Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally
Episode: Kids & Wake-Up Calls (w/ Andy Richter)
Release Date: July 10, 2025

Hosted by Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally, "Staying Alive" dives deep into health, wellness, and the personal journeys of its guests. In this engaging episode, they welcome comedian and actor Andy Richter to discuss his experiences with health challenges, the impact of parenting on wellness, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle amidst the pressures of fame and responsibility.

Introduction and Guest Introduction

The episode kicks off with light-hearted banter between Jon, Adam, and Andy Richter, establishing a warm and humorous rapport. Andy shares amusing anecdotes from his recent trip to Kansas City, where he experienced a sneezing fit at a children's hospital, highlighting his down-to-earth nature despite his public persona.

Andy Richter [00:00]: "I did this big slick. And I had a sneezing fit at the children's hospital, visiting sick kids."

Navigating Friendship and Professional Relationships

Jon and Adam reminisce about their experiences meeting Andy, emphasizing the mutual respect and camaraderie shared among comedians. They discuss the ease of improvisation with seasoned actors like Andy, drawing parallels to other beloved performers such as Tim Meadows.

Adam Pally [02:20]: "You don't have to worry about [Andy] ruining it."

Mental Health and Medication

A significant portion of the conversation centers on mental health. Andy opens up about his long-term use of antidepressants, detailing his regimen of Wellbutrin and Trintellix, and the challenges he faced with side effects that impacted his personal life.

Andy Richter [03:39]: "What do you do to stay alive? Oh, my God. Antidepressants."

He candidly discusses experiencing premature ejaculation as a side effect, attributing it to his medication, and the subsequent adjustments made under his psychiatrist's guidance.

Andy Richter [04:15]: "I've been on Prozac for about 15 years. Well, there's some, there are different things that I've tried."

Supplements and Physical Health

The trio delves into the use of supplements like fish oil (Vascepa) and glucosamine chondroitin, sharing personal experiences and opinions on their efficacy. Andy highlights the importance of managing triglycerides and the role of dietary choices in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Andy Richter [06:20]: "I do take vascepa or vascepa, depending on which doctor says it, which is been explained to me as like pharmaceutical grade fish oil."

Exercise Habits and Challenges

Andy discusses his complex relationship with exercise, expressing a preference for activities like walking, biking, and playing softball over cardio machines, which he finds existentially draining. The conversation touches on the physical toll of exercise, with both Adam and Jon sharing their struggles with injuries and motivational barriers.

Andy Richter [11:14]: "My knees are terrible. So I stopped playing tennis because it was just so hard on my knees."

Impact of Urban Living on Health

Living in bustling cities like New York and Chicago inherently keeps them more active, with Jon sharing childhood memories of walking and taking public transportation. Adam contrasts this with his current life in Los Angeles, where he consciously incorporates walking into his routine despite the challenges.

Adam Pally [16:01]: "I'm walking like two and a half miles a day at minimum without any exercise."

Overcoming Health Crises: Andy's Stroke

A poignant segment features Andy recounting his stroke in 2009, detailing the misdiagnosis of labyrinthitis and the subsequent realization of his condition. He speaks openly about the personal and professional repercussions, including the impact on his work-life balance.

Andy Richter [26:32]: "I had a stroke. It was a kind of a confluence of different things."

Parenting and Structure

Both hosts explore how parenting instills structure into their lives, countering the "rudderless" feeling that can accompany freelance or unconventional careers. Andy emphasizes the fulfillment he finds in fatherhood, despite the added responsibilities and challenges.

Andy Richter [38:06]: "I really like being a dad. I need structure and I'm terrible at finding my own because..."

Jon echoes similar sentiments, discussing the necessity of feeling responsible and the grounding effect it has on his lifestyle.

Jon Gabris [40:11]: "I really... I need people. I need to feel responsible to people."

Balancing Professional Life and Family

The conversation shifts to the delicate balance between career demands and family life. Andy shares stories from his time on set with his children, illustrating the complexities of being present as a parent while maintaining a successful career in entertainment.

Andy Richter [52:59]: "How's... How's he gonna learn?"

The Role of Community and Relationships

Jon, Adam, and Andy discuss the importance of surrounding themselves with supportive and like-minded individuals. They touch upon the dynamics of friendships, especially those formed through the entertainment industry, and how these relationships contribute to their overall well-being.

Andy Richter [69:07]: "I always do...telling the producer...they'll have fun."

Concluding Insights

Wrapping up, Andy reflects on his journey towards better health and the lessons learned from his experiences. He emphasizes the value of making workplaces enjoyable and fostering a positive environment for everyone involved.

Andy Richter [68:41]: "I make sure that I'm having fun. Odds are I'm going to be doing as much as I possibly can to commit myself to making this a really good product."

Jon and Adam commend Andy for his openness and the insightful conversation, highlighting the episode's focus on real, honest discussions about health and personal growth.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Richter [03:39]: "Oh, my God. Antidepressants."
• Andy Richter [04:15]: "I've been on Prozac for about 15 years."
• Andy Richter [16:01]: "I'm walking like two and a half miles a day at minimum without any exercise."
• Andy Richter [26:32]: "I had a stroke. It was a kind of a confluence of different things."
• Jon Gabris [40:11]: "I really... I need people. I need to feel responsible to people."

Conclusion

In this heartfelt and candid episode, Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally, alongside Andy Richter, explore the multifaceted aspects of staying healthy—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through personal stories and expert insights, they provide listeners with relatable content that underscores the importance of balance, responsibility, and self-care in maintaining a fulfilling life.

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