Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers – Episode: "ADAM PALLY Went On The Road Trip From Hell"

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers, lifelong siblings Seth Meyers and Josh Meyers delve into the chaotic yet memorable world of family vacations with their guest, actor and comedian Adam Pally. The conversation takes a deep dive into Adam's early life, highlighting the trials and tribulations of childhood road trips that have left an indelible mark on his family dynamics and personal growth.

Adam Pally’s Early Life and Family Dynamics

Relocating to Skokie and New Jersey

Adam Pally begins by recounting his childhood move from the bustling streets of New York City to the suburb of Skokie, Illinois, at the age of nine. This transition was primarily driven by his father's late entry into medical school, shifting the family's base to suburban New Jersey when Adam was in his early teens.

Adam Pally [24:22]: "I was born in New York City and grew up in the Lower East Side in Stuyvesant Town until I was like nine. And then we moved to Skokie."

Parental Influence and Career Shifts

Adam's parents were lounge singers and actors, performing in venues reminiscent of the Catskills' Jewish getaways. However, financial strains and his father’s career aspirations led to significant lifestyle changes, including his father's decision to pursue medicine later in life.

Adam Pally [25:53]: "He went to medical school at the University of Chicago at 34 with three children. It all worked out, but it was a significant shift for the family."

The Infamous Road Trip Disaster in Ohio

Annual Dodge Aries Adventures

Family road trips were a staple in Adam's upbringing, typically involving multiple trips a year from Skokie to New York City and back in their trusty but cramped Dodge Aries. These trips were marked by long hours in a vehicle lacking modern comforts like air conditioning, leading to tense and often humorous situations.

Adam Pally [42:49]: "We did it when we first decided that's where we were going to go. We'd drive back, stay for a while, and then drive back. It was real trudging through America."

The Turning Point: A "Road Trip From Hell"

One road trip stands out as particularly harrowing. While driving through Ohio, Adam’s mother, who was pregnant, experienced severe discomfort requiring urgent bathroom use. Their father’s refusal to stop exacerbated the situation, trapping the family between trucks carrying horses. The car began to fill with the unbearable smells of horse transport alongside the chaos of their mother’s distress.

Adam Pally [44:50]: "We got trapped between a truck in front of us, a truck behind us, trucks on the side."

As the situation deteriorated, his mother began to vomit and desperately needed to relieve herself, leading to a comical yet distressing scene where the youngest siblings found amusement amidst the chaos.

Adam Pally [47:56]: "And my sister finds that to be like the funniest thing she's ever seen. She can't stop laughing and starts screaming that she's peeing in a car."

Eventually, after enduring 20 minutes of inordinate discomfort and smell, their father finally relented, pulling over to the side of the road. The aftermath involved cleaning up the mess manually, including Adam and his brother removing their shirts to scrub the seats.

Adam Pally [74:06]: "Causing her to piss. If only they had been a little closer, then everything would have been oh, so kosher. Or dad could have pulled over."

Family Bonds and Humor in Adversity

Despite the disastrous incident, Adam reflects on how such experiences strengthened the family bond, embedding a sense of resilience and shared humor in the face of adversity. The ability to laugh about these tough times has played a crucial role in maintaining their familial relationships.

Adam Pally [62:00]: "It felt like this is what we do to help mom and dad. The team always felt connected."

Adam’s Current Life and Ventures

Launching “Staying Alive” Podcast

Transitioning from his chaotic childhood, Adam shares insights into his current life, notably his new podcast "Staying Alive," a blend of comedy and wellness aimed at exploring ways to live healthier lives despite past indulgences.

Adam Pally [73:35]: "Staying Alive is an all-new podcast from Smartless Media hosted by Adam Pally and John Gabris."

Parenting and Modern Challenges

Adam discusses the nuances of modern parenting, contrasting his upbringing with the current generation's experiences. He highlights the differences in car travel comfort, willingness to accommodate children's needs, and the evolving dynamics within the family unit.

Adam Pally [51:03]: "Snacks for the car. My kids are so gross. The sound of my 12-year-old daughter like eating something is like worse than my dog licking itself."

Notable Quotes

• Adam Pally [42:49]: "We did it like six times a year."

• Adam Pally [44:50]: "We got trapped between a truck in front of us, a truck behind us, trucks on the side."

• Adam Pally [47:56]: "My sister finds that to be like the funniest thing she's ever seen."

• Adam Pally [62:00]: "The team always felt connected."

• Adam Pally [73:35]: "Staying Alive is an all-new podcast from Smartless Media hosted by Adam Pally and John Gabris."

Conclusion

Adam Pally's vivid recollections of his family's tumultuous road trips offer listeners a blend of humor and heartfelt reflections on family dynamics, resilience, and the enduring bonds that hold a family together through thick and thin. His journey from chaotic childhood adventures to launching his own wellness podcast encapsulates the essence of navigating life's challenges with laughter and love.

Listeners who tune into this episode are treated to a candid and entertaining exploration of what it truly means to embark on a "Family Trip," even when the road gets rough.

Note: Timestamps correspond to key moments in the conversation for reference.