A bonus episode featuring legendary agent Bill Branca, who shares insights about his relationship with Michael Jackson and his brother's involvement in the biopic. The episode delves into personal encounters with Michael Jackson and the dynamics of their professional relationship. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including nostalgia for the past, the impact of technology on society, political divisions, and local government issues. The discussion also delves into personal experiences and reflections on historical events.

Takeaways

• Michael Jackson's personal and professional relationships had a significant impact on those around him.
• Leveraging personal connections and relationships can lead to significant business opportunities and collaborations. Nostalgia for the past
• Impact of technology on society
• Political divisions and government issues

Chapters

• 00:00 Relationship with Martin Lawrence and Diane Cannon's Wedding Crash
• 32:41 Nostalgia for the Past

The conversation delves into the impact of cancel culture, the challenges of being outspoken, and the evolving landscape of comedy in the age of social media. It also explores the journey into comedy, the navigation of social relationships, the experience of going viral, the handling of criticism, the dynamics of political views in relationships, the impact of social media, the political climate in New York City, and the cultural shift during the Obama era. The conversation delves into the intersection of comedy and politics, exploring the challenges and nuances of navigating political commentary within the realm of comedy. It also touches on the impact of political corruption and the effectiveness of governing, as well as the distinction between edgy and political comedy. The discussion concludes with a focus on the public pursuit in comedy and the importance of authenticity and confidence in comedic performances.

Takeaways

• Cancel culture impact
• Comedy and social media
• Challenges of being outspoken Comedy and Politics
• Navigating Comedy and Political Commentary

Chapters

• 00:00 The Culture War and Cancel Culture
• 07:21 Comedy and Cancel Culture
• 17:03 Political Views and Relationships
• 22:24 Impact of Social Media
• 27:37 Comedy and Politics
• Follow Arynne Wexler on Instagram @arynnewexler
• Go to arynnewexler.com for all her comedy show dates and persnal appearances.
• 33:20 Navigating Comedy and Political Commentary

The episode features a conversation between Michael Wheels Parise and Steve Grillo, a former Howard Stern Show intern. They discuss Grillo's experience on the show, interactions with Howard Stern, and the legal issues surrounding the show. Additionally, they touch on Grillo's involvement with Scores, a popular club in New York. The conversation covers various topics related to Howard Stern's show, including behind-the-scenes stories, personal experiences, and insights into the lives of the show's cast members. It also delves into the financial aspects of working on the show and the impact of leaving the show on one's career and lifestyle. The conversation covers a range of topics, including a mysterious email, Steve Grillo's career journey, and his experiences in the entertainment industry. The discussion also delves into his podcast, Aftershock XL, and his book, 'Gorilla Parts'.

Takeaways

• Stand-up comedy insights
• Behind-the-scenes of the Howard Stern Show Behind-the-scenes stories from Howard Stern's show
• Financial aspects of working on the show
• Impact of leaving the show on one's career and lifestyle Career transitions and challenges
• Navigating the entertainment industry

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Show Overview
• 10:03 Grillo's Journey to the Stern Show
• 17:08 Howard Stern's Off-Air Persona
• 22:18 Involvement with Scores Club
• 27:46 Life on the Stern Show
• 38:26 Reflections on Howard Stern and the Show
• 45:26 Career Transitions and Challenges
• 56:26 The Entertainment Industry and Aftershock XL
• 01:03:31 Steve Grillo's Book and Podcast

In this engaging episode, host Michael Wheels Parise welcomes Daniel LeBlanc, CEO of White Olive CPA and a talented musician, to discuss entrepreneurship, the realities of stand-up comedy, and the mysteries of UFOs and aliens. They explore the business side of comedy, the skepticism around extraterrestrial life, and innovative ideas for music and media ventures. In this engaging conversation, Daniel LeBlanc and Michael Wheels Parise explore music, creativity, and the journey of an artist. They discuss songwriting, performance, industry insights, and personal stories, offering valuable tips for aspiring musicians and entertainers.

The episode features Michael Wheels Parise and his special guest, Kristin Falcone, a hairdresser and social media comedian. Michael introduces Kristin and discusses her unique comedic style, which captures the essence of family conversations and nostalgia. Kristin shares her journey into comedy and her vision for a modern-day variety show. The conversation also delves into personal connections and the influence of family on Kristin's comedic style. Kristin Falcone shares humorous anecdotes about her family, her work as a hairdresser, and her social media presence. She discusses her passion for creating characters and the meaningful purpose behind her wig department. The conversation also delves into her personal and professional life, showcasing her vibrant personality and dedication to her craft.

Takeaways

• Nostalgia and family dynamics are central themes in Kristin Falcone's comedic style.
• Kristin Falcone is working on a modern-day variety show that aims to bring back old-school, comforting humor.
• The influence of family and personal connections plays a significant role in Kristin Falcone's comedic journey. Family influence
• Passion for character creation
• Purpose-driven wig department
• Balancing personal and professional life
• Social media strategy

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Kristin Falcone
• 20:36 Kristen's Vision for a Modern-Day Variety Show
• 28:20 Family Anecdotes and Character Creation
• 33:34 The Purpose-Driven Wig Department
• 49:47 Social Media Strategy and Presence

The conversation covers the introduction and promotion of the book 'How Not to Bomb', the discovery of raw talent in Laura Gargiulo, the legacy and authenticity of the Gargiulo family, the importance of being true to oneself and embracing the struggle, and the passion for cooking and authenticity in the Gargiulo family. The conversation delves into the topics of teaching street smarts to children, the experience of growing up in Brooklyn, and finding hope and success through resilience and determination. Laura shares her insights and experiences, inspiring others to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. The conversation delves into nostalgic Brooklyn eateries, Italian-American culture and traditions, life in Brooklyn and neighborhood bars, the power of kindness and positivity, family and personal growth, and concludes with final words and farewell.

Takeaways

• Authenticity and originality are key qualities in raw talent.
• The importance of being true to oneself and embracing the struggle. Street smart upbringing
• Resilience and determination Authenticity
• Family values

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and How Not to Bomb
• 08:30 The Gargiulo Family and Brooklyn Roots
• 18:59 The Gargiulo Family and Cooking Passion
• 25:05 Growing Up in Brooklyn
• 38:11 Finding Hope and Success
• 45:46 Nostalgic Brooklyn Eateries
• 53:48 The Power of Kindness and Positivity
• 01:02:18 Final Words and Farewell

The conversation delves into the early years of comedy, the journey of the comedians, an incident on a cruise, the impact of social media on comedy, the Italian American community, and personal loss. It explores the psychological aspect of comedy and the influence of social media on the industry. The conversation delves into the importance of family connections and the impact of personal relationships on the comedian's life and career. It also explores the success and challenges of the comedy circuit, as well as the changes in life and career choices.

Takeaways

• Comedy is a psychological game
• The impact of social media on comedy Family connections
• Success in comedy

Chapters

• 00:00 The Early Years of Comedy
• 04:58 The Incident on the Cruise
• 22:48 Italian American Community and Personal Loss
• 33:36 The Impact of Personal Relationships
• 41:07 Life and Career Changes

Bill Branca returns to the studio for a deeper, more personal conversation.

In this episode, Bill opens up about his past struggles with cocaine, his time in rehab, and the process of rebuilding his life on his own terms. He shares why he doesn’t define himself by labels, and how that mindset shaped his comeback — both personally and professionally.

Along the way, Bill delivers classic behind-the-scenes stories from working with Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence, offering a rare look inside the world of high-level comedy and client loyalty.

It’s raw, honest, and unfiltered — a conversation about setbacks, resilience, and doing things your own way.

How Not to Bomb with Michael “Wheels” Parise — where real stories meet real lessons.