Vital Vegas Podcast

Where have we been? Where have you been?

We're back with a virtual walkthrough of the newest casino resort in town, Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

We also chat with a Las Vegas couple, John and Kristina Mehaffey, who visited 93 casinos in less than 24 hours.

You'll get the inside scoop you won't get anywhere else about all things Vegas, so strap in. Warning: Done incorrectly, strapping in can cause chafing or erectile dysfunction. Fair warning.

We blather, you play the show on 2x speed. Rude.

It's time for a virtual deluge of Las Vegas news and exclusive commentary about what's happening in the world's most exciting city besides Amsterdam. We took a little time off, so there's a lot to share. Not just the stories every other bonehead reports when they get a news release. The stories behind the stories and the stories hiding under the ottoman. The juicy stuff. The nitty-gritty. The scoop. Plus lots of wild speculation and fooltommery, which isn't a thing, but it will be, just watch. 

As if the world weren't already full of words, here are more. Many of these are related to Las Vegas.

We love us some Fremont Street, so we interviewed one of the ringmasters of this popular downtown circus. Andrew Simon is the President and CEO of Fremont Street Experience. Simon talks about the destination's free concert series, along with some questions we hear often from Las Vegas visitors.

There's also the usual rambling, about the Oakland A's and such, as well as a listicle about cheap eats on Fremont Street.

In what we claim is our briefest episode, ever, we talk about a former Bally's hotel tower, the Jubilee tower, being absorbed into Paris Las Vegas. As the kids say, serious scoop.

There's also some news and a listicle, but we can't do everything well. We are a generalist.

Just listen, then go to Twitter and give us a passionate opinion we can ignore because we are very busy and important.

In this completely inoffensive episode, we chat with the Director of Innovation at Station Casinos about STN Charms. We'll also get a construction update from Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel.

We keep the rambling to a minimum for a change, so dive right in.

In this episode, we chat with Kenny Epstein, owner of El Cortez, a downtown casino with a vibe all its own. We get more insights from the General Manager of El Cortez, Adam Wiesberg.

Plus, there's all the Vegas news and views you can stuff into your insatiable maw. Which would make a pretty good bad name.

We could not be less interested in describing this episode. Enjoy!

Don't act surprised it didn't take six months for us to do a new episode!

This installment is jam-packed with all the usual nonsense, including a reminder we are too busy to write detailed descriptions of what's in a given episode.

We're back and as unlistenable as ever! In this episode, we catch up on the latest Vegas news, deftly sidestep a potential lawsuit and relive a $10,000 slot jackpot with no tax paperwork! 

It's so much Vegas, if you lifted it, you'd get a hernia.

In addition to the usual tripe, we've got an interview with Brian Christopher, the O.G. of slot influencers.

It's another WTF-filled episode of the podcast that's going to help make the world sane again. Actual results may vary.

Anything that happens in Las Vegas happens in this podcast, just ramblier.

As always, there's a lot of regaling in this episode. Mostly, about a surreal craps session with a high roller.

We also aimlessly roam around New York-New York, providing a virtual tour and cavalcade of thoughts about this iconic Strip casino.

We'd love to say it stops there, but we also talk how a focus on casino profit margins is ruining everything, along with the best magic shows in Las Vegas.

Just listen, it's a podcast, it's not about reading.

Dive headlong into another excrutiating episode of the Vegas podcast once described as "a brisk kick to the earholes, but not in a good way."

We chat with Amy Saunders about "Miss Behave's Mavericks" and a metric hell-ton of scoop, opinions and aimless meandering.

Vegas be kray. We'd go into more detail, but we're eating ice cream.

It's another whirlwind episode of the podcast you can't be truly fulfilled without.

We've got interviews with Jonathan Jossel, CEO of Plaza, talking about some big changes in the works for this downtown casino.

Next up is Derek Stevens, owned of Circa, The D and Golden Gate, as we chat about Sigma Derby, an old-school slot with a cult following at The D.

There's also a metric buttload of scoop, Vegas news and more.

It's the usual nonsense, but recenter.

Tons of scoop, a butt-load of news and an interview with someone who actually knows what he's talking about (Boss Cafe and Buddy V's Jersey Eats at Linq).

What a holy hell-ton of Las Vegas you're about to get stuffed into your auditory orifices.

We talk Tilman Fertitta's rumored new Strip casino, F1 in Vegas, concussionball trades, a new Vegas restaurant app called Neon Feast and more.

What an exciting aural adventure you're about to embark upon.

In this episode, we interview the head of the Enforcement Division of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, James Taylor, about a manhunt for a gambler who won $230,000 at TI and didn't know it.

Then we pivot to a chat with Vinny Guadagnino, star of "Jersey Shore," about his third stint in Chippendales at Rio.

All that, plus various and sundry scoops and news and listicles and, praise be, the mask mandate is done. Whatever a "sundry" might be.

What a ribald extravaganza we have in store for you. Not this episode, of course, this episode is lame. But down the road sometime, gird your loins for an extravaganza. 

We're pretty sure this is our first episode of 2022 and would love to say it's vastly better than previous episodes, but it's pretty much the same crap all over again. Luckily, Las Vegas is awesome and makes up for it in some small way.

There's so much to say, so little interest in saying it again here. Just listen.

In this installment of the podcast, we've got some big news to share!

Plus the regular kind.

And we also talk about crappy tipping and must-try restaurants and random scoop about everything Vegas.

Sober.

Which is weird.

What an action-packed installment of the podcast we don't have the energy to describe other than to say there's lots of Las Vegas involved.

Carrot Top isn't just hilarious and a fixture on The Strip, he's also an awesome interview.

We've also got a metric hell-ton of scoop, because if we didn't, you'd be listening to Joe Rogan or whatever.

It's all the Vegas you need, plus some extra WTF you probably don't need, but listen, anyway. It's free.

What a hoot we're having with the dog and pony show this week.

There's an interview with the co-owner of Virtualis, a VR experience at Area 15, and the usual assortment of news and opinions, including several that border on the coherent.

The listicle is "10 Casino Terms That Mean Something Else in the Real World."

What an action-packed episode we have for you! We also have no energy to write a description. You'll survive.

It’s another episode where we overpromise and underdeliver!

So much Vegas news, so little preparation for the podcast.

We did, however, chat with Wynn Resort mixologist Mariena Mercer Boarini. She invented the Verbena at Cosmo, so ‘nuff said. This time, she's talking about the new Overlook lounge at Wynn.

There’s also two listicles this week, so gird your loins.

We're  back with another disappointing installment of the podcast named "Best Las Vegas Podcast, Ever" by us.

We chat with Banachek, star of a new mentalist show at Strat, and Ross Mollison, the genius behind some of the best shows in Las Vegas (including "Absinthe" and "Opium."

We also do news and share incredibly useless facts about the MSG Sphere.

It's another cavalcade of Las Vegas news, much of it you won't hear anywhere else.

Big stories, small stories, there's even one story with a lazy eye and a limp, it's all here.

This time around, we fill your cavities with food scoop galore, including exclusive chatter about a major restaurant shake-up at Paris and Bally’s.

Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart are in, Martorano’s is out, Drew Brees is in, Toby Keith is out, a Vanderpump lounge is in at Paris, the Laurel Lounge is out. Also out at Bally’s, Buca Di Beppo and Tequila Taqueria.

We chat with Jonathan Michaels of Sightline (yes, again) about Resorts World’s new cashless system, Dan Coughlin about the fried rice at 8 East (at Circa) and Manny Saldana about Taqueria Ktrina at Pawn Plaza.

Also, Caesars Entertainment is removing table games across its Las Vegas casinos, and we’ve got the skinny.

There’s more, but we aren’t here to type things, we’re here to disappoint you with our podcast, so have at it.

What a show we've slapped together!

It's all the scoop your ears can stomach, plus interviews with the new executive chef of Al Solito Posto and a rep from "Legends at Concert" at Tropicana.

Get your fill of Vegas up in here.

This episode is as spectacular as the opening of Resorts World. Your results may vary. By $4.3 billion.

We talk opening, and interview a Sightline executive (the folks behind the cashless gambling software at Resorts World).

Then, we do the best interview with comedy-magician Mac King that has ever existed..

Plus news and a listicle and the usual rambling.

So much Vegas, including inside skinny about Downtown Grand, Ellis Island's new tiki lounge, Dueling Axes at Area 15 and 10 tips to get you more slot jackpots!

We took a ride in Elon Musk's Vegas Loop and it was awesome.

Plus all the normal crap you're sick of hearing, but it's Vegas, so that makes it slightly less annoying.

We are a podcast, not a podcast description writer.

We interview Piff the Magic Dragon, the creative director of Omega Mart at Area 15 and more.

Brothels are back and we've got all the scoop from "Cat House" star Air Force Amy, just about the most famous sex worker in the history of Vegas.

Also, exclusive news about the sale of Plams to the San Manuel tribe.

Plus, all the news you can abuse before your next visit.

It's a hell-ton of Vegas!

We chat with the G.M. of M Resort about the new Raiders Tavern & Grill, the owner of the new Pinball Hall of Fame, the owner of The 35 Cinema and take a victory lap because our lawsuit is finally resolved (hint: we beat their ass).

We bring the earfood.

Let's talk Vegas recovery, Omega Mart at Area 15, a new Circa sportsbook at Tuscany, the demise of Plaza's Greyhound station and how famous we reportedly are.

We've got interviews with Virgin Las Vegas CEO Richard Bosworth and Tim Arnold, head honcho of the Pinball Hall of Fame, and a slew of Vegas scoop and news.

We also share our platform should we ever run for Governor. Yeah, right.

This is part two of our cavalcade of exclusive interviews with Circa's VIPs, including two V.P.s and all the folks involved with Circa's five restaurants.

We also chat with Ross Mollison, producer of "Absinthe."

We've got a review of Tailgate Social at Palace Station, and other goodies to keep you connected to Las Vegas during these "fluid" times.

This is the episode with only great news! Sound impossible? Wrong.

First, we take some glee in the fact we beat a billionaire's ass in court. Sahara's baseless lawsuit against us was dismissed and we're in the mood to celebrate.

We're also celebrating the opening of Circa Las Vegas. We snagged interviews with co-owners Derek and Greg Stevens, and also chatted with YESCO, the company that renovated Vegas Vickie.

It's time to shove a Vegas party in your earholes. Like you have anything better to do.

Just the usual.

Exclusive interviews.

Musings and meanderings.

News and reviews.

And a list of places we're going when we get video poker bars back.

It's been a minute, but we've loaded up this episode with all the scoop you need to catch up on what's been happening in Las Vegas during your absence.

We interview Richard "Boz" Bosworth, CEO of JC Hospitality, about how things are going at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (formerly Hard Rock).

We also touch base with the "Mayor of Fremont East," Ryan Doherty. Doherty talks about his two new places, Discopussy and Lucky Day, plus what's next for Fremont East.

There's also a hell-ton of updates on the weird state of Las Vegas.

Take a listen.

It's a strange time for Las Vegas, but we're still giving you all the inside skinny on the shiniest place on Earth.

In this episode, we chat with Derek Stevens, owner of The D, Golden Gate and Circa. This is Stevens' most in-depth interview yet about the new casino resort coming to downtown Las Vegas.

We've also got a listicle about an Atari Hotel slated for Sin City, 10 things we'd love to see!

There's tons of scoop you won't find anywhere else!

Las Vegas casinos are open again, and we've got all the scoop about this surreal time.

Up first is an interview with Jonathan Jossel, CEO of Plaza Las Vegas.

We also speak with the co-host of Tipping the Odds Las Vegas podcast, epidemiologist Dr. Kevin Maki.

There's also the usual crap, so gird your loins.

There's so much good news, we're going to have our podcast let out. What does that even mean? Who the hell knows?

In this episode, we chat with Derek Stevens, owner of The D and Golden Gate, about giving away 2,000 free flights to Las Vegas.

We also get a sneak preview of plans for Ahern Hotel, formerly the Lucky Dragon. Chef Marc Sgrizzi talks about his new restaurant, Chef Marc's Italian Steakhouse, and also tells us how to pronounce his name.

There's lots of news about casinos reopening, and the usual rambling. Take a listen!

It's time for another slapdash episode of the Vital Vegas podcast!

In this episode, we chat with an escort about the challenges facing sex workers during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Finally, we've got your attention.

It's time to talk about what's next for Vegas, because things are pretty bleak at the moment.

We chat with international entertainment titan, Ross Mollison, the producer of three hit Vegas shows: "Absinthe" at Caesars, "Opium" at Cosmo and "Atomic Saloon" at Venetian.

Plus, we read some mean reviews and share the first 10 things we're doing when Vegas gets back online.

While coronavirus isn't the only thing happening in Las Vegas right now, it feels like it. In this episode, we talk about the Vegas shut-down, the impact it's having on the casino industry and what the future of Las Vegas could be.

We also provide Captain Morgan-fueled answers to tons of questions from Twitter, with our special guest Melissa Vegas, our shelter-in-place partner.

This might not be the most feel-good episode of the podcast, it's not like you have anything better to do, so take a listen.

The Hard Rock hotel-casino has closed to become Virgin, and we've got an exclusive interview with Richard "Boz" Bosworth, CEO of JC Hospitality, the executive in charge of the transition.

Also, Circa owner Derek Stevens talks about five restaurants coming to the new downtown resort in Dec. 2020.

Plus, there's a metric ass-ton of Vegas news and some requisite rambling. Take a listen!

In this stunningly forgettable episode, we talk about the awesome and sucky things that happened in 2019. There's also Las Vegas news and a fair amount of rambling. You know, the usual.

It's just so much. Strap in.

So much Vegas scoop, so little bandwidth!

Get the latest about the Circus Circus sale (no, it hasn't been announced yet, that's how we roll), Hooters becoming Oyo, annoying service charges on cocktails and more.

Oh, and we're even flexing into the sportsball space with a listicle about the newly-renovated Wynn golf course.

This episode has it all!

Actually, we decided to make it less than all so we'd have more time for Twitter. Don't be butthurt.

There's still a great interview with the V.P. of Table Games at The Strat, inside scoop from Hard Rock as it transitions to Virgin and more.

It's the first episode of season three of the podcast, and we're off to a rambling start!

We interview Patrick Hughes, President and CEO of Fremont Street Experience, and scoop all the scoop you could ever want about Las Vegas.

Oh, and there will also be grasshoppers. It was a thing for a minute.

It's the final episode of the first season of the podcast, and possibly the last episode, ever!

Probably not, but we like a little drama.

We interview former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, review Piff the Dragon at Flamingo and hear from friends about our 100th episode.

Enjoy the dog and pony show while you can!

Enjoy a metric hell-ton of Vegas scoop you won't hear anywhere else. Some of it's actually true.

It's another action-packed installment of the Vital Vegas podcast, despite what your ears tell you.

It's the usual Vegas stuff. We have to talk about Vegas. It's in the name of the podcast.

Let's talk Chica.

Let's talk Urth Caffe.

Let's talk MGM 2020.

Let's talk Circa Las Vegas.

Let's talk Wynn.

Let's talk all the news we've broken in the last couple of weeks, because we're pretty badass

In this episode, we interview the guys from the Matt & Mattingly's Ice Cream Social podcast.

We also review a new restaurant at The Strat, Blvd. & Main Taphouse, and "Absinthe" as it celebrates its eighth year on The Strip as well as chairs that could also be used as torture devices.

We don't just break news, we send it home crying to its mommy.

Hey, we don't know what that means, either. Just listen. 

Listen for restaurant reviews, tips for getting the most from your Vegas visit and exclusive stories you won't hear anywhere else.

It's the same old tired rambling, but with some actual video poker information that might make you rich.

Man, alive, there's a metric hell-ton of Vegas in this episode.

Some ground covered: SLS update, The Strat rebrand and the fake straw ban.

Also, get the scoop about the Steakhouse at Circus Circus.

You know, the typical dog and pony show, but "enhanced."

At last, the new name of the downtown hotel at 18 Fremont has been named: Circa Resort & Casino. We've got an in-depth interview with Circa's owner, Derek Stevens.

There's also tons of breaking news, including our the state of our love life.

It's all the usual drivel, but with more sexual tension.

In this very rushed episode, we chat with James Trees, chef at Esther's Kitchen.

We've also got the latest Las Vegas news.

And "A Very Pappy Christmas." Lower your expectations.

There's "12 Days of Las Vegas Christmas" and so much more.

In this vapid and meandering installment of the Vital Vegas Podcast, we dive headlong into everything Vegas!

Mostly, we rely on a fascinating interview with Christina Binkley, author of "Winner Takes All," a New York Times bestselling book about Steve Wynn, Gary Loveman and Kirk Kerkorian.

How we got someone so cool to be on our show, we'll never know.

There's also the usual dreck including Vegas news and a listicle we spent approximately four minutes on.

Listen, anyway! Like you have anything better to do.

This episode is guaranteed to have 145% more Las Vegas than any comparable podcast.

We do news. We do rumors. We do luck.

And an origin story.

How about spending less time reading descriptions and more time listening, already.

In this wildly disappointing episode, we chat about the newly-released "Best of Las Vegas" awards.

We'll also talk about what Vegas has that other places don't, and you'll witness a classic battle of the sexes where the women definitely loses. Probably.

We are not a cat person, yet we clash with one in this episode.

Beyond that thrilling battle of wills, we've got the usual news and nonsense.

It's a month's worth of news jammed into an hour!

We cover a metric hell-ton of ground in this episode, with a review of Barry Manilow's new show at Westgate, saucy tales about a night out with a sex worker, news and things you should do during your next Vegas visit.

Stop nagging us about "What's this show about?" We're not here to answer your questions, we're here to drink and gamble.

It's the usual crap.

This is where we usually describe what's in the show, but you're an adult. You don't have to be spoon-fed. The show's name has "Vegas" in it, so you sort of know what you're getting.

Seriously, this episode is pretty much all about sex.

We chat with Kristy Auli, Media/Sponsorship Coordinator for Menage Life, the company hosting the world's largest orgy in Las Vegas.

Then we find out more about the Burlesque Hall of Fame attraction from its Exec. Director, Dustin Wax.

We also share details of the march planned for International Whores Day.

All that, and a list of 10 sexy things in Las Vegas.

We're spent.

In this week's show, we interview comedian Tom Green.

There's also something about the Vegas Golden Knights, of course.

And four new venues at the Palms.

And there's also someone taking her clothes off.

You know, the usual.

In this episode, it's wall-to-wall Vegas and ceiling-to-floor scoop!

Or something.

For starters, we chat exclusively with Derek Stevens, owner of The D and Golden Gate casinos, about his new resort at 18 Fremont.

We also drop some skinny about a potential sale of Cosmopolitan to Hard Rock International, as well as rumors about the buyer of Mandarin Oriental.

All that and probably a listicle of some sort. Just listen, already.

There's so much Vegas in this episode, you'll need to book another seat.

Or something.

This is easily the most episode 76 we've ever done!

Hear from Ellis Island about its 50th birthday, and we check out new skill-based games at The D, Planet Hollywood and Venetian.

We've also got a list of Las Vegas resorts that never happened.

Listen if you need a Vegas fix, and don't we all?

This episode is all about this adage: "Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn."

Not really, but that quote makes us sound profound.

Just listen, already.

It's about Las Vegas. What more do you need to know?

We just got our quarter millionth download, so we don't have to write descriptions anymore.

The Steve Wynn sexual harassment scandal is in full effect, and we've got some thoughts.

We also have some germs.

OMG, so many words.

It's the 70th episode of this podcast and boy are our arms tired.

Get all the news, skinny and blather you've come to expect from this dog and pony show.

It's a metric ass-ton of Vegas, baby!

We rattle off 69 exclusives, then at minute 69, we share an interview with the general manager of Lyft Las Vegas who recently turned 69.

Then we dive into this week's listicle, "69 Fun Facts About Roulette."

Later, we get a first-person review of "Magic Mike," the 69th show to open on the Las Vegas Strip since 1969.

Look, just listen and keep a bucket of cold water nearby.

Welcome to the final episode of the first season of the Vital Vegas Podcast, voted the #11 best Las Vegas podcast!

We've got all the skinny about a new attraction at Bally's, Twilight Zone Minigolf, as well as an enlightening conversation with to Irish visitors.

There's news, a hastily slapped-together listicle of the week and so much less.

Listen. Learn. And possibly cringe.

Just listen, already, we're busy with lady parts.

You can never have too much Las Vegas news, but we're going to do our best to change that.

Listen in to get exclusive scoop about the world's most exciting city.

This week's listicle is 22 new and renovated things coming to the Palms.

We also talk Fly Linq ziplines, progress at Las Vegas Club's demolition, three robberies at M Resort, and rumors about Britney, the Cosmo and SLS.

As a special bonus, we make a visit to the Love Store. Oh, we finally have your attention.

It's all the Vegas your growing brain needs.

Get everything you need to get the most out of your next Las Vegas visit.

Basically, we're too drunk to type out the specifics, so just take a leap of faith and listen.

Why the hell are we playing an interview with Coolio? We have no idea!

We also share lots of juicy scoop about Vegas, so there's something for everyone.

We're back and talking up the north end of The Strip, rounding up all the latest Las Vegas news and more.

Listen like nobody's watching.

This isn't what we ever intended this podcast to be. It's about something horrific that's shocked Las Vegas and the world.

This episode is OK to skip. We'll be back to the usual dog and pony show soon.