Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz

Over the close to 10 years of hosting this podcast, I’ve had the incredible honor of interviewing some truly amazing and extraordinary people, many of whom are unfortunately no longer with us. These individuals were some of the most brilliant comedians, managers, writers, and directors I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting, but even more importantly, they were my friends. Part 1 of this special 2-part episode is a collection of some great stories, advice, and insight these men all shared on Industry Standard over the years. I hope that by listening to these extraordinary individuals you can find inspiration in their words the way I did, and use that inspiration into taking your own career to the next level.

Henry Bushkin was only a few years into his legal career when Johnny Carson hired him as his personal lawyer/manager for a golden period that became the most productive 18 years of his career. His book Johnny Carson was a #1 New York Times Best Seller and one of the “Ten Best Books of the Year” in 2013.  Known as "Bombastic Bushkin," he was The Tonight Show host’s best friend and played a major role in his life that was very involved and complex, as he was equal parts sounding board, drinking buddy, tennis partner, travel companion, business manager, and all-around trusted confidant— with the power to clean up any mess that impeded Carson’s productivity or happiness. His inside information on one of America’s greatest treasures is both compelling and equally shocking, as he tells the intimate never-before-heard stories of the man, the myth, and the legend that was Johnny Carson.

Henry Bushkin was only a few years into his legal career when Johnny Carson hired him as his personal lawyer/manager for a golden period that became the most productive 18 years of his career. His book Johnny Carson was a #1 New York Times Best Seller and one of the “Ten Best Books of the Year” in 2013.  Known as "Bombastic Bushkin," he was The Tonight Show host’s best friend and played a major role in his life that was very involved and complex, as he was equal parts sounding board, drinking buddy, tennis partner, travel companion, business manager, and all-around trusted confidant— with the power to clean up any mess that impeded Carson’s productivity or happiness. His inside information on one of America’s greatest treasures is both compelling and equally shocking, as he tells the intimate never-before-heard stories of the man, the myth, and the legend that was Johnny Carson.

In November of 2022, a one of a kind comedian, Gallagher, passed away. He made a huge impact on my life and career. He was a misunderstood and brilliant man. Always saying things the way he wanted to when off stage, often getting him into trouble. But by listening to him in his final interview, you immediately notice how much insight he has to offer. Whether you agree with him or not, he was certainly one of the most unique to ever do it. I will miss him.

In November of 2022, a one of a kind comedian, Gallagher, passed away. He made a huge impact on my life and career. He was a misunderstood and brilliant man. Always saying things the way he wanted to when off stage, often getting him into trouble. But by listening to him in his final interview, you immediately notice how much insight he has to offer. Whether you agree with him or not, he was certainly one of the most unique to ever do it. I will miss him.

Stephen Glover and better known by his stage name Steve-O is an actor, stunt performer, producer, comedian, author, musician, and clown. His entertainment career is mostly centered on his performance stance on the groundbreaking and hugely successful MTV series Jackass and its related movies and spin off series, Wild boys. While performing the flea market circuit Steve-O began sending videos of himself the Big Brother magazine editor and future Jackass director Jeff Tremaine. After admitting that the only thing he was scared of was spiders, Tremaine recruited Steve-O for MTV his television series Jackass, which became an instant hit. MTV subsequently released seven movies based on the series from 2000 to 2022. Most recently, Jackass Forever opened at number one at the box office and became a massive success.

Stephen Glover and better known by his stage name Steve-O is an actor, stunt performer, producer, comedian, author, musician, and clown. His entertainment career is mostly centered on his performance stance on the groundbreaking and hugely successful MTV series Jackass and its related movies and spin off series, Wild boys. While performing the flea market circuit Steve-O began sending videos of himself the Big Brother magazine editor and future Jackass director Jeff Tremaine. After admitting that the only thing he was scared of was spiders, Tremaine recruited Steve-O for MTV his television series Jackass, which became an instant hit. MTV subsequently released seven movies based on the series from 2000 to 2022. Most recently, Jackass Forever opened at number one at the box office and became a massive success.

Eric Tannenbaum is one of the most successful television executives in history, holding titles of President of Columbia Tristar Television, President of Michael Ovitz' ATG, Co-President of the Tannenbaum Company at CBS with his wife Kim, and Executive Producer of one of the longest running sitcoms in history (Two and 1/2 Men).

Eric Tannenbaum is one of the most successful television executives in history, holding titles of President of Columbia Tristar Television, President of Michael Ovitz' ATG, Co-President of the Tannenbaum Company at CBS with his wife Kim, and Executive Producer of one of the longest running sitcoms in history (Two and 1/2 Men).

This summer we lost one of the most respected artists I’ve ever known in this industry—Kevin Rooney. He was a really special person to all of us fortunate enough to know him. He worked with the best, hung with the best, and his sense of humor was the best. The way he spent time with all the comedians and was able to navigate through any situation, made him one of the most original people in our business. I hope you enjoy Part 2 of this classic episode where you get to hear his insight on our business from the man himself. I’ll miss him dearly.