From Military to Microphone: Kells Morton Comedic Journey

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Comedian Kells Morton steps away from her 25-year military career to pursue her original dream of entertainment in this fascinating conversation about second acts and finding your voice. As she prepares for retirement, Kells reveals how she's transforming decades of leadership experience into comedy gold on stages across the country.
With refreshing candor, Kells shares the surprising truth about her battle with severe performance anxiety before shows. "I was at Marietta Martin Center for Performing Arts in Raleigh... 600 plus people, and I was dying inside. I didn't eat a morsel that day," she confesses. This vulnerability behind the confident persona adds depth to understanding her journey from military officer to rising comedian.
The episode explores Kells' comedy inspirations, from Richard Pryor and Red Foxx to Dave Chappelle (whom she flew to Charlotte just to see perform). Her appreciation for female trailblazers like Wanda Sykes and Luenell reflects her understanding of comedy history and those who've paved the way. Kells also discusses her approach to handling hecklers, the therapeutic value of comedy in society, and how she used humor as a leadership tool during military deployments.
Beyond stand-up, Kells is expanding into acting with roles in short films and the upcoming feature "Deadly Obsession 2." Her ambitious goals include performing at legendary venues like Laugh Factory LA and Second City Chicago, driven by her philosophy of competing only against yesterday's version of herself. Through family stories, military experiences, and a refreshingly positive outlook on the changing comedy landscape, Kells demonstrates why she's quickly gaining attention on the comedy circuit.

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Chapters

1. From Military to Microphone: Kells Morton Comedic Journey (00:00:00)

2. Meet Kels Mort, Military Comedian (00:00:07)

3. From Military Career to Comedy Dreams (00:02:03)

4. Comedy Inspiration and Influences (00:06:04)

5. Stage Anxiety and Performance Challenges (00:09:55)

6. Comedy's Role in Society (00:16:03)

7. Military Humor and Family Material (00:21:25)

8. Acting Pursuits and Future Goals (00:26:16)

9. Navigating Social Media and Comedy Lanes (00:32:20)