The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Roger Gros, editor-at-large of "Global Gaming Business" and host of three industry podcasts.

Roger shares his unlikely journey into the gaming world—starting out as a musician before heading to Atlantic City to perform. That trip led him to a job dealing cards at Caesars Atlantic City, a move that eventually launched a decades-long career covering the casino industry as one of its most respected journalists.

In this episode, Roger discusses how dramatically the media landscape has changed over the years and reveals the most surprising transformation he’s witnessed in gaming. He explains the rapid rise of online gaming and sounds the alarm about prediction markets—a new betting-style system where participants don’t place bets but instead “trade” on out-comes.

Roger also talks about protecting the integrity of gaming, the role of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and highlights the often overlooked innovators shaping the modern casino industry.

Along the way, he makes a spirited case that Elvis Presley and Howard Hughes both de-serve a place in the Gaming Hall of Fame.

Now based in Boulder City, Nevada, where he’s lived for the past 20 years, Roger keeps close tabs on the gaming world while producing three podcasts: “The Boulder City Podcast,” “The Gaming Legacy Podcast,” and the “GGB Podcast,” where he interviews both veter-an legends and today’s industry leaders—including his first “Gaming Legacy Podcast” guest, Jack Binion.

He also explains why he prefers recording interviews in person whenever possible—and shares whether he’s optimistic about the future of Las Vegas.
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Inside the Story of Harry Reid’s Rise to Power — With Jon Ralston

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with veteran political journalist Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent and author of "The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight."

In a candid and fascinating conversation, Jon reflects on his complicated, sometimes turbulent relationship with legendary Nevada senator Harry Reid—a political powerhouse who rose from humble beginnings in Searchlight, Nevada to become one of the most in-fluential figures in Washington.

Jon shares why he once doubted Reid could win a Senate seat—describing him as having “no charisma” and “the limpest handshake I ever experienced”—and how Reid’s quiet determination, relentless strategy, and behind-the-scenes maneuvering proved him wrong.

The episode explores Reid’s complex personality, the tension between his private political machinations and his public image, and the moments when Reid pushed back against Jon’s reporting. Jon also recounts how Reid unexpectedly gave him the green light in 2021 to finally write the book he had long wanted to write—granting access to his vast archives at University of Nevada, Reno and sitting for 24 Zoom interviews before his death.

With more than 1,000 boxes of records and 12 million digital files, Jon uncovered surprising material—including FBI files on Reid—and insights into the senator’s rise, his strategic brilliance, and his determination to make Nevada a national political force.
Jon also discusses Reid’s mentorship under former Nevada governor Mike O'Callaghan, his role in passing the Affordable Care Act, and why Reid believed that Democrats needed to learn how to fight politically—both in Nevada and across the country.

The result is a nuanced portrait of an “incredibly complex guy” whose influence reshaped American politics.
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Talking With Patrick Lindsey – March 2, 2026

This week, Ira sits down with Patrick Lindsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, for a high-octane conversation about one of the city’s most electrifying weekends of the year.

With the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube roaring into town March 15, along with the LiUNA NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race on March 14, Patrick shares what makes race weekend in Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.

From his 20-year career in the golf world to re-learning the fast-paced culture of NASCAR, Patrick talks about the evolution of the sport, the massive and immersive Speedway property, and why this venue delivers both an affordable family experience and a high-end VIP weekend inside the exclusive Blackjack Club.

With strong support from the Las Vegas Strip and a property built to impress, the Speedway isn’t just a racetrack — it’s a destination.

Buckle up. This episode takes you behind the scenes of one of the biggest sports weekends in Las Vegas.

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Talking With Phillip-Michael Scales – February 23, 2026

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.
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