We were lucky to catch up with Mary Sherod recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mary , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

The type of legacy that I want to build is an honest one. I want the world to know that the jokes they laugh so hearty about are from my mind and my past experiences. I use the events from my life and share them as snapshots in my comedy sets. When my time has run out on this Earth I believe the people will say that I was a hard worker, that I appealed to many different types of audiences and that I put my all into my work. I hope to be remembered for my originality and being fearless.

Mary , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up I used comedy as a defense mechanism at that point as a young girl I was unaware that I was preparing to get on stage. In August of 2019 I signed up for the open mic at The helium Comedy club at the St Louis galleria. I was allowed 4 minutes and I fell in love with it. After I got off stage I felt a rush of adrenaline the blood in my veins was racing faster than it ever has. I went home and I could not stop thinking about it. After that I was offered my first show by Princeton Dew St Louis native, comedian and business owner. I featured on the show alongside Bryan with a Y, Sherwin Zennon, Maurice Green. I perform two nights and a total of 2 15 minutes sets and at that point I knew that this path was for me. After that I made sure I was on as many stages as possible and decided to take my jokes to other places such as Atlanta, Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky, Little Rock, Arkansas and Centralia Illinois. I used the crowds reactions and comments after the show to help me build a better comedy set. I have spent countless hours at open mics, comedy seminar and classes to help develop and format my jokes properly. At that point how big is goal was not only to be funny but to increase how long I could be funny for. My comedy sets started at 4 minutes within 2 months I was up to 15 minutes of material and at this moment I am able to do a strong 60-minute set. By doing that much time I am preparing myself for Netflix and to do my own special. I believe that my life sets me apart for most people and by bringing that on stage I can’t be compared to anyone else. It is very easy to take another artist work and display it as your own so I make sure what I bring to the table no one else can replicate. I am most proud of my persistence I have never been a quitter and I don’t plan on becoming one anytime soon. The journey in comedy has not always been sunshine and rainbows not every audience will laugh at every joke, but that does not stop me for performing for the ones that do. I have recently started to apply for comedy festivals and have been honored to have performed in Hollywood California at the Comedy Chateau as well as my hometown St Louis Missouri in the flyover Comedy festival.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What I think helped me build my reputation within the comedy world is definitely how consistent I am. I make sure that I am ready to work and give my all when I’m on stage. I put aside my feelings of fear and make sure the audience leaves knowing my name. I don’t see the other comedians as competition I see them as lessons and I can learn from each one.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When covid came about it was very difficult to find work. Everything was shut down and comedy shows had became scares. I am not a big social media person but it made me become one. I was able to get on comedy shows that were held on social media platforms like Facebook. I was able to do my comedy sets from the comfort of my own home performing in a corner for hundreds of people in different states. I had to adapt to not hearing any applause after a punchline only seeing thumbs up and laughing emojis to help me understand if they liked what I was saying.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/marysherod?igshid=MTNiYzNiMzkwZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryjayneboo?mibextid=ZbWKwL