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

  • 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
  • LAS VEGAS SPORTS, FORMULA 1, THE A'S STADIUM & BICYCLE SAFETY: ALAN SNEL ON THE FUTURE OF SPORTS IN VEGAS
    This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira welcomes Alan Snel, founder and publisher of LVSportsBiz.com, for an insightful conversation about the business of sports, transportation, and the rapid evolution of Las Vegas as a global sports destination.
    Alan discusses how Governor Joe Lombardo's widely publicized failure to come to a complete stop at a red light unexpectedly sparked a broader conversation about bicycle safety throughout Southern Nevada—a cause that is deeply personal to him after being struck by cars two different times, including a an incident four years ago. He explains why rolling through stop signs has become far too common and why improving awareness benefits everyone who shares the road.
    The conversation also dives into the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority's major investment in Formula 1, including its newly approved ten-year sponsorship agreement worth $10 million annually. Alan examines both the advantages and concerns surrounding the deal, along with the F1’s road safety campaign tied to Formula 1.
    Ira and Alan also discuss the latest progress on the Athletics' future Las Vegas ballpark, why Alan believes the team's biggest challenges are currently on the field rather than at the construction site, and how the stadium project continues to move forward smoothly. Alan also reflects on founding LVSportsBiz.com in 2017 and shares his vision for what's next as Las Vegas continues its remarkable rise as one of the world's premier sports and enter-tainment destinations.
    Whether you're a sports fan, Las Vegas enthusiast, cyclist, or interested in the business behind major sporting events, this episode offers an informed look at the forces shaping the city's future.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    29 min
  • FROM COCKTAIL WAITRESS TO FINANCIAL LITERACY CHAMPION: DANA JUNE SHARES THE MONEY LESSONS EVERY SERVICE WORKER NEEDS

    This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Dana June, founder of How 2 Cocktale and author of "How 2 Cocktale: A Money Manifesto for the Service Industry." After more than a decade as a cocktail waitress, Dana experienced a life-changing realization during the COVID shutdown: thousands of hardworking service industry professionals know how to earn money—but few have ever been taught how to keep it, grow it, or build lasting wealth.

    28 min
  • FROM TOP CHEF TO HENDERSON: CHEF ALEX REZNIK IS REDEFINING LAS VEGAS DINING
    What happens when a nationally recognized chef decides to leave the bright lights of television and build something extraordinary away from the Las Vegas Strip?
    This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Chef Alex Reznik, ac-claimed chef, restaurateur, and the creative force behind SMKD BBQ and Hayworth in Henderson.
    Chef Alex shares his remarkable journey from growing up in New York to spending two decades building his culinary career in Los Angeles before bringing his passion to Southern Nevada. Along the way, he reveals why Las Vegas has become America's culinary capital, why the city attracts the world's finest meats and seafood, and why he believes some of the best dining experiences are now found off the Strip.
    He explains the unique meaning behind SMKD BBQ, why one of his restaurants is intentionally spelled without vowels, and how both restaurants were designed around family, comfort, and unforgettable hospitality. Alex also discusses why barbecue is truly Ameri-ca's cuisine, the art and patience behind perfectly smoked brisket, and why every cut of meat demands its own approach.
    Chef Alex also reflects on lessons learned from competing on television cooking shows, including one philosophy that guides everything he serves:
    Taste matters—and the very first bite has to tell the whole story.
    And yes...the debate everyone has an opinion about finally comes up:
    Are New Jersey bagels actually better than New York bagels?
    Whether you're a passionate foodie, a barbecue enthusiast, or simply love hearing the stories behind successful entrepreneurs, this episode serves up inspiration, humor, and plen-ty of delicious conversation.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    29 min
  • THE SOUNDTRACK OF A LIFETIME: PATRICK HOGAN ON JAZZ, WRITING AND PERFORMANCE
    Singer, pianist and composer Patrick Hogan, who will be performing with The Patrick Hogan Trio at Maxan Jazz June 21, shares the remarkable story of how his love affair with jazz began practically in the cradle, listening to Frank Sinatra’s iconic recording of “In The Wee Small Hours.”
    Patrick discusses the enduring appeal and poetic depth of the Great American Songbook and explains why its timeless themes continue to resonate across generations. He also reveals an unexpected ally in preserving classic music—TikTok—and how social media is introducing younger audiences to songs that have stood the test of time.
    The conversation explores Patrick’s upbringing in a home filled with jazz, his decision to begin piano lessons at age 10, and his passion for small-group instrumental jazz. He explains why Nelson Riddle’s arrangement of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” remains his favorite recording and why he never tires of listening to it.
    Patrick also talks about studying writing at UNLV, how storytelling influences his music, and how he balances beloved jazz standards with his own original compositions during live performances. It's a fascinating look at the artistry, craftsmanship and enduring power of jazz from one of Las Vegas’ most talented musicians.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    29 min
  • TRUMPET LEGEND WAYNE BERGERON: FROM ROCK DREAMS TO MAYNARD FERGUSON’S BAND
    Trumpet virtuoso Wayne Bergeron, one of the most respected and sought-after musicians in the world, joins Ira for an engaging conversation ahead of his appearance with the Jazz Vegas Orchestra in Myron’s at The Smith Center on June 17.
    In this fascinating episode, Wayne reveals the unexpected path that led him to the trumpet—even though it wasn’t his first instrument—and how a surprising act of vandalism helped shape his future. He discusses why he wasn’t a natural musician, his early desire to play in a rock band, and the influential band directors who helped guide his career.
    Wayne also shares how his admiration for legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson eventually led to joining Ferguson’s band, what he learned from the iconic performer, and why he immediately slipped into “fanboy mode” when they first met. He offers behind-the-scenes stories about recording at Capitol Records, explains why Michael Bublé is a seasoned veteran despite his age, and discusses the unique pressures of performing—revealing why he feels completely calm as a studio sideman but still gets nervous when stepping into the spotlight as a featured artist.
    From career-defining moments to lessons learned from music legends, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look at one of today’s premier trumpet players and the remarkable journey that brought him to the top.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    31 min
  • JONATHAN KARRANT CELEBRATES COLE PORTER AT MYRON’S JUNE 9
    This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes acclaimed vocalist Jonathan Karrant, who brings his celebrated tribute to legendary composer and songwriter Cole Porter to Myron's at The Smith Center on June 9. Jonathan reflects on his own journey from Ft. Smith, Arkansas to Manhattan, Los Angeles and ultimately Las Vegas, where he has become one of the city’s most respected interpreters of the Great American Songbook.
    Jonathan shares how, at a very young age, he fell in love with classic standards after discovering compilation albums by Ella Fitzgerald and Julie London, which introduced him to the sophisticated wit and emotional depth of Cole Porter’s music. Calling the Great American Songbook “America’s poetry,” Jonathan explains why these timeless songs continue to resonate across generations, adapting effortlessly into swing, waltz and count-less musical styles.
    The conversation also explores Jonathan’s deep connection with live audiences, which he describes as an ongoing “conversation,” and how audience energy shapes every perfor-mance. He discusses his passion for recording music in the studio, preserving moments in time through albums. Jonathan also talks about collaborating with jazz singer and pianist Diane Schuur and performing his latest single with her, “Caught a Touch of Your Love,” from the album Full Circle.
    Filled with stories about music, artistry, sophistication and timeless songwriting, this episode is a must-listen for fans of jazz, cabaret and the enduring brilliance of the Great American Songbook.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    30 min
  • CATHY RICH AND GREGG POTTER CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF BUDDY RICH
    This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Cathy Rich, daughter of legendary drummer Buddy Rich, along with Emmy Award-winning drummer Gregg Potter, as they bring The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine to Myron’s at The Smith Center on May 30.
    In this engaging conversation, Cathy and Gregg discuss Buddy Rich’s lasting legacy and Cathy’s promise to her father to keep his music alive for future generations. They talk about taking the band around the world, evolving from the original Buddy Rich Memorial Concerts featuring legendary guest drummers into a full-fledged touring road band that captures the power, excitement and intensity Buddy Rich was known for.
    Cathy and Gregg reveal the chemistry that keeps the show authentic, respectful and electrifying, while sharing stories about Buddy’s incredible musicianship, demanding standards and unforgettable personality.
    Gregg jokes about being the “Temu Buddy Rich,” but explains that his mission is not imitation—it’s honoring Buddy’s explosive energy, precision and relentless tempo while bringing his own style and passion to the stage.
    The episode also explores Buddy Rich alumni joining the band on tour, the technical challenges of recreating Buddy’s legendary arrangements. Cathy shares memories of growing up in Las Vegas and tells personal stories fans still love hearing decades later.
    From the emotional opening number “From the Jump” to a stage setup modeled after Buddy’s original performances, every detail of The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine is designed to celebrate one of the greatest drummers in music history. As Gregg explains, there’s simply nothing like the raw, “in your face” power of a true big band experience.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    29 min
  • LAUGH FACTORY FAVORITE BILL DAWES TALKS COMEDY, DISCIPLINE & LIFE
    This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with comedian Bill Dawes, performing in The Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas May 18–24.
    In this engaging episode, Bill shares how he made the leap from acting to stand-up comedy after growing frustrated with the lack of collaboration in acting roles and constantly hearing, “just say your lines.” Encouraged by a college friend to try an open mic, Bill admits he bombed badly the first time—but that experience sparked something bigger. He realized failure wasn’t fatal, and he became determined to improve.
    Bill reflects on more than 20 years in comedy, discussing why stand-up is one of the most unique and demanding art forms, the importance of strong writing, and how personal truth creates universal comedy. He also talks about being recruited by Wall Street after college, learning discipline through comedy, and how legendary comedy club owner Ja-mie Masada became one of his mentors.
    The conversation also explores how social media has transformed comedy audiences, why certain jokes work everywhere, and how performing at The Laugh Factory became one of his biggest career goals.
    It’s a funny, insightful, and honest conversation about persistence, creativity, and finding your authentic voice on stage.
    (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)
    29 min

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

From the publisher's feed

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…