Talk About LasVegas

12/22/2025

WHY VEGAS WINS AT SPORTS (EVEN WHEN TEAMS DON’T)
RON FUTRELL LAYS IT OUT!

Vegas sports had a year.

Ira sits down with Ron Futrell (8NewsNow) to break down MLB coming to Las Vegas, the Raiders’ struggles, F1, UFC at Allegiant Stadium, Strip fees pushing locals away, and why South Point keeps winning with free parking and fair prices. Plus — are we headed toward an NBA team and another Super Bowl?

https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-ron-futrell-december-22-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/wAbAjM2eVms)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor and reporter, for a wide-ranging, no-spin conversation about one of the biggest years in Las Vegas sports history. From Major League Baseball officially coming to Las Vegas, Ron breaks down why l...

12/15/2025

SOUL, STORIES & THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
EARL TURNER TAKES THE STAGE!

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas,” Ira chats with the one-and-only Earl Turner, joined by Elisa Fiorillo and Ken Young, ahead of “Another Very Soulful Christmas” at Myron’s at The Smith Center (Dec 17–18).

Earl opens up about his early musical beginnings, unforgettable influences like James Brown and Diana Ross, advice from Sammy Davis Jr., and how he creates a Christmas show that truly lifts the spirit.

Listen/watch: https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-earl-turner-december-15-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/X9qCL2JVqsE)



QUICK CLIP:

12/11/2025

MUST BE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT

The "Talk About Las Vegas" Podcast has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Celebrity Interview Podcasts on the web by the panel at MillionPodcasts.

What is MillionPodcasts? They are a destination for podcast media contacts specializing in helping PR professionals, marketers, and outreach managers connect with the right podcasters to amplify their messages.

Best Celebrity Interview Podcasts to Listen to ⋅ 1. Scheananigans with Scheana Shay ⋅ 2. Awards Chatter ⋅ 3. Happy Sad Confused ⋅ 4. On Air with Ryan Seacrest ⋅ 5. The Drew Barrymore Show

12/08/2025

A REDD HOT CHRISTMAS
VEGAS STYLE!

This week, Ira welcomes world-renowned vibraphonist and drummer Chuck Redd, returning to Vic’s Las Vegas with “A Redd Christmas” December 12-13! Chuck opens up about his time with jazz icons like Red Norvo, Barney Kessel, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, Shelly Manne, and Buddy Rich—plus what makes jazz musicians so down-to-earth.

He shares touring tips, how everyday personality shapes musical style, why his holiday show became a Vegas tradition—and the inside story of his brand-new Christmas album!

Tune in for memorable stories, jazz wisdom, and holiday music magic.

https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-chuck-redd-december-8-2025/ & all your favor-ite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/p6bAVsURm-0).



QUICK CLIP (Chuck on the small world of jazz):

12/05/2025

M Resort Spa Casino, the Official Team Headquarters Hotel of the Las Vegas Raiders, commemorated the grand opening of its $206 million expansion with a celebration on December 3, marking the debut of the resort’s new East Tower, expanded conference and event space, and renovated casino floor.

The official grand opening ceremony brought together resort leadership, local dignitaries, and community members for the new addition to the Henderson skyline.

It also got me a photo…

12/05/2025

CHECKING OUT THE NEW WEST LAS VEGAS LIBRARY (BUT NOT THE BOOKS, SINCE IT WON’T OPEN UNTIL DECEMBER 9)!

Blog link below:

If you’re looking for a real sign that Las Vegas has entered a new era, it’s not just the Arts District in Downtown Las Vegas, or the arrival of major league sports teams here, or even the fine culinary experiences that have transformed the Strip. The new era is also defined as an investment of ...

12/02/2025

The 36th special session of the Nevada Legislature failed to approve more than $1.6 billion in film tax credits. Well, you know what that means… take two.

12/02/2025

Last week, a visitor hit the first Megabucks™ jackpot ever at Resorts World Las Vegas, worth more than $11.1 million. Given its history, it would be nice if the visitor lent Resorts World the money.

12/01/2025

CLINT HOLMES ON NEW MUSIC,
HOLIDAY MAGIC
& THE CREATIVE SPARK!

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Clint Holmes joins Ira to talk about his new single “A Good Man Now” (out December 6) and his holiday show at Myron’s Cabaret December 6&7.

Listen (or watch): https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-grammy-nominated-singer-songwriter-clint-holmes-december-1-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/tuD8WH2hwhs).

Clint shares the energy that drives him, why audiences connect with him instantly, how a long-held song title sparked a collaboration with Frankie Moreno, and the surprising inspiration from artist Seward Johnson.

He also opens up about advice from Harry Belafonte and Roberta Flack, the upcoming documentary about his life, his memoir, his one-man show, and why returning to New York is “a trip to the satisfaction well.”

A warm, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation with one of Las Vegas’ most beloved performers.



QUICK CLIP:

11/24/2025

MELISA MCCHESNEY ON STORIES
ONLY LAS VEGAS CAN TELL!

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Melisa McChesney, the Neon Museum’s new Director of Lifelong Learning.

Melisa shares her journey from working in museums at age 19 to shaping educational programs that bring Vegas history alive for students, families, and lifelong learners. She talks about the museum’s unique collection—from iconic neon signs to menus and keychains—and why fun and curiosity are essential to every learning experience.

She also dives into oral histories, “creative aging” workshops, growing community partnerships, and her mission to help people connect with the art, design, and stories that make Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.

Listen (or watch) now and discover how the Neon Museum is expanding the way Vegas learns, remembers, and celebrates its past:

https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-melisa-mcchesney-november-24-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/L0kAyJ1inqw).



QUICK CLIP (Melisa on the value of signs for remembering):

11/10/2025

FROM FUKUOKA TO DISNEY’S ‘THE LION KING’
YUKA NOTSUKA DANCES HER WAY TO LAS VEGAS

Step into the circle of life with dancer Yuka Notsuka, now performing in Disney’s The Lion King at The Smith Center (Nov. 19–30)!

In this week’s “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Yuka shares her journey from a young girl training in Japan to an accomplished performer touring the world. Hear about her passion, discipline, humor, and even her love of portable bathtubs!

Listen (and watch) now: https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-yuka-notsuka-november-10-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/pcLf-JCE0tI).



QUICK CLIP (Yuka on loving "The Lion King"):

11/03/2025

UNVEILING THE MAGIC:
DAVID GOLDRAKE BRINGS MYSTERY BACK TO THE STRIP

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," I chat with David Goldrake, The International Man of Mystery, now performing at The Magicians Room at the LINQ Promenade (Fridays–Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m.).

David reveals the story behind this intimate venue, developed by Damian Costa, and how speaking seven languages helps him connect with audiences—though English is his favorite! He also shares what keeps his passion for magic alive, the illusion he calls “The Puzzle of Life,” and stories of friendship with legends like Siegfried and David Copperfield.

Listen (and watch) for a fascinating conversation full of magic, heart, and insight into the world behind the curtain! https://talkaboutlasvegas.com/talking-with-david-goldrake-international-man-of-mystery-november-3-2025/ & all your favorite platforms, including (https://youtu.be/357UFEV5QpU)



QUICK CLIP (David on the two tracks of magic):