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

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

By Ira David SternbergEducationArtsLeisure
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The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg episodes

  • Las Vegas, Crime, Comedy and Three Guys Chasing the Big Score
    What happens when three guys who grew up together in Las Vegas decide they’re ready to get rich — and their plans go spectacularly wrong?
    That’s the world created by Torthell Robinson, a Las Vegas-area screenwriter, U.S. Air Force veteran and author of "Men Will Be Boys," a fast, funny and dangerous crime-comedy series set against the backdrop of Las Vegas.
    Torthell’s journey to becoming a writer is anything but conventional. After serving in the Air Force, he took a regular job before deciding he wanted to do something completely different. He enrolled in a Los Angeles film school, where a professor read his pilot script and recommended him for literary representation. After entering screenplay competitions, Torthell began thinking beyond the pilot and decided to build out the world and its charac-ters.
    Then he moved to Las Vegas — and discovered that the city itself seemed to fit perfectly with the stories he wanted to tell.
    Torthell explains why he chose to turn his original pilot concept into a three-book series, rather than adapt the books from novels into screenplays. We meet his three central char-acters: an Ivy League-educated man, a blue-collar local and a degenerate — three very dif-ferent personalities connected by a shared history and a common ambition to make it big.
    We also talk about Torthell’s childhood and the lessons he learned about respect and accountability, his writing process, why the first draft is so important, and the challenge of creating believable characters who can carry an entire series.
    And then there’s Las Vegas itself.
    For Torthell, Vegas isn't simply where the story takes place. The city becomes a character in its own right.
    Could "Men Will Be Boys" eventually make the jump from books to television? Torthell would certainly like to see it happen.
    It’s a conversation about writing, reinvention, friendship, ambition, trouble — and why Las Vegas can be the perfect setting when you want a story where almost anything can happen.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    31 min
  • RON FUTRELL TALKS LAS VEGAS SPORTS, THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES AND THE CITY’S EXPLOSIVE RISE AS A SPORTS CAPITAL
    Las Vegas has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in the world of sports—and few people have had a better view of that evolution than longtime sports anchor and reporter Ron Futrell of 8NewsNow.
    This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ron returns to the podcast for a fascinating conversation about the people, events and decisions that helped transform Southern Nevada into one of the world’s premier sports destinations.
    Ron discusses the remarkable success of Paseo Verde Little League of Henderson, Nevada, including its extraordinary run of four appearances in the Little League World Series during five years. He also talks about Carsynn Meyer, who made history as the first girl to play in the Little League World Series—and whose gloves were requested by the Baseball Hall of Fame.
    The conversation also explores the explosive growth of professional sports in Las Vegas. Ron explains why the city’s emergence as a major sports market “didn’t happen by accident,” the impact of the landmark 2018 U.S. Supreme Court sports betting decision, and how that ruling helped open the floodgates for major league sports and sports-related investment in Las Vegas.
    Ira and Ron also discuss the role of private-public partnerships, the debate over when public funding may be necessary for major sports projects, and the remarkable coalescing of arenas and stadiums on or near the Las Vegas Strip.
    Having covered Las Vegas sports since arriving in the city in 1984, Ron shares his choic-es for the three biggest sporting events he has witnessed—including the unforgettable moment when the Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup.
    And what happened to boxing?
    Ron reflects on the glory days of boxing in Las Vegas, why the sport no longer holds the same position it once did in the city, and how MMA has emerged as a major force in the modern Las Vegas sports landscape.
    From Little League dreams to championship celebrations, from sports betting to billion-dollar stadium projects, this episode is a compelling look at how Las Vegas became a global sports powerhouse.
    Listen to “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira” and discover why the biggest game in Las Vegas may be the city’s continuing rise as one of the world’s great sports capitals.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    29 min
  • FROM MAGIC TRICKS TO SÉANCES: KENT AXELL'S UNUSUAL LAS VEGAS JOURNEY
    This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira talks with magician and mentalist Kent Axell, who is bringing magic, theater, storytelling—and a touch of the supernatural—to Las Vegas with his immersive theatrical experience, “Ghost Stories.”
    Performing inside the intimate and mysterious 1923 Prohibition Bar at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place, Kent takes audiences on a journey that goes far beyond a traditional magic show.
    Kent tells how he became fascinated with magic at the age of nine after his uncle showed him an unforgettable trick involving a coin and a matchbox. He discusses how learning magic can help develop social skills, why magic magnifies your existing personality rather than creating a new one, and why he considers it a tremendous return on investment.
    We also talk about his journey into the fascinating world of mentalism—and why Kent believes audiences aren't simply buying the contents of a show; they're buying a vibe and an experience.
    In “Ghost Stories,” the first half of the evening combines magic and mentalism before au-diences enter a very different world in the second half: an immersive séance experience. Kent explains why guests are warned that the experience can sometimes be emotional, why the séance can be a tricky road to travel, and how some audience members have told him the experience actually shifted their belief systems.
    Most importantly, Kent explains why “Ghost Stories” is unlike anything else on the Las Vegas Strip.
    If you're fascinated by magic, mentalism, storytelling, theater, séances, or the unexplained, this is one conversation—and one Las Vegas experience—you won't want to miss.
    Listen as Kent Axell takes us behind the curtain of “Ghost Stories,” where magic, mystery and the supernatural come together in an unforgettable immersive theatrical experience.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    31 min
  • SHANG FORBES: FROM A $50 OPEN-MIC BET TO BOUNDARY-PUSHING COMEDY IN LAS VEGAS
    What happens when a $50 bet changes the course of your life?
    For comedian Shang Forbes, it happened when a friend challenged him to perform at an open-mic comedy night. Forbes took the bet, took the stage, won the $50—and discovered a career he never saw coming.
    This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira talks with Shang Forbes, who brings his distinctive, avant-garde and socio-political brand of comedy to the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas, August 24–30.
    Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Shang graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with his sights originally set on becoming an illustrator. But that fateful open mic sent him in an entirely different direction. Rather than simply trying to be “funny,” Shang set out to develop his own voice, embracing comedy that pushes boundaries while resisting being pigeonholed into one particular style.
    Shang talks about why he wasn't nervous during his very first stand-up performance, how he learned the craft, and why he performs under the single name “Shang.” He also shares how working as a comedy-club barker gave him an unexpected advantage: more opportunities to get onstage and hone his material.
    His approach is anything but conventional. Shang describes his natural stand-up style as “pushing the envelope,” while also maintaining a family-friendly set. He explains why he doesn't want to be narrowly defined as simply a “funny” comedian, but instead wants to be “broad funny.”
    We also discuss his move from New York to Los Angeles, his use of television acting appearances to introduce audiences to his personality and drive them toward his live comedy, meeting legendary comedian George Carlin, and the thought process behind creating his material.
    And when it comes to politics, Shang doesn't pick a side—he takes aim at both. His comedy gives Democrats and Republicans equal time, while he explains why a simple smile can help make edgy material more accessible.
    We also get into one of the great challenges of stand-up comedy: hecklers. Why does Shang rarely get heckled?
    It's a fascinating conversation about comedy, creativity, performance, risk-taking and finding your own voice.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    31 min
  • TODD “DAMMIT” KERNS ON SLASH, THE AGE OF ELECTRIC, ROCK ’N’ ROLL AND GIVING BACK
    What happens when a kid growing up in a small Canadian town discovers rock ’n’ roll—and decides music will become his life?
    For multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and performer Todd “Dammit” Kerns, that journey has taken him from discovering The Who and entering his punk-rock era to becoming the bassist and backing vocalist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, as well as front man for The Age of Electric.
    In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Todd talks about growing up in Canada, playing hockey with his brothers, discovering the power of a bass guitar, and the teachers who helped ignite his passion for music. He also reveals how he got the unfor-gettable nickname “Dammit” and explains why he believes performing should feel like play—not work.
    Todd also shares his philosophy of living in the present, adapting to whatever is happen-ing around you, and continuing to move forward. And there’s a special Las Vegas connection: Todd is bringing an intimate, unplugged performance to Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas on August 22, with proceeds benefiting the Nevada SPCA—an organization and cause that has long been important to him.
    From small-town Canada to the international rock stage, Todd “Dammit” Kerns proves that a passion for music, the right mentors, and a willingness to keep moving forward can take you almost anywhere.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    29 min
  • FROM OCEAN DRIVE TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP: SAMMY MOUNAYYER’S REDHEAD BURGER JOURNEY
    What does it take to turn a family burger concept into a growing restaurant brand? For Sammy Mounayyer, Co-Founder of Redhead Burger (at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas), the journey began long before the first burger was served.
    In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Sammy shares the remarkable story of his family’s journey from Israel to America—including learning English on the flight to the United States while his mother taught him the ABCs—to building a successful burger business in Miami Beach and now expanding to Las Vegas.
    Sammy explains how location, foot traffic and quality helped shape Redhead Burger, why the family chose a name inspired by their own red hair, and what separates their burgers from the competition. He talks about the importance of fresh, elevated ingredients, cooking technique and consistency—including the specially designed smasher that helps ensure every burger is prepared the right way.
    We also talk about the family dynamics behind the business, the division of responsibilities, the importance of being present and why customers appreciate seeing the owner behind the counter. Sammy discusses the popularity of Redhead’s chicken tenders, his brother Christian’s role in operating the two Florida locations, and why Las Vegas represents the perfect next chapter for Redhead Burger.
    It’s a story about family, entrepreneurship, hospitality, perseverance and the pursuit of the perfect burger—with a distinctly Las Vegas ending.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    28 min
  • ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMER JERRY MARTINI REFLECTS ON SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, MUSIC HISTORY & THE FAMILY STONE'S LAS VEGAS PERFORMANCE
    Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, R&B Pioneer Award winner, and original founding member of Sly & the Family Stone, Jerry Martini joins “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira” for a conversation celebrating one of the most influential bands in music history. Jerry, along with Phunne Stone and The Family Stone, will perform in Myron's at The Smith Center August 8, bringing the legendary music of Sly & the Family Stone to a new generation of fans.
    Jerry shares what has fueled his remarkable career for more than six decades and why he's determined to "bop till I drop." He reflects on growing up with Sly Stone, watching his childhood friend become a popular Bay Area DJ, and witnessing the birth of a musical revolution when Sly assembled Sly & the Family Stone in December 1965. Jerry recalls believing from the very beginning that Sly was a musical genius, reveals that the band's first performance together was in Las Vegas, and remembers how entertainment legends regularly packed their shows.
    The conversation also explores the band's surprising love of country music, the artists who inspired Jerry—including Ray Charles and Billy Preston—and how Sly & the Family Stone forever changed popular music by blending rock, funk, soul, and R&B into a groundbreaking sound. From timeless classics like "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," and "Hot Fun in the Summertime" to behind-the-scenes stories few fans have ever heard, this episode is a celebration of music, friendship, innovation, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    28 min

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

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Welcome to The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast! Each week, the host Ira Sternberg, talks with the celebrities, entertainers, writers, and personalities who make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the…