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
Jun 4, 2025 • 21min
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 Assembly on the final day of the session.
Be sure to check out the Nevada Independent's bill tracker and their Lombardo veto tracker for the latest on the legislation.
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.
Jun 3, 2025 • 26min
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.
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.
Jun 2, 2025 • 16min
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 sheds light on a vital but often overlooked chapter in Las Vegas' history. The exhibit is on view now at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas.
To learn about this episode sponsor visit the Nevada State Museum Las Vegas
Jun 2, 2025 • 23min
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 enjoyed today's interview with Nevada State Museum's Curator of History and Material Culture, Josef Diaz, learn more here.
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.
May 30, 2025 • 34min
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 Doll billboards around town.
Don't forget, Vegas is experiencing extreme heat today, so try to avoid the outdoors at peak daylight hours and look up your nearest cooling station just in case.
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.
May 29, 2025 • 27min
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 for our national parks, Nevada state parks are free on the second Saturday of June, which is June 14 this year. Apologies for any confusion, and thank you to listener Tyler K. for catching the error!
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Las Vegas community.
For even more tips on how to make the most of June in Las Vegas, check out Hey Las Vegas’s take on what to do this month.
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 28, 2025 • 22min
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 Abbey Art Museum is offering 50% off tickets to City Cast Las Vegas listeners! Visit rdamuseum.org/tickets and use the code CITYCASTLV at checkout.
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.
May 27, 2025 • 24min
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.
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.
May 23, 2025 • 35min
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 and Nevada Current editor April Corbin Girnus to discuss. They also talk about all the bills killed in this year's legislative session, and what it means when Bahama Breeze closes its doors for good.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 23rd episode:
Southern Nevada Water Authority
Barter Beer + Mall
The Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is offering 50% off tickets to City Cast Las Vegas listeners! Visit rdamuseum.org/tickets and use the code CITYCASTLV at checkout.
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.
May 22, 2025 • 23min
The Best Restaurants for Large Groups in Las Vegas
It's May, which means that graduation season, summer visitors, and family reunions are in full swing — so where can you go out to eat with a giant crowd in Las Vegas? Co-host Dayvid Figler puts food influencer Phil Tzeng (AKA Las Vegas Fill) to the test with a series of tricky group dining scenarios, from dietary preferences to splitting the bill.
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 22nd episode:
Southern Nevada Water Authority
Barter Beer + Mall
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.
