The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

What happens when you combine world-class juggling, sharp comedy, a fitted bed sheet and Metallica? You get comedian and entertainer Ivan Pecel!

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” I sit down with Ivan, performing at the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas October 26–November 1. Ivan shares how he got his start juggling “out of spite,” landed a performance at Six Flags Magic Mountain at just 13, and discovered the act that would change his life after seeing juggler Mark Nizer at age 15.

Despite going to college, Ivan followed his passion, hit the road after graduation and eventually spent nearly a decade performing in Las Vegas. Today, his show blends juggling with comedy—and apparently, everything he needs fits into one case. His unconventional routines even include folding a fitted bed sheet choreographed to Metallica!

We also talk about his parents’ support, how comedy has evolved, his love of performing, and why Steve Martin and Johnny Cash rank among his favorite entertainers.

It's an entertaining conversation about taking an unconventional path, finding your own style and turning an unexpected talent into a career.
Listen to “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira” for the stories behind the performers who make Las Vegas one of a kind.
Catch Ivan Pecel at the Laugh Factory, Horseshoe Las Vegas, October 26–November 1.
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55 YEARS TOGETHER, A LIFETIME OF 'WOW!' — SILVIA & VICTOR TAKE CENTER STAGE IN LAS VEGAS

What does it take to keep audiences saying “WOW!” after a lifetime in show business? On this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” I sit down with Silvia and Victor of “WOW — The Vegas Spectacular" at the Rio Las Vegas, celebrating nine years at the property with more than 3,500 performances!
Silvia is a fifth-generation circus performer and Las Vegas’s only crossbow artist, while Victor is a fourth-generation juggler from Argentina. Their extraordinary journey began at a circus in South America, led to marriage at a young age, and has now spanned an in-credible 55 years together.
We talk about their remarkable careers, the discipline and preparation behind their perfor-mances, Silvia’s pre-show prayers, Victor’s journey into juggling, and how they balance life and work together 24 hours a day. Plus, discover how Silvia got her distinctive stage name and why, after all these years, they still love what they do.
From generations of circus tradition to the excitement of the Las Vegas stage, Silvia and Victor prove that the magic of live entertainment never gets old.
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DUSTIN MARKS — THE BLACKJACK CHEAT WHO BEAT THE CASINOS

How do you beat Las Vegas casinos at their own game—and get away with it more than 500 times? On this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” I talk with Dustin Marks, author of "How I Did It and Got Away With It—Principles and Stories from Cheating at the Blackjack Table" and cohost of the podcast “Cheating at Blackjack.”
Dustin reveals how he used sleight of hand, sophisticated computer technology and a carefully constructed strategy to cheat at blackjack as both a player and a dealer during the 1980s. He eventually walked away after four years, ending his gambling career in 1990. Today, he shares his unusual expertise as a casino consultant, public speaker and podcast host. He also performs magic, having b een introduced to that world at age seven,
We discuss why cheating is harder today, how lessons from the casino floor can apply to the corporate world, his philosophy of “go for longevity,” and his unexpected partnership with a diamond thief. It's a fascinating look at casino deception, risk, and the fine line be-tween getting away with it and getting caught.

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ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY: THE MUSICAL ADVENTURE THAT WAS NEVER SUPPOSED TO LAST

What started with "Red Dust and Spanish Lace" was never supposed to become a long-running musical adventure. In fact, Acoustic Alchemy guitarist Greg Carmichael originally thought that recording the album might be the end of the story.
Instead, it was just the beginning.
On this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” I talk with Greg Carmichael about the remarkable journey of Acoustic Alchemy, the band’s distinctive blend of steel-string and nylon-string guitars, and why he always wanted to be part of a band rather than perform as a solo artist.
We talk about their very first track, “Mr. Chow,” their first American gig in Dallas, and the unexpected musical adventure involving Richard Branson. Greg also discusses the evolution from working with record companies to producing Acoustic Alchemy’s own albums—and what that creative freedom means for the music.
Acoustic Alchemy is known for creating what Greg describes as “songs without words”—highly melodic, almost cinematic instrumental pieces that tell stories without lyr-ics. Their catalog is almost entirely original, with the notable exception of their interpretation of “Take Five.”
And here's something that might surprise you: despite the freedom and spontaneity of their live performances, Acoustic Alchemy doesn't typically improvise when recording its songs. Greg explains why—and how those same compositions can stretch and evolve when performed in concert.
We also talk about Greg's favorite Acoustic Alchemy album, Back On The Case, and the enduring appeal of a band that has built a career around melody, musicianship and an unmistakable sound.
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