440: Brian Balthazar – HGTV, Hamsters, And Midlife Reinvention
In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, comedian and host Tom Kelly sits down with TV executive, home decor entrepreneur, and all-around renaissance man Brian Balthazar.
They dive into Brian’s wild career — from launching Kathie Lee & Hoda on the Today Show, to producing Human vs. Hamster on Max, to running a napkin and home goods brand out of his beautifully designed home in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Yes, it’s a real house. And yes, it might be nicer than Whoopi Goldberg’s.
Along the way, Tom and Brian talk about:
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Reinventing your career in midlife
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The chaos of the TV industry
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Stand-up comedy gigs in hotel basements
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Tom’s crush on SNL’s Sarah Sherman
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How Brian once lived in a Plymouth Acclaim
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Why the future of showbiz is napkins, iPhones, and owning your “back end”
This episode is a masterclass in creative pivots, self-reinvention, and staying funny through it all.
Mentioned in this episode:
👉 Pop Goes the Home – Brian’s home goods brand: https://popgoesthehome.com
📲 Follow Brian on Instagram: @BrianBalthazar
📲 Follow Tom on all platforms: @TomKellyShow