Egyptian Room at Old National Centre | Indianapolis IN
Stories by the Campfire
I hadn’t heard of Mr. Ballen before my friend suggested we check out his live show—The Strange, Dark & Mysterious Tour—in Indianapolis. She mentioned that he’s a top true crime podcast host, so naturally, I was curious. I love discovering new experiences, especially those that delve into mystery, suspense, and paranormal. The fact that this was his first-ever tour only added to the intrigue. So, I found myself stepping into a world of stories that promised to keep you intrigued.
The stage was transformed into a campsite, complete with a tent and a flickering fire pit—the kind of scene where you’d expect to gather with friends and share ghost stories. A large backdrop screen loomed behind, ready to pull us deeper into the tales that Mr. Ballen had in store. The setup had a hauntingly familiar feeling, almost as if it was an invitation to hear secrets whispered around a campfire in the dead of night.
The show started a few minutes late, but that only built the anticipation. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but when Mr. Ballen took the stage, his presence immediately drew me in. He has a way of making you feel like he’s about to share something you’re not supposed to know—something dark and unsettling, yet impossible to resist.
For the duration of the evening, he unraveled five stories that left the audience in silent awe. Each tale was captivating, and though they were grounded in true crime, they carried an element of mystery that danced on the edge of the paranormal. The backdrop visuals helped set the mood, and Mr. Ballen’s style of storytelling pulled you in. He has a talent for building suspense, for letting the tension simmer until you’re completely hooked, waiting for the next twist.
As a first-time audience member, I was impressed by the experience. You could feel the energy in the room. At the end of the show, there was a Q&A session, giving the audience a chance to engage with the storyteller himself. It was a nice way to round out the night and get a deeper glimpse into his thought process and the stories that didn’t make it into his usual podcast lineup.
At over two hours long, it was certainly a commitment for a Sunday night—especially with work waiting for me the next morning. But even though the show was lengthy, it felt like we got our money’s worth and then some. Mr. Ballen may be known for his true crime podcast, but after this live tour experience, it’s clear he’s a master of suspense in any format.
