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 axes
• Turbochargers, torque, and how efficiency shaped an entire culture
• How car engines actually work—displacement, combustion, turbocharging, torque, and why some engines feel like they kick you in the chest
• Why older Japanese cars with 200K+ miles still run like new—and what makes them special under the hood
• Running a top-tier indie comedy club and balancing friendship with leadership
• Staying grounded in comedy, car culture, and personal values

If 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.