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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

Your Guide to March 2025 in Las Vegas

You already know our March Guide is the best way for you to make the most of March in Las Vegas. Andrew Kiraly, publisher of thelist.vegas, joins hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler to go over show-stopping experiences, mouth-watering food options, and a couple of kickers you won’t want to miss. If you like our outdoor options, be sure to check out our guide to the Ice Age Fossils State Park ! If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you , with episodes and articles to...

Feb 27, 202529 min

The Best (And Worst) Classic Vegas Movies

How well do you know your Vegas film lore? With the Oscars coming up, we’re bringing back a conversation that co-host Dayvid Figler had with writer and professor Greg Crosby about the best (and worst) representations of Las Vegas on film. Spoiler: “Showgirls” (1995) gets nods for both the best AND worst. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 26th episode: Treefort Music Fest Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm . You can also ...

Feb 26, 202521 min

Your Guide to Everything New at Town Square

When Town Square Las Vegas opened in 2007, it was a unique destination for the city. But as Las Vegas grew and evolved, the excitement surrounding the space faded. Now, with new attractions and restaurant openings, is Town Square worth a second look for Las Vegas locals? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Hey Las Vegas newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess to explore everything new at the revitalized Town Square. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode: Treefort Music Fest Want...

Feb 25, 202525 min

Surprising Truths About Our Desert Tortoises

Spring is here, which means that desert tortoises will soon be emerging from brumation (that’s hibernation for reptiles) — but as they venture out into the sunshine, they face increasing dangers every year, from cars, solar projects, and even ravens. So we’re bringing back a conversation that co-host Sarah Lohman had with wildlife biologist Beth Wolff last year about all the things that make desert tortoises so unique and fragile, and what you should do when you encounter one. Learn more about t...

Feb 24, 202522 min

Another Henderson Police Scandal, Public Funds for Homeless Campus, and Year-Round Horror in Las Vegas

Welcome to this week’s Friday news roundup, where we break down the top headlines from around Las Vegas. In today’s episode, you’ll hear about the transparency issues surrounding yet another Henderson police chief asked to step down, the surprising percentage of public funds slated for the Campus of Hope, and a year-round immersive horror experience coming to Las Vegas. Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Nevada Current journalist Michael MJ Lyle. Learn more about the sponsors ...

Feb 21, 202535 min

2025's Must-Try Vegas Coffee Shops

Las Vegas may not be known for its coffee, but locals know our coffee scene is thriving and evolving every year. Join co-host Sarah Lohman as she sits down with local coffee blogger Melissa Martinez ( @meliscafecito on Instagram) to explore the best coffee spots in the valley, from beloved long-time favorites to the latest trendy cafés. Tune in for insider tips on where to find the best brews and pastries, and discover the exciting new trends shaping Las Vegas' growing coffee culture. Mentioned ...

Feb 20, 202524 min

What the Boring Company’s Actions in Vegas Signal About DOGE

Last month, we published an investigation in collaboration with ProPublica, shedding light on Elon Musk’s Boring Company operating in Las Vegas with little government oversight . Since then, Musk’s influence within the Trump administration has only grown as he seemingly heads the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. In his capacity as an employee of the White House Office, Musk has been interviewed alongside the president , publicly advocating for cuts to agencies like USAID . As this ...

Feb 19, 202524 min

Can Vintage Motels Help Solve Homelessness?

Clark County’s public camping ban went into effect this month, following previously passed bans in the City of Las Vegas and Henderson. As waitlists for housing grow, we explore an innovative new program by U.S.VETS that turned the vintage Safari Motel on Fremont Street into housing. Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with the National Director of Executive Leadership Shalimar Cabrera to hear about the achievements and hurdles of the experiment as they pursue funding renewal. Looking for services o...

Feb 18, 202524 min

Proposed Tax Change for Education, Mayor Goodman’s Legacy, and The Sphere’s First Boy Band

After over 200 days, it finally rained in Las Vegas but that’s not the only news this week. For our weekly news roundup, we discuss the legislature’s quick decision to tackle egg prices, a proposed tax revamp to increase school funding, and Mayor Goodman’s legacy . Plus, the newest residency at the Sphere means that Backstreet’s back. Alright? Education advocate Patricia Haddad Bennett joins City Cast co-host Dayvid Figler and producer Layla Muhammad. Don’t forget to vote for City Cast Las Vegas...

Feb 14, 202532 min

The Surprising Story Behind the Ethel M Chocolate Factory

Nothing says “Valentine’s Day” in Las Vegas like Ethel M Chocolates . Since 1981, this Henderson-based chocolate factory has been crafting premium sweets and boozy treats, and testing new flavors. To celebrate the holiday, we’re bringing a conversation co-host Sarah Lohman had with chief chocolatier Mark Mackey about Ethel M’s surprising origin story, and why Las Vegas is the perfect place for a chocolate factory. Also, be sure to vote for us for Best Vegas Podcast ! Want to get in touch? Follow...

Feb 13, 202521 min

This Year's Biggest Showdowns in the Nevada Legislature

Now that Nevada’s 2025 legislative session is underway, what are the biggest showdowns we might see over the next four months, and what can Las Vegans especially be keeping an eye out for? Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus sits down with co-host Dayvid Figler to talk about budget battles , Uber vs “billboard lawyers,” the impact of our divided government, and how the state might respond to potential cuts at the federal level. There’s still time to vote for us for Best Vegas Podcas...

Feb 12, 202524 min

The Wildest Vegas Projects That Were Never Built

A lot of wild ideas get launched in Vegas and we’re home to the weirdest combination of architecture on the planet. But is there another Vegas, an even weirder version, that was never built? As the city waits to see if the A’s baseball stadium will break ground this year, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with UNLV history professor Michael Green to run through the wildest Vegas projects that were never built. Don’t forget to vote for us for Best Vegas Podcast! Want to get in touc...

Feb 11, 202524 min

Fremont Street Secrets to Impress Your Friends

Whatever you might think of the Fremont Street Experience, or however well you think you know downtown Las Vegas, we’ve got you covered with our take on the street’s best-kept secrets and surprises. Today, our resident Vegas insiders, co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, along with newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess, dish on their favorite Fremont Street hidden gems: From glimpses of the Las Vegas of yesteryear, to the best eats and drinks you never knew you needed. Want to get in touch? Foll...

Feb 10, 202527 min

Nevada Loses Millions in Solar Funds, Unlicensed Doctors Arrested, and the Strip Loses Power

This unusually warm weather was not the only news keeping Las Vegans on their toes this week. Nevada just lost millions of dollars in solar energy funds after President Trump cut access to the Inflation Reduction Act, Metro police responded to reports of an unlicensed doctor’s office causing multiple people to become ill, and chaos ensued from a power outage on the Strip. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by thelist.vegas editor Andrew Kiraly for this week’s news roundup. Learn ...

Feb 07, 202533 min

The Most Romantic Restaurants in Las Vegas

Las Vegas might not be Paris, but we hold our own as a destination for lovebirds — so where can you find the most romantic dinners in Las Vegas? Co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by food influencers Giselle D’Souza of Nothing To Do LV Eats and Phil Tzeng, aka Las Vegas Fill, and they share their favorite swoon-worthy dinners in town, at every price point. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 6th episode: Aroma Retail Makers and Finders Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on In...

Feb 06, 202522 min

Myths About Vegas That Are Actually True

Las Vegas is a city of many tall tales — but sometimes, the outlandish stories actually turn out to be true. Today, writer Corey Levitan, creator of the Vegas Myths Busted column at Casino.org, quizzes City Cast Las Vegas co-host Dayvid Figler and Hey Las Vegas newsletter editor Rob Kachelriess with a game of “two lies and a truth.” Play along and see if you can spot the wild-but-true tales about Elvis, Siegfried and Roy, Steve Wynn, and more. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th e...

Feb 05, 202521 min

Before You Buy a Home in Las Vegas, Listen to This

Despite efforts to increase housing stock, as the Las Vegas Valley expands its borders and lawmakers push to open more federal land for development , buying a house in this city is still more expensive than ever. While homeownership may seem unachievable in this economy, Nia Girma from the Nevada Housing Division offers a different perspective. She sits down with co-host and new homeowner Sarah Lohman to break down what makes homeownership in Las Vegas more affordable than you might think. Learn...

Feb 04, 202525 min

Inside the World’s Biggest Porn Convention

For decades now , the Adult Video Network (AVN) has held the Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE) in Las Vegas — it’s popularly billed as a porn convention, though it also features seminars, workshops, a floor of adult products, and an awards ceremony (aka “the Oscars of porn”). In other words, it’s a big deal. So we sent co-host Sarah Lohman and burlesque entertainer Dirty Martini to walk the floor last week and tell us what really goes on at the world’s largest porn convention, and why it matters. L...

Feb 03, 202525 min

Why Nevada’s Eggs Are So Expensive, Soaring Auto Insurance Rates, and a Museum of Ice Cream

Thanks to the avian flu outbreak, eggs are more expensive than ever, if they’re even in stock — but an obscure Nevada law passed in 2021 could also be part of the reason that our eggs are twice as expensive as the national average. Today, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with Channel 8 morning anchor John Langeler to discuss the rising price of eggs, why auto insurance is so much more expensive in Las Vegas, and why the soon-to-arrive Museum of Ice Cream could be just the dose of...

Jan 31, 202534 min

Your Guide to February 2025 in Las Vegas

Still at a loss for what to do this Valentine’s Day? Fear not, we’ve got you covered with your guide to all the best events and recommendations for February in Las Vegas. Not only will you hear some unique date ideas, you’ll get the inside scoop on Super Bowl events, dining experiences, and even a sound bath with horses?! Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess and The Town Magazine editor Melinda Sheckells to plan out your month in Las Vegas. Want more dining r...

Jan 30, 202530 min

Inside the World of Competitive Eating in Las Vegas

Move over, hockey. Forget UFC. The hottest sport in Las Vegas this weekend is competitive eating: Contestants at the World Bagel Eating Championship will vie for a $10,000 prize and a year of bragging rights. To honor the occasion, we’re bringing back a conversation co-host Dayvid Figler had with local competitive eater Derek Hendrickson. Derek explains how he got into the sport, how he trains, and how to tackle the food challenges around town, from easy (a 2-pound burrito) to nearly-impossible ...

Jan 29, 202523 min

What’s In and What’s Out in Las Vegas This Year?

New year, new Las Vegas? Today, we are predicting the biggest trends in Las Vegas for 2025 and the trends on their way out. From controversial food takes to where locals could be spending more time this year, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by local artist Justin Favela to share their picks. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyo...

Jan 28, 202524 min

Sen. Rosen Defends Working With Republicans

Nevada is red again, which is really to say that we’ve been purple all along — and perhaps no one knows this better than Senator Jacky Rosen, who has made bipartisanship a cornerstone of her brand. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with the Senator to discuss how she’s working with Republicans, from her controversial vote on the Laken Riley bill, to three new bills she is cosponsoring with Senate Republicans, aimed at improving housing affordability, removing taxes on tips, and expanding af...

Jan 27, 202522 min

Did the ‘Oscars of Porn’ Help the Culinary Strike? Plus, Metro on Deportations and Henderson’s City Council Drama

This week in extremely Vegas news: The country’s biggest adult entertainment convention, AVN’s Adult Entertainment Expo, kicked off at Virgin Hotels while the Culinary Union continued its strike at the property. As a growing number of adult entertainers vowed to boycott the convention and the awards ceremony (considered the “Oscars of porn”), Culinary announced that they had at last reached a deal with Virgin this Wednesday. So how much of a role did the AEE play in helping the strike come to a ...

Jan 24, 202531 min

The Hottest New Food Neighborhoods in Vegas

Outside of the Strip, the Arts District and Chinatown are our two most vibrant foodie neighborhoods — but they’ve now got some competition. Today, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with food writer and Neon Feast founder Al Mancini about three new up and coming neighborhoods that are emerging as dining destinations. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey —it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone...

Jan 23, 202521 min

The Raiders’ Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Year

The Las Vegas Raiders have had a tumultuous couple of seasons, marked by staffing turnovers (going through two head coaches AND two general managers in the last two years), a high-profile DUI charge , and oh yeah, quarterback drama . Unsurprisingly, they also had a dismal 4-13 season. What’s going on? Could co-owner Tom Brady be the answer, and will the Raiders ever be as beloved as homegrown teams like the Golden Knights and the Aces? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Heidi Fang, producer...

Jan 22, 202527 min

How the L.A. Fires Could Affect the Las Vegas Housing Market

The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have burned more than 30,000 acres and destroyed thousands of homes since starting on January 7th. With tens of thousands residents displaced, could Las Vegas see even more Californians moving here? Co-host Dayvid Figler asks UNLV economist Nicholas Irwin how much pressure this could put on our strained housing market and what Las Vegas could do to prepare. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 21st episode: Black Mountain Institute Want to get in to...

Jan 21, 202524 min

State of the State Surprises, Kyle Canyon Eyes Expansion, and R.I.P. to a Lounge Legend

Governor Lombardo delivered his second State of the State address Wednesday night — and lucky for you, we watched it so you don’t have to. Co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by TheList.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly and political observer Jacob Solis, and they break down Lombardo’s ambitions for Nevada, and whether this foreshadows another showdown with our majority-Democratic legislature this spring. Next up, the team tackles the city’s plan to expand housing development ever closer to Mt. Charleston...

Jan 17, 202537 min

The Surprising History of Dry January

Las Vegas is known for its booze-soaked fun, but every year, a growing number of us are hopping on the Dry January bandwagon for a month of alcohol abstinence. Today, we bring back a conversation with co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, a culinary historian. They talk about how Dry January made its way from frontier America to British millennials, and how the non-alcoholic beverages movement has found a foothold in Las Vegas. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or ...

Jan 16, 202521 min

Can Legal Cannabis Deliver on Its Promise to Fund Education?

Our first dispensaries opened in Las Vegas 10 years ago — advocates for cannabis legalization had promised a tax revenue jackpot, earmarked for education, that would save our schools. But that windfall never really happened, and since 2021, cannabis revenue has actually dropped and flatlined. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Riana Durrett, director of the Cannabis Policy Institute at UNLV, and asks: What happened? And is 2025 the year cannabis finally makes money? Want to get in touch? Fo...

Jan 15, 202522 min
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