City Cast Las Vegas - podcast cover

City Cast Las Vegas

City Cast Las Vegas is a daily podcast and newsletter created by and for locals (and locals-at-heart) that’ll challenge the easy narratives about our city … and, okay, maybe confirm a few of them, too. Las Vegas is a city of reinvention, bursting at the seams as it welcomes newcomers into its various incarnations as a service-worker union town, a military town, a college town, and, most recently, a sports town. There’s a four-mile street testifying to our entrepreneurial genius, not far from pockets of staggering inequality. Great wealth runs through our city, but how much of that actually stays in Vegas? We’re independent in spirit, but also ruled by orange traffic cones. Our 2.5 million residents anchor an ever-changing city of 42 million visitors. Join us every morning for the messy, delightful, complicated conversations that Las Vegans are having: You’ll hear us ask hard questions about where we’ll get our water when Lake Mead runs out, and how we’ll keep housing affordable. We’ll argue over our favorite Chinatown bars, and share insider tips on the best tacos in town. City Cast Las Vegas will show you how loving a city means celebrating it and also holding it accountable, while having some fun along the way—because Las Vegans know how to have a good time.
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Episodes

Are Palm Trees Bad for Vegas?

Despite palm trees showing up in iconic logos (farewell, Mirage ) and lining Las Vegas Boulevard, those spindly trees aren’t native to the Mojave Desert. In recent years, you might’ve heard grumbles that they’re water-guzzlers providing no real shade. You might’ve even seen the video of a palm tree bursting into flames during our most recent heat wave. But master arborist Lisa Ortega, founder of Nevada Plants , thinks that we might want to give palms another shot. Today, we bring back a conversa...

Jul 17, 202418 min

The Most Outrageous Things These Newsmakers Said

With another quarter of the year down, it’s time to revisit the most outrageous things public figures have said in and about Nevada in the news — we’re bringing back another round of “They Said What?” and it’s even wilder than before. Executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson quizzes co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman ( reigning “They Said What?” champ ) on quotes that include: “I swear, I just talked to God. I would give you all my money, stick my D in a blender, and swear off P for the rest of...

Jul 16, 202419 min

How Vegas Became the Wedding Capital of the World

The quickie Vegas wedding is basically a cultural trope at this point — and you can opt for almost any theme under the sun (we’re looking at you, Taco Bell wedding chapel ). But how did Las Vegas become the marriage capital of the world? Why is it connected to syphilis blood tests and the “divorce trade war,” and which Vegas parks got their starts as divorce ranches? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with writer Eric Duran-Valle, who recently wrote about tying (and untying) the knot for Desert Companio...

Jul 15, 202422 min

Biden and Harris Back in Vegas, How To Win Mirage Payout Money, and a Lawsuit Over… Heartbreak?

Kamala Harris was back in Las Vegas this week for a visit that many had anticipated would be an audition of sorts — would she sound, well, presidential? Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by TheList.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly to talk about the womp-womp careful neutrality of the event, but also how Harris might fare with Vegas voters. Next up, Dayvid explains why the Mirage’s $1.6 million “giveaway” isn’t exactly a giveaway — but also shares details from his visit and how...

Jul 12, 202432 min

How Ethel M Chocolates Creates Magic in the Desert

With this latest heat wave, it’s hard to imagine a chocolate factory would ever choose Las Vegas as a home base. Yet, in 1981, Ethel M Chocolates did just that. They’ve been crafting premium sweets and testing new flavors at their Henderson factory for over four decades. For an inside look at how they work with the desert climate, we are bringing back a conversation co-host Sarah Lohman had with chief chocolatier Mark Mackey. Mark also shares who Ethel M really was and why Las Vegas was the perf...

Jul 11, 202421 min

How Bad Is This Record-Breaking Heat, Really?

On Sunday, Las Vegas temperatures hit 120°F, breaking the all-time high-temperature record by 3 degrees. This comes in the middle of a historic heat wave across the entire West. But Las Vegas locals know how to deal with extreme heat — so is this pizza oven weather any different? Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with producers Sonja Cho Swanson and Layla Muhammad, both longtime locals, to talk about all the ways the heat has surprised us (or not) this summer, and our best tips for dealing with the...

Jul 10, 202421 min

Will Animal Shows Ever Be the Same After the Mirage?

The Mirage Hotel and Casino closes its doors for good on July 17th — so what’s happening to all of the animals that helped create this tropical fantasy paradise? Where did the dolphins and Siegfried and Roy’s tigers end up? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with University of Guelph history professor Susan Nance, who studies the history of animal entertainment on the Las Vegas Strip. She tells us how the Mirage kicked off an era of truly spectacular big animal shows — and why that era is coming ...

Jul 09, 202423 min

What Vegas Needs To Know About A’s Owner John Fisher

As the weeks go by and the A’s move to Las Vegas looks more and more like a done deal, we’re starting to ask ourselves: Just who exactly have we invited into our community? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with sports writer Dan Moore, who’s written extensively about the saga of the A’s relocation. Are any of A’s owner John Fisher’s claims fair? What was his track record in Oakland — and can Las Vegas expect better treatment from this heart-breaker? Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th ...

Jul 08, 202423 min

Where to Drink in Las Vegas Right Now

Look, when it’s pushing 115F, it’s only natural to keep our social activities confined to the nighttime hours — and lucky for us, Las Vegas has an incredible nightlife scene. So we’re bringing back an episode co-host Sarah Lohman and Neon News editor-in-chief Gemini Stevens recorded this spring about the hottest new bars in Las Vegas: It’s your guide for where to drink up and cool down this summer. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 5th episode here: Babbel Want to get in touch? Follow u...

Jul 05, 202424 min

Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman's story stacks up against the rest. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode here: Babbel Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here . We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram . You can also call or text ...

Jul 03, 202449 min

The Sphere’s Wild First Year

The Sphere said hello for the first time last year with a dazzling Fourth of July fireworks display that cemented its place on the Las Vegas skyline. Since then, the headlines haven’t stopped, from an anti-abortion advocate climbing up the side to think pieces about its impact on the future of Las Vegas entertainment. Standing out on Las Vegas Blvd is a hard task, but the Sphere draws attention with quirky emojis and displays to match major events like Formula 1 and the Super Bowl. But have loca...

Jul 02, 202425 min

How To Challenge What's Built in Your Neighborhood

After approval from the planning commission, the highly contested proposal for an LDS temple near Lone Mountain heads to the Las Vegas city council for a vote. Residents in the area warn that the 70,000-square-foot temple does not fit in their small neighborhood because of its height, light pollution, and potential for increased traffic. As these neighbors fight an uphill battle with developers and lobbyists, we wondered what is the most effective way to be heard about developments in your neigh...

Jul 01, 202423 min

F1 Ticket Controversy, Fake Electors Case Dismissed, and Life Is Beautiful Downsizes

Welcome to Friday, Las Vegas! The news this week is almost as hot as the asphalt. First, at least four county officials are the subject of an ethics probe for accepting free tickets to last year’s inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix — but is that fair? Also, the charges against six prominent Nevada Republicans for submitting fake elector documents in favor of Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election were dismissed in a Clark County courtroom . So what does this bode? And lastly, the L...

Jun 28, 202433 min

Your Guide to July in Las Vegas

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you , with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Las Vegas community. Whether you are braving out the summer heat or already have plans to leave town, our monthly guide has all the tips you need to make the most out of your July in Las Vegas. From heat-resistant snacks for road trips to free community workshops, tune in for activity recommendations that are worth leaving your house for. Did you miss our June guide...

Jun 27, 202424 min

How UFC Went From Misfit to Legit in Vegas

Before the Golden Knights, Raiders, or Aces were even a gleam in our city’s eye, the Ultimate Fighting Championship was our original hometown sport — homegrown local Dana White took it from an unregulated “ human cockfight ” to a multi-billion dollar industry that was even recently considered for inclusion in the Olympics. So today, co-host Dayvid Figler brings on a UFC legend to give us the insider’s guide to how it all happened: Fighter, commentator, and podcast host Chael Sonnen talks about h...

Jun 26, 202423 min

Will Casinos Ever Ban Smoking?

Last week, Caesars Entertainment shareholders voted down a proposal to study the effects of a possible smoking ban inside their properties. This comes after Bally’s and Boyd Gaming also rejected the same proposal from the American NonSmokers’ Rights Foundation. These casino operators all have properties in states where indoor smoking is banned, so why are they still holding on to indoor smoking in Las Vegas? Senior reporter Howard Stutz, who covers the gaming industry at the Nevada Independent, ...

Jun 25, 202423 min

Will Red Light Cameras Make Vegas Safer?

With Clark County’s traffic fatalities on the rise ( up 65% so far this year), Sheriff Kevin McMahill and traffic experts are putting forth a new solution: Red light cameras . These cameras are currently illegal in Nevada, largely on the grounds of protecting privacy and fighting “big brother.” Have we reached a tipping point? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Erin Breen, director of UNLV's Road Equity Alliance Project, to talk about the privacy, safety, and equity issues these red lig...

Jun 24, 202424 min

Why Bump Stocks Aren’t Banned, Real Water Pays Billions, and Nic Cage on Jury Duty

When the Supreme Court recently struck down the Trump-era ban on bump stocks, Las Vegans in particular took note — it was a bump stock that allowed the October 1 shooter to upgrade his weapon and cause so much carnage. So what happens to bump stock legislation now, and have we run out of all that bipartisan goodwill from the wake of the shooting? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler and executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson are joined by 8 News Now Morning anchor John Langeler. They talk about the bump s...

Jun 21, 202431 min

Is Pahrump Actually … Fun?

For many Las Vegans, the tiny town of Pahrump, about an hour outside of the city, exists as the butt of jokes, a dusty desert town with brothels, guns, and not much else. But today, Pahrump Valley Times sports editor Jimmy Romo joins co-host Sarah Lohman to tell her otherwise. He plans out a perfect day in Pahrump, which includes wineries, French pastries, a race car track, and, yes, a combo coffee-shop-and-gun store. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or email us at l...

Jun 20, 202420 min

Nevada’s Top Pundit Deconstructs the Primary

The votes are in and the dust has settled: So what can we learn from last week’s primary? Jon Ralston, CEO and editor of the Nevada Independent, sits down with co-host Dayvid Figler, to discuss what the results tell us about voter turnout, the Culinary Union’s power, and the prospects of June’s winners this November. Quick reminder: We’re off tomorrow for Juneteenth ( here’s a great list of ways to honor the holiday in Las Vegas) — so we’ll be back in your feeds on Thursday. Want to get in touch...

Jun 18, 202424 min

Why Do the Valley’s Top Water Users Keep Getting Away With It?

Every year, the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) releases its list of the top 100 residential water users — and every year, some of the same names show up at the top of the list: Casino moguls, professional athletes, and the wealthiest families in Las Vegas. So why does this list matter, and can it actually help us put a dent in our city’s water consumption? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Bronson Mack, Public Information Officer at LVVWD, about how these names end up on the list, ...

Jun 17, 202423 min

How the Primary Panned Out, Solar Scams, and More Mosquitoes Than Ever

Most of the major races in the June 11th Primary Election have now been called — and that’s partly because there were fewer ballots than ever to count. Aside from the abysmal turnout , what other surprises did this election hold for us? Andrew Kiraly from TheList.Vegas lays it out for co-host Sarah Lohman and newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess. The team also talks about a new state board intended to curb solar panel scams , and why we’re seeing the highest number of mosquitoes this early in the s...

Jun 14, 202433 min

What Steakhouse Trends Reveal About Las Vegas

Vegas is an old Western town, so that’s why steakhouses are such fixtures here … right? Well, not exactly. Culinary historian Sarah Lohman sits down with her co-host Dayvid Figler to trace the history of American steak from its home on the range, through the moneyed elite of NYC, and over to the casinos of Las Vegas. They talk about why our infamous steak and eggs breakfasts are so dang cheap, the rise of “clubstaurants,” and how one Vegas steakhouse out-bros them all (hint: DJs and a diamond-en...

Jun 13, 202424 min

Why Aren’t Brothels Legal in Clark County?

Nevada is the only state with legal prostitution — but only in certain counties. So why doesn’t Clark County, home to Sin City, have legal brothels? With prostitution arrests in the news again, we’re bringing back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had with UNLV sociology professor Barb Brents. They talk about why Clark County has held out against both decriminalizing prostitution and legalizing brothels, and what it would take to change those policies. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCas...

Jun 12, 202425 min

The Rocky History of Pride in Las Vegas

As the nation celebrates LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the city of Las Vegas holds off on throwing its Pride parade until October. While it might be obvious that the heat is a factor, there is also the surprising history of how Las Vegas struggled to become a queer-friendly city. Historian Dennis McBride is known as being the keeper of Las Vegas’s gay history. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with the lifelong Nevadan (born in Boulder City) to discuss the rocky history of Vegas’ acceptance of our LGBTQ+ co...

Jun 11, 202423 min

Why Speed Dating Is on the Rise in Vegas

The general consensus about dating in Las Vegas seems to be: Yes, it sucks everywhere, but it’s even worse in our tourist-clogged town. Could speed dating, the newest trend in romance, be the answer? Co-host Sarah Lohman recently went to three speed dating events in Las Vegas to find out. She sits down with executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson to talk about app fatigue, how the speed dating events of today incorporate technology, and what to look for in your next in-person dating event. Speed da...

Jun 10, 202424 min

An Airbnb Owner’s Massive Fine, the Absentee CCSD Trustee, and How Flava Flav Could Save Red Lobster

Short-term rentals are hardly a settled matter in the Valley: This week, a disgruntled homeowner sued the City of Las Vegas , claiming the $180k in fines levied against him for operating an illegal Airbnb were excessive and unconstitutional. But what’s really at the heart of this case? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus to discuss. Next, the team tackles the unusual case of CCSD Trustee Katie Williams who might be violating the law by ...

Jun 07, 202433 min

Why Grocery Store Dining Is Underrated

Most households stock their refrigerators and cupboards with items from a grocery store, but did you know you can also dine where you shop?! While we love new restaurants in this city, dining in at a grocery store can be an underrated way to save money while getting a great meal. We are bringing back this conversation with writer and City Cast contributor Brent Holmes, who tells co-host Dayvid Figler why grocery store dining is for everyone and shares the best meals from around the valley. We me...

Jun 06, 202420 min

Is ‘The Hangover’ Still Relevant 15 Years Later?

Today is the 15th anniversary of ‘The Hangover’s’ theatrical release. It made history as the highest-grossing R-rated comedy and arguably the most successful movie about Las Vegas. ‘The Hangover’ follows a group of friends in town for a bachelor party — chaos ensues when they wake up to a missing groom and destroyed hotel room with no memory of what happened. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with movie maven David Rosen from the Piecing It Together podcast to talk about the film’s impact and if i...

Jun 05, 202422 min

Does Summerlin Deserve Its Reputation?

Whether you’ve grown up in Vegas or just moved here, you probably know Summerlin as the bougie part of town with abundant public spaces and scenic views. Residents in other parts of the valley can sometimes feel animosity towards Summerlin because it just seems to receive more resources than other parts of the city — but is that fair? Historian Geoff Schumacher, VP of exhibits and programs at The Mob Museum, and our resident Summerlin local, executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson, join co-host Sar...

Jun 04, 202425 min
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