The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira welcomes Nashville-based singer-songwriter Phillip-Michael Scales, performing at Myron’s at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on February 27 at 7 p.m.
In this engaging conversation, Phillip-Michael opens up about the work ethic he describes as “born out of impatience”—a relentless inner drive that pushes him to keep creating, evolving, and refining his craft. Part methodical, part soulful storyteller, he shares how that balance shapes both his music and his career.
From his blues-infused debut album Sinner-Songwriter to the vibrant bounce and soul of Good to Be Here, Phillip-Michael explains his artistic progression and why moving to Nashville was the next natural step in his creative journey.
“I respect the old and love the feeling of the old,” he says, “but bringing something new to it is the artist’s desire.”
He also talks candidly about wanting to perform original material rather than relying on cover songs, why mentorship requires real investment, and his belief that “competence breeds confidence.” Grounded by the unwavering support of his parents, Phillip-Michael is carving his own lane—honoring tradition while boldly shaping the future of his music.
This episode is about ambition, artistry, and building something authentic—note by note.
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Talking With Gerry McCambridge, The Mentalist – February 16, 2026

This week, Ira sits down with Gerry McCambridge, better known as The Mentalist, now performing at the V Theater inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas.

What started as a three-week contract turned into one of the longest-running mentalism shows in Las Vegas history. In this revealing episode, Gerry explains exactly why the show works — and why every performance is completely unique.

With as many as 75 audience members participating each night and nothing set up in advance, Gerry’s show is built on authentic, personal interaction. “Stick to what you do best,” he says — a philosophy that helped shape his brand and guide his move to the Strip, including his time at the legendary Stardust Resort and Casino.

Gerry opens up about mental rehearsal, rating his routines, learning from every audience, and how his sons — who work with him — provide honest feedback that keeps the show sharp. He also shares why Vegas audiences are unlike any other in the world… and why so many come back again and again.

It’s a fascinating look at longevity, branding, and mastering your craft in the entertainment capital of the world.

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Talking With Jonathan Kite – February 9, 2026

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira sits down with comedian Jonathan Kite, who brings his sharp wit and high-energy stand-up to Chinita’s Venue in Henderson on February 19 at 7 PM.

Born and raised in Skokie, Illinois, Jonathan traces his creative roots back to childhood—when his father introduced him to classic films that sparked a lifelong love of storytelling. From the vibrant Chicago theater scene to performing throughout school, Jonathan always knew the stage was home. After college, he made the leap to Hollywood, where a key mentor—comedian Max Alexander—helped him find his footing, including the acting classes that shaped his approach to performance.

In this candid conversation, Jonathan opens up about being more of an improv-driven comic, why “it takes a lot of time to get good,” and how his stand-up evolved—from doing almost all impressions early on, to stripping them away, then selectively bringing some back when they truly served the material.

For Jonathan, comedy isn’t about showing off—it’s about connecting with the audience.

He also shares why he loves performing in Henderson, what makes comedy clubs inside casinos so unique, how he develops material organically, and why TikTok Live has become an exciting new way for him to engage with fans in real time.

Insightful, funny, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a must-listen for comedy fans and creatives alike.
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Talking With Tom Rhodes – February 2, 2026

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with internationally ac-claimed comedian Tom Rhodes, now performing at the Comedy Cellar at the Rio through February 8 (and The Laugh Factory at the Horseshoe, March 2-8)

Tom traces his comedy origin story back to age 11, when his father took him to see his uncle perform stand-up—an experience that lit a spark that never went out. From that moment on, Tom knew he wanted to do comedy because, as he puts it, “you are talking to the world.”

In this wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation, Tom shares the pivotal advice he received from Jay Leno at age 17, why he took his comedy overseas in the late ’90s—starting in London—long before most American comics were thinking globally, and how performing around the world shaped both his voice and his worldview.

Tom also offers candid advice for younger comedians (“tell them the joke, show them the joke”), explains why he steers away from overt politics in his act, and why his ultimate goal onstage is simple: to make people happy. He talks about his podcast, “Smart Camp,” the joy of staying creatively curious, and why he’s never confined himself to just one comedy style.

It’s a smart, funny, and inspiring conversation with a comic who’s still chasing the joy of creation—and sharing it with the world.
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