A professional stand-up comedian with powerful messages for students about alcohol, safe sex and HIV/AIDS.
If you’re looking for a funny, non-traditional approach to a keynote on these topics, then Mike “Mikee D” DeStefano is a fantastic choice. He will have students rolling in the aisles, helping them consider the real-life ramifications of their choices about sex and alcohol.
The issues of substance abuse and AIDS have hit Mike’s life in the most personal ways. After overcoming his own addictions and becoming a substance abuse counselor in New York, Mike met and married Fran, another recovering addict. Tragically, Fran died of AIDS-related causes seven years later.
Mike’s keynotes are funny, uncensored and brutally honest. Equal parts stand-up comedy and thoughtful lecture, Mike is a creative choice for a variety of campus events. Consider him for awareness weeks, or simply for a Friday night entertainment program with a message.
Mike can adjust the content of the keynote (more raunchy, less raunchy, or pretty damn clean) based on your needs and the tone of your event. Call for more information.
It was an inspirational presentation with an important message about alcohol and drug abuse. Mike was very easy to work with and seemed to really love what he does. He made the students laugh a lot, which is very hard to do!
Kimberly Johnston, Chestnut Hill College
Wise Words from a Wise Guy
Alcohol, Drugs and HIV in a Comedic Lecture
The dynamics of alcohol abuse and sexual health are a cornerstone of his college keynotes. Mike understands that any discussion of sex and young people must include the “dangers of alcohol that most often lead to unhealthy choices.”
In his keynote, “Wise Words from a Wiseguy,” Mike tells his story of an abusive childhood, alcohol and heroin addictions, and the death of his wife from AIDS-related causes. His keynote is equal parts stand-up comedy and thoughtful lecture.
Can I Borrow Your Closet?
How a Tough Guy Overcame Homophobia
“Standing there were two guys in their 20s, they were in love and not ashamed to show it. They caressed one another and kissed. It made me want to puke.”
Mike hadn’t even seen a real live homosexual before that day in 1988. Growing up in the Italian part of the Bronx, he spent time with his friends hanging out on street corners and throwing bodies into the trunks of Lincoln Town Cars (well, not really). But when a life-changing event occurred in Mike’s life, his friends went AWOL. Unable to find understanding and compassion with his old “friends,” Mike was forced to overcome his homophobia, and turn, ironically, to the gay community for support.
“Can I Borrow Your Closet?” is an hysterical, thought-provoking, politically incorrect look at fear, acceptance and homophobia. With his New York-style of comedy, Mike breaks down the stereotypes and shares his own personal story, while relating to students that may not understand the LGBT lifestyle. This keynote is great for LGBT events, leadership conferences, diversity workshops, first year experience and “tough crowds” that need to understand tolerance.
Mike's Bio
After overcoming his own addictions and becoming a substance abuse counselor in New York City, Mike met and married Fran, another recovering addict turned counselor. Tragically seven years later, Fran died of AIDS-related causes. Teaching Mike the lesson that sometimes you have to pay later for unsafe behavior.
Mike has performed on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham and his own Comedy Central half hour special. He is a regular guest on XM Radio’s Opie and Anthony show. Mike has also been hand picked to perform on the national Rescue Me Tour with Denis Leary. Mike is currently filming a new series, One Man Rehab, by the producers of Intervention set to air on A&E.
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