The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

This week, Ira spoke with Melisa McChesney, newly appointed Director of Lifelong Learning at the Neon Museum.

In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Melisa shares her journey from a museum-obsessed 19-year-old to a seasoned educator shaping how Las Vegas learns its own history. She talks about what drew her to the Ne-on Museum, its uniquely Vegas stories, and how she’s building programs that spark cu-riosity for everyone—from K-12 students and families to older adults exploring “creative aging.”
Melisa reveals how the museum goes beyond its iconic signs, preserving menus, keychains, and decks of cards that capture the city’s cultural DNA. She discusses partnerships with the school district, the growing demand for space, the power of oral histories, and why fun is essential to every learning experience.

Her goal? To create opportunities for people of all ages to connect through the art, design, and history that make Las Vegas truly one of a kind.
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Talking With Yuka Notsuka – November 10, 2025

This week, Ira talks with Yuka Notsuka, ensemble dancer in Disney’s "The Lion King," performing November 19–30 at The Smith Center.
In this lively episode of "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Yuka shares her journey from her early dance training in Fukuoka, Japan—where she discovered her passion for dance at just 10 years old—to performing on stages around the world.

She talks about the discipline behind her art, how she learned English, and her love of touring and musical theater.

Yuka also reveals her “soul food,” her secret to staying grounded (hint: it involves a portable bathtub), and how she balances life as a performer and Pilates instructor—all with a great sense of humor and an ever-growing curiosity for acting.
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Talking With David Goldrake, the International Man of Mystery – November 3, 2025

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with David Goldrake, The International Man of Mystery, performing at The Magicians Room at the LINQ Promenade, Fridays through Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m.

In this magical conversation, David reveals the inspiration behind The Magicians Room—developed by Damian Costa—and what makes this intimate venue so unique. He also shares how speaking seven languages helps him connect with audiences (though English has become his favorite), and why passion and responsibility drive every performance.

David opens up about his signature illusion, “The Puzzle of Life,” and the art of setting the right tone onstage—by first learning to truly listen. You’ll hear stories of remarkable people he’s met after shows, his first meeting (and lasting friendship) with Siegfried, and a memorable encounter with David Copperfield.

Plus, he talks about being embraced by Las Vegas’s tight-knit magic community, why there are no days off in show business, and how he keeps his act fresh with brand-new material—all while keeping the focus squarely on you, the audience.
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Talking With Joey Medina – October 20, 2025

This week on "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira steps into the ring—metaphorically—with comedian, filmmaker, and former Arizona Lightweight Boxing Champion Joey Me-dina (appearing with Lisa Alvarado, the Latin Queen of Comedy), October 30 at Chinita's Venue in Henderson at 7:00 & 9:15 PM.
In a raw, revealing, and hilarious conversation, Joey shares how growing up as a shy, latchkey kid in the Bronx—and navigating life without a father—pushed him toward the boxing gym, where he trained daily with relentless discipline. That same fight-for-survival mentality would later shape his approach to comedy: “Mentally, it’s the same thing,” he says.
But before boxing or stand-up, Joey was already winning—behind the camera. With more than 250 film festival awards, he discovered storytelling early, eventually transitioning from open mics to a powerhouse career that blends humor, grit, and heart.
Joey opens up about:
How the boxing ring prepared him for the comedy stage
Why filmmaking was actually his first love
Overcoming childhood shyness
Being known as “humble” (and being surprised by it)
Going on stage with no script—just instinct
Why a great comedian is a “more dynamic version of yourself”
Working clean and reading the room
His friendship and chemistry with host Mat Plant
The funniest person he’s ever met
The advice he gives comics… but only if they ask
Whether you’re a comedy fan, a boxing buff, or a sucker for underdog stories with punchlines, this episode delivers.

Listen (or watch) now—and get ringside seats to Joey’s incredible journey from the streets of the Bronx to the spotlight of comedy.

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