This week, Ira spoke with Vegas-born guitarist Frank Sidoris, owner of Las Vegas’ iconic dive bar, Hard Hat Lounge, which hosts its free 3rd annual block party November 1. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Frank talks about the definition of a dive bar (“comes with a bit more grit”); growing up in Las Vegas in a show business fami…

Author, SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy This week, Ira spoke with Burt Kearns, author of SHEMP!: The Biography of The Three Stooges’ Shemp Howard, The Face of Film Comedy. In this slapstick episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Burt talks about why Shemp was put in a very thankless role in The Three …

This week, Ira spoke with Michael Ross Nugent, performing at Maxan Jazz October 19. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about his love of big band music as a teenager; when he was 16, he heard Michael Bublé for the first time; why he was an anomaly within his own generation; how he sees himself as an “old soul”; why he…

Author, Be The Weight Behind The Spear This week, Ira spoke with Colonel Joshua M. McConkey, M.D., author of Be The Weight Behind The Spear. In this leading episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Joshua talks about why the book title is his personal leadership ethos; how he worked with people in the military who are the tip of the spear; why the weig…

This week, Ira spoke with Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, headlining in the A Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, October 10-12. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Jackie talks about why there’s nothing better than an “elevator gig”; his long history with Las Vegas; his success with Cameo; what makes him laugh; hi…

Author, Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon This week, Ira spoke with speechwriter, confidant and strategist Ken Khachigian, author of Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon. In this inside episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Ken talks about why he decided to write the book (including information nobody else had); ho…

This week, Ira spoke with Rudy Sarzo and Alex Grossi from Quiet Riot, performing Oc-tober 5 in the M Pavilion at The M Resort. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Rudy and Alex talk about the genesis of heavy metal; the beginning of Quiet Riot; why the band is focused on the “now” and the near future; the new documentary (and certai…

Award-winning teen documentarian who installs hydroponic gardens in places of need This week, Ira spoke with Steven Hoffen, an award-winning teen documentarian who installs hydroponic gardens in places of need. In this growing episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Steven talks about how he developed an interest in hydroponics; why he decided to do a…

This week, Ira spoke with LA-based jazz pianist, vocalist, educator, composer and recording artist John Proulx, who performs at Vic's Las Vegas September 27-28. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” John talks about learning to play by ear; why he loved jazz from an early age, but also folk music; how his early piano lessons were more…

Photographer, Educator and Creative Explorer This week, Ira spoke with photographer, educator and creative explorer Benita VanWinkle, who photographs and documents America’s vanishing movie theaters. In this celluloid episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Benita talks about how she started on her road to capturing theaters on film; how beautiful the…

Author, Icebergs to Iguanas: Photographic Journeys Around the World This week, Ira spoke with award-winning photographer, TV host, conservationist and National Geographic photographer Jason Edwards, author of Icebergs to Iguanas: Photographic Journeys Around the World, a large format series of books illustrating his National Geographic imagery. In …

This week, Ira spoke with Paul Rodriguez, headlining in the A Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, September 16. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Paul talks about his beginnings in show business; growing in comedy; who was responsible for pointing him to performing as a professional comedian; what makes you laugh…

Author (with Jeffrey Abugel), Extreme Overvalued Beliefs: Clinical and Forensic Psychiatric Dimensions This week, Ira spoke with FBI consultant and forensic psychologist Tahir Rahman, M.D., author (with Jeffrey Abugel) of Extreme Overvalued Beliefs: Clinical and Forensic Psychiatric Dimensions. In this believable episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,…

This week, Ira spoke with Peter Laufer, author (along with Sheila Swan) of "Neon Nevada," who will be having a book signing for the updated and expanded edition of his book at the Neon Museum, September 7. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Peter talks about how he and his wife first met above a neon sign; what started the couple o…

Author, Transfigured Sea This week, Ira spoke with marine biologist Sally Ann Hunter, author of Transfigured Sea. In this oceanic episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Sally talks about becoming a marine biologist; why she decided to write a novel; her style of writing, which is “nature writing”; her writing regime; moving from her short story to wr…

This week, Ira spoke with professional gambler, author and publisher Anthony Curtis, CEO of Huntington Press and the Las Vegas Advisor, a Las Vegas consumer newsletter. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Anthony talks about leaving UCLA to move to Las Vegas and pursuing opportunities; beginning his career in Las Vegas and get-ting …

Author, Nuclear Weapons and International Law: Existential Risks of Nuclear War and Deterrence through a Legal Lens This week, Ira spoke with Charles J. Moxley Jr., author of “Nuclear Weapons and International Law: Existential Risks of Nuclear War and Deterrence through a Legal Lens.” In this explosive episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Charles t…

Author, Farm Family: A Solo Mom’s Memoir of Finding Home, Happiness, and Alpacas This week, Ira spoke with Jane Lee Rankin, author of Farm Family: A Solo Mom’s Memoir of Finding Home, Happiness, and Alpacas. In this sheared episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Jane talks about when she first fell in love with the mountains and rural living; first m…

This week, Ira spoke with Mike Dawes, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center, August 17. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Mike talks about when he knew the guitar would become his life; why he loves the free-styling method; how his guitar playing brings his music into a more “contemporary realm”; how he worked on projects in L…

Walked the 342-mile perimeter of Los Angeles in 10-mile segments This week, Ira spoke with Dr. Roy Meals, (a Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UCLA and author of several books), who walked the 342-mile perimeter of Los Angeles in 10-mile segments, talked with the people he encountered, and explored local points of interest. In this peripa…

This week, Ira spoke with Steve Gadd, who (along with The Grammy®-winning Steve Gadd Band) will be performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center August 10. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Steve talks about not remembering when he never played drums; his move to Las Vegas; how he got into studio work; what works in the studio vs. liv…

Author, Reimagining America’s Dream: Making It Attainable for All This week, Ira spoke with Bernie J. Mullin, author of Reimagining America’s Dream: Making It Attainable for All. In this imaginative episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Bernie talks about a lack of mutual understanding of what the American dream is; the top ten social issues in Amer…

This week, Ira spoke with San Francisco based saxophonist, composer, recording artist, and educator Jason Hainsworth, performing with his quintet at Vic’s Las Vegas (August 2-3 at 7 and 8:30.) In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Jason talks about the “efficient” reason why he started playing the saxophone; how he became a band “nerd…

Author, The Editors This week, Ira spoke with Stephen Harrison, author of The Editors. In this novel episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Stephen talks about his book, which takes readers behind the scenes of a fictionalized version of Wikipedia called Infopendium, where the facts seen near the top of most Google searches are the result of cooperat…

This week, Ira spoke with Chef Alicia Shevetone (founder), and Librarian Dr. Nichole Beer (curator), who launch America's first cookbook lending library in Las Vegas August 2. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” the dynamic duo talk about their new project, which will be based inside Palate Las Vegas, in downtown Las Vegas; how the …

Author, Estrellas: Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago This week, Ira spoke with Suzanne Maggio, author of Estrellas: Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago. In this walking episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Suzanne talks about why she decided to walk along the El Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain; how she pl…

This week, Ira spoke with Michael Sartain, a local celebrity and Vegas lifestyle pro, with years of expertise in the hospitality and entertainment industry. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about how he first became enamored with Las Vegas while in the US Air Force and came here for the NBA All-Star game; having mor…

Author, The Politzer Saga This week, Ira spoke with Linda Ambrus Broenniman, author of The Politzer Saga. In this researched episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Linda talks about the story of the box with documents that survived a house fire and led to finding out her Catholic father was Jewish ; her quest going back eight generations; why the doc…

This week, Ira spoke with Abingdon Mullin, founder and CEO of the Abingdon Company, based in Las Vegas and the city’s only independent watch brand. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Abingdon talks about why she started the company - getting her pilot’s license and not being about to find a female pilot’s watch; getting together wi…

Author, The Bipolar Therapist: A Journey From Madness to Love and Meaning This week, Ira spoke with Marcia Naomi Berger, author of The Bipolar Therapist: A Journey From Madness to Love and Meaning. In this therapeutic episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Marcia talks about her first manic episode; why it took three hospitalizations before she reali…

This week, Ira spoke with mentalist Colin Cloud, headlining the world premiere of “Colin Cloud: Mastermind” in Harrah’s Cabaret at Harrah’s Las Vegas (starting July 2). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Colin, known as the “closest thing to a real-life Sherlock Holmes,” talks about his decision to headline his own show rather than…

Author, Crazy Hawk This week, Ira spoke with R.J. Stewart, author of Crazy Hawk, a dystopian, post-apocalyptic thriller about a resilient and fierce woman named Deirdre. In this post-apocalyptic episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” R.J. talks about starting as a writer in Hollywood (but working first as a Teamster driver); writing for “Remington St…

This week, Ira spoke with comedian ventriloquist Mark Merchant, headlining in the A Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Hotel June 27-29. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Mark talks about how he got the moniker of “the comedy of two voices in one”; how he developed an interest in ventriloquism as a kid in Atlanta, Georgia; getting a D…

Author, All That Really Matters This week, Ira spoke with David Weill, author of All That Really Matters. In this transplanted episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” David talks about why he took the uncommon decision to leave his career as a transplant surgeon at a relatively early age and become a writer; his novel about Joe Bosco, an arrogant, har…

This week, Ira spoke with Miss Melanie Moore, performing at the Maxan Jazz Club June 21. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Melanie talks about growing up in Dayton, Ohio and being influenced by The Supremes; finding every opportunity to sing as a child; studying nightclub singers while attending college; moved to New York and get-…

This week, Ira spoke with Geno Munari, author of "The Dunes Hotel and Casino: The Mob, the connections, the stories," who will participate in the “Meet & Greet Gaming Education Series” at the Casino Collectibles Association's 31st annual Casino Chip and Collectibles Show, June 13-15, at South Point Hotel and Casino. In this episode of “Talk About L…

Award-winning children’s author, musician and podcaster This week, Ira spoke with Patrick Adams, award-winning children’s author, musician and podcaster, who will release his eighth album for kids and families, “Imagination Time with Patrick,” on June 14. In this versatile episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Patrick talks about how his creative ju…

This week, Ira spoke with Al Mancini, co-host of the popular “Food and Loathing” podcast, creator of the Las Vegas dining guide app, “Neon Feast,” and a special guest on "Milk Street Radio" at the Beverly Theater (June 10). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Al talks about how he started writing about food after moving to Las Vegas…

Author, Breaking Glass: Tales from the Witch of Wall Street This week, Ira spoke with Patricia Walsh Chadwick, author of Breaking Glass: Tales from the Witch of Wall Street. In this cultish episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Patricia talks about growing up in a cult (which started out as a religious community); the paradox of the community being …

This week, Ira spoke with Award-winning chefs Susan Feniger & Mary Sue Milliken, who just opened their first stand alone and drive-thru concept of their BBQ Mexicana in the Las Vegas valley. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Susan and Mary Sue talk about their long careers in the culinary world; how they first met in a restaurant …

Author, Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President—and Why It Matters This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira engages in a profound conversation with Steven L. Herman, author of the fascinating book Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President—and Why …

This week, Ira spoke with Dana Manacher, CEO of Shrtlst, a groundbreaking platform that curates city exploration for travelers by connecting users with locals who know the scene. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dana talks about growing up in the hospitality industry; how her family started the Guestbook, a platform aimed at enha…

New York Times best-selling author This week, Ira spoke with Glenn Plaskin, a New York Times best-selling author and interviewer who has written 30 books, including Horowitz: The Biography of Vladimir Horowitz and Turning Point: Pivotal Moments in the Lives of America’s Celebrities. In this prolific episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Glenn talks …

This week, Ira spoke with Kenny Shedd, former (Oakland) Raider and current filmmaker, working on “The Next Dana White.” In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Kenny talks about why he decided to become a filmmaker; how he spent 20 years with the San Leandro Police Department; his thoughts on the Raiders moving to Las Vegas; how he came…

Author (along with Glenn Plaskin), On My Way Back To You, One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope This week, Ira spoke with Sarah Cart, author (along with Glenn Plaskin) of On My Way Back To You, One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope. In this healing episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” …

This week, Ira spoke with writer, photographer, artist and philanthropist Michael Shulman. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about writing a compre-hensive history of Las Vegas entertainment residency for his website -https://www.shulmansays.com - (a version of this article was published in Business Traveler, August …

Author, Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel This week, Ira spoke with Burt Kearns, author of “Marlon Brando: Hollywood Rebel.” In this Adler episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Burt talks about why he decided to write a book about Marlon Brando with a new perspective, something that previous books had not covered; how Marlon Brando influences popular c…

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ron talks about the impending construction of the A’s baseball stadium (which would also serve as a multi-purpose sta-dium); why traveling to Las Vegas for sporting events is becoming a significant part of the new Las …

Author, Seducing Celebrities One Meal at a Time Host, Thaao Penghlis’ Lost Treasures Podcast This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg sits down 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, Thaao shares his experience…

(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…