Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally

Episode: Old Bones & Foot Stuff (w/ Julie Klausner)
Date: January 15, 2026 | SmartLess Media

Episode Overview

In this lively and hilariously honest episode, comedians Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally welcome writer, performer, and consummate New Yorker Julie Klausner. The trio dives into the realities of getting older, living (and eating) in New York, health routines that actually stick, navigating aches and pains, and the odd comfort foods and habits of their respective upbringings. It’s a blend of nostalgia, sharp wit, and raw talk about making wellness work—plus, a passionate discussion of Billy Joel’s life, music, and documentary. Throughout, the hosts and guest deliver the candid, grossly forthcoming banter fans love, highlighted by memorable anecdotes and laugh-out-loud moments.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. New York City Living & Food Adventures

Timestamps: 00:30–04:44

• Jon and Adam reflect on podcasting in “a studio that might actually last” and compare grungier old venues to their current setup.
• Gabrus tells the story of breaking "no-meat month" for a chopped cheese sandwich (01:22).

  “I think a good chopped cheese rivals a cheesesteak. I'm sorry.” – Jon Gabrus (01:43)

• Adam and Jon discuss navigating NYC's new trash bins, parking woes, and the food-centric adventures of a night out in New York: “We all collided at McSorley’s, then into a tiki bar. Then I did the most nasty thing ever—I ate a T-bone steak at Keen’s at 9pm and at 3 in the morning, I ate street meat. Like rice and chicken with white sauce.” (02:46)
• Conversation turns toward hangover remedies (coconut water, electrolytes, “the Gabriel special”).

2. Introducing Julie Klausner: The Spirit of NYC

Timestamps: 04:46–06:33

• Both hosts describe Julie as the embodiment of NY comedy and culture, likening her to "a beautiful Jewish Fran Lebowitz."
• Julie joins and banter ensues about studio mics, seltzer choices, and knickknack-laden studios.

3. Childhood Nostalgia, Deli Culture & Iconic Comfort Food

Timestamps: 13:05–22:01

• Julie shares her foundational morning routine, centered on the rituals of making the bed, grabbing an egg sandwich from her favorite deli, and the importance of neighborhood coffee shops (13:06).
• Discussion dives deep into NYC deli and bodega culture, the nostalgia of comfort food (tuna casseroles, bologna and cream cheese sandwiches), and the humble glories of casseroles and kugel.
• Notable food confessions:
  • Julie on her sandwich: “I like an espresso, I like a latte... the deli is in charge of my breakfast sandwich.” (14:23)
  • Gabrus’s mom’s “goyish dinner” of bologna, cream cheese, and white bread (16:53).

4. Planes, Travel Habits, and Food Psychology

Timestamps: 21:16–26:27

• The group breaks down the emotional eating rituals that come with air travel:

  “When we're flying, we're closer to death...Nothing counts.” – Adam (21:42)

• Jon and Adam describe “infantilizing ourselves” on flights—cozy outfits, treating oneself, screen time, and comfort snacks.
• Travel routines: Julie and Adam compare red-eyes, sleep patterns, and how aging impacts the ability to bounce back from travel.

5. Exercise, Aches, and Getting Older

Timestamps: 28:15–34:49

• Julie lays out her exercise regime: weightlifting, Pilates, and at-home PT for her “old bones and foot stuff,” using resistance bands for chronic issues (28:15–29:00).
• Candid talk on motivation, the value of Zoom trainers, and making fitness sustainable:

  “If they are a regular exerciser, it's that they've made it work for them... you gotta—whatever works for you.” – Gabrus (30:47)

• The importance of consistency and the psychological boost of a trainer tracking progress.

6. Moderation and “Balance” in Health

Timestamps: 34:49–36:14

• The hosts and Julie talk about the mental struggle of balance, swinging between strict adherence and indulgence.

  “Balance is the hardest thing...It’s so hard as you get older to cut out what feels good and put in what doesn’t.” – Adam (34:49)

• Julie laments social media as a poor substitute for cigarettes, with Adam describing the sensory perfection of a Marlboro after a heavy dinner.

7. Vices, Small Pleasures, and Food Psychology

Timestamps: 39:44–42:33

• The little treat economy: Julie confesses her love for sugar as her ultimate vice, and the group swaps British candy recommendations and lessons in not finishing subpar food.
• Seltzer obsession gets explained, with speculation on why Jews love seltzer (“Plain water is tough on a stomach that's not...this is all speculation.” – Adam, 43:15).
• Nostalgia about fridge Britas, college George Foreman grills, and the messiness of shared apartments.

8. Music, Billy Joel, and New York Icons

Timestamps: 46:16–55:17

• The latter third features a deep, affectionate, and funny deconstruction of the recent Billy Joel documentary:

  “He's musical theater for straight guys.” – Julie (46:59)

• The group critiques the documentary for whitewashing, discusses Billy’s literal songwriting, his exes, and Queens/Long Island culture.
• Favorite Billy Joel tracks: Julie—“Vienna,” Adam—“Miami 2017,” Jon—“Down Easter Alexa” (54:46).
  • “His songs are one to one...‘My wife is my manager.’” – Gabrus (52:24)
• Bruce Springsteen comparison, Billy’s need for validation, and the reality of stardom’s toll.

9. Wrapping Up: Projects & Personal Tributes

Timestamps: 56:00–57:39

• Julie plugs her podcasts—Double Threat (with Tom Scharpling) and How Was Your Week—both on the Forever Dog network.
• Adam (sincerely):

  “I think of you as my Amy Sedaris…my New York voice…always just there.”

• Julie:

  “What a kind thing to say. That means so much to me.” (57:26)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On New York deli food:

  “I think we're paying too much attention to the length of a cheesesteak and not the width of a chopped cheese.” – Jon (01:46)

• On aging bodies:

  “Old bones and foot stuff is what I search on Pornhub.” – Gabrus (28:35)

• On exercise routines:

  “If people…I know people who walk 20,000 steps a day, it's like whatever you like to do—whatever doesn't fill you with dread or resentment.” – Julie (31:13)

• On food guilt:

  “If it's delicious, enjoy it. But I'll do the thing where I'm so full…One of the appetizers I didn't like, I'll just eat these four garlic knots, I don't even like it, I don't want to throw it out.” – Gabrus (41:04)

• On Billy Joel's style:

  “His songs are one to one…It’s all like, ‘My wife is my manager.’” – Gabrus (52:24) “He's musical theater for straight guys.” – Julie (46:59)

• On Jewish food, seltzer, and resourcefulness:

  “We’re always making chicken soup out of the worst bones and stuff. Because we didn’t have anything.” – Adam (43:03)

Highlighted Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:22 – Chopped cheese vs. cheesesteak
• 13:06 – Julie’s morning routine
• 28:15 – Julie on her exercise and PT regimen
• 31:00 – Making fitness work “for you”
• 46:59 – Julie: “Musical theater for straight guys” (Billy Joel)
• 54:50 – Favorite Billy Joel songs

Tone & Style

True to Staying Alive’s format, the mood is energetic, sarcastic, and wildly relatable. The trio seamlessly mixes self-deprecating humor with thoughtful, earnest exchanges about health, creativity, and identity. Julie’s presence brings distinct New York authenticity and sharp comedic timing, making this episode a treat for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

For Further Listening

• Check out Julie Klausner’s podcasts: Double Threat (with Tom Scharpling) and How Was Your Week (on Forever Dog).
• Listen to more Staying Alive episodes for honest, comedic takes on health, aging, and comedy culture.

End of Summary