The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

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.

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Talking With The Clairvoyants– May 19, 2025

(Photo by Matthias Rauch)
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.
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Talking With Mike Krasner and Sean Reddy – May 12, 2025

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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