Mania & Melancholy

In this episode of Mania & Melancholy, John Henry sits down with comedian Josh Beaver to dive deep into the comedy grind. John opens up about his catastrophic bombing experience at Kill Tony that left him questioning everything, his time in the Austin comedy scene, and why he ultimately moved back to Denver.They explore the challenges of networking in comedy, the comparison trap that plagues every comic, and how social media has changed both comedy and society. Josh shares stories from the road, discusses his approach of "saying yes to everything," and reflects on finding the balance between ambition and enjoying the process.The conversation also touches on Josh's struggles with substances, his observations about different comedy scenes across the country, and the importance of developing authentic material based on personal experiences. Plus, they get into some wild tangents about UFC fighters, poker, pool, and why everyone seems to be on their phones constantly.A raw, honest conversation about the ups and downs of pursuing comedy while trying to stay grounded in an increasingly digital world.

Brian Scott reveals how years of undiagnosed bipolar II and head trauma shaped his journey—and how embracing treatment helped him rebuild a life grounded in purpose, discipline, and love.In this candid and deeply personal episode, lifelong martial artist and friend Brian Scott shares his journey toward understanding and managing bipolar disorder. Known for his decorated fighting career—including multiple world titles in Doce Pares Eskrima and a background in Muay Thai and BJJ—Brian opens up about a side of his life rarely seen on the mats.Key points covered in this conversation:Early signs of bipolar disorder: Brian recounts a childhood of high achievement mixed with dramatic mood swings, long periods of sleeplessness, and unexplained depressions—years before any diagnosis.Athletics as coping and camouflage: His intense focus on martial arts, music, and competition helped mask deeper mental health struggles and fed delusions of grandeur during undiagnosed hypomanic phases.Head trauma and self-medication: A traumatic brain injury at the height of his fighting career marked a turning point, worsening symptoms and leading to increased substance use.The long path to diagnosis: Despite years of behavioral issues, it wasn’t until the isolation and stress of COVID in 2020 that Brian was finally diagnosed with bipolar II—highlighting how easily the disorder can go undetected.Treatment, medication, and responsibility: Brian discusses the life-changing impact of finding the right psychiatrist and medication, the importance of sleep, and learning not to externalize his struggles onto loved ones.Masculinity, vulnerability, and suicide prevention: The episode closes with a reflection on the martial arts community’s resistance to vulnerability, and Brian shares the impact of losing several close friends to suicide.Brian’s openness offers insight into how high performers can unknowingly live with mental illness for decades, and why self-awareness and accountability are crucial for recovery.

In this longform, unfiltered conversation, John Henry sits down with Denver comedian Ethan Everhart for an expansive and deeply personal discussion about stand-up, and the American experience. The first half of the episode centers on the grind of Denver’s comedy scene—bombing at open mics, producing local shows, navigating comedy politics, and developing an act while managing bipolar disorder.From there, the episode takes a sweeping turn into historical analysis. Ethan, a middle school history teacher, leads a rigorous conversation on Civil War memory, the Lost Cause, slavery, Abraham Lincoln’s moral calculus, and the legacy of Reconstruction. The two also explore topics like Native American resistance, Roosevelt-era politics, the influence of empires, and how education shapes historical understanding.In the final third, they shift to modern politics: RFK, Trump, immigration, the culture wars, male identity, and the state of discourse in the U.S. It’s a marathon of humor, honesty, and critical thought—rooted in friendship and curiosity.

This free-flowing, humorous, and deeply introspective podcast episode dives into everything from the geology of the Rocky Mountains and the mystique of Sangre de Cristo mountains, to alien theories, masculinity, cultural observations, and philosophical musings. We explore travel stories, psychedelics, podcasting, sexuality, religious critique, and human connection—often weaving in personal anecdotes, dark humor, and moments of unexpected depth. The episode is a sprawling tapestry of curiosity, adventure, and honest conversation that refuses to stay in one lane.

This special Father’s Day episode of Mania and Melancholy features a deep, thoughtful conversation between the John and his father, Hugh Wilson, a passionate and knowledgeable train enthusiast. The discussion begins with an exploration of why trains are underappreciated in the U.S., especially by younger generations, and moves into a broad historical and technical overview of rail transport.Key themes include:History of U.S. Railroads: The conversation traces rail development from early steam engines in Britain to the transformative impact of trains on American westward expansion, especially through the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and its effect on Native American cultures and bison herds.Denver’s Rail Legacy: They examine how Denver’s survival and growth hinged on connecting to the national rail system, detailing efforts like the Denver Pacific Railroad and Moffat Tunnel, and how nearly every mountain town in Colorado once relied on railroads.High-Speed Rail: A technical comparison is made between U.S. systems and high-speed networks abroad (e.g., Japan, China). It emphasizes the efficiency of steel wheel-on-rail technology, electrification, and the challenges the U.S. faces in modernizing its rail infrastructure.Amtrak and Public Policy: They explain the 1971 creation of Amtrak as a life-support system for passenger rail, the lack of federal commitment, and the impact of political and regulatory hurdles that make large infrastructure projects difficult in the U.S.Call to Action: The episode closes by urging public support for passenger rail and advocating for leadership, policy change, and public investment. John and his dad encourage listeners to try local rail experiences like Denver’s ski train to appreciate what’s possible.

In this wide-ranging and deeply personal episode, John and Jesse dive into everything from the psychological toll of the COVID lockdowns to the rigors of Navy SEAL training, academic failures, martial arts, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. We share stories of mental health battles, the role of physical discipline in healing, and frustrations with institutional authority. Along the way, we explore quantum computing, the elegance of differential equations, the brilliance of polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, and the humbling awe of a starry night. Anchored by honest reflection and a shared love for knowledge, this conversation weaves through philosophy, science, religion, and resilience—with humor, humility, and a genuine hunger to understand the universe and one’s place in it.

This week on Mania and Melancholy, we ride shotgun with Aaron Benjamin—comedian, car enthusiast, and general manager of Denver Comedy Underground—for a wide-ranging conversation that blends turbocharged passion with personal insight.We cover:Why Japanese cars are like samurai swords and American ones like battle axesTurbochargers, torque, and how efficiency shaped an entire cultureHow car engines actually work—displacement, combustion, turbocharging, torque, and why some engines feel like they kick you in the chestWhy older Japanese cars with 200K+ miles still run like new—and what makes them special under the hoodRunning a top-tier indie comedy club and balancing friendship with leadershipStaying grounded in comedy, car culture, and personal valuesIf you’ve ever fallen in love with a car, a craft, or just the idea of going fast and far—this episode is built for you.

Long time friend Caelin Jones and I discuss what this world will look like with the advent of A.I. and where Republic of Dagestan is located.

Adam Pena is back to answer the real questions about raw milk and how women really work... kinda...

I sit down with Denver Comedian and friend Grayson Schrom! We discuss how Grayson overcame his problems with alcohol and became a new man and go on some fun tangents along the way!

I take over the InTALLerable podcast for one heck of a good time!

Adam Pena is Denver comedian and firefighter. We discuss Adams recent trip to Ethiopia.

I sit down with Fighter, Martial Artist, and Comedian: Max Madorsky! Max is amazing Figher and Martial Artist and has the following titles to his name: WKA National Title, Amateur LW MMA Champ. 3X CO Muay Thai Champ, Founding member Elevation Fight Team, Former Fairtex, Powerhouse, and Tulum MT Fighter! Join us as we explore Max journey from Thailand to Mexico back to Colorado, It's a wild ride!

Jacob Humphries is a stand-up comedian in and is the resident twink at the Denver Comedy Underground. Jacob and I talk about his journey from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Denver Colorado, as well as his journey with his long-time girlfriend. Join us as we discuss how Jacob’s relationship helped him grow as a comedian and as a man.

I have the privilege of talking with Denver comedian Austin Langley, host and creator of Denver Roast Battle. Austin has had a wild life: from drinking from a beer keg at 4 years old to getting arrested when blackout drunk in front of all his friends at 13. We chat about our addictions, Austin’s journey of finding himself, and how all that lead to the creation of Denver Roast Battle. Don’t forget to check out Roast Battle Denver, every Friday at the Denver Comedy Underground!

I sat down with my old friend, Caelin Jones! We discuss how important it is to control what you can control and let go of the rest, how history shaped the minds of people throughout the world, how I got caught trying to sneak away after hitting a car the other day, and more!

I sit down with Denver Comedian and roller blader, Jojo Pride. Jojo and I nerd out about our favorite anime and talk about the influence that anime has had in our lives. We also try to figure out why anime has gotten so popular with certain people in the black community and how Jojo found his way into stand-up comedy!

Ronell Hardin is Denver based stand-up comedian, mortgage originator, and father. Ronell and discuss his journey into stand-up comedy from an already established life. Furthermore, we explore how Ronell’s experiences formed the mentality that Ronell has in stand-up comedy. And Ronell offers me some advice moving forward.

The former owner of the Denver Comedy scene's home base, Wide Right, Meghan DePonceau is a stand-up comedian and one hell of a podcast guest! Meghan and I discuss what it's like to own a bar that doubles as 'comedy venue', how it is to grow up with a sex education teacher for a mother, our disastrous experiences with mushrooms, and more!

This is a truly special episode with the best martial artist I know and dear friend, Brian Scott! Brian Scott is a lifelong martial artist with over 25 years of teaching experience across multiple disciplines. A 1st-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Bob Bass, he has trained extensively with some of the sport’s top figures and competed in numerous tournaments. In Muay Thai, he holds a Kru status under Kru Authur from Sak Va Roon and has an undefeated amateur record. He is a 14-time national and 8-time world champion in Doce Pares Eskrima, where he also serves as the Rocky Mountain Regional Director for WEKAF. Brian has trained and cornered fighters in boxing, MMA, and sport karate, holding black belts in multiple striking arts. He continues to coach and develop students at the Wolchek Academy and through his Tuff Buff programs at CU, bringing in top-tier instructors for seminars and workshops.Check out Rigan Machado's and Bod Bass's BJJ Black Belt lineage tracking website that Brian has been developing: blackbeltlegacy.com

I sit down with Denver comedian and friend Von Sprecken (IG: @getsprecked). Von has forged himself into the stellar person he is through battles with addictions and growing up with an abusive father. Join us as we explore how Von's recovery has influenced his comedy and outlook on life. This is a truly wild conversation where we cover everything from life philosophy, to personality models, the importance of developing a relationship with unforgiving, what is means to be religious, and more! Do forget to support Von's comedy show about addiction: Second Chance Comedy!

I sit down with Denver comedian and friend Patrick Trujillo!

I sit down with local Denver Comedian and friend Adam Pena!

I sit down with Caelin again and we have a grand old time! This podcast was recorded on 12-14-2024!

I sit down with Denver Comedian and friend Charlie!

I sit down with Denver comedian and friend Christina Kleemann!

I sit down for another conversation with long time friend Caelin Jones!

I sit down with Denver comedian Dave Ness!

Adam and I sit down and talk in what may turn out to be a new regular podcast duo

I sit down with my favorite badass, Adam Pena!

Caelin and I are back with more shenanigans

I sit down with fellow Denver comic and friend Nick Dongoske!

I sit down with Denver Comedian and friend, Ellie Mahan, who is at Comedy Works this Tuesday 11/26! Ellie and I are two ADHD people and we have a roller coaster of a coversation! Can you keep up? Hahaha!

I sit down and talk history with Denver stand-up comedian Grant Lucas!

I sit down with my old friend for a conversation

I get too high with Jacob Humphries. Jacob Humphries is a Denver stand-up comedian who was amazingly gracious as I got too high and talked way too much... Gives me another reason to have him back!

I talk about why Coloradoans need to vote NO on Proposition 127 and honor the legacy of conservation that mountain lion hunters and the hunting community as a whole has upheld.

I sit down for a spontaneous conversation with Grayson Schrom and his dog Portugal!

I sit down with Denver comic Jeff Koehn. Jeff Koehn is a painter and stand-up comedian who has performed in comedy festivals around the country including the World Series of Comedy. We talk about his journey to becoming a comedian and the trials and tribulations along the way.

I sit down with lifelong friend Caelin Jones!

Luke Weidel is a hunter and outdoorsman as well as a member of Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Coloradoans for Responsible Wildlife Management (CRWM). Luke and I discuss Ballot Initiative 91 AKA the ban on mountain lion hunting as well as the importance of hunting. Please donate to CRWM here: https://savethehuntcolorado.com/support-us/

I sit down with fellow Denver comic and all around awesome guy Von Sprecken!

I sit down with Denver Comedy Producer Trey Daniels. Trey is a man of many unique talents of things like weather.

I sit down with fellow Denver Comedian Grayson Schrom for a fun conversation. Also, I apologize for the intense rant about hunting, I'm working on that...

I sit down and have a chat with a old friend.

I sit down with comedian, firefighter, and all around badass Adam Pena

I try to explain what having Bipolar is really like.

I sit down with Denver comedian Ben Dailey. We talk about what doing comedy is actually like, what style of comedian one can become, and Lyme Disease.