High and Mighty
Gabrus' interests are all over the place...and so is this podcast. He interviews friends and celebrities, some who are both. About the kind of stupid stuff that a nerd/meathead/manchild would be into.
Tangents are not only allowed, they are encouraged.
Our Editor's Take
Jon Gabrus wasn't sure what he wanted the High and Mighty podcast to be about. He only wanted to make one. That worked for the actor and comedian who speaks with confidence about everything. (He jokes that his wife has no problem taking him to parties.) Gabrus' bosses, Jake Hurwitz and Amir Blumenfeld tried to define the show's premise in episode one. They joke that they came in like steam through the air conditioning unit to ensure Gabrus did well. They knew he would. Gabrus is no rookie. He cohosts Action Boyz and Raised By TV and contributes to Comedy Bang! Bang!
High and Mighty does have two subtle themes. "High" represents the leisure activity Gabrus enjoys. He records annual "Mega Sesh" episodes where he improvs with guests while partaking. "Mighty" references his talent and physique. Gabrus calls himself a dichotomy because he has varied skills. For example, he's reached the first level for wizard spells in Dungeons & Dragons.
Gabrus' colleagues argue that he's a "nine-chotomy." They list his other talents, including surfing, rugby, comedy, and nerdiness. Action films are Gabrus' specialty, even obscure ones. He names a film with Val Kilmer, Christian Slater, and LL Cool J that Hurwitz and Blumenfeld haven't seen. They might not be the best podcast guests with whom to analyze films. Gabrus tries to discuss action scenes in Top Gun. One of them interrupts, "Who plays volleyball in jeans?"
Gabrus invites film critic Bilge Ebiri to a more astute analysis. Ebiri has worked at Village Voice, New York Magazine, and Vulture. They assess Gerard Butler's filmography, including Greenland. Ebiri thought it was an asteroid disaster film. It produced unexpected tears. The two appreciate how Butler's characters differ from Marvel's characters. Ebiri says Marvel turns "scruffy screwups" into superheroes who never struggle again. Gerard's characters make heroic choices while retaining human flaws. Listeners learn what qualifies as a "movie movie" for Gabrus and a "good good" film for Ebiri. Their discussion meanders.
That's what distinguishes High and Mighty. It's not a comedy, movie, or marijuana podcast. It's a natural conversation.
Episodes