

City Cast Las Vegas
City Cast
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2024 • 25min
Should Las Vegans Embrace Summerlin's Growth?
Last week, the Las Vegas planning commission approved two new neighborhoods in the Summerlin area that will include hundreds of homes. While some might be happy to hear that the new neighborhoods aren’t near Red Rock, any expansion in Las Vegas is met with apprehension. As the infamous suburb grows, we are revisiting a conversation co-host Sarah Lohman had with historian Geoff Schumacher, vice president of exhibits and programs at The Mob Museum, and City Cast Las Vegas executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson, our in-house Summerlin resident. They break down the unusual origin of the neighborhood, its complicated reputation, and share their favorite spots around Summerlin.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 17th episode:TheList.VegasWant to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 16, 2024 • 28min
Mayor Goodman Reflects on 13 Years in Office
This November, voters will head to the polls and elect a non-Goodman mayor for the first time in 25 years. Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who is wrapping up 13 years at the helm of our city, joins co-host Dayvid Figler today to reflect on her time in office, the good and the bad: Her proudest accomplishments in addressing homelessness, economic development, and transportation; the unresolved challenges; and how a kerfuffle over Britney Spears symbolizes the ongoing tension between the city and the county.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode:TheList.VegasWant to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 13, 2024 • 36min
Smoky Skies, a Shady Cop, and Betting on Elections
Las Vegans are getting the brunt of California wildfire smoke this week as wind currents bring smoky skies into our valley — so is this our new normal? And how can we deal with it? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by thelist.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly to discuss our worsening air quality, as well as the surprising arrest of an LVMPD officer, and what legalizing betting on elections — and more — could look like in Las Vegas.Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 12, 2024 • 24min
Where To Find the Best Craft Beer in Vegas
September is a huge month for beer festivals in Las Vegas. While the big brands control the market nationally, locally we have a thriving craft beer scene fueled by breweries and bars supporting local makers. To help us know the ins and outs of all the beer Las Vegas has to offer, Phil Garcia from Khoury’s Fine Wine & Spirits joins co-host Sarah Lohman to share his favorite local beers as a beer buyer, where to find them, and what to consider when trying craft beers in Las Vegas. Mentioned in this episode:Atomic Duck from Able BakerHazy IPA from Beer ZombiesLove Juice from Lovelady Brewing Co.North 5th Brewing Co.CraftHaus BreweryCream Ale from HUDLChantilly Cream Ale from Las Vegas Brewing CompanyMojave Brewing CompanyBig Dog’sNevada Brew WorksHop Nuts BrewingCin-Cin Brewhouse & Seafood Bar (New!)Silver Stamp BarPizza RebellionWant to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 11, 2024 • 24min
Should the Rancho HS Teens Be Tried As Adults?
Last year, nine teens were arrested in connection with the horrific beating death of Rancho High School student Jonathan Lewis. And just last week, four of them were sent back from adult court to juvenile court as part of a plea agreement that reduces their maximum sentence. The outrage has been palpable: Social media users have called the accused adolescents “monsters,” and Lewis’s mother said the decision was “disgusting.” So should the teens have been tried as adults? What’s really going on here? Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with UNLV Boyd School of Law professor Eve Hanan about why we have juvenile court in the first place, and why some teens (and not others) are sentenced in adult court.Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 10, 2024 • 23min
The Best Fall Hikes in Las Vegas
If fall signifies anything in Las Vegas, it's that we can finally spend extended periods of time outdoors without the fear of heat exhaustion. There are an insane amount of trails to hike in and around our city, but not all of them will give you those fall vibes you might be looking for. With the Cathedral Rock Trail still closed in Mt. Charleston, it's even harder to find fall foliage in our desert. However, Bertha Gutierrez, program director of the Conservation Lands Foundation, is an avid outdoor enthusiast and knows exactly where to get your fall fix. She shares her favorite trails and outdoor spots to soak up the fall vibes with co-host Sarah Lohman.Don’t forget to check for Mt. Charleston trail closures and check out these helpful resources from the Conservation Lands Foundations.Mentioned in this episode:Lee MeadowsFletcher CanyonLower Bristlecone TrailRuby MountainsBryce CanyonWhitney MesaFirst CreekPine Creek CanyonValley of Fire Pahranagat National Wildlife RefugeAvi Kwa Ame National MonumentWee Thump Joshua Tree WildernessWant to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 9, 2024 • 22min
How to Spice Up Your Roadtrip to L.A.
Most Las Vegans know the drive to Los Angeles all too well. Whether you are escaping the heat warnings (in September?!), visiting family and friends, or wanting to touch the ocean, the 4-hour drive is almost always easier for locals than tourists going the other way. While you think you may know what lies in the desert between the two cities, there’s a lot more than meets the eye! To encourage you to make the most of your next journey, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler are joined by Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelriess to share their favorite hidden gems and secrets along the I-15.Heads up: City Cast Las Vegas members get an extended version of this episode that includes even more tips and shocking facts about the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility and Zzyzzx Road! Learn how to become a member at https://membership.citycast.fm/lasvegas Here's a Google map of the stops mentioned in this episode so you can follow along with us!Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode:Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTDid we miss your favorite stop? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm to let us know! You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 6, 2024 • 36min
F1 Is Back, Baby! Plus, a Regent Gets Messy Online, and Robots Direct To You
Las Vegans are still dealing with the collective PTSD of last year’s F1 construction misery. So with crews beginning to install F1 infrastructure this week, can we really believe them when they say it’s going to be better this year? What are they actually doing differently? Co-host Dayvid Figler is joined by Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus and Channel 8 morning anchor John Langeler to discuss. Next up, they tackle Nevada State Board of Regents member Stephanie Goodman’s controversial tweet about Kamala Harris; and whether or not letting food delivery robots venture off-campus is a good idea.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 6th episode:Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTWant to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 5, 2024 • 23min
The Best BBQ in Vegas
Las Vegas is a Mecca for various cuisines, but barbecue is one of the most controversial styles that may escape our grasp. While some states and regions can be protective of their barbecue styles, over the years chefs have brought their mastery of the grill to Vegas to create a diverse landscape of different options. To determine whether or not you can find truly great barbecue around town, pitmaster and owner of Girls Can Grill Christie Vanover shares her favorite spots with co-host Sarah Lohman along with the history and what she looks for when judging BBQ competitions.Restaurants mentioned:Virgil’s Real BarbecueMabel’s BBQJessie Rae’s BBQSoulBelly BBQJohn Mull’s Meats & Road Kill GrillMister Kim’s Korean BBQOming’s KitchenHog and TraditionLearn more about the sponsors of this September 5th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTWant to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Sep 4, 2024 • 26min
Why the Badlands Battle Keeps Getting … Badder
Twenty years ago, developer Yohan Lowie bought the Badlands Golf Course — but not everyone was happy about his plans. This kicked off a bitter legal battle that has since embroiled the City of Las Vegas in increasingly expensive lawsuits. So what exactly is going on here, and why is the city now potentially on the hook for nearly half a billion dollars? We’re bringing back a conversation co-host Sarah Lohman had with journalists Darcy Spears and Steve Sebelius earlier this summer that untangles the messy, messy Badlands drama and explains why Badlands will be a hot topic in local elections this fall.Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode:Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTWant to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.