A multi-talented writer, performer, comic, singer, cabaret artist, and director whose work spans from London to LA. Whether she’s crafting jokes for the biggest names in entertainment – think Stephen Colbert, Steve Martin, Liza Minnelli, Hugh Jackman, and Yoko Ono – or dazzling audiences with her musical comedy, Shelly’s career is a masterclass in making humour work across every medium.
Shelly’s journey from Chicago’s Second City to Hollywood’s elite is as hilarious as it is inspiring. Raised in a home where humour was the heartbeat of family life, she developed a razor-sharp wit that became her superpower. From childhood performances to writing for the Royal Family of Monaco, her ability to capture a performer’s voice and deliver lines that land with pinpoint precision has made her one of the entertainment industry’s best-kept secrets.
But Shelly is more than just a joke machine – she’s a storyteller, a satirist, and a subversive truth-teller. In our conversation, she shares how humour can disarm tension, strengthen relationships, and even help navigate life’s toughest moments. She tells stories of funeral mishaps that turned into moments of unexpected hilarity, proving that sometimes, laughter is the best – and only – way to cope with life’s absurdities.
And if you’ve ever wondered why humour is so powerful, Shelly has the answer. From a scientific perspective, laughter floods the brain with endorphins and serotonin, creating the same feel-good chemical response as exercise – or even, as she delightfully puts it, an orgasm. It’s no wonder we’re drawn to people who make us laugh; humour is hardwired into us as a fundamental tool for connection, resilience, and survival.
Beyond the science, Shelly gives us a peek into the world of writing comedy for the greats. How do you make Steve Martin, Robin Williams, or Billy Connolly funnier? According to Shelly, you don’t. You simply understand their unique rhythm, their perspective, and their personality, and craft material that fits them like a glove. Comedy isn’t about forcing jokes – it’s about finding the right voice, the right moment, and the right truth.
And what about people who think they’re not funny? Shelly disagrees. She believes everyone has their own brand of humour—they just need to find it. Whether it’s dry wit, self-deprecating charm, slapstick, or observational comedy, there’s a funny bone in all of us. And in business, that humour can be the key to building trust, breaking down barriers, and making a lasting impact.
We also explore the power of comedy in politics, leadership, and social change. Why do authoritarian regimes fear comedians? Because laughter is the great equaliser. The jester, as Shelly reminds us, has always been the only person who could tell the king the truth without losing their head. In a world that often feels divided, humour has the ability to bridge gaps, dissolve tension, and bring people together in a way few other things can.
So whether you’re a business leader, an aspiring comedian, or someone who just loves a good laugh, this episode is packed with wisdom, wit, and practical tips on how to bring more humour into your life.
Join us as Shelly takes us behind the scenes of comedy’s biggest stages, unpacks the secret formula to making people laugh, and reveals why humour might just be the greatest superpower of all.
If, like us you were wondering what Shelly is up to right now, She is one of four writers on the upcoming series, Sherlock & Daughter, starring David Thewlis. She is also appearing in the new musical The Road to America and performing all over the US—next stop, Georgia!
See you next Tuesday.
Warmest,
Paul x
