The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira is joined by Nashville-based singer-songwriter Rae Radick, performing “Iconic Women of Music” at Backstage Bar & Billiards on September 17.

Rae’s journey is as bold as the voices she honors—from singing and dancing at age three to releasing her first album at fifteen. After a decade of performing in New York, she followed her heart to Nashville, just as the world started reopening post-COVID. Now, she’s living her dream—and inviting us all along for the ride.
In this episode, Rae opens up about:
*How performing keeps her fit (yes, it's her workout)

*Why taking risks is essential—and failure isn't fatal
*The inspiration behind “Iconic Women of Music,” a passion project turned professional tribute
*How she picks and paces the icons she honors—from Dolly to Whitney—and lets audience feedback help shape future shows

*Why she’s not an impersonator, but a performer celebrating the legends

*Why a live band is non-negotiable for her—and how art, for her, is all about community
Plus, Rae shares her dream of landing a Las Vegas residency, what it’s like debuting in Vegas, and how she crafts a high-energy, one-woman show that’s “a party from start to finish.”
It’s an honest, inspiring, and full of heart conversation. Join us!
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Talking With Clint Carvalho – July 14, 2025

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira dives into the colorful world of Clint Carvalho, a multifaceted entertainer whose life story is as vivid as the exotic parrots he performs with. Clint opens up about two deeply personal Facebook posts—one about staying true to yourself, the other about the shifting entertainment landscape in Las Vegas—and why he felt compelled to write them.
A Las Vegas resident since 1986, Clint shares how the city is more than a place—it's a relationship. Known originally as a “specialty act,” he reflects on the evolution of audiences, who now chase discounts over wonder. Clint candidly discusses losing his way after COVID, his journey to reconnect with his roots in Stockton, and the moment—a fat lip, of all things—that pushed him to go full-time with the birds he started training at just 11 years old.
He talks about earning a black belt in karate, landing his first gig at a theme park, and how he built his act not by commanding his parrots, but by asking. Now, nearly 40 years later, those same birds are still with him, part of a flock of 80 he lovingly cares for. Clint shares how he had to reinvent himself, moving his act indoors, reconnecting with his self-worth, and continuing to create not just shows, but attractions.
Through it all, Clint remains committed to live performance—no screens, no filters, just heart—and raises the question: Has Las Vegas lost its magic?
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Talking With Alan Snel – July 7, 2025

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes veteran journalist and founder of LasVegasSportsBiz.com, Alan Snel, who dives into the high-stakes world where sports, politics, and business collide.
Alan unpacks the ongoing saga of the A’s stadium project—from the controversial decisions of team owner John Fisher, to the over-lap of roles held by Steve Hill, the LVCVA CEO, who also chairs the Stadium Authority.
He also shares insights into the often opaque world of public financing, and why some government agencies are more cooperative than others when it comes to Freedom of Information requests. Alan also opines on whether other media in Las Vegas follow his breaking stories.
Plus, he shines a spotlight on a major win for outdoor enthusiasts: a long-awaited, soon-to-be constructed paved trail along State Route 159 leading to the stunning Red Rock Canyon, a natural treasure drawing 3.5 million visitors a year. After two decades of advo-cacy, the groundbreaking finally happened on July 1.
If you care about the future of Las Vegas—on the field, in the boardroom, or on the trail—this episode is a must-listen.
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Talking With Mark Giovi – June 30, 2025

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes the multi-talented Mark Giovi, performing live at Maxan Jazz on July 3. In a powerful and heartfelt conversation, Mark opens up about his remarkable journey—from fronting heavy metal bands to mastering opera, and from vocal coach to tour manager. He shares how growing up in the restaurant business sharpened his instincts for success, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Mark also candidly discusses his courageous battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a condition that silenced his voice for a year, and the overwhelming support he received from the Las Vegas community during that difficult time. Now back and stronger than ever, he reflects on relearning to sing, living with cerebral palsy, embracing life’s challenges, and his passion for 80’s rock, great conversations, and the art of wine—he even dreams of becoming a sommelier. Don’t miss this inspiring and deeply human episode.

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