Tom Rhodes Smart Camp

Hi Rhodesies! Sara Rhodes is back! Tom and his mom chat in his L.A. apartment after her trip back to Florida is delayed by Hurricane Milton.  They laugh about mom accidentally wearing Tom's Hells Angels t-shirt in LA and discuss how much they love the hidden charm of L.A.'s side streets, despite her overall dislike for the city.  Tom shares his recent read, Pockets: An Intimate History of How We K...

Poet John Cooper Clarke is back! We talk about everything from ancient Rome and the birth of paparazzi culture to wild celebrity stories and the golden age of Hollywood. We dive into epic sword-and-sandal films, the origins of iconic stars, punk music, gangster and outlaws, and some behind-the-scenes gossip you won't want to miss. It's a journey through film, fame, and fascinating historical tidbi...

Hey everybody, I'm back with my best friend Ashna, and we kick things off with a funny bit about how I've been confidently using the word "conversate" for years—only to find out it's not even a real word.  I just had an incredible week performing at Brad Garrett's Comedy Club at the MGM. It felt like old times, hanging out with comedians between sets, watching each other perform every night, and l...

Hey, Ashna here! Tom—fresh off the plane—is raving about Chiang Mai like it's the best thing since sliced bread. He's all about the peaceful culture, delicious food, and stunning beauty. He also shares a wild mix of Muay Thai boxing, snake charmer music, and the calmness of the Thai people, which he says is a world away from the aggression in Los Angeles. We also talk about the symbolism of turtle...

In this episode, Tom catches up with his friend Adam Palmeter, an artist and comedian living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They reminisce about their first meeting in Seoul, Korea, where Adam was part of a comedy collective that brought international comedians to perform. They reflect on their experiences in Korea, Vietnam, and the creative inspiration they found in these unique environments. Adam shar...

Cookie drops some real gems in this episode. We talk about how our differences are what make us unique and why that's crucial in a world trying to make everyone the same. Cookie also shares her sharp take on political strategy, comparing it to a chess game where every move counts. Plus, she dives into how the media exaggerates fear, and why it's important to keep a positive attitude no matter what...

Tom and Ashna discuss their love for the Olympics, drawing parallels between the dedication of athletes and artists. They reflect on recent Olympic highlights. Tom shares a personal story about a date that didn't go as planned, and the challenges of dating in Los Angeles. The episode also delves into books they are reading, including a history of pockets and Kara Swisher's critique of Silicon Vall...

Tom sits down with comedian Gabriel Rutledge for an insightful and humorous discussion about the life of a road comic, the challenges of balancing a family while pursuing comedy, and the unique experiences they've encountered along the way. Gabriel shares his thoughts on the sacrifices that come with following a dream, touching on the costs of both artistic pursuits and maintaining personal relati...

In this Smart Bestie episode, it's just me and my smart best friend Ashna Rodjan. Seriously, what a week—there was an attempted assassination on Donald Trump and we lost the comedy legend, Bob Newhart. I grew up listening to Bob Newhart's records. His long-form storytelling was pure genius. I still laugh thinking about his bit as the night watchman at the Empire State Building during King Kong's c...

In this Smart Talk episode, I sit down with the hilarious Shanti Charan. We dive into her comedy journey, starting out at The Punchline Comedy Club in San Francisco. We also chat about the unique vibes of Florida versus California audiences and how the world's chaos sneaks into our jokes. Shanti's got some wild stories from teaching in prisons. She talks about the challenges inmates face, the weir...

Welcome to Tom Rhodes Smart Camp! Hooray, it's the first day of summer, my favorite season! I'm in my apartment with a massive, seeded watermelon from Sprouts. What's with the obsession with seedless watermelons? I've been home for a few days between gigs in Minneapolis and San Jose. My suitcase is open, laundry is done, and I'm half a watermelon down. Remember when we thought swallowing watermelo...

Tom chats with comedian Ben Gonzalez, known for his sharp and insightful material. They dive into Ben's unique journey from being a paramedic to becoming a comedian, discussing how his background influences his comedy. Ben shares how becoming a father motivated him to pursue stand-up and how he balances his career with parenting. His new special, "Full Custody," draws from his personal experiences...

Tom sits down with comedian Ric Diez. Ric, originally from Spain but now living in Brussels, recently performed at the Netflix is a Joke festival at the Kia Forum in LA, a venue that has hosted legends like Elvis Presley and Led Zeppelin. Despite initial nerves, Ric managed to win over a tough crowd that had been booing many performers, although he didn't clinch the win against fellow comedian Han...

In this Smart Talk episode, Tom Rhodes sits down with Andy Andrist in Eugene, Oregon. They delve into Andy's journey, starting with his roots in Oregon and how it has become his hometown after 30 years. Andy shares his brief stint in Los Angeles working on "The Man Show," and his long-standing friendship with comedian Doug Stanhope. Andy recounts a humorous yet intense incident involving missing s...

In this Smart Talk episode, Tom Rhodes talks with Rudy Tyburczy, a notable figure because he was one of the founding members of the English comedy scene in Seoul, Korea. They reminisce about their shared experiences in Korea, emphasizing the close-knit comedy community and the unique challenges and joys of performing abroad. More Rudy: https://www.instagram.com/rudytyburczy   Hooray for humanity!...

Tom and Ashna delve into the complexities of therapy and personal growth. Tom shares his mixed experiences with therapists, recalling an unhelpful session with a therapist whose overly friendly dog proved distracting. He discusses his strategies for coping with traumatic experiences, emphasizing the importance of creating positive memories to overshadow negative ones. Ashna reveals her decision to...

This episode of Smart Books & Movies reflects Tom's musings on love and nostalgia. He begins by sharing his recent benefit performance in Washington, D.C., and a heartwarming anecdote about his aunt's banana bread. Visiting his father's grave at Arlington National Cemetery reconnects him with poignant memories. From there, Tom transitions to a book report on Richard Ben Cramer's Joe DiMaggio: The...

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 li...

  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 E...

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 inno...

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 impac...

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 speci...

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....

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 t...

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...