The Podcast Host Everyone’s Talking About: Ella Katz

By: Mia Dubin

Ella Katz, host of the podcast Taller Toddlers and a former ABC journalist, inspires her audience to embrace curiosity, stay playful, and pursue their passions without outgrowing their sense of wonder.

Ella has interviewed some of the internet's biggest names, from icon Jake Shane to trendsetter and the internet’s big sister, Brett Chody, whom Ella claims are some of her MUUZes (role models). 

During our conversation, Ella shared that when she was applying to college, she knew she was drawn to people, storytelling, and understanding how we are all connected. She explained that she has always loved investigating stories and uncovering deeper truths. At the University of Southern California (USC), she had the opportunity to interview well-known individuals, turning her passion into reality. Through journalism and writing, she said she feels she can help people tell their stories and feel truly seen.

Ella also spoke about her strong interest in writing about mental health and loneliness, topics she believes deserve greater attention and compassion. She expressed that giving these issues a voice is both meaningful and powerful to her.

Additionally, Ella shared the inspiration behind starting Taller Toddlers, which began at the end of 2023. She recalled walking in New York City with a friend when the friend remarked, “You know, we’re all just taller toddlers, right?” In that moment, Ella said she knew that was going to be her podcast.

Ella emphasizes that the thesis of Taller Toddlers “is that if we both hold onto and remember what we were like as kids—like what we wore, what we loved to do, how we moved our bodies, and how we expressed ourselves—we will be happier as grown-ups.”

Ella also shared that having her dear friend Jake Shane on the podcast and opening up together was an especially meaningful moment for her. Additionally, she described a true “pinch-me” moment when she cold emailed Kevin Chamberlin, who played Bertram on the hit Disney show Jessie, and landed one of her biggest interviews. She explained that even interviewing people on the subway has shifted her perspective on various topics. Ella also said that having Drew Barrymore on the show would be a dream, as would Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine.

When it comes to advice, Ella said the best piece of wisdom that always stays with her is, “If you don’t listen to your body when it whispers, it will yell.” She explained that this idea applies to trusting your gut, paying attention to your body, and learning through trial and error. 

Ella, thank you for showing me how to embrace curiosity and follow my passion, and for reminding me that whenever I catch myself debating whether to reach for that juice box or grab a box of crayons, we’re all just taller toddlers figuring out this world!