

City Cast Las Vegas
City Cast
City Cast Las Vegas is an an award-winning 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.
Join us every weekday 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. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by The Las Vegas Weekly 2025
Join us every weekday 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. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at lasvegas.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by The Las Vegas Weekly 2025
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 17, 2024 • 32min
Why Culinary Went on Strike, Pushback on Yucca Mountain, and the EDC Invasion
This past weekend, the Culinary Union went on strike for the first time in over 20 years. But even if it was just a two-day “mini strike,” will this flex get them a new contract from Virgin? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by producer Layla Muhammad to discuss this and Culinary’s other power move, de-endorsing political candidates. Then, we find out why our state senators are trying to take Yucca Mountain out of the nuclear waste storage conversation, and lastly, we discuss the do’s and don’ts of avoiding the Electric Daisy Carnival crowd. Plus, our DJ names and sets, coming to a retirement community near you.We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 16, 2024 • 24min
The Hottest New Chefs in Vegas
While international names like Wolfgang Puck put Vegas fine dining on the map, the last decade has seen a quieter grassroots revolution: A growing wave of chefs leaving the Strip and transforming our home-grown restaurant scene. Today, co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Jolene Mannina, a hospitality industry veteran and founder of the pop-up incubator Secret Burger. Jolene tells us about the hottest new chefs who’ve made their mark on Las Vegas and where to try their food.Chefs mentioned in this episode:Brian Howard - Sparrow & Wolf & Half Bird Chicken & BeerNicole Brisson - Brezza & Bar ZazuRoy Ellamar - Fine CompanySteve Kessler - Aroma Latin American CocinaJames Trees - Esther's Kitchen, Al Solito Posto & Ada’sGina Marinelli - La Strega & Harlo Jamie Tran - Black SheepWe’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 15, 2024 • 22min
Should Grads Get to Wear What They Want to Commencement?
As graduation ceremonies occur across the country, you might notice more decorated attire in Nevada. This is the first spring graduation since Nevada passed a law allowing students to decorate their grad caps and robes with religious or cultural regalia. Despite the law, earlier this month at Eldorado High School, a student was told she couldn’t wear a stole honoring her family’s heritage. Ultimately, the student was allowed to wear her stole, but this shows how the practice can be controversial. Today, we revisit a conversation with Dr. Sheila Bock, a folklorist at UNLV. She tells co-host Dayvid Figler how grad garb became so contentious and what happens when students use robes and mortarboards as a form of expression.We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 14, 2024 • 24min
Has Vegas Entertainment Priced Out Locals?
The entertainment and dining options in Las Vegas look very different than they did a few years ago (see: the Sphere). But as our options grow along with our city, have locals been priced out of the fun? A recent survey found that a single person would need to make upwards of $94,000 to live comfortably in Las Vegas, including spending money for “wants like entertainment and hobbies.” In reality, the median income in Las Vegas falls behind the national number at $66,356. Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with longtime locals co-host Dayvid Figler and Hey Las Vegas editor Rob Kachelreiss to discuss what’s changed and where locals can find affordable entertainment.We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 13, 2024 • 32min
How Mayoral Candidate Victoria Seaman Sees the Future of Vegas
Early voting for the upcoming primary election is right around the corner — it starts on May 25th — and while only about a third of the valley can vote for the mayor of Las Vegas (here’s why), it matters for all of us. In our latest episode of Mayoral Mondays, co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with mayoral candidate Victoria Seaman. Victoria is a UNLV alum and former businesswoman who was elected to the Las Vegas City Council in 2019, where she has represented Ward 2 since. We chat about her stance on the Badlands lawsuits, her advocacy for animals, and how her two personal lawsuits against the city influence her views on safety and transparency.We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 12, 2024 • 25min
Why Lynn Baird Wants To Be the Family Values Mayor
Our special series on Las Vegas’s mayoral race continues with co-host Dayvid Figler interviewing candidate Lynn Baird, a longtime Las Vegan who worked for decades at Nevada’s Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation. Lynn explains his platform based on promoting more moral principles and family values, his plans for affordable housing, and enforcing laws in Las Vegas.Find more of our coverage on the Las Vegas mayoral race here.We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 11, 2024 • 30min
Mayoral Candidate Kara Jenkins on Her Hopes for Las Vegas
For our special series on the race for Las Vegas mayor, candidate Kara Jenkins sits down with executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson. Kara, or KJ, currently serves as the Nevada Equal Rights Commission administrator and has been a public servant for 10 years under Governors Brian Sandoval, Steve Sisolak, and Joe Lombardo. They talk about encouraging young voters, what the role should entail, and how she hopes to be a mayor for everyone.Find more of our coverage on the Las Vegas mayoral race here.We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 10, 2024 • 36min
Why Lovers and Friends Was Canceled, Questionable CCSD Raises, and an Airport Rideshare Scam
After the music festival Lovers and Friends was precipitously canceled due to high winds, rumors began spreading among disappointed fans on social media: Was windy weather really to blame? Could there have been a credible threat of violence behind all this? On today’s Friday news roundup, co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler sit down with contributor Andrew Kiraly, creator of the thelist.Vegas, to dispel these rumors and talk about how festivals can do better by their fans. Next up, the team tackles the ugly politics around some massive pay raises that former CCSD superintendent Jesus Jara put into place right before leaving. And lastly, a rideshare scam is making the pickup area at Harry Reid International even more chaotic — here’s what to watch out for.And don’t forget: We’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away to the NV Indy’s upcoming Mayoral candidate forum on May 15 — but here’s the catch, the giveaway is just for members. So make sure to join by Monday to be entered for the tickets.We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 9, 2024 • 23min
A Tea Sommelier’s Guide to Tea in Vegas
You’ve heard of wine sommeliers — but have you heard of a tea sommelier? Today, co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Yukino Aoshima, an actual tea sommelier in Las Vegas who consults with restaurants and teaches classes. Yukino explains how tea programs work at high-end Vegas restaurants, the best way to order tea, boba, and matcha at cafes, and where to buy tea and brew the best cup ever at home.Tea places mentioned in this episode:
Block 16 Urban Food Hall at the Cosmopolitan
Bang Bar at the Cosmopolitan
Tao at the Venetian
Brew Tea Bar (multiple locations)
Sheffield Spice & Tea on Eastern
Grand Yunnan Tea on Sahara
Tea and Whisk on Jones
Vesta Coffee downtown and Summerlin
We’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.

May 8, 2024 • 20min
An Insider’s Guide to Country Music in Vegas
Blake Shelton’s new country music venue Ole Red has brought the current country trend to Las Vegas. In a city that has always loved the genre, you can find local artists performing originals and the classics all over town. Longtime local musician Paige Overton shares her insider’s perspective on the local country music scene, how the community rallied after tragedy, and where to go whether you are an oldies fan or casual listener (and even how to join them on the dance floor).Venues mentioned in this episode:Ole Red on the StripTaverna Costera in the Arts DistrictFat Cat at Downtown GrandGilly’s at Treasure IslandStoney’s Rockin’ Country at Town SquareBrooklyn Bowl in the Linq PromenadeWe’re on social media! Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.Want some more Las Vegas news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter here.


