HOW NOT TO BOMB NETWORK

Michael Wheels Parise
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture

The How Not to Bomb Network brings you real stories, big laughs, and conversations without a script. Founded by veteran comedian Michael “Wheels” Parise, the network explores comedy, entertainment, mob history, and the choices that shape our lives. From Everybody’s Got a Story with Michael “Wheels” Parise to Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato, every show offers a different perspective—and nobody holds back. Hear from comedians, actors, unforgettable personalities, and people who have lived through extraordinary circumstances. Produced by Parise Group Productions. Subscribe and follow @hownottobomb.

  1. 6d ago

    Left in the Street: Andrew DiDonato on Mob Murders, Loyalty and the Families Left Behind

    YouTube title options: Left in the Street: The Real Cost of Mob Life | Andrew DiDonatoThe Dark Side of the Mob: Violence, Loyalty & Life Behind BarsAndrew DiDonato on Mob Murders, Jail Stories & the Families Left BehindFear, Power and Betrayal: The Reality of Organized CrimeWhat Mob Life Really Costs | Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonatoEpisode description: LEFT IN THE STREET: THE REAL COST OF MOB LIFE Behind every mob story is a human story—and sometimes, a family left to pick up the pieces. In this episode of Straightened Out, Andrew DiDonato joins Michael “Wheels” Parise for a candid conversation about the violence, fear, manipulation, and consequences that come with life in organized crime. They discuss the motives behind murders, the impact on families, the illusion of power and respect, and what happens when loyalty is tested. Andrew also shares jail stories, reflects on people from the streets, and offers his perspective on how organized crime has changed. 💬 Join the conversation: What part of mob life do you think people misunderstand most? Leave your thoughts and questions in the comments. 👍 Like the episode, subscribe to @hownottobomb, and turn on notifications for more from the How Not to Bomb Network. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Deezer. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to the Dark Side of Crime 03:04 The Human Cost of Violence 05:53 Collateral Damage in the Underworld 08:54 Motives Behind Murders 12:04 The Complexity of Retaliation 14:50 Reflections on Fear and Power 18:02 The Illusion of Power and Respect 21:04 The Reality of Criminal Life 24:01 Manipulation and Favors in the Underworld 27:14 Jail Time Tales 29:54 Street Life Reflections 30:55 Perspectives on Teddy Persico 33:02 Current Mob Dynamics 36:07 Threat Assessments Explained 39:00 Lessons from Uncle Angelomagua 41:49 Joey Cupcake’s Antics 44:47 Reflections on Crime and Consequences 47:59 Future of Organized Crime #StraightenedOut #AndrewDiDonato #MichaelWheelsParise #HowNotToBomb #MobStories #TrueCrime #OrganizedCrime

  2. Oct 22

    OVERRATED, UNDERRATED OR THE REAL DEAL? | Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato

    Some names become legends. Others barely get mentioned. Who earned their reputation—and who gets more credit than they deserve? How Not to Bomb presents Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato. Michael “Wheels” Parise and Andrew take on the mob’s biggest reputations, overlooked figures, and the difference between a famous name and respect within the life. Andrew shares personal anecdotes and his assessments of mob personalities, exploring how family connections, loyalty, toughness, and relationships shape a reputation. From Carmine Agnello and Gene Borrello to stories about fighters, celebrity encounters, and the surprising connection between wiseguys and pigeon coops, this conversation takes some unexpected turns. Plus, Michael and Andrew discuss the crowded world of mob podcasting and what Andrew brings to the conversation. Who’s overrated? Who’s underrated? And who was the real deal? Drop your picks in the comments. 👍 Like, subscribe, and follow @hownottobomb. 🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Deezer. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Popularity 03:04 The State of Mob Podcasting 05:58 Underrated and Overrated Mob Figures 08:50 A Closer Look at Mob Personalities 12:06 Legacy and Reputation 14:59 The Influence of Family Connections 17:55 Toughness and Loyalty 21:07 More Mob Figure Assessments 28:51 Carmine Agnello: A Real Character 29:40 Dinner with Legends 31:06 Pigeon Coops and Wiseguys 32:15 The Pigeon Connection 36:12 The Best Fighters in the Life 39:09 Shaking Down Drug Dealers 40:57 Overrated or Underrated? 41:23 Andrew’s Recollections of Ralphie Fly 45:52 Providence Connections 46:56 Carmine Agnello: Reputation and Reality 49:22 An Underrated Fighter 50:38 Celebrity Encounters 52:29 Discussing Gene Borrello 54:10 Bodyguard to the Stars 55:22 Final Thoughts and Future Shows A Parise Group Production. #StraightenedOut #AndrewDiDonato #HowNotToBomb #MichaelWheelsParise #MobStories #MobPodcast

  3. Oct 21

    Jimmy Della Valle: Gambling, Comedy & The Sopranos

    Gambling has its highs and lows—and so does making a living in comedy. Comedian and actor Jimmy Della Valle joins Michael “Wheels” Parise on Everybody’s Got a Story for a candid, funny conversation about taking chances, surviving setbacks, and finding your way in entertainment. Jimmy shares stories about his gambling experiences, the influences that led him into stand-up, and the lessons learned when a performance falls flat. They get into his transition from comedy to acting, including his experience on The Sopranos, and what audiences rarely see about a comedian’s life on the road. Plus, Jimmy and Wheels discuss how social media has changed the comedy business, why a proper introduction matters, and what Jimmy has coming next. Two comedians talking about the work, the failures, and the stories behind the laughs. Subscribe to @hownottobomb and tell us in the comments: What was your favorite story from Jimmy? Jimmys Instagram Jimmy's Website Jimmy's Facebook CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Comedy and Life 03:14 Gambling: Highs and Lows 06:00 From Gambling to Comedy 09:02 Early Life and Influences 12:00 Starting a Comedy Career 15:04 Defining Moments in Comedy 18:00 Connecting with an Audience 20:54 Learning from Failure 28:40 From Stand-Up to The Sopranos 36:22 Life on the Road 40:09 Navigating Social Media Fame 44:01 New Projects and What’s Next 46:56 The Art of the Comedy Introduction #JimmyDellaValle #MichaelWheelsParise #EverybodysGotAStory #HowNotToBomb #StandUpComedy

  4. Oct 19

    Nobody Cares: The Truth About Mob Loyalty | Andrew DiDonato

    The money stops. The favors stop. Who’s still there? On this episode of How Not to Bomb Presents: Straightened Out, Michael “Wheels” Parise and Andrew DiDonato examine the promises of mob loyalty—and what those promises are worth when you have nothing left to offer. Andrew reflects on the family gatherings, Christmas Eve traditions, and sit-downs that shaped his view of organized crime. He shares his perspective on how jealousy, technology, and shifting priorities changed that world, raising a question: was the brotherhood built on genuine bonds or mutual benefit? The conversation also explores life after witness protection, social media’s version of toughness, and the emotional costs of a criminal lifestyle. Drawing on his experiences, Andrew discusses trust, regret, honesty, and the lasting consequences behind the image of money and power. What would he want the next generation to understand before chasing that life? The image leaves a lot out. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Changing Landscape of Loyalty 02:12 Traditions and Family Dynamics 15:28 The Art of the Sit-Down 17:23 The Decline of Mob Culture 22:20 The Impact of Technology and Jealousy 25:06 Reflections on Wealth and Influence 31:15 Life After Witness Protection 33:34 Social Media and Modern Tough Guys 34:17 The Cost of a Criminal Life 37:03 Reflections on Brotherhood and Trust 38:42 The Reality of Loyalty in Crime 40:30 Nostalgia for the Past 52:46 Lessons for the Next Generation 53:15 The Illusion of the Criminal Lifestyle Subscribe to @hownottobomb and turn on notifications for more Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato. Join the conversation: was mob loyalty ever unconditional? Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Deezer. A Parise Group Production #AndrewDiDonato #StraightenedOut #HowNotToBomb #MobStories #MichaelWheelsParise

  5. Oct 14 ·  Bonus

    New Dating Site, Fat Chat! For the Obese.

    The conversation was online. The surprise was in person. 😂 Michael “Wheels” Parise tells an outrageous online dating story in “Fat Chat”—where the woman he met didn’t quite match the expectations her profile set. From flirty chats to an unexpected first meeting, Wheels turns a dating disaster into a stand-up comedy story about profile promises and reality. Ever met someone who looked NOTHING like their dating profile? Tell us what happened in the comments. 👇 Subscribe to @hownottobomb for more comedy and stories from Michael “Wheels” Parise. #StandUpComedy #OnlineDating #MichaelWheelsParise Takeaways Humor in online datingMisrepresentation in profiles Chapters 00:00 The World of Online Dating01:02 Unexpected Encounters02:13 The Comedy of Misrepresentation

  6. Oct 14 ·  Bonus

    They will sell you anything in Mexico | Michael Wheels Parise

    They’ll Sell You Anything in Tijuana! | Michael “Wheels” Parise Wheels went to Mexico—and the shopping became part of the show! 😂 Michael “Wheels” Parise shares his hilarious encounters in Tijuana’s bustling markets, where every price starts a conversation and there’s always something else for sale. From haggling with local vendors to feeling overwhelmed by the endless merchandise, Wheels finds comedy in the chaos and charm of the people he meets. Watch the bit, leave a comment, and subscribe to @hownottobomb for more comedy and stories. #MichaelWheelsParise #StandUpComedy #Tijuana #Mexico #HowNotToBomb Takeaways Humor in cultural experiencesUnique shopping in Mexico Chapters 00:00 The Allure of Mexico's Market02:50 Cultural Observations and Humor

  7. Oct 12

    Andrew DiDonato Answers the Haters: His Past, His Choices, His Side of the Story

    Love for the Haters! | Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato Andrew DiDonato has heard the criticism—and tonight, he’s answering it. On this episode of How Not to Bomb Presents… Straightened Out, Michael “Wheels” Parise sits down with former Gambino associate Andrew DiDonato to tackle viewers’ comments, questions, and accusations head-on. Andrew shares his perspective on his past in organized crime, his decision to cooperate with law enforcement, and the complicated relationships shaped by loyalty, betrayal, and survival. He discusses the consequences of his choices, how supporters and critics see him, and why he believes honesty matters when telling his story. Expect candid answers, uncomfortable questions, and a little love for the haters. Have a question or something to say? Leave it in the comments. Subscribe to @hownottobomb on YouTube for more Straightened Out and Everybody’s Got a Story. #StraightenedOut #AndrewDiDonato #MichaelWheelsParise #HowNotToBomb #OrganizedCrime Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:25 Responding to Viewer Criticism03:11 Clarifying Past Transactions05:30 Reflections on Cooperation and Reputation07:11 Confronting Drug Use Allegations10:41 Family Legacy and Personal Accountability12:55 Defending Personal Choices and Actions14:29 Addressing Tough Guy Perceptions17:44 The Frog and the Scorpion Story20:22 Criticism of the Platform and Its Purpose22:49 Clarifying Health and Drug Use Claims27:18 Final Thoughts on Haters and Life Experiences30:42 Navigating Loyalty and Betrayal34:14 Reflections on Past Relationships37:40 Addressing Criticism and Haters40:54 The Reality of Crime and Consequences44:00 Stories from Prison Life48:08 Friendships and Loyalty in the Underworld51:54 Future Plans and Show Direction56:26 Philosophical Insights on Life

  8. Oct 7

    Do Mobsters Laugh and Cry? Life Behind the Reputation and Ego|Andrew DiDonato

    What happens when a former Gambino associate leaves crime behind—and has to figure out everyday life? On How Not to Bomb Presents: Everybody’s Got a Story, Michael “Wheels” Parise sits down with Andrew DiDonato for a candid, often funny conversation about going legit, opening a pizzeria, running a business, and rebuilding an identity beyond the mob. Andrew discusses the challenge of adjusting to ordinary routines, the boredom that can come with leaving a high-pressure lifestyle, and the struggle to change old ways of thinking. Wheels and Andrew also explore power, fear, respect, ego, and emotional vulnerability. Who are you when your reputation no longer defines you—and what are tough guys really like when nobody’s watching? Along the way, they trade personal stories, talk about influential comedians and the changing comedy scene, and explore Andrew’s move into entertainment. An honest conversation about reinvention, accountability, humor, and the everyday work of building a different life. Subscribe to @hownottobomb and join the conversation: Can someone truly leave their old identity behind? A Parise Group Production. #EverybodysGotAStory #HowNotToBomb #AndrewDiDonato #MichaelWheelsParise

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About

The How Not to Bomb Network brings you real stories, big laughs, and conversations without a script. Founded by veteran comedian Michael “Wheels” Parise, the network explores comedy, entertainment, mob history, and the choices that shape our lives. From Everybody’s Got a Story with Michael “Wheels” Parise to Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato, every show offers a different perspective—and nobody holds back. Hear from comedians, actors, unforgettable personalities, and people who have lived through extraordinary circumstances. Produced by Parise Group Productions. Subscribe and follow @hownottobomb.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Wheels Parise
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Michael Wheels Parise
  • Show Website
    HOW NOT TO BOMB NETWORK

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