The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

What happens when a kid growing up in a small Canadian town discovers rock ’n’ roll—and decides music will become his life?
For multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and performer Todd “Dammit” Kerns, that journey has taken him from discovering The Who and entering his punk-rock era to becoming the bassist and backing vocalist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, as well as front man for The Age of Electric.
In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Todd talks about growing up in Canada, playing hockey with his brothers, discovering the power of a bass guitar, and the teachers who helped ignite his passion for music. He also reveals how he got the unfor-gettable nickname “Dammit” and explains why he believes performing should feel like play—not work.
Todd also shares his philosophy of living in the present, adapting to whatever is happen-ing around you, and continuing to move forward. And there’s a special Las Vegas connection: Todd is bringing an intimate, unplugged performance to Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas on August 22, with proceeds benefiting the Nevada SPCA—an organization and cause that has long been important to him.
From small-town Canada to the international rock stage, Todd “Dammit” Kerns proves that a passion for music, the right mentors, and a willingness to keep moving forward can take you almost anywhere.
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FROM OCEAN DRIVE TO THE LAS VEGAS STRIP: SAMMY MOUNAYYER’S REDHEAD BURGER JOURNEY

What does it take to turn a family burger concept into a growing restaurant brand? For Sammy Mounayyer, Co-Founder of Redhead Burger (at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas), the journey began long before the first burger was served.
In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Sammy shares the remarkable story of his family’s journey from Israel to America—including learning English on the flight to the United States while his mother taught him the ABCs—to building a successful burger business in Miami Beach and now expanding to Las Vegas.
Sammy explains how location, foot traffic and quality helped shape Redhead Burger, why the family chose a name inspired by their own red hair, and what separates their burgers from the competition. He talks about the importance of fresh, elevated ingredients, cooking technique and consistency—including the specially designed smasher that helps ensure every burger is prepared the right way.
We also talk about the family dynamics behind the business, the division of responsibilities, the importance of being present and why customers appreciate seeing the owner behind the counter. Sammy discusses the popularity of Redhead’s chicken tenders, his brother Christian’s role in operating the two Florida locations, and why Las Vegas represents the perfect next chapter for Redhead Burger.
It’s a story about family, entrepreneurship, hospitality, perseverance and the pursuit of the perfect burger—with a distinctly Las Vegas ending.
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ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAMER JERRY MARTINI REFLECTS ON SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, MUSIC HISTORY & THE FAMILY STONE'S LAS VEGAS PERFORMANCE

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, R&B Pioneer Award winner, and original founding member of Sly & the Family Stone, Jerry Martini joins “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira” for a conversation celebrating one of the most influential bands in music history. Jerry, along with Phunne Stone and The Family Stone, will perform in Myron's at The Smith Center August 8, bringing the legendary music of Sly & the Family Stone to a new generation of fans.
Jerry shares what has fueled his remarkable career for more than six decades and why he's determined to "bop till I drop." He reflects on growing up with Sly Stone, watching his childhood friend become a popular Bay Area DJ, and witnessing the birth of a musical revolution when Sly assembled Sly & the Family Stone in December 1965. Jerry recalls believing from the very beginning that Sly was a musical genius, reveals that the band's first performance together was in Las Vegas, and remembers how entertainment legends regularly packed their shows.
The conversation also explores the band's surprising love of country music, the artists who inspired Jerry—including Ray Charles and Billy Preston—and how Sly & the Family Stone forever changed popular music by blending rock, funk, soul, and R&B into a groundbreaking sound. From timeless classics like "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," and "Hot Fun in the Summertime" to behind-the-scenes stories few fans have ever heard, this episode is a celebration of music, friendship, innovation, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
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SAVING A LAS VEGAS TREASURE: THE MISSION TO PRESERVE HOWARD HUGHES' HISTORIC GREEN HOUSE

Some buildings tell stories. Others make history.

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes three of Southern Nevada's foremost historians and preservation advocates—Amber Colbert, Administrator of the Clark County Museum; legendary journalist and broadcaster Bob Stoldal; and Geoff Schumacher, Director of Research, Collections & Programs at The Mob Museum—to discuss one of the most significant historic preservation projects ever undertaken in Las Vegas: relocating Howard Hughes' legendary Green House from the KLAS-TV property to the Clark County Museum.

The Green House is far more than an old building. It represents the moment when one of America's most mysterious billionaires helped transform Las Vegas forever.

Together, Amber, Bob, and Geoff explain how this ambitious preservation effort came together, why Howard Hughes' Green House deserves to be saved, what it will cost to relocate it, and why community support is essential to making the project a reality.

Listeners and viewers will discover why Howard Hughes changed the trajectory of Southern Nevada, how this historic home tells the story of his remarkable influence on the city, and why Bob believes it's the only significant structure Hughes purchased that still survives today. Geoff shares why the Green House offers a unique way to tell the Hughes story—from its origins in the early 1950s. Bob recalls how Hughes witnessed the construction of KLAS-TV nearby—and why preserving it matters for future generations. Amber remembers being approached by KLAS-TV about moving the historic house shortly after taking over as museum administrator, and the benefits of the move for school children to learn about history.

The conversation also explores the emotional experience each guest had walking through the historic home, Howard Hughes' surprising comfort in Las Vegas compared with Los Angeles, his astonishing purchase of six Strip hotels in just 13 months, the Clark County Museum Guild's 50th anniversary fundraising campaign, and the goal of moving the house to its permanent new home by the end of 2028.

If you love Las Vegas history, Howard Hughes, historic preservation, or the stories behind the city's remarkable transformation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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