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What drives someone to build a full-sized airplane in their basement? The same thing that makes us question insurance company CEOs, contemplate multiverses, or find reasons to stay alive during our darkest moments – the search for meaning.
From the moment we descend into Dylan's basement workshop, surrounded by airplane parts and half-finished projects, this episode takes us on a journey through the things we build to outlast ourselves. Dylan's four-seater aircraft isn't just a hobby; it's a legacy he hopes his grandchildren will inherit (though he jokes they might use it to end his family line). This ambitious project, planned for completion in 2026, becomes a metaphor for purpose throughout our conversation.
We pivot to discuss the recent shooting of a United Healthcare CEO, noting the strangely muted public reaction compared to other violent events. Digging deeper, we explore how the insurance industry's high denial rates (United's exceeds 30%) and massive profit margins have created a system where essential care becomes a business decision. This leads us to question how regulated industries often lack the competitive pressures that might otherwise force better practices.
The most profound moments come when we share personal insights about mental health and suicide prevention. Referencing philosopher Albert Camus, we contemplate his assertion that deciding whether life is worth living is the only serious philosophical problem. What emerges is a surprisingly hopeful perspective: perhaps if we could see our lives as our own sitcoms – free from others' expectations and judgments – we might find more reasons to stick around and see what happens next.
Whether you're building an airplane, questioning corporate ethics, or simply trying to find your purpose, this episode offers raw, unfiltered perspective on what makes a life worth living. Join us as we navigate these complex territories with humor, vulnerability, and occasional detours into carpeting ceilings and fitted sheet frustrations.