Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz

In this episode, Brandon T. Jackson talks about navigating Hollywood, the shift to self-tape auditions , and why artists today have to think like entrepreneurs. From big studio films to building his own projects, he breaks down what it takes to stay relevant, provide for a family, and keep evolving in a business where everyone’s their own studio. Blueprint for Successhttps://barrykatz.com/blueprin...

In this Industry Standard episode, Barry Katz sits down with legendary television executive Paul Telegdy for a rare, inside look at leadership, legacy, and decision-making at the highest levels of entertainment. Paul reflects on stepping into major roles at NBC, what it means to inherit massive franchises like America’s Got Talent, and why leadership is less about control and more about stewardshi...

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Barry Katz answers real questions from artists and creatives navigating the entertainment business. Drawing on four decades of experience, Barry speaks candidly about resilience, rejection, growth, and what it really takes to build a lasting career—turning setbacks into momentum and surviving, then thriving, in a brutal industry. Blueprint for Success ⁠https://barr...

Originally recorded in 2018, this classic Industry Standard episode features Barry Katz in conversation with legendary comedian and Las Vegas headliner Carrot Top. In this throwback interview, Carrot Top opens up about his decades-long career, building one of the most successful residencies in comedy history, and the discipline required to stay relevant year after year. From touring to television...

In this Industry Standard episode, Barry Katz sits down with comedian, actor, and writer TJ Miller to talk about comedy, career longevity, and the deeper responsibility of making people laugh. Known for his breakout role on Silicon Valley, scene-stealing performances in blockbuster films like Deadpool and Transformers, and years of stand-up touring, TJ reflects on how his career across television,...

<p>In this Industry Standard episode, Barry Katz sits down with stand-up comedian Andy Huggins for a candid conversation about comedy careers, creative momentum, and the moments that unexpectedly change everything. Andy breaks down how a simple Facebook thought turned into a full comedy special, the power of decisive collaborators, and why he’s never chased success the “traditional” way. The...

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Barry answers real questions submitted by artists and creatives navigating the entertainment business. Drawing on four decades of experience representing legends like Dave Chappelle, Wanda Sykes, and Bill Burr, Barry speaks candidly about resilience, rejection, growth, and what it really takes to build a lasting career. From getting “crushed like a bug” to turning...

<p>In this Industry Standard classic episode, filmed in 2019, Barry sits with comedian and actor Andrew Santino (Dave, I’m Dying Up Here, Mixology, This Is Us) Santino traces his path from working on Punk’d with Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg to establishing himself as a stand-up and actor.<br><BR>They cover his early days at The Comedy Store, the rise of podcasts, and how Joe...

In this episode of Industry Standard with Barry Katz, comedian and actor Dustin Ybarra opens up about his career journey — from getting discovered through Stand Up for Diversity to landing roles in We Bought a Zoo, 21 & Over, Kevin Probably Saves the World, and Ghosts. Dustin reflects on the ups and downs of show business, his experiences on The Tonight Show, and what it takes to stand out in...

In this episode of Industry Standard, Barry Katz sits down with comedian and actor Craig Shoemaker for a wide-ranging, hilarious, and deeply personal conversation. Known for his unforgettable “Love Master” character, Craig talks about how that voice and persona grew out of his own awkward teenage years and became a crowd favorite alongside his sharp stand-up and impressions. He and Barry swap stor...

Danny Robinson is a talent agent who got his start in the mail room. Before that, he was on the road with his parents as a part of their closing act. Growing up on the road, Danny learned a lot about the entertainment industry. Danny got his start at Ashley Famous, and after several summers and mergers, Danny landed a desk at ICM in the Rock and Roll Department for Chuck Ramsey. Danny has worked w...

In this Ask Me Anything episode of Industry Standard with Barry Katz, Barry dives into practical advice for comedians at every stage of their career. He shares insights on writing and originality, drawing lessons from comedy legends like Dave Chappelle, Jim Jefferies, George Carlin, Wanda Sykes, Louis C.K., and Steven Wright. With personal stories, deep industry experience, and reflections on evol...

In this episode of Industry Standard with Barry Katz, viral YouTube pioneer Ed Bassmaster shares his incredible journey from working retail at an AT&T store to becoming one of the most recognizable character comedians on the internet. He dives deep into the origins of his iconic alter egos and creations like Always Teste, Chip Diamond, Skippy, Tequila, and Mumbles—many inspired by real-life en...

In this gripping episode of Industry Standard with Barry Katz, legendary actor Michael Madsen opens up like never before. From almost missing out on his iconic role as Mr. Blonde in Reservoir Dogs to improvising unforgettable moments on set, Madsen shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from working with Quentin Tarantino, Harvey Keitel, Jennifer Tilly, and many more. He reflects on how Holl...

In Memory of Peter Engel June 30, 1936 - March 4, 2025In this classic rerelease episode, Legendary TV producer Peter Engel joins Barry Katz to share wild stories from his career, spanning his early days around Saturday Night Live to creating the iconic TV hits like Saved by the Bell, California Dreams, and City Guys. Engel reveals how he discovered stars like Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani-Amber Thi...

In this emotional and insightful episode of Industry Standard, Barry Katz sits down with comedy club mogul Cris Italia to talk about building “The Stand,” coping with loss, and shaping the careers of comics like Pete Davidson, Andrew Schulz, and Nikki Glaser. Italia reflects on the influence of late comedy legends including Patrice O’Neal, Greg Giraldo, and Mike DeStefano, as well as the enduring...

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 Dav...

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 w...

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 als...

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 peo...

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...

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

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 work...

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 Roc...

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...