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

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Russell talks about the emotional impetus for beginning to write songs at age 11; the influence of the Beatles from an early age; why “All Out of Love” is his favorite song; how he met Russell Hitchcock and their natural harmonies; why he likes his time alone in-between gigs; and knowing that, as the songwriter for Air Supply, he has to be ten steps ahead of everybody.

This week, Ira spoke with Tina Quigley, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Quigley talks about the significance of National Infrastructure Week (May 13-20) and its value to Southern Nevada; working to create maximum capacity for existing transportation assets; utilizing technology and partnerships with outside entrepreneurs to ease congestion and increase traffic flow; and planning for additional resources for a growing population and an expanding tourism.

This week, Ira spoke with Frankie Scinta, The Showman, who will be performing at the South Point Casino May 3-4. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Scinta talks about losing a talent contest as a kid, but loving the accolades; learning music by ear (never took lessons); getting nervous for one time only before a performance, which had to do with the location; making every audience a part of his show; and why he might get anxious if drummer Pete O’Donnell ever took up magic.

Linda Smith, who Las Vegans know as the fundraising pillar of Opportunity Village for nearly 40 years, is the author of “Unwanted”: How a Mother Learned to Turn Shame, Grief and Fear into Purpose, Passion and Empowerment.”

Comedian Tom Rhodes (whose new album, “Around The World,” was recorded in 24 cities) is headlining in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas April 22-28.. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rhodes talks about his love of travel; his addiction to the adrenal rush of performing; why he “put my career above everything in my life”; why he’s a big fan of both Winston Churchill and ephemera; what he learned from John McEnroe and applied to stand-up comedy; and why, when it comes to comedy, “I’m in it for life.”

New York Times baseball writer Tyler Kepner is author of “K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches,” published by Doubleday, which traces the story behind each pitch, as far back as the 19th century. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Kepner talks about his lifelong love of baseball; the characteristics of the pitcher and the integral part he plays in the game; the history and development of each unique pitch; interviews with the players who have contributed to the lore of baseball through their pitching styles; and why baseball is here to stay.

Country Music artist Matt Stell, brings his unique style to Las Vegas when he performs an all-ages free show at Topgolf Las Vegas on April 6. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Stell talks about his popular single, “Prayed For You”; the meaningfulness of his April 27th Grand Ole Opry debut; why he loves the narrative lyrics of country music; the enduring creative appeal of living and working in Nashville; why he learned who you are and what you want to be are not the same thing; and how it’s hard to turn loose of a dream.

Shep Gordon, in addition to managing many of the top artists who have headlined in Las Vegas, was named one of the 100 most influential people in Rolling Stone magazine; was the subject of the Mike Myers 2013 documentary, “Supermensch The Legend of Shep Gordon” ; and is the author of “They Call Me SuperMensch, A backstage pass to the amazing worlds of film, food, and Rock ’n’ Roll.”

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Gordon talks about the balance between living in Hawaii and his frantic career; how he got the title “Super Mensch”; the start of celebrity chefs in Las Vegas, working with Elizabeth Blau (who he credits with fusing the fame of chefs with a winnable business model; working with Raquel Welch on her act for Las Vegas; cooking for the Dalai Lama; and learning to be of service to others.

Talking With Graham Russell – May 16, 2019 This week, Ira spoke with Graham Russell. Air Supply has kicked off its “Air Supply Lost In Love Experience Tour,” bringing them to The Orleans Showroom May 24-26. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Russell talks about the emotional impetus for beginning to  write … Continue reading "Talking With Graham Russell – May 16, 2019"

Talking With Tina Quigley – May 9, 2019 This week, Ira spoke with Tina Quigley, CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Quigley talks about the significance of National Infrastructure Week (May 13-20) and its value to Southern Nevada; working to create maximum capacity … Continue reading "Talking With Tina Quigley – May 9, 2019"