In the world of sports media, few personalities have built a following as loyal and passionate as Dan Katz, better known as Big Cat, the charismatic co-host of Pardon My Take. While Big Cat’s voice and humor resonate daily with millions of fans, the woman who stands beside him Stephanie Maloney Katz, known to many as the elusive “Big Cat wife” remains a figure of curiosity and quiet admiration. Her story is one of brilliance, integrity, and understated strength, lived mostly out of the spotlight yet woven tightly into her husband’s public journey.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Stephanie Maloney Katz |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1985 |
| Age | 39 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 128 lbs (58 kg) |
| Spouse | Dan Katz (Big Cat) |
| Children | 3 (2 sons, 1 daughter) |
| Education | Loyola University, Notre Dame Law, Emory University |
| Profession | Senior Legal Counsel, Former DOJ Chief of Staff |
| Residence | Montclair, New Jersey, USA |
| Net Worth | Estimated high six to low seven figures |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
Early Life and Background
Stephanie Maloney Katz was born on June 15, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, a city that would later also become home to her husband. Raised in a middle-class family with traditional values, she excelled academically and was known for her deep intellect and driven nature. Her upbringing instilled in her a passion for justice and a commitment to service principles that would shape her impressive legal career.
While there’s little public information about her siblings or extended family, Stephanie’s dedication to education and personal development stood out from a young age. After high school, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Loyola University Maryland, where she laid the groundwork for her future in law. Her academic excellence earned her a spot at the Notre Dame Law School, where she completed her Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Further driven by a desire to explore the intersection of ethics and policy, she went on to earn a Master’s degree in Theology from Emory University.
Career and Professional Achievements
While many might know her only as the “Big Cat wife,” Stephanie Katz has carved out a distinguished professional path in the legal world. Over the years, she has held several influential roles in both government and private sectors.
Stephanie served as the Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Chief Counsel at the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center, where she played a key role in shaping environmental and administrative law policies. Before that, she was the Chief of Staff and Counsel for the Environment and Natural Resources Division at the U.S. Department of Justice a role that showcased her expertise in environmental regulation, litigation strategy, and high-level legal advising.
Her professional experience also includes working as an associate at Winston & Strawn LLP, a prestigious law firm, and serving as a judicial law clerk for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the Eastern District of Michigan. These prestigious clerkships speak to her academic excellence and the respect she commands in legal circles.
Stephanie is known for her ability to lead with both compassion and authority. Her colleagues have often noted her sharp intellect, steady demeanor, and commitment to legal integrity. Despite the high stakes of her work, she remains humble and grounded traits that mirror the tone her husband carries in his own career.
Love Story with Big Cat (Dan Katz)
Stephanie’s relationship with Dan Katz remains a private but powerful love story. The couple met during the early stages of Big Cat’s career, and their bond grew strong behind the scenes while his public persona flourished. Though Dan is a well-known voice in podcasting and internet culture, he rarely shares intimate details about his personal life and that includes his wife.
This choice for privacy is not accidental. Stephanie has made it clear that she prefers to avoid the limelight. However, her support for Dan’s career is unwavering. According to people close to the couple, she’s not only his biggest cheerleader but also a stabilizing presence in his life. Together, they’ve weathered the complexities of fame and media attention while preserving a deeply personal connection.
They eventually married in a quiet, close-knit ceremony, keeping their vows and special day far from public eyes. It’s a refreshing dynamic in today’s world of overexposure: a high-profile media personality and a brilliant legal mind navigating life hand in hand, but always on their own terms.
Family Life and Children
Despite the intense curiosity from fans, Big Cat and Stephanie have chosen to keep their children’s lives private. However, what is publicly known is that the couple shares three children each a source of joy and purpose in their lives.
Their first son was born in June 2019, followed by a daughter in May 2021, and a second son in May 2023. Dan occasionally references his kids on the Pardon My Take podcast, but only in passing, and never in a way that reveals too much. Stephanie is equally protective of their family’s privacy, preferring to focus on building a stable, loving environment away from the media buzz.
Their parenting style is said to be hands-on and collaborative, with both parents playing active roles in raising their children. Despite demanding careers, Stephanie and Dan prioritize family dinners, weekend outings, and quality time at home. It’s this balance of ambition and groundedness that defines their shared journey.
Lifestyle and Personality
Stephanie leads a lifestyle that’s rooted in purpose, intellect, and humility. Unlike many public figures or celebrity spouses, she doesn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, she prefers a quiet life in Montclair, New Jersey, where the family resides. The town offers a mix of privacy, culture, and proximity to New York ideal for both her legal work and Dan’s media engagements.
Her height 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) matches her commanding presence in any room, yet those who know her describe her as approachable and deeply empathetic. She’s been involved in various charitable causes, particularly those focused on education, child welfare, and environmental justice.
Friends and colleagues note her ability to balance strength and warmth, professionalism and kindness. Whether she’s advising on national policy or navigating motherhood, Stephanie does so with elegance and focus.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Stephanie Katz’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but considering her senior roles in the legal industry, it’s safe to say she enjoys a high six-figure or potentially low seven-figure income annually. Her leadership positions in both government and private sectors are not only prestigious but also well-compensated.
Her husband, Dan Katz, is estimated to have a net worth of around $25 million as of 2025. Much of his earnings come from his role as a host on Pardon My Take, Barstool Sports partnerships, brand endorsements, and digital content ventures.
Together, Stephanie and Dan live a financially secure and fulfilling life. They own property in Montclair and are rumored to have investment interests in media and legal consulting ventures. Despite their wealth, the couple remains grounded, known more for their humility than extravagance.
Social Media and Public Presence
In a world driven by likes, tweets, and online personas, Stephanie remains refreshingly offline. She has no known public social media accounts and rarely appears on Dan’s profiles. This deliberate decision to avoid the digital spotlight reflects her values privacy, dignity, and focus on real-world contributions.
Dan, though active on Twitter and in podcasts, keeps his personal life separate. Any mention of his wife is respectful and subtle, showing how much the couple values their boundaries.
Their decision not to expose their marriage or family for content has earned admiration from many fans who appreciate authenticity over performative sharing.
Why Stephanie Stands Out
There are countless stories of spouses who fade into the background of celebrity life, but Stephanie Katz is different. She’s not just a name or a tag alongside “Big Cat” she’s a successful, intelligent, and principled individual who has built her own legacy.
Her commitment to law and justice, her protective love for her family, and her unshakable sense of self make her a role model not only for legal professionals but also for women navigating life alongside public figures. Stephanie’s quiet strength is a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to be powerful.
She’s the kind of woman who proves that balance is possible: a demanding career, a private life, a healthy marriage, and three children all managed with grace and integrity.
Final Thoughts
Stephanie Maloney Katz, widely known as the Big Cat wife, represents the strength behind the spotlight. While her husband, Dan Katz, entertains millions, Stephanie has quietly built an extraordinary career rooted in purpose, justice, and grace. She embodies intelligence, humility, and balance proving that not every impactful story needs to be loud. Her journey is one of quiet influence, and she continues to inspire through her integrity, dedication, and unwavering support for her family.
FAQs
Who is Big Cat’s wife in real life?
Her real name is Stephanie Maloney Katz, a legal professional and the wife of Barstool Sports personality Dan Katz.
What does Stephanie Katz do for a living?
Stephanie works in high-level legal roles, including as a senior associate chief counsel at the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center.
How many kids do they have?
The couple has three children two sons and one daughter born in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Does Stephanie have social media?
No, she keeps her online presence private and does not have public social media accounts.
What is Big Cat’s net worth?
Dan Katz is estimated to be worth $25 million, primarily from podcasting and Barstool Sports ventures.
