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 minds!

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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 ultimately landed him his first big break at Los Angeles radio station KROQ, training Jimmy Kimmel for a comedic boxing match, a move that led to him creating his breakout character, Mr. Birchum for The Kevin and Bean Show, and then to becoming co-host of Loveline with Dr. Drew. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with grit, humor, and inspiring insights on how Adam transformed unique opportunities into a thriving entertainment empire. You won’t want to miss this hilarious and motivating story!

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 essential for joke writing. Plus, Barry dives into how social media has reshaped the comedy industry, creating new opportunities and challenges for comedians everywhere. Don’t miss this candid and insightful conversation with one of comedy’s top minds!

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, Anne Hathaway, Richard Gere, Rob Reiner, and Ron Howard, as well as recounting a humorous prank pulled by his sister, comedian and actress Penny Marshall. This insightful interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a Hollywood legend and is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration for aspiring creatives.

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 multiple TV series, and her dream of performing on SNL. Heather also opens up about the challenges of breaking into film and television, prompting Barry to offer insightful career advice.

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.

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 opens up about his initial hesitation to host Deal or No Deal and shares some of his most bizarre and challenging gigs, giving audiences a hilarious and insightful look into the unpredictable world of comedy and showbiz.

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, shedding light on a talent manager's perspective of relationships with artists, and encourages a forward-looking mindset, exploring the potential that unfolds when someone fully commits to their goals.

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-and-coming comics. Barry and Kyle discuss how Don't Tell Comedy helped Andy Huggins break through into booking $50,000 worth of gigs, how Kyle and DTC persevered through the pandemic building their YouTube and social media channels, and how Kyle is now producing comedy specials without abandoning the ethos of Don't Tell Comedy by continuing to book shows in unlikely spaces. This is sure to be an inspiring interview for anyone in the comedy and entertainment promoting business.

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 with valuable lessons for anyone in the comedy business.

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