Breaking Barriers in Comedy | Sierra Katow | Stand-Up Comic, TV Writer & Producer

Sierra Katow is a stand-up comic, TV writer, producer, and host of the podcast Stay Podsitive. She started performing comedy at 16, went on to study computer science at Harvard, and returned to Los Angeles to build a career that blends sharp humor with thoughtful commentary. Sierra shares what it’s like to navigate the comedy world as a female Asian comic, the hustle of producing and performing across multiple platforms, and why she believes comedy is essential for building community and sparking change. She talks about the influences who inspire her, from her parents to Whoopi Goldberg, and how she’s learned to be brave, confident, and unapologetically herself on stage and off. Her journey is proof that humor isn’t just entertainment. Chapters 00:00 Meet Sierra Katow 03:20 Starting Stand-Up at 16 07:45 Balancing Harvard and Comedy 12:05 From Computer Science to Comedy Writing 16:30 Landing a First Job on Take My Wife 20:15 The Hustle: Producing by Day, Performing by Night 24:40 Navigating the Industry as a Female Asian Comic 29:05 Handling Criticism and Random Comments 33:20 The Power of Community in Comedy 37:50 Influences from Whoopi Goldberg to Ali Wong 42:10 Staying Brave and Confident On Stage 46:30 Why Comedy is Essential in Good and Bad Times 51:00 Hosting the Stay Podsitive Podcast The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices