
Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 7, 2024 • 1h 31min
Garry Marshall Classic Rerelease
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.
#HappyDays #Director #Showbusiness #PrincessDiaries #PrettyWoman #RonHoward #TheOddCouple #JuliaRoberts #RichardGere #GarryMarshall #PennyMarshall
www.blueprint-for-success.com
Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more & join our FREE industry networking group full of decades of experience!

Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 17min
Heather McMahan
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.
Heather McMahan's latest special "BREADWINNER" is out now on Hulu
Find her podcast "Absolutely Not with Heather McMahan" on YouTube
#HeatherMcMahan #AbsolutelyNot #standupcomedy #breadwinner #comedian #tiktokstar #comedy #podcast #interview #careeradvice #talentmanager #entertainmentbusiness #snl #showbusiness
Blueprint for Success
https://blueprint-for-success.com
Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more & join our FREE industry networking group full of decades of experience!

Nov 8, 2024 • 44min
Ask Me Anything 7 w/ Barry Katz
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
Blueprint for Success in the Comedy Business
Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more & join our FREE industry networking group full of decades of experience!
https://www.blueprint-for-success.com

Nov 2, 2024 • 1h 40min
Howie Mandel Classic Rerelease
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.
#HowieMandel #AmericasGotTalent #Comedian

Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 21min
Aries Spears
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.
#AriesSpears #MADtv #StandUpComedy
Blueprint for Success
https://www.blueprint-for-success.com
Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more & join our FREE industry networking group full of decades of experience!

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 11min
Kyle Kazanjian-Amory
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.
Don't Tell Comedy
https://www.donttellcomedy.com/
Blueprint For Success
https://www.blueprint-for-success.com
Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more & join our FREE industry networking group full of decades of experience!

Oct 10, 2024 • 35min
Ask Me Anything 6 w/ Barry Katz
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.
www.blueprint-for-success.com
Are you a comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, manager, host, podcaster or agent? Would you like personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more & join our FREE industry networking group full of decades of experience!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/industry-standard-w-barry-katz/support

Oct 8, 2024 • 1h 12min
Jay Mohr Classic Rerelease
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.
JAY MOHR is a comedian, actor, best-selling author, executive producer, radio and TV host...with a career that has spanned several decades. After landing his dream job of "Saturday Night Live," two years later, he was cast opposite Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire" and that same year co-star with Jennifer Anniston in "Picture Perfect." Jay has appeared in over 25 films with some of the greatest actors and directors of our generation
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/industry-standard-w-barry-katz/support

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 21min
Roger Kabler
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

Sep 3, 2024 • 33min
Ask Me Anything 5 w/ Barry Katz
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 personalized help to reach all of your goals in the entertainment business? Click the link to learn more & join our FREE industry networking group full of decades of experience!