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...

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...

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. Fro...

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 anecdot...

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 t...

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 wa...

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 axes Turbochargers, torque, and how efficiency shaped an entire culture How car en...

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...

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...

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 imp...

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!