Episode Summary: B&T Extra – Comedian Jeff Bodart, Cruise Ship Gigs, & Tattoos

Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: The BOB & TOM Show | Cumulus Podcast Network
Episode: B&T Extra: Comedian Jeff Bodart, Cruise Ship Gigs, & Tattoos

1. Introduction of Jeff Bodart

The episode kicks off with hosts Bob and Tom welcoming special guest, comedian Jeff Bryan Bodart, a long-time contributor to The BOB & TOM Show. Jeff shares his journey from quitting his regular job to pursue comedy full-time, highlighting the risks and rewards of making such a significant career change.

Jeff Bodart [01:40]: “I quit my job to have a shot at this show. And it turned out well and all right.”

2. Jeff’s Career and Cruise Ship Gigs

Jeff delves into his current venture performing on cruise ships, particularly with Royal Caribbean. He discusses the unique environment of cruise ship entertainment, including the frequency of his performances—typically two to three shows a week—and the extended periods spent onboard, ranging from one to three weeks.

Jeff Bodart [03:32]: “Sometimes three weeks. Wow. And so there's a lot of downtime.”

3. Life on the Cruise: Schedule and Activities

During downtime, Jeff engages in various activities to keep himself entertained. He mentions drawing as a hobby, though he has given up gambling due to inconsistent wins.

Jeff Bodart [03:36]: “I was gambling, so I gave that up. Turns out you don’t win every time.”

4. People-Watching and Anecdotes

Jeff shares humorous observations from his time on cruise ships, particularly people-watching. He recounts interactions with fellow passengers, including amusing encounters at elevators and the pool area, where he humorously critiques passengers' attire choices.

Jeff Bodart [04:00]: “People should wear a quilt, a swimming quilt. Oh, my God. Yeah. A little shame is okay.”

5. Tattoos: Meaning and Stories

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Jeff’s tattoos. He showcases his upper arm tattoos, including multiple depictions of Elvis Presley and symbols from Harry Potter's Deathly Hallows. Jeff explains the personal significance behind each tattoo and the stories associated with them, providing listeners with an intimate look into his life and inspirations.

Jeff Bodart [07:06]: “I got another CB with the lightning. And then I got this right here. It’s from the Deathly Hallows.”

6. Interactions with Cruise Passengers

Jeff discusses the unique position of performing on a cruise ship, where he often shares meals with passengers. This setup sometimes forces him into impromptu conversations, allowing him to offer travel advice and engage directly with the audience beyond the stage.

Jeff Bodart [11:14]: “Sometimes you're forced to sit with them because if you go to the main dining, they set you at a community table.”

7. Humor and Host Banter

The episode is peppered with the trademark humor of Bob, Tom, and their crew. Topics range from the quirks of cruise life to light-hearted jokes about pubic hair, adding a layer of comedic relief and camaraderie among the hosts and guest.

Bob [16:50]: “I think my eyebrows are the same color as my pubic hair.”

8. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, hosts and Jeff reflect on the joys and challenges of performing on cruise ships, the importance of maintaining a sense of humor, and the personal satisfaction Jeff derives from his tattoos and interactions with diverse audiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom [02:00]: “Are you a single man? Is that correct?”

• Jeff Bodart [05:18]: “I make my own for me.” (Referring to his tattoo)

• Bob [16:54]: “If it happens, I will tell you.”

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Jeff Bodart's life as a comedian, his experiences entertaining on cruise ships, and the personal stories behind his tattoos. Through engaging conversations and humorous anecdotes, listeners gain insight into the world of cruise ship entertainment and the vibrant personality of Jeff Bodart.