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