The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter

Laughing Through Life: Shelley Kim's Comedy Journey


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Tune in and be inspired by 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by the engaging Rob Lee. Together with our guest today Shelley Kim, a Washington, D.C.-based comedian, producer, and content creator, has risen as a prominent figure in the local comedy scene. With her sharp wit and distinctive outlook, she navigates stand-up stages and online platforms, offering insight as a clever yet relatable minority woman in the 21st century. Shelley's creative ventures extend to satirical social media projects, including humorous spins on political figures like Mike Pence and Steve Bannon, as well as innovative endeavors like Coach Taylor's Yelp Reviews. Her work, both onstage and online, exudes a playful and disarming charm while tackling a range of topics. As a rising star in D.C.'s comedic landscape, Shelley's performances and content capture audiences with their unique perspective and undeniable appeal. Connect with her on Instagram at @machinegunshelley_ to join the laughter.


In this episode, we explore:

  • Explore Shelley's wellspring of inspiration, uncovering how her personal experiences, particularly in mental health and discrimination, fuel the creative fire behind her comedic content.
  • Delve into Shelley's unique comedic philosophy, discussing her skill in finding humor in darker subjects while maintaining a respectful stance by steering clear of punching down in her comedy.
  • Dive into the art of versatility in comedy performance, as Shelley sheds light on the significance of adapting her material to various audiences and environments, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of this dynamic approach.


Shelley discusses her journey into comedy, her unique perspective as an Asian American female, and her approach to creating content. Shelley shares how she draws inspiration from personal experiences, particularly in the areas of mental health and discrimination. She also talks about the importance of not punching down in comedy and finding humor in dark topics. The conversation touches on the challenges of performing in different environments and the need to adapt to different audiences. Shelley also shares some embarrassing moments on stage and how she handles shows that aren't going well.


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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The Truth In This Art: Stories That MatterBy Rob Lee

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