43. Shonali Bhowmik

The Iowa Idea: Shonali Bhowmik

“Write it down.”

In this episode of The Iowa Idea Podcast, I sit down with Shonali Bhowmik. Shonali is a proud multi-hyphenate — she is a musician, actress, comedienne, filmmaker, and writer. She currently co-hosts her own live variety show podcast series called We Don’t Even Know. She is the leader of the indie rock band Tigers and Monkeys for which she is the songwriter, singer, and guitar player. She is a member of the popular comedy collective Variety Shac, with Chelsea Peretti, Heather Lawless, and Andrea Rosen.

We discuss Shonali’s early interest in music and her path from Nashville, to Atlanta, to law school, to that of a creative in New York City. Also, a little extra for experts, listen for Shonali’s doorbell playing Fur Elise – even her doorbell exudes positive vibes. Her life and approach align with the key themes of the Iowa Idea – creativity, craft, and persistence.

It was an honor having Shonali on the podcast. I thank her for sharing her time, her insights, as well as her positive and affirming energy. I hope you enjoy the episode.

About Shonali

Shonali Bhowmik is a musician, actress, comedienne, filmmaker and writer. She currently co-hosts her own live variety show podcast series called We Don’t Even Know. She is the leader of the indie rock band Tigers and Monkeys for which she is the songwriter, singer, and guitar player. She is a member of the popular comedy collective Variety Shac, with Chelsea Peretti, Heather Lawless, and Andrea Rosen.  Shonali was the host of the Shac’s popular Upright Citizen’s Brigade live show.  She has also created television pilots for the Adult Swim and IFC networks. She wrote and directed the short film, Sardines Out Of A Can which was screened in 6 cities across the globe including Madrid, Spain; Bangalore, India, and won best romantic comedy short at the Bare Bones International Film Fest 2014. She has her own independent music and comedy record label called Little Lamb Recordings.  She was one of the leaders of Ultrababyfat who was featured in David Cross’s tour DVD Let America Laugh. Shonali has released eight albums including her solo full-length release 100 Oaks Revival and those with her rock n’ roll outfits, Tigers and Monkeys, and Ultrababyfat. Tigers and Monkeys’ newest album Saturday Destroyer was released in September 2018.  Shonali can be seen in the feature-length romantic comedy, Isn’t It Romantic which was released in February 2019.

Shonali’s Websites

www.shonalibhowmik.com

www.tigersandmonkeys.com

www.wdekpodcast.com

Variety Shac YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP_wP07uxZmKjAMBawBRhoQ

Credits

Episode produced by Spark Consulting Group (www.inspiredbyspark.com) in Iowa City, with support from Executive Podcast Solutions (https://www.executivepodcastsolutions.com/)

The Iowa Idea Podcast music written and performed by Paisley Bible (https://paisleybible.bandcamp.com/).