In this heartfelt “Ask Me Anything” episode of Industry Standard, Barry Katz answers audience questions about navigating the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of originality, adaptability, and resilience. He shares how he evaluates projects based on unique characters and fresh concepts, and how longevity in comedy often stems from the ability to evolve—citing George Carlin and Dave Chappelle as prime examples. Barry opens up about personal loss, career redirection, and the power...
Jun 03, 2025•29 min•Ep. 632
In this powerful AMA episode, legendary comedy manager Barry Katz breaks down what separates the good from the unforgettable in stand-up comedy. He shares why having a distinct voice — one that’s instantly recognizable — is non-negotiable for any comic who wants to rise above the noise. Barry dives into how comedians like Tony Hinchcliffe found success by adapting when the industry wouldn’t, and why regret is a useless emotion when the world might have a better plan in store.From the unmatched v...
May 27, 2025•31 min•Ep. 631
In this episode of Industry Standard, comedian and actor Adam Ray—best known for his spot-on Dr. Phil impression—opens up about the defining moments of his childhood that led him to a career in comedy. From being an overweight kid with the nickname “Quick Fat” and growing up with divorced parents, to discovering the power of impressions and laughter, Adam shares how humor became his outlet. He also discusses the behind-the-scenes story of why Brad Williams stepped away from their podcast, and ho...
May 23, 2025•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 630
Legendary sportscaster Chris Myers has been the voice behind some of the biggest moments in sports — from Super Bowls and World Series to the Olympics and beyond. But in this episode of INDUSTRY STANDARD, he opens up like never before. Chris takes us behind the mic and into the pressure of national broadcasts, recounting what it felt like to freeze on-air during the Super Bowl with 100 million people watching — and how he bounced back.He also shares deeply personal moments, including the heartbr...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 629
Barry Katz sits with film and television director, Gil Junger (10 Things I Hate About You, Ellen), for a deep conversation on the mental blocks that actors and artists face in the entertainment industry. Gil shares what he looks for in actors, as well as incredible stories about Heath Ledger's and Julia Stiles' auditions, working with Oprah, and directing Ellen's coming-out episode. He offers impactful insights on the creative mind and the struggles that creative people face, how he personally o...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 628
Comedy talent manager and producer Barry Katz answers your questions about the stand-up comedy business in this episode of Industry Standard. Barry answers questions about how to turn your career around, his favorite SNL sketches, the traits of his least favorite comedians, how avant-garde comedians can succeed in the business, and more. barrykatz.com
Apr 12, 2025•24 min•Ep. 627
In this episode, talent manager Barry Katz sits with stand-up comedian and actor Paul Rodriguez to discuss Paul's path to success in the entertainment business, from his desire to get out of Compton, to working as a doorman at the Comedy Store and getting noticed by Mitzi Shore, to becoming one of The Original Latin Kings of Comedy, and appearing in major motion pictures. Paul talks about working with Clint Eastwood, Michael Mann, Will Smith and more. He also provides insight into his joke writi...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 626
In Memory of Marty Callner August 25, 1946-March 17, 2025 In this classic and exclusive episode of Industry Standard, Marty Callner shares the story of his rise to show business success, from beginning as a local news director in Ohio, then on to directing Celtics broadcasts, before moving to Los Angeles where he directed numerous classic comedy specials for comedian like Robin Williams, Chris Rock, George Carlin, Jerry Seinfeld, and more, as well as directing iconic music videos for Aerosmith, ...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 625
In this episode, comedy talent manager Barry Katz has an insightful conversation with successful network executive Cheryl Bayer about her career. From orchestrating the success of shows like Baywatch, Sex and the City, and Family Guy, to connecting with actors like Rob Lowe, Chris Rock, Pamela Anderson, and more at the beginning of their careers. Blueprint for Successbarrykatz.com/blueprintAre you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like pe...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 624
Comedy talent manager Barry Katz provides a beacon of tough love and knowledge for anyone trying to navigate the extremely tough industry of stand-up comedy and entertainment. In this Ask Me Anything episode of Industry Standard, Barry takes your questions, and shares what makes a good stand-up premise, the road to success in stand-up comedy, and what makes people stand out as comics and entertainers. Blueprint for Success (https://barrykatz.com/blueprint) Are you a comedian, actor, writer, dire...
Mar 07, 2025•43 min•Ep. 623
In this episode, comedy talent manager Barry Katz chats with comedian and actor JB Smoove, as he opens up about the mindset that’s fueled his success. JB shares how his "Teflon mentality" keeps him focused on self-growth, and how he navigates opportunities—turning moments that seem like luck into career-shaping moves. He shares stories from his youth - growing up in a family that always kept him on his feet comedically, his audition with Larry David for Curb Your Enthusiasm, his special bond wit...
Mar 05, 2025•2 hr 21 min•Ep. 622
In this episode, comedy talent manager Barry Katz sits down with comedian Pablo Francisco for an in-depth conversation about his journey in comedy. Pablo shares how he landed his first agent at rock bottom, his proudest moment performing for just eight people who changed his life, and the time he unknowingly took GHB and ended up in the hospital. He also opens up about the struggles of addiction, how he helped a friend fight for redemption, and why he believes Theo Von’s unique perspective makes...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 621
Talent manager Barry Katz sits down with esteemed writer Perry Rein for an insightful conversation. Rein shares his journey, working odd jobs such as Al Pacino’s driver to getting fired on his birthday from his first big PA gig to winning an Emmy. Rein found his way through a writing assistant job and with the help of long time collaborator and partner, Gigi McCreery. He imparts words of wisdom every young and aspiring writer who hopes to break into the industry should hear. Blueprint for Succes...
Feb 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 620
In this episode of Industry Standard, Barry Katz, Emmy nominated comedian talent manager and TV/Film Producer imparts wisdom onto those who wish to pursue a career in entertainment. Barry shares with his viewers common misconceptions about the comedy industry, advice for new comedians, and how to find a balance when writing jokes. Watch the podcast on YouTube Industry Standard Video Podcast with Barry Katz Barry Katz Entertainment barrykatz.com Blueprint for Success Blueprint-for-Succe...
Feb 13, 2025•28 min•Ep. 619
In this classic episode, comedy talent manager Barry Katz sits with stand-up comedian and podcaster Marc Maron for an engaging and candid conversation, reflecting on their early days in the New York comedy scene, and Marc's success and evolution in stand-up and pioneering the podcast format with his WTF podcast. The episode also dives into some unresolved history, as Barry and Marc address lingering tensions from their past. Marc sends shout-outs to Nate Bargatze, Maria Bamford, and Al Madrigal;...
Feb 09, 2025•2 hr 4 min•Ep. 618
Barry sits down with Louis Faranda, the esteemed talent buyer of the iconic Carolines Comedy Night Club, for an engaging conversation about the evolution of the stand-up comedy industry. Louis offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant early days of the New York comedy scene, recounting his journey from Catch a Rising Star to his tenure at Carolines and his experiences curating some of the industry's most renowned comedy festivals. Together, they reflect on the shifting landscape of comedy ov...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 617
In this episode, comedian and actor Ronny Chieng sits with talent manager and producer Barry Katz, to share his journey in stand-up comedy to becoming a correspondent on The Daily Show, and landing his breakout role in Crazy Rich Asians, offering behind-the-scenes insights, and reflecting on how his multicultural background has shaped his comedy and career. Ronny opens up about navigating cultural identity and balancing success across Hollywood and global stages. He also shares career highlights...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 616
In this AMA episode of Industry Standard, talent manager and TV/Film Producer, Barry Katz, tackles your burning questions about succeeding in comedy and the entertainment business. Barry answers questions on how to get a script made in Hollywood, where emerging comedians should go to connect with others comedians, and reveals the traits he looks for in potential clients, as well as one of the best pieces of advice he's ever received. Enjoy this insightful conversation with one of comedy’s top mi...
Jan 06, 2025•27 min•Ep. 615
In this classic Industry Standard interview, and final episode of 2024, Barry sits down with legendary radio personality, comedian, and podcasting trailblazer Adam Carolla. Adam opens up about his remarkable journey, starting with his humble beginnings as a carpenter by day while honing his comedy chops at The Groundlings by night. He shares how unconventional gigs—like teaching comedy-infused traffic school—shaped his early career. Adam reflects on pivotal moments, and the perseverance that ult...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 614
In this AMA episode of Industry Standard, talent manager and TV/Film Producer, Barry Katz, tackles your burning questions about succeeding in comedy, citing comedians like Louie Anderson, Roseanne Barr, Brad Williams and more. Barry breaks down the most common mistakes early comedians make and offers practical strategies to overcome writer’s block. He shares a bold, fresh take on addressing cancel culture in the entertainment business and explains why prioritizing quality over quantity is essent...
Dec 09, 2024•41 min•Ep. 613
Barry sits down with legendary screenwriter, director, and producer, Garry Marshall for an engaging conversation about his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. Marshall reflects on his triumphs, including creating iconic television shows like Happy Days and The Odd Couple and directing blockbuster films such as Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries. He shares entertaining anecdotes and invaluable lessons from working with stars like Julia Roberts...
Dec 07, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 612
Barry sits down with stand-up comedian and actress Heather McMahan to discuss her journey to success in the comedy business. From catching the comedy bug in high school while performing at a roast to becoming a TikTok sensation, selling out comedy clubs, releasing hit specials, and headlining Radio City Music Hall, McMahan's story is one of persistence and passion. She shares hilarious and heartfelt anecdotes, including Mandy Moore calling into her Absolutely Not podcast, her triumphs in selling...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 611
In this episode, talent manager Barry Katz answers your questions about the comedy business. Katz shares insights on etiquette for comedians, how to make money in comedy and how to stand out in the competitive entertainment industry. Barry also shares bits by some of his favorite comedians such as Chris Rock, Rodney Dangerfield, and Jim Jefferies. #StandUpComedy #ComedyBusiness #AskMeAnything Blueprint for Success in the Comedy Business Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, mana...
Nov 08, 2024•44 min•Ep. 610
In this memorable Industry Standard episode filmed at the 2016 Just For Laughs Festival, Howie Mandel takes viewers along his unconventional journey to stardom in the entertainment industry. From his early days as a carpet salesman to trying stand-up comedy on a whim, Howie recounts the pivotal night he first stepped onto the comedy stage—a bold move that landed him his first TV role on Make Me Laugh and eventually secured him a spot as a fan-favorite panelist on America's Got Talent. He also op...
Nov 02, 2024•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 609
In this episode, Barry speaks with actor and stand-up comedian Aries Spears, diving into Aries' journey from his breakout as a teenage comic to becoming a regular on sketch comedy series MADtv and landing roles in films like Jerry Maguire. Aries discusses making amends with Bobby Lee of Tiger Belly, as well a nerve-wracking experience doing stand-up in front of Eddie Murphy, and opens up about his thoughts on his current career path in the comedy business, while Barry provides some tough love, s...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 608
In this episode, guest Kyle Kazanjian-Amory, aka Kyle KA, founder and CEO of Don't Tell Comedy reveals how his experience as a comedian inspired him to promote his own events, and built his brand from booking a handful of popup shows with stand up comics like Sam Jay and Katherine Blanford, with a focus on throwing affordable comedy events in places other than traditional comedy clubs, into a scaled organization that books shows in over 100+ cities a month, and is now a launching pad for up-an...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 607
In this episode of Industry Standard, host Barry Katz dives into the essentials of building a career in comedy and entertainment. Join us as he answers your questions about finding management, understanding contracts, and how he keeps a positive mindset in the face of challenges. Barry shares his industry insights, tips for aspiring comedians, and advice on navigating the business side of comedy. Whether you’re a comedian or an entertainment enthusiast, this Ask Me Anything podcast is packed wit...
Oct 10, 2024•35 min•Ep. 606
In this classic episode of Industry Standard, host Barry Katz is interviewed by Jay Mohr... as Barry Katz! From hilarious ribbing to serious topics, and assisted by possibly six interns, they delve into Barry's journey into the comedy business from his upbringing, infatuated with the comedy of Jonathan Winters, Smothers Brothers, and Bob Newhart, to his adult years and how the tragic loss of his wife led him to New York to found his management company and the Boston Comedy Club, giving stage tim...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 605
You may recognize actor, comedian, and celebrity impressionist Roger Kabler from his touring Robin Williams act, or possibly as the "Zima Guy" from the Zima beverage commercials back in the 90s. He's now written, directed, produced, and starring in a new film called "Being Robin" that explores themes of spiritual possession vs mental illness, as Roger presents his experience touring with his impression as Robin Williams after his death. In this interview, Roger shares his process of using the Me...
Sep 13, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 604
Barry answers your questions about the entertainment business, including questions on dealing with rejection, creative control, and confidence. Barry also shares insights on his own personal management style, as well as his thoughts on edgy, dark comedy. www.blueprint-for-success.com Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more &...
Sep 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 603
