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

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira chats with comedy-magician Adam London, star of the delightfully quirky “Laughter-noon” show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, running Thursdays through Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m.

Adam shares how his journey began on a farm, where helping his grandfather came with a magical reward—literally. His grandfather taught him magic tricks in exchange for chores, sparking a lifelong passion. Adam reveals the one trick that captivated him as a kid, the teachers who cheered him on, and how he went from a small farming town to the big stage in Las Vegas—with a stop at UNLV along the way.

In this lively episode, Adam talks about being a “clean” comedian, how he keeps his act fresh with a balance of structure and improvisation, and why his kids are fans of his career. He also dishes on the duck-filled twist that became a hallmark of his show, the joy of making audiences laugh, and whether being a magician gets you first in line at the buffet.

Engaging, heartfelt, and hilariously insightful, Adam London proves that magic—and laughter—can come from the most unexpected places.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Andrew Davies Gans, director of the new documentary, "Voices: The Danny Gans Story," premiering June 20 at the 28th Annual Dances With Films festival at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The film honors the remarkable yet often overlooked legacy of Danny Gans, a legendary Las Vegas entertainer whose name was once synonymous with the Strip. Though his star burned brightly during his lifetime, his passing on May 1, 2009, left only a fleeting memory in the city he helped define.

Andrew shares why now—over a decade later—felt like the right time to tell his father’s story. He opens up about the emotional journey behind the camera, the challenges of wrangling a complex production delayed by COVID, and how a project he thought would take two years turned into a nearly five-year labor of love. Featuring heartfelt interviews with Louie Anderson, Donny Osmond, and Las Vegas entertainment columnists Norm Clarke and John Katsilometes, the film sheds light on Danny’s extraordinary talent, unmatched work ethic, and the pain he kept hidden behind his smile.

From Danny’s deep admiration for Sammy Davis Jr. to his relentless drive, athletic mind-set, and close relationship with his own father, Voices explores the man behind the Vegas marquee. Despite his enormous popularity within Las Vegas, Danny remained a relative unknown beyond it—largely by choice, relying on word-of-mouth rather than flashy marketing. Now, this powerful and intimate documentary aims to restore Danny Gans to his rightful place in entertainment history—and introduce him to a global audience for the first time.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira chats with Pam Ashlund, affectionately known as the “Queen of Swizzle.” Pam will be featured at the Casino Collectibles Association’s 32nd Annual Show, June 12–14 at South Point. In this colorful episode, she stirs up stories about her lifelong fascination—and yes, slight obsession—with swizzle sticks. What began with her mother’s lone swizzle stick from a Chicago lounge has become a sentimental and historic quest to preserve a once-overlooked piece of cocktail culture.

Pam dives into the unexpected depth of swizzle stick collecting: from rare airline and alcohol-branded sticks to mid-century Las Vegas treasures that transitioned from (unfortunately) whimsical 3D forms to flat (and cheaply made) designs. She opens up about her passion for preservation, the ingenious ways she stores and categorizes her vast collection (which includes thousands of sticks that “used to be in someone’s drink”), and how she manages the “household rule” that keeps her collecting in check—sort of. Pam also shares her dream of starting a swizzle stick museum, helping researchers, and why the Tiki revival is giving these tiny stirrers a new spotlight. A fun, nostalgic, and truly unique conversation not to be missed!

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira catches up with Ryan Duff, the passionate artistic director of the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus. The group is gearing up for its Season 32 finale, “Broadway Our Way,” at UNLV’s Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on June 29.

In this episode, Ryan shares how 100 powerful voices will come together to reimagine beloved Broadway classics—with a twist only the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus can deliver. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the legendary composers whose work has shaped the stage and stirred souls from Broadway to the world.

Ryan opens up about his career—from globe-trotting performer to high school music director, and ultimately, to leading one of Las Vegas’ most celebrated vocal ensembles. He dives into what it takes to organize a hundred singers, manage weekly rehearsals, and cultivate harmony among a chorus of dedicated volunteers.

He also reflects on how the group navigated an identity crisis when he first came on board, the chorus’ unique buddy system to welcome new members, and the dynamic programming behind their shows—including both familiar showstoppers and surprising selections. “Broadway Our Way” features 15–20 fully memorized numbers (no reading!), choreography, and a powerful emotional core.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

Fresh off their global tours and headed to the Strip, The Clairvoyants are set to join Shin Lim’s “Limitless” residency at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, May 21-June 29. In this episode, the duo reveals the story of their instant connection, how they built a mind-blowing act that actively involves the audience, and what it’s like performing around the world as a married couple—with their baby and their magically mischievous dog, Mr. Koni Hundini, in tow.

Discover how they keep their performances fresh, why no two shows are ever the same, and the bizarre items some fans bring to their performances. They also dive into the curious differences between audiences across continents, the uncanny parallels between their journey and Shin Lim’s, and the personal revelations that came from their performances on “America’s Got Talent.”

Plus, they share the romance of getting married in Las Vegas and tease both their world-champion routine and never-before-seen magic created especially for their Vegas engagement.

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” it’s all about smack talk, storylines, and stand-up. Ira sits down with Mike Krasner (host) and Sean Reddy (co-producer) of Roastlemania 6, coming to Wiseguys Comedy at the Arts District on May 24.

In this high-energy episode, Mike and Sean pull back the curtain on the wild world of Roastlemania—from its humble beginnings to the chaotic comedy spectacle it is today. They dive into how they fused their love of professional wrestling with stand-up comedy, crafting outrageous characters, off-the-cuff banter, and full-on roasts that mirror the drama of the ring.

They talk about growing up glued to wrestling on TV, the comedians who channel their inner wrestlers, and how battles of wit replace body slams. Hear how this duo built their friendship, developed the show’s over-the-top format, and why Sean proudly wears the title of a “heel” judge.

Plus: why it’s more than a show—it’s a full-blown production. From street-level promo-tion to giving rising comics their shot in the spotlight, Mike and Sean share why timing, writing, and stage time matter. Also, why Mike insists on keeping Roastlemania bi-monthly to maintain the creative fire and give performers the space to shine.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Oliver Lovat for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving market of Las Vegas. Oliver breaks down why the city had to change—and how it's pivoted to meet the rising expectations of a younger, more demanding customer base.

From navigating a crucial strategic inflection point to the seismic shift triggered by COVID, Lovat explains how Las Vegas went from catering to visitors looking for comps to focusing on full-paying customers who fuel profitability. He dives deep into why Gen Z and mil-lennials now dominate the scene, and what that means for everything from hotel strategy to casino operations.

You’ll hear insights on:

*Why reducing labor costs has been part of the new Las Vegas economy

*How occupancy rates don’t tell the whole story

*Why Vegas, despite higher prices, remains a top-value destination

*The growing influence of members-only clubs and curated experiences

*How sports and time-limited events are reshaping the marketing playbook

*The crucial role of event staffs

*And of course, the irresistible draw of the Sphere

It’s a compelling overview of modern hospitality, business strategy, and cultural reinvention—all told through the lens of one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the spotlight shines on legendary guitarist, arranger, and composer Joe Lano—one of the true masters of the Las Vegas jazz sce-ne.

Joe joins Ira ahead of his upcoming performances at the Jazz Society’s 50th Anniversary Jazz Celebration (April 26-27 at the Winchester-Dondero Cultural Center) and at Vic’s Las Vegas (May 2-3), to share the remarkable story of his life in music.

From his early days growing up in Philadelphia—playing guitar in clubs by the age of 12—to the glittering stages of Las Vegas, Joe recounts a career filled with iconic mo-ments. He talks about his move from L.A. to Vegas, joining the elite showroom orches-tras, and playing alongside legends like Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gormé. (Fun fact: Lena never sang a song the same way twice—and was a total sci-fi geek.)

Joe also shares the behind-the-scenes of Vegas in its golden age: how he landed gigs straight away, the role of the Musicians Union, getting the nod from Sands bandleader Antonio Morelli, and performing with entertainment royalty like Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. He even dives into the drama that followed when he began working full-time in town.

And of course, he opens up about his lifelong love for jazz, his connection to the Las Ve-gas Jazz Society, the ego-fueled world of professional musicians, and what it was like working seven nights a week for two years straight.

Don’t miss this intimate, insightful, and often hilarious conversation with one of Las Vegas jazz’s most respected voices.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira dives into glitz, grit, and glamour with Diane Christiansen—dancer, educator, and author of

"The Last Real Showgirl: My Sequined '70s Onstage." (She will also appear on “Ira’s Everything Bagel” this Thursday-https://iraseverythingbagel.com/)

At just 13, Diane set her sights on becoming a Rockette. By 17, she nailed the audition and never looked back—rarely needing to audition again, save for a memorable encounter with Jerry Jackson at the Tropicana. From the fine line between dancer and showgirl to becoming one at the age of 18 (no easy feat!), Diane shares how she found joy, strength, and sisterhood in the dazzling world of showbiz.

She opens up about her journey from the chorus line to Las Vegas lights, becoming a “swing girl” for the nudes at the iconic Tropicana, and what inspired her to finally pen her memoir—especially after a reunion of showgirls from multiple generations.

Diane also reflects on why grand showgirl productions may never return, the essential teamwork behind the sequins, the legacy of legends like Donn Arden and Miss Bluebell, staying grounded and grateful, and her passion for mentoring the next generation (as well as current generation) of actors through the Christiansen Acting Academy.

It’s a glittering, heartfelt, and unforgettable conversation you won’t want to miss.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week, Ira sits down with Patty Peters, co-owner of Vegas Valley Winery, who shares the origins of the winery, which began with a bold vision and a little place called Grape Expectations.

She reveals how new legislation made their dream a reality, and how her husband Charlie, (alongside winemaker Mike Schoenbaechler), took it to the next level — turning passion into award-winning wines.

From choosing their home in Henderson’s buzzing “Booze District” to the incredible support of the wine community after Charlie’s passing, Patty opens up about her wine journey with authenticity and humor. She explains the difference between Vegas Valley Winery and Grape Expectations, why word of mouth has been their secret weapon, and what it means to craft wines that win awards on a yearly basis.

Patty also talks about their wine blending classes, tastings, tours, workshops, and special events that make them a destination for locals and visitors. Whether you're a wine con-noisseur or just curious about wine, this episode will lead you to raise a glass to locals doing it right.

(Also Watch Full Podcast Video)