Staying Alive with Jon Gabrus & Adam Pally: Episode Summary – "Stunts & Pumps (w/ Jessie Graff)"
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Guest: Jesse Graff – Professional Stunt Performer and Ninja Warrior Competitor
Introduction to Jesse Graff and the World of Stunts
The episode kicks off with Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally introducing their guest, Jesse Graff, a seasoned stunt professional with over two decades of experience in the industry. Jesse brings a unique perspective to the conversation, blending her expertise in stunts with her passion for health and wellness.
Notable Quote:
Adam Pally [03:02]: "Anybody in stunts. I love stunt people. They are the coolest people on set."
The Stunts Industry: Behind the Scenes
Jesse delves into the intricacies of the stunt profession, highlighting the essential role stunt performers play in filmmaking. She emphasizes the collaboration between actors and stunt doubles, shedding light on the mutual respect and dependency that exists on set.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Graff [10:27]: "Stunts are the backbone of our industry. Without us, many action sequences in films wouldn't be as thrilling or safe."
Jon and Adam express their admiration for the stunt community, discussing how stunt professionals often go unnoticed despite their significant contributions to the success of action-packed scenes.
Notable Quote:
Jon Gabrus [10:04]: "Seriously. God bless. The backbone of our industry."
Training Regimens: Balancing Strength and Agility
The conversation transitions to the rigorous training routines required for stunt work and competitions like Ninja Warrior. Jesse shares insights into her training at Game Ready Performance, contrasting it with mainstream programs like Orange Theory by focusing on optimizing multiple heart rate zones to enhance overall cardiovascular health.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Graff [08:22]: "We focus on five different zones and try to optimize all of them to make the heart so much stronger and more functional."
Jesse discusses the importance of both aerobic and anaerobic training, especially for a sport that demands continuous physical exertion and explosive movements.
Recovery Techniques: Foam Rolling and Beyond
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to recovery strategies essential for preventing injuries and maintaining peak physical condition. Jesse advocates for foam rolling, particularly the vibrating varieties, as a favorite recovery method.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Graff [21:20]: "My favorite is foam rolling. The vibrating foam rolling feels like it's doing more for my muscles."
Jon and Adam engage in a humorous yet informative demonstration of foam rolling techniques, highlighting its benefits in improving flexibility and reducing muscle tension.
Safety and Injury Prevention in Stunts
Jesse recounts her experiences performing complex stunts, including her work on "Wonder Woman," where she executed high-altitude wire work. She discusses the meticulous safety measures and the mental fortitude required to perform safely under pressure.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Graff [13:49]: "I had a moment where I felt intensely uncomfortable, but then I realized I was 60ft high with the most beautiful ocean on one side and desert on the other, about to do the coolest stunt ever."
Jon shares his own harrowing experience filming underwater work, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by stunt performers in high-risk scenarios.
Innovations in Stunt Performance: Jesse's Invention
Towards the end of the episode, Jesse introduces her groundbreaking invention aimed at reducing foot deformities caused by traditional high heels, a common issue among performers who frequently wear them for close-up shots. Her creation involves modifying heels to incorporate sponge-like materials, allowing for more natural foot movement and reducing long-term damage.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Graff [57:55]: "The heel is just a sponge. We're developing technology to make them more durable, so I can walk around on tippy toes without damaging my feet."
Jon and Adam enthusiastically respond, recognizing the potential impact of Jesse's invention not only for stunt professionals but also for everyday women who endure the discomfort of high heels.
Notable Quote:
Adam Pally [58:54]: "That would be so crazy. Your kids waiting to get picked up from football, and you pull up and you're just in your Waymo. I can't drive."
Mental Health and Work-Life Balance
Jesse touches upon the mental challenges of maintaining a rigorous training schedule while pursuing ambitious goals. She underscores the necessity of balance, advocating for leisure activities and social interactions as vital components of overall wellness.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Graff [48:05]: "I love training and pursuing goals so much that it’s hard to take a step back. But balance is essential to be the best I can be."
Jon and Adam reflect on their own approaches to balancing intense professional commitments with personal well-being, drawing inspiration from Jesse's disciplined yet balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The episode wraps up with Jesse encouraging listeners to focus on functional fitness rather than purely aesthetic goals. She emphasizes the importance of setting quantifiable and continuously challenging objectives to foster sustained motivation and prevent burnout.
Notable Quote:
Jesse Graff [54:36]: "Shifting focus from how I want to look to what I want to be able to do is a healthier approach to fitness."
Jon and Adam express their appreciation for Jesse's insights, highlighting the episode's dual focus on the physical and mental aspects of staying healthy and performing at peak levels.
Final Thoughts
"Stunts & Pumps" offers a compelling blend of humor, expert advice, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the stunts industry. Jesse Graff's expertise provides valuable lessons on physical training, injury prevention, and the mental resilience required to excel in high-risk professions. The hosts' engaging banter and genuine admiration for their guest create an informative and entertaining episode that resonates with both fitness enthusiasts and fans of stunt performance.
[Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or via SiriusXM Podcasts+ to dive deeper into the world of stunts and discover more about staying healthy and alive with Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally.]