Paula Poundstone is a celebrated comedian known for her sharp wit and improvisational genius. Born in Sudbury, Massachusetts, she began her comedy career performing at open-mic nights in 1979, quickly establishing herself as a unique voice in stand-up comedy. Poundstone is renowned for her distinctive style, often appearing on stage with just a stool, a microphone, and her beloved can of Diet Pepsi. Her live shows, known for their interactive nature, are like jazz performances, with Poundstone riffing on conversations with audience members. She's famously quick on her feet, making each performance a one-of-a-kind experience that leaves audience members in stitches. The first woman to win a Cable ACE Award for Best Stand-Up Comedy Special, Poundstone achieved this honor in 1992 for her HBO special "Cats, Cops, and Stuff." She continued to break new ground in comedy with the debut of "Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard" in 1996, the only time Harvard's name has been used in the title of a television program. Poundstone has been a staple on NPR's weekly news quiz show, "Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me," where her humor and commentary have delighted listeners. Her television appearances include "Late Night with David Letterman," Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion," and "The Tonight Show." In addition to her television work, Paula Poundstone has contributed to PBS series such as "Sesame Street" and "Storytime," and voiced characters in animated series like "Science Court." An accomplished writer, she published the book "There is Nothing In This Book That I Meant To Say" in 2006, combining memoirs with biographies of historical figures, all delivered in her trademark comedic style. Beyond her professional accolades, Poundstone is a dedicated single parent raising her children in Santa Monica, California, alongside a household that includes a multitude of pets. Her life is a blend of everyday domesticity and her successful comedic career, and she continues to delight audiences nationwide with her engaging, intelligent, and side-splitting humor.