Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz

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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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 time to young and now legendary comedians. Barry... and Barry also share both funny and tragic stories about mythical comedian and street performer, Charlie Barnett. Find out more about the man behind Industry Standard in this special episode hosted by Jay Mohr as Barry Katz.

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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 Meisner acting technique for impressions of celebrities like Al Pacino, Robert Deniro and Marlon Brando, and reveals how it was to work with Meisner himself. He also recounts a funny early career story about how a lunch with Halle Berry went south, as well as more challenging failures such as his cancelled sitcom, and difficult yet powerful stories about battling addiction and how he finally got sober through painting.

BEING ROBIN premieres in the US on Sep 17th at the historic Landmark Theater in Westwood, and will be released on streaming platforms on Nov 5th

For more information visit: BeingRobinTheMovie.com

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.

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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's Show.

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