The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast | a podcast by Ira Sternberg

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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

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. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Alan Snel, founder and writer of LVSportsBiz.com, the insider source tracking how sports, business, and politics collide in Southern Nevada. Alan takes us inside the controversial world of public-private partnerships, where taxpayer funding helps build private sports palaces — and sparks big questions about priorities. Should public money go to stadiums when schools, roads, and transportation need funding too? From the moment Las Vegas turned into a major-league sports capital, Alan has been riding the wave — and reporting every twist. He breaks down the arrival of Major League Baseball and the A’s stadium, the explosive growth of sports tourism, and the historic first boxing match at Allegiant Stadium, where 70,000 fans packed the house and 96% were visitors, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The conversation also dives into how Formula 1 put Las Vegas on the world stage, and why the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is hiring new sports tourism exec-utives. If you want to understand how Las Vegas became the global crossroads of sports, enter-tainment, and business — and what it’s costing us — this episode is a must-listen. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

Photo by Uriel Moreno Grammy, Latin Grammy, and Juno Award–winning Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Cuba brings his signature blend of Latin soul, pop, jazz, and heartfelt storytelling to Myron’s at The Smith Center on January 16 at 7 p.m., and he joins Ira for a revealing conversation on this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira.” Born in Cuba and shaped in Canada, Alex opens up about what it means to carry Latin culture inside you, even when you live far from a traditional Latin music hub. He shares how moving to Canada gave him the creative freedom to become the artist he is today — and why he chose the challenging but rewarding path of remaining fiercely independent. n this wide-ranging conversation, Alex reflects on everything from wanting to be a doctor as a child, to the life-changing moment at 14 when he saw someone play electric bass and realized music was his destiny. He talks about building his own studio, becoming his own producer, creating music for Latin ears around the world, and developing his own record label to support both his own work and other artists. Alex also reveals how melodies come to him — not through force, but through openness — describing himself as a “vessel” for music, guided by instinct, emotion, and story. Singing in both Spanish and English, Alex brings his full musical identity to the stage, and his Myron’s performance (he’ll be speaking English), making this a perfect introduc-tion for new fans. It’s an intimate, inspiring look at an artist who followed his own path — and found a global audience along the way. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor and reporter, for a wide-ranging, no-spin conversation about one of the biggest years in Las Vegas sports history. From Major League Baseball officially coming to Las Vegas, Ron breaks down why locals were skeptical, what went wrong in Oakland under owner John Fisher, and why Vegas operates with a very different mindset: “Let’s make things happen.” They dive into the Formula 1 race, the Raiders’ on-field struggles, UFC turning Allegiant Stadium into a boxing venue, and how the new baseball stadium could double as a game-changer for concerts that don’t quite fit Allegiant’s scale. Ron also tackles a topic locals feel deeply — Strip fees that drive residents away, and why places like South Point continue to thrive with free parking and reasonable prices. The conversation widens to the big picture: Are we getting too corporate in sports? Will Las Vegas host another Super Bowl? Is an NBA team inevitable? Ron also highlights sports figures who made a real impact this year, including A’ja Wil-son, and reflects on gaming legend Bill Paulos’ lasting contributions to UNLV. Plus, he shares details on his new weekly show with George Knapp, “Mystery Wire,” now streaming via the 8 News Now app. If you want to understand where Las Vegas sports have been — and where they’re headed next — this episode is a must-listen. (Also Watch Full Podcast Video)