E210 - Katherine Ryan: When I had nothing, I had everything

Katherine Ryan is a comedian and writer, best known for her appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats, Taskmaster and her stand-up special on Netflix, Glitter Room. Originally from Canada, Katherine made the bold move to London in 2008, and shortly thereafter had her first daughter. Becoming a single mum at the age of 25 and isolated from family, Katherine shares with Jake and Damian how this experience fuelled her determination and resilience. “When I had nothing, I had everything”, Katherine’s focus and dedication to her daughter's well-being gave her the strength to fearlessly pursue her stand-up career.

In this episode, Katherine takes us behind the scenes of her comedy path, reflecting on her journey from scraping by as a single mom to her decision to create space for women in the industry by stepping away from Mock the Week. She offers insights into finding positivity in life and leading with gratitude, and sheds light on the reality of hard work.

Join us to hear Katherine’s laughter-filled journey, her resilience, and her valuable life lessons.

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# Podcast Episode Summary: The Relentless Pursuit of Success and Gratitude

## Introduction:
The podcast episode features comedian and writer Katherine Ryan, known for her appearances on popular shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and Taskmaster. Katherine shares her inspiring journey from facing adversity as a single mother to becoming a successful comedian and the lessons she's learned along the way.

## Key Points:

1. **Finding Your Authentic Voice:** Katherine emphasizes the importance of finding your authentic voice in any walk of life. She believes that authenticity resonates with people and creates a sense of trust and comfort.


2. **Resilience and Determination:** Katherine faced significant challenges as a young single mother, but she used this experience as fuel for her determination. She highlights the importance of focusing on what's important and distilling what truly matters in life.


3. **Overcoming Negative Self-Talk:** Katherine acknowledges the presence of negative self-talk and self-doubt during her early career as a comedian. However, she emphasizes the need to combat these thoughts with a positive mindset and the belief in one's abilities.


4. **Embracing Gratitude:** Katherine credits her success to leading with gratitude. She believes that by focusing on the positive aspects of life and being thankful for what she has, she has attracted wonderful things into her life.


5. **Developing Thick Skin:** Katherine discusses the importance of developing a thick skin in the entertainment industry. She highlights the need to be comfortable with criticism and heckles and to learn from negative experiences.


6. **Reflecting and Learning:** Katherine emphasizes the significance of reflecting on past performances and learning from both successes and failures. She suggests that comedians should write material that makes them laugh first and foremost and that they should be open to feedback.


7. **Adaptability and Flexibility:** Katherine acknowledges the need to be adaptable and flexible in the entertainment industry. She believes that while it's important to stay true to one's core values, it's also essential to be open to new ideas and perspectives.


8. **Hard Work and Dedication:** Katherine stresses the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success. She highlights the need to be available and responsive, even at the expense of personal comfort. She believes that those who are truly passionate about their work will find ways to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.


9. **Balancing Work and Family:** Katherine discusses the challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly as a single mother. She emphasizes the importance of finding a sustainable path that allows her to be both a successful professional and a present and attentive parent.

## Conclusion:
Katherine Ryan's journey as a comedian and writer is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and gratitude. Her emphasis on authenticity, hard work, and adaptability serves as an inspiration to aspiring performers and anyone seeking success in their chosen field.

In this engaging podcast episode, Katherine Ryan, a comedian and writer, shares her journey from being a single mother at the age of 25 to becoming a successful stand-up comedian. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, determination, and finding positivity in life.

Katherine reflects on her early struggles as a single mother, highlighting the challenges of raising a child while pursuing her comedy career. She credits her focus on her daughter's well-being as the driving force behind her determination to succeed.

The podcast delves into Katherine's decision to step away from the TV show "Mock the Week" to create space for women in the industry. She speaks about the importance of supporting and empowering other women, particularly in fields where they are underrepresented.

Katherine emphasizes the value of leading with gratitude and finding joy in the present moment. She believes that a positive outlook on life can help overcome obstacles and lead to greater success.

The episode also touches on the challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly for women. Katherine acknowledges the difficulties of being a working mother, but she stresses the importance of finding a supportive network and making time for both career and personal life.

Katherine's journey is an inspiring example of perseverance, resilience, and the power of positive thinking. Her insights on overcoming challenges, finding success, and leading a fulfilling life offer valuable lessons for listeners.