The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

What happens when a $50 bet changes the course of your life?
For comedian Shang Forbes, it happened when a friend challenged him to perform at an open-mic comedy night. Forbes took the bet, took the stage, won the $50—and discovered a career he never saw coming.
This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira talks with Shang Forbes, who brings his distinctive, avant-garde and socio-political brand of comedy to the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas, August 24–30.
Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Shang graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with his sights originally set on becoming an illustrator. But that fateful open mic sent him in an entirely different direction. Rather than simply trying to be “funny,” Shang set out to develop his own voice, embracing comedy that pushes boundaries while resisting being pigeonholed into one particular style.
Shang talks about why he wasn't nervous during his very first stand-up performance, how he learned the craft, and why he performs under the single name “Shang.” He also shares how working as a comedy-club barker gave him an unexpected advantage: more opportunities to get onstage and hone his material.
His approach is anything but conventional. Shang describes his natural stand-up style as “pushing the envelope,” while also maintaining a family-friendly set. He explains why he doesn't want to be narrowly defined as simply a “funny” comedian, but instead wants to be “broad funny.”
We also discuss his move from New York to Los Angeles, his use of television acting appearances to introduce audiences to his personality and drive them toward his live comedy, meeting legendary comedian George Carlin, and the thought process behind creating his material.
And when it comes to politics, Shang doesn't pick a side—he takes aim at both. His comedy gives Democrats and Republicans equal time, while he explains why a simple smile can help make edgy material more accessible.
We also get into one of the great challenges of stand-up comedy: hecklers. Why does Shang rarely get heckled?
It's a fascinating conversation about comedy, creativity, performance, risk-taking and finding your own voice.
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TODD “DAMMIT” KERNS ON SLASH, THE AGE OF ELECTRIC, ROCK ’N’ ROLL AND GIVING BACK

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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