Greg Schwem's insights on navigating life's ups and downs with a smile offer a refreshing perspective on resilience and the importance of laughter
A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Greg always thought comedy would be just a hobby. But, while working as a TV news reporter in West Palm Beach, Florida and doing comedy at night, Greg eventually followed his heart. “I realized I liked making people laugh more than depressing them,” he said on a recent podcast. “And that’s what I was doing every night on TV.”
Back in his hometown of Chicago, Greg honed his act in nightclubs while also serving as a trade show narrator for some of the world’s most renowned companies. What he saw on trade show floors eventually became fodder for a new kind of comedy: “The Business Humor Specialist”
In 2024, Greg underwent successful surgery for colon cancer. After receiving a clean bill of health, Greg decided to use his comedy skills on “any stage that would have me.” In addition to corporate work he added cruise ships to his repertoire. He returned to his comedy club roots, testing material at some of the nation’s most popular comedy clubs. “For the longest time, I’d been telling audiences that laughter was a great way to deal with personal and professional crises. Now I had to do that myself,” he recalls.
Since 2010 Greg has written the nationally syndicated Humor Hotel column for Tribune Content Agency. When not on stage, he gives bicycle and walking tours of the Windy City. Visiting Chicago for business or a personal trip? Contact Greg and, if he’s in town, he will be happy to show you around the city he calls home.