Author, Seducing Celebrities One Meal at a Time Host, Thaao Penghlis’ Lost Treasures Podcast This week, Ira spoke with actor Thaao Penghlis, author of Seducing Celebrities One Meal at a Time and host of Thaao Penghlis’ Lost Treasures Podcast. In this delicious episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Thaao talks about exploring the world as an outlet f…

(Photo by Roberto Chifarelli)This week, Ira spoke with Russell Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center April 20. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rus-sell talks about when he first got involved with music; the formation of the Yellowjackets; how fortunate he is to continue to play music; how he de…

Author, Assassin’s Manuscript This week, Ira spoke with William J. Carl, author of Assassin’s Manuscript. In this killing episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” William talks about how Alex Haley convinced him to write a novel; the concept of two genres coming together; why it took 30 years to finish the novel; how this is not a typical good guys or …

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning comedy magician Fielding West, performing in the A-Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, April 11-13. In this epi-sode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Fielding talks about how he was discovered as a magician; how his act has currently changed by adding storytelling to his magic; why he inc…

Author, Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients and Building Wealth This week, Ira spoke with Liz J. Steblay, author of Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients and Building Wealth. In this enterprising episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Liz talks about the difference between an e…

This week, Ira spoke with magician Will Bradshaw, bringing “Will Bradshaw’s Wonderground, The Underground Magic Show,” to Area 15 on April 9. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Will talks about growing up in Minnesota, having a father as a magician; studying the arts in New York and performing in musical theater; how he ended up ap…

Author, Grand European Journeys, 40 Unforgettable Trips By Road, Rail, Sea & More This week, Ira spoke with Lucas Peters, author of Grand European Journeys, 40 Unforgettable Trips By Road, Rail, Sea & More. In this sightseeing episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Lucas talks about being the Morocco expert who then was asked to write this European b…

This week, Ira spoke with Richard Gubbe, author (along with Robert Lawson) of "Vegas Hockey, Vegas Strong." In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Richard talks about the early days (and teams) of hockey in Las Vegas; what happened to the proposed hockey team that was going to be brought in by producer Jerry Bruckheimer in 2008; why pr…

Author, The Sagajo Experience: Recipes for Lifestyle & Entertaining This week, Ira spoke with Debbie Wilson-Berment (Chef Sagajo), author of The Sagajo Experience: Recipes for Lifestyle & Entertaining. In this tasty episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Chef Sagajo talks about growing up in Trinidad and Tobago; learning about food as a kid while wor…

This week, Ira spoke with Lauri S. Thompson, who will be performing in “Follies,” the Broadway musical (with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim), April 11-14 at the Aliante Casino Hotel. “Follies” features 45 dazzling performers, a 30-piece orchestra and 12 legendary Las Vegas showgirls. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Lauri t…

Author, James Bond And The Sixties Spy Craze This week, Ira spoke with Thom Shubilla, author of James Bond And The Sixties Spy Craze. In this spyproof episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Thom talks about his fascination with spies and the sixties; why he didn’t want to write about it from a contemporary point of view; what Roger Moore originally t…

This week, Ira spoke with Jazz pianist/composer Yuko Mabuchi, performing with the Yuko Mabuchi Quartet in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 16 (at 5 and 8 p.m.). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Yuko talks about improvisation; how jazz musicians communicate and collaborate; being exposed to all kinds of music in Japan; her decisi…

Author, Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss This week, Ira spoke with Warren Kozak, author of Waving Goodbye: Life After Loss. In this coping episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Warren talks about the book he never expected to write after his wife’s death; books on grief he was given that didn’t help; why this book is personal and practical; how, when…

This week, Ira spoke with Irish tenor Paul Byrom, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center March 17. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Paul talks about his long career in music; his eighth studio album ("By Contrast"); adapting to and evolving with changes in the music industry; why he delights in performing on St. Patrick’s Day …

Author (along with Barbara Scott), Looking For Legends This week, Ira spoke with Tom Tarantino, author (along with Barbara Scott) of Looking For Legends. In this traveling episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Tom talks about how they both started on the road to travel; how they learned how to travel; some of the fascinating people they have met in …

This week, Ira spoke with Casey Abrams, performing at Vic’s Las Vegas March 1-2. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Casey talks about his early years in Idyllwild, California; learning from Marshall Hawkins, the jazz bass maestro, at the Idyllwild Arts Academy; why he loves jazz and how it gives just a plot, not the whole story; wh…

Author, The World’s Biggest Cash Machine: Manchester United, the Glazers, and the Struggle for Football’s Soul This week, Ira spoke with Chris Blackhurst, author of The World’s Biggest Cash Machine: Manchester United, the Glazers, and the Struggle for Football’s Soul. In this kicking episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Chris Blackhurst talks about…

This week, Ira spoke with four-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center February 22-23. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ruthie talks about her classically trained background; why she loves singing for big bands; her favorite genres of blues and folk music;; why gospel music…

Author, What Shines This week, Ira spoke with Sydney Lea, author of What Shines. In this poetic episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Sydney talks about what drew him to poetry in the beginning (even though he was a late bloomer); how he became “re-intrigued” with writing while teaching a class; how he absorbed stories from “rough folks’ he met alon…

This week, Ira spoke with Bob Anderson, the world’s greatest singing impressionist, performing at the Italian American Club February 16. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Bob talks about his career in Las Vegas; his Frank Sinatra performance at Carnegie Hall; his first impression (Sammy Davis Jr.) and the man responsible for start…

Author, Swords of the Vatican This week, Ira spoke with Severyn Ashkenazy, author of Swords of the Vatican. In this historical episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Severyn talks about his background, including being forced into a ghetto and knowing what real fear is; the division of the Jewish people, even in today’s world; why Jews are designed to…

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Michael Somerville, performing in Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM February 5-8 (and 10). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about his start in stand-up comedy on a dare in college; moving to New York and earning $18,000 gross in an advertising agency; his decision to pursue com…

Writer/Director, Roswell Delirium This week, Ira spoke with Richard Bakewell, writer-director of Roswell Delirium, a character-driven, science fiction drama which takes the audience back to the 1980s, when the United States is hit by a wave of nuclear attacks, and after the fallout those who remain pretend like everything is normal – even though th…

This week, Ira spoke with Tony Award® winner Santino Fontana, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center February 3. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Santino talks about when he decided to pursue a musical career; how his grandfather was a big influence on him; why he didn’t want a 9-5 job; how he grabbed what work he could, not k…

Author (along with Glenn Plaskin), The Magical Place We Call School: Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Happiness in a Challenging World This week, Ira spoke with Dr. Kathleen Corley, author (along with Glenn Plaskin) of The Magical Place We Call School: Creating a Safe Space for Learning and Happiness in a Challenging World. In this educationa…

Photo by Shervin Lainez This week, Ira spoke with Elizabeth Bougerol and Evan Palazzo from The Hot Sardines, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center January 25-26. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Elizabeth and Evan talk about how they first met as fellow musicians and then formed the group; why they didn’t set out to play prof…

Author, OWN YOUR WORK JOURNEY! The Path to Meaningful Work and Happiness in the Age of Smart Technology and Radical Change This week, Ira spoke with Edward D. Hess, author of OWN YOUR WORK JOURNEY! The Path to Meaningful Work and Happiness in the Age of Smart Technology and Radical Change. In this challenging episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ed…

This week, Ira spoke with Oliver Lovat. a leading academic, researcher, writer and president of Denstone Group (which offers consultancy in the fields of strategy, asset management and development, specializing in customer facing real estate). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Oliver talks about why Las Vegas is built for fun; why…

Author, The War on Wine: Prohibition, Neoprohibition, and American Culture This week, Ira spoke with Victor W. Geraci, author of The War on Wine: Prohibition, Neoprohibition, and American Culture (University of Nevada Press). In this vino episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Victor talks about his family’s long history with wine and vineyards; why …

This week, Ira spoke with Alan Snel, whose popular website, LVSportsBiz.com, reports the business side of Las Vegas’ expanding sports industry. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Alan talks about the biggest sports story of 2023, F1 and its public cost; the restructuring of Endeavor, with UFC and WWE working side by side; more on t…

Author, Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story Welcome to a riveting edition of Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast. In today’s episode, we delve into a gripping and revealing discussion with Max Marshall, a prominent author and journalist. Max, known for his insightful writing and deep investigations, discusses his latest work, “Among the Bros: A Fra…

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Leslie Norris Townsend, performing in the Ahern Live Comedy Showroom at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel January 4-7. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Leslie talks about her Hollywood career (including working for Disney), prior to moving to the family farm in Ohio; how she started in stand-up co…

Author, Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want This week, Ira spoke with Emmy Award winning producer Maria Baltazzi, author of Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want. In this happy episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Maria talks about her epiphany while acting as supervising p…

This week, Ira spoke with singer, songwriter, and producer Dave Damiani, performing in the New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Vic’s Las Vegas. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dave talks about how he came to embrace jazz; the musicians who inspired him; his friendship with Joe Piscopo; how he made “bending the standard” his tradem…

Author (along with Michael Wilmington), John Ford This week, Ira spoke with Joseph McBride, author (along with Michael Wilmington) of John Ford, the revised and expanded edition, published by University Press of Kentucky. In this cinematic episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Joseph talks about why he thinks John Ford is the closest thing we have t…

This week, Ira spoke with comedian Bob Zany, performing in Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM through December 23. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Bob talks about growing up in a funny family; the two comedians he looked to for inspiration; why he adds three new jokes every time he performs; how he and Brad Garrett started ou…

Authors, Naked in the Rideshare (Stories of Gross Miscalculations) This week, Ira spoke with Rebecca Shaw and Ben Kronengold, authors of Naked in the Rideshare (Stories of Gross Miscalculations). In this compatibility episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Rebecca and Ben talk about falling in love with each other as they fell in love with comedy; wh…

This week, Ira spoke with Latin GRAMMY® Award winner, Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger Sérgio Assad and GRAMMY®-nominated composer Clarice Assad, performing (along with Third Coast Percussion) at the UNLV Performing Arts Center December 13. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the Assads talk about their family’s deep hist…

Author, Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy (From the Creator of Laugh-in) This week, Ira spoke with George Schlatter, author of Still Laughing: A Life in Comedy (From the Creator of Laugh-In).In this humorous episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” George talks about why so much of his career is a result of accidents; why we should celebrate accidents; …

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ron talks about the burgeoning sports tourism in Las Vegas; the success of Formula 1 in its first year; the A’s coming to Las Vegas; future prospects of Rebel football; can an NBA team find a home here?; and…

“Bigger Bolder Baking” This week, Ira spoke with Gemma Stafford & Kevin Kurtz from “Bigger Bolder Baking.” In this blended episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Gemma and Kevin talk about Gemma’s early passion for cooking and baking and Kevin’s passion for the entertainment business; how they met and decided to create a baking website as well as a c…

This week, Ira spoke with country artist Craig Campbell, performing in Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & BBQ at Treasure Island December 7-8. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Craig talks about his early years in music; moving to Nashville; what he sees as the worst side of country music; going independent as an artist; working with s…

Author, Burning Out On The Covid Front Lines, a Doctor’s Memoir of Fatherhood, Race and Perseverance in the Pandemic This week, Ira spoke with Dhaval Desai, M.D., author of Burning Out On The Covid Front Lines, a Doctor’s Memoir of Fatherhood, Race and Perseverance in the Pandemic. In this recuperative episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Dr. Desai…

This week, Ira spoke with Murray Langston, “The Unknown Comic,” performing in the Ahern Live Comedy Showroom at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel November 24-25. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Murray talks about why he caught the bug to get into show business by watching Jerry Lewis films as a kid; how he became “The Unknown Comi…

Author, Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing This week, Ira spoke with Charles Scribner III, author of Scribners: Five Generations in Publishing. In this generational episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Charles talks about why he wrote the book; how he wrote it in one month; why it’s not a comprehensive history, but a family historical memoir…

This week, Ira spoke with Sky Directs, director of the Las Vegas based urban thriller, “Run Nixon” (which follows a determined mother as she takes drastic measures to save her son's life), releasing in AMC Theaters on November 22. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Sky talks about how he got his start in the film industry; how he c…

President, 3 Axis Advisors This week, Ira spoke with Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis Advisors, which conducted a study to determine how prescription prices are being set. In this prescriptive episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Anthony talks about the results of the study, which concluded that the overwhelming majority of prices paid by consu…

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning writer and nationally touring headliner Noah Gardenswartz, performing in the Comedy Cellar at the Rio through November 11. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Noah talks about starting his career doing open mikes in Atlanta before his senior year in college; his years on the road and ironicall…

Author, The Women’s Guide to Successful Investing: Achieving Financial Security and Realizing Your Goals This week, Ira spoke with Nancy Tengler, author of The Women’s Guide to Successful Investing: Achieving Financial Security and Realizing Your Goals. In this monetary episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Nancy talks about why she got into the bus…

This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with John Bentham, founder of Ivory Star Productions. In this episode of “The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast” John talks about his early career as a performer before deciding to work behind the scenes; working with David Copperfield before starting his own production company; juggling several shows at one time (the secr…