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

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business, the industry's leading gaming trade publication. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Gros talks about the beginning recovery of Las Vegas; steps that casinos are taking or should take to ensure business returns; the possibility of non-smoking in casinos becoming a reality; cashless gaming; why entertainment may be one of the last market segments to return (with the exception of lounges); his pick for top gaming executives and pioneers; and the future expansion of online gaming.

Prior to joining Global Gaming Business, Gros was president of Inlet Communications, an independent consulting firm. He was vice president of Casino Journal Publishing Group from 1984-2000, and held virtually every editorial title during his tenure. Gros was editor of Casino Journal, the National Gaming Summary and the Atlantic City Insider, and was the founding editor of Casino Player magazine. 

He was a co-founder of the American Gaming Summit and the Southern Gaming Summit conferences and trade shows. Gros is the author of the best-selling book, “How to Win at Casino Gambling” (Carlton Books, 1995), now in its fourth edition. He was named "Businessman of the Year" for 1998 by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Gaming Association in 2012.

https://www.ggbmagazine.com

https://twitter.com/GlobalGamingBiz

This week, Ira spoke with Carolyn V. Hamilton, author of “HELP! I Married an Alien a Comedian, A memoir of life in the circus lane of marriage to a stand-up comedian.” In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Hamilton talks about meeting comedians Cork Proctor during a unique time in Las Vegas history (who promised her that their life together would never be boring); her marriage and subsequent divorce (and subsequent living together in Cuenca, Ecuador); the exciting days of traveling together (including as members of the Peace Corps); her decision to write an honest book about their life together, including verbal abuse; and what she learned about life and love.

This week, Ira spoke with entertainer Frankie Scinta. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Scinta talks about the challenges of the coronavirus on Las Vegas entertainment; his new weekly show on Facebook that has generated thousands of views; the importance of family in life and performing; the future of entertainment in Las Vegas; and his new project that will take shape as a one-man show.

This week, Ira spoke with Journalist Alan Snell, whose popular website, LVSportsBiz.com reports the business side of Las Vegas' expanding sports industry. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Snel talks about the challenges of professional sports in dealing with the coronavirus in Las Vegas; how T-Mobile Arena and Allegiant Stadium will handle returning fans in the era of social distancing; how food and beverage, a key part of the sports facilities’ business model, will have an alternative distribution; and how certain sports will weather the crisis while others will have a challenging period. Snel also discusses his new book, “Bicycle Man Life of Journey,” a collection of stories from the viewpoint of a traveling journalist and bicycle aficionado.

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning international wine and food writer Marisa Finetti. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Finetti talks about becoming a wine writer only after moving to Las. Vegas, despite her past history as a grape grower; why she decided to write in an accessible style in order to promote an understanding of wine; how she sees a wine culture in Las Vegas developing in Las Vegas; the steps in tasting wine (while sharing a bottle of Ruchè Di Castagnole Monferrato with Ira during the show); and a full explanation of her wine doodles!

This week, Ira spoke with Bill Boggs, four-time Emmy Award-winning interviewer (and no stranger to Las Vegas) and author of The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog, a new comedic novel. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Boggs talks about long, successful media career; his interview with Frank Sinatra (the longest interview Sinatra ever gave); his long association with Las Vegas; why he decided to write a “politically incorrect” novel; and why he thinks laughter is the best medicine.

This week, Ira spoke with attorney Joe Brown and Tina Quigley, co-creators of Restoration Nevada, a nonpartisan forum providing information and insights from local experts and generating ideas for accelerating recovery from the economic effects of the coronavirus. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Brown and Quigley talk about the need for creative ideas to diversify what is still primarily a one-industry city; the cooperation of all elements of the community; how rural and urban areas of Nevada can work together despite geographic distances; and the future of the forum once the crisis has passed.

This week, Ira spoke with Clint Holmes. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Holmes talks about the effects of the coronavirus on the Las Vegas entertainment community, both economically and artistically; how some entertainers are currently reaching their fans through technology; how he envisions Las Vegas resorts reopening venues; what he learned from the great comedians and applied to his own performances; the future of entertainment (going from fear to caution); and his greatest musical regret.

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Rabbi Sanford Akselrad, spiritual leader of Congregation Ner Tamid. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rabbi Akselrad talks about the emotional and spiritual effects of the coronavirus virus in Las Vegas; how people are lonely, but not alone; how technology has enabled clergy of all faiths to communicate with their congregations; why people turn to religion in times of stress; and why, due to the coronavirus, we are all in the same storm, but we are not all in the same boat.

Rabbi Akselrad has served as the spiritual leader of Congregation Ner Tamid since he came to Las Vegas in 1988. During this time, the Synagogue grew from approximately 60 to over 600 families, becoming the largest Reform Synagogue in the State of Nevada. He has served on a wide variety of community boards including the Humana Hospital Pastoral Advisory Board, the Jewish Nevada, Jewish Family Services and the National Conference of Community and Justice.

www.lvnertamid.org

The Coronavirus has had a major impact on Las Vegas, both from the visitor perspective and the locals who live and work here. This week, Ira spoke with Phil Rejholec, owner of Above All Travel, for insight and practical tips on dealing with the challenges of travel cancellation, rebooking and other issues. Above All Travel is a full-service Las Vegas travel agency, which has been in business since 1989. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rejholec talks about getting your money from airline cancellations; the benefit of using a travel agent; the importance of travel insurance; and what are the conditions for Las Vegas to bounce back?