Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz
by Barry Katz
Ask Me Anything #23: Can Comedy Be Taught? Industry Advice & The…
About this podcast
A one-of-a-kind insiders look at Hollywood from a totally different perspective. This inspirational weekly series provides an “all access pass” to the entertainment business through the eyes of comedy manager/producer Barry Katz and the industry's biggest "behind the scenes" players who candidly reveal the risky decisions they made that led to the most groundbreaking internet, television, radio, music, and film content in the world. Combining humor, insight, and motivation; Katz provides the blueprint for the audience to take their careers to the next tier, while showcasing each guests’ extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to the highest levels in their field.
Episodes
The newest 50 of 625 episodes
- Ask Me Anything #23: Can Comedy Be Taught? Industry Advice & The Future of Entertainment · 32 minQuestion #1: Do you feel fulfilled in the current stage of your career? Are there any goals you have for yourself in the next 5 or 10 years? Question #2: When you receive a cold…
- Anjelah Johnson: What If One Thing Could Fast Forward Your Career? · 1 h 5 minBecoming a comedian was never part of Anjelah Johnson-Reyes’ plan. She started out pursuing acting, going on auditions, working as an extra, waiting tables, and facing periods of…
- Larry King on Life, Comedy & the Art of the Interview · 1 h 5 minThe Industry Blue print sits down with legendary broadcaster Larry King to explore the life, career, and curiosity behind one of the most recognizable interviewers in history…
- Big Jay Oakerson: A True Product of Philly & New York Comedy · 1 h 44 minBig Jay Oakerson is a product of both Philadelphia and New York, two cities that shaped his voice, his comedy, and his approach to the business. A longtime fixture of the New…
- Nate Jackson: Crowd Work, Social Media, and Creating on Stage · 1 h 46 minNate Jackson is a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and entrepreneur from Tacoma, Washington. He began performing locally before creating the Super Funny Comedy Show and…
- Rick Messina: Life as a Comedy Manager · 1 h 35 minRick Messina has spent decades behind the scenes of the comedy business as a producer, manager, and talent representative, helping guide the careers of some of comedy’s most…
- Eddie Lfft: Managers, Comics & the Business of Comedy · 1 h 3 minIn this episode Industry Standard, Eddie takes us behind the scenes of the comedy business, from the complicated relationship between managers and clients to how he sees the…
- Yakov Smirnoff: The Story Behind "What A Country!" · 1 h 9 minYakov Smirnoff came to America from the Soviet Union in 1977 with little money and limited English, determined to build a new life. He started out working as a bartender before…
- Ask Me Anything #22: Stage Time, Managers, Creating a Comedy Scene & How to Actually Level Up · 31 minQuestions on this week's episode of Ask Me Anything #22 • How should a new comic in 2026 be thinking about building stage time, clubs, festivals, podcast or something else…
- Josh Adam Meyers: Music with Comedy, Authenticity, Jamming with Burr, and Addiction · 1 h 11 minJosh Adam Meyers is a comedian with the energy of a rock star and the instincts of a stand up. His comedy is loud, unpredictable, personal, and built around a fearless stage…
- Zoe Friedman: Intern to Discovering New Talent & How Comedians Got on Letterman · 1 h 9 minZoe Friedman has spent decades helping shape the comedy industry from behind the scenes. From discovering and developing stand up talent to booking for The Late Show with David…
- Ask Me Anything #21: Tapes, Club Residencies, Auditions, and Egos · 37 minQuestions answered in this episode of Ask Me Anything: • What are the tells in a tape or video link that immediately signal real comic maturity to you? • When a comedian earns…
- Adam Conover: Built a Comedy Career Without Being a Club Comic · 56 minAdam Conover started out doing sketch comedy and stand-up before landing at CollegeHumor, where his sharp, curious style quickly stood out. That eventually led to Adam Ruins…
- Earthquake: From Serving His Country to Making the World Laugh · 1 h 8 minEarthquake, is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality known for his commanding stage presence, booming voice, and sharp observations on everyday life. Before…
- Yohay Sponder: The Story Behind The Stand Up · 1 h 57 minYohay Sponder is an Israeli stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer who has become one of the most recognizable English-language comedians to emerge from Israel. Sponder…
- Ask Me Anything #20: Comic Personas, The Difficulties With Producing and Working With Agents · 26 minIn this episode, we talk about the challenges of producing complex shows, the difference between who comedians are onstage and offstage, and what it’s like working with agents…
- Faizon Love: Acting, The Apollo & Starting Comedy at 15 · 1 h 18 minIn this episode, Faizon Love reflects on starting stand up comedy at just 15 years old, pursuing a career before his family even knew he was performing. He shares stories from…
- Erica Rhodes: A Natural Performer, Comic Timing & Career Growth · 54 minIn this episode, we sit down with Erica Rhodes to discuss the experiences that led her into comedy, including how a failed audition unexpectedly pushed her toward performing at…
- Ask Me Anything #19 Produced Shows, Creating Opportunities, & International Comics · 29 minA highlight of this week's episode covers years of producing comedy shows and how carefully building a lineup can shape the entire energy of a night. Producing your own show…
- Lahna Turner: Comedy Journey, Family, & Co-Directing "Come What May" · 1 h 10 minLahna Turner is a stand up comedian, writer, musician, and filmmaker whose career has been deeply shaped by the balance between comedy, motherhood, and life on the road. Known…
- Little Miss Sunshine Producer David Friendly on Trusting Your Instincts | ISP · 1 h 42 minAcademy Award-nominated producer David Friendly (Little Miss Sunshine, Big Mama's House) sits down with Barry to talk about his journey from concert promoter to Hollywood…
- Bob Saget on Comedy, Loss, and Life at 60 | ISP · 1 h 44 minBob Saget sits down with legendary comedy manager Barry Katz for a raw, wide-ranging conversation covering Bob's new stand-up special 0 to 60, his early days performing at the…
- Charles Fleischer: The Man Behind the Voices · 1 h 11 minIn this wide-ranging podcast interview, comedian, actor, and entertainer Charles Fleischer — best known as the voice of Roger Rabbit — opens up about his career in stand-up…
- Every Part Of The Industry With Harry Basil! · 1 h 11 minIn this episode, legendary comedian and entertainer Harry Basil shares his incredible journey from a tough childhood in New Jersey to becoming a standout act at the iconic Comedy…
- Why Most Scripts Aren’t Good Enough | Michael Jamin · 1 h 6 minIn this episode of the Industry Standard with Barry Katz, Barry Katz sits down with veteran TV writer and showrunner Michael Jamin to discuss screenwriting, comedy writing…
- Legendary Comedy Manager BARRY KATZ Answers Your Questions | AMA 18 · 34 minIn this AMA episode, Barry answers real questions from comics around the world — covering female comics navigating a boys’ club, international comedians breaking into the U.S…
- The Genius Behind The Sledge-O-Matic | Gallagher · 2 h 36 minHost and veteran comedy manager Barry Katz sits down with the legendary Gallagher — one of stand-up comedy's most iconic and inventive performers — for a wide-ranging…
- How To Go From Entertainer To Entrepreneur | Brandon T Jackson · 42 minIn 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…
- Paul Telegdy · 1 h 59 minIn 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…
- The One Place Every Great Comedy Career Is Built | AMA 17 · 21 minIn 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…
- Carrot Top Classic Rerelease · 1 h 52 minOriginally recorded in 2018, this classic Industry Standard episode features Barry Katz in conversation with legendary comedian and Las Vegas headliner Carrot Top. In this…
- TJ Miller · 1 h 41 minIn 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…
- Andy Huggins · 1 h 22 min<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…
- Ask Me Anything 16 · 37 minIn this Ask Me Anything episode, Barry answers real questions submitted by artists and creatives navigating the entertainment business. Drawing on four decades of experience…
- Andrew Santino Classic Rerelease · 1 h 36 min<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…
- Dustin Ybarra · 1 h 3 minIn 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…
- Craig Shoemaker · 1 h 26 min · Episode 639In 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…
- Danny Robinson · 1 h 26 min · Episode 638Danny 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…
- Ask Me Anything 15 · 37 min · Episode 637In 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…
- Ed Bassmaster · 1 h 18 min · Episode 636In 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…
- Michael Madsen Classic Rerelease · 2 h 21 min · Episode 635In 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…
- Peter Engel Classic Rerelease · 1 h 25 min · Episode 634In 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…
- Cris Italia · 1 h 29 min · Episode 633In 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…
- Ask Me Anything 14 w/ Barry Katz · 29 min · Episode 632In this heartfelt “Ask Me Anything” episode of Industry Standard, Barry Katz answers audience questions about navigating the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of…
- Ask Me Anything 13 w/ Barry Katz · 31 min · Episode 631In 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…
- Adam Ray Classic Rerelease · 2 h 5 min · Episode 630In 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…
- Chris Myers · 1 h 6 min · Episode 629Legendary 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…
- Gil Junger · 1 h 19 min · Episode 628Barry 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…
- Ask Me Anything 12 w/ Barry Katz · 24 min · Episode 627Comedy 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…
- Paul Rodriguez Classic Rerelease · 1 h 15 min · Episode 626In 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…







