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.

The conversation covers the launch of 'How Not to Bomb: A Stand-Up Comedy Guide' and the challenges faced by new comedians. It also delves into the impact of AI on the future, the Blowout Growth Network, and the setbacks faced by businesses, including the 'Chicken Joint' owned by Gio Arretos. The conversation covers the rise and fall of a restaurant, the lessons learned from a tragic fire, the impact of AI on real estate and music, and the resistance to AI adoption. It also explores the influence of AI on golf and other industries, the importance of adaptation, and the challenges faced by older generations in embracing AI. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including embracing rejection, the power of EDM music, time travel, the impact of AI, and the evolution of cannabis technology. Michael Wheels Parise shares insights on resilience, learning from failure, and the impact of technology on various industries. The conversation also delves into personal achievements, family, and the use of AI in golf. Additionally, the Riverside app and AI technology are discussed.

Takeaways

• Stand-up comedy guide launch
• Impact of AI on business
• Business setbacks and recovery The importance of multiple revenue streams
• The impact of AI on various industries Embracing rejection and resilience are key to success
• AI technology has the power to transform various industries

Chapters

• 00:00 How Not to Bomb: A Stand-Up Comedy Guide
• 06:35 Introduction of Special Guest: Gio Arretos
• 11:45 The Chicken Joint and Business Setbacks
• 29:46 The Rise and Fall of the Restaurant
• 35:31 Rebuilding and Lessons Learned
• 49:08 The Impact of AI on Golf and Other Industries
• 57:37 Resistance to AI Adoption
• 01:03:15 Fear of the Unknown
• 01:08:59 Adaptable Focus
• 01:14:57 Resilience and Learning from Failure
• 01:20:27 Personal Achievements and Family
• 01:25:41 Promoting City Ritual and Cannabis Culture

Drop a 🎤 if you've ever bombed or want to learn how to never bomb again!Tonight’s chat with Fred Rubino is packed with laughs, real talk, and behind-the-scenes secrets of keeping the stage alive—even when the crowd isn’t cooperating.
Fred shares how he evolved from the construction site to comedy clubs, the importance of adapting your material, and that time he transitioned from racial jokes to Italian-American humor to stay afloat.Worth thinking about: You’re not just learning to avoid bombs—you’re learning how to own the stage no matter what.
What’s your biggest stage fail? Share below!And if you're serious about upskilling your standup game, hit the link in bio for full episodes and exclusive content.#ComedyLife #StageTips #NeverBomb #ItalianAmericanHumor #PodcastVibes

Hosted by Michael “Wheels” Parise
A Parise Group Production

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share if you’re done playing small.

youtube.com/@wheelsp for the video.

Follow Wheels on Instagram @wheelslive

Follow Fred Rubino @fredrubino

Daniel LeBlanc didn’t just hit rock bottom — he made the decisions that put him there. Addiction, setbacks, and chaos could’ve ended the story. Instead, he flipped it. Now he’s a CEO running a multi-million dollar empire and still climbing. This is the real story of what it takes to own your mistakes, rebuild your life, and stop bombing — in business and in life.

Don’t just scroll… go follow @danielcleblanc
Then watch the full episode right now 👉 youtube.com/@wheelsp

Before the fall… there was the rise.

In Part 1 of this two-part episode of How Not to Bomb, Michael “Wheels” Parise sits down with Bill Branca — a man who didn’t just work in Hollywood… he moved it.

We’re talking about a time when Branca was one of the most powerful agents in comedy, running through William Morris Agency and shaping careers that would go on to define an era.

This episode is pure, unfiltered Hollywood:

• Behind-the-scenes stories of Martin Lawrence and Chris Rock before they became icons
• What it was really like walking into clubs when your name carried weight
• The deals, the power moves, and how careers were built behind closed doors
• Stories involving Michael Jackson and the level of access most people never see
• The mindset it takes to operate at the top of Hollywood’s food chain

This is the side of the business people dream about — the access, the influence, the electricity of being at the center of it all.

But here’s the thing…

Every rise has a story that doesn’t get told right away.

And what comes next… is a completely different conversation.

Part 2 is where everything changes.

Welcome to the first episode of How Not to Bomb Starring Michael Wheels Parise with Executive Producer, Tony Lizzio and Special Guest Jerry Papandrea.