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PODCAST · comedy

Mania & Melancholy

by John Henry Wilson

Welcome to Mania & Melancholy with John Henry! I'm a stand-up comedian from Denver, Colorado, sharing candid conversations about my own challenges with Bipolar and ADHD, comedy, society & culture, the outdoors, martial arts, and more. Join me as I navigate life’s challenges with humor and insight, and dive into whatever else is on my mind.

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Episodes

  1. Comedy Confessions: Josh Beaver on the Grind | Mania & Melancholy #48

    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…

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  2. Martial Arts to Mental Health: A Fighter’s Bipolar Journey | Brian Scott | Mania & Melancholy #47

    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...

  3. Two Mics, One Union: Comedy and the American Experiment | Ethan Everhart | Mania & Melancholy #46

    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,...

  4. #45 - Rocky Reflections - Adam Pena - Mania & Melancholy

    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,...

  5. #44 - Rails & Remembrance: A Journey Through US Railroad History - Hugh Wilson - Mania & Melancholy

    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...

  6. #43- Stars, Scars, and Differential Equations - Jesse McMullan - Mania & Melancholy

    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,...

  7. #42 - Samurai Swords, Turbo Engines & the Soul of Driving - Aaron Benjamin - Mania & Melancholy

    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…

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  8. #41 - What Can't You Stand for in this New World - Caelin Jones - Mania & Melancholy

    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.

  9. #40 - Raw Milk & Understanding Women - Adam Pena - Mania & Melancholy

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

  10. #39 - Overcoming Drinking Problems - Grayson Schrom - Mania & Melancholy

    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!

  11. #38 - A John Henry Takeover - InTALLerable X Mania & Melancholy

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

  12. #37 - Adam Pena - Mania & Melancholy

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

  13. #36 - The Muay Thai Jew - Max Madorsky - Mania & Melancholy

    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...

  14. #35 - Woman Are Always Right - Jacob Humphries - Mania & Melancholy

    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…

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  15. #34 - The Road from Alcoholism to Roast Battle - Austin Langley - Mania & Melancholy

    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...

  16. #33 - Caelin Jones - Mania & Meloncholy

    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!

  17. #32 - Jojo Pride - Mania & Melancholy

    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...

  18. #31 - Ronell Hardin - Mania & Melancholy

    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…

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  19. #30 - Meghan DePonceau - Mania & Melancholy

    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...

  20. #29 - Brian Scott - Mania & Melancholy

    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…

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  21. #28 - Von Sprecken - Mania & Melancholy

    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...

  22. #27 - Patrick Trujillo - Mania & Melancholy

    I sit down with Denver comedian and friend Patrick Trujillo!

  23. #26 - Adam Pena - Mania & Melancholy

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

  24. #25 - Caelin Jones - Mania & Melancholy

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

  25. #24 - Charlie - Mania & Melancholy

    I sit down with Denver Comedian and friend Charlie!

  26. #23 - Christina Kleemann - Mania & Melancholy

    I sit down with Denver comedian and friend Christina Kleemann!

  27. #22 - Caelin Jones - Mania & Melancholy

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

  28. #21 - Dave Ness - Mania & Melancholy

    I sit down with Denver comedian Dave Ness!

  29. #20 - Adam Pena - Mania & Melancholy

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

  30. #19 - Adam Pena - Mania & Melancholy

    I sit down with my favorite badass, Adam Pena!

  31. #18 - Caelin Jones - Mania & Melancholy

    Caelin and I are back with more shenanigans

  32. #17 - Nick Dongoske - Mania & Melancholy

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

  33. #16 - Ellie Mahan - Mania & Melancholy

    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!

  34. #15 - Grant Lucas - Mania & Melancholy

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

  35. #14 - Caelin Jones - Mania & Melancholy

    I sit down with my old friend for a conversation

  36. #13 - Jacob Humphries - Mania & Melancholy

    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!

  37. #12 - No on Proposition 127 - Mania & Melancholy

    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.

  38. #11 - Grayson Schrom - Mania & Melancholy

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

  39. #10 - Jeff Koehn - Mania & Melancholy

    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.

  40. #9 - Caelin Jones - Mania & Melancholy

    I sit down with lifelong friend Caelin Jones!

  41. #8 - Luke Weidel - Mania & Melancholy

    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:...

  42. #7 - Von Sprecken - Mania & Melancholy

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

  43. #6 - Trey Daniel - Mania & Melancholy

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

  44. #5 - Grayson Schrom - Mania & Melancholy

    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...

  45. #4 - Ashur Lockrem - Mania & Melancholy

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

  46. #3 - Adam Pena - Mania & Melancholy

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

  47. #2 - What Having Bipolar is Like - Mania & Melancholy

    I try to explain what having Bipolar is really like.

  48. #1 - Ben Dailey - Mania & Melancholy

    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.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to Mania & Melancholy with John Henry! I'm a stand-up comedian from Denver, Colorado, sharing candid conversations about my own challenges with Bipolar and ADHD, comedy, society & culture, the outdoors, martial arts, and more. Join me as I navigate life’s challenges with humor and insight, and dive into whatever else is on my mind.

HOSTED BY

John Henry Wilson

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Mania & Melancholy have?

Mania & Melancholy currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Mania & Melancholy about?

Welcome to Mania & Melancholy with John Henry! I'm a stand-up comedian from Denver, Colorado, sharing candid conversations about my own challenges with Bipolar and ADHD, comedy, society & culture, the outdoors, martial arts, and more. Join me as I navigate life’s challenges with humor and insight,...

How often does Mania & Melancholy release new episodes?

Mania & Melancholy has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Mania & Melancholy?

You can listen to Mania & Melancholy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Mania & Melancholy?

Mania & Melancholy is created and hosted by John Henry Wilson.
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