The Angola Effect: Is this the unluckiest person to ever exist?

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#1 -- "Lucky Day” -- 1:03 -- A man stumbles into two highly unlikely scenarios when he goes surfing in Africa, and it may sound made up, but it's not
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#horrorstories #africa #scary

[@josephscriven5454]

That guy got the surf and turf combo of bad luck.

[@EmelyPhan]

But was lucky to be alive despite his (near) life ending injuries

[@onyxlotus6461]

😂😂

[@Palach624]

I don't know if he was extremely unlucky to get into a situation like that or extremely lucky to escape them the way he did and make a full recovery

[@user-wm3bf7pi3u]

When ever you think you've had a bad day........🤔

[@musk-eteer9898]

he served instead of being serve

[@acawap]

Me: "man, I had the WORST day" John: "oh really?"

[@thehousespouse]

John’s friends: “Okay John. We get it. You literally had the worst day ever, but can we just use the expression when we had a really bad day, without you calling us out every time?”

[@DarkBaptism]

John: "Hold my beer."

[@megke9143]

John:Ok, so I- his friends:SHUT UP

[@heatherlatimer5115]

Oh you had a flat? Have a seat imma tell you a story....

[@heatherlatimer5115]

@@thehousespousefuck no his shit trumps, literally, everyone's I had a bad day shit. He's earned that right lol

[@UnderTakerSilverMaker]

"John felt a new searing pain in his torso. And staring back at him... was the shark!"

[@Dave-um7mw]

standing on half of a serf-board in the sand.

[@freyjaslefttoe9308]

I thought he was going to say snake or crocodile

[@JimRaynor_captain]

It's terrible but that made me laugh. Almost like in the other guys when the tuna create a network of sophisticated breathing apparatus made of kelp to hunt the lions on land 😂

[@JimRaynor_captain]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3WtmKlnnqaFhsksi=k_lGsCO3BBrFiRQM The tuna attack 😅

[@matthewgleasman2130]

😂😂

[@wintersmonologue]

I will always love the captions of "Not a real photo of a swell" or my favorite "A real photo of coffee".

[@bar1338]

My fave is "A real photo of a different _____"

[@christinemcnaughton1847]

"NOT a real photo of the lion" - darn, John forgot to take his camera with him

[@yasminni485]

"NOT a real photo of THE shark"... just A shark, lmao

[@sendmorerum8241]

Nothing beats the "real photo of an artistic depiction of a werewolf" My all-time favorite

[@Anesthesiatrip]

In some video there was a caption that was something like "NOT a real photo of the dream." Yeah, no shit?! 😂

[@bjornragnarsson.]

I love how thousands of adults sit around for story time every Sunday including myself haha

[@sergiokaminotanjo]

It's the XXI century mate, remember?

[@LucaFox]

If it ain't weird when you do it at a movie theater it ain't weird when you do it on KZbin.

[@MrBallen]

🙌🙌🙌

[@jessemefford4234]

And the other six days we wait with bated breath for the next story time

[@user-ic1gf8pg9m]

im not a adult

[@TheElbowMerchant]

Getting attacked by a great white shark AND a lion on the same day MUST be the worst luck in the history of the world. Yikes!

[@tehfuqizg0inon588]

I'd love to see some of the photos from the safari I wonder if there are any online somewhere

[@TheElbowMerchant]

Me, too. This is an absolutely wild story. Sometimes, the truth IS stranger than fiction. The smell of blood in the water and on land brought out some of nature's Apex predators. Poor dude just wanted to get a nice surf session in.

[@Likelyfairy]

The Story is absolutely crazy. Shit I wouldn’t wish on my worse enemy 😭

[@Beachhopper]

And surviving a shark attack and lion attack on the same day must ALSO be the best luck in the history of the world.

[@Jan-wx8ne]

Damn. I gotta stop reading comments midway through the video

[@clarissavennerbeck9732]

I really appreciate that the intro hasn’t changed. It’s a comfort to me.

[@wildcowgirl77]

Same!!!! Its so settling

[@kevinpillion7755]

I’m only 2:40 in but this reminds me of when I took surfing lessons in Hawaii. I paddled out further than where the waves were breaking so I decided to move a lil closer towards the shore. As I laid on the board to start paddling, I noticed something big, several feet below my board, circling. I knew immediately what it was and I froze. I sat up with my knees bent in front of me and had my arms wrapped around them. I was afraid to touch the water. Keep in mind, this was my FIRST time learning how to surf. The longest I managed to ride a wave was about 4 seconds. Anyway, miraculously, a wave came. I rode that thing all the way back to shore and refused to go back in the water. The next day someone got killed by a shark on the same beach.

[@-.__328]

Something similar happened to me when I was young and I haven’t swam in the ocean or really anywhere else ever since

[@rhyswong8976]

Damn. Them sharks that day was probably hesitant and unsure. The next day them sharks must be like screw it I'm too frenzy from yesterday lunch escape, and I'm too hungry to know.

[@triciacochran1150]

I live in Kodiak, Alaska. And as I pulled up to the drive through of a coffee shop, 2 girls working recognized Mr Ballens voice! They said "Is that today's story? I haven't listened yet! I paused it so they could enjoy it later. Mr. Ballen fans are EVERYWHERE! I love it! Happy Sunday friends! ❤

[@BB-xe5rx]

I live in Alaska also, and always look forward to Sundays story😁

[@user-wm3bf7pi3u]

The next time I'm having a bad day I'll laugh and think of this story.

[@Gigadander]

I had a similar thing happen with my mailman. I had my windows open and could hear him listening to an old video as he was putting away the mail.

[@nicolajewitt8162]

I’m watching from 🇬🇧

[@heyyhi993]

Thats awesomeeee

[@Relaxinghypnoasmr]

This guy was filling out a bingo card for getting attacked by every apex predator in Africa

[@daerdevvyl4314]

Mosquitos kill more people than any other creature in Africa by spreading malaria. Second place goes to hippos.

[@SunsetRider25]

omg, this comment made me almost piss myself laughing!!!

[@Gary-And-His-Demons]

I was waiting for the hippo attack.

[@meganleslie9069]

​That's what I was thinking grabbed his side, was a hippo and then he would have been dead ​@@Gary-And-His-Demons

[@avereth]

If they added hippo or hyena to the list too it would have ended very differently. XD

[@lorettaross5146]

I knew binge-watching Mr Ballen too close to bedtime was a bad idea! Last night I dreamed someone asked me to babysit for an hour but told their kids I'd take them to an amusement park and ride all the rides wth them and that's when I suddenly realized...I WAS THE LIKE BUTTON! 😱

[@MissTrixie29]

😂

[@Bo_D_Vine]

Great story. Great idea for Mr ballen 💙🦋🌏

[@MrTonyboy808]

I'm 50 years old and I just recently became a fan of the strange dark and mysterious. Love you Sir. Thank you.

[@Swell_Character]

That fellow is the luckiest unlucky person I've ever heard of.

[@StevenG222]

You need to see the video about the guys life that was swallowed by a whale while diving..

[@jeremymaasch1890]

​@@StevenG222swallowed driver come on where we find that at ? I got to know

[@maximus-hl9jw]

Right should have bought a lottery ticket

[@marttram2183]

​@@StevenG222 that one is up for debate as to how legit it is

[@StevenG222]

@@marttram2183 there were 2 witnesses with him..what's there to debate..you weren't there! Opinions don't equal facts!

[@heatherperry481]

That poor guy went through so many horrific situations in one day. This is a complete nightmare

[@OldsmobileCutlass1969Va]

And by fate... If he didn't drop his keys, he most likely would have passed away on the road somewhere alone!

[@amberwood3604]

Kinda badass he lived to have the craziest story to tell though. Doyles have serious Irish luck.

[@agostinodublino1387]

hoping that this information will never turn out to be a choice to any of you: if you suffered a severe blood loss, drinking water is the WORST thing to do, even if you feel very thirsty: drinking diluite even more the scarce blood in your body, bringing less oxygen, sugar and iron to brain and tissues, so DON'T DRINK! you could meet a lion too...

[@Societykilla-ol4fu]

I feel bad for what this guy went through it had to be a crazy rush that one day for him 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@epic7224]

​@@amberwood3604 if only my Irish side was Doyle 😂😂 rather we have the worst luck ever.

[@Puppalace]

Veteran English teacher and now academic librarian- love this content!!!!

[@paulastiles5507]

I teach History and tutor English/Writing. This channel is awesome!

[@loririsk]

He was either the unluckiest or the luckiest. I haven't decided yet. Incredible story! Thanks, Mr. B!

[@4RILDIGITAL]

It's like something straight out a movie. Happy to hear John survived such harrowing circumstances.

[@lillyv6654]

I know, right? straight out of a movie that you call BS since its so unbelievable.

[@YoosufMuneer]

I find it hard to believe there's no surviving images of him being surrounded by the lions. The story is probably fake.

[@jenx5870]

​@@YoosufMuneerEspecially if the tour took pictures of the experience, as was stated in the video. There should be multiple photos. Even the protagonist in the story heard several "clicks" of the cameras. He would have very easily been able to find out who dropped him off, then gotten a copy of the photo from one of the tourists.

[@user-qu7dv2vy3v]

This dude Mrballen is annoying af with his lame kindergarten intros. Take the like button to the beach and don't bring shorts 😢.

[@karenrankin7653]

@@user-qu7dv2vy3v bless your heart dummy

[@avereth]

You know it's kind of upsetting how many bad times get a huge boost from 'I decided to go somewhere remote and figured I don't need to take any water.' Like, it's just the glue that ties so many misfortunes together. If there's two rules to follow it's gotta be: Take water with you, and secondly, do not go cave diving.

[@ctakitimu]

Yeah, the "I don't need to prepare for this alien environment I'm about to enter for the first time!". Is it Main Character Syndrome? Turns out the guy in this story was the main character! Most times people find out they're not though, and we all just get to hear about them on the news.

[@TRIPPMUZIKPAGE]

This wasn't a misfortune. This was 100% pure stupidity! How does one assume traveling to an entirely new landscape, with no experience, alone, and hours away from civilization, and believe everything would work in your favor? The dude was extremely lucky that someone rescued him from his suicide attempt!

[@ITIsFunnyDamnIT]

Pure stupidity. Stupidity should be painful and in this case it appears it was. This comment reminds me of that German family where they went out into death valley without enough water. They were in a minivan and wound up breaking down way out in the middle of death valley and ultimately the whole family died because they didn't bring enough water.

[@mimib8032]

Right ? Foreign country, at least an hour from civilization, no food or water. And alone. Kinda hard to feel for someone like that. 😂

[@hubes96]

Such a great analyzation of detrimental situations! So true!

[@ohhhwhen]

The one thing the makes me sad about this channel is it went from "we upload 3, 4 or 5 times a week" to "we upload once a week" 😢

[@daledocker7131]

Same, but it's probably because he does all the podcasts and stuff too now so it's probably impossible to do more than 1, plus it adds more excitement when you do get another video and you anticipate it a lot more

[@crazybrojock11]

Best story teller of our generation! Love your cross platform podcasts listening to the strange dark and mysterious when I'm stuck in traffic is gold.

[@Yut00bisSUS]

This is why they say to never go out in the wilderness alone. Mr Ballen has a gift of painting pictures with his words.

[@joggersgunajog]

U should always bring ur buddy colt or smith and Wesson

[@roserocks1979]

Or deep in the ocean.

[@Silverlight124]

exactly that what I was to comment.

[@nobody7817]

I'm going to post a video tomorrow that will show why this saying of yours isn't always true! lol... I'm not as good of a story teller as Mr. Ballen (not even close) but if you're interested, look for it in about ... say 20 hours. I'll try to do it when I wake up tomorrow...

[@Yut00bisSUS]

@@nobody7817 I didn't come up with the saying. It's just a general consensus, and i'm sure there are exceptions to the rule.

[@d7895482]

I love how Mr. Ballin has not changed his style on how he does his show, he knows you don’t fix what’s not broken

[@dontworryaboutit4255]

Well growth is always good, but when you're making as much money as he does on KZbin, and you change it up, you just might wanna go back to your old style so you don't lose all your followers, aka money.

[@Heather-xm9ul]

Same! His style didn't need any updates or corrections. His production quality was never bad, but it's has definitely gotten smoother and more professional.

[@sheresegibson2058]

Amen

[@TyeArtisik]

True

[@mikeso2084]

He's not hiding the like button in the video anymore!

[@lynette50]

@Netflix need to give you your own show. 15 to 20 minute episodes, telling your stories. It would be a hit for sure xXx

[@_the_dude_abides_]

14:52 how do we not have a real pic of this?!? Dang!

[@mallarysangel]

It’s a stormy day, and ever since the tornado, it kind of makes me nervous. Not today, I’m binge watching mrballen.

[@bvillebikelady3651]

I hear you. After last night's storms, this is actually soothing. I hope you and yours are all right!

[@MrBallen]

Stay safe out there!

[@timothyprice3264]

You also from Kansas? Lol

[@mallarysangel]

@@MrBallenI have an awesome ptsd service dog. He’s really good at his job. Trained him myself. I retired early from police K9, highway drug interdiction mostly. Instead of finding drugs, he’s helping me find peace. Thank you for the concern, and thank you for your content. I really enjoy your videos.

[@bvillebikelady3651]

@@timothyprice3264 Oklahoma. The whole state was one big tornado watch, with several brutal ones.

[@smashingmolko1576]

Okay, the surfer dude is literally the most insane collection of events I've ever heard of. Nothing could have prepared me for the second attack; I thought it would be like 'His car broke down and he crawled miles.' WOW.

[@concettaworkman5895]

I thought a crock might be hiding under the water.

[@IsaacFNghost]

Right?! I thought it was a second shark bite he hadn’t noticed somehow due to blood loss! As soon as he said “lion” I paused the video and was like no fckin way man 😂

[@brendatomlinson]

Out of gas was my guess. Tracks with his lack of preparedness of not bringing water. “I have enough gas to get there; I’ll figure out the rest later.”

[@carms7758]

I thought it was a snake at first

[@moonspun4evr]

I was thinking croc or snake

[@williamgraves-hx8om]

This poor like button has to endure so much mental and physical pain after we've listened to the essay of what we got to do to it.

[@ojtoborowei5537]

This guy deserves a movie, what a lucky man

[@dbungart3044]

Sci Fi movie… let’s have every animal kill the guy type crap.

[@pauldavis5665]

lucky?

[@skystar8419]

The “nobody likes you” friendship bracelet is savage! Definitely goes into the book of favourites. 😂😂😂

[@johntaylorson7769]

I really thought he was going to go with 'Do Not Resuscitate." Maybe that's a little too mean for the Like Button.

[@skystar8419]

@@johntaylorson7769 Hahahaha.. I love that! Good one! 😂😂😂

[@dsmsl9734]

This is not the first time in the past two years I feel like I want to thanks John B Allen. After a bad car accident, I was sat up with broken bones on a chair all night and the ONLY thing that helped was Mrballen. Again wheh my dad died of cancer. Then again last night feeling very low after some bad news. The ONLY thing I could turn to try and calm my black black mind were johns videos. It’s crazy but it is that voice this like silk and steel. Nothing compaes. I pay Spotify just to get your videos it is like therapy and worth every penny. I dread the day you give up. Your stories are PERFECT in every way. Your presence in my life is wonderful. A 53 yo man from England

[@lisaperry5999]

I am sorry you have been thru so much. Am praying for yr body, mind and spirit to heal. My husband of 35 yrs died suddenly last year. I have been in a dark place. I use utube to distract me especially at night. Our area got hit over weekend by tornadoes no fatalities but many homes and farms were destroyed. I actually slept thru it. Take care if yrself Lisa from Missouri

[@KirstenPanik]

I completely agree. I too use John's storytelling to help the chaos inside me, find balance

[@dsmsl9734]

I’m so sorry Lisa we all have this dark place I pray for you too to be safe much love ❤️

[@nikolaimcfly6883]

Love you and wish you the best, bro!

[@elisaseverns2543]

❤️😌

[@SusanQ-wn1gn]

This was beyond horrific! Unbelievable! Poor John❤

[@bookah8787]

Ive got the mr ballen podcast playing in my ears while I'm at work and its completely free, dude is a legend 👍👍👍👍

[@bookah8787]

Into the woods and I'm a logger lol this might be a bad idea

[@occasionallyemo]

I was shocked reading the title because I’m half Angolan & almost no one I know ever heard of Angola, so to see my favourite KZbin channel make a video about it made me rub my eyes twice.

[@Me2times]

I know Angola for capoeira

[@HelloWorld_88]

And I'm Namibian. Hi Neighbour 👋

[@jlpetley]

I’m sure I once dated Ann Gola….

[@toothless2690]

I've heard of it. But then I'm in south africa.

[@spiritmatter1553]

@@Me2timesI know what capoeira is but have the hardest time spelling it! Greetings from Washington, D.C. USA 🇺🇸

[@raymondlin8728]

Im a grown man who needs a grown man to tell me a bedtime story so I can fall asleep. If i don't, ill use beer and winè to sleep. Mr Ballen is saving my liver, my brain, my marriage, and relationship with my daughter before she moves away to college 😢

[@camconvo]

Dude. This is amazing ❤

[@bellevandijk722]

😂😂 I’m glad this helps you out keep it up🎉

[@-xxMelissaxx-]

Glad you enjoy his content but please get help. That's a concerning comment.

[@raymondlin8728]

@-xxMelissaxx- what's wrong with listening to a bedtime story to fall asleep, vs drinking myself to sleep?. My daughter is going away to college soon and I was to show my daughter I don't drink anymore . I've calmed down , act more responsible, and she doesn't need to worry about me when she goes away. The house will alcohol free, clean, neat, bills paid for, and a place she'll want to come back to. I've messed up, made her cry, and I want to rebuild her trust in me and someone she can depend on anytime. Yes I was in rehab, kicked out for relapsing. We to another another one. Made much improvements.

[@Nezsecretchannel]

You got this! My stepdad used to be a bad drinker and it really but a strain on our relationship. Since he’s stop I’ve finally got a decent father figure in my life! You got it ❤

[@saramoore4172]

This was by far the most intense story of yours I've listened to, and I've listened to a lot of them. Great job

[@alexysdavis1735]

You keep popping up on my KZbin home page and I always wonder “why did I stop watching Mr. Ballen” then I watch one of your videos and remember why. I absolutely love your content but some how no matter which video it is you always move me to uncontrollable tears. It doesn’t matter where I am what time of day it is I always wind up crying while watching your videos. But like I love your content and really enjoy watching it.

[@MRCOOLMAN12345]

Sometimes water is a gift and a curse

[@user-tl2tt6oq3f]

In Africa it most certainly is

[@miapdx503]

It gives us life. And it takes it.

[@tommyhunter5558]

I see what you did there clever 😅

[@jessicaavery1080]

Gotta admit, I was waiting for a croc to pop out so was surprised when it was a lion

[@darylcosta1287]

Drinking it is a gift goin in the ocean is a curse

[@SurferFN]

MrBallen is the best storyteller on KZbin by far

[@danielclark-hughes692]

Preach it, brother!

[@corinnepmorrison1854]

That’s a fact!! 👍🏻

[@Angela-ul9si]

For sure definitely 😊 but one thing I’m so very curious about is I wonder how story times are at home with his kiddos at bedtime. I don’t think that he would tell the kiddos stories like he does for all of us. Either way I can imagine that his kiddos have always gotten amazing bedtime stories 😊

[@robertprior94]

No one is better, Cheers Mate 🇦🇺

[@kimredden3119]

I absolutely agree.

[@jo-annaboyd4431]

Just wanted to say thank you, had to go for a MRI on my head the other day. I listened to your podcast the whole time and it kept me calm!

[@rachelbroomfield5719]

My husband and myself love your stories. I listen while I’m cleaning our house. You’re awesome dude.

[@vance4179]

So, John goes by himself to an isolated beach by driving across land that has huge predators and then gets bitten while surfing in monster soup. Things start looking up when he makes it back to the safety of his vehicle, but then he decides to leave a blood trail to the local watering hole. I'm not sure that unlucky is the best description. lol MrBallen is the goat storyteller! Get em coming

[@rebeccahicks2392]

Also he didn't even bring enough water when going an hour away from civilization.

[@kantasify]

He didn't bring enough water while staying outdoor in Africa. 😅

[@fuzztsimmers3415]

Idiotic

[@GrabbaBeer]

That is the literal definition of luck

[@BigSkinnySlimm]

Over the last two months I have watched a new tradition develop in my family. From occasionally watching with me, to now, every Sunday, my parents ask "is the new video out yet???" And we all sit and eat snacks and watch Mr Ballen and then a good scary movie after. Thanks for helping bring my family together more MrBallen ❤🙏

[@pixpusha]

That is precious. I'm sending your family lots of love.

[@BigSkinnySlimm]

@@pixpusha right back atcha 😁🙏

[@robertprior94]

Awesome

[@meganleslie9069]

It's my 8yr old son and I's Sunday night ritual 😂

[@debrajones4010]

Awww, that’s a sweet tradition for sure! Bringing families together one family at a time!❤

[@natehoulihan1872]

thank you for being like the only thing getting me through the month. You've so quickly become my favorite KZbinr. In an era of dry KZbin content, I truly thank you for bringing a light back onto KZbin for me, and i'm sure many others. I have a queue of 20 videos watched so far today lmfao

[@itsgonnabeeug]

Mr. Ballen is what I look forward to every week. Run, Fool is also an excellent podcast. HIGHLY recommended.

[@sblive7239]

John clearly had 9 lives, and used up 8 of them during his shark and lion attack. Glad he made it through!

[@user-eg2iu7jc1n]

And he drank unboiled water.

[@shahraad]

South African here 👋🏻 8:15 pm and watching my bedtime story about the strange, dark and mysterious before turning in. Thanks Mr. Ballen 🫶🏻

[@Iheartlana.]

Goodnight😭😭 it’s 11:28 am where I’m at.

[@HelloWorld_88]

8:57 pm Rn in Namibia

[@miapdx503]

It's noon in Portland Oregon. Cheers! Enjoy your day 🌹

[@lindashaw3796]

Hiya!! Eastern cape here 😊 🇿🇦

[@umarsuliman5122]

Same

[@NocSuKow513]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the stories you put out buddy. I've been watching for a couple years now and I'm glad you're still doing them. Have a blessed day

[@dannyjaye]

Its actually nice to hear a story where the person survived their ordeal, to be honest. Poor guy though and a horrendous turn of events for him!

[@anastasiachaliman4234]

I love the strange. I love the dark. I love the mysterious. Put it in story format, and it's perfection.

[@kevinuchiha6830]

With 3,4 and even 5 times a week. Good times 😔

[@sallyskellington3024]

​@kevinuchiha6830 those were the good old days.

[@ryanbradley3293]

@@kevinuchiha6830well hey with the podcast back and the medical stuff it’s basically that again

[@mikenew5380]

@@ryanbradley3293exactly! I also go back and listen to old stories again from time to time.

[@maury0009]

WOW, just WOW! This story is absolutely insane! I'm still trying to process the sheer amount of terror and adrenaline that John experienced on that fateful day. From being attacked by a great white shark while surfing, to using his surfboard as a shield, to getting bitten by a lion, and then being surrounded by a pride of lions... it's a miracle he survived! The fact that he managed to stay calm and think on his feet (or should I say, on his surfboard) is a testament to his bravery and determination. And the twist at the end with the safari tour saving him? Mind blown! I'm so glad John made a full recovery and can look back on this harrowing experience with a sense of gratitude and awe. MrBallen, you've outdone yourself with this one! Please keep sharing these incredible stories with us!🙏🏻

[@TheRockhopper77]

Thats not a twist at the end thats just what happened

[@locacelly4806]

It's a fake story

[@maury0009]

@@TheRockhopper77 I appreciate your perspective, but I respectfully disagree. In storytelling, a twist doesn't necessarily have to occur in the middle of the narrative; it can indeed manifest at the end of the story. A twist is essentially an unexpected or surprising development that alters the trajectory of the plot or challenges the audience's assumptions. Whether it occurs in the middle or at the end of the story doesn't diminish its impact or validity as a twist. In fact, many acclaimed works of literature and film feature twists that emerge right at the conclusion, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. So while I understand your point, I still maintain that the ending of a story can indeed contain a twist.

[@maury0009]

@@locacelly4806 I understand your skepticism, but MrBallen is widely recognized for his dedication to sharing genuine stories backed by thorough research and credibility. He's built a reputation for authenticity and professionalism, ensuring that the narratives he presents are based on real events. MrBallen's commitment to providing accurate content is evident in the quality of his storytelling, making it highly unlikely that the story in question is fake.

[@moonspun4evr]

​@@locacelly4806 all it takes is a quick Google search to confirm its truth. It is indeed true.

[@ArcheryCat7]

I can't wait for new stories! You're always on in my car and my home just doing chores while I listen to you!!! By far, my favorite!!!!

[@lori6115]

I love Run Fool! ,I'm always so happy to see when there is a notification. Great addition to your network!!

[@Pnoman73]

The "Nobody likes you" bracelet line made me laugh out loud. 😂

[@nicnac360]

The crocodiles in the next pond must have been absolutely gutted. Hope this dude bought a lottery ticket that day - seriously though, glad he made it out alive and made a full revovery, how would you explain that level of trauma? Love the stories & storytelling. Truth is stranger than fiction and mr. ballen does it best

[@jet__girl]

Hahahaha those poor crocodiles.

[@karlaatherton]

Hi Mr. Ballen! I haven’t watch your videos for a while, and I just started again watching yesterday night. Glad to see you again 😊

[@JB-bm1to]

I’ve hear this story a bunch of times but it’s somehow always better when Mr. Ballen retells it!

[@sarahmathews3]

I needed some mr ballen. So glad john survived. My brother, 31, just got killed 2 weeks ago and he loved you since i told him to watch your vids. So this was kinda theraputical for me snd helped calm my nerves. Even though im like, please nake it, please make it, during the video lol. Love your story telling! Keep up the good work. From a wife of a vet to another vet. Thanks for all youve done and do.

[@NonWokeVeteran]

I love the “NOT a photo of actual swell, shark, etc” cracks me up 😂

[@kailamoq]

Mr. Ballen!!! I’ve watched your videos for about a year now and love every second of your storytelling!! I’d love for you to possibly do a story on the Lepidodendron Tree! I’ve heard many mysterious shorts on it, but would love to hear you dive in deep to where this uneasy tree came about and why people fear it now! In the meantime, keep doing you and thanks for being you! Lot of love!!

[@oracle8766]

Mr ballen is a human being gracing us with his time let’s enjoy every minute he shares and not complain about 1 video. Kinda takes me back to when we had to wait a week for our favorite show to have a new episode love you ballen you keep on keepin on

[@DunkinCrew]

Every time I see that he has a new story up. I dance in place for a second, and make a note to tune in as soon as I possibly can. Mr. Ballen is the best storyteller.

[@Leslee_Lane]

He is a master.

[@OphanielH]

Every Sunday once a week

[@heyitsmeLaVie]

Wow THAT story got the most visceral reactions out of me of any of your other videos. The sheer bad luck, resilience, & the way you told the story, that was just amazing. Thank you.

[@carms7758]

I know right! Insane!

[@sofialu226]

I can't even tell if the guy had the Worst or Best Luck ever 😂 What a story, being able to survive to that is insane. Amusing indeed

[@heisenpsych]

I wish there were more content creators that had the genuine and humble spirit of this guy. In a world becoming crazier and insane by the day, Im glad this dude exists. He's a great escape from the grind.

[@FedJimSmith]

John's experience should be adopted into a movie, many will surely watch

[@SkipHooper]

Hell yes that's what I thought,John is badass

[@Kirsten-vz8gy]

​@@SkipHooper bad ass or just arrogantly over confident? Why would he go into the wilderness without any supplies

[@samuraiplayzzz5957]

his dad lore is gonna be crazy 😭

[@Shinobi-strikers]

Frfr

[@dannybruch9217]

I got hooked the first time watching the way you tell stories is just comforting

[@Shannon71172]

Unbelievable story, you could almost feel the terror this man felt and each time he described the bite and clawing of the lions it made me cringe and hold my breath ! Awesome story telling as usual….Thank you Mr Ballen. 🙏🏼❤️

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

I used to watch Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, Now I watch Mr Ballen

[@cammynyah]

Yasssss sameeee

[@Johnboy3641]

That was such a great series! Johnathan Frakes was an amazing host. I don't remember who took over after him, but he was good as well.

[@liscatcat8756]

Me too 😅

[@seatown510]

Its on tubi now lol

[@dylana8829]

Loved that show!

[@XRUF899]

I've been following your journey since 2021, and I must say, your evolution as a storyteller is nothing short of extraordinary. Your commitment to your craft shines through, and it's no surprise that your stories are earning the praise they deserve. Thank you for sharing your incredible gift with the world. Your stories have not only entertained but also inspired countless souls.

[@JimLBon]

I’ve been a Mr Nightmare fan for years and came across Mr Ballen in an ad for the Shawn Ryan podcast. Your presentation is top notch, really enjoying the videos!

[@SukiiWTFAGaming]

We love it here Mr.Ballen keep up the great work 🙌🏽

[@lyla367]

can we talk about how this man said " and so John's experiencing pain that very few people ever *get* to experience..." this man said *get* like its a good thing😭 regardless- thank you for all that you do for us, i love your videos

[@S1LV3R_11]

LMFAO I literally laughed & said “get?” Out loud when he said that 🤣

[@dorotheem3413]

😂😂😂 The way I laughed out loud reading this

[@lesley4085]

My thoughts too 😂😂

[@thehousespouse]

Most people don’t get to survive long enough to feel that level of pain. Most people die of the injuries before the shock wears off.

[@jenx5870]

​@@thehousespouseYou're missing the point of the OP's post. It was John's wording that was wrong. When he used the word "get", that usually denotes some sort of pleasurable experience. He should have simply said a pain that few people experience and left out the words "get to". As a a person with CRPS, I can attest that nobody wants to experience severe pain, I simply do every day of my life, so if I said my pain was one that few get to experience, it would sound odd. Does it make sense why they were making fun of his wording now? I think everyone understands that people can bleed out. The actual cause of death would be from multiple organ failure due to lack of blood flow and oxygen to the organs (which is what shock leads to).

[@jjbedrocks]

Mr. Ballen I don’t know you personally (though I feel like I do!) but I’ve spent more time with you than almost anyone. Thank you for spending so much time with me (thousands of hours now with replays) and all the stories.

[@Yuutsu6]

Didn’t know where I could comment about Run, Fool! so I came here lol. I’ve been absolutely hooked and the last episode (Black Aggie) was incredible. 10/10 podcast and thank you for introducing me to it!

[@rooseveltday6687]

Run Fool is the ABSOLUTE TRUTH... Love these readings I swear

[@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 Vietnam. -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 -The Sea Serpent of the Monongahela -The story of Clifford Orji -The mark left by Alexander Campbell -The disapperance of Hell's Angels chapter President Zeke Mickle -The Halifax Explosion -The crime that inspired Iron Giant -The Eclipse of Thalis -The Prophecy of John Hendrix

[@alexpartridge1989]

The elite raping kids and taking there blood for the adrenachrome to make them younger. Ie Epstein island and people like Oprah that participated as a navy seal you owe that to your country to cover up the most fucked up horror story of all of history…. And how politicians are paid for a blind eye or participate. Sickening.

[@thegreencat9947]

Holy Christ....what have you done? I must retain this list.😎

[@GayleSeastrand-us8jl]

My husband and I are night owls and love spending the night listening to Mr. Ballen, I just wish there was more new ones a week 😊

[@BrienneJohnson]

you listen at night??? some of them scare the crud out of me, i could never. I get the chills listening to these at work.

[@baxtermason6909]

...I occasionally watch other channels of similar nature...but I always keep coming back to Mr.Ballen...good work...!

[@GenLazer06]

Thank you Mr B.. I appreciate they way you tell stories.

[@theempath8244]

That guy makes Rambo, Schwarzenegger (don't know if that is right), and Segal look pretty silly. That guy also reminds me of Mr Bean in a way. I don't think anyone would have a better story than that one, it is so remarkable yet unbelievable yet true. How he got that half surfboard to the shore was remarkable in its self without being bitten and terrorised by a shark, then to get to water and a lion is trying to chomp into you, is astounding, and to have a pride circled around you waiting for you to make a mistake it is terrifying yet remarkable. It is like a comedy of errors. His determination saved him, but the amount of determination was phenomenal. His instinct to survive was right there in his every move. Thank god for giving that man the determination and courage to live. He has certainly earned his wings.

[@avereth]

The lion part reminded me of the story about the guy desperately trying to reach help while bleeding badly after a car crash, and every coyote for miles was following him, gradually edging closer, and he could just see their eyes reflecting the light back. In those situations, all it takes is one bad stumble or a fall, and you're done.

[@TyeArtisik]

👍🏾

[@IrishMike22]

It's spelled right. Any way you spell it to the point it's understandable is spelled right 😉

[@toniholbeche3014]

I've always considered myself a great story teller. I've been told this very many times. I respect the hell out of Mr Allen. He's leagues above whatever I could EVER do. I love listening to his stories. Knowing that they are based in true stories, makes this even better. I have to drive long distances every week, when I can his stories are playing in the car

[@camconvo]

Tell us a story! It’s KZbin!!! Do it and have fun😊😊

[@watamatafoyu]

I wonder how much he writes down or just tells off the cuff from memory.

[@sheilamiracle8554]

Mrballen fan here for sure! Love his stories...love you Mr ballen keep putting those great stories out for us hopeless fans....

[@patrickmuhwheeney6518]

Good one! Thanks for the upload!

[@johnny8053]

Absolutely love that you have The Why Files in your recommended channels. Both of you are my favorite storytellers and I watch all of your guy's videos.

[@D.T.A1]

Hope everyone is having a great WEEKEND.. GOD BLESS

[@DiadeLosmuertos-ij7wv]

Thanks from Germany and God bless you💥🙏🙏🙏💥

[@mbrow]

And back to you and everyone else who replies here and watches this video. Rockin' the weekend from Southern California.

[@jagoz7465]

I’m having an awful weekend, sending extreme-negative energy back at you

[@mbrow]

@@jagoz7465 Given this comment, all you need to do is look in the mirror to find out why.

[@joycetucker9267]

You as well and everyone else.

[@ShawnDaniel]

Mr Ballen, everyone I've ever loved in my life just died the other day in a strange, dark, and mysterious manner, and they all happened to love your videos. Thank you for bringing them joy with your content and now I will forever worship you in the altar I created for you in my closet. Thank you for what you do and please send help.

[@jennicormack9811]

Love the channel ! And just started to listen to run fool 😊

[@mbrow]

Husband and I and our two cats gathering around the laptop to listen to the best storyteller on the internet. Thanks, Mr. Ballen. And did I hear you say a number of months ago that your mom (?) writes the script for you? If so, then she deserves her own shout-out for your videos. People may not think about the research and work that goes into all your stories prior to it reaching our eyes and ears.

[@sigma_six]

I love it... "Just one more wave..." always makes for a great beginning to a good story...

[@user-uh4id8ye3s]

I love watching you tell your stories I listen to them everyday sometimes while watching other times while cleaning think your great and easy to listen to . Thank you for sharing your stories

[@simpleman9750]

Always the best and most interesting stories on the internet. Thanks Again Mr. Ballen 👍🇺🇸

[@angelinadwyer9862]

I just want to thank you I understand you are a father and husband and juggling two life’s of fame and family can’t be easy, thank you for putting in the time and effort to your fans I genuinely appreciate and look forward to all of your videos. Bless you and your amazing family

[@bramstagator]

I’m so dumb, I thought the shark was going to follow him back to his car.

[@TylerSmith-zu6mj]

Chill out this ain't a Norma Jean video now lmao

[@jamess3241]

I'm so dumb I was questioning how a lion could bite him while he was in the ocean

[@loriskotheim4404]

you never know nowadays 😂

[@notresponsibleforyourtears]

If I could laugh react 😂😂

[@NorthAyase]

It shape shifted into the lion.

[@sakiogarruzakii6378]

He's right. Run Fool is a great show. I just really wish the episodes were longer. 20-30 minutes on a podcast is so short

[@icyblueeyes11]

I listen to Run Fool at work! Love it

[@juliakaczmarek2191]

Sometimes the absolute worst of luck comes with miraculously good luck at the same time.

[@Mulva_]

Thank you, John for being the best story teller ever. My blind mother loved your stories and every Sunday we would listen together. Sadly, she passed so when I listen to you on here or your podcast, I feel like shes with me. Thank you

[@FabledAllele]

I thought something was missing in my life lately and it's because I haven't been watching your videos in awhile. Love your videos

[@patricfuller9413]

I hope you see my comment Mr.Ballen but I can’t believe I’ve been able to see your channel grow from like 1K fans and I’m so happy for keep going and growing bro!