Bend Don’t Break: Shanan Kelley, Writer, Emcee, Auctioneer, and Comedian

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Shanan Kelley, writer, emcee, auctioneer, and comedian whose heart‑centered humor has made her a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s nonprofit and creative communities. Shanan shares how she built a unique career blending storytelling, performance, and purpose—from launching The Nightlight Show in Bend’s early creative days to becoming a sought‑after host for fundraising events across the region.

Together, Aaron and Shanan explore the evolving world of nonprofit events, the craft of connecting with live audiences, and the responsibility that comes with using humor to bring people together. They also reflect on creativity, community, and what it takes to keep showing up for the work you care about. It’s a candid and uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention, and making a life that feels both meaningful and uniquely your own.

Transcript

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Welcome to the Ben Don't Break Podcast. We are powered by the Source, Ben's locally owned media company and weekly newspaper. This podcast is our eddy in the rushing waters of local journalism. We are glad that you've taken some of your time to listen to us chat with the people who shape our local community. Support us through our member program at BenStorts.com. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Remax Key Properties, a family-owned full-service real estate brokerage specializing in residential, luxury, commercial, new construction, and ranch and land properties. Their new state-of-the-art facility at 42 Greenwood Avenue is a modern collaborative space and the new home of the Ben Don't Break Podcast Recording Studio. I'm Aaron Sweitzer, publisher of The Source and co-producer of this podcast with Megan Burton, who is off screen and sometimes off mic, hopefully on mic if we can. Shannon will have to get pull her in. Yeah. That's always my goal. That's a great idea. Shannon Kelly is with us today. Very excited. I can say Megan and I are both excited about coming in here today. She's a professional writer, MC, auctioneer, and comedian. She is the creator of the Nightlight Show with Shannon Kelly and the director of development for the Casey Ansith Legacy Foundation, which distributes artist grants to creators in Central Oregon. Shannon is known for her heart-centered and humorous approach to her work and life. She lives in Bend with her two long-eared, short-legged dogs, who I understand got groomed today. They got groomed today. Yeah, they're so fresh. It's a big day for us. Yeah, they're fresh. They're extra sassy. Yeah. Yeah. They feel it. Can you tell the dog the dog feels it? Oh, yeah. They're like that. Got the zoomies. You know, I don't know if they like to be groomed, but they tolerate it and they like their groomer. And I think that helps. And then after they like it. And then after everyone's so fresh. My dog gets groomed. He just goes, he he doesn't like the whole process. Yeah. But when he's done, he loves the fact that you spent that kind of time with him. Yeah. And then he just gets the zoomies and goes nuts. They get the zoomies. Gloves on his back. Isn't that so funny? Because I have never like taken a shower and washed my hair and like gotten the zoomies. I'm like, it's bedtime. Let's de zoom shower person. You know, it might have to be a morning shower. I guess if you only take a shower once every four weeks, you might get the zoomies after. That actually makes more sense if you think about it that way. Yeah, I wouldn't try that. No, I don't I would recommend it. I I they are a big part of my life though. So yeah. Yeah. It's really nice when they're fresh and clean. Like I don't want to be like, oh, I love my dogs more when they smell better, but like I You do. You love your dogs a little more when they smell better. Yeah. Yeah, I know. I the nuzzle's different. The nuzzle. It is. It is. And like I have the my one dog, she gets all kind of stuff going on with her fur and her face. She's like, it's these like really prominent eyebrows. She looks like kind of angry right before grooming. And now she looks happy again. So I'm like, okay, I'm not getting the side eye anymore. We're back to we're friends. Yeah. She's like, she approves of me again. Uh well, I thought, you know, I I wanted to have you on because uh I was going to a couple fundraisers and you were you were doing every fundraiser I was going to, and I was like, this is awesome. Oh it's not gonna be a boring night tonight. So and Megan and I were at the um COCC meal of the year. Yeah. And uh great show. You just did such a good job. It's an amazing event. I've done that one for a long time, kind of off and on. And I love working with Molly Mae. She's incredible. And obviously, the team at COCC is just like bar none, bar none. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. It's a good combo. It's a good combo. Yeah, thank you. And we and we really truly enjoy each other and we love working together. And any chance I get to work with her, I'm like really happy about that. We've just, you know, love to support each other and it really works well. But um, it's always funny because with COCC, they're like, okay, we want you to like really be funny this year. And I and I'm like, okay, great. Like not like live show. Yeah, totally. They're like, you were the funniest this year. But I'm like, yes, I'm just I'm totally into it. And like, what do you think about this? And what do you think about this? And um, but it's also like I'm walking a fine line because it is still a fundraiser. It's not a comedy show, it is a very specific audience, it is a really traditional event. It's been going for 47 years. So there's a lot that they want to push and expand and evolve, and then there's also a lot to maintain. Yeah. And so it's actually like one of the more challenging gigs, in a sense, in that sense, because I'm like, I know, I mean, even just the expectation I have for myself of that event is really high because I also really believe in the work. And I think everyone in Central Oregon or wherever wants to go to CS EC should absolutely have that opportunity. So, like the stakes are high. But yeah, I was really happy because I know um, you know, in the live auction lineup, there was an item where, um, let me see if I can get this right. So it was like an amphitheater, you could take 14 friends to a concert, and the concert list was like, you know, Brandy Carlisle and like all the whole list of people. And then Toto was one of the choices. And then the next live auction item was a trip to Africa, and I was like, this is a gift from my guides, like this is an opportunity for me to go a place that I've never gone before, and it was really fun. Yeah, it is funny, yeah. Yeah, I think I might have startled some people with my loud singing. No, you did. I was startled. Yeah, but but it was also probably the funniest part of the night. So yeah, it was great. Cool. You you know, I'm always surprised, like you know, when I when I see you up there and or you know, it that is a big stage, actually. And the fact that it's in the round, yeah, and uh not an easy gig. Yeah, it's a little bit chaotic, and also like it's in a gymnasium, right? So everything is brought to life. I mean, Courtney from Flip Flop Sounds, they and then um mint events carried, I mean, they do an amazing job. And I think this year was actually we say it every year, but this year it was the most beautiful, it was very elegant, and it's so funny because you're looking around this beautiful room and there's the beer garden and the you know, the pipe and drape and the amazing stage in the center, and then you'll look up and there's like a basketball hoop, you know, and you look down and there's like blinds on the floor. You're like, Oh, it's so we're in a gym, yeah, you know. Yeah, it's a big transformation. When you um I mean, you're naturally funny. I mean, you just are. I mean, I'm sure that is a I'm sure people say that all the time. I've heard that once we're not breaking ground here. Yeah, this is something I am aware of. So then don't break podcasts. We I like we tell it like it is, and like she's funny, right? Um, but like when you were little, were you were you the classic class clown in your school? Or was this a later thing where you just got smarter and smarter and either I think it's kind of both. I I've my family's really funny. Yeah, like my dad's really funny, like he taught us all the expose us to all the comedians and all the funny movies and all the, you know, th things that are like not funny anymore, but like were funny back then. And um, and so yes, I was also quite shy when I was young. Like I couldn't like go to dance classes without my mom. I couldn't like do anything without my mom nearby. And then as I got older, um, I I did kind of start to come out of my shell a little bit. And I will also say I remember like I think I didn't quite know how to harness it in the right way. And so I can remember, you know, like friends being like, oh, that you like that was kind of a little too much, you know, like and I'm like, what are you talking about? You know, and um so over the years, yes, I have learned how to it, I mean, obviously it's like my most marketable skill set now, right? And so that's a really interesting thing because it was like a coping skill growing up, and now it's what I do for a living in in every context that I that I, you know, because I do a lot of different things, I use it in every way. So it's pretty interesting to reflect on that journey and how it has evolved because it is such a um, it's such a powerful tool. Yeah, you know, it's such a powerful tool, and like with that comes like a great responsibility, I think. And so I try to really I'm always surprised. I'm always surprised when uh, you know, I I do talk to people or comedians or people where it comes natural. And uh, I mean, I was always class clown. So being in front of the whole class, even though it made me uncomfortable, I was also uncomfortable not being in front of the class, you know, getting into trouble and all that. And I think I always think that is the path of a comedian. And then I've met so many people who's like, no, you were just kind of a bad kid. You were just in the back of the bus. But a lot of it goes back to family, like how how much your your parents invite that kind of chaos that comes with like cracking jokes, and how much your parents and family are open to being self-critical. Yeah, you know, because if you don't have that, then people are just like, stop making fun of me. Definitely, and I think it's so interesting because there's a lot that goes into it that people don't really recognize. Like for me, so much of it is being able to hear, so I can hear when the like I had this really interesting experience with I teach yoga at Groove Yoga, and I have been teaching there for almost 15 years. And the thing with Groove is that we play music, and the music's like it's I wouldn't say it's like loud, loud, but it's it's definitely like a part of the experience. And a couple months ago, our Wi-Fi went out and I had to do the class without music, and I was like, oh my God, it was so much easier to land punchlines because I could hear the moment to drop it in. And it was just such an interesting reminder of like that's something I really r rely on in how I use humor. It's really so much like we're in a, you know, it it requires other people. I mean, sure, I'm at home like laughing with my dogs a lot, you know, but like when I'm on stage, it is so I love to be on stage with other people. I love to, you know, get to know like who's this audience? What are they doing? What are they, what are they, what are they up for? Yeah, you know? Yeah, yeah. And even when it's not humorous, I think like a good public speaker is someone who's a really good listener. Yeah. You know, so yeah. How do you um so when did you start like putting yourself out there? I mean, what is it? Do you remember the moment you kind of transitioned from being kind of like a family set up to Yeah? I mean, I remember in sixth grade I played Hera in school play. Yeah, it was like a mythology thing, you know, and I like I was just having a memory about this because I remember like the costumes were so funny and we were so we're little kids, you know. So that's like a moment, and I did cheer in high school, and so I can think like that's like hilarious, like lots of comedy there, but a perform from a performance standpoint, and so um then when I got to college, it started to come out in a more like performing on stage way, and I fell into um like like it was like drama 101 at my school, and um, and I was like, oh my god, this is a thing, you know. And then it started like you have to audition for the upper level classes and you start getting into acting classes and stuff, and that's when it really like started to take shape for me. Like I always make a joke that I was going into college thinking I wanted to be an attorney, and then I got there and I discovered I just wanted to play one on TV, and that's not entirely true. Like, I don't think that that life is for me, but it it that is like a those are two very different ways to be an attorney, you know. Right, right, yeah, right. Yeah, I play a doctor all the time. Yeah, not my life. Yeah, why not? You know, yeah. So you but in since then, I mean, you've taken it from being just like having a good time up on stage to, you know, you're actually compensated for it. I mean, that's a big step to get people to go. Not only do I think I'm funny, other people are willing. Yeah, and I am using it in in like my marketing tools where I'm like, I'm known for using this heart-centered humor as I refer to it. And I'm that is like my the thing that I think really sets me apart, you know. Like, um, you know, there's other auctioneers who can offer a, b, and c. And I'm like, I may not be doing that, but I have this other thing. And if that's what you want, then we're in business, you know. Um, yeah, and that's been a long multi-year journey, you know, because I started the my crew and I started the nightlight show in 2013, and I pretty quickly got asked to do a fundraiser as an MC. And I think I got paid like $500, and I was kind of like, oh, this is interesting. Let's just see what this is like. And then I just learned by doing, and that was 13 years ago. Yeah. So it has certainly evolved, and in some ways it has felt very like achingly slow. Um, but I've learned so much, and now it is like definitely, I'm I think there's so much to be said for like never giving up on something because I have this like awesome setup that works for me, and it's I feel it's like kind of a made-up career. Yeah. But the nonprofit piece is really cool because I do have a background in that and I have a lot of connections in the community with nonprofit, and I genuinely care about the work that these organizations are doing, and then I can help them and like slip in and be like a part of their team at a time when they need me the most. And so that's I mean, that's pretty amazing, you know. Well, I mean, those, I mean, let's be honest, those fundraisers can be painful. Oh, yeah, you know, and and people get very uncomfortable with the fundraising part. Yeah. Yeah, but I mean, without somebody who could does a good job of keeping it light, I mean, when I try to get my younger employees to come there, they are like, you gotta be kidding me. Yeah, like we're not sitting there. Yeah. I know. No, it's fun. I know, I know what's funny. We'll have a good time. And then thankfully, when I dragged into a year, they were like, Oh, this was kind of fun. Yeah, I mean, I said it in a meeting last night. Like, no one has ever given the feedback that they wish the event was 20 minutes longer. You never have I ever experienced it. Please hold dessert just a little bit longer and ask us again, you know. Can we just keep doing this part of it? So I think, you know, again, to your point, like the humor is really helpful. Also, someone who can like keep us on track and on time and can really drive it forward because there's no need to stretch it out. Like, get in there, get the job done, and then let's celebrate our win and move on. And I think you know, fundraising events in particular are evolving quite a bit. I mean, some of them are not, but a lot of them are, and a lot of people's bag, it's a nice bag, but that format isn't the best format for every type of organization. Well, with 24,000 nonprofits in Oregon State, and the gala format's not gonna work for a large number of them. So then there's all these other things we can do, and you're seeing it with you know, the crew that's doing the the bingo, those are amazing, and we love those, you know, or like brunches or happy hours. We did a variety show for Scale House a couple in April. It was very successful. And what was amazing about it was like everyone was having fun, and it was like just for having fun, and we were looking around the room, and I'm like, that was our main goal, and we fully accomplished it. And it was really neat to just see everybody being creative and everyone was participating. It was awesome. You're you're pretty. I mean, I know you as a as a MC for these functions, but mostly known for the nightlight. Yeah. And and to talk a little bit about how because I can remember back in the day when uh you were getting that off the ground and it was just such a local, I mean, it was podcasts before podcasts was cool. You know, yeah, totally. In fact, I've often I've often wondered, like, would it translate to a podcast? I think it could. Um, yeah. Mostly what have gone to like a tonight show is where I mean. Yeah. Well, it's oh, I mean, over the years, people like if you money wasn't an option or like wasn't a a consideration, like, what would you do? And I'm always like the nightlight show. Like it's the most fun. And it's also like planning my wedding every time, you know, it's a lot of work. And um, capitalism is a thing. I don't know if you guys know about this, it's a real thing. So it's brutal. Yeah, it's brutal. It really takes the joy out of basically it will it was steal your dreams from you, but um, but yeah, I think the moment that we started, there wasn't a lot going on, and we were still very resist at that point, you know. And um, but I will say in Tin Pan Alley, there was like some action going on there. We had Lone Pine Coffee, Tin Pan Theater, had um upstairs Mondala Yoga and um and TBD ad agency and poet house. So there was a lot of creativity happening there, a lot of creative activity. And we did some really fun things, like we did the first show, and then the next one we decided to do two because we were doing it at Tin Pan Theater. It was very small. Yeah. So we did two shows and we did a middle party. So it was a party in the middle of the two shows. It was an after party for the first show and a pre-party for the second show, which we thought was so silly. And also for the first show, we were offering child care at Lone Pie next door. So the kids would like go next door and like have like cookies and milk and do coloring pages while the parents came to the show. Like there were things like that that I think were really just like hit something really special. And then also we were just doing it for fun. Like we really we didn't have an agenda other than this is community-based, and we want to uplift community voices and we want to talk about people that are doing cool things. So it was nonprofit, but it was community leaders and artists and comedian um comedians and whatever. It was a real mix. And the one, the only regret I have is that I wasn't better at like cataloging every show that we did because I mean I'd had like six coffee books with photos and stories, and the number, the sheer number of stories that we told during that time. It was just really so special. I think you hit on something that I remember from those like 2010, 2013 times. Is you know, Ben was so small, and I I feel like um there was this sense back then when you would do something like the nightlight show. And I was trying to do stuff at Central Oregon Davy, and we were it was those were early like pre-podcast things, and um, but you knew for sure it was not going anywhere. It was so small, and you just had no aspiration for it other than what was happening in the you're very in the moment, very in the moment, and trying to get and you were meeting people and doing cool stuff, and um, I remember going to several of those shows, and it was just fun, but it was fun because you were in this, what you knew was a very small group of uh of creatives at the time. Yeah, I mean, I think what you're speaking to is like it's a different time to be visible in the world, and because it's you're you're always being recorded here. I mean, even I'll go to spend some time with my niece and my family. My mom's like videoing everything. I'm like, please stop videoing. You know, it's like people are just capturing everything and sharing everything all the time. Yes, so much, and it wasn't like that. And so it is a different mindset to be in. There's more, I feel like there is more freedom. There's more, you're not you can't be so vigilant. Yeah, yeah. Go back to the night light show and pull up, you know, all the video and all. Well, because we were ripping off music, Aaron. So we couldn't post any of that stuff. Right, right. I mean, there's some good where I'm like, oh, but we oh, you can't show that one, you know. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But it did feel just like you were doing it for yourself. Yeah. Like you were. And we really were. I mean, but like one thing that's been interesting for me to learn as a professional, right? A business person trying to like thrive. We're back to capitalism. We're back to capitalism. And all roads lead back to capitalism, it turns out. But um, you know, a comedian will write a show and perform that same show for years. Yeah. And I was writing a show and performing it for 100 people and then rewriting another show and performing it for a hundred people. I mean, over and I was like, I think I maybe need to start repurposing some of this content. This is insane. And I actually have gone back and tried to grab some things and turn them into essays or you know, vice versa. And so that's been pretty neat. But I'm like, you got to get a little more mileage out of this content, girl. You're like you're working way too hard. Right. But that's the time, you know. And I don't think, and it is no one's recording it, no one was broadcasting it. You knew that the people the people who were gonna know about that evening's nightlight show were in the room. That's right. And actually, we did a couple of times we did experiment with like some live streaming and like the tools were horrible. Yeah, it did you had to have a special cord and a special thing, and you had to jiggle the handle and you had to wiggle the shake the rattles and do a special dance, and it still didn't work, you know. So that was in is pre-Zoom. I mean, and also with like comedy, and here's another thing that's really interesting to produce a show for the screen is very different than to produce a show for a live audience. Yeah, those are not the same, even if it's stand-up comedy, you still don't design it in the same way. And so, like trying to get something that's happening live in the moment to translate to a Zoom screen is just doesn't it doesn't, yeah, you know. Like when we'll do like the lip sync battles and people are recording, I'm like, please don't. It's so cringy. Please don't. No, it's not the same thing doesn't, it's not the feel you're having in person. No one's having that on the other side of your phone screen. Yeah, so no, I found that the same. It was the same, a very similar thing when we I mean this podcast originated on Zoom during the pandemic, and I struggled with it. You know, it was great to relate, and those were the times and things, but boy, I got off that as soon as I could. I was like, this is a very weird format, and it doesn't translate to two screens across from each other, you're looking straight at the person. You're trying to interact, and how do you yeah, we did um, because I did a couple fundraisers during that time, and there was one in particular as a client down in the Bay Area, and it's a school, and they're amazing. And they their um acronym is PBS, and so they did like a PBS telethon was the thing, and they pre-produced a ton of content. They had Beaker in the science lab, and the head of school was Mr. Rogers, and they had Kermit on the playground, and it was gorgeous, it was absolutely amazing. And then I was like the MC and the auctioneer and like moving everything forward and doing this stuff live in real time, and um and like it's so hard because the delays on The feedback and to see when judges are coming, and there's it's so it's really I don't know. No, tough it's tough, yeah. But I will say, like that was one example where I think it worked better than others, but because they had pre-produced so much of the material, it was like really impressive. You did uh um you recently, this was another reason that I poked Megan about Genio, and I saw your poster for the show at the tower with Chelsea, and I didn't know the other comedian. Hell yeah. Um, but you know, I came back to the source and I was like, Chelsea is gonna be on stage again here in town. And they of course they didn't remember Chelsea. I mean time moves by so quick, but but how cool was that? Oh, it was so cool, yeah. Yeah, it was so I mean, gosh, I mean, Chelsea's like forever my favorite comedy partner, and uh we've been work is the whole thing came about in such an interesting way. Um, I know Helen Keeney's mother-in-law. Okay, so Helen has been doing stand-up for like 35 years, and she had uh recently decided to kind of go back into it full time, and so we're kind of getting something going. And Chelsea and I on the side have been working on this writing project together for several months, and I was like, What do you think? Would you come out? And she was like, Oh, you know, sure, yeah, sure, okay, I'll do it. And she's like, But I know you have to talk to the tower. And I was like, I already talked to him, we're good. Book your ticket. And um, it was just such a very special um just for us as friends to be able to do that together. And and then also she was just in all her glory. I mean, she's absolutely magnificent. Like the photos, yeah. Uh Matt Han from Hand in Hand Productions produced this, the sets, and so like her set is just it just is glorious. I mean, the tower is forever my favorite venue. It's so beautiful, everything looks so good. The team is so amazing. Like, and then for the crowd, too, it was like such an elevated experience of comedy. And in fact, a lot of the feedback that we received were people were like, I just felt like it was at like a really strong community event. I didn't have to go to a bar and I didn't have to be out late and I didn't have to, you know, it was very easy and very comfortable and all these. Like my mom came and she loved it, you know. Um, yeah, it was really amazing. And then the day, I guess two days after the show, Chelsea hung around for a couple days and we um had just a day together where we got to like tootle around and we like went to Cafe de Chues and we went with Bonta and then we went to the library, and then we went to the free, you know, we got the cabin shoot. It was just like absolutely glorious, and yeah, it was so special. Yeah, she was she was such a a motivating force when she was here, and she was so darn funny, so darn funny, I know, and she still is. I mean, funnier than ever. She was just, yeah, it was funny because I was watching from the wings, so I can also see her clock, and I'm like, we need 10 more minutes, like we need more time with Chelsea Row, and it just goes so fast. It was one of the very early events that we did as a company, was that we did Last Comic Standing. Oh, yeah, and did the it when the Old Stone Church. Man, that was such a bad combo because you bring comedians into an old church and it's just like you are gonna get the worst kind of humor, you know. Oh, yeah. And she killed, and her brother was on the scene, was so much more prominent on the scene, and then and then she she kind of stepped out, I thought, during that period. And yeah, um, just was awesome. Yeah. I mean, I remember I don't I wish I could remember exactly the venue, but I saw her perform one time, and this must have been in like 2010. And I just was like, that person is so good. Like, I love her. I love watching her, she's an amazing storyteller, she's so funny. And so, like, we have this funny story forever. That when it was time to start the nightlight show, I was like, I'm gonna reach out and ask her. And so I emailed her and I didn't hear back right away. And so then I emailed her work email and then I emailed her boss because I knew her boss, and then I emailed her brother, I think, and then I send a Facebook message to someone else. And it turns out she was like out of town caring for her father who was ill at the time. And she comes back to like six messages from a stalker, and I was like, Will you do my show? And then she's like, Yeah, I'll do that. And I was like, ah, and I just felt like if she says yes, this is gonna be successful, and it was really true, you know, and we just our chemistry together, and um, you know, of course, Jesse and the Casey's and Mike and Edmund. It was just like a really, really magnetic um environment to be creative in. Yeah. Well, I know, so that shows in your past. I mean, it is it, you know, yeah. Yeah, you care. I'm sure you're carrying it with you in some way, but what's the what's on the horizon for Shannon Kelly? Gosh, that's such a good question. Um, you know, it's been a really interesting couple of years because, you know, events really went through a weird maze there for a couple of years. And so during that time, uh, paid writing, client writing was like my main gig. And then AI came on the scene and shifted that dramatically very quickly in a way that I don't even think we really realized was gonna happen. And that's a bummer. And at the same time, the silver lining is that now I have to focus on my own personal writing projects, which is something that it's so easy to put to the bottom of the list. So I would say that is like definitely something that I'm trying to put a lot more energy towards. And um, you know, like I said, I have something that I'm working on with Chelsea and we have high hopes for it, even just from a sense of like we know only good will come of it, and we know that like completing this project together will feel really good. And um, and then I think like I'm also really trying to determine like what's the right place for me to be doing comedy because I don't um I mean I'm I'm not a I'm not a young chicken anymore, you know. So like driving 200 miles to do a mic for 50 bucks feels out of reach. Yeah. You know, I the two dogs are we talking about capitalism. Are we talking about capitalism? Yeah, the stakes are a little higher now. Um it only gets more expensive to stay alive, as it turns out. But uh, so you know, I want to be really like potent in my efforts, you know. Um, I think that the auctioneering is also something I'm like very interested in because I do think I bring something unique to it and something fresh. For sure. Um, I actually just got hired for a gig in Wenatchee, and this is so funny because I'm like, I am way too excited about a work trip to Wenatchee right now. Like I need a vacation, I think. But um, we're gonna do it's the Wenatchee Valley Cultural Center and Museum and Cultural Center, and we're gonna do a variety show fundraiser for the and I'm like so excited to get to know this community. And are you bringing somebody else with you? I don't have plans to at this time. We'll work primarily with their people, but you know, even like the event I have events in Eugene and I have um events in Washington and Southern California and Southern Oregon. I didn't know you traveled, yeah. Well, what's really beautiful about it is because I, you know, obviously love this community very much. And yeah, we have something very, very special that we've worked really hard for, and that is not something you can just get, you know. So we have that and you we've taken care of that. But then I go into other communities and I get to plug into what they have there, and it's like really it's it gives me a lot of um hope and it's just very comforting and it's really cool. I mean, is one you know, you you go to Eugene and I'm like, is everybody in Eugene friends? That's what it feels like. It feels like everybody in Eugene knows each other. That's how I used to feel when we did an event in Spokane. I was like, You everybody knows everybody? Oh, I believe it. Yeah, yeah, I believe it. Yeah, it was much funny. And they would all gather after the after the race, they would all they would hang out until we we had to make them leave, which doesn't happen here. No. And I was like, you all just and there, there's their brother, and there's their sister. That sounds right safe, and you know, like it was crazy. That sounds right. Yeah, I mean, that it's really beautiful, and I think it's so nice for us to be really connected to the fact that actually, despite what we're seeing all the time on social media and the news, yeah, that there are amazing, huge amounts of wonderful people out there doing really great work in their communities, and we can connect with them and support them and learn from them. And you know, I mean, Eugene is like a I think a really interesting. This is so random, but they're such a like unsung hero as a city in America because they're doing really amazing stuff there. Like no one ever talks about it. Right. People are like, what's Eugene? And like, oh, it's like it's like it is organ in the nutshell, you know, for sure, but they're doing amazing stuff there. We just think the amazing thing is their football team. I know, right? But like they're doing all kinds of stuff with the houseless community and with gardening and with you know I mean totally big when yeah, yeah. And they and the college is amazing and they're doing all kind of really good work at the college there. So yeah. Well, it's good you're getting to these other communities because I mean, I can imagine you get overexposed. Like, yeah, I mean, if it it can't you want those moments when Shannon's doing the nonprofit razor to be special, totally. It would just really crush me if you were like, Oh, it's Shannon. It's Shannon again. Here we go. The minute folks I just saw Shannon. I remember Jason Graham saying that years ago. Like, he didn't want to, you know, ever get to that point. I'm like, God, that's a really good thing to consider. And and I will also say, like, not everyone in central Oregon understands the value of professional talent. And I think that's true in every community. So that's not just like a us thing, but I think that's true in every community. So there is a limit here to like, you know, what the opportunities are. And so in that sense, and then even just for my own creativity and evolution as a performer and someone who works professionally, I think it's really healthy for me to get out. But it's like it's just the right amount, you know? Because if I travel too much, then I'm everything falls apart. If not, now I'm a wreck and good luck, you know. Right, and the dogs are not getting great. They haven't gotten room, they're just that no zoomies are happy, everyone's depressed. Yeah. Can't have that. Dogs are sad. We can't have that. Yeah, no. Well, we're at the end of our time. Man, I wish it was longer. I always love talking with you. You ask great questions. It's such a joy. Yeah, thank you. What uh if people want to get in touch with you, if they want want more Shannon. Yeah, really good. Um, so probably the easiest way is my website, it's shannonkelly.com, S-H-A-N-N-K-E-L-E-Y, and I have a contact me form there, and you can send me an email and we can connect. And I have lots of different ways that I work with people. So um, yeah. I'm such a big fan. Uh ditto, ditto that. Really appreciate it. This is great, and such a pleasure. Thank you for having me. Well, this has been the Ben Don't Break Podcast. If you like what you heard, go to the Benzource.com, become a member, donate, support, and we will continue to have lovely guests like Shannon on and uh continue to do these podcasts. Thank you for listening. Thanks, Shannon. Thanks. You've been listening to the Ben Don't Break Podcast, powered by the Source Weekly. To read, hear, and see more of what we do, go to BensOurce.com.