Podcast · 24 episodes
LUNCH! with Shelley
by Shelley Hymes · English
In a world full of small talk, come listen to some real talk! Join Shelley and her special guests in their deliciously fun and authentic conversations at the best restaurants in Washington DC during LUNCH. This show will remind you that human connection is nourishment for the soul and the essential spice of life!
Latest episodes
Nonpartisan by Nature - with Steve ScullySteve Scully discusses nonpartisan political journalism, his career at C-SPAN and SiriusXM, memorable interviews with major political figures, and his current work building a National War of 1812…25 Sep 2026 · 55 min
Passion - Parti-time Custodians - and Antique Combs! With Billy Roland and Susan AbelesA Manhattan lunch conversation introducing the Roland Auction House and explaining how mid-level auction houses operate, then spotlighting an upcoming, unusual auction focused on antique hair combs…11 Sep 2026 · 40 min
When You Know You Know - With Tommy McFLyTommy McFly’s life story and interviewing philosophy, plus a Greek ice cream “lunch” at Yala in Georgetown where he explains Greek/Arabic/Turkish meaning behind “Yala” and samples flavors.6 Aug 2026 · 45 min
All episodes
Nonpartisan by Nature - with Steve ScullySteve Scully discusses nonpartisan political journalism, his career at C-SPAN and SiriusXM, memorable interviews with major political figures, and his current work building a National War of 1812…25 Sep 2026 · 55 min · 26 chapters
Passion - Parti-time Custodians - and Antique Combs! With Billy Roland and Susan AbelesA Manhattan lunch conversation introducing the Roland Auction House and explaining how mid-level auction houses operate, then spotlighting an upcoming, unusual auction focused on antique hair combs…11 Sep 2026 · 40 min · 13 chapters
When You Know You Know - With Tommy McFLyTommy McFly’s life story and interviewing philosophy, plus a Greek ice cream “lunch” at Yala in Georgetown where he explains Greek/Arabic/Turkish meaning behind “Yala” and samples flavors.6 Aug 2026 · 45 min · 27 chapters
Finding Meaning in the Mission …with Catherine TownsendCatherine Townsend, president/CEO of the Trust for the National Mall, discusses how the Trust finds meaning in the National Mall mission—restoring sites, enriching public understanding, and funding…24 Jul 2026 · 59 min · 27 chapters
Celebrating Our Great American CuisineThe episode celebrates “Great American Cuisine” through Tim Ebner’s book Eaterland, linking regional dishes to U.S.10 Jul 2026 · 59 min · 27 chapters
Super Star Stefanik! | Episode 87Elise Stefanik discusses her path into politics, her 2012 campaign and early congressional rise, and the policy fight over anti-Semitism and foreign influence in U.S.12 Jun 2026 · 59 min · 27 chapters
Special Mother’s Day Episode Featuring Sam Hymes, Bob Saget!Mother’s Day special episode of “Lunch with Shelly,” featuring Shelly’s son Sam Hymes and their dog Jerry as co-host, plus family stories and DC sports/culture talk.22 May 2026 · 50 min · 22 chapters
Getting Better All the TimeBob Cusack, executive editor of The Washington Examiner, discusses how to “get better all the time” as a newsroom leader—through feedback, clear communication, building relationships in Washington,…8 May 2026 · 56 min · 24 chapters
From Politics to ArtistryBrittany Thune Lindberg discusses her shift from politics/business to full-time songwriting and artistry, her upbringing in South Dakota and time in Washington, D.C., and the making of her album I Am…24 Apr 2026 · 57 min · 29 chapters
Meet You At Peacock!Shahab Barbar, co-owner/front-of-house of Peacock Cafe in Georgetown, discusses the Persian New Year (Nouruz) and how Iranian culture, hospitality, and food traditions shaped the restaurant’s history…10 Apr 2026 · 55 min · 23 chapters
A Most Interesting Man – Part 2Part 2 of Shelley’s conversation with Sir Martin Sorrell covers AI/quantum’s impact on healthcare and regulation, why distributed work may reduce idea-generation, shifting advertising economics…27 Mar 2026 · 59 min · 26 chapters
A Most Interesting Man – Part 1In this episode, Shelley hosts Sir Martin Sorrell, the Founder and Executive Chairman of S4 Capital PLC, at Cafè Milano in Washington DC.13 Mar 2026 · 52 min · 21 chapters
Spanning the Globe from Wilkes-Barre to the UKIn this episode of "LUNCH! with Shelley," host Shelley engages in a lively conversation with Gerry Gunster, a strategic mind in issue advocacy and the founder of Gunster Worldwide.27 Feb 2026 · 55 min · 30 chapters
Stay On Your Mat – and Get Ready for America250! | Episode 79Jennifer Condon, Executive Vice President of America25013 Feb 2026 · 53 min · 32 chapters
Take A Risk – Life with No RegretsAuthentic conversations with guests at Washington DC's restaurants, emphasizing the importance of human connection.30 Jan 2026 · 57 min · 36 chapters
The Journey of a Food Critic – A Master Class in LifeTom Seitzma’s career journey from Minnesota farm life to becoming the Washington Post’s long-running food critic (2000–2025), and what “being a critic” really means—especially the role of…16 Jan 2026 · 1 h · 37 chapters
Tarot TalkTarot and witchcraft as self-reflection and guidance; Skye Mirinda’s origin story (Salem 2016), her prosperity spell “money bowl,” how tarot readings work, and a 3-card tarot forecast for DC’s end of…11 Dec 2025 · 38 min · 18 chapters
A Blast from the Get-go!Todd Gray, co-owner/founder of Equinox on 19th (D.C.), discusses his path to becoming a chef, building Equinox, the evolution of Washington’s restaurant scene, sustainable/seasonal cooking, and…21 Nov 2025 · 50 min · 29 chapters
Optimistic and Changing the World – so OPTIMISTICLiz Truss discusses her political journey from a left-leaning upbringing to conservative leadership, her book Ten Years to Save the West, and her thesis that an unelected “blob”…6 Nov 2025 · 56 min · 24 chapters
History, Philanthropy and FamilyJohn and Kristen Checke discuss DC history and philanthropy through their family, their luxury real-estate work, and their recent purchase and reopening of the historic City Tavern Club in…23 Oct 2025 · 57 min · 28 chapters
Gut Punching Inertia with Career Crush Steve Clemons!Steve Clemons argues for “gut-punching inertia”—challenging status-quo public policy and institutions—while criticizing divisive, bias-filled media coverage of political violence.9 Oct 2025 · 59 min · 22 chapters
Living the UK-US Special Relationship with Lord and Lady ElliottSarah and Matthew Elliott discuss their UK-US special relationship, their conservative political careers, how they met, Matthew’s House of Lords appointment, and their views on UK economic growth,…25 Sep 2025 · 54 min · 21 chapters
Food – Love – National Security – and MICHIGAN!!Christy Rogers discusses her path from Michigan to Washington, D.C., crisis work after 9/11, serving in Iraq, then leaving government for national-security strategy and a Michigan Senate campaign…4 Sep 2025 · 50 min · 28 chapters
Conversations with My Dad - Work Hard – Tell the Truth – and Love Your WifeA late-lunch conversation with Shelley and her father, Marvin Slomowitz, covering his life story (childhood jobs, Army/Navy-era service, real estate career), sports and politics, and the core advice…28 Aug 2025 · 20 min · 9 chapters