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

How to Get Outdoors in the Vegas Summer Heat

Yes, you could spend every summer hibernating or hopping from AC-chilled building to building. But there are actually ways to enjoy the outdoors even in the middle of a Vegas July (yes, for real!). Today, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Bertha Gutierrez, Nevada program director for the Conservation Lands Foundation. She shares her favorite sunrise spots, night hiking events, and vital safety tips for communing with nature at the height of summer. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 7th ep...

Jul 07, 202521 min

Is Las Vegas the Best Summer City in the US?

Sarah Lohman and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bring...

Jul 03, 202546 min

How to Have the Most Vegas Day Ever

Don't get us wrong — like every legit local, we love to complain about our city (especially when it's 103F outside). But we've decided that 702 Day, AKA July 2nd, is a totally real, not-made-up holiday at all, and on this day we will celebrate by planning the most Vegas day ever. Artist Justin Favela and co-host Dayvid Figler, both lifelong Las Vegans, tell co-host Sarah Lohman how they would spend an extremely Vegas day (and yes, it does involve their best tips for sneaking into hotel pools). W...

Jul 02, 202528 min

Your Guide to July 2025 in Las Vegas

If you're staying in Vegas this July, you're a real one — and we've got a whole episode of ideas for getting out of your house while staying out of the sun this month! Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by writer and poet laureate Vogue Robinson, and they share their expert insider tips for the best things to do, eat, and buy in Las Vegas this month. (And be sure not to miss our guide for where to view the fireworks in Vegas this year.) If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put toge...

Jul 01, 202530 min

The Political Dynasties of Las Vegas

You know the Goodmans (of Vegas mayoral fame) and the Reids (our airport's namesake) — but did you know that a surprising number of our politicians actually come from generations of elected power? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler talk with UNLV history professor Michael Green about the political dynasties of Las Vegas and if a legacy last name still matters as much as it used to. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram , or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm . You can al...

Jun 30, 202525 min

An ICE Scare in Vegas, the A's Game of Pretend, and Dolly's Vegas Comeback

Earlier this week, Broadacres Marketplace announced it was closing indefinitely due to the thread of ICE raids — this hub of the Valley's Hispanic community attracts over 15,000 people each weekend, so what ripple effects will we see from the closure? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with TheList.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly to discuss. They also tackle this week's ceremonial groundbreaking at the (possible, future, likely?) A's Stadium site, and universally beloved star Dolly Par...

Jun 27, 202535 min

How to Find the Best Food Trucks Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas is renowned for its world-class dining, but beyond the glittering Strip lies a vibrant, mobile culinary scene that’s gaining serious traction. Co-host Dayvid Figler chats with Las Vegas content creator Lydia Penn, who has been tracking the city’s top food trucks . From hidden gems in local neighborhoods to the challenges of running a restaurant on wheels, Penn shares insights from her behind-the-scenes exploration of this fast-growing food movement. Mentioned in this episode: Hibachi D...

Jun 26, 202523 min

How Fiber Internet Wrecked a Las Vegas Neighborhood

The pandemic showed us how crucial fast, reliable internet access is to modern life — but in one downtown neighborhood, the installation of fast fiber internet created horrific problems . Neighborhood advocate Patricia Haddad Bennett tells co-host Sarah Lohman how high-speed internet installation resulted in sewage overflows and home damage, blocked and towed vehicles, and paved-over landscaping. So how did "microtrenching," their new construction method, play out, and who is to blame? And cruci...

Jun 25, 202523 min

Getting to Know The Fruit Loop, Vegas’ New Historic Landmark

Just ahead of Pride Month, the Nevada Legislature voted on May 22 to designate Las Vegas’ longtime LGBTQ+ district, The Fruit Loop, as a historic landmark. Co-host Sarah Lohman speaks with Las Vegas PRIDE President Brady McGill and Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle to discuss the neighborhood’s evolution over the decades and what the designation means for its future. They also share local insight and tips for making the most of a night out in one of the city’s most storied hotspots. Learn ...

Jun 24, 202524 min

The Hidden Art of Las Vegas

With so much wealth concentrated in Las Vegas, it’s no surprise that our city has incredible art collections hidden in private homes or high-end casinos. We’ve also lost iconic pieces as casinos were demolished and collections were sold over the years. So where is all of this “lost” art, and will the people of Las Vegas ever get to see it? Co-host Dayvid Figler recently sat down with Heather Harmon, Executive Director of the future Las Vegas Museum of Art, for a ⁠live podcast taping⁠ at the Rita...

Jun 23, 202535 min

Here's What 13 US Cities Are Talking About This Summer | A City Cast Las Vegas Special

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Dayvid Figler and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 2Oth episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST...

Jun 20, 20251 hr

Is the A's Stadium Really, Truly, Actually Happening?

On Monday, the Oakland/Sacramento/Las Vegas A's will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking for their new stadium on the site of the old Tropicana hotel. But after years of will-they-won't-they debates, is this enough to settle the question? Are the A's really coming to Las Vegas? Co-host Dayvid Figler assembles a panel of experts who weigh in from all sides of this equation for a lively debate about the chances the A's will actually stick the landing in Las Vegas. Featured today: Mick Akers, sports b...

Jun 18, 202526 min

The Sun Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life

Summer officially starts this Thursday. With Las Vegas on track to hit ⁠record-breaking heat⁠ again this year, locals face heightened health risks, including an increased threat of skin cancer. Protection from the desert sun requires more than the bare minimum sunscreen application. Dr. Matthew Schwartz from Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada joins co-host Dayvid Figler to give the sunny details and dark realities of sun exposure in our city and what we should do to learn not to burn. Learn ...

Jun 17, 202522 min

Can Midtown Reshape the Downtown Arts District?

What does it take to build not just a building, but an entirely new neighborhood in Las Vegas? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with developers Weina Zhang and Anna Olin of Z Life, the woman-owned firm behind Midtown, a planned, high-density, mixed-use neighborhood north of the Arts District. The pair outlines their vision for a walkable urban district centered around condos, hotels, and local businesses, designed to support nearby workers. They also address concerns about affordability, gentrificatio...

Jun 16, 202520 min

Deportation Debates Heat Up, Help For a Sinking Neighborhood, and the Sphere Goes to Oz

Protests over ICE raids and deportations are heating up in Las Vegas, with Wednesday night's protests ending in tear gas and arrests. In the meantime, debates over whether Las Vegas is a "sanctuary city" continue — but what does that even mean? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by Channel 8 morning anchor John Langeler to discuss. Also: the residents of Windsor Park, a sinking neighborhood in North Las Vegas, finally get help, and the Wizard of Oz gets a splashy new debut at the...

Jun 13, 202535 min

Is There Still a Place for 'Old-School' Italian Restaurants in 2025?

Classic red sauce Italian food goes right back to the mobster days of Las Vegas — and we've got a long list of old school Italian-American restaurants that thrive in the halo of nostalgia. But the recent closure of Battista's Hole in the Wall got us wondering: How well do they hold up with the new wave of chef-driven, ingredient-forward Italian cuisine taking over our fine dining scene? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler chat with food critic John Curtas to discuss the best and the worst of...

Jun 12, 202524 min

Is Las Vegas Headed for a Recession?

Tourism and gambling have powered Las Vegas for decades — but with a historic decline in visitors and the uncertainty of a global trade war, many locals are starting to feel uneasy, even reminded of the 2008 recession. So how bad is it really, and what’s being done to protect the city’s future? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Shani Coleman from Clark County’s Office of Community and Economic Development and Andrew Woods from UNLV’s Center for Business and Economic Research about where things st...

Jun 11, 202528 min

How a YouTube Rivalry Turned Deadly on the Strip

Shootings aren't unheard of in a city as big as Las Vegas. But on Sunday night, a killing that appears to be targeted unfolded on a live YouTube stream in front of the Bellagio. Co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson and Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess to discuss everything we know so far. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: Slater's 50/50 - From Friday, June 13 through Father’s Day Sunday, every dad who dines in gets a FREE bottle of ou...

Jun 10, 202523 min

Henderson's Police and City Council Drama, Explained

Oh Henderson. The cushy Southern Nevada suburb is quickly garnering a reputation for more than just manicured lawns and HOAs — the drama over ousted police chief Hollie Chadwick has bled into City Council politics, and it's the stuff of Bravo TV: A cease and desist over affair rumors, transparency complaints over police bigotry, and snippy retorts in council meetings. To help us break it all down, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Review-Journal reporter Casey Harrison, who explains how all this ...

Jun 09, 202523 min

How Police Are Helping ICE, the Fate of an Old Golf Course, and Vegas' Next Weird Museum

City leaders were caught off guard late last week when the Department of Homeland Security listed Las Vegas as a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants. Despite the surprise, Sheriff Kevin McMahill says it's unrelated to Metro’s new agreement to cooperate with ICE . Co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson and Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle to unpack the policy shift. Plus, the team discusses a new buyer facing an old HOA dispute over plans for the lon...

Jun 06, 202535 min

The 'UnCommonly' Delicious History of Ice Cream

Recorded live at the UnCommons, this special episode features co-host and award-winning culinary historian Sarah Lohman as she explores the surprising history of ice cream — from its origins as a luxury treat to its rise as a local obsession. Discover why Las Vegas has a special place in the frozen dessert scene, and what makes crafting ice cream in the desert so unique. Hosted by City Cast Las Vegas contributor and TheList.Vegas editor Andrew Kiraly. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVeg...

Jun 05, 202526 min

A Quick and Dirty Guide to the 2025 Legislative Session

The 83rd session of the Nevada Legislature wrapped up Monday night and the reviews — well, our guest today, Nevada Independent Capital Bureau Chief Tabitha Mueller, tells co-host Sarah Lohman that it ended with more of a "whimper" than a "bang." So what exactly did our lawmakers get done for Southern Nevada, who came out looking good, and did Governor Lombardo keep his promise of "no new taxes?" Update: Governor Lombardo's health care bill, mentioned in this episode, was not approved by the Asse...

Jun 04, 202521 min

The Best Locals Casinos in Las Vegas

Las Vegas locals notoriously love to hate visiting the Strip — especially as parking fees come and go . Luckily, neighborhood casinos serve multiple purposes within the community. From movie theaters to great restaurants to random giveaways, these off-Strip spots seem to have it all. But which ones truly cater to locals? Long-time Las Vegan Heather Collins ( @raisedinvegas ) joins co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler to debate what qualifies as a locals casino and where to find the best deals...

Jun 03, 202526 min

Exploring the Old Spanish Trail at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas (Sponsored)

Episode Description: In this special bonus episode of City Cast Las Vegas, sponsored by the Nevada State Museum Las Vegas, co-host Dayvid Figler chats with Josef Diaz, the Curator of History and Material Culture, about their featured exhibit on the Old Spanish Trail — a 2,700-mile trade route that helped shape the American West. From the goods that moved between New Mexico and California to the hardships and hidden histories along the way, including Native American slavery, this conversation she...

Jun 02, 202516 min

Where Tourists and Locals Meet … Over Pinball

Destinations in Las Vegas often get slotted into one of two categories: It's either a spot for locals, or a spot for tourists. But one place stands out as a tourist attraction that's equally beloved by locals — and it just so happens to be co-host Dayvid Figler's favorite spot in Las Vegas. So today, Dayvid takes co-host Sarah Lohman on a tour of the Pinball Hall of Fame and explains how to make the most of your $10 in quarters, and why this unique, interactive museum is so special. If you enjoy...

Jun 02, 202523 min

Is the Fontainebleau Alright? Plus, a Vegas Population Boom and Cabbage Patch Billboards

Unexpected news came out of a recent Gaming Commission Board meeting — the Fontainebleau is ⁠under investigation⁠ for possible anti-money laundering violations. Then, Wednesday, news broke that the casino ⁠laid off⁠ dozens of dealers. Is the Fontainebleau OK? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Battle Born Progress press secretary Jacob Solis to discuss this and more: Why Las Vegas' population is growing at ⁠double the national rate⁠ , and what's up with all those Cabbage Patch...

May 30, 202534 min

Your Guide to June 2025 in Las Vegas

June brings triple digits , so we've got the best tips in town for coping with our own special version of seasonal depression: Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by Nevada Current reporter Michael MJ Lyle to talk about their favorite events, eats, and excursions to make your summer not just bearable, but delightful. We’ve updated this episode to remove an error: In the original version, we stated that entry to Nevada state parks is free on Juneteenth (June 19). While that’s true ...

May 29, 202527 min

All the Celebrities You Didn't Know Live In Vegas

When Mark Wahlberg moved to Las Vegas, the headlines quickly followed — Marky Mark has officially joined the pantheon of celebrities like Nic Cage and Celine Dion who call Vegas home. But what about the lower-profile celebs who aren't slinging tequila cocktails around town? Today, executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson quizzes our co-hosts, Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, about the celebrities you maybe didn't know live in Las Vegas. Play along and see if you can beat their score! The Rita Deanin ...

May 28, 202522 min

In Defense of Circus Circus

Circus Circus is officially on the market to the tune of $5 billion dollars. The hefty price tag for the aging property has raised some eyebrows along with speculation: Will Circus Circus find a buyer who will keep the casino intact, clowns and all? Today, we're bringing back a conversation that our co-hosts, Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler, had after visiting the newly-reopened annex to Circus Circus, Slots-A-Fun, and hear Dayvid's impassioned argument about why Circus Circus is actually amazing...

May 27, 202524 min

Robots Used in Homeless Sweep, Failed Nevada Bills, and RIP Bahama Breeze

This week in extremely 2025 content, county workers began a sweep of a homeless encampment in a wash near Flamingo & Maryland — but are also employing robots to scout out some of the more dangerous sections of the tunnels, where toxic fumes could put workers and the unhoused at risk. These " clean-ups " have long been a flashpoint for neighbors and advocates, so what's the bigger picture? Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with writer (and former Hey Las Vegas newsletter editor) Scott Dickensheets a...

May 23, 202535 min
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