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)