This episode of The Mike Vilardi Show blends the worlds of true crime storytelling and real-world political drama.
Mike and Neil kick things off with a gripping conversation in a car ride with Brendan Kelly, a prolific writer and former boxer whose new book and potential film, Occupation: Gangster, dives into the brutal and infamous world of New York’s Westies – an Irish-American gang.
Then, the show takes a hard pivot into the looming U.S. government shutdown, as Mike explains how the political standoff is set to devastate millions of Americans, from SNAP recipients to federal workers, IRS agents, and court judges. This is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand the real-world fallout of Washington’s dysfunction.
Brendan tells the origin of his upcoming book and movie project about The Westies, a legendary Irish gang from NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen.
The inspiration came from working in an upscale Irish bar and meeting one of the gang’s “linchpins” who had dismembered 56 people.
Brendan shares how he combines real stories with Irish mythos and personal memory:
“Like any decent Irishman, I’d never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”
The book captures both the brutal reality and the psychological depth of these criminals by crafting backstories and emotional arcs.
A possible TV series is being developed in Canada, but Brendan holds the “inside story” others don’t.
Current Status (as of Oct 24, 2025):
The U.S. government has been shut down for over 3 weeks.
The Senate remains deadlocked, with 5 Democratic votes needed to pass a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) and reopen the government.
Federal workers are not being paid, the IRS is nearly closed, and SNAP (food stamp) benefits will end on November 1st.
Impending Fallout:
Major retailers like Costco and BJ’s are hiring armed security in anticipation of looting when SNAP cuts hit.
If shutdown continues:
Trump could fire up to 40–50 federal judges in December.
Court systems and public services will see severe delays or collapse.
Obamacare subsidies expire in 2025, and Democrats are fighting to preserve them.
Mike’s Commentary:
Calls out Chuck Schumer for political miscalculations and AOC’s rise as a threat to establishment Democrats.
Predicts Democratic losses in midterms and state elections if the shutdown continues through Election Day.
Highlights the real human toll:
Millions on SNAP will lose access to food.
Federal workers face missed mortgage payments.
IRS contractors and tax professionals like Mike are out of work.
The shutdown disproportionately affects Democratic voter bases — a political backfire in the making.
🔥 “By November 4th, if the food stamps are gone, the Democratic party is done.”
🔥 “Federal workers are watching Leave It To Beaver right now. And they have no clue when they’re getting paid.”
🔥 “Obamacare was passed without a single Republican vote in 2010. It’s a broken system dependent on subsidies.”
If you’re a federal worker, tax consultant, or small business owner affected by the shutdown, contact Mike Vilardi for support, advice, and legal tax help.
📍 Learn more: MikeVilardi.com
📘 Brendan Kelly’s Book: Occupation: Gangster – Coming Soon
Hosted by: Mike Vilardi & Neil “The Media Giant” Haley
Guest: Brendan Kelly (Author, Boxer, Screenwriter)
Produced by: Media Giant Productions
🎬 Segment 1 – Brendan Kelly: Occupation: Gangster🏛️ Segment 2 – The Government Shutdown Crisis💥 Hot Takes & Predictions📊 Shutdown by the Numbers:CategoryStatusIRSOnly criminal investigators are activeSNAP BenefitsCut off by November 1st if no deal is madeCourt SystemPartial shutdown; judges at risk of firingFederal WorkersPay suspended; bill to pay them just failedDuration So FarOver 3 weeksNeeded Votes5 Democrats to pass a clean CR📣 Call to Action:
