Celebrating America with Yakov Smirnoff (Ep. 46)

There is more to life than taxes, money, investing, and everything we usually talk about on this show. In fact, there’s a lot more: life itself, love, romance, friendship, family, dreams and celebration.

In honor of the upcoming 246th birthday of the United States of America on July 4th, J. Barry Watts invites legendary comedian Yakov Smirnoff onto the show to discuss the path that led him from Russia to America and his unique perspective on all that is wonderful about America! 

Yakov discusses:

  • His family’s journey from Russia to America
  • How he first found out he was funny and what got him started in the comedy industry
  • Some comedic moments throughout his life and the reaction they received
  • Working with Robin Williams to enhance his Russian accent
  • Writing Russian Jokes for President Reagan
  • And more

Connect With Yakov Smirnoff:

Connect With Barry Watts:

About Our Guest:

Yakov Naumovich Pokhis, better known as Yakov Smirnoff, is a Ukrainian-American comedian, actor and writer. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in Ukraine, then immigrated to the United States in 1977 to pursue an American show business career, not yet knowing any English.

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