Chinita's Venue, October 30
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 Medina performing (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.
Joey Medina, born and raised in the Bronx, is a former Arizona Lightweight Boxing Champion and world boxing contender who transformed his fighting spirit into a 30+ year career in entertainment. After enduring homelessness early in his comedy journey—including living in his car and donating plasma just to eat—he made a promise to succeed by following his dreams.
Joey went on to star in over 70 films and TV shows and became part of the legendary Original Latin Kings of Comedy alongside George Lopez, Paul Rodriguez, and Cheech Marin. He headlined his own SHOWTIME special, Taking Off the Gloves, and has sold out major comedy venues around the world, from the Apollo Theater to arenas in Australia, Vietnam (where he was the first American comedian to headline for Vietnamese audiences), and beyond.
In addition to stand-up, Joey has toured extensively with Russell Peters and hosted one of Los Angeles’ top-rated morning radio shows on 96.3 FM, earning an “Impact Award” for Excellence in Broadcasting from the National Hispanic Media Coalition.