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_outlineSee me cry on the new episode of Tom Rhodes Smart Camp! Ashna Rodjan joins me as I tell the story of the miracle that happened to me in the dentist's chair. I cried when it happened, I cry retelling the story and I believe your face with be moist with tears after you hear this story also. From this tale you will learn how I went from having a root canal to having a new great and beautiful friend.
During our conversation, I delve into the surreal encounters I've had with homeless individuals in Los Angeles recently. Additionally, I'll reveal the enchanting world of hummingbird knowledge that I've gained from observing these captivating creatures on my balcony every day.
Today’s literature highlight falls on the book: 'I Heard God Laughing' by Hafiz, a source of inspiration and solace during lonely and dark times. Discover how it unveils the astonishing light within yourself and feeds your brain with happiness.
This uplifting episode is brimming with important truths that will pave the way for a happier and healthier existence. Let's celebrate the goodness of humanity together! Don't miss out on this emotional journey that will leave you feeling enlightened and uplifted for your path ahead.
Hooray for humanity!
We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish.
Connect!
Be part of the Rhodesies team and get goodies: https://patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp
More Tom https://www.instagram.com/_TomRhodes
More Ashna https://www.instagram.com/ashnarodjan
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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/kingofhaha
** Video version **
If you'd like to watch the video version of the episode on YouTube.com/kingofhaha, please do us a favor by subscribing to the audio podcast on Spotify / Apple, etc. first! The podcast is a labor of love, and your audio subscription and downloads, or direct support on Patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp, provide us with the incentive to pull together and record on a weekly basis beyond our busy schedules. Thanks for being part of the Rhodesies Team!
** About Smart Camp Podcast **
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, books & adventures.
We share a joke premise weekly, along with stories or what's on our radar, the book of the week, the movie/doc of the week, song of the week, and Good News. Or we have a guest!
Tom
I have been a comedian for more than 39 years. I travel the world, performing comedy. Exploring diverse cultures and connecting with people from all walks of life while doing comedy is at the heart of my journey. I've had my share of experiences, from almost drowning in Thailand to getting maced in Paris, and I had my own sitcom on Comedy Central and a Late Night Talkshow in the Netherlands. Whenever I can, I'll share my adventures and a global perspective with you on this podcast.
Ashna
Ashna, Dutch artist, photographer, and my ex-wife, isn't just my best friend; she's an essential part of the Rhodesies production team. We've traveled the world together for 8 years. With her background in cognitive psychology and her passion for philosophy and all things art, Ashna enriches our conversations, all while bringing a unique European perspective.