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

This week, Ira spoke with Jay Baer.

Entrepreneur Jay Baer, president of the Indiana-based consulting firm "Convince & Convert" and the keynote speaker at the recent Governor’s Global Tourism Summit in Reno, is the author of “Talk Triggers.”

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Baer talks about turning customers into volunteer marketers; how Penn & Teller, among others, are effective in using the techniques of word of mouth as opposed to social media; how these techniques make your marketing customer driven rather than celebrity driven; how to give your customers something they don’t expect; and why Baer loves judging barbecue!

Baer helps businesses clone their customers.He is a seventh- generation entrepreneur, has written six best-selling books, and has founded five multi-million dollar companies. He is the President of Convince & Convert, a consulting firm that works with the world’s most iconic brands like The United Nations, 3M, and Hilton gain and keep more customers.

A recent inductee into the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame, he’s also an avid tequila collector, and a certified barbecue judge.

http://www.travelnevada.comhttp://www.jaybaer.com

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/jaybaer

This week, Ira spoke with John Feinstein.

#1 New York Times bestseller and sports-writing legend John Feinstein is author of the newly-released book, “QUARTERBACK”

In this 15-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas,Feinstein talks about the singular importance of the quarterback in the NFL universe; why it is the most scrutinized position in sports; what he learned from speaking with Alex Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Joe Flacco, Andrew Luck and Doug Williams; why a quarterback is either a hero or a goat; how hard it is physically; and their commonality, including how bright they all are.

Feinstein is the author of 35 books, including the two best-selling sports books of all time: “A Season on The Brink,” and “A Good Walk Spoiled,” both No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Ten of his books have been mysteries written for kids. The first of these, “Last Shot,” won The Edgar Allen Poe Award for mystery writing and was also a New York Times bestseller.

His most recent non-fiction book, “Where Nobody Knows Your Name,” was his 23rd New York Times bestseller. His 36th book, “The Legends Club,”chronicles the rivalries and relationships among Mike Krzyzewski, Dean Smith and Jim Valvano.

In addition to his books, John also works for The Washington Post, The Golf Channel, Golf Digest, Sirius XM, CBS Sports Radio and Comcast Sportsnet. He has been inducted into The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame; The National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame; The U.S. Basketball Writer’s Hall of Fame and the Greater D.C. Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

https://jfeinsteinbooks.com/On Twitter: https://twitter.com/JFeinsteinBooks

This week, Ira spoke with David Schwartz.

David G. Schwartz is a writer, historian and Director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV. He also is a Forbes contributor who recently wrote a column on Circus Circus celebrating its 50th anniversary and what he calls “its long, surprising, and sometimes sordid history.”

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Schwartz talks about the importance of Circus Circus in the scope of Las Vegas history; the enduring theme of being a playground for both children and adults; the life and times of Jay Sarno, who was never a guy to do things small when he could do them big, and who hated Las Vegas when he first arrived; the two surprising people who Sarno considered friends; why long-time employees are proud of their property; and the role of Circus Circus in Las Vegas in the 21st century.

Schwartz has written several books, including Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas, Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling, and Boardwalk Playground: The Making, Unmaking, & Remaking of Atlantic City.

He has been extensively quoted in the media and featured in television programs. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Schwartz earned his bachelor’s degree (a double major in anthropology and history) as well as his master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania before receiving his doctorate in US History from UCLA.

His academic interest in gambling stems from his hands-on experience in the casino industry as a security officer, surveillance officer, and Mr. Peanut.

http://www.dgschwartz.comOn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrDave702

This week, Ira spoke with Chubby Checker.

Chubby Checker, who changed the dance style of a nation, will be performing at the South Point Casino November 23-25.

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Checker talks about this first time performing in Las Vegas; why he owes a debt to Zsa Zsa Gabor: why the Twist was so popular by exploiting sexuality on the dance floor; how he imitates “Chubby Checker”; why he was influenced by the greats, including Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole; his country music roots; and why he appreciates the circle of life.

"The Twist" was not only the #1 song, but it introduced the concept of "dancing apart to the beat." Over the next few years, endless songs incorporating "The Twist" into its name sprang up such as "Peppermint Twist," "Twist and Shout" and "Twistin' the Night Away." In addition, each new song brought a new dance involving "dancing apart to the beat" such as "The Jerk," "The Hully Gully," "The Boogaloo" and "The Shake." At the forefront was Checker with "The Fly," "The Pony," and "The Hucklebuck.”

http://www.southpointcasino.com

http://www.chubbychecker.com

This week, Ira spoke with Carl LaBove.

Comedian Carl LaBove is resident headliner, along with pop-in surprise guests, for the famous Midnight Dirty Show in the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas, Fridays and Saturdays.

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, LaBove talks about his father’s support for his comedy career; his early years as an actor; the genesis of “The Outlaws of Comedy”; why he is attracted to dark humor; being in the moment of the show; and evolving as a comedian.

An original founding member of "The Outlaws of Comedy," his powerful approach to stand-up comedy has been filling theaters and clubs for more than 30 years.

LaBove was born in Fort Worth Texas and grew up a military child, which required his family to move all around the world during his youth. At age 19, he discovered stand-up comedy with the man who would become his best friend, Sam Kinison. Together the two founded a Rock & Roll Comedy concept that would earn Billboard Magazine’s "Top Tour" honors by selling out theaters across the country for five straight years.

http://www.laughfactory.com/clubs/las-vegashttps://www.troplv.com/On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Carl_LaBove

This week, Ira spoke with Harold Moret.

Harold Moret designed and created Casino Dominoes, which is currently being featured exclusively at the Plaza Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. He also is founder of the Universal Domino League and a graduate of the UNLV Casino Operations Program.

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Moret talks about how he learned dominos from his grandfather; how he learned from Dr. Dre how to bring ideas from his head to the world; why he moved to Las Vegas; why he developed Casino Dominoes from the perspective of an gaming industry outsider; and why he brings passion to his projects.

http://www.universaldominoleague.com

http://www.casinodominoes.com

https://www.plazahotelcasino.com

This week, Ira spoke with Monti Rock III.

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Rock talks about his life and career; how he survived his early childhood; the insights he’s gained by turning 80; why his popularity was based on personality and character, not talent; his disappointing first appearance in Las Vegas; what his performance in “Saturday Night Fever” gave him; and the hardest thing about being Monti Rock III.

Monti Rock III, whose real name is Joseph Moses Montanez, Jr., also performed as Disco Tex and the Sex-O-Lettes. He has been part of the Las Vegas scene for several decades. As Rock puts it, he is iconic, legendary, unpredictable, an enigma, undefinable, and a legend in his own mind.

His television appearances from the 60’s were topped by his multitude of appearances on the “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson (a total of 84 times) and his appearance in the cult classic film, "Saturday Night Fever."

This week, Ira spoke with Philip Fortenberry.

Renowned pianist Philip Fortenberry (just back from China), is performing for one night only in his solo concert, “Give My Regards” in Myron’s Cabaret Jazz at The Smith Center October 22.

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Fortenberry talks about his trip of a lifetime, performing in a 14-city, three week national concert tour of China; why he decided to move to Las Vegas; the two important Las Vegas events and the one person who has affected him the most; why music is so powerful and a universal language; and why this Broadway concert is very personal to him.

Fortenberry’s career includes being one of the most sought-after pianists on the Great White Way and the recipient of the coveted “Ghostlight Award” as “Best Musician on Broadway.”

He was the hand/body double for actor Michael Douglas in HBO’s biopic “Behind the Candelabra,” and has performed as a headliner on numerous concert stages from Lincoln Center to Carnegie Hall, from The Kennedy Center to The White House.

“Give My Regards” is presented and produced by PK Music with direction by Las Vegas composer Keith Thompson who is co-producer with Fortenberry of their hit musical show, “The Cocktail Cabaret” in Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesars Palace.

http://www.thesmithcenter.com

Facebook: @pianistPhilipFortenberryInstagram: @philipfortenberry

This week, Ira spoke with Norm Johnson.

Veteran Las Vegas journalist Norm Johnson has covered the Las Vegas scene for several decades.

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Johnson talks about his long entertainment, publicity and event career in Las Vegas; how he arrived here after working as a journalist in Los Angeles, including accidently covering the Watts Riots; working with some of the top entertainers in show business; starting The Mint 400; bemoaning the lack of creativity in casinos today; what he sees as the future of the city.

Born in Burbank, California, Johnson grew up in Hollywood. His mother was Max Factor’s right hand for movie makeup, and owned three beauty salons in Los Angeles and Hollywood.

When he turned 17, in 1950, Johnson enlisted in the United States Air Force. He eventually became an investigator in the Air Police (now referred to as APIS), and was sent to Japan in April, 1952. Upon arrival in Japan, he immediately signed up to continue his studying (which he had begun as a youngster in San Diego) in the Martial Arts at the Kodakan Institute in Tokyo, where he became a third degree black belt. As an investigator he worked on numerous cases involving narcotics, illegal trade of script (used by armed forces as money), and the printing of phony script.

He was discharged in San Francisco in 1953, and returned to live with his family in San Diego. Johnson would go back and forth to Hollywood to enter dance contests. In 1955 he met James Dean while racing a Porsche for a sponsor in Palm Springs, and the two racers became good friends. Whenever he was in Hollywood, Johnson would stay at his place just above Hollywood Blvd. He met Elvis on the set of Jailhouse Rock in 1957, when he was selected to be one of the dancers in the Jailhouse scene.

In 1959, Johnson was hired to handle public relations for former Heavyweight Champion of the World, Joe Louis. That was his first of many Las Vegas connections.

http://www.vegas-to-you.com

This week, Ira spoke with Brian Van Flandern.

Brian Van Flandern is executive director of mixology, spirit education and special events for Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits in Las Vegas. He also is the author of the new book, “Whiskey Cocktails.” The book is the fifth edition of Assouline’s best-selling cocktail series.

In this 30-minute episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Van Flandern talks about his move to Las Vegas; the explosion in craft cocktails; whisky vs. whiskey; passion in pursuit of excellence; and his plans for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Academy, where industry professionals are invited to learn from master mixologists, spirits experts, master sommeliers and cicerones.

Prior to joining Southern Glazer’s, Van Flandern was the president and founder of his own mixology consulting firm, Creative Cocktail Consultants, where he focused on spirits education, innovating cutting-edge cocktail lists and training professional bartenders in the art of mixology, comprehensive spirits education and Michelin three-star hospitality dining and beverage standards. He also designed and implemented successful cocktail programs for luxury properties and prestigious clientele, such as famous chefs Thomas Keller and Geoffrey Zakarian.

Throughout his extensive career, Van Flandern has been awarded numerous honors, including “America’s Top Mixologist” by The Food Network, “One of the Top Ten Hotel Bartenders in the World” by Travel + Leisure Magazine and “Top Ten Cocktail Books of the Year” at Tales of the Cocktail for his second book “Craft Cocktails.”

He was also appointed by Diageo, the world’s largest producer of spirits, as their first-ever Global Brand Ambassador and is a certified Spirits Professional by the United States Bartending Guild, of which he is a founding board member for their New York Chapter, which is now the largest chapter in the country.

http://www.assouline.comhttp://www.southernglazers.com/location/nevada/Brian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brianvanflandern