Our Story
Bill Blank and Willie Farrell are comedians who have toured and done shows across the country. The guys workshop their comedy bits and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how comedians try out material and work it into routines. No topic is off limits as they discuss whatever is the hot topic of the week.
Willie Farrel
Willie Farrell is a veteran stand-up comedian and proud Des Moines native whose sharp wit and undeniable stage presence have been entertaining audiences across the country for over four decades. Known for his fast-paced delivery and authentic Midwest storytelling, Willie has performed everywhere from Las Vegas and Atlantic City to cruise ships and comedy clubs coast to coast.
His career began in 1980 at an open-mic night in Des Moines, where he turned a rowdy audience into loyal fans—and never looked back. Since then, Willie has been featured on national networks like A&E, Comedy Central, ESPN, and Showtime’s The Godfathers of Comedy. He’s a regular headliner at Des Moines' own Funny Bone Comedy Club and a fan favorite for both corporate and club events.
Willie’s comedy draws from real-life experiences growing up in a large Italian family—with stories that often include his father’s colorful past in Al Capone’s Chicago. With a style that’s bold yet relatable, Willie knows how to connect with any crowd, delivering laughs rooted in family, sports, and the quirks of everyday life.
Whether he's working the stage in front of thousands or entertaining his hometown crowd, Willie Farrell brings heart, hustle, and a whole lot of humor every time he grabs the mic.
Bill Blank
Bill Blank is a seasoned stand-up comedian from Des Moines, Iowa, with over two decades of experience making audiences laugh across the country. Known for his razor-sharp wit and fearless approach to everyday frustrations, Bill brings a uniquely Midwest voice to comedy—relatable, bold, and unapologetically real.
From the Des Moines Funny Bone to clubs, festivals, and corporate events nationwide, Bill has earned a reputation for being both hilarious and versatile. His material ranges from clean and clever to edgier observations on culture, politics, and human behavior—always delivered with intelligence and authenticity. He’s been featured on Spike TV, had material published in Sports Illustrated, and performed alongside some of the biggest names in comedy.
Whether he’s working a corporate crowd, headlining a comedy club, or roasting life’s absurdities with a cold beer in hand, Bill Blank commands the stage with confidence, grit, and just the right amount of attitude.
With a sharp tongue, a big heart, and a voice that cuts through the noise, Bill isn’t just telling jokes—he’s telling the truth, one laugh at a time.
Chris Shipley
Chris Shipley is the founder and creative force behind 3 Beards Media, a Central Iowa-based podcast network built on honest conversations, unfiltered opinions, and a deep commitment to community. Based in Norwalk, Iowa, Chris blends over 25 years of experience in IT and marketing with a passion for storytelling, humor, and connection.
A proud father of four and lifelong Iowan, Chris is the co-host of several original shows, including Old Man Strength, Like Father Like Daughter, and produces Billy & Willie's Workshop. Through these platforms, he tackles topics ranging from mental health and fatherhood to sports and social commentary—with a voice that’s both relatable and refreshingly candid.
Chris is also a vocal advocate for men’s mental health, using his personal experiences and platforms to spark real, vulnerable dialogue around anxiety, grief, and self-worth. Whether through fundraising events, local community involvement, or raw podcast episodes, Chris leads with heart, humor, and humility.
When he’s not behind the mic or building the 3 Beards Media brand, Chris serves as a marketing professional in the multifamily housing industry, bringing strategic insight and creative energy to every project he touches.
At the center of it all is his belief in the power of authenticity—and that telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, is the first step to making meaningful change.
