you include QR codes in your book so we can listen to the stories, too!! ❤🎉 CONGRATULATIONS!!

[@OwlCat-c4b]

Mind blown! I consider myself to be an above-average history buff especially in terms of WW2 and never heard this story up until now. Definitely already a harrowing tale, and the tension you built up was palpable leading up to the big reveal! Love the idea of your book! Congrats & thank you for your service to our fine land both on & off the battlefield 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@1pcfred]

I've heard of it. I heard it happened differently though. I heard he crashed the plane.

[@Maliceah]

Very loved and we are all very grateful for your service as well! I especially love the bloopers, when you laugh uncontrollably!

[@lacievanatta2918]

It's a chilly day in Pennsylvania. Hanging out with my husband while he is working on my car 🚗. Listening to my favorite, MR BALLEN!!

[@MurderOfCrows94]

I can’t wait for this!! Mr Ballen is the only creator on this platform that I never miss. I’ve never liked Sundays because it means back to work on Monday but thanks to Mr. Ballen I now LOVE Sundays! He’s the best!

[@PaulCampbell-w4r]

I got my copy of Strange, Dark & Mysterious today. I’m gonna start reading after this episode. I’ve been looking for good horror comic books and graphic novels. Thank you.

[@danielclark-hughes692]

Everybody gangsta til the strange, dark, and mysterious is delivered in book format. Congrats Mr B.

[@sandydee8148]

Congratulations on the book! I remember finding you during the lockdown, both of us with bad hair cuts! I'm joking of course, YOU look good no matter how long or short your hair is! Anyway, my point is that I think it's very cool watching your channel grow into what it's become & I'm proud of you. You're an inspiration to me. I will go for something I've wanted to pursue, stand-up comedy! Thanks for that & again, congrats on the book ❤

[@dawn6467]

I’m at 7:25 in the video and I’m leaning forward with anticipation to hear what happens next. I want to fast forward but I’m going to build the suspense. This is so good! Amazing story telling!

[@GeOsmomGina]

I'm here with a bad headache. So I took some medication and decided to watch some KZbin videos. My headache got worse. So I had to come to your channel. Your voice and story telling is great.

[@KhryssyKayy]

Congratulations on your Book Ballen ! You just keep getting better 🙌🏾👏🏾

[@darrellhouston5951]

Getting strange, dark, and mysterious withdrawals....THANK YOU SIR!!!! every episode in the. Cast and every video posted hands down makes my day better !!!

[@TW1ZTID101]

Been watching but mostly listening for awhile now, You are awesome my dude at telling stories, i appreciate the realness you give out from telling these stories and Appreciate your service my dude

[@TordleWithTheTordler]

Mr. Ballen edging us 😞

[@4shlv]

LMFAOO😭😭

[@thedude4672]

Mr. Blue Ballen

[@aIex2]

I see no downside in that

[@Winterwitch1811]

Stop 😅

[@hugomolinaOG]

​@@thedude4672LMAO 🤣

[@jaminjim44]

Wow just amazing how fast you’ve grown brother! Your head must be spinning! I’ve been with you since the beginning man and I’m blown away! Podcasts, books, videos etc… I mean dang bro your juggling a hella lot! Imagine by now you have a crew helping. Anyhow just wanted to congratulate you on all the success man

[@luscasamuel3082]

Can’t get enough of the strange dark and mysterious delivered in story format! Here before one million views! 😊😊😊

[@JoeRyMi]

I love that he just embraced everyone calling the channel the wrong name.

[@divinevisionscrimereadings]

Hello from Australia! 🇦🇺 🙂First time here, came over from Facebook. Look forward to this! 💚

[@daleholbert8032]

Hello from Dugger Indiana

[@borntoclimb7116]

Greetings from Germany

[@adammitchell3462]

I never thought that I'd like oral storytelling lol ,that was about three years ago, he's got truly incredible stories,his personal story is just as incredible as all the others, very interesting man mrballen

[@Videoexist]

Hallo from jurrmeny.

[@reddog6415]

Hello from Dresden Tennessee