Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers: TONY, JOHN, & DAN GILROY Went River Rafting With No Helmets

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Hosts: Seth Meyers (Sufi) and Josh Meyers (Pashi)

Introduction of the Gilroy Brothers

In this engaging episode of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers, Seth (Sufi) and Josh (Pashi) welcome a unique trio of guests—the Gilroy brothers: Tony, John, and Dan. This marks the first time the podcast features three brothers, adding a fresh dynamic to the conversation.

Sufi [00:12]: "Is that right?"
Pashi [00:12]: "Yeah, I think so, yeah."

Dynamic of Three Brothers on the Podcast

The hosts explore the novelty of having three brothers as guests. They discuss how an additional sibling might have influenced the podcast's dynamic and whether an extra brother would have been welcomed on the show.

Sufi [00:31]: "How do you think a third brother would have fit into our dynamic?"
Dan Gilroy [01:23]: "It is."

Gilroy Family Background

Tony, John, and Dan delve into their family history, shedding light on their upbringing. They reveal that their father, Frank Gilroy, was a screenwriter with a penchant for gambling, which significantly influenced their childhood experiences.

Tony Gilroy [12:05]: "We were living in Brentwood, the Pacific Palisades... it was really exciting."
Dan Gilroy [13:32]: "He was a gambler... He wrote for live TV and became a studio writer."

The Grand Canyon Rafting Trip

The centerpiece of the episode is the Gilroy brothers' unforgettable river rafting adventure down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon during 1970. Led by their father without helmets, the trip was fraught with challenges and dangers that left a lasting impact on them.

Tony Gilroy [32:30]: "We were on a 10-day river trip down the Colorado River... There are no phones, no safety."
Dan Gilroy [35:31]: "There were dozens of rapids, rated 1 to 10. Half of them were over 5 or 6."

Challenges and Adventures

The brothers recount various incidents during the trip, including navigating treacherous rapids, dealing with unexpected rain, and managing emergencies without modern safety gear. Despite the dangers, the experience fostered a deep bond among them.

John Gilroy [33:04]: "I remember a brochure and... it looked exciting."
Dan Gilroy [37:33]: "He had Buck, the main dude, with a gun... We searched for that gun."

Parental Influence and Upbringing

Frank Gilroy's adventurous spirit and risk-taking nature significantly shaped his sons' upbringing. The brothers discuss how their father's approach to parenting—balancing freedom with responsibility—taught them resilience and self-reliance.

Tony Gilroy [48:03]: "I was probably 15 or 16 years old at that point."
Dan Gilroy [62:13]: "It toughens you up, is what it does."

Speed Round: Quick Questions

Towards the end of the episode, Seth and Josh engage the Gilroy brothers in a speed round, asking them a series of rapid-fire questions to reveal more about their personalities and preferences.

Sufi [65:59]: "Is your ideal vacation relaxing, adventurous, or educational?"
Dan Gilroy [66:07]: "I don't like to take vacations..."
John Gilroy [66:16]: "Adventurous."
Tony Gilroy [66:20]: "I like to relax when I go on vacation."

Sufi [67:00]: "If you could take a vacation with any family, alive or dead, real or fictional, what family would you like to take a trip with?"
Dan Gilroy [66:51]: "I want to go to Jerusalem with Jesus and Mary."
John Gilroy [67:05]: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Jesus and Mary. Come on."

Reflections and Insights

The Gilroy brothers reflect on the significance of their rafting trip and how it reinforced their bond as siblings. They emphasize the trip's role in shaping their outlook on life and family, highlighting the balance between adventure and safety.

Tony Gilroy [38:44]: "Nothing can kill me. I mean, really."
Dan Gilroy [39:24]: "Of course I was very happy."

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt acknowledgments of their parents' influence and the enduring memories of their adventurous childhood. The Gilroy brothers express gratitude for the experiences that have made them who they are today.

Sufi [70:25]: "This was fantastic to talk to the three of you. Thank you for coming..."
Tony Gilroy [71:00]: "Thank you, guys."

Key Takeaways

• Unique Family Dynamics: Featuring three brothers provides a multi-dimensional perspective on family adventures and sibling relationships.

• Impact of Parenting: Frank Gilroy's adventurous and sometimes reckless nature taught his sons valuable life lessons in resilience and independence.

• Memorable Experiences: The Grand Canyon rafting trip, despite its dangers, was a defining moment that strengthened the brothers' bond and shaped their future endeavors.

• Personal Growth: The stories shared by Tony, John, and Dan highlight the balance between freedom and responsibility in parenting, and how it fosters growth and self-reliance in children.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Gilroy [32:30]: "We were on a 10-day river trip down the Colorado River... There are no phones, no safety."

• Dan Gilroy [35:31]: "There were dozens of rapids, rated 1 to 10. Half of them were over 5 or 6."

• John Gilroy [33:04]: "I remember a brochure and... it looked exciting."

• Tony Gilroy [48:03]: "I was probably 15 or 16 years old at that point."

• Dan Gilroy [62:13]: "It toughens you up, is what it does."

This episode offers a captivating glimpse into the Gilroy brothers' adventurous upbringing, the challenges they faced, and the strong familial bonds that guided them through unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a fan of storytelling, family dynamics, or exhilarating adventures, this episode provides valuable insights and memorable anecdotes that resonate beyond the rafting trip itself.