John Hodgman is known for playing a lot of different roles in public life. He’s been a regular correspondent on "The Daily Show," a memorable character on Parks and Recreation and an advice columnist in The New York Times magazine.

Hodgman reveals a different side — his real side — in a new book, "Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches."

He’ll be in the Valley tonight at the Mesa Arts Center in conversation with "A Game of Thrones" author George R.R. Martin. Hodgman is with me.