Tom Rhodes Smart Camp Tom Rhodes

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 innovation conferences in Romania, and his personal stories of liberation and exploration.
Jeff and Tom delve into serious topics such as depression, mental health, and the journey toward self-improvement, making this episode a compelling mix of humor, honesty, and philosophical musings. This raw and unfiltered dialogue provides listeners with an insightful look into the challenges and absurdities of modern life, as seen through the eyes of two experienced and thoughtful comedians navigating their pasts and futures.
 
More Jeff https://www.instagram.com/jeffleach/
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 Smart Camp podcast
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, books & adventures.
Join us for Smart Ramble (Tom talks freely), Smart Talk (Tom has a guest), Smart Bestie (Tom & best friend Ashna Rodjan), Smart Books & Movies (Review on Books & Movies).
 
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. 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,is my best friend and 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 the arts, Ashna shares her unique European perspective.

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 impact it has had on him throughout his life. Despite facing challenges, including coming out of a period of depression, Tom finds renewed purpose in his podcast and shares insights into Franklin's struggles and triumphs. He discusses the powerful influence of Franklin's music, touching on her overcoming hardships and drawing strength from her songs.
The conversation shifts to a biography of Franklin, which Tom finds compelling until it delves into her life post-1980s, where his interest wanes. However, the early years of Franklin's career, her groundbreaking albums, and her undeniable talent in transforming the song "Respect" captivate Tom and his mother. They explore Franklin's relationship with her family, her contributions to the civil rights movement, and her encounters with prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Oprah Winfrey.
Tom and his mother also discuss another cultural icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger, through a documentary on Netflix. They admire Schwarzenegger's determination, his journey from Austria to becoming a bodybuilding champion, and his successful transition into acting and politics. The documentary highlights Schwarzenegger's ability to overcome adversity, his impact on environmental policy as the Governor of California, and his personal growth, including acknowledging a child from an extramarital affair.
This episode serves as a rich tapestry of stories about resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of greatness against all odds. Tom and Sara's discussions reflect a deep appreciation for the arts, the complexities of human experiences, and the lessons that can be learned from the lives of those who have left a lasting mark on the world.
 
Listen to the audio version!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Qyybimu7PbTNWy9Hh4Xjk
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tom-rhodes-smart-camp/id426881872
 
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 Smart Camp podcast
Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, books & adventures.
Join us for Smart Ramble (Tom talks freely), Smart Talk (Tom has a guest), Smart Bestie (Tom & best friend Ashna Rodjan), Smart Books & Movies (Review on Books & Movies).
 
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. 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,is my best friend and 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 the arts, Ashna shares her unique European perspective.

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 special. On what was supposed to be her wedding day, she recorded and self-produced her first comedy special, "I Was Supposed To Get Married Today...," at the venue she had booked for the event in Madison, Wisconsin, close to where she was raised. Performing a single take of the special in front of a live audience comprised of her family, friends, and would-be wedding guests, she sold out the room and turned the night into a comprehensive "wedding" experience for everyone present.
As the founder of My Break-Up Registry, which she softly launched in 2021 following her canceled wedding comedy special, Natasha shares the highs and lows of starting businesses, pursuing comedy, and the significance of setting and achieving goals. With laughter and honest narratives, she demonstrates how she converts obstacles into opportunities, highlighting the therapeutic nature of comedy and the critical role of resilience.
More Natasha:
https://www.instagram.com/nphcomedy/
https://linktr.ee/NPHcomedy
 
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
 
Listen to the audio version!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Qyybimu7PbTNWy9Hh4Xjk
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tom-rhodes-smart-camp/id426881872
 
Watch the video!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/kingofhaha  
 
** 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.

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. Tom's stories range from humorous misunderstandings and cultural explorations to deep reflections on love, healing, and human connection. Encounters with locals, from a golf pro named Vigo to a potentially dangerous man, highlight the complexities of human interaction and the importance of respect and understanding.
Through his experiences, Tom illustrates the transformative power of travel, the beauty of connecting across languages, and the continuous quest for personal growth and empathy. 
 
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
 
Watch the video!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/kingofhaha  
 
** 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.

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 tales from the road, the highs and lows of life as touring comedians, and the bizarre yet fascinating encounters with celebrities, from soccer legends to rock stars, on luxury cruise ships.
 
We also discuss the representation of Asians in Hollywood and the transformative power of acknowledging one's heritage through humor, the dynamics of social media, the mystery of TikTok's algorithm, and the beauty of finding comedy in everyday life.
 
More Paul:
https://www.paulogata.com
https://www.instagram.com/paulogata/
 
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.

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.