The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ron talks about how the city became a major sports destination; the importance of a Supreme Court decision; the hard news side of sports and a shout out to slain investigative reporter Jeff German; if the Las Vegas Raiders can turn it around; the significance of the u...

This week, Ira spoke with Gloria Day, Las Vegas’ first performing magician, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday and was given the key to the Strip in a special ceremony. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Gloria talks about her father, The Great Leo, who taught her the secrets of magic; becoming a pro at age five; her favorite illusion; how she pursued a Hollywood career and got her f...

This week, Ira spoke with singer-songwriter and guitarist Jonathan Butler, performing in the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station September 25 at 8 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jonathan talks about growing up poor while getting his sense of humor from his family; leaving South Africa to pursue his international musical career; coming to London with a less-than-solid contract; why h...

This week, Ira spoke with Emmy award-winning comedian Craig Shoemaker, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas September 15-18. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Craig talks about his difficult childhood and how he worked on his creative self to deal with it; getting arrested at age 13; why he learned to be resilient; how he developed the Lovemaster; why young comedians c...

This week, Ira spoke with Douglas “Lefty” Leferovich, producer and host of “Late Night Magic,” an adults only magic show, at the Alexis Park All-Suite Resort (Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m.). “Late Night Magic” is a magical variety show that features sideshow stunts, mentalism, visual and optical illusions, dirty jokes, and amazing manipulation. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Douglas t...

This week, Ira spoke with country artist Sam Riddle, performing at The Space LV September 3, with tailgate at 6:30 and the show at 8 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Sam talks about growing up around music (including Broadway); choosing to become a country artist and finding his voice; how his earliest memories are of playing the piano; why his first years in Las Vegas playing the pia...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Brooklyn Bluesman Emanuel Casablanca, whose debut album "Blood On My Hands," will be featured in an album release show at The Sand Dollar Lounge on Spring Mountain in Las Vegas August 25, and The Sand Dollar Downtown Las Vegas on August 26. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Emanuel talks about his early start in music and financial career; why he decided...

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Brittany Schmitt, performing in The Comedy Works at The Plaza, August 19-20. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brittany talks about why comedy is cheaper than therapy; conquering her addictions; the best lesson her dad taught her; why comedy saved her; her creative north star and why she doesn’t always listen to advice; and why performing on the road is a...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Singer-songwriter Mark O’Toole, “Singing with the Big Bands” at the South Point Casino August 12-13. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Mark talks about appearing on “Star Search” and how it changed his life; how COVID made him rethink his career; why he took a chance on his career and never regretted it; how he made a choice to live and work in Las Vegas;...

This week, Ira spoke with Rick Michel, co-producer/writer of the new show, “Jew Man Group,” at the Tuscany Suites and Casino. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about the show paying homage to the Borscht Belt, but not limiting itself to Jewish humor; why it’s important to be politically incorrect for the sake of comedy; why, if you can’t laugh at yourself, laugh at everybody else...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Scotty Barnhart, director of the Grammy Award -Winning Count Basie Orchestra (performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center July 29-30). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Scotty talks about why a long line launched his trumpet career instead of a violin career; how jazz came through the church; when he first saw County Basie live when he was 12; how he met th...

This week, Ira spoke with comedian/musician Hal Sparks, performing in Nerd Halen at Count’s Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill as part of “Punchlines and Backline” on July 21. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Hal talks about how he got in involved with Nerd Halen (which combines the music of Van Halen, with the antics of the most staunch nerds, seemingly taken directly out of an 80’s B-movie); the on...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedian Traci Skene, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino (through July 17). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Traci talks about discovering sophisticated humor at age ten; being encouraged by her mother to become a comedian; going to comedy clubs at an early age; using humor to cope with pain; why her goal on stage is to m...

This week, Ira spoke with Piff the Magic Dragon (performing at the Flamingo Thursdays through Mondays at 7 p.m.) who just premiered his first one hour special, “Reptile Dysfunction,” on his YouTube channel. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Piff talks about his new YouTube show (filmed at the Flamingo and around Las Vegas); his decision to perform magic after getting a degree in computer sc...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with comedian Tom Thakkar, performing in The Comedy Works at The Plaza, July 1-2 at 9 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Tom talks about growing up in Indiana and making the decision to become a comedian; the challenges of performing comedy during the pandemic; his approach to comedy and audiences; and his decision to move to Los Angeles and get married.

This week, Ira spoke with Brad Sherwood, who (along with Colin Mochrie) will be performing in “Scared Scriptless” at the Pavilion Theater at Tropicana Laughlin June 25. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brad talks about why he liked being funny as a kid as a way to adjust to new circumstances; taking his first improv class and realizing he had found his career; why it’s important to establi...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Comedy-magician Adam London, performing in the Laughternoon show in the Venue at the Orleans (Thursdays - Sundays at 4 p.m.). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Adam talks about his start in magic, inspired by his grandfather; his decision to move to Las Vegas; why he chose to work clean and have a family-friendly show; why humor comes before magic; his pr...

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Rocky Laporte, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas (through June 12). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rocky talks about about his style of comedy, which is considered unique but organic; how the negative reaction from family and friends about starting his comedy career drove him to success; how he dealt with COVID as a comedian; wh...

This week, Ira spoke with Mike Nigro, one of the principals of Nigro Construction, which specializes in non-gaming construction in Las Vegas (including hotels and taverns). Its current project, just completed, is the extended-stay hotel, TownePlace Suites by Marriott®, located in North Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Mike talks about the history of the company as it grew over t...

This week, Ira spoke with Roger Earl, a founding member of the legendary British rock band, Foghat (performing May 27 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Roger talks about how the band was formed; the enduring popularity of Foghat; why he reveres Buddy Rich and Miles Davis; the link between bass and drums; and why you need a sense of humor to survive in a rock...

In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Tom talks about how the project was launched in partnership with National Geographic; the unique staging features of this exhibit, which creates an immersive experience for visitors; the importance of capturing a moment in time by world-class professional photographers; why some of the images were enhanced (but not changed by technology); and the reaction o...

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Henry Cho, who will be performing at the South Point Casino Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14 at 7:30. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Henry talks about how he discovered he was unique as a comedian, growing up of Korean descent in Knoxville, Tennessee; why he took ten years off from his comedy career; how you can be funny without being neurotic; why hi...

This week, Ira spoke with Mallory Gott, one of the finalists (along with her partner, Chef Aaron Lee) of The Great Las Vegas Coffee Shop Giveaway, and popping up at the Vegas Test Kitchen May 6 & 7. Their concept, called Winnie and Ethel’s Downtown Diner, is based on a 1940s diner offering all the classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Mallory talks abou...

This week, Ira spoke with Makana, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center in “The Gift of Slack Key Guitar” April 29 at 7 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Makana talks about how he was introduced to slack key guitar as a boy by his father; how his mother set the wheels in motion for his to learn slack key guitar from a master; what slack key guitar style is (and tuning to a chord);...

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Ms. Michelle, founder of the Las Vegas Black Film Festival, April 21-24 at the Suncoast Hotel. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ms. Michelle talks about her challenges in starting the festival nine years ago; how her tenacity overcame the negative advice from her university adviser; why she decided Las Vegas was the perfect location for the festival; cre...