Vegas Circle - podcast cover

Vegas Circle

The Vegas Circlethevegascircle.com

Step into the electrifying world of The Vegas Circle, a dynamic American podcast based in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. Guided by the infectious energy of Co-Founders Paki Phillips, hailing from Chicago, and Chris Smith, a proud Detroit native, this podcast burst onto the scene in July 2018 with a mission—to amplify the voices of those with extraordinary stories shaping the cultural landscape not only in Las Vegas but across the globe.

Picture this: A podcast that doesn't just talk, but roars with life. The Vegas Circle Podcast has played host to an impressive lineup of trailblazers, from the charismatic Global Keynote Speaker Nick Santonastasso to the gridiron legend and Hall of Fame hopeful Steven Jackson. The excitement doesn't stop there—Wellness Coach Kelley Fertitta-Nemiro, NBA Players CJ Watson and Marcus Banks, Amazon Web Services Co-Founder Robert Frederick, Nike Master Trainer Traci Copeland, and even "The Last Dance" Producer Matt Maxson have all graced the podcast with their presence.

But wait, there's more! Prepare to be spellbound as the podcast delves into the magical world of Magician & Illusionist Jay Owenhouse, explores the seasoned insights of MLB Veteran James Loney, and hears from entrepreneurial maestros like Blake Wynn, Dean Grey, and Del Wayne. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

The Vegas Circle Podcast isn't just a podcast; it's a pulsating force that transcends boundaries. You can catch the excitement on all major platforms, including Apple and Google Podcasts, Anchor, Spotify, YouTube, and more. Dive into the thrill at TheVegasCircle.com or connect with them via email at [email protected].

Feel the pulse of The Vegas Circle across social media:

  • Instagram: @vegascirclepodcast
  • Facebook: @TheVegasCirclePodcast
  • LinkedIn: Vegas Circle Podcast
  • X: @CircleVegas


Don't just listen—immerse yourself in the whirlwind of stories that redefine the podcast experience. The Vegas Circle Podcast: where the energy never sleeps.

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Episodes

Urban Visionaries: The FEATURE Story with EJ Luera & Arjay Bouri

Send us a text Embark on an inspirational tale of ambition and fashion with EJ Luera and Arjay Bouri, the masterminds behind the streetwear phenomenon, Feature. Our candid conversation uncovers the roots of their 20-year friendship and how they've navigated the treacherous waters of the fashion industry from the recession to their rise as style moguls. From sneaker boutique beginnings to luxury brand expansions, EJ and AJ unpack the strategic moves and resilience that have shaped their journey, ...

May 03, 202456 min

Feeding the Feed: Unveiling Culinary Delights with Philip Tzeng

Send us a text Pull up a chair and get ready to savor the insights of Philip Tzeng, the social media maestro turning the Las Vegas food scene into a digital smorgasbord. As "Las Vegas Fill," he shares his flavorful tale from casual Yelp connoisseur to Instagram's culinary kingpin, spicing up our palates with an insider's look at his transition from poker tables to restaurant tables. Phil isn't just dishing out mouth-watering posts; he's dissecting the art of capturing the essence of every bite f...

Apr 20, 202437 min

Steakhouse Sensation: The Via Brasil Legacy Gomes Story | Adam Gomes

Send us a text Step into the culinary theater as Adam Gomes, the visionary behind Via Brazil Steakhouse, joins us for a captivating session at the chef's table. With a tale that weaves through the bustling streets of New York City and settles in the heart of Las Vegas, Adam brings to life the story of a family-owned gastronomic gem. Experience the dedication it takes to thrive in the competitive landscape of Summerlin, where only the most tantalizing of flavors and the warmest of welcomes endure...

Apr 05, 202425 min

Endzone to Enterprise: Austin Ekeler on NFL Fame and Entrepreneurial Strategy

Send us a text Discover how an NFL star maneuvers the complex intersection of elite sports and savvy entrepreneurship with Austin Ekeler. We sit down with the prolific running back whose playbook extends far beyond the turf into the business realm. Austin gives us a personal tour through his strategic touchdown in Las Vegas, revealing how the city's tax perks and networking scene bolster his pursuits off the field. His candid reflections on the transition from a Division II school to NFL fame, a...

Mar 22, 202444 min

Wealth Wisdom and Vegas Visions: Rich Robledo on Real Estate and Life Beyond the Strip

Send us a text Discover the pulse of Las Vegas real estate and the wisdom behind wealth management with Rich Robledo, a trailblazer in the industry. This episode catapults you into the heart of a city transforming into a tier-one metropolis, as Rich unveils the cultural and medical advancements steering its growth. Amid the glitz of multimillion-dollar deals and a private jet boom, we also confront the stark economic contrasts that shadow such prosperity. Las Vegas stands at a crossroads, and Ri...

Mar 08, 202443 min

Grill to Glam: Balancing BBQ Empire & Nightlife Scene

Send us a text Have you ever landed on foreign soil with dreams bigger than your wallet? Natalia Badzjo did just that, and she joins us to recount her extraordinary journey from arriving in the U.S. with $400 to her name, to becoming a Las Vegas entrepreneur. Her story weaves through 15 years of shaping the customer service landscape at Wynn Resorts, to opening not one, but two thriving restaurants with her husband, Brian. Natalia's insights into setting lofty goals and the balancing act between...

Feb 23, 202434 min

The Game Changer: Marketing Mastery & Poker Power, Blake Wynn, Founder/CEO of Celebrity Poker Tour

Send us a text Embark on a journey with Blake Wynn, the visionary behind Enclave and Key, as he shares the inside scoop on the transformative world of influencer marketing. Blake illuminates the path from traditional endorsements to the cutting-edge realm of experiential marketing, where events are not mere parties but sophisticated blends of product showcases and influencer engagement. These curated experiences are tailored to resonate with an elite audience, seamlessly integrating brands into ...

Feb 07, 202453 min

Harmonizing Success: Insights from a Six-Time Grammy Award-Winning Producer & Label CEO

Send us a text Embark on an emotional odyssey with indie sensation International GT and his poignant new album, "Night of the Win." It's a narrative of personal turmoil, from GT's father's health scare to tackling the album solo, all while paying homage to the late Kobe Bryant. We weave in the sage advice of GT's mentor, James 'Bonzai' Caruso, whose legendary touch casts a resonant echo through the music industry. In our candid conversation, we uncover the heartstrings of music creation and the ...

Jan 26, 202435 min

Esports Architect: Crafting Champions and Navigating the Pro Path with Jairo Urcuyo

Send us a text Imagine stepping into the high-octane world of eSports with none other than Jairo Urcuyo, the mastermind behind Vegas Inferno and Vegas Dawgs. Our latest episode features this gaming maverick, who takes us on a thrilling journey through his quest to uncover raw talent and shape it into eSports supremacy. With an empire built on strategy and alliances, Jairo illuminates the intricate dance of sponsorships and brand partnerships that transformed his fiery passion into a booming ente...

Jan 12, 202443 min

Laughs & Deals: Chronicles of Comedy and Business with TK Kirkland

Send us a text Navigating life's complexities with humor and wisdom, TK Kirkland returns to the Vegas Circle to share the secrets behind his success both on stage and in business. With a regimen as disciplined as it is hilarious, TK takes us through the trials and triumphs of performing while sick, navigating fatherhood, and providing a platform for some of the brightest stars in comedy. His journey is not just about the laughter, though; it's a profound look into the resilience required to make...

Dec 29, 202349 min

Spin to Win: Building a DJ Empire with Eddie McDonald Founder & CEO of MAC Agency

Send us a text Have you ever spun the decks or found yourself lost in the vibrant nightlife scene, where loud music, brilliant lights, and dancing bodies become one? Well, we've had the pleasure of sitting down with Eddie McDonald, the fearless founder and CEO of MAC Agency. Eddie takes us on his exhilarating ride as a DJ in New York City and reveals how his deep-seated passion for music propelled him to establish his own DJ agency. His intriguing tales of the evolving nightlife scene are not to...

Dec 15, 202348 min

Savoring Legacy: Unveiling the Culinary Tales of Lotus of Siam, Las Vegas’ Iconic Thai Food Haven

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it takes to run a successful restaurant? Let us take you on a gastronomic journey with our special guest Penny Chutima, co-owner of the renowned Lotus of Siam restaurant and managing partner of Bua Food Group. We traverse the past and present of Lotus of Siam, a dining institution opened by Penny's parents 24 years ago on the east side of Las Vegas. Hear how Penny transitioned from initial reluctance to full-fledged commitment to the family business. As...

Dec 01, 202327 min

Building an Esports Empire: A Tale of Entrepreneurship with Morris Jackson and Brandon Parker

Send us a text Ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying world of esports? Join us as we unpack an engaging conversation with Morris Jackson II and Brandon Parker, the brilliant minds and business owners behind Valhallan Esports. Discover the genesis of their journey, from an initial idea to a successful franchise, navigating a multitude of challenges and reaping rich rewards along the way. The duo shares exclusive insights into their ambitious plans to foster community and youth development...

Nov 17, 202344 min

The Making of a Digital Mogul: Tracing Sean Kelly's Rise in Business

Send us a text Do you ever wonder what it takes to rise from selling candy in school to making your first six figures with dropshipping? Meet Sean Kelly, founder of Jersey Champs Environment and host of Digital Social Hour, who has managed to do just that. His journey is nothing short of extraordinary, punctuated with unconventional business starts, strategic networking, valuable mentorship, and lessons learned on the path to triumph. From joining a $100,000 mastermind to building powerful relat...

Nov 02, 202328 min

Innovation Unboxed: The Boxabl Story w/ CEO Paolo Tiramani and the companies impact on the housing market.

Send us a text Imagine investing in a breakthrough housing solution that can tuck a quality home inside a $50,000 budget! We're thrilled to bring back our special guest, Paulo Tiramani, CEO and majority shareholder of Boxabl, who's on a daring mission to transform affordable housing. Paulo guides us through an exciting journey, starting from a modest 10,000 square feet R&D lab to managing a whopping 400,000 square feet across three factories. He also shares some intriguing insights into the ...

Oct 20, 202346 min

Reviving a Vegas Icon: Inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino's Overhaul with Jonathan Jossel

Send us a text Get ready to be inspired by Jonathan Jossel, the CEO of the Plaza Hotel and Casino, as he shares his exciting journey from London to the heart of Vegas. We promise you'll be amazed by his determination, vision and courage that transformed a struggling hotel into a thriving hotspot. Jonathan starts by sharing his early love for gambling, his move from London to Vegas at the tender age of 21, and the risks he took to turn around the fortunes of the once world's largest hotel. Ventur...

Oct 06, 202330 min

Pioneering the Barber Industry and Promoting Financial Literacy: A Journey with OBS Founders, Steven Jackson and Carl Littles

Send us a text Ever wondered about the future of the barber industry and the role financial literacy plays in its growth? Join us on this intriguing journey with Steven Jackson and Carl Littles, the pioneering founders of the Original Barber School (OBS). In the midst of a pandemic, these two visionaries decided to build a barber school, making it not just a business but a platform to bridge the literacy gap and mentor young men. From the traditional art of hair cutting to the latest trends in n...

Sep 22, 202333 min

Creating a Membership-Based Private Jet Charter Service: Key Essentials w/ Tom Smith, CEO of Set Jet

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite CEO and Co-Founder of Set Jet @setjet (Tom Smith @tpsmith99), to join the CIRCLE for Episode 124. 📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube: “Set Jet is disrupting the way you think about air travel.” Set Jet offers a unique buy-a-seat, not-the-jet membership-based private jet charter program, setting itself apart as the premier choice for those seeking a truly luxurious priva...

Sep 08, 202325 minSeason 5Ep. 124

From Startup Vision to Billion-Dollar Success: Jay & Sean Bloom's Journey

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite Billionaire Entrepreneur Jay Bloom and Investor Sean Bloom @seanrockslife, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 123. 📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets Jay Bloom is a successful businessman who has made investments in numerous businesses. He established Pagasus Group Holdings, a holding company that owns and manages data center ecosystems using renewable energy. Jay was the original mana...

Aug 25, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 123

Ex-NFL Pro-Bowl Linebacker's Journey: Pioneering a Thriving MMA Fighting League w/ Shawne Merriman

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite Shawne Merriman @shawnemerriman Former All-Pro NFL Linebacker & the Founder of MMA League (Lights Out Xtreme Fighting) @lightsoutxf , to join the CIRCLE for Episode 122. 📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube Shawne Merriman, known by his nickname "Lights Out", is a former professional American football linebacker who competed in the National Football League (NFL). Merr...

Aug 11, 202330 minSeason 5Ep. 122

Unlocking the Secrets to Building a Successful Film & TV Production Company w/ Jeff Porter

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite back the Founder of Porter Pictures & Co-Founder of Porter Craig Film & Media, JEFF PORTER @porter_pictures, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 121. 📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube Jeff Porter has spent his years in Los Angeles furthering the ingenuity, creativity and drive which guided him through his collegiate career at UNLV, during which he founded the non-pr...

Jul 28, 202332 minSeason 5Ep. 121

Discussing The Benefits of Business Consulting with Peter Krauss of PMK Consulting

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite back the Founder of PMK Consulting @pmk_consulting, PETER KRAUSS @pmkrauss, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 120. 📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube m PMK Consulting focuses on assisting small to mid-sized business in any industry grow and improve. With a focus on Company Culture, team development and finding more efficient ways to operate. Their company has done many M&a...

Jul 14, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 120

Empowering Tales: Inspiring Journeys of Two Female Entrepreneurs

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite Franchisee Owners of Massage Envy @massageenvy Marissa Hawkins @marissahawkins10 & Franchesca Marbury Hammond @franchestamarbury, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 119. Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube. Massage Envy Franchising LLC is an American massage and skin care national franchisor, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Massage Envy franchise network is the largest p...

Jun 30, 202349 minSeason 5Ep. 119

Steakhouse Success: A Guide to Building and Running a Thriving Restaurant

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite Owners of Barry’s Downtown Prime @barrysprime and @makeithappenhospitality: Yassine Lyoubi @yassine.lyoubi, Chef Barry Steven Dakake @chefbarryb & Marco Cicione @marcocicione, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 118. Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets Barry’s Downtown Prime( official steakhouse of @goldenknights) brings back the Vegas Steakhouse to Fremont Street. The restaurant desig...

Jun 16, 202347 minSeason 5Ep. 118

Establishing 17 McDonald's Franchises & a Thriving Family-Owned Company (FRSCO) w/ Christopher Smith

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite Chris Smith, McDonald’s Owner & Operator of FRSCO CORPORATION, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 117. Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube: https://youtu.be ….. Father and son duo Ron and Chris Smith, who lead the FRSCO Corporation (FRSCO), opened their 17th McDonald’s franchise in Las Vegas on February 11th, 2023 making them the second largest owner and operator in the La...

Jun 02, 202325 minSeason 5Ep. 117

Building The Future of Boxing with Entrobox & American Dream Present Founder | Ronald Johnson

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite Ronald “Ron” Johnson @dreamronjohn, CEO and Co-Founder of EntroBox @entrobox and American Dream Present @americandreampresents, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 116. Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets Originally from Cleveland, OH, Ronald’s deep ties started in boxing before he was born. He was named after his uncle who passed away during training for his pro debut as a fighter. In kee...

May 19, 202342 minSeason 5Ep. 116

Connecting Talent In the Tech Industry with Joshua Leavitt of IONnovate, Tech Alley and Intagly

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite Joshua Leavitt, CEO and Founder of IONnovate, Tech Alley @techalleyevents and Intagly, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 115. Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets and YouTube Joshua is the CEO and Founder of IONnovate, LLC, an application development firm that delivers client products utilizing a unique Launching Pad model which builds applications, teams, and workforce through mitigated ...

May 05, 202338 minSeason 5Ep. 115

Creating a Reality TV Show on Your Own Streaming Network w/ Founder of “THE BET HOUSE” David McCovy

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite back David McCovy, Founder and Executive Producer of “THE BET HOUSE” @thebethousetv and also the Founder of Evolution Travel, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 114. Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets. Starting businesses from the ground up is nothing new to David. A lifelong entrepreneur, David has founded a clothing store, a restaurant, independent concert company in Las Vegas, and has...

Apr 21, 202328 minSeason 5Ep. 114

How To Establish Your Business in a Competitive Las Vegas Cannabis Market w/ Marianna Arakelyan

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite MARIANNA ARAKELYAN @lamboprincessmarianna, Owner of LP Exotics @lp.exotics and VVGLAB @vvglab, to join the CIRCLE for Episode 113. 📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets. Marianna has overcome many adversities in her life. Born in Armenia and moved to the United States when she was 7 years old. She is a survivor of domestic violence and childhood abuse. Marianna watched her mother’s ab...

Apr 07, 202325 minSeason 5Ep. 113

How to Build a Successful Hospitality Brand with Jai Shaun White | AYYA Hospitality

Send us a text Paki & Chris invite back for a 2nd interview Partner of AYYA Hospitality Group @ayyahospitalitygroup JAI SHAUN WHITE @jaishaunwhite to join the CIRCLE for Episode 112. 📺Click the LINK in BIO to watch the full Episode at TheVegasCircle.com Also avail on all podcast audio outlets Jai Shaun White is a hospitality icon who was born in Sherman Oaks and raised in Las Vegas. He is partnered with Stitched Clothing Brand, Everbowl Craft Superfood and AYYA Hospitality Group. Jai Shaun ...

Mar 24, 202329 minSeason 5Ep. 112
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