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

This week, Ira spoke with Colin Cloud, known as a “Real Life Sherlock Holmes,” starring with Shim Lim in “LIMITLESS” at The Mirage (Mondays and Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30PM). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Colin talks about why he developed an interest in Sherlock Holmes at an early age; how he realized that stand-up comedians are the real Sherlock Holmes; why he creates the illusion that he can read someone’s mind; his first mentors, who were comedians more than magicians; why his show is fast and high energy; his need to be challenged; and why he won’t enter the World Series of Poker!

This week, Ira spoke with Storm Large, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 10-11 at 7 p.m. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Storm talks about developing a sense of humor at an early age to cope with her environment; how she came to write her memoirs at a relatively young age; why performing gave her value (and was a form of self-defense); what is the king of all candy bars (and the first song she ever wrote); why she was told she would be a huge success “just as soon as you aren’t you”; her choice to be homeless a lot as a kid; what she likes about the great American songbook and what she doesn’t like about it; what she likes about Las Vegas audiences; why she doesn’t believe you have to suffer for your art; and who inspired her to perform by telling her she had value.

This week, Ira spoke with Rob McCoy, chief executive officer of the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rob talks about joining the museum (open since 2005) and beginning to repurpose, rebrand and reimagine it; creating the right mix of exhibits, artifacts, and programming; the history and importance of the Nevada Test Site (928 nuclear tests) and its role in the Cold War; why his mission is to expand the museum to include the atomic age and pop culture; the new exhibit, “Spy”; and the most significant exhibit since the opening of the museum.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with award-winning illusionist Rick Thomas, who will be performing at the South Point Casino February 24-26. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rick talks about his long career in magic; how he maintains his passion for performing; why he always aimed to perform in Las Vegas; how he sees the beginning of the show as the most nerve-wracking; why his show has a theme; why he has a fondness for the grand illusion; and his favorite Las Vegas story (hint: he married her!).

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with crooner Matt Dusk, performing “Matt Dusk Sings Sinatra” in Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center, February 18 (at 6 and 8:30 p.m.). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Matt talks about his earliest memories of hearing Sinatra; why Sinatra still matters; why the audience is what makes the show great; the challenges of touring; why COVID taught him plans are just a guide; and the best advice he ever re-ceived (and it came from Paul Anka!).

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Andrew Kiraly, founder and publisher of TheList.Vegas, a new Las Vegas events calendar created by locals and curated for locals. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Andrew talks about why he wanted to create a website devoted to events in Las Vegas, especially in a post-COVID world; how he curates the information; why the key to the calendar is simplicity; the unique 24-hour nature of the town and the potential vibrant cultural life it offers; and future plans for the website.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with The Cowsills (Bob, Susan, and Paul), performing January 27 at The Golden Nugget Las Vegas. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, the trio talk about the origins of the Cowsills name; why they recorded a new album, Rhythm Of the World, after waiting 30 years; why the group had such an impact in the 60’s; connecting with fans of multiple generations; and where they see themselves in pop music history.

This week, Ira spoke with Alain Nu, “The Man Who Knows” (Thursdays - Saturdays at the Notoriety Theater). In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Alain talks about the area of the unexplained; the importance of hope; taking the preconceived notions of magic and turning it upside down; why connection is his message; and why his show is a new take on the classic mentalist act.

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Greg Hahn, headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas through January 15. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Greg talks about how the Marine Corps helped his comedy career; why he modeled his comedy career on a famous drummer; why he thinks getting older only makes you funnier; how he wins over an audience; and why “funny” is the prime directive.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Alex White, founder of Yukon Pizza. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Alex talks about the sourdough starter that has been in his family for five generations; how he took some of it to college when he left home; how it lead him down the pizza path; why he chose to make pizza making his life choice; why sourdough is good for the gut; how “feeding” the starter made him shorten his date nights (and yet he still got married!).