The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

What happens when someone who's spent years working in Nevada's hospitality industry realizes that earning good money doesn't always lead to financial security?
This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Dana June, founder of How 2 Cocktale and author of "How 2 Cocktale: A Money Manifesto for the Service Industry." After more than a decade as a cocktail waitress, Dana experienced a life-changing realization during the COVID shutdown: thousands of hardworking service industry pro-fessionals know how to earn money—but few have ever been taught how to keep it, grow it, or build lasting wealth.
Dana shares her personal journey, inspired in part by watching both her own career and her mother's decades in the casino industry. She explains why financial literacy is still missing from many schools, how the casino environment can create an "easy money in, easy money out" mindset, and why too many longtime hospitality employees reach re-tirement age without savings or a 401(k).
The conversation explores practical strategies for living below your means, understanding your true financial needs, and creating long-term stability even when your income fluctuates from tips and shifts. Dana also discusses why employers should provide financial education and how businesses benefit when employees become financially confident.

Whether you work in hospitality, gaming, restaurants, tourism—or simply want to im-prove your relationship with money—this episode offers practical advice, eye-opening insights, and inspiration to take control of your financial future.
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FROM TOP CHEF TO HENDERSON: CHEF ALEX REZNIK IS REDEFINING LAS VEGAS DINING

What happens when a nationally recognized chef decides to leave the bright lights of television and build something extraordinary away from the Las Vegas Strip?
This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Chef Alex Reznik, ac-claimed chef, restaurateur, and the creative force behind SMKD BBQ and Hayworth in Henderson.
Chef Alex shares his remarkable journey from growing up in New York to spending two decades building his culinary career in Los Angeles before bringing his passion to Southern Nevada. Along the way, he reveals why Las Vegas has become America's culinary capital, why the city attracts the world's finest meats and seafood, and why he believes some of the best dining experiences are now found off the Strip.
He explains the unique meaning behind SMKD BBQ, why one of his restaurants is intentionally spelled without vowels, and how both restaurants were designed around family, comfort, and unforgettable hospitality. Alex also discusses why barbecue is truly Ameri-ca's cuisine, the art and patience behind perfectly smoked brisket, and why every cut of meat demands its own approach.
Chef Alex also reflects on lessons learned from competing on television cooking shows, including one philosophy that guides everything he serves:
Taste matters—and the very first bite has to tell the whole story.
And yes...the debate everyone has an opinion about finally comes up:
Are New Jersey bagels actually better than New York bagels?
Whether you're a passionate foodie, a barbecue enthusiast, or simply love hearing the stories behind successful entrepreneurs, this episode serves up inspiration, humor, and plen-ty of delicious conversation.

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THE SOUNDTRACK OF A LIFETIME: PATRICK HOGAN ON JAZZ, WRITING AND PERFORMANCE

Singer, pianist and composer Patrick Hogan, who will be performing with The Patrick Hogan Trio at Maxan Jazz June 21, shares the remarkable story of how his love affair with jazz began practically in the cradle, listening to Frank Sinatra’s iconic recording of “In The Wee Small Hours.”

Patrick discusses the enduring appeal and poetic depth of the Great American Songbook and explains why its timeless themes continue to resonate across generations. He also reveals an unexpected ally in preserving classic music—TikTok—and how social media is introducing younger audiences to songs that have stood the test of time.

The conversation explores Patrick’s upbringing in a home filled with jazz, his decision to begin piano lessons at age 10, and his passion for small-group instrumental jazz. He explains why Nelson Riddle’s arrangement of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” remains his favorite recording and why he never tires of listening to it.

Patrick also talks about studying writing at UNLV, how storytelling influences his music, and how he balances beloved jazz standards with his own original compositions during live performances. It's a fascinating look at the artistry, craftsmanship and enduring power of jazz from one of Las Vegas’ most talented musicians.

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TRUMPET LEGEND WAYNE BERGERON: FROM ROCK DREAMS TO MAYNARD FERGUSON’S BAND

Trumpet virtuoso Wayne Bergeron, one of the most respected and sought-after musicians in the world, joins Ira for an engaging conversation ahead of his appearance with the Jazz Vegas Orchestra in Myron’s at The Smith Center on June 17.
In this fascinating episode, Wayne reveals the unexpected path that led him to the trumpet—even though it wasn’t his first instrument—and how a surprising act of vandalism helped shape his future. He discusses why he wasn’t a natural musician, his early desire to play in a rock band, and the influential band directors who helped guide his career.
Wayne also shares how his admiration for legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson eventually led to joining Ferguson’s band, what he learned from the iconic performer, and why he immediately slipped into “fanboy mode” when they first met. He offers behind-the-scenes stories about recording at Capitol Records, explains why Michael Bublé is a seasoned veteran despite his age, and discusses the unique pressures of performing—revealing why he feels completely calm as a studio sideman but still gets nervous when stepping into the spotlight as a featured artist.
From career-defining moments to lessons learned from music legends, this episode offers an entertaining and insightful look at one of today’s premier trumpet players and the remarkable journey that brought him to the top.
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