Brendan Kelly, The Westies, UFC Legends, Wrestling History, and the Art of Storytelling

Brendan Kelly, The Westies, UFC Legends, Wrestling History, and the Art of Storytelling

On the latest episode of The Mike Vilardi Show, Mike Vilardi and Neil Haley welcome actor, boxer, writer, and storyteller Brendan Kelly for a wide-ranging conversation that travels from the boxing ring to Hollywood film sets to the gritty streets of Hell's Kitchen. At the center of it all is his upcoming book, Occupation Gangster, a story inspired by New York City's infamous Irish gang, The Westies. Brendan begins with the book itself, now heading to print after extensive editing and revision. Occupation Gangster follows Jimmy Coonan, Mickey Featherstone, and the rise and fall of The Westies as they battle rivals, internal conflicts, and the changing landscape of New York organized crime. The title has a perfect origin story: it comes straight from Jimmy Coonan's arrest paperwork, where the line for occupation simply read "Gangster." Brendan knew instantly it was the ideal name for both a novel and a film. Unlike glamorous mafia tales, he portrays The Westies as men shaped by poverty, violence, and circumstance, defined by working-class roots, loyalty, betrayal, and the brutal arithmetic of survival. The discussion widens into New York's broader crime world, touching on Paul Castellano, John Gotti, the Gambino family, and the Sparks Steak House assassination, with Brendan explaining how The Westies interacted with the Italian crime families. He describes his approach not as historical fiction but as "faction," a blend of real people, documented crimes, personal observation, and creative storytelling inspired by Truman Capote. Then comes the boxing. Before writing or acting, Brendan spent years as a competitive fighter, representing Ireland internationally, competing across Europe and New York, and logging over 200 amateur fights. One of the episode's most entertaining stretches is his account of sparring with Mike Tyson, an experience he says completely reshaped his understanding of the sport and what elite competition truly demands. From the ring, the conversation moves to Hollywood, where Brendan appeared in films like The Rock and Con Air and the series Oz, among other projects. Yet he is refreshingly candid: he never quite saw himself as a traditional actor, and writing has become his far more fulfilling creative outlet. He reflects honestly on auditions, industry politics, and his preference for storytelling over chasing roles. Some of the richest material centers on early mixed martial arts and the legendary Raw Gym, a hub for real American wrestling, elite training, and early UFC fighters that became a breeding ground for future champions. That leads to Brendan's next major project, a book about Rico Ciparelli that he calls "Moneyball for MMA," exploring how Olympic-level wrestlers transformed the sport forever. The wrestling thread continues with stories featuring Thunderbolt Patterson, Bruiser Brody, Andre the Giant, Gene LeBell, and Rowdy Roddy Piper, and Brendan reveals he has a screenplay in the works centered on Thunderbolt Patterson and wrestling's golden era. Throughout, Brendan reflects on a life packed with travel and adventure, joking that he sometimes has to dig through old passports and journals just to remember where he's been. He also opens up about the craft of writing, the importance of editing, the power of simplicity, the necessity of structure, and the trap of chasing perfection. Eventually, he says, every writer has to stop revising and simply publish.

Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Islam, Taxes, Elections, and America's Future

On the latest episode of The Mike Vilardi Show, Mike Vilardi and Neil Haley take on a sweeping conversation that moves from the Persian Gulf to the gas pump to the ballot box, connecting global events to the everyday economics of American families. The episode opens with the latest developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Mike explains that the reopening of the strait and easing regional tensions sent oil prices falling sharply, with markets responding positively to the news. In his view, economic pressure is doing real work, forcing Iran to reconsider its position because its economy depends so heavily on oil exports. The stakes for ordinary Americans are direct: lower oil prices help consumers, reduced energy costs can slow inflation, and global markets react quickly to any sign of Middle East stability. From there the hosts turn to nuclear security. Mike argues that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remains a critical objective, touching on uranium enrichment, international oversight, and the existing roster of nuclear powers. His position is that economic leverage may prove more effective than military action, summed up in two of his memorable lines from the episode: "Trust, but verify" and "We don't want a tenth nuclear power." The conversation then shifts into a lengthy discussion of immigration and the growth of Islamic influence in Western countries. Drawing on stories from past interviews, Mike raises concerns about student visa programs, university Islamic studies departments, cultural assimilation, and the differences between Western legal traditions and Sharia law. Throughout, the hosts return to constitutional principles, emphasizing freedom of religion, freedom of speech, individual rights, and the importance of preserving the liberties that define American democracy. Energy comes back into focus as Mike makes the case that fuel costs remain one of the most telling economic indicators. Lower gas prices ripple outward into reduced transportation costs, cheaper food, less inflation, and more consumer spending. As he puts it, "The economy follows energy," which is why oil prices stay so closely tied to political outcomes. Looking ahead to the 2028 presidential election, the hosts size up the potential field, discussing Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom on the Democratic side and Ron DeSantis and JD Vance among Republicans. Mike argues that governors with successful state records may hold a stronger hand than candidates tied to struggling states or cities, which leads naturally into one of the episode's most detailed segments: the comparison between Florida and California. Mike credits Florida's strong economic growth, lower taxes, business-friendly policies, and population gains to Republican leadership, while the hosts examine California's rising fuel prices, regulatory burdens, business closures, housing costs, and outbound migration. Neil captures the larger point with his observation that "the states are becoming laboratories for America's future," adding that "people are going to compare results." The regulatory theme extends into a discussion of manufacturing costs, environmental rules, minimum wage increases, and corporate taxation, with the hosts debating whether regulations spur innovation or simply drive businesses elsewhere. That feeds into a look at automation, as they discuss how companies increasingly turn to robotics when labor costs climb too high, raising real questions about the future workforce. A major section focuses on tax reform and Donald Trump's economic policies. Mike walks through changes affecting tax relief for seniors, Social Security taxation, overtime pay, tips, IRS reforms, and reporting thresholds, arguing the net effect has been more take-home pay, larger refunds, fewer reporting requirements, and reduced audit worries for middle-class Americans.

Hantavirus Fears, UFO Disclosure, AI, Prophecy, and the Future of America

In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking episode of The Mike Vilardi Show, Mike Vilardi and Neil Haley explore a variety of controversial topics, including concerns surrounding Hantavirus, potential government responses to future health crises, artificial intelligence, UFO disclosures, biblical prophecy, and the rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation blends current events, political commentary, technology trends, and faith-based perspectives while examining how these issues may impact society in the years ahead. The discussion begins with concerns about Hantavirus following media coverage related to Gene Hackman and his wife. * Hantavirus transmission * Public health responses * Media coverage of emerging diseases * Comparisons to COVID-19 * Government preparedness * Public reaction to future outbreaks Mike raises concerns about how future health emergencies could impact the economy and political landscape, while Neil references conversations with medical experts regarding the relatively low risk of widespread transmission compared to COVID-19. The hosts discuss reports of renewed mask recommendations and reflect on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. * Were previous lockdowns effective? * What were the long-term economic consequences? * How should future outbreaks be handled? * Has public trust in institutions changed? The conversation examines how future public health decisions may be viewed differently following the experiences of 2020 and beyond. Neil and Mike shift the conversation toward AI and automation. * ChatGPT and AI tools * AI agents * Automation of business processes * The future workforce * Economic disruption * The possibility of an AI bubble Neil argues that businesses successfully integrating AI into existing operations will have an advantage, while companies built solely around AI hype may face significant challenges. The hosts discuss how AI could eventually automate many tasks currently performed by humans, placing greater value on: * Personal relationships * Trust * Brand-building * Human connection The conversation expands to include several emerging technologies. * Flying cars * Artificial intelligence * Robotics * Space exploration * Faster transportation systems * Human-machine interaction Mike notes that technological advancement appears to be accelerating rapidly compared to previous generations. One of the episode's most speculative segments centers on UFO disclosure. * Government transparency regarding UFOs * Public reactions to potential disclosures * Extraterrestrial theories * Historical UFO reports * Popular cultural narratives The hosts discuss how future revelations regarding unidentified aerial phenomena could influence public opinion and broader societal discussions. Mike provides an extensive faith-based perspective regarding biblical prophecy. * The Book of Daniel * Revelation * The Rapture * The Tribulation * The Antichrist * Armageddon * The Millennial Kingdom Mike explains how current world events, technological advances, and global developments fit into his interpretation of biblical prophecy. * Spiritual preparedness * Faith in uncertain times * The role of prophecy * Judgment and redemption * The future of humanity The hosts discuss ongoing economic concerns and the importance of energy prices. * Inflation remains a major concern. * Lower fuel prices could help reduce overall costs. * Economic stability remains a top priority. * Political decisions continue to influence markets. The conversation emphasizes how energy costs affect nearly every aspect of the economy. Throughout the episode, Mike and Neil return to a recurring theme: * How will technology reshape society? * Can people distinguish truth from misinformation? * Will AI improve lives or create new challenges? * How should people prepare for rapid change? * What role should faith play in navigating uncertainty?

Steven Giordano’s Campaign for Mayor of Port St. Lucie: Leadership, Growth, Crime, and Community First

In this energetic episode of The Mike Vilardi Show, Mike Vilardi and Neil Haley welcome Steven Giordano, candidate for Mayor of Port St. Lucie, Florida. Steven shares his concerns about city leadership, infrastructure challenges, crime, development, traffic congestion, homelessness, and his vision for restoring transparency and accountability in local government. As a lifelong resident and former law enforcement professional, Giordano presents himself as a community-focused candidate determined to put Port St. Lucie residents first. Steven opens the conversation by highlighting what he believes are major infrastructure failures in Port St. Lucie. * Costly roundabout projects * Roundabouts being removed shortly after installation * Taxpayer money being wasted * Severe traffic congestion * Nearly 9,500 reported vehicle accidents over a recent period Giordano argues that poor planning and ineffective leadership have contributed to growing transportation challenges throughout the city. The discussion turns to recent violent incidents in the community and concerns about public safety. * Recent shootings * Domestic violence tragedies * Criminal activity involving out-of-state suspects * Drug-related concerns * School safety issues * Youth vaping problems Giordano emphasizes the importance of proactive policing, community engagement, and identifying issues before they become larger public safety concerns. One of the more emotional parts of the interview focuses on homelessness. * The city lacks sufficient resources for homeless residents. * Veterans and struggling families need support. * Mental health and addiction services should be expanded. * Homeless shelters should focus on rehabilitation and helping people regain stability. He argues that local government should do more to help vulnerable residents rebuild their lives. Steven stresses that local government has a direct impact on residents' daily lives. * Taxes * Infrastructure * Public safety * Development * Utilities * Waste collection * Community services He encourages voters to pay closer attention to local races because city government decisions affect residents more directly than many national political debates. A major topic of discussion is economic development and government transparency. * Developer influence in local politics * Campaign contributions * Public projects approved without sufficient community input * The proposed soccer stadium project * Long-term taxpayer obligations Giordano argues that major spending decisions should involve greater public participation and transparency. Steven explains the structure of the Port St. Lucie mayoral election. * The race is nonpartisan. * Candidates do not run under party labels. * A primary election determines the top candidates. * The general election follows in November. Giordano supports focusing on policies and solutions rather than party affiliations. 🚦 Infrastructure Problems and Traffic ConcernsKey Issues Raised:🚔 Public Safety and CrimeTopics Discussed:🏠 Addressing HomelessnessGiordano's Perspective:🏛️ Why Local Elections MatterAreas Influenced by Local Leadership:💰 Development and Transparency ConcernsConcerns Raised:🗳️ The Mayoral RaceElection Facts:

Winning Tax Solutions, AI, IRS Audits, and Building a Modern Business Brand

In this informative episode of The Mike Vilardi Show, Mike Vilardi welcomes digital marketing strategist Hanna Zlatkus to discuss the complete redesign of the Winning Tax Solutions website, the future of AI-driven marketing, IRS audits, tax resolution services, and how artificial intelligence is transforming both business and government operations. The conversation provides valuable insights for business owners, taxpayers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in understanding how AI is reshaping the digital and financial landscape. Hanna explains the extensive overhaul of Mike Vilardi's online presence and why modern websites require much more than attractive design. * Complete website redesign * Updated branding and messaging * New logo and visual identity * Improved user experience * Modern content structure * Enhanced lead generation systems * Stronger focus on Mike's expertise and credibility The new tagline: was designed to highlight Mike's long track record of helping clients successfully resolve IRS issues. Hanna discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming marketing faster than any previous technology. * AI-powered search * Voice search optimization * Website automation * Content generation * Lead generation systems * Business growth funnels * AI-enhanced customer acquisition She explains that businesses now need to optimize not only for traditional search engines but also for AI-driven search tools such as ChatGPT and other generative platforms. One of the episode's biggest takeaways is the emergence of a new form of search optimization. Instead of only ranking in Google searches, businesses now must position themselves to be cited and recommended by AI systems. * AI search visibility * Voice search optimization * YouTube authority * Reddit participation * Consistent content publishing * Building trust and expertise online According to Hanna, traditional SEO is not disappearing—it is evolving. Neil and Hanna discuss how consumers increasingly buy from people they know, trust, and recognize. * Brand credibility * Trust-building * Authority positioning * Content consistency * Relationship marketing The group emphasizes that having millions of followers is less important than attracting the right audience and building meaningful trust with potential clients. The conversation shifts to the growing role of artificial intelligence inside the IRS. AI systems are becoming much more effective at identifying: * Tax return inconsistencies * Audit triggers * Filing anomalies * Compliance issues * Patterns that previously required human review As AI continues improving, audits may be generated faster and more frequently than in previous years. Mike provides an educational breakdown of the three primary audit categories. The most common audit. * IRS sends a notice by mail. * Taxpayer has limited time to respond. * Failure to respond can result in additional tax assessments. * Taxpayer meets directly with IRS representatives. * Financial records are reviewed in detail. * Extensive review of corporate records. * May involve long-term IRS oversight. Mike emphasizes the importance of responding promptly to any IRS notice received. One of the most valuable segments of the episode focuses on choosing the right tax representation. Be cautious when firms: * Require lengthy contracts * Force arbitration in another state * Restrict legal remedies * Focus heavily on sales but not service * Charge excessive upfront fees Mike explains that many large national tax firms spend heavily on marketing while providing limited personal attention to clients.