
Paula Poundstone
Stand-Up Comedian, Television Personality and Panelist on NPR's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me"
Heralded as one of our country’s foremost comics, Paula Poundstone’s quick-thinking, unscripted approach to comedy makes for a perfect fit as a regular panelist on NPR’s #1 show, the screwball weekly news quiz show WAIT WAIT…DON’T TELL ME! where she holds the record for game losses. “The others cheat,” she says magnanimously, “you wouldn’t think…
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Full Bio
Heralded as one of our country’s foremost comics, Paula Poundstone’s quick-thinking, unscripted approach to comedy makes for a perfect fit as a regular panelist on NPR’s #1 show, the screwball weekly news quiz show WAIT WAIT…DON’T TELL ME! where she holds the record for game losses. “The others cheat,” she says magnanimously, “you wouldn’t think NPR would put up with that.”
Paula tours regularly, performing standup comedy across the country. Writes Nick Zaino with the Boston Globe: “You know she’s a great comic the way you know any fine performer when you see one — there’s a disarming ease in her craft, an immediate sense that she’s so quick on her feet you need never worry about the possibility of something going wrong.” Paula’s interchanges with the audience are never mean or done at a person’s expense. She even manages to handle politics without provoking the pall of disapproval received by less artful comics. “With the exception of that one time,” Paula claims.
The talents of this brilliant humorist extend beyond standup comedy, but stop short of yodeling. In 2016 Paula voiced the character “Forgetter Paula” in Disney/Pixar’s Academy Award winning animated feature film, INSIDE OUT. In June 2016, her first double-live CD, “NORTH BY NORTHWEST: PAULA POUNDSTONE LIVE!” (HighBridge) debuted at #1 on both Amazon’s “Hot New Releases – Non Fiction” and “Comedy CD” lists. The CD was recorded at performances at the Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, WI and the Aladdin Theatre in Portland, OR. Says Paula, “It’s a joyous romp through a field of cheeseheads and hipsters.” Paula is also an author. Her second hardcover book (Algonquin Books), will debut on May 9, 2017. An avid reader, Paula is a staunch supporter of our nation’s libraries and in 2006 the American Library Association invited her to become the national spokesperson of United for Libraries, a post she holds to this day. United for Libraries is a grass roots support group with members across the country who raise much-needed funds for their local libraries. In July this year, Paula appeared on the hit television drama, MAJOR CRIMES. She has also done commentaries for CBS SUNDAY MORNING.
Paula has never been one to brag, “except,” she says, “when I’m alone,” but since this is her bio, and we are supposed to tell you something about her, over the years Paula has amassed a list of accolades and awards that stretch the length of a great big tall guy’s arm. In 1992 she became the first woman to share the stage with the President and host the prestigious White House Correspondents dinner, a role not until then offered to a woman in its seventy-two year history. Only four other women have followed in her pioneering footsteps. That same year, she rocked the comedy establishment when her HBO special, CATS, COPS AND STUFF won the Cable ACE Award for Best Standup Comedy Special — the first woman to ever receive that award. Her second special for HBO, PAULA POUNDSTONE GOES TO HARVARD was the first time the elite university allowed their name to be used in the title of a television show. Paula is included in Comedy Central’s list of 100 Greatest Stand-Ups Of All Time – comments Paula: ”Especially meaningful because lots of other Neanderthals were overlooked.” — and won an American Comedy Award for Best Female Standup Comic — Paula: “They ran out of people to give it to.” She has guested on all the late night talk shows, several television specials, and Garrison Keillor’s A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION. Still, Paula considers her greatest achievement being a Mom of 3 children.
She lives in Santa Monica where she also has 2 dogs, 14 cats, and one ant left from her ant farm.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!

LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!

MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!

SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!

SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!

CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!

PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.

GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.

FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!

FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
An Evening With Paula Poundstone
Videos
Paula Poundstone on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
Paula Poundstone: Extended Interview
Books
News
Testimonials
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