The Vegas 30: Vegas Tips and Tricks for those over 30

Subscribe in iTunes

RSS Feed

On this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast, we give a report of our latest trip to Vegas. Among other things we talked about how our opinion of South Point has changed (hint: it has to do with being over 30), and whether we recommend Absinthe over Zumanity, even though the two shows have very similar elements.

We also discussed how you can tell (without wasting your money on a show) if a show isn't doing well in Vegas, and why in certain circumstances you should avoid sitting in the front row at a Vegas show.

Are you politically incorrect if you insult everyone in the room? [Tweet This]

Other topics include:

[00:02:43.19] How having a beard impacted my acceptance in Vegas

[00:04:08.25] Our opinion of South Point and how it changed

[00:06:04.09] Why this show is geared for those over 30

[00:07:11.16] Factors that impact the importance of sleep

[00:10:12.26] What to do if you want to see particular shows in Vegas

[00:10:39.00] The only show we planned ahead for on this trip

[00:12:53.08] A very cool way to go into a show -- if it turns out to be good

[00:13:23.06] When you should avoid sitting in the front row

[00:15:13.27] Two main things about restaurants and shows in Vegas

[00:16:14.03] Something we did for the first time -- that we had never done before in Vegas

[00:17:34.21] The advantage to doing things on the fly in Vegas

[00:17:57.29] How to tell if a show isn't doing well in Vegas

[00:18:35.20] The worst possible place for us to be in line in Vegas

[00:21:43.09] Why we've intentionally avoided seeing certain shows

[00:22:30.01] What we love about New York, New York

[00:23:07.17] What almost caused us to walk out of a show

And so much more. . .

Items mentioned in this episode:

South Point Hotel and Casino

Baja Miguels Mexican Restaurant (in South Point)

Absinthe 

Zumanity  

The Vegas 30 Episode #13

StubHub 

Jabbawokeez 

Recycled Percussion

The Venetian

Palazzo

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

RSS Feed

In this episode of The Vegas 30 podcast we talked about the Linq, and how it has completely changed what used to be the grossest area in Vegas, into one of the best places to spend time. Among other things, we discussed how the Linq brought to Vegas something that had previously be severely missing.

We also discussed the Frank Moreno show and whether or not you should spend your time and money to see it.

Other topics include:

[00:01:14.13] The proper way to treat preferred members

[00:03:27.09] What was formerly known as the grossest area in Vegas

[00:04:37.24] When you never want to build an observation wheel

[00:08:40.08] What we were previously lacking in Vegas

[00:09:10.15] What you should do if you're new to Vegas

[00:09:39.13] How to see things you've never seen before in Vegas, regardless of how many times you've been to Vegas

[00:11:54.29] One of the things Vegas is severely lacking

[00:11:60.07] The best place to take the kids to eat in Vegas

[00:14:26.07] What Vegas is really good at

[00:15:10.13] The 3 things you go to Vegas for

[00:17:28.14] Reimagined casinos

[00:19:11.27] Why we shouldn't judge leprechauns

[00:21:03.27] The Frank Moreno divas

[00:23:23.07] The best part of the Frank Moreno Divas show

[00:24:13.03] The biggest disappointment in the Frank Moreno Divas show

[00:25:53.09] The main reason we go to shows

[00:27:13.15] Where budgeting comes in in Vegas

[00:27:25.24] How I still see Vegas

And so much more. . .

 

Items mentioned in this episode:

Harrah’s

ARIA

Monte Carlo

Stratosphere

Lucky Strike bowling alley

Polaroid Fotobar

Bally’s

The Cromwell

The Quad

Frank Moreno Show

Total Rewards

Carrot Top

 

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

RSS Feed

On this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast, we had on my good friend, Chris Farias of Kitestring. We talked about Chris’ third visit to Vegas. Chris told an epic story about the mishaps he had with the $20 trick that didn’t work as expected, as well as what happened when he went shopping in Vegas while drunk. We also discussed some of the more positive aspects of his trip.

Other topics include:

$20 trick [00:02:55.11]

The first $40 trick ever [00:03:31.04]

A disappointing upgrade [00:06:34.14]

How to best spend your money in Vegas [00:11:38.11]

The Willie Wonka slot machine [00:12:41.04]

Why you should never go shopping drunk in Vegas [00:14:41.01]

What you should do if you are ripped off [00:19:13.17]

Things to do outside of Vegas -- [00:21:00.00]

The one thing you never want to look at[00:31:10.13]

And so much more. . .

 

Items mentioned in this episode:

Flamingo

The Linq

Harrah's

The Quad

Miracle Mile Shops

Beatty, Nevada

Ellis Island Casino

Total Rewards

 

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

RSS Feed

On this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast we talk about our most recent trip to Vegas and some of our great finds off the Strip. We also talked about why you should be glad that the Vegas 30 podcast isn’t a weekly podcast.

Other topics include:

The awesome combination of rental cars and Yelp

Why we no longer recommend taking taxis in Vegas

How we trust strangers more than we trust the brand

The best view in Vegas

When being spontaneous is a bad idea

And so much more. . .

What happens in Vegas, goes on the podcast. [Tweet This]

Items mentioned in this episode:

Rio Hotel

Ronald’s Donuts Yelp reviews

Egg and I

China Town in Vegas

In-N-Out Burger

New York, New Hotel

Shake Shack

Bacchanal Buffet

Nobu

Brand Savant

Voodoo Steakhouse

Andrea Bocelli

Want a free MIO battery pack? Tweet, “Give me back my power!”

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

Scott and Alison take on the subject of poker in today's episode. From the daunting prospect of tournaments to the proper etiquette, the gauntlet of poker for the every-man is tackled. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride with a few too many Pina Coladas and a cheap trip to skipping the queue at Starbucks.

Other topics include:

The Return of the Free Drink Myth.

The social contract of poker.

Styles of play for the discerning taste.

Taking on the differences between tables.

Family fun and poker strife!

Tournament play and you!

Differences between table poker and video poker.

And so much more. . .

 

Items mentioned in this episode:

Caesar's Palace

The Venetian

MGM Grand

Casino Niagara

Starbucks

Spend much time at the poker tables yourself? Did you try your hand at a tournament?

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

While it's typically all sunshine and roses in Vegas, there's obviously some problems to it as well. In a city filled with excellent restaurants, shows, and celebrity fame, things can still fall into the category of lackluster disappointment. In this episode we explore our list of Vegas restaurants and shops that just don't make the cut.

u_aSK6xgt5A

Other topics include:

When the food is not worth the wait.

Circumstantial letdowns to avoid.

The must-sees that are less than so.

The should-avoids that have improved!

Where to be aware of the Star disparity.

Bracing for event planning.

The stranger phenomenon.

And so much more. . .

 

Items mentioned in this episode:

Star Wars

Paris

Wolfgang Puck's

Guy Savoy

Caesar's Palace

Gordon Ramsey Pub & Grill

Starbucks

Homestead

The Cheesecake Factory

Rao's

Nobu

Mesa Grill

The Venetian

The Bellagio

Circus Circus

Stratosphere

Holiday Inn

Mandalay Bay

MGM Grand

Is there any place in Vegas that you think failed to live up to the hype?

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

Despite what people commonly think, there's much more to do in Vegas than just going to shows and gambling. This does entail most of what's available on the strip, but what about when you go off of it? In this episode we venture off the strip to show us what we've all been missing!

Other topics include:

Traveling off Strip and how to do so

Golfing with the dawn

For the other professional golfers: Mini-Golf!

Having a good time at the gun range, fun for the whole family!

A trip down Nostalgia lane with the Pinball Museum

The chance to drive the cars you'll never afford!

And so much more. . .

 

Items mentioned in this episode:

Wynn

Mandalay Bay

Bally's

Badlands Golf Club

Callaway

Heineken

Hard Rock

Monster Mini-Golf

The Gun Store

The Pinball Museum

World Class Driving

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Lamborghini

Ferrari

Porsche

Vegas is certainly bigger than the Strip, so what's your favorite thing to do off of it?

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

In this episode of the Vegas30 Podcast, Scott and Alison discuss their favorite table games. From Blackjack, to Roulette, to Three Card, learn the best ones for novices, some of the fun ones to play, and why it may not be the best idea to get your betting advice from Wesley Snipes.

Other topics include:

Learn to play with the least intimidation.

To go with live people, or automation?

What are sucker bets?

Which table games have the best odds?

About betting systems.

Some of the math of betting.

Good things to know about the social aspect of table games.

And so much more. . .

 

Items mentioned in this episode:

MGM

Caesar’s Palace

Wizardofodds

Mon Ami Gabi

What are some of your favorite table games? Why do you prefer them?

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

In this episode of the Vegas 30 Podcast we talk about the best places to eat on the Strip.

Other topics include:

Restaurants worth repeating

The best places to eat with a group

The return of sushi

The best food courts

Great places for Italian food

The quest for steak

The legendary "Hipster Pizza!"

And so much more. . .

 

Items mentioned in this episode:

Caesar's Palace

Mandalay Bay

Open Table App

LAVO

MGM

Nobu

Shibuya

Cirque du Soleil

Julian Serrano

Sbarro

Nathan's Famous Hotdogs

Haagen-Daz

Bacchanal Buffet (In Caesar's Palace)

Rao's (In Caesar's Palace)

Old Homestead (In Caesar's Palace)

Craftsteak (In MGM)

Where's your favorite spot to eat on the strip?

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound

Subscribe in iTunes

In this episode of The Vegas 30 Podcast we talk about all the ins and outs of slot machines and why nothing in Vegas -- especially the free things -- are free!

Other topics include:

Ageism and the Vegas 30 Podcast

How Scott defines, “after hours”

The ONE thing that made Scott's brother a fan of slot machines

Random number generators and why all of your tricks and superstitions don’t work on slot machines

The only skill or choice you really should make when it comes to slot machines

The initial purpose of slot machines

The 2 things that dictate looser or tighter slots

A slot machine that has never hit, and is now at $2.3 million

And so much more. . .

Items mentioned in this episode:

The Oatmeal comic strip, “Las Vegas at Various Ages”

The Vegas 30 Episode 1 on the topic of free drinks

The Center for Gaming Research

The Grand Biloxi Hotel and Casino

The MGM Lion's Share

Do you play slots? Share your experiences with slot machines in the comments below.

Intro Music: Classick . Check it out on iTunes!

Video provided by: AtomicSpark

Audio recorded by: Wayne Cochrane Sound