Comedy Cellar at the Rio through February 8

The Laugh Factory at the Horseshoe, March 2-8

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with internationally acclaimed comedian Tom Rhodes, now performing at the Comedy Cellar at the Rio through February 8 (and The Laugh Factory at the Horseshoe, March 2-8).

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Tom traces his comedy origin story back to age 11, when his father took him to see his uncle perform stand-up—an experience that lit a spark that never went out. From that moment on, Tom knew he wanted to do comedy because, as he puts it, “you are talking to the world.”

In this wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, Tom shares the pivotal advice he received from Jay Leno at age 17, why he took his comedy overseas in the late ’90s—starting in London—long before most American comics were thinking globally, and how performing around the world shaped both his voice and his worldview.

Tom also offers candid advice for younger comedians (“tell them the joke, show them the joke”), explains why he steers away from overt politics in his act, and why his ultimate goal onstage is simple: to make people happy. He talks about his podcast, “Smart Camp,” the joy of staying creatively curious, and why he’s never confined himself to just one comedy style.

It’s a smart, funny, and inspiring conversation with a comic who’s still chasing the joy of creation—and sharing it with the world.

<b>(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)</b>

Tom Rhodes is an international, world-traveling comedy sensation currently celebrating his fourth decade in stand-up. An adventurer forging his own path, Tom’s career includes numerous specials, several albums, a sitcom (“Mr. Rhodes,”), a late-night talk show (“Kevin Masters”), travel writing, and his critically acclaimed podcast, “Tom Rhodes Smart Camp.”