Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally

Episode: "A Whole Lotta Maybes" (with Alison Leiby)
Air Date: February 12, 2026
Guest: Alison Leiby
Network: SmartLess Media

Episode Overview

In this episode, comedians Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally welcome their longtime friend, stand-up comic and writer Alison Leiby, for an honest, riotously funny, and surprisingly candid discussion about adulthood, health, self-care, and how they’re all just "barely staying alive." The trio delve into the absurdity of modern wellness, their approaches to fitness and self-preservation, aging, the mental load of adulthood, and why sometimes, doing the bare minimum is enough.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Wellness and Existential Dread

The hosts open the episode with jokes about their surprise at still being alive, setting a darkly comedic but relatable tone for the conversation.
The phrase "hanging off the metaphorical cliff of health" (00:19) frames the episode’s underlying theme: trying (sometimes halfheartedly) to be healthy amidst chaos, stress, and constant existential threats.
Alison admits her main motivation for staying alive is caring for her cat:

"I'm skating by on the thinnest of ice... I think I'm staying alive for the cat." (07:43 – Alison Leiby)
Discussion on the daily barrage of doomsday news stories, like asteroid threats, bird flu, and nuclear war, and their numbing effect on motivation.

2. Interests and Identity as You Age

The group laments how adult interests can become sources of self-loathing or shame, especially when seeing others in the same subculture (e.g., adults obsessed with Disneyland, video game communities).
"Everything in my life, the people who also like it, ruin it for me." (03:16 – Jon Gabrus)
They joke about middle-aged activities and the realization that any passion or hobby can turn "pathetic" as one grows older.

3. Medication, Therapy & Tricks for Staying Functional

Candid sharing of their daily medication routines, mostly for blood pressure, and the often embarrassing side effects (e.g., urgent need to urinate, nearly fainting).
```
> "The urgency is so bananas…you go to the toilet and you're like, dink. And they're like, 'Alright, that's everything.'" (13:16 – Jon Gabrus)
```
-

"The amount of medicine I take to live is ridiculous…just to function in the real world." (12:49 – Adam Pally)
Alison swears by dunking her face in ice water every morning, a practice picked up via TikTok for an energizing, urban "ice bath."
```
> "It feels so good…I'm so mad I didn't do it my whole life." (14:52 – Alison Leiby)
```
The group agrees that small rituals—even if placebo—help create a sense of control or "positive momentum."

4. Swimming as Therapy and Fitness

The conversation dives deep into the joys and challenges of swimming as adults, particularly in urban public pools, and how it serves as both a workout and a form of meditation.
- Alison and Jon recount their own swim sessions together, boasting about the "sensory deprivation" aspect and freedom from technology.
  
  "Swimming is accidentally or unintentionally sensory deprivation... It's amazing, my favorite hour of the day." (26:23 – Jon Gabrus & Alison Leiby)
- The complexity and annoyance of "circle swimming" (a lane-sharing technique) ignites passionate debate and shared strategies.

5. Alone Time, Technology, and Escapism

The importance of intentional solitude, especially for people with demanding household or (freelance) work lives.
```
> "Dedicating time to be alone, I think is important. Quiet time." (39:57 – Jon Gabrus)
```
-

"I can't be alone because I have my phone...and I'm on it so much because I want to get away from the people." (38:43 – Adam Pally)
Collective confession about phone addiction, the algorithm's relentless intrusion (mostly with "titties, no matter what I do"), and the desire to limit usage—even joking about downgrading their phones for "less tempting" screen experiences (40:20).

6. Modern Attention and Media Overload

They lament the loss of nuance in contemporary movies, TV, and digital content, noting everything is either pure comfort/escapism or lacks subtlety.
```
> "All the movies...had zero subtlety in them." (44:00 – Adam Pally)  
> "I've stopped learning anything." (43:52 – Alison Leiby)
```
A tangent about the increasing fetishization and merging of genres on social media ("hot healthy chefs," AI influencers), and the disappearance of "regular people" from algorithm-driven feeds.

7. Health Inevitabilities, Denial, and Coping

Stark acknowledgment by Alison that as time passes, health habits become more about maintaining baseline enjoyment of life than radical improvement.
```
> "There's nothing that's gonna come into my life that's gonna make it better." (55:01 – Alison Leiby)
```
Jokes about microdosing skin cancer due to negligent sun exposure and the widespread use of questionable "wellness" hacks.

The role of chronic pain in shaping Alison's perspective and radical acceptance:

> "If you've lived in chronic pain...when you're not, you're just like, 'Yeah, I'm good, we're chilling.'" (58:48 – Alison Leiby)

8. Work Habits and (Not) Writing

The creative struggle: Alison describes joining a local, no-frills coworking space to get work done, while admitting most of her day is still spent looking at the wall and "wondering why I can't finish my book."
General skepticism about the point of elaborate setups, and a running bit about using extra monitors but still getting nothing done.

9. Podcast Plug: ‘Ruined’

Alison briefly promotes her podcast "Ruined" where her co-host Hallie recounts horror movie plots to her (since Alison refuses to watch scary movies herself).

"If you don't like scary movies, this is [the podcast]...I'm always like, just tell me what happened." (65:04 – Alison Leiby)

10. Memorable Send-Offs & Alison’s Attitude

Adam and Jon praise Alison’s self-acceptance and chill, non-competitive approach to life, health, and self-care:

"You do love yourself...You don't bring any of that [self-sabotage] to hanging out." (57:52 – Adam Pally)
Alison chalks her laidback attitude up to surviving chronic pain and spinal surgery, saying it fundamentally changed her relationship to stress and ambition.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

On Adult Interests Becoming Embarrassing:
"Everything in my life, the people who also like it, ruin it for me." (03:16 – Jon Gabrus)
On the Pointlessness of Some Hobbies:
"As you get older, even interests are depressing." (03:43 – Adam Pally)
On Blood Pressure Med Side Effects:
"The urgency is so bananas...you go to the toilet and you're like, dink. And they're like, 'Alright, that's everything.'" (13:16 – Jon Gabrus)
On Staying Alive for a Cat:
"I think I'm staying alive for the cat." (07:43 – Alison Leiby)
On Swimming as Meditation:
"Swimming is accidentally or unintentionally sensory deprivation...It's amazing." (26:23 – Jon Gabrus & Alison Leiby)
On Phone Addiction:
"I can't be alone because I have my phone...on it so much because I want to get away from the people." (38:43 – Adam Pally)
On Futility of Health Upgrades:
"I'm only going to be shedding health activities and continuing to march my way quicker and quicker towards death." (55:01 – Alison Leiby)
On Sun Exposure:
"My mom used to take me to tanning beds...She's like, 'We have to get a base.'" (57:02 – Alison Leiby)
On Letting Small Health Rituals Count:
"Even if this is psychosocial, it is probably worth it." (48:10 – John Gabrus)

Key Timestamps (Content Only)

00:13: The existential premise—being surprised they're "still alive"
07:43: Alison's confession: "I'm staying alive for the cat"
13:00 – 14:12: Honest sharing about medications and blood pressure
14:45: Alison explains her ice water face dunking ritual
21:00 – 27:00: Deep dive into swimming as exercise, therapy, and shared camaraderie
31:03: The culture of over-equipping for simple activities (men and gear obsession)
38:43: Alone time, phone addiction, and the impossibility of true solitude in modern life
44:00: Media complaint: everything is "zero subtlety", comedy and nuance are dying
55:00: Alison’s "no new health plans" monologue—acceptance and wry resignation
58:48: Chronic pain as a perspective shifter ("If you've lived in chronic pain...when you're not, you're just like, yeah, I'm good.")
65:04: Alison plugs her podcast, Ruined

Episode Tone and Style

The conversation is sharply funny, irreverent, and brutally honest—full of banter, self-deprecation, and hyper-real disclosures. The hosts and guest blend concern for health with complete cynicism about self-improvement, finding laughter in life's absurdities and accepting their "bare minimum" efforts. The group dynamic feels like a warm, raucous night at a bar, full of both dark humor and affectionate camaraderie.

Additional Resources

Alison Leiby’s Podcast: Ruined
Find Alison Leiby on Social: @alisonleiby (on whatever platforms still exist)
Upcoming Book: Anticipated for spring 2026.
Hosts:
- Jon Gabrus
- Adam Pally

Summary Takeaway

This episode serves as a hilarious validation for anyone struggling to keep up with modern “wellness,” self-improvement, or even basic health. Alison Leiby—echoed by the hosts—offers radical acceptance: it’s okay if you’re just muddling through, and often, finding a way to laugh about your worst impulses is survival in itself. If all else fails, you can always blame the cat.

Next Episode: More grossly forthcoming health talk and comedy—subscribe for early access and ad-free episodes on SiriusXM Podcasts+.

Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally

Episode: "A Whole Lotta Maybes" (with Alison Leiby)
Air Date: February 12, 2026
Guest: Alison Leiby
Network: SmartLess Media

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Wellness and Existential Dread

The hosts open the episode with jokes about their surprise at still being alive, setting a darkly comedic but relatable tone for the conversation.
The phrase "hanging off the metaphorical cliff of health" (00:19) frames the episode’s underlying theme: trying (sometimes halfheartedly) to be healthy amidst chaos, stress, and constant existential threats.
Alison admits her main motivation for staying alive is caring for her cat:

"I'm skating by on the thinnest of ice... I think I'm staying alive for the cat." (07:43 – Alison Leiby)
Discussion on the daily barrage of doomsday news stories, like asteroid threats, bird flu, and nuclear war, and their numbing effect on motivation.

2. Interests and Identity as You Age

The group laments how adult interests can become sources of self-loathing or shame, especially when seeing others in the same subculture (e.g., adults obsessed with Disneyland, video game communities).
"Everything in my life, the people who also like it, ruin it for me." (03:16 – Jon Gabrus)
They joke about middle-aged activities and the realization that any passion or hobby can turn "pathetic" as one grows older.

3. Medication, Therapy & Tricks for Staying Functional

Candid sharing of their daily medication routines, mostly for blood pressure, and the often embarrassing side effects (e.g., urgent need to urinate, nearly fainting).
```
> "The urgency is so bananas…you go to the toilet and you're like, dink. And they're like, 'Alright, that's everything.'" (13:16 – Jon Gabrus)
```
-

"The amount of medicine I take to live is ridiculous…just to function in the real world." (12:49 – Adam Pally)
Alison swears by dunking her face in ice water every morning, a practice picked up via TikTok for an energizing, urban "ice bath."
```
> "It feels so good…I'm so mad I didn't do it my whole life." (14:52 – Alison Leiby)
```
The group agrees that small rituals—even if placebo—help create a sense of control or "positive momentum."

4. Swimming as Therapy and Fitness

The conversation dives deep into the joys and challenges of swimming as adults, particularly in urban public pools, and how it serves as both a workout and a form of meditation.
- Alison and Jon recount their own swim sessions together, boasting about the "sensory deprivation" aspect and freedom from technology.
  
  "Swimming is accidentally or unintentionally sensory deprivation... It's amazing, my favorite hour of the day." (26:23 – Jon Gabrus & Alison Leiby)
- The complexity and annoyance of "circle swimming" (a lane-sharing technique) ignites passionate debate and shared strategies.

5. Alone Time, Technology, and Escapism

The importance of intentional solitude, especially for people with demanding household or (freelance) work lives.
```
> "Dedicating time to be alone, I think is important. Quiet time." (39:57 – Jon Gabrus)
```
-

"I can't be alone because I have my phone...and I'm on it so much because I want to get away from the people." (38:43 – Adam Pally)
Collective confession about phone addiction, the algorithm's relentless intrusion (mostly with "titties, no matter what I do"), and the desire to limit usage—even joking about downgrading their phones for "less tempting" screen experiences (40:20).

6. Modern Attention and Media Overload

They lament the loss of nuance in contemporary movies, TV, and digital content, noting everything is either pure comfort/escapism or lacks subtlety.
```
> "All the movies...had zero subtlety in them." (44:00 – Adam Pally)  
> "I've stopped learning anything." (43:52 – Alison Leiby)
```
A tangent about the increasing fetishization and merging of genres on social media ("hot healthy chefs," AI influencers), and the disappearance of "regular people" from algorithm-driven feeds.

7. Health Inevitabilities, Denial, and Coping

Stark acknowledgment by Alison that as time passes, health habits become more about maintaining baseline enjoyment of life than radical improvement.
```
> "There's nothing that's gonna come into my life that's gonna make it better." (55:01 – Alison Leiby)
```
Jokes about microdosing skin cancer due to negligent sun exposure and the widespread use of questionable "wellness" hacks.

The role of chronic pain in shaping Alison's perspective and radical acceptance:

> "If you've lived in chronic pain...when you're not, you're just like, 'Yeah, I'm good, we're chilling.'" (58:48 – Alison Leiby)

8. Work Habits and (Not) Writing

The creative struggle: Alison describes joining a local, no-frills coworking space to get work done, while admitting most of her day is still spent looking at the wall and "wondering why I can't finish my book."
General skepticism about the point of elaborate setups, and a running bit about using extra monitors but still getting nothing done.

9. Podcast Plug: ‘Ruined’

Alison briefly promotes her podcast "Ruined" where her co-host Hallie recounts horror movie plots to her (since Alison refuses to watch scary movies herself).

"If you don't like scary movies, this is [the podcast]...I'm always like, just tell me what happened." (65:04 – Alison Leiby)

10. Memorable Send-Offs & Alison’s Attitude

Adam and Jon praise Alison’s self-acceptance and chill, non-competitive approach to life, health, and self-care:

"You do love yourself...You don't bring any of that [self-sabotage] to hanging out." (57:52 – Adam Pally)
Alison chalks her laidback attitude up to surviving chronic pain and spinal surgery, saying it fundamentally changed her relationship to stress and ambition.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

On Adult Interests Becoming Embarrassing:
"Everything in my life, the people who also like it, ruin it for me." (03:16 – Jon Gabrus)
On the Pointlessness of Some Hobbies:
"As you get older, even interests are depressing." (03:43 – Adam Pally)
On Blood Pressure Med Side Effects:
"The urgency is so bananas...you go to the toilet and you're like, dink. And they're like, 'Alright, that's everything.'" (13:16 – Jon Gabrus)
On Staying Alive for a Cat:
"I think I'm staying alive for the cat." (07:43 – Alison Leiby)
On Swimming as Meditation:
"Swimming is accidentally or unintentionally sensory deprivation...It's amazing." (26:23 – Jon Gabrus & Alison Leiby)
On Phone Addiction:
"I can't be alone because I have my phone...on it so much because I want to get away from the people." (38:43 – Adam Pally)
On Futility of Health Upgrades:
"I'm only going to be shedding health activities and continuing to march my way quicker and quicker towards death." (55:01 – Alison Leiby)
On Sun Exposure:
"My mom used to take me to tanning beds...She's like, 'We have to get a base.'" (57:02 – Alison Leiby)
On Letting Small Health Rituals Count:
"Even if this is psychosocial, it is probably worth it." (48:10 – John Gabrus)

Key Timestamps (Content Only)

00:13: The existential premise—being surprised they're "still alive"
07:43: Alison's confession: "I'm staying alive for the cat"
13:00 – 14:12: Honest sharing about medications and blood pressure
14:45: Alison explains her ice water face dunking ritual
21:00 – 27:00: Deep dive into swimming as exercise, therapy, and shared camaraderie
31:03: The culture of over-equipping for simple activities (men and gear obsession)
38:43: Alone time, phone addiction, and the impossibility of true solitude in modern life
44:00: Media complaint: everything is "zero subtlety", comedy and nuance are dying
55:00: Alison’s "no new health plans" monologue—acceptance and wry resignation
58:48: Chronic pain as a perspective shifter ("If you've lived in chronic pain...when you're not, you're just like, yeah, I'm good.")
65:04: Alison plugs her podcast, Ruined

Episode Tone and Style

Additional Resources

Alison Leiby’s Podcast: Ruined
Find Alison Leiby on Social: @alisonleiby (on whatever platforms still exist)
Upcoming Book: Anticipated for spring 2026.
Hosts:
- Jon Gabrus
- Adam Pally

Summary Takeaway

Next Episode: More grossly forthcoming health talk and comedy—subscribe for early access and ad-free episodes on SiriusXM Podcasts+.

A Whole Lotta Maybes (w/ Alison Leiby)

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Summary

Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Wellness and Existential Dread

2. Interests and Identity as You Age

3. Medication, Therapy & Tricks for Staying Functional

Candid sharing of their daily medication routines, mostly for blood pressure, and the often embarrassing side effects (e.g., urgent need to urinate, nearly fainting).

Alison swears by dunking her face in ice water every morning, a practice picked up via TikTok for an energizing, urban "ice bath."

4. Swimming as Therapy and Fitness

5. Alone Time, Technology, and Escapism

The importance of intentional solitude, especially for people with demanding household or (freelance) work lives.

6. Modern Attention and Media Overload

They lament the loss of nuance in contemporary movies, TV, and digital content, noting everything is either pure comfort/escapism or lacks subtlety.

7. Health Inevitabilities, Denial, and Coping

Stark acknowledgment by Alison that as time passes, health habits become more about maintaining baseline enjoyment of life than radical improvement.

The role of chronic pain in shaping Alison's perspective and radical acceptance:

8. Work Habits and (Not) Writing

9. Podcast Plug: ‘Ruined’

10. Memorable Send-Offs & Alison’s Attitude

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

Key Timestamps (Content Only)

Episode Tone and Style

Additional Resources

Summary Takeaway

Summary

Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Wellness and Existential Dread

2. Interests and Identity as You Age

3. Medication, Therapy & Tricks for Staying Functional

Candid sharing of their daily medication routines, mostly for blood pressure, and the often embarrassing side effects (e.g., urgent need to urinate, nearly fainting).

Alison swears by dunking her face in ice water every morning, a practice picked up via TikTok for an energizing, urban "ice bath."

4. Swimming as Therapy and Fitness

5. Alone Time, Technology, and Escapism

The importance of intentional solitude, especially for people with demanding household or (freelance) work lives.

6. Modern Attention and Media Overload

They lament the loss of nuance in contemporary movies, TV, and digital content, noting everything is either pure comfort/escapism or lacks subtlety.

7. Health Inevitabilities, Denial, and Coping

Stark acknowledgment by Alison that as time passes, health habits become more about maintaining baseline enjoyment of life than radical improvement.

The role of chronic pain in shaping Alison's perspective and radical acceptance:

8. Work Habits and (Not) Writing

9. Podcast Plug: ‘Ruined’

10. Memorable Send-Offs & Alison’s Attitude

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

Key Timestamps (Content Only)

Episode Tone and Style

Additional Resources

Summary Takeaway