MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
True crime podcast review — 2026
Reviewed · Updated
"Former Navy SEAL MrBallen has built one of podcasting's fastest-growing audiences with his hypnotic storytelling — bite-sized strange and dark stories that are impossible to stop at just one."
Who is this podcast for?
- ✓Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode
- ✓Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations
- ✓Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode
Pros & cons
- +Rated "Must Listen" by our editorial team — exceptional across all dimensions
- +High binge factor — listeners consistently come back for more
- +Episodic format — great for both casual listeners and committed fans, start anywhere
About this podcast
Former Navy SEAL John Allen (MrBallen) presents multiple strange, dark, and often unexplained true stories per episode — from true crimes to unexplained disappearances to bizarre mysteries — in a hypnotic storytelling-focused format.
Best episode to start with
Any recent episode is a great entry point — the format works standalone
Episodic format — episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order
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Frequently Asked Questions about MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
What is MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories about?
Former Navy SEAL John Allen (MrBallen) presents multiple strange, dark, and often unexplained true stories per episode — from true crimes to unexplained disappearances to bizarre mysteries — in a hypnotic storytelling-focused format.
Is MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories worth listening to?
Our editorial verdict is "Must listen". It scores 8/10 on binge factor. True crime fans who love variety and unexplained mysteries; popular with fans of 'unexplained' content alongside traditional true crime.
Who is MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories for?
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories is ideal for: Listeners who prefer variety — a new case with every episode; Anyone fascinated by missing persons investigations; Binge listeners who want something they can't stop at one episode.
What is the best episode of MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories to start with?
We recommend starting with Any recent episode is a great entry point — the format works standalone. Episodes can generally be enjoyed in any order.
Where can I listen to MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories?
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify. Search for it by name on any of those apps.
What podcasts are similar to MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories?
If you enjoy MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories, you might also like: Bear Brook, Casefile True Crime, Morbid, The Lady Vanishes. See our full "Podcasts Like MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories" page for more recommendations.
Quick facts
- Format
- Episodic
- Host style
- Solo narrator
- Style
- Dark, atmospheric, compelling
- Episode length
- ~45-60 min per episode; biweekly; large backlog since 2022
- Binge factor
- 8/10
- Country
- United States
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