Episodes
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...
Published 03/14/24
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...
Published 03/01/24
  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...
Published 02/22/24
Hey, Smart Campers! Sammy Davis Jr. was a multifaceted entertainer known for his singing, dancing, acting, and impersonations. As a member of the Rat Pack, with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, he broke racial barriers in the entertainment industry during the mid-20th century. His career spanned Broadway, television, and film, making him a significant figure in American entertainment history. Davis's talents and activism left a lasting impact on the industry, highlighting themes of racial...
Published 02/17/24
I sit down with Julie Seabaugh, a renowned writer, documentarian, and comedy journalist. We explore entertainment's evolution, with Julie's insightful perspectives on the comedy landscape. Discussions meander from Hollywood tales, including an anecdote about Judd Apatow, to the significance of personal collections and the changing dynamics in comedy. Highlighting the resurgence of memoirs and their impact on comedy, the conversation also teases Julie's upcoming collaborations with comedy...
Published 11/23/23
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 More Orion https://www.instagram.com/orion.levine   Watch the video! YouTube https://www.youtube.com/kingofhaha     ** Video version ** If you'd like to watch the video version of the episode on YouTube.com/kingofhaha,...
Published 11/09/23
Join us for an engaging conversation with Mario Adrion a model turned YouTube comedy sensation. Discover the modeling industry's dark side, pay differences, and Mario's transition to YouTube comedy star to stand-up comedian with a unique perspective to share, and the dangers of eating too many carrots.   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 ...
Published 11/02/23
Get to know the young comedy thunderbolt that is Pink Foxx. She joins me in the Rhodes library to talk comedy, life & show biz. Pink Foxx offers her unique perspective on the comedy scene, sharing personal anecdotes from her journey as a successful R&B musician to a comedian. And she imparts valuable wisdom on self-discovery, drawing from her experience as a transwoman. Hooray for humanity & hooray for Pink Foxx! Hooray for humanity! We're dropping new episodes every...
Published 10/26/23
Hey, beautiful people! This podcast episode is a wild ride through the realms of literature, punk, and the Art of Living. It's like being in the coolest book club you never knew you wanted to join.    About JCC:  John Cooper Clarke is a British performance poet, comedian, and musician known for his influential role in the punk and post-punk music scenes of the 1970s. His rapid and humorous poetry often explores urban life, working-class issues, and social commentary. Clarke's...
Published 10/20/23
Hey, beautiful people! This podcast episode is a wild ride through the realms of literature, punk, and the Art of Living.  We're serving up an intellectual smorgasbord that's gonna tickle your fancy. It's a love letter to literature! John and I share our passion for the written word. It's not all about old books – we're taking you on a whirlwind tour of punk rock history.  We're spilling the beans on the movement's origins, from the fashion rebellion to its transformation into a political...
Published 10/12/23
We make bread, delve into the intricacies of envy, talk about the world of personal branding on social media, explore the realm of mood control, the Russell Brand controversy, and how envy can serve as a revealing mirror reflecting one's deepest desires in life, offering a unique perspective for listeners to ponder. The episode ends without us saying goodbye. So goodbye, thanks for listening! Tune in next time for Smart Camp guest Punk Poet: John Cooper Clarke! Hooray for humanity! We're...
Published 10/05/23
Welcome to another episode of the "Tom Rhodes Smart Camp" podcast! Join us for an episode packed with laughter, wisdom, and historical intrigue as Tom Rhodes and Jesse Joyce take you on a deep dive into the realms of comedy, the challenges faced by writers, Jesse's new book, and the rich tapestry of 19th-century history.  Jesse Joyce is an American stand-up comedian, Emmy Nominated and WGA Award winning writer. In this episode: Dive into the recent controversy surrounding comedian Hasan...
Published 09/29/23
Burning Man Drama!      Join me on a transformative journey into the extraordinary world of Burning Man! In this episode, I'll share my personal experiences, from the magical moments of communal bathing and body positivity to the unexpected storm that challenged our resilience. Discover the meaning behind my Burning Man name 'Radiant' and how this incredible event helped me battle depression.      Plus, I'll share a unique behind-the-scenes tidbit – Ashna was actually making bread during...
Published 09/19/23
We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish!    Listen: Spotify Apple   Watch: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/kingofhaha     Connect: https://patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp More Tom  https://www.instagram.com/_TomRhodes/   More Ashna https://www.instagram.com/ashnarodjan/    
Published 08/24/23
  We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish!    Listen: Spotify Apple   Watch: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/kingofhaha     Connect: https://patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp More Tom  https://www.instagram.com/_TomRhodes/   More Josh Blue https://www.instagram.com/joshbluecomedy/  
Published 08/17/23
From childhood memories to societal gender norms, Tom & Ashna explore the influence of the 60s TV show, "I Dream of Jeannie," and how iconic toys like Barbie dolls and G.I. Joe figures have evolved to better reflect society's diversity. We also reminisce about their own experiences with toys and creative outlets, emphasizing the value of gratitude and cherishing happy moments. Inspired by one friend's brilliant idea, they introduce the concept of a "jar of special moments" to foster...
Published 08/03/23
We talk about meditation, favorite sound, Barbie movie, toys we played as kids, and how Amazon can screw you. A lil bit of everything! Always ways for you to cheer up!!! Hooray for summer & hooray for humanity!   We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish!  We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish!    Listen: Spotify Apple   Watch: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/kingofhaha     Connect: https://patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp More Tom ...
Published 08/01/23
Mom hugs are the answer to all of life's problems.   Episode 369 of Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is out now!   In today's episode come join me for this perfect moment in July while I have a happy mommy summer picnic. My dear sweet mother has been the guiding light of my life in this conversation we kick back in the park talking over nice cold beverages. It will surely bring you joy to rejoice in the very special relationship that I have with my mom. Don't forget, mom hugs are the answer to all...
Published 07/27/23
If you speak well of others you will always be in paradise. If you do not speak well of others you will be walking among the snakes in the briar patch.   In our continued conversation about the book 'The Mysterion' you will learn that Sufism is about relationships and attempting to be spiritually mature. If you can do this you will always sleep deliciously. Hooray for humanity & joy be upon you Hooray for humanity!   We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish!    Listen: ...
Published 07/24/23
In this episode @ashnarodjan & I talk about this excellent new book I just finished reading called 'The Mysterion' by Kabir Helminski which is about Rumi and the secrets of becoming fully human. This book teaches you how to block out all of the negativity in the world & plug into the outlet of cosmic love. I fall short of this way of being all the time but this is a damn good book for reminding you how to live and view the world with the loving heart of the Sufi mystic poet Rumi. ...
Published 07/20/23
See 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...
Published 07/18/23
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is back! And I am joined by the smarty pants that is Ashna Rodjan my eternal best friend. How is it possible to stay best friends with your ex-wife? Put this episode in your ear holes and find out! In this conversation we talk about books, knowledge, creativity and the many changes and challenges I have faced in the past two years.   We also talk about Rick Ruben's book 'The Creative Act: A Way of Being' and how I learned to flip thoughts of judgement toward others...
Published 07/13/23
Ashna Rodjan returns to the podcast for an in depth conversation about Stoicism and to give you the tools to live your best possible life. In this episode we talk about the book Breakfast with Seneca by David Fideler. Are you going to keep making the dumb mistakes over and over or would you like to gain the insight and wisdom of the ancient philosophers? I urge you to dive into this episode with the spirit of joy and friendship. Your life will be better for having done so. Thank me later,...
Published 08/17/22
Chris 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...
Published 08/05/22
"A lot of comedians can't write because in order to write you have to spend time by yourself and these types of comedians are afraid of what the silence with tell them about themselves."   Willie Barcena is one of the realest mother truckers I have ever seen on stage. I respect him because he has a philosophy and outlook on life that he brings to every joke or story idea he brings to the stage and that is my favorite kind of comedy. He believes in the power of the pen and that to survive...
Published 07/01/22