Yakov Smirnoff: The Story Behind "What A Country!"

Barry Katz has spent decades in the trenches as a comedy manager and producer, and in Industry Standard w/ Barry Katz, he uses that unique position to pull back the curtain on how entertainment really gets made. This isn't a theoretical discussion about Hollywood; it's a series of conversations with the actual decision-makers-the writers, directors, executives, and fellow producers who operate behind the scenes. Each episode feels like sitting in on a private lunch where these players get candid about the pivotal, often risky choices that shaped iconic projects across film, television, and digital media. The tone is conversational and grounded in real experience, offering an insider's perspective that you rarely hear presented so frankly. By focusing on the stories of creation and the hurdles cleared along the way, the podcast provides a genuine, all-access pass to the machinery of show business. You'll hear how unexpected breakthroughs happen and what it actually takes to get groundbreaking content into the world. Barry's background in comedy naturally informs the dialogue, making even complex industry tales engaging and accessible. For anyone curious about the human elements of creativity and commerce that collide in entertainment, this podcast serves as an essential guide. It’s about the practical wisdom and occasional chaos that define the industry standard, told by the people who set it.