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

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Justin Martell, author (along with Alanna Wray McDonald) of “Eternal Troubadour: The Improbable Life Of Tiny Tim,” published byJawbone Press.. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Martell talks about Tiny Tim’s contribution to Las Vegas entertainment and pop culture; why the FBI was investigating Tiny Tim’s deal with Caesars Palace; what pop singer opened for him in Las Vegas; why there was no middle ground to people’s reaction to his “act”; and why the author became obsessed with Tiny Tim at an early age and eventually wrote this book.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Alan Glist and Kathi Glist, producers of Menopause The Musical® and the Bronx Wanderers at Harrah’s Las Vegas. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, the Glists talk about the impact of coronavirus on the entertainment industry; the future of live entertainment in Las Vegas; why Menopause The Musical® is so successful and why they’re still passionate about it after so many years and performances; safety protocols when both shows return to production; and why they decided to move to Las Vegas and then discovered a community beyond the Strip.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Wayne Clingman, author of “The Life and Times of Frank Balistrieri: The Last, Most Powerful Godfather of Milwaukee.” In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Clingman talks about the power and control of Frank Balistrieri in Milwaukee; how he married into a crime family before taking the reins of leadership; the connection between the Milwaukee Mob and Las Vegas; the role of skimming from the casinos as a major source of revenue; how the feds got Balistrieri, initially through tax evasion; and the end of mob control of the Stardust and Fremont.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Larry Gragg, author of “Becoming America’s Playground, Las Vegas in the 1950s.” In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Gragg talks about the confluence of events that propelled Las Vegas into the consciousness of America; why local leaders and institutions coalesced around the idea of making Las Vegas a tourist destination; how entertainment was the coin of the realm for competition among resorts; and the three people he thinks were responsible for setting Las Vegas on the road to success in those years.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Jossel talks about his unique journey from London to Las Vegas; how he fell in love with Downtown Las Vegas; how the area has changed over the years and the future of downtown development; his podcast, the development of the area and the future of Downtown Las Vegas; how the Plaza has differentiated itself from the competition; why he started his Plaza podcast, “On the Corner of Main Street “; and why the resort has Pickleball courts!

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with former New York Times Editor and Time Magazine Reporter Michael Cannell, author of the new book, “A Brotherhood Betrayed: The Man Behind the Rise and Fall of Murder, Inc.," published by Minotaur Books. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Cannell talks about the formation of The Commission, which was the corporate structure of organized crime and integrated disparate criminal gangs; the creation of Murder, Inc. that enforced the commission’s edicts; the incredible turnabout by the mob’s chief enforcer, who agreed to testify against the men who sanctioned the killing of witnesses, including the mob’s own soldiers; the hazy line between law enforcement and criminals; and the impact of organized crime on the formation of Las Vegas.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with David G. Schwartz, author of “At the Sands: The Casino That Shaped Classic Las Vegas, Brought the Rat Pack Together, and Went Out With a Bang.” In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Schwartz talks about the impact of the Sands on past and present Las Vegas; its mob connection; the unique nature of its entertainment and showroom; some of the key people who controlled the resort and its operations; and why it was instrumental in promoting Las Vegas as well as itself.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with country artist EmiSunshine, whose latest album is “Family Wars.” In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, EmiSunshine talks about her early start in music (she’s 16 now); the influence of her family in her songwriting and performing career; what’s it’s like to perform at the Grand Ole Opry; the mix of old and new country music that impacts her musical style; riding in Elvis Presley’s car; and the possibility of performing in Las Vegas.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Athena Patacsil, who is host of a new podcast, “Showgirl's Life,” featuring interviews with showgirls sharing stories of their former glamour days, from the 1950’s through the 1990’s. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Athena talks about her own journey from ballet dancer to principal dancer in Donn Arden’s Jubilee; why she decided to live and work in Las Vegas; how she finds former showgirls to talk about their craft and careers; and the importance of the showgirl as a symbol and part of the legacy of Las Vegas.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with magician and author Vinny Grosso, creator of Over the Air, a virtual interactive theatrical experience. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Grosso talks about his prior career in tour managing and as a consultant in the window covering industry; his decision to make a full-time career in magic and move to Las Vegas; why he wrote his book, exposed & FEARLESS, which is filled with case studies in success; his creation of a virtual magic show for both public and private groups; and how he uniquely uses Zoom and additional technology to present online illusions that simultaneously allows the audience to participate.