Caroline Hirsch is a true icon of New York City’s cultural history. As the founder of Carolines on Broadway and the New York Comedy Festival, she’s not just a business leader; she’s a tastemaker who helped shape the trajectory of modern stand-up.
In this conversation with Patrick McGinnis, Caroline reflects on her unlikely entry into comedy, from leaving a retail job to co-founding what would become a legendary stage for generations of comedians. She reveals how paying performers—a radical move at the time—helped Carolines stand apart, and how she turned the club into a media magnet that influenced an entire industry.
Caroline also shares how discipline, conviction, and a sharp eye for numbers helped her keep the business thriving for more than 40 years. Her decision to move to Times Square in the early ’90s positioned Carolines at the heart of the city’s revival, while her creation of the New York Comedy Festival transformed the local scene into a global event.
From Robin Williams dropping by unannounced to the rise of live events as the new cultural currency, this episode of FOMO Sapiens is a masterclass in creative entrepreneurship and a love letter to the power of persistence and vision.
Caroline Hirsch is a pioneering entrepreneur, producer, and visionary behind New York’s modern comedy scene. She is the founder of Carolines on Broadway, the legendary comedy club that shaped the careers of countless icons—from Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno to Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer—and produced the long-running Carolines Comedy Hour on A&E.
In 2004, Caroline launched the New York Comedy Festival, which has grown into the largest and most influential comedy event in the United States, featuring more than 200 shows across all five boroughs. A Brooklyn native, she built her career on spotting talent early, taking creative risks, and running a tight business operation in an unpredictable industry.
Beyond comedy, Caroline has produced award-winning films, including Ask for Jane and Call Your Mother. She continues to champion philanthropic causes through events such as Stand Up for Heroes, which has raised over $113 million for the Bob Woodruff Foundation. Honored with numerous awards for her impact on entertainment and free expression, Caroline remains a defining force in American culture—and a living example of tenacity, taste, and trailblazing vision.
For media and speaking requests, and to suggest a guest for the show, please email letsconnect@patrickmcginnis.com.
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