"The War Story I Never Thought I’d Live To Tell" - MrBallen
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- Опубліковано 28 січ 2025
- Chris and MrBallen discuss the time MrBallen was hit by a grenade. What happened to MrBallen on his first tour in Afghanistan? What was it like to see himself almost die according to MrBallen? What are MrBallen”s lasting mental and physical impacts of being hit by a grenade?
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Hello you savages. Watch the full episode with MrBallen here: ua-cam.com/video/NEIVgSYPYcU/v-deo.html! Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period from Shopify at www.shopify.com/modernwisdom
We have the same last name. Dad?
@@melkerandlefin9324😂
I get why you stopped it here but I also hate you for stopping it here 😂😂.
Are you the dudes looking around at the scenery while he's talking
Dude
10 year anniversary of the grenade is today… wild
You're kidding!
Thank you for your service mr.Allen :)
And, we are ALL so thankful that you survived. 💕
You were meant to live and tell more than ghost stories brotha , move with your authentic purpose spirit is in your corner.
Happy grenade-iversary!
Man, there is nobody who can paint a picture of a story like MrBallen....much respect.
Absolutely!
Brother is born storyteller
Definitely his calling in life ❤
I love the fact Mr Ballen is so humble...
BLACK LIVES MATTER
100% agree, I've never seen him try to pump up his own history or try to make himself out to be a hero.
And I've known other military guys who kinda did, and they just seem like they are full of crap because of it.
❤ he's the best
Definitely a prince of a man. And yes, I know that phrase dates me. But he’s just straight up an awesome guy to the core. We need a LOT more men like him in our society!
He Really Seems Humble - As Are MANY Vets! God Bless The All!🙏
It's amazing to hear a war story from one of our generation's greatest story tellers.
I stg
Yo Mr. ballin, after my IED I was sent to FOB Shank for a brief recovery…TBI, off the road for a month, then back in a gun truck with the boyz. Good memories, also some bad…❤ love Mr. ballin. What a gem of a guy! America is better cause we have men like you!
Thank you for your service.
One of my favourite things about mr.ballen is his expressive body language, his hands and face movements just add to the the immersive nature of his stories
Amen 🙏
I had no idea this guy was a SEAL. Now it makes more sense why he's such a great teller of horror stories... he's lived it!
I didn't know either! Just discovered.
@@kelliegreene1262he doesn't talk about it much. He didn't get a good reception from the seal community when he first came on UA-cam from what I've heard. Now there's dozens of seals on youtube
@@Fribbzz Yeah, I learned that shortly after finding out about his service. That's pretty f'ed up, the way he got treated.
People who try to minimize anyone’s service is an ass. Anyone who had the guts to sign on the dotted line deserves respect.
Its sad that Mr B minimises his 7 years of service and 2 deployments. That's a remarkable effort
no. they kill innocent people, and no one from Afghanistan or Iraq ever attacked us first, until we went over there
@@darcie5742 He's being modest and humble. Like a man of good character.
It's the overly braggadocios and boastful idiots you have to watch for.
Typically insecure about something they haven't done, or even worse. Guilty over something they DID do.
Behavior like Jocko Willink, Marcus Luttrel, or Tim Kennedy exhibit.
Yeah quicken to the Internet 🤦🏻 people suck more often than not.
100%
You signed on the dotted line and went on to be a SEAL and wounded in combat. Shake it off when the chest thumpers play the “one up” game with you. There will always be someone that has more jumps, more deployments, can run farther, do more push ups or carry more weight. They are the ones with the problem, not you. You rock!
Coming from a 25 year Green Beret with multiple post 911 deployments to both theaters. Oh, and a faithful Mr. Ballen listener. ☠️
Ah, they must just not have made it clear enough to you is all. Y'see, there are wolves, sheep and sheepdo-...zzzzzzzzzz...
Why do other SEAL members hate on MrBallen? I don’t understand and I’m not a veteran.
Like… what don’t those people like about him?
Thank you for your service! My Daddy is a Vietnam Veteran. We thank you so much. My husband is an Iraq War Veteran Navy. Respect to you sir!
@@Spartain14 they think he hasnt earned the right to talk about his stories. It happens a lot in military and police officers. And he shouldn't let it bother him. it stems from jealousy that THEY didnt think about doing it themselves. PURE jealousy
Thank you for serving sir. Of what I read here I seen you being a Mr Ballen fan has been your greatest accomplishment thus far. Lol
He might not have as much "war" under his belt as other seals, but still, he's a seal. That's an incredible accomplishment in itself.
Yes it is.
Just the training is absolutely unbelievable. So few become Seals.
@@wizzardofpaws2420 absolutely!! The measure is completing the course. That’s why the numbers r so small.
@fayeb.5855 Even fewer become Delta. SEALS, PJs,Delta, SF. Cream of the crop. Best we have right there.
Yeah that's already a crazy achievement. I don't care he served less than others he served still an unimaginable time to me and anyone even if it would be just for a day before they got injured and never headed back have my respect because not many people have balls to even step in a combat, probably like 99% don't if not more. I'm glad he survived, he really has a talent in story telling. When he tells a story it's literally like I'm there with him or the person that's in the story. He describes everything in a way it really pulls you in and you're just imagining everything in your head as he says it. Being a navy seal and an incredible story teller and dad is an huge achievement. There's a reason this guy is so loved by people.
I want to make it clear. ANYONE serving our country, for me, there is no such thing as "minimal". The fact a soldier has to deal with this AT ALL. Come on. That's tough. I sure the hell couldn't do it. Service men and women are a level of their own. Proud of you Mr ballen. You are badass
There's a huge you can't talk about your experience even slightly especially if it benefits you directly. That's why ballen says he committed a cardinal sin. Cause 99% of other seals probably think he has no right to tell his story publicly
Underrated comment. And I agree 1000% 🇺🇸
Right. I’m serving ZERO seconds after my dad served 4 years as a marine in desert storm. He’s permanently and totally disabled mentally from that war. The fact anyone would judge a minimum especially when they’ve seen a war like that at 20 years old is bizarre to me. Our veterans have done so much for us.
No-one could have said a better statement, my man, both you and John b allen
Live by the gun die by the gun
I think it's sad that a combat Navy Seal has to justify his service because of the culture that he did the "minimum time" because he got hit with a grenade.
That was the first thought that came to my mind from the very beginning of this interview😢
He has had a lot of abuse from other seals. Probably made him feel he had to humble himself. I think it traumatised him more than his injuries. Being part of a family , then an outcast.
@@dianeaspin2528😢😢😢 that's so sad
Seals need to do better. They need some humility like Mr B
Actually, that's what discipline and high standards sounds like. It doesn't sound like what you think "normal" sounds like.
My husband retired from a Navy career after 20 plus years as a search and rescue swimmer and returned to Iraq as part of the Civilian support. His truck was blown out from under him 4 times. Thank God he made it home.
Thank your husband for his service for me! My nephew is a Seal and 5th family member that has served so we know your sacrifices!
Please , tell him .THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SERVICES. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ❤❤❤❤
God bless y'all & thanks to your family, dear! ❤🤍💙
If you feel inclined remember those in Civilian Support as well- targets without weapons
Thank your husband for his service and thank you for maintaining your home whilst he was out. I love hearing your dedication towards him and I’m sure your prayers had to do a lot with that. 🇺🇸 🫡
Humble and modest. Such a relief to hear an operator who doesn't have his chest puffed and is willing to relate honestly. So tired of hearing from a bunch of judgemental "badasses" trying to convince me they're Superman
Man, I LOVE MrBallen! Incredible backstory and one of the best story-tellers I've ever heard. He's an extremely talented and well-rounded individual. Been listening to him for about five years now!
I could listen to Mr. Ballen speak 24/7/365. He’s so captivating ❤
No leap year?
@@ZolFoxneed a break every 3 years.
I believe his mom is a writer...I can listen to this talented man all day . His voice has a calming effect on me.
TF HE TELLS TRURE STORIES
his sister is a Pulitzer prize winner. the storytelling chops in that family are incredible.
Who knew or you didn't know you'd be a super talented story teller. Other than being a super hero as a Navy Seal. You are truly talented Mr. Ballen. Thank you for your service and God bless ❤
I watch mr ballan (allen).
I've never heard his voice sound like this! It is shaking, wavering.
Mr 'Ballan ' is doing a brilliant job of telling his story without losing it.
💚
John B Allen
B-allen
gotta be hard for him to talk about it thats y since usually with military vets they kinda relive it when telling their stories
There’s only a couple videos where I heard this in his voice. The most notable is when he tells the story about him and his friends in that mountain cabin
This is always how his voice is
I lose track of everything around me when listening to a Mr Ballen story. Most underrated youtuber
Underrated? He has close to 9 million subscribers
@@OutIaw187yet still he is underrated! 😜
He's not underrated. I've watched his channel grow over the last few years. Shame it became more business but that's life.
@@dianeaspin2528Mr Ballen's channel was growing so fast, it got too unwieldy for him to run. He employs out-of-work Navy Seals to help run the channel and his charity, and I think that ROCKS! He's even taking his show on the road, and I SOOOOO want to go when he's in Chicago or Milwaukee! I think he's a very inspiring person.
Thank you Mr Ballen for your service in Afghanistan as well as your service back home, llooking out for the mental health of others retirning home. You are an inspiration.
Mr. Ballen is a favorite for me and I am awed and honored by his service. Thankfully John made it to his family and his talent for telling amazing, dark and mysterious tales! We love you
Thank you so very, very much MrBallen for your service and sacrifice. This old American appreciates you.
I cannot imagine doing the job you did! Thank you for your service.
Jeez, I've been watching MrBallen's channel for months and I never knew anything about his backstory. I just liked his story-telling. Amazing.
I've listened to so many of your stories @mrballen and it's obvious with your breathing while recounting that you're still suffering so much from this. I know no words can make that go away, but I do thank you for your service and sacrifice.
I could listen this man talk about anything. He is a gifted storyteller. We all know that. I just love him so much.
First and foremost thank you for your service John! HUGE ballen fan here!
Never heard this story before but been watching Mr Ballen videos for awhile and wow! Such a badass and great man.
I couldn’t imagine life without Mr. Ballen. Glad you’re still with us warrior!
???? Really? You coudlnt imagine life without him? Lol...ok..do you.
So glad to hear you talk about your tour in Afghanistan in such detail seems therapeutic. Absolutely incredible that you survived such a violent attack and your insight into death is powerful. Your an awesome human being Mr. Ballen. Your journey has made you a good example of overcoming obstacles. Much respect for you. ❤❤❤
No matter what anyone says.. You are a Hero! Thank you for your service. And Thank you for your stories. Bless you! ❤
This guest is the best!Ive watched his you tube for yrs.He enjoys sharing those stories.he never really shares his story.Aw3some human being!So glad to hear his story!Thank you
Wow, 10 year’s ago. How time flies by. I love to listen to Mr. Ballen stories❤
So glad you made it! Love n light to you and to all Mr Ballen. ❤❤😊
Our hero…Mr Ballen! God bless you abundantly and thank you for your service.
The plane taking off in the background! Chris you’re the man! You and your team pushing the limits is amazing
My flatmate was Special Forces here in Australia, he served overseas, had PTSD same as anyone who's ever seen active service. People wonder why I'm not scared to live alone...live with someone who was in the military Special Forces for 4 years and you're not scared of anything. I'm only a small woman my flatmate was well over 6 feet tall I'm just over 5 feet. He taught me so much, I actually put him down once, the training I got from him was incredible, he was trained in stealth fighting, it's absolutely amazing, what he taught me to do.
So you judge the guy off his height instead of his skills in your comment. Just LOL vvomen.
@@HateBear-real huh? Your comment makes no sense at all. I mentioned his height as a testament to how well he trained me. I'm small and when we were training one day I downed him. If he hadn't trained me as well as he did, I wouldn't have been able to take down such a big man. He was also a body builder and built like a brick shithouse. He was and is the best friend I've ever had.
I loved this description of what its like to truly recognise you're in this elite environment with top tier individuals who are highly trained. Whilst all this chaos is unfolding and the Seals are just this almost unstoppable fighting algorithm that's nearly flawless.
Mr. Ballen (what a Patriot!!)
1) A Patriot tells the truth
2) in a way that helps all others
3) transcends all classes of people
4) hence = A Patriot !
5) thank you so much for sharing part of your life (worth the $$ of admission (your time, spend it listen, and derive some wisdom about life) as life is short.
I love everything about this podcast; The background, the people, the interviewer (Chris). Please keep making these episodes because it really gives me, and everyone watching applicable wisdom which improves peoples lives.
I love how Mr.ballen describes and talks. He is amazing!
He talks with such humility, and reverence and respect for his peers that it’s such a shame that there are some-a few- who were/are pissed with him sharing his story. I think he shares it so respectfully ❤
What makes you say people are angry with him?
@@ScottieWallace He’s said in different interviews that he received a lot of hate from some people he directly served with and indirectly when he started out Mr Ballen UA-cam videos. They didn’t like that he was open about his time in the military openly shared some stories on his page. He had to reconcile that fact and that pain and decided years later he’ll continue to talk about it. You can kinda see in his videos storyline he used to talk about it, stopped a while, now is again.
@@chy8427 thanks.
How can our military produce the best of the best warriors to go to war, experience the horror of war, return home alive if they're lucky and expect them to deal with what they've seen all while trying to go back to and adjust to "normal everyday life" as if that's possible?! Mr. Ballen paints a picture of that here. It's sickening and they deserve better!! I have 3 consecutive generations of combat veterans in my family who were all left to deal with the horror of war on their own. My brother, a Vietnam combat veteran has severe PTSD. He's never had a peaceful night's sleep since the war. I'm so very thankful for your service, Mr. Ballen as I am to all our veterans! I hope someday the military will acknowledge how they failed our returning combat veterans and see that no one else has to deal with returning home without support and help!
Well said Paula -
Please let your loved ones know how grateful I am for their service and thank you as well as you’ve had to sacrifice a lot with the emotional experience of knowing they were in the thick of things. much love and prayers❤️🙏🏼❤️
@sandybowers5085 how kind of you, Sandy. I appreciate that you took the time to read my comment and especially for your words and thoughts. I will relay your appreciation to my brother. He is the only family I have left on this side of heaven but I believe the others will feel your appreciation the same. ❤️
@@paulavance5096 Thanks so much for sharing your reply with me❤️I’m so sorry for all of the losses you have experienced💔I have also lost many family members in the last 6 years, so I can understand that pain and grief🥺Sending you prayers and positivity dear Paula❤️And thanks for letting your brother know that I appreciate his service. He will be in my thoughts and prayers as well❤️Holding space for you and your brother ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dude. This is SO freaking cool. Asif you got the prince of the strange, dark and mysterious on!
I am very thankful you are here to tell this story.
I like that you let him talk an don't interrupt like other interviews. Ballen just seems like a totally cool,down to earth man that can tell stories great also. Great show man💯
Great story teller, glad you had him on podcast.
Mr ballen is wholesome and real. I love his channel very Much.
Well, he certainly tells horrific stories in a wholesome way!
I agree, he's a regular guy with a great gift for storytelling
This comment should have way more likes, I feel the same way about Mr ballen and I know 3+ million people do too 25 likes... cmon Mr ballen fans letsssss goooo!! Show some support and love to the internets best story teller
I love ballen I watch many of those ppl telling crime stories usually the makeup ones but the way ballen tells em is top tier. I be on the edge of my seat
This new set is a thing of beauty, awesome work Chris
I can relate to it not hurting at all at first. I broke my tib/fib in 3 different spots and a part of the tibia was poking out of my skin. I absolutely literally did not feel a thing. I fell on my deck and literally sat on my leg. I went to move my leg and saw the damage and started screaming. Still hadn't felt a thing until my husband pulled me into the house. Mrballen thank you for serving our country and I am so glad you are okay. 😊
Adrenaline can do unbelievable things. You injure yourself badly and you get up like nothing happened it's only later you start to feel it once the adrenaline wears off. Hope you fully recovered from your injury :)
It is a miracle I am walking. Sore but good 😊. Thank you 😊
Big Ballin. Always good to hear from ya brother! Stay blessed
I don’t know why this interview is so hard to find. I’ve been looking for it for the last two days. I saw a pop-up in my feed and then it disappeared. Finally found it. =)
Thank you so much for this interview huge fan
It's so cool to see him tell his own story with the same feel as the stories he tells on his channel. Cool dude. He's so humble. So sad he had to justify his service.
he was a seal he is supposed to be silent
@wpletch61 he obviously didn't day anything he wasn't supposed to. The video is still up, and he's still free. Shouldn't minimize what he did.
"Complacency Kills"
I want that on a t-shirt!
We had that on a sign leaving our FOB. No truer statement.
I have been a fan of Mr.Ballen for five years now and thank god we are so blessed we have men like him who put their life on the line & battle our life’s freedom…
Holy crab! Production quality on this is amazing.
Mr Ballen is one of my favorite story tellers from the empty years of sitting at home through the covid years. I never knew his own story. Great interview!
Thank you for your Service Mr Ballen.
Mr Ballen, you and your team members are true heroes! Thank you so much for your service!! You’re also a great storyteller! -:)
Glad you made it home.
Happy for mrballen. Hes part of the lucky soldiers post war that is able to move on in life and have a cool line of work. Hes great at his story telling
Mr Ballen you are so brave no only because you went there and experienced war but because you can talk about it and because you are a surviver I can only imagine the things that you and your team must have had to deal with you guys are all heros
i completely missed this part of mr ballen lore!! gained even more respect for him and i totally understand why he gravitates towards adrenaline heavy content
I could listen to hours of Mr.Ballen tell stories. I can imagine everything he says, great story teller
Mr Ballen's channels and podcasts are one of the biggest reasons I love youtube. So glad you did this interview!⚛😀
Mr Ballen gets me through my job every day 😂😂
You mite like the why files too !
@@AngreeBadger haha that’s what’s up. Working hard or hardly working ?? Haha silly
Thanks
Military family here an Mr. Ballen has our respect and admiration - great storyteller!
21:43 so what was the official debrief? How was the medic's story different than his? I totally thought there would be a, "But this is how they told me it really happened," moment. Ballen built up to that but the ad seemed to cut in right before he got that part of the story.
Right?! I wanna know the end of the story! Can't believe they left us hanging like that 😩
I thank you and take my hat for you as well those that have serve this country Mr Ballen 🇺🇸
It’s crazy because I watched Nick the other day who was a ranger sniper and he said the same thing about when a few people told him he saved their life and he didn’t feel comfortable talking about it. War has to do a number on the human brain 🧠. I pray 🙏 for all those guys past present and future that they find peace and happiness. Mr. Ballen one of my favorite people and been watching him since Facebook years and years ago he deserves all his blessings 💯
Chris and MrBallen, thank you for this. Sometimes, there are no good answers, it is what it was, turn the page if you can, tuck it in a box somewhere. Tell your grandkids.
I could listen to Mr ballen talk all day. He’s such a good story teller.
Even in a more freeform environment he is one of the best speakers and storytellers
That is the most beautiful story of 2nd life and a good view while on a live podcasts. I hope mr ballen has that beautiful background
We're so very glad, Mr. Ballen survived!!! We love his channel!! Thanks for posting!!
I was at Shank with the 101st. Lovely place. Lots of little holes in the tents for some reason.
Glad Mr. Ballen is still here, alive and well. 🙏🙏
Thank you for your service, from wife of a marine and army veteran❤
What an amazing story teller!! Love his channel.
Imagine being going through buds earning your trident and becoming a seal and have 7 years tis with 2 deployments and got blown up by a grenade and still having other navy seals act like you didnt do enough. I’m in the army and I just want to say thank you for your service dude you did more than enough and I respect you a hell of a lot man and I think I speak for the majority of people here when I say this.
As a WWII/Holocaust historian and daughter of a Korean Conflict vet, niece of 2 WWII veterans, granddaughter of a WWI vet, and wife of a Vietnam vet, I absolutely love the humanity, authenticity, and humbleness of this man! What I’ve discovered from personal experience and years of study is that veterans are usually very reluctant to share their wartime experiences, or they don’t feel comfortable sharing them until they’re older. Interestingly, I’ve found that the victims of war react the same way. While my experience has primarily been with Holocaust survivors, I think both groups may be reluctant to tell of their wartime experiences for fear of upsetting their friends and loved ones. They may want to protect us from the pain & horrors of war. But the tragedy of that decision is that so much of our history is lost every time we bury a veteran. Our heroic veterans need to understand that by protecting the public from the brutality of war, the idea of war becomes far less devastating and deplorable than it really is. Thus, making war a far more palatable option when faced with foreign aggression. Personally, I didn’t have an opportunity to go to college and grad school until I was in my 50’s, and I can’t express the depth of my shock and horror over the absolute horrors I learned in my studies! The truth for most of us is that no matter how horrendous we may think war is, it is far FAR worse! Yet, men like John Ballen do know and they still choose to devote years of their lives to protecting our country at all cost!
I'm an old South African soldier. He is my hero and thanks 4 u speaking thanks for him.
He’s such a lovely human being.
Mr Ballen is everything we should all aspire to be. My nephew was also a SEAL. We are lucky to have them watching over us.
I’m jealous that you get to hear a bunch of cool stories first hand lol
We hope they aren't turned against us one day.
subscribed without even checking out the rest of ur content, you interviewed Mr Ballen which tells me everything i need to know. xxx lots of love to Mr ballen and you.
Watch your crime stories all the time - had no idea. -🙏🏽🙏🏽 - THANK YOU - for your service and your stories
We are so thankful for your service, Mr. Ballen! Your country owes you a debt that may never be paid, but you are making and living the dream life you deserve and still giving so much of yourself to us by telling fantastic stories!
As Ballen is talking about his experiences it's fairly easy to see that remembering is hard for him. It's almost as if the 'nerves in his stomach' are shaking. He has a lot of those experiences locked in his body. I think talking about it all for the video may help him somewhat. I'm happy he is alive to talk about it.
You always have PTSD locked in your body as physical memories and it overlaps with all the training that's also locked in there.
only recently heard of mr ballin.. and now im hooked! watched several of his videos recently and just have nothing but respect for him.. hadnt heard his story yet though so thank you for this video!! just more proof that the man is better than his ex coworkers... the mans a wordsmith!!! he can tractorbeam me into anything he says with nothing but his gift of how to tell a helluva story!! even when its his own!!! the guy is amazing
Didn't actually know dudes story . I follow his Facebook page and enjoy the stories he covers. Thanks for your service , from New Zealand
Thanks for serving, Mr Ballen. My grandfather was in WW2 and Korea. It's a shame what you had to see and endure. I thank the good Lord that you are still here. 🙏 thank you. ❤️ I am free because of soldiers like you and grampa. 😊
-Shirley and Skittles
My Nephew a USAF MSGT was deployed to Djibouti with a Seal Team. They all wore civilian clothes, khaki pants, golf shirts. My Nephew's job was to operate and maintain generators for electricity on the base and the local village. He still cannot talk about who he was with or why they were there!
Wow, congrats on being a published author, John! Impressive new accomplishment. Well done, Sir! You rock!
We love you @MrBallen Thank you so much for sharing your story 💪💪💪💪💪💯🤟🤟🤟
And thank you Chris Williamson for sharing his story as well❤
love the humble honesty
I served in the Marine Corps from 92-96. On our two deployments seal team 5 were on my ships (USS Denver and the USS Juneau). Every single one of them looked like freaking shredded warriors who are metal every day. Literally seals are the elite warriors in the world.
I think you'll find the British SAS are comparable.
Came here to say this.@@Twisi55
I'm so glad you made it. ❤
Love MrBAllen. Glad you are having him on.