Jokes and the Gym with Rudy Tyburczy
Jokes and the Gym is where dumbbells meet dumb jokes. Hosted by comedian, certified personal trainer, and brain tumor survivor Rudy Tyburczy, this show dives into the messy overlap of comedy, health, and resilience. Each week, Rudy chats with comedians, creatives, and other people in his life about late nights, weird gigs, fitness fails, and finding balance when life throws curveballs. You’ll also hear solo episodes with updates from his ongoing brain surgery journey, reflections on recovery, and plenty of ridiculous stories along the way. Expect laughs, honesty, and maybe even the push you need to lace up your sn...
JATG 131 - Three Heart Procedures, Two Seizures, One Podcast
I check in this week before another cardioversion to talk seizures, comedy, prioritizing sleep, spoon theory, and trying to move through a chaotic medical year with humor and honesty. It’s a short(ish) episode about accepting lower energy, leaning on support, and still loving the process - whether that’s podcasting, training, comedy, or just getting through the day. Enjoy!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
JATG 130 - A straight up comedy set
Due to technical difficulties, this week’s episode is a straight up stand-up comedy set that I recorded at a backyard show in my friend Tim’s comedy club on Saturday, June 20, 2026, which was a pretty darn good time. There were about 15 people there (which is basically full) and everyone seemed to have a pretty good time with myself, as as well as with the other performers. You will hear a brief introduction from Tim -
recent PhD recipient - and then I will do some comedy. 130 episodes, baby - seizures be damned! Enjoy!
And as a pub...
JATG 129 - Listen to Your Body, Bring Snacks
This week I’m keeping it pretty short because, honestly, I’m still going through it. A couple weeks after having another seizure, I’m back to work with clients, adjusting to anti-seizure meds, sleeping poorly, and trying to listen to my body in real time. I also got to be part of a fun local film shoot in Eugene, which reminded me how good it feels to stay connected to creative community, even when life feels wickety wonky. Mostly, this episode is about recovery, asking for help, hydration, snacks, and putting one foot in front of the other.
D...
JATG 128 - I No-Clipped Out of Backrooms and Woke Up in the ER
This week’s episode is about a recent seizure I had while at the movies, almost exactly one year after the seizure that led to my brain tumor diagnosis.
It’s a personal one about health uncertainty, recovery, support systems, creativity, Backrooms, and what it means to keep moving forward when there are no clean answers. I also talk about the importance of telling people how you feel and making the work that matters to you while you can.
Plus, there are some snippets of me in the ER that my mom took while I was...
JATG 127 - Back in AFib and Back at the Movies
In Episode 127, I check in on where things stand nine months after brain surgery, including a busy week of appointments with my neurologist, oncologist, and cardiologist. I talk about learning that I'm back in AFib, what that means moving forward, and the ongoing balancing act of managing health while still trying to work, exercise, create, and live life.
The second half of the episode shifts into one of my favorite topics: movies. I rank the five horror filmmakers I'm most excited about right now who got their start on YouTube, including Markiplier (Iron Lung), Curry Barker (Obsession), a...
JATG 126 - 5 Lessons from my First One-Man Show Run (Tumor Humor Recap)
Coming off the first full run of Tumor Humor, I reflect on what the night meant and what I learned from putting together a one-man show built around seizures, a brain tumor, and all sorts of other stuff. I recap the event, and share five takeaways from the event and night as a whole. Thanks to the Eugene Art House, Bert Walpack, the National Brain Tumor Society, and everyone who helped make this night such a success.
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
JATG 125 - It Doesn't Happen Overnight
This week I’m reflecting on 125 episodes of consistency and how real change - whether it’s fitness, creativity, or life - comes from habits over time, not quick fixes. I talk about finding flow, sticking with the process even when it’s messy, and learning to enjoy where you’re at while still moving forward. I also share updates on my Tumor Humor show at the Eugene Art House and what it’s been like building something meaningful step by step. Plus, a reminder to listen to your body, take care of yourself, and maybe do one nice thing - li...
JATG 124 - Better Late Than Never!
Welp, I guessI forgot to upload last week's episode, so here it is now! Episode 124 talks about how sometimes a plan isn't always required. Guess I took that a little too much to heart last week, as I completely forgot to upload this bad boy on time. Oh well, we're all fine! Enjoy the show!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Rudy Tyburczy...
JATG 123 - The "Got To Get To" Shift
In this episode, I talk about a simple mindset shift I picked up from Hidden Brain - moving from “got to” to “get to.” It’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s been hitting me in a real way lately. Instead of dragging myself through obligations, I’m trying to see them as opportunities - whether that’s mowing the lawn, training clients, working on my comedy, or prepping for my Tumor Humor show on May 22nd at the Eugene Art House.
I get into how this shift helps me stay more present, find more joy in the process, and eve...
JATG 122 - My Current Workout - Plan and Approach
In this episode, I talk about where I’m at with my workouts after brain surgery and how my approach to fitness has shifted. I’m focusing less on going all-out and more on consistency, feeling good, and building something sustainable—three days a week, full-body, and keeping it simple. I also share how I structure my workouts, why the six main movement patterns matter, and how you can make fitness work for your life instead of taking it over. Plus a quick update on Tumor Humor and the fundraiser I’m putting together for the National Brain Tumor Society...
JATG 121 - Be Flexible!
In this episode I talk about a few ways to look at how flexibility rather than perfection is what allows for greater consistency in comedy, workouts, and life. Rather than quitting or not doing anything, asking what you can do in a different manner and focusing on maintaining patterns rather than producing perfect routines might help you move to where you want to be. Check it out, and be well, wherever you are!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google...
JATG 120 - Read Write Breathe Sleep
In this episode I talk about how I'm trying to make changes to my morning routine and why doing even one or two simple things can start your day off on the right foot. There's probably no need to make giant changes, but I share how adding one or two productive adjustments can help me work towards my larger goals.
What does your morning routine look like?
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Pt...
JATG 119 - Regulating Your Nervous System
We're talking a bit about ways to regulate our nervous system today. Check it out if you're feeling a little off, or just want to know how to be kind to your body and mind over the long run. You'll be better off for it.
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Rudy Tyburczy, on
TikTok @jokesandthegym
Youtube @jokesandthegym
...
JAG 118 - Try a Micro-Workout!
Here's a quick podcast with an idea or two for a workout that won't take forever and is geared towards those people who are already doing some activity and want to continue to get stronger. Plus, I give my thoughts on a couple gym myths that seem to have worked their way into the collective mind about how easy it is to gain muscle (Hint: it's NOT!). Give it a listen and let me know what your micro-workouts look like!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work...
JATG 117 - Get Some SLEEP!
Just a quick episode talking about one simple thing we can do to help ourselves when we're not feeling our absolute best. No need to kick and scream, just...get to bed. Earlier. It feels good.
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Rudy Tyburczy, on
TikTok @jokesandthegym
Youtube @jokesandthegym
patreon.com/jokesandthegym
www.rudytyburczy.com
...JATG 116 - Why Do You Exercise?
Why do you work out?
In this episode of Jokes and the Gym, I’m thinking about motivation - what actually gets people moving and keeps them coming back. As a personal trainer, I see it all the time: people show up not wanting to work out, and by the end they’re saying, “I didn’t really want to come in today, but I’m really glad I did.”
I talk about the different reasons people exercise - internal drive, social connection, training for a goal, or simply wanting to feel better. For me, movement has...
JATG 115 - Check In
Check in with yourself, somehow. See what it tells you. And maybe listen to the pod.
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Rudy Tyburczy, on
TikTok @jokesandthegym
Youtube @jokesandthegym
patreon.com/jokesandthegym
www.rudytyburczy.com
ig @jokesandthegym and @rudytyburczy and @rudyandthecats
Facebook, Twitter, they also exist. I’m on them too.
...
JATG 114 - What's the LEAST You Can Do?
In this episode, I ask a simple question, "What's the LEAST you can do?" and explore how that might be the best option sometimes. I got an MRI today so I'll leave it at that! Hope you're good!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Rudy Tyburczy, on
TikTok @jokesandthegym
Youtube @jokesandthegym
patreon.com/jokesandthegym
www.r...
JATG 113 - Fun Little Restrictions
In this shorter episode, I talk about a few ways to make restrictions work for you, instead of against you. By this I mean things like, how can you make a lack of time or equipment inspire your workout instead of hold you back?
Give it a listen and let me know what you think!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Ru...
JATG 112 - What ONE THING?
In this episode, I ask the question, "What ONE THING can you do right now to help you get where you want to be?" and go from there. I talk about the one things I do in health, in comedy, in performing, and I share a couple short clips from the show I was a part of on Valentine's Day at the Eugene Art House, produced by friend of the show Jorah Lafleur. It was fun! This episode was fun! Thanks for checkin it out!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor...
JATG 111 - Don't Work Out!!
On this episode, I give you permission to NOT WORK OUT! It's okay. You can do it (or not!)! But just, like, do it most of the time you're planning to. There's a lot of great reasons to workout, and there are some legitimate reasons to not work out also. If it's one of those reasons, or you just need a break feel free to not work out. But, I'll also see you at the gym when you're ready to get back at it.
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fu...
JATG 110 - Working Out on Low Energy Days
Episode 110 is about how I approach low-energy workout days in real time. After a less than stellar night of sleep, I talk through why it’s okay to skip a workout if it’s not going to add to your life, and how, when you do move, it doesn’t have to be intense to be worthwhile. I share why I’m choosing to work out with a friend, focus on movement over load, and keep the session shorter and more intentional, with the goal of feeling more alive rather than more drained. The episode reflects a bigger shift I’m maki...
JATG 109 - How to Create a Workout for (almost) Anyone!
In this episode, I break down how I would build one simple strength-training workout that works for most people - no bodybuilding goals, no heroic suffering, no gym intimidation required. Just a simple outline coming from a personal trainer who wants to help people move and feel better.
Using the six basic movement patterns (push, pull, carry, squat, hinge, lunge), I let you know how to choose a few exercises, keep the reps reasonable, and train in a way that supports your body and your brain.
I also ask AI to create a beginner workout a...
JATG 108 - Takin It Easy
In this episode I talk about who I am, what I savor, recovery, capacity, and learning to do less after a brain tumor and seizure shifted my relationship to work, comedy, and stress. This episode is about nervous system care, changing relationships with the things you love, and finding small ways to rest and refill in a burned-out world. Don't expect a bunch of specific tips or whatever, but more of an exploration of what doing less can look like. And I chuck in a couple micro movie reviews, because of course I do.
Donate to the N...
JATG 107 - Time to Start Strength Training!
This week, I’m talking about strength training - not from a research-heavy, “optimize everything” angle, but from a personal one.
You can look up the physiological benefits anywhere. Smarter people than me have that covered. Instead, I share three simple reasons I keep coming back to lifting weights:
It’s empowering.Strength training is a direct way to do things with your body—move better, feel stronger, or work toward how you want to look or feel. You want to move that thing? This helps.Mental clarity, space, and mood.
No matter what I’m dealing...
JATG 106 - Choosing a Word (Not a Resolution)
In this episode I talk about one way to approach setting the tone for the new year, and why using Marty Supreme as an example may or may not be the best way to move forward.
Instead of goals and specifics, I talk about the benefits of choosing a single word or phrase to use a guiding light for the year ahead, and recognizing the inherent costs of choosing any word.
Happy New Year!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
...JATG 105 - Goals That Don't Make You Hate Life
In this episode I'm talking about setting process-based goals instead of outcome goals. That is, instead of things like, "I'm gonna lose 50 pounds!", we can help ourselves more by incorporating process goals into our day to day. So like, "I'm gonna go for a walk after lunch 4-6 days a week" or "I'm gonna lift weights two or three times a week" is much more likely to help you stay on track. So check it out, and thanks for being you. You rock. Happy New Year.
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.b...
JATG 104 - A Quick Holiday Episode
This week's episode is just a quick check-in. I'm juggling all sorts of holiday stuff before a trip out of town to visit family, so I just wanted to say hi and remind you to be kind to yourself, and if you miss a workout or go heavy on the eggnog, that's just part of the season. So move around if you can, enjoy your time, and don't be afraid to indulge in a holiday meal or two. This time of year is often wonky, and the fact that you're even here says a lot about you. Ho ho...
JATG 103 - Get To Sleep!
In this episode, I talk about why sleep matters more than we think, how much adults actually need, and how lack of sleep affects mood, memory, creativity, workouts, and performance. I share why comedians struggle with sleep, a few simple ways to improve it, and a brief personal health update as I continue recovering and getting back into the flow of life.
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/e...
JATG 102 - Human Comedians Eating Foods
JATG 102 - EATING FOODS.
Here's another simple episode where I, Rudy Tyburczy - comedian, certified personal trainer and nutrition coach - offer a few straightforward guidelines and ideas to help us get our eating on track. Nothing crazy, no huge diets or super limiting rules, just basic ideas to help us feel like we're not going to war with our bodies and what we put in them. I offer tips for every day life as well as how to plan and prepare for the unpredictability of it all.
I cover whole foods vs. super processed, pr...
JATG 101 - Walk Your Socks Off!
In the new format of the pod (the JATG 101 series), I'll be chatting about one main topic each week and how we can use it to improve our lives as comics, people, or whatever else we are!
Today's topic - walking! Gosh I love the stuff and I lay out the reasons why, some of the bennies, how you can incorporate it into your life, and how it might be helpful for us comics and creative types.
Plus I give a walking challenge - go for a walk every day this week! Bonus points - le...
Ep. 100 - 100 Weeks of Showing Up!
I hit 100 episodes and take stock of why showing up weekly matters more than perfection; how a seizure, brain surgery, and an AFib ablation reshaped my training and my comedy; and why tiny, consistent reps beat heroic bursts. I share gratitude for listeners, guests, and the YMCA community, plus a simple health-first workflow that got me back to the gym. I talk about what the future of the pod and my personal training will hold, how adjusting goals is necessary, and the problem with perfection. Oh, and if you need a nudge: something > nothing.
Donate to the...
Ep. 99 - Creating Comedy (and Health) Together - Myq Kaplan on Rini
In Ep. 99, I catch up with comedian Myq Kaplan about making his new special, Rini, and how collaborating with his partner shifted his process from “just get the laugh” to “get the truth and the laugh.” We trace that evolution from Edinburgh reps and Rini’s note-taking to their “blooming → pruning → harvest” workflow, plus how shared ideas (and producer credits) actually happen in a real relationship.
We also talk health and how that looks for him as a comedian in the Big Apple: Myq’s Manhattan walk-everywhere lifestyle, High Line laps, the Oura ring’s sleep traps, and practical tweaks li...
Ep. 98 - Myq Kaplan is about to release a special! Rini!
In this episode, I’m joined once again by the delightful Myq Kaplan to talk about his new special “Rini” (out November 19 on the Blonde Medicine YouTube channel), his year of creative growth, and what he’s learned from diving into acting with his partner Rini. We get into how acting became less “mystical” and more playful, how exercises like switching emotional choices cracked things open, and how those tools feed back into stand-up. From there we zoom out into the philosophy of comedy: process over product, finding joy in the “now show” (not just the 20 minutes on stage), treating life an...
Ep. 97 - Two Time Freestyle Champ and Getting Back to the Gym
I’m back on stage and back in rhythm. Halloween cover show on Friday, Double Entendre on Saturday—two months running as freestyle champ—and my first 30-minute walk since brain surgery. I share how beta blockers changed the feel of performing, why I might add freestyle to my act, my fast-approaching return to personal training at the Y, and a big 2026 goal: developing Tumor Humor for Edinburgh Fringe.
PLUS! I include a couple clips from the shows this weekend so you can judge my abundantly average skills for yourself!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor S...
Ep. 96 - Back On Stage, Gray Week, and 9 Hours of SLEEP!
This week, I’m talking about what it feels like to get back into comedy after brain surgery and an ablation, Brain Tumor Awareness Week, and how I’m feeling about returning to work soon. I did two shows this weekend — one for a cancer benefit and another at Bleepin’ Funny — and they both went great…except for the part where an entire table of women walked out mid-set (don’t worry, there’s a clip).
I also share a few updates about my recovery — the weird silent migraines after my ablation, learning to prioritize sleep (I got nine hours las...
JATG Goes to the Movies - Shelby Oaks
I saw the movie Shelby Oaks, written and directed by Chris Stuckman! He's a youtube movie review guy, so it was cool to see him get his shot at making a movie. Was it great? I dunno...listen to find out what I think!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Rudy Tyburczy, on
TikTok @jokesandthegym
Youtube @jokesandthegym
p...
Ep. 95 - Ablation, Books, Blazers, and TV Shows
Hey friends, it’s Rudy. This week marks one week since my heart ablation, and I’m happy to say I haven’t had an AFib episode since. I talk about what the procedure was like, some hospital stuff, and how it feels to finally give myself permission to slow down without guilt. But what I lack in heart chaos, I make up for in a rather chaotic episode: ablation, books, tv shows, and a Portland Trail Blazer/western conference NBA season preview.
I’ve also been deep into some really good books - It’s Not You by Dr...
Ep. 94 - Quick Episode, Ablation Time
As I'm about to get a pulsed field catheter ablation in my heart, I check in and talk about making choices in the interest of health and rest. Quick episode, thanks for stopping by!
Donate to the National Brain Tumor Society!
https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/7236611
Work with me!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12DgmJSUX_Ptca2ZSg6Ku5Uk8wAdrHPeWkCvwCn_R1pA/edit
Find me, Rudy Tyburczy, on
TikTok @jokesandthegym
Youtube @jokesandthegym
patreon.com/jokesandthegym
www.rudytyburczy.com
i...
JATG Goes to the Movies - One Battle After Another and Paul Thomas Anderson's Films RANKED
I saw One Battle After Another twice (empty house vs packed crowd) and it hit harder on rewatch. Here’s my spoiler-free review and my (almost) definitive PTA ranking (all 10 films) from a guy who just loves watching movies.
Honestly, upon a full PTA rewatch, my number 4 movie has leapfrogged into the number 2 position. Other than that, they're all the same.
Drop your PTA Top 3 in the comments and tell me where this lands for you.
—Rudy | Jokes & the Gym Goes to the Movies
#PTA #PaulThomasAnderson #MovieReview #FilmRankings
If you don't know his...
