Podcast Summary: Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally
Episode: Corgis & Fitbits (w/ Zach Cherry)
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Introduction to the Episode
Staying Alive kicks off the "Corgis & Fitbits" episode with hosts Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally welcoming comedian and actor Zach Cherry. The episode delves into personal health and wellness journeys, blending humor with honest conversations about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Health and Wellness: Personal Approaches
The conversation begins with the hosts posing the central question: "What are you doing to stay alive?" (07:57). This question sets the tone for a discussion that balances light-hearted banter with sincere insights into personal health routines.
Jon Gabris on Health Priorities
Jon discusses his approach to health, emphasizing a harm mitigation strategy rather than a life extension focus. Reflecting on changes post-COVID, he mentions:
"If I'm gonna be alive, I might as well make it, like, a little better than it was gonna be." (24:32)
He elaborates on his practices, including vegetarianism and strength training, highlighting how these activities address specific health concerns like back pain.
Adam Pally’s Stress Management
Adam shares his techniques for managing stress, particularly the importance of not rushing. He explains how reducing rush-related stress has positively impacted his overall well-being:
"Even though I have to wake up early, I still push my alarm like, an extra half hour before. And just the ability that I can, like, sit and sip a coffee or not blaze through something has improved." (25:31)
He also touches on the benefits of strength training, not just for physical health but also for mental clarity and stress reduction.
Zach Cherry’s Health Habits
Zach brings his unique perspective, discussing his use of fitness trackers like Fitbit to monitor steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. Although light-heartedly referred to as "obsessed" with metrics, he acknowledges the importance of staying informed about one's health:
"I become a bit of a data collector." (37:55)
He also touches on the challenges of maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine amidst a busy lifestyle.
Mental Health and Stress
The trio delves into the impacts of stress on health, referencing insights from cardiologists about stress being a significant health risk. Jon admits to having:
"An anxiety generalized anxiety with OCD flavorings, basically." (26:31)
Despite presenting a calm exterior, Jon reveals his internal struggles, leading to a discussion on the importance of managing both significant and minor stressors effectively.
Fitness Regimens and Strategies
A substantial portion of the conversation focuses on fitness routines tailored to different body types and personal goals.
Strength Training
Jon shares his commitment to strength training, working with a trainer and frequent gym visits:
"I have started strength training with the goal of not being alive, but being strong and healthy." (50:02)
Adam and Zach discuss their own experiences with strength training, highlighting its benefits for muscle mass and metabolic rate. Adam emphasizes the "mind-muscle connection" and its role in enhancing workout effectiveness.
Use of Fitness Technology
Jon discusses his use of the Withings Smart Scale alongside his Fitbit to monitor various health metrics, showcasing a data-driven approach to his fitness journey:
"I have a Withings Smart scale. I got the advanced level one... It gives me my fat percentage, muscle mass, water content, etc." (40:53)
Dietary Choices and Challenges
The hosts explore their dietary habits, focusing on vegetarianism and the challenges of maintaining it, especially in social settings like dining out or staying in hotels.
Jon’s Vegetarian Journey
Jon recounts transitioning to veganism during COVID-19, emphasizing the ease it offered when not socializing:
"Covid inspired veganism... So that was like an eight-month situation." (30:12)
He discusses the temptation of cheese and how he balances enjoying savory foods while maintaining his health goals.
Navigating Dining Out
Zach shares his experiences with restaurant definitions of vegetarianism, often leading to humorous misunderstandings:
"When I tell people I'm vegetarian, the waiter will go, 'Is eggs okay?' And I go, 'Yeah, man, eggs are fine.'" (44:17)
Sleep Hygiene and Routine
The conversation shifts to the importance of sleep, with Jon highlighting his dog’s role in maintaining a consistent sleep schedule:
"My dog... if I don't sleep on a regular routine, she gets confused and will piss everywhere." (28:13)
Adam and Zach discuss strategies for improving sleep hygiene, underscoring its critical role in overall health.
Fashion and Comfort for Health
A unique segment covers the intersection of fashion and health, particularly for individuals with larger body types.
Stylish Comfort
Jon introduces his collaboration with stylist Megan O'Connor, who specializes in finding comfortable and flattering clothing for bigger clients:
"She's great for bigger clients. She knows how to find stuff that I like, that I'm comfortable in." (55:36)
Adam and Zach discuss their favorite brands like Vuori and One Bone, emphasizing the importance of clothes that fit well and reduce stress.
Active Lifestyle and Personal Interests
The hosts delve into maintaining an active lifestyle beyond the gym, touching on activities like walking the dog and integrating exercise seamlessly into daily routines.
Cold Plunges and Saunas
Adam shares his recent adoption of saunas and cold plunges, noting the physiological benefits and personal satisfaction:
"I have grown adapted to heat sweat. I sweat less now than I ever did before." (54:20)
Zach humorously suggests cold plunges for Jon, highlighting the camaraderie and support among friends in their health journeys.
Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on their personal growth and the importance of community in maintaining health. They discuss the potential of sharing their fitness journeys with listeners and the role of supportive friendships.
"We're here to invite a friend on to do us a favor and then go, 'What is your problem, you liar?'" (61:46)
They conclude with plans to possibly collaborate on fitness activities and continue encouraging each other in their health endeavors.
Notable Quotes
- Jon Gabris (24:32): "If I'm gonna be alive, I might as well make it, like, a little better than it was gonna be."
- Adam Pally (25:31): "Even though I have to wake up early, I still push my alarm like, an extra half hour before."
- Zach Cherry (37:55): "I become a bit of a data collector."
Conclusion
This episode of Staying Alive offers a blend of humor and heartfelt conversation, exploring the hosts' and guest's personal strategies for maintaining health and wellness. From fitness routines and dietary choices to managing stress and sleep, Jon, Adam, and Zach provide relatable insights for listeners seeking to improve their own lifestyles.