383 episodes

Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, books, and adventures.

I have been a comedian for more than 40 years, traveling the world to perform comedy. Whenever I can, I will share my adventures with you on this podcast. Together with my creative partner and best friend, Ashna, we 're offering a blend of wisdom, humor, and heart.

Tune in to Tom Rhodes Smart Camp for a journey filled with laughter, life lessons, and unexpected stories that promise to entertain and inspire.

Tom Rhodes Smart Camp Tom Rhodes

    • Comedy
    • 4.6 • 239 Ratings

Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, books, and adventures.

I have been a comedian for more than 40 years, traveling the world to perform comedy. Whenever I can, I will share my adventures with you on this podcast. Together with my creative partner and best friend, Ashna, we 're offering a blend of wisdom, humor, and heart.

Tune in to Tom Rhodes Smart Camp for a journey filled with laughter, life lessons, and unexpected stories that promise to entertain and inspire.

    386 Comedy, Courage, and Cannabis with Jen Kober & Tom Rhodes

    386 Comedy, Courage, and Cannabis with Jen Kober & Tom Rhodes

    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 choices like gym memberships for showers became stepping stones in her career. 
    These stories, woven with the support of mentors and unexpected life turns, highlight the essence of perseverance and creativity.
    The episode delves into themes of personal development, the complexities of substance use, and the importance of connections, making for a heartwarming exchange that's more than just comedy. 
    It's an invitation to reflect on the beauty of life's journey, underscored by Tom Rhodes' philosophical humor and Jen Kober's indomitable spirit.
    Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that merges comedy, life's ups and downs, and the wisdom found in between. 
    It's not just entertainment; it's a masterclass in embracing life with laughter and authenticity, brought to you by Tom Rhodes and Jen Kober; it's a lesson in living boldly, laughing at the bumps along the way, and always, always keeping it real. Join us for a chat that's as full of soul as it is of humor.
     
    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
     
    ** About the 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 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 psychological perspective.

    • 1 hr 15 min
    385 Jewish Humor: Rodney Dangerfield & Larry David with Jeffrey Baldinger

    385 Jewish Humor: Rodney Dangerfield & Larry David with Jeffrey Baldinger

    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 universal appeal of humor. Join us as we pay homage to the comedic art form that connects us all, one joke at a time.
    More Jeffrey https://www.instagram.com/jeffbaldinger
     
    Highlights:
    [00:02:00] Jeffrey's Journey into Comedy
    Jeffrey discusses his early fascination with Jewish humor and how writing a college thesis on the subject led him to the stand-up stage. [00:05:00] The Influence of Rodney Dangerfield and Larry David
    A conversation about the self-deprecating humor of Rodney Dangerfield and the confrontational style of Larry David, illustrating how they transformed personal pain into universal laughter. [00:10:00] Comedy as a Reflection of Life
    Discussing how stand-up comedy offers a mirror to society, allowing for a collective experience of humor that transcends individual differences. [00:15:00] Meeting Comedy Legends
    Jeffrey shares memorable encounters with his comedic heroes, offering insight into the camaraderie and mentorship within the comedy community. [00:20:00] The Evolution of Stand-Up Comedy
    A look at how stand-up has evolved over the years, with a nod to the diversity of voices that enrich the art form today. [00:25:00] The Craft of Comedy
    Delving into the process of joke writing and performance, highlighting the balance between personal authenticity and audience relatability. [00:30:00] Advice for Aspiring Comedians
    Jeffrey shares words of wisdom for upcoming comedians, emphasizing the importance of honesty in humor. [00:35:00] Closing Thoughts
    Reflecting on the power of comedy to bring joy, provoke thought, and foster connection among people from all walks of life. [00:40:00] End
    Tom thanks Jeffrey for the insightful conversation and reminds listeners to find laughter in the everyday. End your search for a dose of laughter and insight into the world of comedy by listening to this episode. 
    Subscribe to our channel for more conversations with the guests who bring joy and reflection into our lives.
     
    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
     
     
    ** About the 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 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 uniq

    • 1 hr 2 min
    384 Secret Lives and Comedy Insights with Drake Nelson

    384 Secret Lives and Comedy Insights with Drake Nelson

     
    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 world of laughter, and even a foray into the connection between wrestling and stand-up.
    Discover Drake's unique take on life, the comedy scene, and how embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities.
     
    Topics:
    Drake Nelson's Background: From Reno to Crescent City, tracing his journey and the impact of his move on his comedy career. Life in Crescent City: Insights into the small-town vibe, contrasting with the hustle of Southern California. Comedy and Professional Wrestling: Exploring the unexpected connections and how both careers have influenced Drake's life. Personal Stories: Touching on family moments, particularly moving to support his mother. Local Culture and Characters: Discovering the unique inhabitants of Crescent City, including a secretly trans WWII veteran with a love for '40s fashion. Challenges of Comedy: The reality of performing in small towns, building a comedy scene, and the dynamics of local entertainment venues. Adapting to Change: Embracing life's unexpected turns and finding humor in new beginnings. Future Aspirations: Discussing plans for a comedy festival and fostering local talent in Crescent City.  
    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
      
    ** About the 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 40 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 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 psychological perspective.

    • 59 min
    383 Sammy Davis Jr.

    383 Sammy Davis Jr.

    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 equality and inclusion.
    Episode nuggets:
    Sammy Davis Jr. Biography Stray Dog (1949 film by Akira Kurosawa) Lady Snowblood (1973 Japanese film) Dune (2021 film directed by Denis Villeneuve) Willy Wonka (2023 film with Timothy Chalamet) The Undoing (HBO series with Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman) Wages of Fear (1953 French film by Henri-Georges Clouzot)  
    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
     
    ** About the 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 40 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.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    382 The Evolution of Comedy with Journalist Julie Seabaugh

    382 The Evolution of Comedy with Journalist Julie Seabaugh

    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 legends like Byron Bowers.
    This episode stands out as a seamless blend of nostalgia, cultural introspection, and a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling, all shared between two seasoned connoisseurs of the comedic world. 
    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 Julie https://www.instagram.com/julieseabaugh
     
    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, 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.

    • 1 hr 15 min
    381 Orion Levine

    381 Orion Levine

    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, 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.

    • 1 hr 8 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
239 Ratings

239 Ratings

chadsully ,

I don’t know if you know

W is

Wu Tang Sam ,

A man, a myth and a natural talk show host

Whether you agree with his opinions or not, Tom has a natural ability to relate to comedy, music, art, famous people, cultural events or good food. He’s seen a lot of the world and has the bruises and grace of experience to back it up. He once had a talk show in Holland, wrestled polar bears naked and flew the space shuttle. Take it from me, a pimply boar’s hiccup, Toms a great story teller and a Refreshing guy to listen to.

Hobbs Holler ,

You & your mom

Y’all are great together, I’m going to miss your mom, too. I value her contribution, she seems like a nice and interesting lady.

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