In 2020, writer Jonathan B. Allen, better known through fans as MrBallen, carved out a distinct segment for himself on the internet together with his eerie and mysterious storytelling. From victim-focused true-crime tales to spooky stories with unsolved endings, MrBallen’s movies have without a doubt captured audiences' attention, garnering over Eight million subscribers on his YouTube channel by myself. MrBallen also co-founded Ballen Studios, which produces the MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark and Mysterious Stories, and hosts the brand new podcast, MrBallen’s Medical Mysteries. New episodes of his newest podcast are available now on Wondery and all over the place else you get your podcasts.
Distractify chatted with MrBallen to be told about his most-used emoji, his favourite fellow writer, and more.
If you needed to get a tattoo at the moment, what would it not be?
MB: I'd get the skeleton thumb that is within the MrBallen brand! I've one tattoo already on my left rib cage (a big Zion lion), so maybe I’ll hit up my right rib cage… Hmmm…
What’s your most-used emoji?
MB: The arms coming together virtually like they're praying; it’s the “thanks” emoji. I weigh down that one.
Talk about the best fan interplay you’ve ever had.
MB: We did our first actual live storytelling event on Oct. 20, 2023 on the Paramount Theater in Austin, Texas (it was once bought out ... 1,three hundred people), so I got to look my lovers in particular person for the primary time. When I took the degree, the applause I were given was once insane, after which looking across the room and just seeing a sea of flannel warmed my center. Love it!
If it is advisable have any superpower, what wouldn't it be?
MB: To fly — despite the fact that I was torn and could have long past with “to head any place in an instant,” but I feel like with flying you get the fun of flight, plus the convenience of quicker commute.
Tell us concerning the first live performance you ever attended.
MB: I in truth don’t take into account, however the first CD I ever purchased used to be “Let’s Talk About Love” by means of Celine Dion. I used to be a large fan of the film Titanic, so of course I needed to have that CD.
What are your favourite and least favourite portions of your process?
MB: My least favourite would be how easy recording video/audio all the time turns out, after which once I take a seat all the way down to do it, it takes 203,982 times longer literally each time, and I’m at all times so shocked, which best adds to my annoyance. But honestly, I love what I do, so no real lawsuits!
What’s the most efficient meal you’ve ever had?
MB: My mom’s garlic and olive oil pasta with some fresh selfmade bread used to be always my favorite as a child. Still to nowadays when my mom visits, I ask her to make it because it’s superior.
Shout out one of your favorite fellow YouTubers or podcasters!
MB: Shoutout to PewDiePie! I idolized him rising up and simply loved his vibe, and it’s in reality cool to peer him along with his spouse and kid now. He’s just like the OG of YouTube, and I still love his videos.
If you must handiest concentrate to at least one musical artist ever once more, who wouldn't it be?
MB: R.E.M. – as a result of growing up that was what my ma and pa at all times listened to, in order that can be some nice nostalgia anytime I grew to become them on (I’m a big nostalgia guy.)
Share your most sensible 3 wilderness island prerequisites.
MB: Assuming I can’t cheat and bring along a helicopter to escape with, I’d say I need a cat to stay me corporate, music to stay me from losing interest, and all seven Harry Potter books so to break out from my miserable truth for chunks at a time.
If you couldn’t be a author and storyteller, what would your dream process be?
MB: I'd be a certified baseball player, particularly a tumbler or 3rd baseman for the Boston Red Sox. I’m a huge baseball fan; it was like a faith when I was rising up. I lived in Quincy, Mass., which is just south of Boston.
What’s your No. 1 distraction?
MB: YouTube. I’m always getting sucked into random movies about elephants who stored other folks, or serial killers… You know, the standard stuff, haha.
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