L-R: Sophie Buddle, Jared Freid, Adam Pally and Jon Gabrus perform at The Creek and The Cave in downtown Austin for SXSW 2026. Credit: Wendy Goodman

By Wendy Goodman

Comedians Jon Gabrus and Adam Pally brought their signature energy to SXSW 2026 on March 14 for a live recording of their hit podcast, “Staying Alive.” Best friends and long-time comedy partners, the duo turned the stage into an unfiltered, hilarious conversation about getting older, navigating life, and the absurdity of modern culture.

The heart of the show was their effortless, rapid-fire banter, but the energy amplified when they welcomed fellow comedians Jared Freid and Sophie Buddle to the stage. The expanded panel bounced from self-deprecating jokes about dating and relationships to sharp reflections on family life.

Amidst the laughs, the conversation took a personal turn as the comedians traded stories about family and relationships. Adam Pally’s Jewish upbringing often enters his jokes, and the live show was no exception. Their observations about how family culture shapes everything from personal guilt to everyday relationships were a rich, authentic layer to their comedy.

Ultimately, the recording felt like a high-energy hang out between close friends. By balancing sharp stand-up instincts with genuine vulnerability, the comedians showed that the best way to handle life’s challenges is with a great circle of friends to laugh with them.