Vinny Presents

Vince Minniti

Interviewing some of the most interesting individuals in the world of entertainment, music and social media.

  1. 1d ago

    Michael ’Wheels’ Parise: Open Mics with Chappelle, Chris Rock & Rogan to Dice & Entrepreneurship

    He was doing open mics with Chappelle, Chris Rock, Rogan, and Adam Sandler — then Dice Clay watched his set at Pips Comedy Club with a camcorder, and everything changed. Michael 'Wheels' Parise went from house MC at Pips to Dice's main opening act, from Radio City Music Hall to executive chef and Cannoli Kings founder, from leaving the road for family to an accidental Las Vegas residency — and now hosts the How Not to Bomb podcast. A stand-up for years, a Las Vegas headliner, and the original modern-day Mob Comic. In this episode, Wheels sits down with Vinny from South Philly to tell the whole story: the open-mic circle, the Dice discovery, the Rogan pool game, the catering empire, the Vegas comeback, and his books Put the Pot On and How Not to Bomb. Pro Bio: Michael “Wheels” Parise is a stand-up comedian, chef, entrepreneur, author, and business strategist whose career spans nearly four decades in entertainment and hospitality. Beginning at Pip’s Comedy Club in Brooklyn in 1987, Parise built his reputation through sharp observational humor, candid storytelling, and a commanding stage presence. A longtime performer alongside Andrew Dice Clay and a regular at the legendary Comedy Store, he has headlined Las Vegas venues including the Rio, Tropicana, and Riviera. His television credits include Showtime’s Dice, and he co-hosted Rollin’ with Dice and Wheels, which reached No. 1 on iTunes in 2014. A 1986 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Parise built a parallel career in restaurants and catering. His ventures include Los Angeles’ Tangerine, Cannoli Kings, Parise’s New American Bistro in North Carolina, and Parise Coffee & Cannoli Bar in Venice, Florida. His culinary work earned recognition from the Great Chefs of Los Angeles, while his Italian-American heritage continues to inspire his recipes, products, and stories. As founder of The Parise Group, he helps business owners strengthen operations, develop leaders, sharpen their brands, and turn ideas into practical strategies. His approach draws on decades of firsthand experience opening businesses, leading teams, serving customers, and performing under pressure. Parise also founded the How Not to Bomb Network, home to Everybody’s Got a Story and Straightened Out with Andrew DiDonato. His books include How Not to Bomb: The Complete Guide to Standup Comedy, Put the Pot On: Italian American Recipes and Stories, and Off the Line: Become a Restaurant Coach & Consulting Strategist. Based in the Tampa Bay area, Parise continues to perform, produce, write, and build businesses with the same philosophy that drives his consulting work: “Clarity over chaos.” 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Hollywood interviews! 🔔 Subscribe to Vinny Presents on YouTube 📲 Follow Vinny: @vinnyfromsouthphilly 🎙️ Follow Wheels: @wheelslive #MichaelWheelsParise #AndrewDiceClay #HowNotToBomb #StandUpComedy #VinnyPresents #DaveChappelle #ChrisRock #joerogan 0:00 Broke Open-Mic Days & the Comedy Club Circle 1:15 Welcome: Wheels' Comedy, Cooking & Podcasting 1:59 Chef Life: CIA Class of 1986 & 10 Restaurants 3:11 Wanting to Be a Comedian Since Age 8 3:37 Losing His Father at 7 & Finding His Calling 5:12 Meeting Dice in 1989 at Pips Comedy Club 6:32 Dice Discovers Him: The Camcorder Story 7:39 Radio City & Becoming Dice's Main Opening Act 9:29 Dice Undisputed & the Comedy Store Days 10:07 Dom DeLuise & South Philly Ties 10:58 Pool Days, Hustling & the Rogan $25 Joke 14:27 Learning From the Greats vs. Today's Comics 17:12 The Palm Beach Rescue Set 20:09 Food as Love & the Executive Chef Years 21:59 Leaving the Road & Starting Cannoli Kings 24:47 Recession, Asheville & Moving to Vegas 25:33 The Accidental Vegas Comeback & Residency 28:18 Podcast History & the How Not to Bomb Network 31:02 Rollin' with Dice and Wheels & the Tape Vault 33:28 Books: Put the Pot On & How Not to Bomb 35:15 Paresi Coffee 36:39 Closing: Mentorship, the Show's Name & Goodbye

  2. 3d ago

    Gianni Russo talks The Godfather, Marilyn Monroe, the Mob & more!

    Gianni Russo returns to Vinny Presents — and this time he goes deep on The Godfather, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe, in his own words. The Godfather's Carlo Rizzi talks about: • How The Godfather got made — Coppola, Joe Colombo and the Italian Anti-Defamation League, Paramount, the Robert Evans lobby meeting, the Oscars, and residuals • Marilyn Monroe — meeting her through Frank Costello, washing her hair as a shampoo boy, and what he saw up close • Frank Sinatra — a friendship that started at the Copa, a shared December 12 birthday, and the hospital transistor-radio story • Mob-era New York — Frank Costello, the Copa, and the five families • His early life — polio, five years at Bellevue, and the Salk vaccine experiment • His books — Hollywood Godfather, Mafia Secrets, and a third book on the way 0:00 Cold Open: The Robert Evans Meeting 0:25 Welcome Back, Gianni Russo 1:38 His Claim to Fame: The Godfather 2:42 Polio, Bellevue & the Salk Vaccine 5:02 Monaco, Prince Albert & Costello's Apartment 7:37 Mob-Era New York: Costello, the Copa & the Five Families 16:00 How The Godfather Got Made 21:30 Marilyn Monroe 26:52 Frank Sinatra 29:33 His Books: Hollywood Godfather & Mafia Secrets 30:54 Closing: Longevity, Health & Goodbye 🔔 SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss the next interview: https://www.youtube.com/@VinnyFromSouthPhilly?sub_confirmation=1 👉Gianni’s website: https://www.giannirusso.com/holiday-gifts/ 📲 Follow Vinny: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinny_from_south_philly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnyfromsouthphilly #GianniRusso #TheGodfather #FrankSinatra #MarilynMonroe #VinnyPresents #HollywoodGodfather #Mafia #HollywoodHistory #CarloRizzi #southphilly

  3. Oct 26

    He Almost Quit Twice Making ’The Muscle’ — Then It Won Best Feature: Ryan Halasz

    Actor and filmmaker Ryan Halasz almost quit twice making his crime movie 'The Muscle' — and then it won best feature. It starts the way every indie story starts: a kid in an attic with a box of degraded Bruce Lee VHS tapes, glued to the screen anyway. Karate and taekwondo as a kid, Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu later, campy movies shot on a Hi8 camera for family — and eventually film school, where wanting to be a filmmaker was his way of saying he wanted to be an actor before he had the courage to say it outright. 'The Muscle' grew out of his earlier short 'The Distance Line' — an homage to those attic tapes with a little sprinkle of New Jersey, the state he calls the craziest, coolest, most insane place to grow up in the '90s and early 2000s. To Ryan, the film wasn't really just a film: it was a journal, a way to heal, a way to show people can find the good in the bad. And he made it on almost no money. All sweat equity. Reshoots over too much grain in a shot. A close-up on a brick of cocaine — not real cocaine. Day 30: his Subaru Outback's transmission smoking, the car packed with gear, hot lights and ladders, a giant lighting box built for Godfather-style lighting — and catching himself about to say "I'm never doing this again" for the second time in his life. What made it worth it wasn't an award or a festival. It was watching people believe in it — PAs to lead actors to the cinematographer — with almost everyone he approached ready and willing, and maybe a hundred people showing up to a location he wasn't even sure about. A passion project that still budgeted to feed everybody. Ryan also talks fight choreography — he just worked on a film called 'Brotherhood' — and he offers collaboration, acting work, and fight choreography to anyone reaching out. Best way to reach him: Instagram. SUBSCRIBE for more: https://www.youtube.com/@VinnyFromSouthPhilly?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinny_from_south_philly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnyfromsouthphilly Chapters - 00:00 Cold Open: The Night He Almost Quit - 00:52 Welcome & Introducing Ryan Halasz - 01:48 How It Started: Bruce Lee, Attic VHS & Hi8 Movies - 04:55 Vinny's South Philly Video Store Days - 06:27 'The Muscle': New Jersey Roots & a Film That Healed Him - 09:01 All Sweat Equity: Tiny Budget, Reshoots & a Prop Brick - 10:51 The Bad: Freezing on 42nd Street (2010) - 11:56 Day 30: Smoking Subaru & Godfather Lighting - 13:19 The Good: People Who Believed - 15:37 Don't Quit: Where to Find Ryan IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3912283/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/themusclemovie/ TRAILER - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaR1YOyeg8A INTERVIEW – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLKafK1mruI TCIFF - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ok0MXGbiY NJFF - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2tfDghNQFo DIRECTING REEL!!!!!! - https://vimeo.com/51050290?share=copy&fl=cl&fe=ci #RyanHalasz #TheMuscle #IndieFilm #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #NoBudgetFilm #BruceLee #NewJersey #CrimeMovie #FightChoreography #VinnyPresents

  4. Oct 20

    How a young indie actor/filmmaker landed Eric Roberts & Frank Stallone for ”Enzo the Mafia’s Boxer”

    Vinny from South Philly sits down with Alex Javo — Greek-American filmmaker from Atlanta, born in '96 — who went from movie extra (he was Ralph Macchio's stand-in on Cobra Kai season 1) to directing his own feature film. Alex breaks down the whole journey: how a short film he shot with his buddy grew into "Enzo the Mafia's Boxer," how a friend's recommendation got Eric Roberts to read the script ("director's choice," Roberts said), and how posting a Zoom table-read clip on Instagram is what landed Frank Stallone. Plus his deep love for Rocky, Goodfellas, and Scarface growing up, and real advice for anyone trying to make their first film. If you're an indie filmmaker, this one's for you. Alex Javo is an Atlanta-based Actor/Director born and raised in Georgia. Alex began his career in 2017 and has since been featured in over a dozen tv episodes and feature films. His most notable credits include Condors Nest, Malcolm, Empathy, Homicide Hunter and now Enzo. With fifteen “Best Actor” awards across several international film festivals, Alex Javo is a force to be reckoned with in comedic and dramatic roles alike. Instagram pages for Enzo Movie updates @alexjavo @enzo.the.movie #VinnyPresents #EnzoTheMafiasBoxer #ericroberts #stallone

  5. Oct 16

    Netflix’s ”Members Only: Palm Beach” Breakout Star Rosalyn Yellin Tells All on Vinny Presents

    She went from Zumba instructor and mother of five to breakout star of Netflix's “Members Only: Palm Beach”— and became the show's most beloved figure. Rosalyn Yellin joins Vinny from South Philly to talk about stepping into the spotlight, finding her voice on camera, her philanthropy work, and what Palm Beach high society is really like behind the gates. From navigating gossip and rumors with grace to firing back at Bethenny Frankel's "Walmart Birkins" dig with pure class, Rosalyn's story is proof it's never too late to become who you were meant to be. Follow Rosalyn: Members Only: Palm Beach (on Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81915922 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosalynyellin/?hl=en Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rosalynyellin Beauty brand: https://www.instagram.com/yuvetica?stkn=MXJ1eWR1bGc4aXR5bA== 🎙️ New episodes of Vinny Presents every week — Hollywood stories, reality TV, and South Philly flavor. 📩 Business inquiries: VinnyfromSP@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @vinnyfromsouthphilly 🎵 TikTok: @vinnyfromsouthphilly 📘 Facebook: Vinny from South Philly [00:00] Rosalyn Yellin shares her excitement about getting cast on the Netflix series while living in Bucks County and watching reality television as an escape. [01:15] Introduction: The episode kicks off with the rebranding to Vinny Presents and introducing reality TV breakout star Rosalyn Yellin (Members Only: Palm Beach). [02:05] Landing the Reality Role: Rosalyn shares how she was recommended for the Netflix series through local auditions in her area. [03:15] Transitioning to Florida: Discusses moving from Bucks County, Pennsylvania to Palm Beach, Florida after raising five children. [06:05] Philanthropy and Community Work: Transitioning away from teaching dance fitness to getting heavily involved in local charity and animal shelter work. [09:31] Pros and Cons of Reality TV: Reflecting on fan interactions, the surreal experience of filming, and dealing with online critics and internet trolls. [11:41] Launching the "Uvetica" Wellness Brand: Rosalyn discusses creating her all-in-one anti-aging and wellness supplement (hair, skin, nails, biotin, NAD+, and resveratrol) formulated in a clean laboratory near her home. [15:35] Moving into Scripted Film: Discusses taking on her first minor scripted role (nine lines) in an upcoming thriller movie. [16:41] Behind the Scenes of Reality TV: Opening up about how reality television production works, including producer guidance and storyline directions. [19:38] Future Goals and Aspirations: Emphasizing that you are never too old to pursue your dreams and building a brand in the entertainment and modeling space. #RosalynYellin #MembersOnlyPalmBeach #VinnyPresents

  6. Oct 14

    From the US Army to Hollywood: The Kevin B. Ploth Story

    How does a kid from New York go from the US Army to sets like *Dumb Money*, *Zero Day*, and *The Night Agent* — and then start directing and producing his own projects? Kevin B. Ploth joins Vinny to talk about his wild ride as an award-winning actor, director, writer, and producer, his work as COO of ARTIMIS Theatrical Productions, and what's next with “The Giant”. Follow & Support Kevin Website: https://www.ARTIMIS.biz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artimistheatricalproductions?igsh=MWxrc3E3OHoxNWl5dA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artimis-theatrical-productions-llc-llc-7a7b24306?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Twitter: https://x.com/artimisllc?s=21&t=HEwjE80WqGLOwgcCVbeLyg http://www.imdb.me/KevinBPloth 🎙️ New episodes of Vinny Presents every week — Hollywood stories, indie filmmaking, and South Philly flavor. 📩 Business inquiries: VinnyfromSP@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @vinnyfromsouthphilly 🎵 TikTok: @vinnyfromsouthphilly 📘 Facebook: Vinny from South Philly [00:00] Intro and opening banter ("Vinnie from South Philly" and "Vinny Presents") [00:31] Introduction of guest Kevin B. Ploth [01:21] Kevin's family background, military service, and entertainment roots [02:56] Early days in Philadelphia theater, University of the Arts, and working on the movie Philadelphia [05:04] Influences from life experiences, writing, and the inspiration behind The Giant [06:55] Navigating industry challenges, maintaining integrity, and avoiding bitterness [08:08] Milestones with The Giant and building a loyal cast and crew [10:14] Upcoming micro-shorts, documentary screenings, and team building [11:37] Shared experiences in the Philadelphia food and beverage industry [13:40] Memories of Anthony Bourdain and lessons learned from the restaurant world [15:44] Balancing artistic vision with business practicality and the studio system [18:30] Evolution of acting schools, industry standards, and the cyclic nature of Hollywood [21:42] Leadership philosophy, mentorship, and knowing when to pass the baton [24:19] Cast members, sponsors, and veterans in media and entertainment (VME) [27:52] Importance of loyalty and closing remarks / where to find Kevin online #VinnyPresents #KevinBPloth #HollywoodInterview

  7. Oct 12

    How did a regular guy from the Bronx land the director from Rocky, Burt Young & Sly Stallone?

    What happens when Burt Young hands you Rocky director John Avildsen's phone number? For Bronx-born writer/director Robert Bruzio, it led to the movie of his life. Robert wrote Bottom of the 9th (2019) — starring Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara, shot on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx — and he tells Vinnie the wild true story behind it: getting Avildsen to read his screenplay, being brought onto the Rocky Balboa set to meet Stallone, directing four Twisted Sister music videos, that unforgettable tripe dinner with Sofía Vergara, and his upcoming Rocky documentary with Stallone's Balboa Productions. We also get into growing up Italian-American in the Bronx, the gravy vs. sauce debate, Arthur Avenue then and now, and the advice that kept him going: "Keep punching." TOPICS • Burt Young, John Avildsen & the Rocky connection • Making Bottom of the 9th with Joe Manganiello & Sofía Vergara • Directing Twisted Sister videos with Dee Snider • Growing up Italian-American in the Bronx • Upcoming Rocky documentary with Balboa Productions [00:00] Getting the script to John G. Avildsen – How Vinny and Burt Young helped connect the screenplay to the Academy Award-winning director of Rocky. [01:34] Introducing Robert Brussio – Vinny welcomes writer, director, and producer Robert Brussio to the show. [04:29] Growing up in the Bronx – Comparing childhood memories, neighborhoods, and local traditions between the Bronx and South Philly. [12:34] Entering the Film Industry – Robert discusses the 1970s/80s movie era that inspired him, acting, and transitioning into screenwriting. [16:41] Making Bottom of the Ninth – Working with Joe Manganiello, Sofia Vergara, and director Raymond De Felitta in the Bronx. [27:58] The Long Road of Filmmaking – The challenges of financing, developing, and finally seeing a film get theatrical distribution. [39:21] Teasing Upcoming Projects – Robert shares exciting updates on his new documentary collaboration with Sylvester Stallone and Balboa Productions. Robert Bruzio — writer/director/producer (Bottom of the 9th) Follow & Support Robert: www.robertbruzio.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/robertbruzio?mdxt=MTFyZHc5a3BkeGt4dw== #Rocky #SylvesterStallone #Podcast #BottomOfThe9th #JoeManganiello #SofiaVergara #IndieFilmmaking #Bronx #ItalianAmerican #BurtYoung #JohnAvildsen #VinnyPresents

  8. Oct 10

    From $4,000 Zombie Movie to $100K Documentaries | Jay Horton on Indie Filmmaking

    In this episode of **Vinny Presents**, veteran Indie filmmaker Jay Horton sits down to share the realities of independent filmmaking and distribution. From self-funding a $4,000 zombie movie on credit cards to directing low-budget features and generating six figures with streaming documentaries, Jay breaks down the business side of the indie film world. We dive into: - The craft of screenwriting vs. directing - Transitioning from freelance directing to owning your content - What really works in streaming distribution (FilmHub, Tubi, Amazon) - The truth about crowdfunding vs. equity financing - Jay’s latest film *Apex Predators Club* (which I was also a part of ) and his collaboration with the late Michael Mahal Timestamps / Chapters: - 00:00 – Teaser & Welcome Jay Horton - **01:21** – Building a YouTube Community & Sharing the Business of Film - **03:02** – Starting Out: Shooting a $4,000 Feature on MiniDV - **04:38** – Realizing the Power of Screenwriting & Directing People - **07:00** – Moving to LA & Directing for Other Producers - **09:35** – Pivoting to Own Content: Creative Control & Backend Revenue - **11:48** – Managing Set Conflicts & Production Realities - **13:17** – Shifting to Documentaries & Growing on YouTube - **17:01** – Monetizing Docs: YouTube, Tubi, & FilmHub Distribution - **20:23** – The Power of Editing Your Own Projects - **23:29** – Favorite Genres & The State of Indie Horror - **27:47** – Finding Investors vs. Crowdfunding - **34:04** – The Realities & Hidden Traps of Crowdfunding Movies - **37:52** – Remembering Michael Mahal & The Science of Upselling - **42:41** – *Apex Predators Club* Premiere & 🎬Connect with Jay Horton: - **YouTube:** [youtube.com/@jhorton](https://www.youtube.com/@jhorton) - **Social Media:** @TheJayHorton / Search Jay Horton on IMDb Follow Vinny Presents: Socials: @VinnyFromSouthPhilly Don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more great interviews and behind-the-scenes stories!

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About

Interviewing some of the most interesting individuals in the world of entertainment, music and social media.

Information

  • Creator
    Vince Minniti
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Vince Minniti 2024
  • Show Website
    Vinny Presents