393 Smart Talk with Comedian & Musician Dean Delray
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
Tom Rhodes welcomes comedian & Musician Dean Delray to the Rhodes Library. They explore personal growth, career transitions, and the profound impacts of dealing with loss. Dean shares insights from his journey of moving from music to comedy, shedding light on identity, purpose, and resilience. Dean's reflections on personal growth, the importance of authenticity in comedy, and his philosophy on life and materialism provide a raw, enlightening perspective for listeners. Hooray for humanity! We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish. Connect! Be part of the Rhodesies team and get...
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392 Smart Bestie Good Morning Hero!
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
Join Tom Rhodes and bestie Ashna Rodjan! From Sara’s visit to humorous attempts at parallel parking in San Francisco, explore how classical music can connect with the homeless, the challenges of playing Scrabble in a foreign language, and the importance of self-awareness and resilience in building confidence. Ashna discusses the cultural differences in conversational styles between the USA and Europe and expresses concern over the potential loss of collective culture due to on-demand art creation. However, hope shines through with Radio Garden, an app that reignites the curiosity and...
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391 Smart Talk Controversial Musings with Jeff Leach
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
In this episode English actor and comedian Jeff Leach joins Tom for a dynamic and wide-ranging conversation that takes listeners from the nuances of cultural identity and family influences to the comedic depths of personal anecdotes and societal observations. The conversation takes an adventurous turn into topics of societal norms, with Jeff candidly sharing his experiences at technology and innovation conferences in Romania, and his personal stories of liberation and exploration. Jeff and Tom delve into serious topics such as depression, mental health, and the journey toward...
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390 Smart Books & Movies Aretha & Arnold
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
In this episode of Tom Rhodes Smart Camp, Tom welcomes a special guest—his mother Sara, who is visiting him in LA. It's the once-a-month Smart Books & Movies episode, and they're diving into the lives and legacies of Aretha Franklin and Arnold Schwarzenegger through the lens of literature and documentary. Starting with Aretha Franklin, Tom recounts his deep appreciation for her music and the impact it has had on him throughout his life. Despite facing challenges, including coming out of a period of depression, Tom finds renewed purpose in his podcast and shares insights into Franklin's...
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389 Smart Talk Break-Up Registry with Natasha Pearl Hansen
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
Dive into the latest Tom Rhodes Smart Camp episode featuring the incredibly resilient and hilariously insightful Natasha Pearl Hansen. Natasha, a comedian and the CEO of My Break-Up Registry, shares her journey from the heart of Wisconsin to the comedy stages of Los Angeles, discussing her personal and professional growth. Natasha transformed her canceled wedding into a groundbreaking comedy special. On what was supposed to be her wedding day, she recorded and self-produced her first comedy special, "I Was Supposed To Get Married Today...," at the venue she had booked for the event in Madison,...
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388 Smart Ramble Mexico Respecto
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
In "Mexico Respecto," Tom Rhodes shares his latest adventure in Mexico with a mix of introspection and humor. This episode weaves together tales of adventure, moments of vulnerability, and insights into the human condition, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Mexico. He delves into his personal journey, exploring Mayan culture, navigating the aftermath of a breakup, and seeking self-discovery. Tom's stories range from humorous misunderstandings and cultural explorations to deep reflections on love, healing, and human connection. Encounters with locals, from a golf pro named Vigo to a...
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387 Laughing Through Life's Curveballs with Paul Ogata
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
We dive deep with the hilariously insightful Paul Ogata, a master of punchlines and poignant observations, who's made waves from Las Vegas stages to international comedy festivals. Hosted in the soon-to-be historical backdrop of the Tropicana Las Vegas, this episode is a journey through the intricacies of humor, the evolution of stand-up, and the heartfelt stories behind the laughter. We share tales from the road, the highs and lows of life as touring comedians, and the bizarre yet fascinating encounters with celebrities, from soccer legends to rock stars, on luxury cruise ships. ...
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386 Comedy, Courage, and Cannabis with Jen Kober
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
Step into an episode that's like a well-traveled suitcase—packed with stories, laughter, and a dash of the philosophical, all stamped with the unique humor and wisdom of Tom Rhodes. In this episode, the spotlight shines on Jen Kober, whose incredible resilience and humor light up the conversation. https://linktr.ee/JenKober Together, they explore Jen's inspiring rise from facing homelessness to becoming a comedy sensation, sharing anecdotes that range from cleverly resourceful to deeply meaningful. Jen recounts her early days in Louisiana's comedy scene, revealing how unconventional...
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385 Jewish Humor: Rodney Dangerfield & Larry David with Jeffrey Baldinger
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
Dive into the heart of comedy in this compelling episode, as host Tom Rhodes sits down with the talented Jeffrey Baldinger. This conversation is a deep exploration of the craft of stand-up comedy, influenced by the legendary Rodney Dangerfield. Jeffrey shares his journey from an academic interest in Jewish humor to becoming a stand-up comedian himself, highlighting the nuances of comedy through the lens of icons like Dangerfield and Larry David. From personal anecdotes with comedy legends to insights into the evolution of stand-up, this episode is a rich tapestry of laughter, history, and the...
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384 Secret Lives and Comedy Insights with Drake Nelson
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in comedy, personal stories of resilience, and the art of finding humor in the everyday. Tune into an insightful conversation with comedian Drake Nelson at the Elk Valley Casino, where laughter meets life's unexpected turns. This episode packs a punch with Drake's journey from Reno to Crescent City, blending comedy with personal growth and the quirks of transitioning from big city life to the charm of a small town. Hear about the challenges and triumphs of making it in comedy, from poignant family stories to navigating the professional...
info_outlineChris Spencer is one of the most respected comedy writers in Hollywood. We became friends 7 years ago when I moved to L.A. from the many times we have worked together at the Comedy Store. Chris was kind enough to come to the Rhodes library where we recorded this conversation about why racism isn't always a bad thing, sneaker culture, his friendships with Snoop Dog, Kevin Hart, Will Smith, Dave Chappelle and how comedians are under attack these days. We also talk about how I am a French lesbian when it comes to relationships and how focusing on hot yoga, my jokes and being my best self is my plan to win back the heart of the woman I love. For my L.A. History documentary project we talk about Tupac Shakur's legacy and songs about supreme male confidence. Finally we discuss white nationalist domestic terrorism and how the Republican embrace of the idea that the 2020 presidential election was stolen is just a cover to mask the fact that what they are really saying is that only white votes matter and only white votes should be counted. Chris is a man who I love and respect as a comedian and I'm happy that he can delight you here and now with his wisdom, insight and stories and that is why it is my pleasure to present to you the one and only Chris Spencer!