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 climb.

We dive into the Trump situation too. It's wild to think about how this might shake up American politics and the upcoming election. Ashna, with her background in cognitive psychology, brings up some fascinating points about how appearance plays such a big role in politics. It's funny how Americans and Europeans have such different approaches when it comes to picking leaders.

I share a pretty intense story from my recent road trip where I picked up a homeless woman off the side of the road. Not something I'd normally do, but she looked like she needed help. Ashna talks about her own adventure, or misadventure, as a new driver navigating the streets of LA.

We wrap things up by reflecting on how important it is to be kind and understanding, especially in these divided times. We talk about how even small acts of democracy in our daily lives can make a big difference.

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)
• Smart Talk (Tom has a guest)
• Smart Bestie (Tom and Ashna Rodjan)
• Smart Books and Movies (Review on Books and Movies)

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 weird dynamics of masculinity and race behind bars, and those tiny bits of freedom we often take for granted. Plus, we geek out over our favorite prison movies, swap stories about food, and laugh about handling the toughest crowds.

We also find time to discuss Shanti's love for tacos, her take on The Dark Knight, and her thoughts on heteronormativity. We wrap things up with some deep thoughts on personal growth, the power of gratitude, and the quirks of social media.

Tune in for laughs, insights, and a whole lot of fun!

More Shanti: https://www.instagram.com/shanticharancomedy/

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)
• Smart Talk (Tom has a guest)
• Smart Bestie (Tom and Ashna Rodjan)
• Smart Books and Movies (Review on Books and 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.

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 watermelon seeds would make one grow in your stomach? Bring it on!

After two rough summers, I'm feeling great and ready for joy. Did you know frisbees started as pie plates in the 1870s, and popsicles were invented by an 11-year-old in 1905?

I just spent quality time with my mom in Florida. She's 85, sharp, and has an amazing front porch. She beat me at Scrabble twice and uses hilarious expressions like "up the ding wat?" and "out the wazoo."

One of my oldest friends, Kodak, now called Dak after Kodak sued him, took us out on his boat. We explored swamp canals straight out of The Princess and the Frog.

I hit Atlanta's Punchline and Sarasota's McCurdy's, taking my mom along. She got to see the full scope of being a comedian. Then, I had a blast in Minneapolis with friends, including a Prince-themed Twins game.

I'm excited about my upcoming trip to Oregon, hitting Eugene, Portland, and Pendleton for a rodeo and a Charlie Crockett concert.

Remember to love yourself, practice positive self-talk, and be grateful. Here's to peak summer joy and hooray for humanity!

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)
• Smart Talk (Tom has a guest)
• Smart Bestie (Tom and Ashna Rodjan)
• Smart Books and Movies (Review on Books and 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.

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, especially gaining full custody of his children, and turning those challenges into humor.

The discussion also explores the intense realities Ben faced as a paramedic, witnessing life-and-death situations, and how these experiences shape his perspective on life and comedy.

More Ben: https://www.instagram.com/ben9humor/

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)
• Smart Talk (Tom has a guest)
• Smart Bestie (Tom and Ashna Rodjan)
• Smart Books and Movies (Review on Books and 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.

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 Hans Kim.

Ric shares his journey into comedy, which started relatively late at 42 while living in Asia. He talks about his experience performing in different countries, noting how different cultures react to his material, especially his dark humor. Ric discusses his background in Brussels and his connections to Los Angeles, where his father worked as a prop master in the film industry.

The conversation delves into the challenges of making a living as a comedian, the importance of writing strong material, and the struggle to maintain creative joy amidst personal and professional obstacles. The episode concludes with a discussion on the contrasts between living in different parts of the world and the universal human experiences that bind us all.

Hooray for humanity!

We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish.

More Ric: https://www.instagram.com/sadmanric/

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 and Ashna Rodjan)
• Smart Books and Movies (Review on Books and 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 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 shoes during a party in Death Valley, which led to years of a running joke between him and Tom. The episode is filled with candid stories, from Andy's outrageous road experiences to the influence of figures like Ken Kesey and John Belushi on Eugene's cultural landscape.

Andy also opens up about his battle with cancer, the challenges of chemotherapy, and how his daughter provided support through the toughest times. They discuss the impact of this experience on his comedy and life perspective, highlighting the importance of cherishing moments and finding joy in the present. Two seasoned comedians navigating life's ups and downs with humor and grace.

More Andy: https://www.instagram.com/andyandrist/

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 and Ashna Rodjan)
• Smart Books and Movies (Review on Books and 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 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!

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 and best friend Ashna Rodjan)
• Smart Books and Movies (Review on Books and Movies)

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 stop therapy after realizing she has the power to make her own choices without external guidance. This insight helped her recognize her own strength and the unnecessary pressure to be perfect. She also reflects on attending a Bible study as a non-believer, discovering the wisdom and poetry it offers.

They draw upon the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh, particularly Tigger's resilience, to illustrate maintaining a positive outlook and bouncing back from challenges.

The conversation shifts to societal expectations and how they navigate their personal and professional lives. They highlight the importance of positive language and mindset, showing how changing the way they talk about their struggles can impact their overall well-being.

Join Tom and Ashna for a candid discussion about therapy, personal growth, and self-determination. Whether you're a fan of comedy, interested in mental health, or looking for genuine conversations, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating life's challenges.

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.

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 Hero's Life. He provides fascinating details about DiMaggio's baseball career, family background, and personality, focusing on how he was often perceived as a distant and private figure. Despite his detachment from teammates and the public, Joe upheld a high standard as a Yankee, often emphasizing the importance of perfection both on and off the field.

The most captivating part of the episode involves Joe DiMaggio's relationship with Marilyn Monroe. Tom discusses how their love story began, starting with their first date and evolving into marriage. Despite Monroe being late for their initial meeting and her reluctance toward dating athletes, they quickly became an iconic couple. However, their relationship was fraught with challenges due to Joe's controlling nature and Marilyn's career ambitions. He details how Joe struggled to accept Marilyn's stardom, culminating in a violent argument after she filmed the famous subway grate scene in The Seven Year Itch. This incident led Marilyn to divorce Joe just a few weeks later.

Tom continues by highlighting Joe's unwavering loyalty even after their divorce, describing how Joe intervened when Marilyn was involuntarily placed in a psychiatric ward, ensuring she received proper care. Marilyn later reconnected with Joe, and the two planned to remarry. Tragically, Marilyn died before this could happen. Tom narrates Joe's heartbreaking grief at her funeral and his commitment to placing roses at her grave twice a week until he passed away.

Tom concludes by reflecting on Joe DiMaggio's lasting love for Marilyn Monroe, emphasizing how his devotion transcended the tumultuous aspects of their relationship and the external pressures of stardom. He leaves listeners with the powerful lesson that love can endure despite hardships, providing hope and strength even in the most challenging times.

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.

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 life and materialism provide a raw, enlightening perspective for listeners.

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.