Not since Gutenberg's printing press has one human being's inventions improved the quality of life for people as much as Apple co-founder and principle creator Steve Wozniak. 

 

Fortunately for me the Woz loves jokes, humor and comedy in general so after sending him several heart felt e-mails requesting to chat with him he agreed, so last week while I was performing in San Francisco I drove down to Cupertino to record this conversation while him. This conversation was recorded at the Mandarin Oriental restaurant where Steve asked me to meet him. There is pleasant violin based classic music playing in the background because the owner politely delinked my request to turn off the music. 

 

Steve Wozniak is not only a creative genius who has improved human life more than any other human being in the last 300 years, he also loves and cherishes humor and the story tellers who create the jokes. 

 

He is exciting to talk to because he thinks so fast and can convey complicated information in a very simple way to be understood universally.

His genius is not exclusively bound to his inventions that will lead the world to higher plains of consciousness and communications but it is the basic fact that he is a good person who genuinely cares about helping dreamer people like me wherever he can. It is my pleasure to present to you now the one and only Steve Wozniak!

 

Intro song: Cutting Room (Hot Pants) – Oceanliners

Movie clip from YouTube: Her TRAILER 1 (2013) - Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson Movie HD

Movie clip from YouTube: Klaatu's warning

Recorded in Cupertino, CA. January 2014. 

 

[Original broadcast date: Jan 28 2015] 

 

This is the output of OpenAI ChatGTP prompting to summarize the transcription: 

This conversation with Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, touches on humor, technology, and personal philosophies. Key highlights:

Humor and Pranks

• Wozniak loves jokes and pranks, sharing stories about altering iPads, high school stunts, and making counterfeit $2 bills. Humor keeps him optimistic and happy.

Thoughts on Technology

• AI Concerns: Wozniak shares concerns about AI surpassing human control, aligning with fears from Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking. He believes humanity’s dependence on machines began with the Industrial Revolution.
• Privacy Advocacy: As a founder of the EFF, he champions internet freedom and user privacy, criticizing surveillance and censorship.
• Creativity Tools: Wozniak celebrates how Apple products empower creativity, describing computers as a "bicycle for the mind."

Personal Insights

• Happiness: Optimism, humor, and calmness define his outlook. He avoids stress and focuses on enjoying life.
• Philosophy: Maintain youthful ideals, accept differences, and foster positive relationships.

Closing Wisdom

• Stay curious, embrace creativity, and be kind to others. Humor and innovation are central to living a fulfilling life.

Wozniak’s blend of playfulness, intellect, and optimism offers both insight and inspiration.

 

 

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About Smart Camp podcast

Tom Rhodes Smart Camp is a festival of ideas, knowledge, stories, books & adventures.

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• Smart Ramble (Tom talks)
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Hey Rhodesies! Tom sits down with Brandi Denise. They explore the highs and lows of online and real-life dating, the challenge of balancing ambition with meaningful connections, and the joy of being surrounded by people who truly celebrate you. Tune in for a conversation that hits close to home and inspires you to follow your own path.

Recording Note: Apologies, dear listeners—Tom had some technical issues with the external mics, so this talk was recorded on the ol' little iPhone. 

 

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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) 

Hi Rhodesies! Sara Rhodes is back! Tom and his mom chat in his L.A. apartment after her trip back to Florida is delayed by Hurricane Milton. 

They laugh about mom accidentally wearing Tom's Hells Angels t-shirt in LA and discuss how much they love the hidden charm of L.A.'s side streets, despite her overall dislike for the city. 

Tom shares his recent read, Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close, which sparks a funny yet thoughtful discussion about how women’s fashion still lacks pockets. The episode wraps up with their thoughts on binge-watching Emily in Paris and some hit-or-miss restaurant adventures in L.A.

 

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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) 

Poet John Cooper Clarke is back! We talk about everything from ancient Rome and the birth of paparazzi culture to wild celebrity stories and the golden age of Hollywood. We dive into epic sword-and-sandal films, the origins of iconic stars, punk music, gangster and outlaws, and some behind-the-scenes gossip you won’t want to miss. It’s a journey through film, fame, and fascinating historical tidbits, all with a dash of humor.

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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) 

Hey everybody, I’m back with my best friend Ashna, and we kick things off with a funny bit about how I’ve been confidently using the word "conversate" for years—only to find out it’s not even a real word. 

I just had an incredible week performing at Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM. It felt like old times, hanging out with comedians between sets, watching each other perform every night, and laughing our heads off during the day. There’s something about those moments offstage that makes the comedy world feel like a family again.

We also get into one of my favorite topics: thrift store treasures. We reminisce about some killer finds over the years, and Ashna expresses her appreciation for my trusty blender that’s still going strong after 30 years. We talk about how much cooler it feels to own something with history.

It’s a fun, laid-back episode where we cover everything from comedy and quality vintage gear to the small pleasures in life.

 

----   Please share your thrift store treasures on our Patreon page! ----

 

So kick back, relax, and join us for some laughs and good conversation. Enjoy the show!

 

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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) 

Hey, Ashna here! Tom—fresh off the plane—is raving about Chiang Mai like it’s the best thing since sliced bread. He’s all about the peaceful culture, delicious food, and stunning beauty. He also shares a wild mix of Muay Thai boxing, snake charmer music, and the calmness of the Thai people, which he says is a world away from the aggression in Los Angeles. We also talk about the symbolism of turtles in myths and how they connect to life’s mysteries. And, of course, we finish with a reality check on social media and how it affects real joy. Grab your headphones and join us for an hour of laughs, insights, and Thai-inspired chaos!

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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 episode, Tom catches up with his friend Adam Palmeter, an artist and comedian living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They reminisce about their first meeting in Seoul, Korea, where Adam was part of a comedy collective that brought international comedians to perform. They reflect on their experiences in Korea, Vietnam, and the creative inspiration they found in these unique environments. Adam shares his journey from being a teacher in New York to becoming a muralist in Thailand, discussing how the peaceful pace and culture of Chiang Mai have allowed him to focus on his art. Tom and Adam explore the contrasts between life in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, especially the lack of aggression and the deep sense of respect embedded in Thai culture. The conversation is filled with insights about creativity, living abroad, and the joy of sharing art with the world.Hooray for humanity!

More Adam: https://www.instagram.com/adampalmeter/

We're dropping new episodes every Thursday-ish.

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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) 

Cookie drops some real gems in this episode. We talk about how our differences are what make us unique and why that's crucial in a world trying to make everyone the same. Cookie also shares her sharp take on political strategy, comparing it to a chess game where every move counts. Plus, she dives into how the media exaggerates fear, and why it’s important to keep a positive attitude no matter what life throws at you. It’s a conversation filled with insights that will stick with you long after you listen. Tune in for a dose of Cookie’s no-nonsense outlook on life!

 

More Cookie: https://www.tiktok.com/@cookiehull

 

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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 and Ashna discuss their love for the Olympics, drawing parallels between the dedication of athletes and artists. They reflect on recent Olympic highlights. Tom shares a personal story about a date that didn't go as planned, and the challenges of dating in Los Angeles. The episode also delves into books they are reading, including a history of pockets and Kara Swisher's critique of Silicon Valley. They touch on the influence of technology on society and the importance of finding purpose. The episode closes encouraging Patreon supporters to contribute audio messages for future episodes.

 

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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 sits down with comedian Gabriel Rutledge for an insightful and humorous discussion about the life of a road comic, the challenges of balancing a family while pursuing comedy, and the unique experiences they've encountered along the way. Gabriel shares his thoughts on the sacrifices that come with following a dream, touching on the costs of both artistic pursuits and maintaining personal relationships. The conversation dives into the ups and downs of their careers, from performing in unconventional venues like a private sex club to navigating the ever-evolving world of social media and content creation.

Gabriel also opens up about his long marriage, reflecting on how they overcame rough patches to reach a new level of happiness and connection. Both comedians discuss the importance of gratitude, the joy of having a career in comedy, and the relentless pursuit of improving their craft. Throughout the episode, they exchange advice, share laughter, and provide a candid look at the realities of life as a stand-up comedian.

This episode offers a blend of comedy, wisdom, and the occasional offbeat story, giving listeners an authentic glimpse into the world of two seasoned comedians.

More Gabriel: https://www.instagram.com/gaberutledge/

Hooray for humanity!

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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 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!

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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)