@@scootermom1791Oh, idk about that... I feel like I could come up with some alternative revenge scenarios that I might feel better about seeing happen to the guy who shot me in the face and tried to kill my friend.
@@invictusbp1prop143 Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry for what you have been through. How long ago was that? Was he caught? Jailed for life hopefully? There are many very cruel people in the world. TBH, there really is no satisfying way to get revenge. However, people who are rightfully sent to death row to be in solitary confinement waiting for their execution date seems like the best legal option there is. People write all kinds of stuff about feeling sorry for death row inmates and all that garbage instead of focusing on the victims. What about them? What about their families? What about the lifelong suffering they have to endure as a result of the inmate's actions?? Physically, recovering had to have been excruciating for you. Mentally...worse. I hope you and your friend will somehow find a way to move forward with your lives. 😢
For anyone who was curious like me, i did a little digging on reddit and someons write up says Bo the dog survived and was adopted out to a new family. 😅
Hi, I'm sure they are very Happy! Excuse me by saying Best Friends to the end! They saved each others life. I'm not sure if one was without the other that they would of made it. But I' am beyond trickled that they did. You see I was a ward of the state when I was a teenager. And I lived at the place called Homestead It was a group home where teenagers with bad home life's could live. It was also where the 2 counselors that Randall unalived on the trail. Years before Sean and Scott. He got 30 years and spent 15 years years than after he was let out of prison. He still was on probation for a long long time. He also had to wear a ankle monitor. Without knowing fully all the details his mom died. And sometime after wards Randall said some bad things I can't say here than left. You know the rest from Mr Ballen in the video. If you have any questions just ask me?
@@whatmyohmy Oh wow thank you so much for your reply!! I don't have any questions right now but if I ever have some, I'll come back here to ask you! I hope you have an amazing day ❤️
The phrase "biting the hand that feeds you" comes to mind. This is scary. Imagine trying to help someone you believe is in need and they use it against you to cause harm. Sometimes it's difficult to tell who really needs help.
You give some people an inch and they take a mile. If you do something nice for them they just see you as an easy victim. They don't feel grateful for kindness at all.
Unfortunately, it's not unusual - you only have to look at the number of assaults on paramedics and medical staff. I know a few paramedics and they all have stories to tell.
I'm finding out as an old man that loyalty isn't really a thing anymore. Somehow it's been bleached out of younger society. There's always been menace and always will be but this is different man, even in familial settings, there's no blood ties, just no loyalty to anyone anymore. Hate and divisiveness are characteristics of today's society.
I've been on the AT several times. You never leave the trail to help someone. If they are on the trail I'll help. If they are trying to lure me off the trail, that's not happening. I'll report that someone needs help on the trail as soon as I can, but no one is luring me off the trail like that. Good advice on any remote trail like the AT or PCT. There are predators out there, and two legged ones.
@@CornPopWazABadDude Would it also blow your mind to know? The person who attacked Sean and Scott was the same person who attacked my friends and went to prison for 15 years instead of the 30 he got! Yup I have to live the rest of my life with certain issues because of this guy! And I've never gone camping in the woods again. Climbing the Appalachian trail was it for me. There's to many secrets hiding out there in the woods. The laws need to be changed. Prisons to be over hauled!
Wow. I was NOT expecting the twists in this story. SPOILER: Incredibly cool that Sean and Scott survived, especially considering the types of wounds they suffered. Just wow.
It was also the order of the events. Ricky turned around BEFORE the loud bang. As a text-based roleplayer and someone who knows how fkd up humans are, a few of these twists have surprised me... Sadly this one did not. Still a good story.
Dude, the way you told the story in this one was so good. Giving us details about 2 hiker killed and telling us who killed them then diving into how it went down was amazing. You completely messed my head up but it was so good.
Ngl this comment bogus as hell cause I spoiled the entire video. Like ur comment is the comment where when we click we see ur comment. Should’ve put a spoiler warning up
Me too! I think it really speak for their strength of mind and heart. I can't imagine, especially that first time going back out for a trip, how surreal and jarring it must have been. I know I probably would have just called it quits, unfortunately. It would be so hard to relax and trust your surroundings and any people you come across again.
I really love listening to you. I'm a 56 yr old woman. My house burned down a month ago and then while staying with my daughter I fell down the stairs and broke four ribs. I have been so depressed, but listening to you has helped me get through all of this. Keep up the great stories.
Please stay strong. You’ve been through so much, and I know it can feel so hopeless but don’t give up. You are more than the bad things that have happened to you and I wish you all the best.
I suffered two strokes last year at 51 years of age and have some eye sight deficit. I listen to your videos/stories when I’m conducting my therapy. I really enjoy your story telling, keep up the good work brother. 😊
my father is going through the same. I feel like I'm not doing enough for him. But I just don't know what to do. And he would never ask for anything either. I just want him to know that I believe in him and that he has done well for us. So now he should do well for himself too. You take care of yourself too. All the best.
I recently injured my eye and cannot watch anything on screens but your stories are always so well told I don’t even need to watch I can just listen. Thanks Mr Ballen!
It's really interesting because all my life a hell is had a trouble of sleeping hated sleepy for some reason and there were times where I would wake up even after 12 hour shift five or six times throughout the night.. I was told that a lot of people used to listen to music while they went to bed so did I but then I saw listening to horror stories but now my listen to Mr ballens podcasts.. it actually makes me look forward to go to sleep and how much I try to stay up and listen I always fall asleep so thank you Mr Balden... I'm honored to be proud of the ballen army.
WOW. What a crazy story. Great to hear that both Sean and Scott are doing well, and that they didn't let one lone psycho ruin their enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Dang that story took a turn! It ended up the complete opposite of what I thought was about to happen. Incredible! So happy to know Sean & Scott recovered and are still enjoying their camping trips. May they live long & happy lives.
@@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206Well, the murderer is dead so the chance that they encounter another mentally ill murderer in the same place is pretty thin...
Yeah well the twists are on purpose. Like purposefully making Ricky to be just nervous normal guy that wouldnt really matter essentially in crime story, but thats why Ballen is storyteller. Basicly the scripts are written in way they have as many twists as possible, and it feels over all more like short story.
I'm only allowed to speak though something is wrong. I would like the truth but see how they treat you. These words are accepted, try to speak the truth you will be rejected. I wanna tell the truth!!! That is not ex cepted
Wow, Sean and Scott are very brave. I sure as heck wouldn't ever go camping again after experiencing that!! But props to them for not letting it ruin their enjoyment of the great outdoors.
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe because the guy was dead they weren’t afraid he would come after them. Plus I’m sure they bring a gun with them. It might be a way to reclaim their life? I definitely couldn’t do it.
That Chapter told this story waaay better in his forest/park compilation, I love ballen but he made it soooo cluttered with details and crap about the fish haha, that chapter did a much better job explaining the incident, the escape, the important stuff without padding, I think it's also called Appalachian murders, missing hiker is the killer. Ballen adds a bit too much flair and the goofy stuff from the fake supernatural stories haha
@@mickeyj4996How are they supposed to judge the story if they don't watch the video? There's nothing wrong with critiquing a video you watch or expressing that you disliked something about a video you've watched. Not everyone has to like every video put out by Mr Ballen and that's OK.
Mr. Ballen, please bring back those nostalgic, mysterious, spooky stories like you created in the infancy of your channel. They just hit differently! And you know, to really put the like button in its place.
In a reddit channel talking in detail about Randall, the OP has stated that "You may be pleased to hear that Bo has since been adopted, and given a home with a loving, caring family who feed and walk him regularly" I am SO happy about this.
I lived about 45 minutes from Dismal Creek when this happened and remember seeing interviews with Sean and Scott. They seemed like decent, friendly guys who were just trying to help someone out.
I saw these guys story on “I survived” and it blew me away. If you all haven’t watched it you should because the telling of it from their perspective is insane. 🎉❤ so thankful these guys get to live a normal life.
I used to. I think I hit them all now. At least on RUclips. Every time I try to find a new one, I wind up having heard it already. I’m going to get his podcast. I think it has a lot of extra content that isn’t here.
Sundays are renamed Ballen day in my house. The kids and I just got done cleaning and as per usual before I leave for work, we chill out, eat dinner and watch your stories ❤🇧🇸
Man, the way you wrote this story is just incredible, i was feeling really bad for ricky at first and just feeling his pain of embarrassment and "starving" but that plot twist through me so off guard, im so glad scott and sean are not only alive but are doing well, thank you for covering this story and true crime in general in the amazing way only you know how to tell them! 😀
I feel completely opposite. I love this channel, but i feel basically this was a lie just to make this story intersting. He basically lies when telling the story, so its a "twist" at the end. Normally this a a true crime channel. but this was like he turned it into his own movie, wasnt true at all until the end, which I found to be annoying. To each his own i guess.
@@joeymims5852yeah, he constantly told us how Ricky felt with these two guys, i.e. uneasy, suspicious. Obviously stuff like that is made up. I'm always aware of things like that but I still like listening to the stories.
@@joeymims5852I agree I watched this story on fatal encounters and they told the story in the opposite way .that Sean and Scott were both welcoming to Ricky and Ricky was the one being weird
I love the way that this is written!!! I completely expected from Randy’s nervousness and that he was retelling the story that he’d be the victim that miraculously survived. Did not expect him at all to be the killer, much less a killer that’s killed before. I’m glad that they both survived because it makes the story a lot more relieving. Awesome work!
Props to Sean and Scott for not letting such a traumatic event ruin their love of the outdoors. Lord knows if that happened to me and I'd survived, you'd never see me even remotely near the treeline of any forest ever again.
I remember hearing this story on that show “I Survived” and Scott and Shaun told the story from their perspective. You did a great job turning this into a mind bending plot twist. Incredible story telling skills.
@@mikeandrews1899 what was that? I found the misplaced red herring at the beginning, the one implying Ricky was anxious because there was a possible murderer on the lose a bit odd. Also I think in I survived, he wondered into their camp. I could be mistaken.
@@MareMarMarie bc I grew up near dismal Creek , swam there as a kid and fished there many times over my 60yrs of existence on this rock . I vividly remember both of these incidents , And Randall Lee Smith ( Ricky Williams) was a waste of skin , who our judicial system failed to dispose of.
I’m not a legal expert or criminal psychologist or anything like that, but I kinda feel like maybe we should stop releasing convicted murderers back into society.
They're there to help the communists take power. They are evil . "It's NOT about you it's about SELF" is their troll 🧌 mind . that's the religion 📐 of the cheese head 👁️
I’m so glad Mr Ballen is finally getting the fame he deserves, I’ve been watching him for 4 years and I’m very happy that he’s finally starting to blow up
Huh? As someone who found out about him very, very early on.. what? I'm not sure what you mean by "finally." I found him when he barely had 50k and within a month or two, he was at 1 million. Been listening to this type of content for years before Ballen, and all of my favorite channel's, over the past four years, have gotten an influx in subscribers from Ballen fans looking for more similar content, riddled with comments like "Mr ballen brought me here.." He's had the recognition he deserves since almost the very beginning. Mr black from Beyond creepy.. now that's someone who, after 68 years of high-quality content, still hasn't gotten the recognition/fame he deserves.
I love that Mr Ballen totally flips the script on you, I thought Scott and Sean were going to hurt the old man. I love the twists in the endings and this is why I love Mr Ballen! 😄
i agree , it warms me heart to know that not only they survive also to know that the apalachian trail is safe to visit to this day knowing that bad bad bad man Randall died
Sean and Scott have to be admired for not letting this, quite frankly, terrifying experience from stopping them doing the thing that they love. The fact that their friendship survived this ordeal and that they charged on regardless is commendable. Massive respect and ❤🫂. Like deployed 👍
I don’t know how you do it but you make the story actually come to life. When I listen I start to see the forest camp site it’s just wonderful. Bless you and yours
@@TlD-dg6ugand drags it out so badly. it takes more than 5 minutes to explain that some random explosion in the woods was a gun? Way to draw out a shitty mystery.
@@TlD-dg6ug there always has to be haters!! The way i see it even your negative comments like yours makes him money as well. I love his stories and the way i see it if this is something that doesn't interest you go find something that does.
Ok, as I sit listening to the story, I also have work to do on the computer, but I cannot do it. I just have to watch your face as you tell a story because you just get so into it. Thanks for what you do!
Yes, this is the kind of content I been longing for, Camping, forest, fire tower, trains & cars in the middle of nowhere/ traveling through forests, dash cams in the middle of nowhere, That type of stuff is so interesting and scary.
The way Mr. Ballen presents these stories is something else entirely, the man has a gift. To not realize this was a story I've heard and am familiar with until 3/4 of the way through is pretty impressive.
Same here! And I’m pretty good with this stuff. I even remember the name Ricky Williams, but thought Ricky would be a victim of Ricky Williams.🤦🏻♀️ Ha! That’s how well he presented the story.
That was creepy. Also creepy for me as in 1977, I was 11 years old, my Dad was Navy and our Navy family met at the Great Dismal Swamp to camp for a weekend. I was fishing on one of the docks there with other Navy brats my age and I forcefully cast my line into the water (unintentionally throwing myself into the water) and almost drowned. This story brought back that memory. Not really related, but the place. I’ll never forget being underwater, not knowing how to swim and seeing eels or snakes swimming to the top of the green looking water as I was submerged. I’ll never forget that day!
As someone who has been watching your videos since nearly the beginning, it is amazing to be watching a fresh episode and just watch the "views" number climb right in front of your eyes. Im so proud of what your channel has become. ❤
Mr. Ballen, you’re a real one! Usually, true crime stories are told in a way that doesn’t ring true, but you just told that story in such a way that I finally understood the conflict, which is an essential part of any plot. I’ve heard it many times before, and I finally get what happened. A lot of people say they can get into the minds of criminals but they can’t, because they forget they are also human, with human feelings and motivations, flawed thought their perceptions may be. Usually, the monster is truly one of us. Remarkable storytelling and true crime analysis!
15 years and parole after murdering 2 people…?! The justice system in this country is completely broken. It’s a miracle that the 2 men survived when they could’ve easily been two more murders. I hope these 2 men sued the hell out of the state for releasing this man.
Added to the unbelievable justice system you guys have to put up with- the mental health system is even worse! If your mental health system was in some sort of reasonable shape, Ricky would have been shipped off to a mental health secure hospital years before this. They may not have been able to 'cure' him but at least wouldn't have let him out until he was mentally stable. He seemed to be pretty good at fooling people and keeping it all under control though- he managed to live with the ankle bracelet for a decade first!
It has been proved that extend prison sentences is not effective in order to reduce crime rates... it is much better to focus on rehabilitation of criminals, instead of time behind bars...
Sean and Scott are the kinda dudes you hope to run across in a time of need. It's a shame 'Ricky' used their kindness against them. I'm glad they survived and didn'tlet that man's evil taint their love of the outdoors. The way MrBallen told their story was brilliant. Dude is a mastermind of storytelling. So glad he and his studios are bringing in other amazing storytellers to create the ultimate campfire story studio
Thanks Mr Ballen from Singapore, after listening to you and then listening to other channels, I now appreciate you even more as I realised how clear your diction & voice is. Good job Sir
You are seriously such a great story teller. I struggle with my short attention span but the way you deliver these stories keeps me engaged. You do a great job painting am image.
Just wish he would take it easy with his hand motions. When he first started he didn't swirl his arms around as much. I have to sometimes look away or I'll get dizzy.
@@jms5752 gesticulating too much.... I don't loki that too much either, but I do work or lay back with my eyes closed. He's still great & he just gets into the story....its his style & each to their own
Can confirm that "Run, Fool!" is an incredible show. Despite the distinct terror & weirdness of many of the subjects, Rodney's narration is delivered in such a way that I still feel like I'm gonna be OK after, which is huge for me. A different style of beautiful storytelling, and I love the folkloric aspect.
Holy crap. I’m a huge true crime lover, follow many true crime channels/podcast etc but no one tells stories like this! Usually you know what’s gonna happen in the story from the beginning but this channel is SO different! Been binge watching since I discovered this awesome channel and have been genuinely surprised with almost every video! Best channel on YT hands down!!!
I always avoid true crime stories like the plague because they disturb and frighten me more than any ghost or monster story. But my parents for some reason gravitate toward them. Which is really weird considering they'll get disturbed if that stuff is shown or implied in fictional media, especially cartoons.
I remember when this channel had less than 200k subscribers it’s crazy in the past few years since I got out of the Army how this has grown so much. Amazing I love this channel❤
YUP. BUT NOPE. HE HAS ZERO SAY IN WHAT STORIES TO TELL AND HIS OWNED ASS ONLY TELLS DICTATED, SCRIPTED BY SOMEONE ELSE MASS TOLD BULLSHIT STORIES. HE NEVER TOUCHED ANOTHER SINGLE 411 CASE OR OTHER MYSTERIES MATTERS LIKE HE USE TO. Use to like this guy ALOT, and enjoyed his work. After he hit 1 million, he became unwatchable. I unsubscribed at 2.5 million (which was literally days later after getting 1 mill) and thumbs down all his shit if it pops up in my face. He should be ashamed of himself for being an owner little slave and not speaking up about government mysteries and things you should question. But whatever. Hes a sheep and a mindless drone now. Money makes a man weak.
Wow, it's amazing that Sean, and Scott both survived and awesome that they didn't let an incident like that destroy their love of camping. Great job as usual Mr. Ballen 👍.
As a fellow veteran (USAF Security Forces), I can't tell you how much I love your channel. Totally awesome stories delivered in an amazing way by the most chill dude I've ever seen. I've binged your channel since i found it. Keep up the amazing work! 😎
@@jessicaburks7174 yes! I've been so busy that the last 2 Mondays, I've gone back to work still sore and tired! I had no intention of leaving my house this weekend, my bedroom really! I have a physically demanding job + chronic pain. They don't really go together well, but I do my best! I just need down time here and there, as I'm far from 25yo at this point! Nice chill weekend + a lil snow, I'm a happy camper! ☮️💜
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.
Very interesting suggestions there. I think John uses many suggestions from his viewers/listeners now. I think I heard him say that, or at least, he's used several from his audience. He's been doing this for several yrs & I'm sure it's hard for 1 person to think of new subjects for stories, after telling so many, for so long. I'm pretty sure he already told the story for one of those already tho. Maybe more? Idk if you've gone thru his playlist & listen to his podcast, but I think I watched him tell a story from one of your suggestions. It would be on his playlist on RUclips from, like 2 yrs ago.
@@Gary-kc9hx Probably bc the OP isn't a super great storyteller like John. Very few ppl are that good. Why would you even say that? You can't figure that out yourself? It's common sense. No wonder John puts such simple explanations in parentheses, for ppl like you. And common sense isn't common at all nowadays. Also, John does actually use suggestions from his viewers/listeners. So what's the problem?
I buy popcorn at a movie theatre nearby and come home on a Friday night just to watch Mr Ballen’s weekly upload on my big screen TV in my living room. I save his video til a Friday night when I am off from work the next day and I can treat watching his video like I am planning to visit a movie theatre for a Friday night movie. Heck, I don’t even watch movie flicks anymore.
Wow. I wish I had thought of that! What a wonderful idea for Ballen Sundays. Thanks for sharing. I might start doing that, too, except maybe I'll make the popcorn at home.
That's not smart at all. Popcorn is ONE of the most marked up foods. Go to store and buy popcorn oil. Or buy it online. And a popcorn popper If you dont have one obviously. I just saved you soooo much money.
@@bamahammer949 why is it that hard to believe that someone who knows the victims would be watching and commenting on a video about them? They’re people too lol
@@bamahammer949do you know how many ppl are on the internet across the world? 😂 It's not that hard to believe that some of them are going to know the victims of the true crime stories we hear.
Thanks for doing this story! I passed Randal on the AT in April 2008 when I was out with my Boy Scout troop. I have also met both surviving men, they came to our middle school and told their story to us. Anyway, very cool to hear one that you feel especially connected with!
Wow I know Sean. This was such a crazy story. So blessed Sean made it out alive🙏. My daughter and I still go to Dismal a few times a year. Its totally safe and I never had a problem. Really bad luck for Sean though.
Much love all the way from Zimbabwe, Southern Africa. Love these type of stories, in the woods or cabins. Keep doing what you do so well Mr Ballen. You are the best👏
I've seen this on a crime show and you're damn good at telling these stories especially this one. You telling it making Ricky feel kinda scared about the 2 friends!! About half way through I was getting disappointed in you for skipping the friends getting away,but you still leave me just a little disappointed because after Shawn picked Scott up,as they were getting the hell out of there Shawn was loosing his eyesight and Scott with his injuries, sitting in the passenger seat was steering the jeep and telling Shawn to brake to slow down as they would approach a curve and speed up when they could. Glad they survived and I really enjoy your story telling, I find them interesting as hell. Thank you for your PATRIOTIC SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
I love how specific the captions on the images are, they crack me up. “Real photo of different trout”
😂
😂🤍💯
😂😂
Well you don’t want the trout suing for using his image.
I like that
I love it when the victims survive to tell their story, and go on to have a better life then their attacker ever could have
Best. Revenge. Ever. 🙂
@@scootermom1791Oh, idk about that... I feel like I could come up with some alternative revenge scenarios that I might feel better about seeing happen to the guy who shot me in the face and tried to kill my friend.
@@invictusbp1prop143 Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry for what you have been through. How long ago was that? Was he caught? Jailed for life hopefully?
There are many very cruel people in the world. TBH, there really is no satisfying way to get revenge. However, people who are rightfully sent to death row to be in solitary confinement waiting for their execution date seems like the best legal option there is.
People write all kinds of stuff about feeling sorry for death row inmates and all that garbage instead of focusing on the victims. What about them? What about their families? What about the lifelong suffering they have to endure as a result of the inmate's actions??
Physically, recovering had to have been excruciating for you. Mentally...worse. I hope you and your friend will somehow find a way to move forward with your lives. 😢
@@invictusbp1prop143i definitely get that
For anyone who was curious like me, i did a little digging on reddit and someons write up says Bo the dog survived and was adopted out to a new family. 😅
Thank you!
I was worried he got left out in the woods! Thanks for the update lol
Thank you indeed! That was my first thought. I hoped the dog survived.
I was wondering about the dog😊
That is all I was thinking the whole time. Thank you.
Sean and Scott surviving is the absolute best part of it all and I really hope they're happy and well
Hi, I'm sure they are very Happy! Excuse me by saying Best Friends to the end! They saved each others life. I'm not sure if one was without the other that they would of made it. But I' am beyond trickled that they did. You see I was a ward of the state when I was a teenager. And I lived at the place called Homestead It was a group home where teenagers with bad home life's could live. It was also where the 2 counselors that Randall unalived on the trail. Years before Sean and Scott. He got 30 years and spent 15 years years than after he was let out of prison. He still was on probation for a long long time. He also had to wear a ankle monitor. Without knowing fully all the details his mom died. And sometime after wards Randall said some bad things I can't say here than left. You know the rest from Mr Ballen in the video. If you have any questions just ask me?
@@whatmyohmy Oh wow thank you so much for your reply!! I don't have any questions right now but if I ever have some, I'll come back here to ask you! I hope you have an amazing day ❤️
The phrase "biting the hand that feeds you" comes to mind. This is scary. Imagine trying to help someone you believe is in need and they use it against you to cause harm. Sometimes it's difficult to tell who really needs help.
You give some people an inch and they take a mile. If you do something nice for them they just see you as an easy victim. They don't feel grateful for kindness at all.
Yes well, unfortunately psychopaths blend into society like chameleons. They wear that infamous mask of sanity…😬
Follow your conscience, but trust your instincts too.
Unfortunately, it's not unusual - you only have to look at the number of assaults on paramedics and medical staff. I know a few paramedics and they all have stories to tell.
No good deed goes unpunished
That last picture of Sean and Scott standing next to each other really put it into perspective just how big Sean really is. Wow!!
Dude is a mountain of a man. I was thinking the whole time "no chance a dude is that much bigger than his friend". I stand terribly corrected.
@@dusfitzThat old bastard was lucky this guy could have destroyed him
being big saved his life it seems , which saved Sean’s
Ren & Stimpy.
yup really big guy
What a backstabber. Only the worst kind of person can turn around and attack someone that has been kind and helped them. No loyalty at all.
I'm finding out as an old man that loyalty isn't really a thing anymore. Somehow it's been bleached out of younger society.
There's always been menace and always will be but this is different man, even in familial settings, there's no blood ties, just no loyalty to anyone anymore. Hate and divisiveness are characteristics of today's society.
Indeed, I've been unfortunate to know a few people like that. Watch your back folks.
Thats why you should never help strangers in the middle of nowhere. Leave them to their fate, theyre not your responsibility.
Probably didn't really need help. Just an excuse to decide if he wanted to uh scifice
I've been on the AT several times. You never leave the trail to help someone. If they are on the trail I'll help. If they are trying to lure me off the trail, that's not happening. I'll report that someone needs help on the trail as soon as I can, but no one is luring me off the trail like that. Good advice on any remote trail like the AT or PCT. There are predators out there, and two legged ones.
Moral of the story, stop letting murderers out of jail to attack people again.
Ahh yes, the brilliant work of the democrats... It blows my mind that people still vote blue 🤯
@@CornPopWazABadDude Would it also blow your mind to know? The person who attacked Sean and Scott was the same person who attacked my friends and went to prison for 15 years instead of the 30 he got! Yup I have to live the rest of my life with certain issues because of this guy! And I've never gone camping in the woods again. Climbing the Appalachian trail was it for me. There's to many secrets hiding out there in the woods. The laws need to be changed. Prisons to be over hauled!
0😅⁰⁰⁰@whatmyohmy
Also don't go hiking and camping.
@@whatmyohmy that is crazy! They say only thing scarier then being in the woods alone, is not being in the woods alone.
Scott and Sean are amazing. getting shot in the face, neck and chest, and still survived the whole ordeal... that's incredible!
I got shot twice in the same sitting and i survived am i amazing?
@@joeopossibly. Why were you shot?
Either that or the people who shot him had bad aim ??? 😅
@@joeoyes
Dang I just started watching 😢
Sean and Scott are beautiful souls. Need more people like them in this world.
You know them?
@ville__
Stop feckin’ spamming on every comment!
@@undergreenthunder8037take your misery somewhere else boomer
I kinda believe that they framed Ricky and he was innocent.
Facts
Wow. I was NOT expecting the twists in this story. SPOILER:
Incredibly cool that Sean and Scott survived, especially considering the types of wounds they suffered. Just wow.
Really?!? It was so obviously Ricky. Weirdo living in the woods with his dog... mesmerized by the glint off of the campers knives...
It was well told that you were thinking in that Sean and Scott were the bad guys, then the twists.
I was saying 'aww ricky sounds just like a poor old man if they do anything to him...! 🥺😢'
And than that 😮
It was also the order of the events. Ricky turned around BEFORE the loud bang. As a text-based roleplayer and someone who knows how fkd up humans are, a few of these twists have surprised me... Sadly this one did not. Still a good story.
@@SatanenPerkele what? because you own a dog means you're a wicked individual? not sure how that works
Dude, the way you told the story in this one was so good. Giving us details about 2 hiker killed and telling us who killed them then diving into how it went down was amazing. You completely messed my head up but it was so good.
yo do you watch the mickael knowles show? i could have sworn I've seen you in the live streams
Well man youve got some a sweet in your dance with your worddrums. Way kool junior.
Omg, look who's here 😂
xavier what you doin here my guy haven't seen ya in a grip
you would like the author Erik Larson
So glad Ricky didn't steal their joy, and they still go back for fishing and camping! Those are my favorite endings when hearing a story like this! 🎣
seriously
Learn some etiquette and place a spoiler discretion
Ngl this comment bogus as hell cause I spoiled the entire video. Like ur comment is the comment where when we click we see ur comment. Should’ve put a spoiler warning up
Me too! I think it really speak for their strength of mind and heart.
I can't imagine, especially that first time going back out for a trip, how surreal and jarring it must have been. I know I probably would have just called it quits, unfortunately. It would be so hard to relax and trust your surroundings and any people you come across again.
@@makhicaples6608 ok so watch the video first before going to the comments
I really love listening to you. I'm a 56 yr old woman. My house burned down a month ago and then while staying with my daughter I fell down the stairs and broke four ribs. I have been so depressed, but listening to you has helped me get through all of this. Keep up the great stories.
I will be praying for you, Joyce. You are going through a really rough season, lean on the Lord as much as you can. It will be okay. ❤️
Sorry to hear that Joyce. Wishing you blessings and a speedy recovery. 💕
Please stay strong. You’ve been through so much, and I know it can feel so hopeless but don’t give up. You are more than the bad things that have happened to you and I wish you all the best.
😮 this made me so sad! I hope you get well soon!
Feel better Joyce🙏
seriously, i was genuinely surprised about Sean and Scott surviving those wounds. like my god, their insanely brave!
Maybe was just a low velocity short barrelled .22
I suffered two strokes last year at 51 years of age and have some eye sight deficit. I listen to your videos/stories when I’m conducting my therapy. I really enjoy your story telling, keep up the good work brother. 😊
I hope you make a complete recovery.❤️🩹
Hope it hasn't impacted your health too much, strokes can be awful! Take care of yourself.
my father is going through the same. I feel like I'm not doing enough for him. But I just don't know what to do. And he would never ask for anything either. I just want him to know that I believe in him and that he has done well for us. So now he should do well for himself too.
You take care of yourself too. All the best.
Even just listening I'm sure you see his hand gestures 😂
@@turboteaMr. Ballen talks with his hands. 😅
I recently injured my eye and cannot watch anything on screens but your stories are always so well told I don’t even need to watch I can just listen. Thanks Mr Ballen!
Sometimes I just want to give my eyes a break and listen.
It’s nice.
I listen at night with my eyes closed
They do have speech to text. You say it it types it
I love mr Ballen pod cast’s too ❤
It's really interesting because all my life a hell is had a trouble of sleeping hated sleepy for some reason and there were times where I would wake up even after 12 hour shift five or six times throughout the night.. I was told that a lot of people used to listen to music while they went to bed so did I but then I saw listening to horror stories but now my listen to Mr ballens podcasts.. it actually makes me look forward to go to sleep and how much I try to stay up and listen I always fall asleep so thank you Mr Balden... I'm honored to be proud of the ballen army.
I’m so glad MrBallen is starting to do more of the mysterious scary stories he used to do. Good ol’ bump in the night horror stories hit different
I always enjoy Mr Ballen, but I miss some of the cave diving/exploring stories
These stories are way better when you’re hunting. And you have to walk back in the dark, alone.
This story was really not a good story if you have to add fake emotions that you would not know ricky was thinking. I'm sorry but this was bad
He already did this story. You haven’t noticed he’s been repeating his older stories on Sundays. It’s really getting irritating.
Facts
WOW. What a crazy story. Great to hear that both Sean and Scott are doing well, and that they didn't let one lone psycho ruin their enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Once a murderer, always a murderer. Thanks for posting.
But you don't know him like I do!! He can change!!
Dang that story took a turn! It ended up the complete opposite of what I thought was about to happen. Incredible! So happy to know Sean & Scott recovered and are still enjoying their camping trips. May they live long & happy lives.
That would've been my last camping trip for sure!
@@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206 Same
People scare daddy 😢
@@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206Well, the murderer is dead so the chance that they encounter another mentally ill murderer in the same place is pretty thin...
Yeah well the twists are on purpose. Like purposefully making Ricky to be just nervous normal guy that wouldnt really matter essentially in crime story, but thats why Ballen is storyteller. Basicly the scripts are written in way they have as many twists as possible, and it feels over all more like short story.
I'm shocked to hear that Sean and Scott are still going to the Dismal Creek after all that. I could never. Brave men! Awesome job Mr. Ballen!!
They banished the evil that was there, so they can camp safely now. Like a good ending to a horror movie!
I'm only allowed to speak though something is wrong. I would like the truth but see how they treat you. These words are accepted, try to speak the truth you will be rejected. I wanna tell the truth!!! That is not ex cepted
If bruh was alive they would've let him out after 2 years😂 "gOoD bEhAvIoR" lol. @@rokukou
I think I'd feel safe to go back given that the source of the horrors died shortly after
shocked? it is totally normal - it is part of coping with trauma and processing it, goodness.
Wow, Sean and Scott are very brave. I sure as heck wouldn't ever go camping again after experiencing that!! But props to them for not letting it ruin their enjoyment of the great outdoors.
I was thinking the same thing.
Maybe because the guy was dead they weren’t afraid he would come after them. Plus I’m sure they bring a gun with them. It might be a way to reclaim their life?
I definitely couldn’t do it.
That Chapter told this story waaay better in his forest/park compilation, I love ballen but he made it soooo cluttered with details and crap about the fish haha, that chapter did a much better job explaining the incident, the escape, the important stuff without padding, I think it's also called Appalachian murders, missing hiker is the killer. Ballen adds a bit too much flair and the goofy stuff from the fake supernatural stories haha
@@KaladinVegapunk if you don’t like how he does stories, Why are you on his channel and watching his videos??
@@KaladinVegapunkyou can leave anytime
@@mickeyj4996How are they supposed to judge the story if they don't watch the video?
There's nothing wrong with critiquing a video you watch or expressing that you disliked something about a video you've watched. Not everyone has to like every video put out by Mr Ballen and that's OK.
I’m so relieved those two men are okay. You really do have a way of telling these stories cause I was convinced Ricky was the good one.
Mr. Ballen, please bring back those nostalgic, mysterious, spooky stories like you created in the infancy of your channel. They just hit differently! And you know, to really put the like button in its place.
Yes!!
Yes!!
Yes!
Agreed
Yes please!
In a reddit channel talking in detail about Randall, the OP has stated that "You may be pleased to hear that Bo has since been adopted, and given a home with a loving, caring family who feed and walk him regularly"
I am SO happy about this.
I needed to know what happened to the dog.
Thank you 🙌 I was just about to try and find out what happened. I appreciate you.
Thank you. You are the amazing amazingest of amazing
So happy to hear that 🐶🙂
thank you!! i just listened to this story and posted the question. I had to know the dog was OK..
I lived about 45 minutes from Dismal Creek when this happened and remember seeing interviews with Sean and Scott. They seemed like decent, friendly guys who were just trying to help someone out.
I think he sold them as threatening to make the plot twist less expected and more shocking
@@rafaelalbertolizardomoront6625or it's possible that Sean just had an uneasy feeling about Randall, and it turned out his instincts were right.
Disappointed in this one, and I love all mr. Ballen stories.
Cry about it there@@kiwah3597
@@kiwah3597s that you pronounce it cry Kiwah😂
I saw these guys story on “I survived” and it blew me away. If you all haven’t watched it you should because the telling of it from their perspective is insane. 🎉❤ so thankful these guys get to live a normal life.
Yes I saw that too. Great story from the survivors
Years are taken off my life every time I watch “I survived.” It is the best true crime storytelling to date.
LMAO at “not a real photo of Ricky’s fishing line” 😂
I loved that too 😂
Me2
😹
Not to mention "real photo of different fish"
@@markelly-de1hy yall kill me😂 I, glad I'm not the only one who laughs at the captions.
I love listening to Mr ballen with my father. He is called the story man by my dad. We listen almost every day
"The Story Man" lol! That made me chuckle! 😊
I wish my dad was still around.
I used to. I think I hit them all now. At least on RUclips. Every time I try to find a new one, I wind up having heard it already. I’m going to get his podcast. I think it has a lot of extra content that isn’t here.
@@evolutiongirl321 I'm sorry 😞. I wish my mother was...
Priceless!
Sundays are renamed Ballen day in my house. The kids and I just got done cleaning and as per usual before I leave for work, we chill out, eat dinner and watch your stories ❤🇧🇸
✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
dinner in the morning
Have a good one. 😊
👍🏻😊
@@jesuslovesyou5330I ❤ your username
Glad to hear Randall wasn’t given the opportunity to be released on parole again. Great to hear Sean and Scott are doing well.
The fact that he was paroled for "good behavior" after killing two people is insane...
I guess that’s one of the cons of jails/prisons that practice rehabilitation 😊
Or dude had a fucking jesus as a lawyer lol
15 years for a double homicide seems kinda short.
It happens way too much.
@@AwesomeFish12the golden rule, he who has the gold, makes the rules.
Man, the way you wrote this story is just incredible, i was feeling really bad for ricky at first and just feeling his pain of embarrassment and "starving" but that plot twist through me so off guard, im so glad scott and sean are not only alive but are doing well, thank you for covering this story and true crime in general in the amazing way only you know how to tell them! 😀
You mean threw.
@leslieannvanhumbeck7630 yeah lol
I feel completely opposite. I love this channel, but i feel basically this was a lie just to make this story intersting. He basically lies when telling the story, so its a "twist" at the end. Normally this a a true crime channel. but this was like he turned it into his own movie, wasnt true at all until the end, which I found to be annoying. To each his own i guess.
@@joeymims5852yeah, he constantly told us how Ricky felt with these two guys, i.e. uneasy, suspicious. Obviously stuff like that is made up. I'm always aware of things like that but I still like listening to the stories.
@@joeymims5852I agree I watched this story on fatal encounters and they told the story in the opposite way .that Sean and Scott were both welcoming to Ricky and Ricky was the one being weird
It's stunning that they still go back to Dismal Creek. Creating new memories at the place of trauma.
@Annie497 💯💯
I love the way that this is written!!! I completely expected from Randy’s nervousness and that he was retelling the story that he’d be the victim that miraculously survived. Did not expect him at all to be the killer, much less a killer that’s killed before. I’m glad that they both survived because it makes the story a lot more relieving. Awesome work!
Props to Sean and Scott for not letting such a traumatic event ruin their love of the outdoors. Lord knows if that happened to me and I'd survived, you'd never see me even remotely near the treeline of any forest ever again.
@benjaminollis7621well duh but it can be a reminder of trauma experienced
agreed. My life is way to precious to risk camping again if i was them
same here
I remember hearing this story on that show “I Survived” and Scott and Shaun told the story from their perspective. You did a great job turning this into a mind bending plot twist. Incredible story telling skills.
Same, I loved I Survived
Me too!
I didn't appreciate the "spin" Mr B put on this event
@@mikeandrews1899 what was that? I found the misplaced red herring at the beginning, the one implying Ricky was anxious because there was a possible murderer on the lose a bit odd. Also I think in I survived, he wondered into their camp. I could be mistaken.
@@MareMarMarie bc I grew up near dismal Creek , swam there as a kid and fished there many times over my 60yrs of existence on this rock . I vividly remember both of these incidents , And Randall Lee Smith ( Ricky Williams) was a waste of skin , who our judicial system failed to dispose of.
That little move you do in the intro... it has finally come to me.... the masterpiece.... we shall call it... "The Ballen Bow" TM
Hahaha
😂
😂😂
I Literally do it with him every episode 😂😂
Ahhaha yuuuus
Dude, your story telling abilities are amazing. I wish I had this talent.
You do.....
He is actually acting with his body language and posing that we really feel it like we are watching a movie on screen.
They befriended and fed this guy, he relays them by trying to kill them!! Shaun's first instinct regarding Ricky were bang on
I’m not a legal expert or criminal psychologist or anything like that, but I kinda feel like maybe we should stop releasing convicted murderers back into society.
You may be on to something
You would think so right? This justice system is all fugged up
If I had my way they would be sent to the after life
They're there to help the communists take power. They are evil . "It's NOT about you it's about SELF" is their troll 🧌 mind . that's the religion 📐 of the cheese head 👁️
It’s called rehabilitation and it’s a good thing! Vote blue 😊
Y’all I was mocking the liberals 💀
I’m so glad Mr Ballen is finally getting the fame he deserves, I’ve been watching him for 4 years and I’m very happy that he’s finally starting to blow up
Finally blowing up? Do u have any sense at all
Huh? As someone who found out about him very, very early on.. what? I'm not sure what you mean by "finally." I found him when he barely had 50k and within a month or two, he was at 1 million. Been listening to this type of content for years before Ballen, and all of my favorite channel's, over the past four years, have gotten an influx in subscribers from Ballen fans looking for more similar content, riddled with comments like "Mr ballen brought me here.."
He's had the recognition he deserves since almost the very beginning. Mr black from Beyond creepy.. now that's someone who, after 68 years of high-quality content, still hasn't gotten the recognition/fame he deserves.
I’m glad to hear Dale & Tucker survived that evil
that movie is amazing😂
😂😂
Ha! Very good.
It does sound like something that would happen to Tucker & Dale
Especially after watching college kids chucking themselves into wood chippers
I love that Mr Ballen totally flips the script on you, I thought Scott and Sean were going to hurt the old man. I love the twists in the endings and this is why I love Mr Ballen! 😄
same! mr. ballen likes to hide the ball, and i love it!
I thought that Ricky would be dismembered by Sean 🤣 Imagine how big Sean is and Ricky is so fragile.
So good.
😉
When he said there was a bang, my first thought was "alright, which one shot Rickey?" 😂😂
I love tragic stories with happy endings... Bless those 2 strong amazing and caring men....
i agree , it warms me heart to know that not only they survive also to know that the apalachian trail is safe to visit to this day knowing that bad bad bad man Randall died
@@KRDPokay Mr. Krabs
@@stormysheppard3368 ok pearL
Cool screen name!
@@ErinNacAllison agreed
I was so happy to hear that they lived and made a full recovery. May God bless and protect these young, brave men. Can't imagine the trauma
Sean and Scott have to be admired for not letting this, quite frankly, terrifying experience from stopping them doing the thing that they love. The fact that their friendship survived this ordeal and that they charged on regardless is commendable. Massive respect and ❤🫂.
Like deployed 👍
Experiencing the terrifying ordeal together probably strengthened their comradeship.
I don’t know how you do it but you make the story actually come to life. When I listen I start to see the forest camp site it’s just wonderful. Bless you and yours
He makes a bunch of shit up lol
The flames flickering off the blade really set the tone
@@TlD-dg6ugand drags it out so badly. it takes more than 5 minutes to explain that some random explosion in the woods was a gun? Way to draw out a shitty mystery.
@@TlD-dg6ug there always has to be haters!! The way i see it even your negative comments like yours makes him money as well. I love his stories and the way i see it if this is something that doesn't interest you go find something that does.
its called storystelling @@TlD-dg6ug
This was about two of my best friends in high school. Just shows you that your life can change at anytime good or bad.
Yup It's now your own responsibility now to keep yourself safe in an upside-down world
@@thenoticer9054lmao it always was our responsibility
What amazing guys. This story is a tribute to their bravery and willingness to survive.
@@Sunyataura you missed the meaning of his comment I do believe lol
@@scottlytton5328 I ain't Miss shyt it's simply always has ben our responsibility to protect ourselves from nefarious forces of all kinds👀
Ok, as I sit listening to the story, I also have work to do on the computer, but I cannot do it. I just have to watch your face as you tell a story because you just get so into it. Thanks for what you do!
Yes, this is the kind of content I been longing for,
Camping, forest, fire tower, trains & cars in the middle of nowhere/ traveling through forests, dash cams in the middle of nowhere,
That type of stuff is so interesting and scary.
Yeah this is very entertaining
The way Mr. Ballen presents these stories is something else entirely, the man has a gift. To not realize this was a story I've heard and am familiar with until 3/4 of the way through is pretty impressive.
Same here! And I’m pretty good with this stuff. I even remember the name Ricky Williams, but thought Ricky would be a victim of Ricky Williams.🤦🏻♀️ Ha! That’s how well he presented the story.
That was creepy. Also creepy for me as in 1977, I was 11 years old, my Dad was Navy and our Navy family met at the Great Dismal Swamp to camp for a weekend. I was fishing on one of the docks there with other Navy brats my age and I forcefully cast my line into the water (unintentionally throwing myself into the water) and almost drowned. This story brought back that memory. Not really related, but the place. I’ll never forget being underwater, not knowing how to swim and seeing eels or snakes swimming to the top of the green looking water as I was submerged. I’ll never forget that day!
Wow that's a crazy story I'm glad you survived.
Hope you learned to swim
@@kristinessTXwtf 🤣
A navy brat 11 years old that didn’t know how to swim? 🙈 WTH? And growing near water fishing?
@@D007-u8e Mom may have been afraid of the water and would let them swim out of a twisted ‘protective’ feeling. Everyone should know how to swim.
I’m truly relieved to find that they both lived. I also love the photos of them both too. They definitely look like nice fellas.
As someone who has been watching your videos since nearly the beginning, it is amazing to be watching a fresh episode and just watch the "views" number climb right in front of your eyes. Im so proud of what your channel has become. ❤
Thank you!!!
@@MrBallen you're awesome!!!
Smith's first mug shot HAD to be inspiration for Anton Chigur's hair style in No Country for Old Men.
I was thinking the same lol
No wonder I😂 thought seen it somewhere before
For real.
what business is it of yours ? friendo
I can't unsee it now.
I'm shocked! What a twist, my family and I were on the edge of our seats. Great job, mate. Hi from Australia.
Hello from Sydney!
@@loverlyme Hello from Melbourne
@@loverlyme Sydney's awesome
Cheers from North Queensland
@@robertprior94 It's amazing up there. The people are the best.
Mr. Ballen, you’re a real one! Usually, true crime stories are told in a way that doesn’t ring true, but you just told that story in such a way that I finally understood the conflict, which is an essential part of any plot. I’ve heard it many times before, and I finally get what happened. A lot of people say they can get into the minds of criminals but they can’t, because they forget they are also human, with human feelings and motivations, flawed thought their perceptions may be. Usually, the monster is truly one of us. Remarkable storytelling and true crime analysis!
15 years and parole after murdering 2 people…?! The justice system in this country is completely broken. It’s a miracle that the 2 men survived when they could’ve easily been two more murders. I hope these 2 men sued the hell out of the state for releasing this man.
Added to the unbelievable justice system you guys have to put up with- the mental health system is even worse! If your mental health system was in some sort of reasonable shape, Ricky would have been shipped off to a mental health secure hospital years before this. They may not have been able to 'cure' him but at least wouldn't have let him out until he was mentally stable. He seemed to be pretty good at fooling people and keeping it all under control though- he managed to live with the ankle bracelet for a decade first!
Sean and Scott should sue.
Yes I was shocked 😲 after hearing that. The system truly is broken. People get put into prison for longer periods for far less serious crimes.
It has been proved that extend prison sentences is not effective in order to reduce crime rates... it is much better to focus on rehabilitation of criminals, instead of time behind bars...
Right totally ridiculous and unacceptable
Wow! So glad Sean and Scott survived! That’s a miracle!
Sean and Scott are the kinda dudes you hope to run across in a time of need. It's a shame 'Ricky' used their kindness against them. I'm glad they survived and didn'tlet that man's evil taint their love of the outdoors. The way MrBallen told their story was brilliant. Dude is a mastermind of storytelling. So glad he and his studios are bringing in other amazing storytellers to create the ultimate campfire story studio
Thanks Mr Ballen from Singapore, after listening to you and then listening to other channels, I now appreciate you even more as I realised how clear your diction & voice is. Good job Sir
You are seriously such a great story teller. I struggle with my short attention span but the way you deliver these stories keeps me engaged. You do a great job painting am image.
~rght...!! ~u can c the whole story playing out in front of u.... like ur rght there watching .... 😮
Agree
Ain't we all? 😂
Just wish he would take it easy with his hand motions. When he first started he didn't swirl his arms around as much. I have to sometimes look away or I'll get dizzy.
@@jms5752 gesticulating too much....
I don't loki that too much either, but I do work or lay back with my eyes closed.
He's still great & he just gets into the story....its his style & each to their own
Can confirm that "Run, Fool!" is an incredible show. Despite the distinct terror & weirdness of many of the subjects, Rodney's narration is delivered in such a way that I still feel like I'm gonna be OK after, which is huge for me. A different style of beautiful storytelling, and I love the folkloric aspect.
I can attest that Run Fool is expertly narrated, well written, and legitimately interesting content. Don't sleep on it.
I agree, its not true crime but it is very well written.
Yes it's great!
I LOVE RUN FOOOLLLL it’s sooo good🥹love rodney barnes, fabulous choice🤭
😮❤❤❤
😅😊😅😮@@ratm524
Where can I find run fool on RUclips
John tells the best stories!! I can’t find anyone who even comes close.
Holy crap. I’m a huge true crime lover, follow many true crime channels/podcast etc but no one tells stories like this! Usually you know what’s gonna happen in the story from the beginning but this channel is SO different! Been binge watching since I discovered this awesome channel and have been genuinely surprised with almost every video! Best channel on YT hands down!!!
Check out ICMAP 🙂 if not already. I guarantee you'll love their podcast!
Me too, got a new subscriber 😂
It’s so cringe
I always avoid true crime stories like the plague because they disturb and frighten me more than any ghost or monster story. But my parents for some reason gravitate toward them. Which is really weird considering they'll get disturbed if that stuff is shown or implied in fictional media, especially cartoons.
It’s so sad that this could have been easily prevented, but I’m so glad Shaun and Scott survived!
I remember when this channel had less than 200k subscribers it’s crazy in the past few years since I got out of the Army how this has grown so much. Amazing I love this channel❤
YUP. BUT NOPE. HE HAS ZERO SAY IN WHAT STORIES TO TELL AND HIS OWNED ASS ONLY TELLS DICTATED, SCRIPTED BY SOMEONE ELSE MASS TOLD BULLSHIT STORIES.
HE NEVER TOUCHED ANOTHER SINGLE 411 CASE OR OTHER MYSTERIES MATTERS LIKE HE USE TO.
Use to like this guy ALOT, and enjoyed his work. After he hit 1 million, he became unwatchable.
I unsubscribed at 2.5 million (which was literally days later after getting 1 mill) and thumbs down all his shit if it pops up in my face.
He should be ashamed of himself for being an owner little slave and not speaking up about government mysteries and things you should question. But whatever. Hes a sheep and a mindless drone now. Money makes a man weak.
I have already binge watched Run Fool. I love it, can't wait for more to come out!!!
Wow, it's amazing that Sean, and Scott both survived and awesome that they didn't let an incident like that destroy their love of camping. Great job as usual Mr. Ballen 👍.
Sean and Scott are legends, so glad they recovered
As a fellow veteran (USAF Security Forces), I can't tell you how much I love your channel. Totally awesome stories delivered in an amazing way by the most chill dude I've ever seen. I've binged your channel since i found it. Keep up the amazing work! 😎
Thank you for your service ☺️
Thank you for your service! My dad was security forces too and I'm looking at a possible career in the AF!
Hey, fellow USAF vet here. His channel is certainly binge worth, especially when I have a migraine.
As usaf veteran what do think about Aaron bushnell ?
@@omarhab3689 I've never heard of him. I'll look him up.
That was a hell of a plot twist for me. I genuinely thought that Ricky was going to be the victim not the attacker. Had me gasping at work 😂
21:45. Sunday. 3/3. In bed and ready to listen to Mr Ballen. Best bed time Story teller. From South Africa 🇿🇦
I'm in Oregon, in bed, listening to Mr B! 👋
@sweetmissypetuniawilson9206 in bed at noon? Nice. I'm in Oregon too!
@@jessicaburks7174 yes!
I've been so busy that the last 2 Mondays, I've gone back to work still sore and tired!
I had no intention of leaving my house this weekend, my bedroom really!
I have a physically demanding job + chronic pain.
They don't really go together well, but I do my best!
I just need down time here and there, as I'm far from 25yo at this point!
Nice chill weekend + a lil snow, I'm a happy camper!
☮️💜
Zambia 🇿🇲
*Not a real photo of Ricky's fishing line* .... still the same ol' Mr.Ballen, Love it!!
😂ikr
Sooo funny. It’s the little details that make his stories/videos so awesome. Obviously his storytelling is bar none, but I adore all of the details.
@@shannilmerrill426 Right! He's definitely the best story teller.. I'm so glad he still does the little things like that.. always mks me smile!
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.
Why don't you start your own youtube channel and you do it?
The inspiration of the blob 😂😂 im interested ...
Maybe he likes how mr ballen researches and tells the stories
Very interesting suggestions there. I think John uses many suggestions from his viewers/listeners now. I think I heard him say that, or at least, he's used several from his audience.
He's been doing this for several yrs & I'm sure it's hard for 1 person to think of new subjects for stories, after telling so many, for so long.
I'm pretty sure he already told the story for one of those already tho. Maybe more? Idk if you've gone thru his playlist & listen to his podcast, but I think I watched him tell a story from one of your suggestions. It would be on his playlist on RUclips from, like 2 yrs ago.
@@Gary-kc9hx Probably bc the OP isn't a super great storyteller like John. Very few ppl are that good.
Why would you even say that? You can't figure that out yourself? It's common sense.
No wonder John puts such simple explanations in parentheses, for ppl like you. And common sense isn't common at all nowadays.
Also, John does actually use suggestions from his viewers/listeners. So what's the problem?
@@Gary-kc9hxbc who yk telling stories .. like Mr ballen?
Do you have a way of keeping people engaged. I love your storytelling. I’ve been listening to you for two years and I don’t get tired.
I buy popcorn at a movie theatre nearby and come home on a Friday night just to watch Mr Ballen’s weekly upload on my big screen TV in my living room. I save his video til a Friday night when I am off from work the next day and I can treat watching his video like I am planning to visit a movie theatre for a Friday night movie. Heck, I don’t even watch movie flicks anymore.
Wow. I wish I had thought of that! What a wonderful idea for Ballen Sundays. Thanks for sharing. I might start doing that, too, except maybe I'll make the popcorn at home.
That's not smart at all. Popcorn is ONE of the most marked up foods. Go to store and buy popcorn oil. Or buy it online. And a popcorn popper If you dont have one obviously. I just saved you soooo much money.
I do almost the same thing with these and also Rotten Mangos stories. Big Screen, and extra butter on the popcorn.
@@DrewMoore-eb7ic you must not know how rich OP is. He could buy the entire theatre, thrice.
Same I watch more mr ballen than movies haha
Ohh Mr. Ballen..what Sunday's are made of ☺
Mr. Ballen is pure Jesus Christ and football skin. Sunday personified
Jesus and Ballen ❤
Sundays*
@@encycl07pedia- thanks 😊
Wow, it's been a long time since there was a story this good, nice twist toward the end that I didn't expect. Great stuff MrB!
Wow. This one had me chewing my nails. Excellent Mr. Ballen! Didn’t see that one coming. 😊
I absolutely love Run Fool! I love the way it’s told from his pov. It really immerses you, and the plot twist is always so satisfying! He’s so good!
Great story ....its relieving to hear Sean and Scott survived . Be safe everyone
I was raised in Bluefield, and live in Giles...grew up with Sean and Scott..unbelievable story...Glad they survived it..
You didn't grow up with them 😅
@@bamahammer949😂legit
@@bamahammer949 why is it that hard to believe that someone who knows the victims would be watching and commenting on a video about them? They’re people too lol
@@bamahammer949do you know how many ppl are on the internet across the world? 😂 It's not that hard to believe that some of them are going to know the victims of the true crime stories we hear.
@@kristinwojtowich8902 Mind your Beezwax!
Scary forrest / camping stories are the best of Mr Ballen videos. I'm always excited for the next one!
I hear banjos too. My neighbors are out on the back porch having an impromptu jamboree again. 😂
Listening to your stories has definitely helps me get through my anxiety and my addiction thank you very much Mr John Ballen. I appreciate what you do
Same
Me too.
Thanks for doing this story! I passed Randal on the AT in April 2008 when I was out with my Boy Scout troop. I have also met both surviving men, they came to our middle school and told their story to us. Anyway, very cool to hear one that you feel especially connected with!
That is terrifying. It is amazing that your troop were safe after coming across such a dangerous person.
Wow I know Sean. This was such a crazy story. So blessed Sean made it out alive🙏. My daughter and I still go to Dismal a few times a year. Its totally safe and I never had a problem. Really bad luck for Sean though.
Much love all the way from Zimbabwe, Southern Africa. Love these type of stories, in the woods or cabins. Keep doing what you do so well Mr Ballen. You are the best👏
So relieved the two guys pulled through and still enjoy life. What a nightmare for them. 😢 God bless them. 🙏
OMG... you have a way of telling stories that keep you on the edge of your seat and heart thumping. True talent
I love that you always translate miles into kilometers. So I can follow perfectly without googling. I’d wish more RUclipsrs would do that.
It made me laugh out loud when you had to put the disclaimer, "not a real photo of Ricky's fishing line"😂
great guys for wanting to make sure he was okay, i'm glad that they've continued doing what brings them joy.
Note to self: Never read the top comment accidentally while watching (may contain spoilers) ⚠️
I'm glad your comment was the top comment😁
I am so used to reading the top comment while the ads play. Damn you youtube ads
Thanks a lot for the disclaimer
Tell me about it
Tell me about it
For real. I spoilt it on myself so I decided to come back when I forgot 😭
I've seen this on a crime show and you're damn good at telling these stories especially this one. You telling it making Ricky feel kinda scared about the 2 friends!! About half way through I was getting disappointed in you for skipping the friends getting away,but you still leave me just a little disappointed because after Shawn picked Scott up,as they were getting the hell out of there Shawn was loosing his eyesight and Scott with his injuries, sitting in the passenger seat was steering the jeep and telling Shawn to brake to slow down as they would approach a curve and speed up when they could. Glad they survived and I really enjoy your story telling, I find them interesting as hell. Thank you for your PATRIOTIC SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY.
Simple story telling but incredibly intriguing. This format is why we know about stories from centuries ago. Bravo