The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

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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Talking With Comedy-Magician Adam London – June 23, 2025

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira chats with comedy-magician Adam London, star of the delightfully quirky “Laughter-noon” show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, running Thursdays through Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m.
Adam shares how his journey began on a farm, where helping his grandfather came with a magical reward—literally. His grandfather taught him magic tricks in exchange for chores, sparking a lifelong passion. Adam reveals the one trick that captivated him as a kid, the teachers who cheered him on, and how he went from a small farming town to the big stage in Las Vegas—with a stop at UNLV along the way.
In this lively episode, Adam talks about being a “clean” comedian, how he keeps his act fresh with a balance of structure and improvisation, and why his kids are fans of his career. He also dishes on the duck-filled twist that became a hallmark of his show, the joy of making audiences laugh, and whether being a magician gets you first in line at the buffet.
Engaging, heartfelt, and hilariously insightful, Adam London proves that magic—and laughter—can come from the most unexpected places.
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Talking With Andrew Davies Gans– June 16, 2025

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Andrew Davies Gans, director of the new documentary, "Voices: The Danny Gans Story," premiering June 20 at the 28th Annual Dances With Films festival at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The film honors the remarkable yet often overlooked legacy of Danny Gans, a legendary Las Vegas entertainer whose name was once synonymous with the Strip. Though his star burned brightly during his lifetime, his passing on May 1, 2009, left only a fleeting memory in the city he helped define.
Andrew shares why now—over a decade later—felt like the right time to tell his father’s story. He opens up about the emotional journey behind the camera, the challenges of wrangling a complex production delayed by COVID, and how a project he thought would take two years turned into a nearly five-year labor of love. Featuring heartfelt interviews with Louie Anderson, Donny Osmond, and Las Vegas entertainment columnists Norm Clarke and John Katsilometes, the film sheds light on Danny’s extraordinary talent, unmatched work ethic, and the pain he kept hidden behind his smile.
From Danny’s deep admiration for Sammy Davis Jr. to his relentless drive, athletic mind-set, and close relationship with his own father, Voices explores the man behind the Vegas marquee. Despite his enormous popularity within Las Vegas, Danny remained a relative unknown beyond it—largely by choice, relying on word-of-mouth rather than flashy marketing. Now, this powerful and intimate documentary aims to restore Danny Gans to his rightful place in entertainment history—and introduce him to a global audience for the first time.
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