Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz

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 entertain...

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...

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,...

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 ev...

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...

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 lingeri...

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 indu...

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...

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...

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 tra...

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...

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...

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 heartfe...

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 Blue...

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 La...

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...

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 sc...

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....

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 w...

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 experienc...

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 personaliz...

In this classic episode, stand-up comedian, screenwriter, and director, Neal Brennan (  @nealbfree  ) shares stories of his early career from being a doorman at the Boston Comedy Club to partnering with Dave Chappelle to write Half Baked, and how the film was pitched and greenlit. Neal discusses what it's like writing and directing for film and television, including his time with Chappelle&#39...

In this powerful podcast episode, Tiffany Haddish opens up about her journey of overcoming challenges and staying resilient in the face of adversity on her climb from humble beginnings to major success. She shares personal stories that highlight her growth, maturity, and determination to succeed in both show business and her personal life. Tiffany reveals how she broke free from an abusive relatio...

Dan Rubin is the visionary founder of Budding Equity Inc. In this episode, Dan shares his journey emerging from the Toronto rave scene and escaping the finance world, into his current work, forming partnerships with major artists and film studios like Paramount, to license intellectual property for cannabis products. Dan recounts path from his first deal to license merchandise for Cheech and Chong...

Barry Shares Stories about leaving Boston and moving to New York, renting his couch out to comics like Louis CK, Nick Di Paolo, and other then-unknown Young Comics. He offers advice on getting into TV Writers Rooms, and recounts how a writer's assistant for Whitney Cummings' got her script made into an episode of "Whitney." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com...