The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

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.
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Talking With Oliver Lovat – May 5, 2025

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.
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Talking With Joe Lano – April 21, 2025

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.
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Talking With Diane Christiansen – April 17, 2025

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)