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.