Tom Rhodes Smart Camp

364 Breakfast with the Stoics

Ashna Rodjan returns to the podcast for an in depth conversation about Stoicism and to give you the tools to live your best possible life. In this episode we talk about the book Breakfast with Seneca by David Fideler. Are you going to keep making the dumb mistakes over and over or would you like to gain the insight and wisdom of the ancient philosophers? I urge you to dive into this episode with the spirit of joy and friendship. Your life will be better for having done so. Thank me later, and thank Ashna right now for being one of the best friends I've ever had and an all around smarty pants when it comes to Stoicism. "WE spent the pandemic becoming Stoics." Hooray for humanity! Hooray for Stoicism! And joy be upon you! Like right now! Hooray! Patreon.com/tomrhodessmartcamp @_tomrhodes @ashnarodjan

363 Chris Spencer

Chris Spencer is one of the most respected comedy writers in Hollywood. We became friends 7 years ago when I moved to L.A. from the many times we have worked together at the Comedy Store. Chris was kind enough to come to the Rhodes library where we recorded this conversation about why racism isn't always a bad thing, sneaker culture, his friendships with Snoop Dog, Kevin Hart, Will Smith, Dave Chappelle and how comedians are under attack these days. We also talk about how I am a French lesbian when it comes to relationships and how focusing on hot yoga, my jokes and being my best self is my plan to win back the heart of the woman I love. For my L.A. History documentary project we talk about Tupac Shakur's legacy and songs about supreme male confidence. Finally we discuss white nationalist domestic terrorism and how the Republican embrace of the idea that the 2020 presidential election was stolen is just a cover to mask the fact that what they are really saying is that only white votes matter and only white votes should be counted. Chris is a man who I love and respect as a comedian and I'm happy that he can delight you here and now with his wisdom, insight and stories and that is why it is my pleasure to present to you the one and only Chris Spencer!

362 Willie Barcena

"A lot of comedians can't write because in order to write you have to spend time by yourself and these types of comedians are afraid of what the silence with tell them about themselves." Willie Barcena is one of the realest mother truckers I have ever seen on stage. I respect him because he has a philosophy and outlook on life that he brings to every joke or story idea he brings to the stage and that is my favorite kind of comedy. He believes in the power of the pen and that to survive as a comedian you must always be writing which involves being alone and focusing your thoughts. "A man who can be alone with himself is a dangerous man. Willie has survived every imaginable hardship from childhood poverty to family betrayal during the pandemic and these circumstances have only added to his arsenal of funny things to talk about. In this episode we talk about Mexican heroes, the Low Rider culture of Los Angeles and many other dazzling knowledge nuggets to delight your brain. He is a man full of valuable wisdom and powerful punchlines and that is why it is my pleasure to present to you now the one and only Willie Barcena! Hooray for humanity!

361 Ron G

Ron G has the best kind of powerful goodness & this is what you need in your brain right now. Stop fighting life & let the light in. Hooray for humanity! Ron G is not only one of the funniest comedians working today, he has one of my favorite instagram accounts that always cracks me up and brightens my day. Ron is an expert on relationship advice and he showed up at the perfect time to help counsel me on the Toronto Muslim feminist that I am in love with but may have lost. Ron told me, "All you can do is show her how committed you are and what you are willing to do." His other excellent advice is "If you want to have the best sex of your life commit to one person." Ron G is not only a great comedian he is a great human being. He showed up at my place on a day that I was feeling really low and we spoke for 90 minutes on my balcony before we even recorded for my podcast. He was just the right friend I needed to talk to today and he lifted me up when I was feeling low. A spiritually centered, humble and funny man is what the world needs right now and Ron G is the first guest I ever had on my program that I prayed with after we recorded. It was just the prayer I needed at that time with exactly the right friend. If you don't know Ron G already then today is your lucky day. Put on your happy pants and enjoy this conversation I had with the one and only Ron G! Hooray for humanity!

360 Piff the Magic Dragon

"Get that money, get that money, get that money." - Piff the Magic Dragon In 2014 when I did the Edinburgh festival in Scotland I remember that Piff the Magic Dragon was one of the most popular acts there that year. In 2015 he and his sidekick Mr. Piffles crushed it on America's Got Talent and ever since then he has been headlining the main main at the Flamingo hotel and casino. I was tickled to have this loose and fun conversation with him and I urge you to see his show if you are going to Las Vegas. Vegas is the top of the mountain for magicians and even though this dragon is notoriously grumpy he was kind enough to show me the view from this pinnacle. Hooray for humanity and hooray for Piff the Magic Dragon!