Vegas Never Sleeps

The world-champion Philadelphia Eagles have a long, storied past dating back to the early-1930s. Host Steven Maggi is joined by legendary Philadelphia Eagles writer and broadcaster Ray Didinger along with former NFL executive and sports-commentator Upton Bell to discuss the history of our new Super Bowl champions - and the many highs and lows it took to get there. https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Remember the Tom Cruise movie “Cocktail?” With those flashy juggling bartenders? That's called “Flair Bartending” and it has deep roots in Las Vegas. (Everything cool has Vegas roots.) Host Steven Maggi talked with 4X Emmy-Award winning filmmaker Deborah Richards about her new documentary “Shaken and Stirred: The Story of Flair Bartending” which premieres in Las Vegas (naturally) on March 25, 2025. https://www.shakenandstirredthemovie.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

"The Incredible Dr. Pol" was a great reality show on Nat Geo Wild that followed Dutch-American veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol, his family, and employees at his practice in rural Michigan. He joins host Steven Maggi to discuss his life, his show, and the life-changing magic of all those amazing animals. https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Back in 2021, our sister program "Sports Raconteurs" interviewed one of the NFL's all-time greats, former Buffalo Bills offensive/defensive tackle Billy Shaw. Sadly, we recently lost the NFL hall-of-famer to illness. This week, in tribute, we proudly rebroadcast his most recent interview with us. Rest in peace, great one, rest in peace.

Standup comedy legend Paul Rodriguez is now writer, producer, director, and star of a hilarious new movie called "Holy Cash." With a cast that includes Danny Trejo, Jay Mohr, Felipe Esparza, Emilio Rivera, and more, "Holy Cash" tells the story of a small-time con-man who discovers there is a lot of money in religion. His "ministry" then attracts the attention of a mafia boss with an ill daughter and, well, you're just gonna have to see the movie. Host Steven Maggi talked with Paul about the film, its inspiration, his years in comedy, and more.

The "Real Bodies" human anatomy exhibit at Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Ballys) extends its stay for another five years. We were there when it opened. Enjoy this classic conversation with long-time entertainment executive and president/CEO of Imagine Exhibition Tom Zaller about "Real Bodies," his passion for creating memorable attractions, what makes Vegas so special, and more. https://www.realbodiesvegas.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

His videos have amassed over 15 billion views ... Yes, billion! We have been hip to Xavier Mortimer for a long time! And there's a moral to his amazing story: Follow your dreams! Enjoy this Vegas Never Sleeps classic interview from 2019. https://www.xaviermortimer.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Singer/songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart penned some genuine pop classics! Like "Last Train To Clarksville" by The Monkees. "Boyce and Hart" had Top 10 hits of their own, too! Like "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight." Plus, the pair made some classic, memorable appearances on TV's "Bewitched, "I Dream of Jeannie," and more. Host Steven Maggi chats with Bobby Hart about the pair's history, their contributions to pop music, culture, and his great book "Psychedelic Bubble Gum : Boyce and Hart, the Monkees, and Turning Mayhem into Miracles."

As we celebrate the 4th of July long-weekend, we visit the home of more hot rods than you can shake a stick at: Nostalgia Street Rods in Las Vegas! What's more American than that? https://nostalgiastreetrods.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Are you a "Dead Head?" Millions of people are! Devotees (and you don't get more devoted than "Dead Heads") travel with the band, hold festivals .... Fans of The Grateful Dead are different than your run-of-the-mill rock fans. David Browne, a Senior Writer at Rolling Stone Magazine, has written the definitive book about one of rock music's most iconic yet somehow misunderstood bands: "So Many Roads: The Life and Times of The Grateful Dead." https://www.amazon.com/So-Many-Roads-Times-Grateful/dp/0306824477 https://vegasneversleeps.com/

He started out as an aerospace engineer developing new technologies for jet aircraft ... and then he started playing slot machines ... and then he started winning at slot machines! And now he teaches people how they can win at slots, too. Long story short: They don't call him "Professor Slots" for nothing! Host Steven Maggi chats with Jon Friedl aka "Professor Slots" about his startling career change, how the machines work, the state of gaming, and more. https://professorslots.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

TRUE CRIME: Vegas ain't the only city with a long history of mob activity. Host Steven Maggi talks with celebrated author Wayne Clingman, aka "Mr. Big," about his new book "The Buffalo Mob: The Return of Organized Crime to the Queen City." And speaking of true crime, listen for details on pre-ordering the new book "You Thought It Was More" the story of "Louis the Coin" Colavecchio the world's greatest counterfeiter. https://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Mob-Organized-Illustrated-Extended/dp/196383500X https://louisthecoinbook.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Carl Erskine set a World Series strikeout record, threw two no-hitters, and throughout his playing days and beyond remained one of the Dodgers all-time favorites, in Brooklyn and LA. But, sadly, on April 16th of this year, we lost the Dodger right-hander. In loving tribute, we bring you this great interview we did with him two years ago. Plus, listen for details on pre-ordering the new book "You Thought It Was More" the story of "Louis the Coin" Colavecchio the world's greatest counterfeiter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Erskine https://louisthecoinbook.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Oh, sure, "The Sahara," "The Riv," and "The Trop" came close, but no casino epitomized classic, vintage Vegas quite like The Sands! After all, it was the headquarters of The Rat Pack! The era-defining showroom of The Sands hosted only the best of the best and lured visitors from around the world; as did the world-class gambling (occasionally with celebrity card-dealers like Dean Martin); the resort itself was a celebrity. Host Steven Maggi chats with David Schwartz about his great new book "At the Sands: The Casino That Shaped Classic Las Vegas, Brought the Rat Pack Together, and Went Out With a Bang." And speaking of books, listen for details on pre-ordering the new book "You Thought It Was More" the story of "Louis the Coin" Colavecchio the world's greatest counterfeiter. https://www.amazon.com/At-Sands-Classic-Brought-Together/dp/0990001636 https://louisthecoinbook.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

OMG ....... MMMMMMMMMMMM ..... Our guest is Donald Contursi host and founder of Vegas' most delectable activity: Finger Licking Foodie Tours! While many of the tours focus on the savory, one of our favorites is "The Best Desserts in Vegas" - and it is every bit as decadent and delightful as it sounds. Plus, listen for details on pre-ordering the "raucously entertaining" book about Louis "The Coin Colavecchio "You Thought It Was More: New Adventures of the World's Greatest Counterfeiter." https://fingerlickingfoodietours.com/ https://louisthecoinbook.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Johnny Carson used to say that there is nothing more boring than a discussion about comedy. After listening to our guest, former standup comedian now author Kliph Nesteroff, you will beg to differ. He talks about this uniquely American art-form and his great book "The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels, and the History of American Comedy." https://www.amazon.com/Comedians-Thieves-Scoundrels-History-American-ebook/dp/B00XAQ1O7Y https://vegasneversleeps.com/

He started out as a drummer, but when he started singing, WOW! Our guest is Jeffrey Osborne, one of music's most versatile, soulful singer-songwriters with four grammy nominations, five gold and platinum albums, and a single that set the world on fire: "On the Wings of Love." https://www.jeffreyosborne.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

This week, learn how a former professional baseball player went on to become the most prolific, celebrated caricaturist and illustrator in Vegas: Neal Portnoy of Portnoy Gallery. "Have you been 'Portnoyed?'" Plus, listen for details on pre-ordering the new book "You Thought It Was More" the story of "Louis the Coin" Colavecchio the world's greatest counterfeiter. https://portnoygallery.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Last week, we said "Elvis" and "Vegas" were synonymous. You know what else is synonymous with "Vegas?" Organized crime! Host Steven Maggi talks with Meyer Lansky II, grandson of the notorious mobster Meyer Lansky, about classic-Vegas, classic-mafia, and what it's like sharing a name that lives in infamy. Plus, listen for details on the new book "You Thought It Was More" the story of "Louis the Coin" Colavecchio the world's greatest counterfeiter. https://louisthecoinbook.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

"Elvis" and "Vegas" are synonymous! Host Steven Maggi chats with Richard Zoglin author of "Elvis in Vegas" about how The King, anxious to put those silly movies behind him, reinvented the Las Vegas show and introduced the concept of "residency." This is a comeback story for the ages; for Elvis and Las Vegas. https://www.amazon.com/Elvis-Vegas-King-Reinvented-Show/dp/1501151193 https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Do your Founding Fathers have mugshots? Ours do. Host Steven Maggi talks with Jeffrey Sussman one of the top mob-historians in America about his book "Sin City Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Las Vegas." https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jeffrey%20Sussman/author/B001KIZ3HQ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

IMPOSSIBLE!!! There is no way you can make a living playing video poker! Au contraire! (That's French for "On the contrary.") Video poker legend Bob Dancer, author of "Million Dollar Video Poker" and "Video Poker for the Intelligent Beginner," joins us to explain that, yes, you can make a living playing video poker. And Bob Dancer can show you how. http://bobdancer.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Where there's money, there's cheaters. Host Steven Maggi chats with authors Andy Thibault and Joe Broadmeadow about "Louie the Coin" Colavecchio the world's greatest counterfeiter. https://louisthecoinbook.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

You've seen him on 20/20, ABC News, FOX Business, Reason TV, and more. Host Steven Maggi chats with famed television reporter, author, consumer journalist, political activist, and pundit John Stossel. https://www.johnstossel.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

As hundreds of thousands gather in Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII, many are scrambling to find tickets, scrambling to find hotel rooms, and scrambling to find bargains. Meanwhile, host Steven Maggi sits down with the NFL's greatest scrambler: Hall-of-Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/fran-tarkenton/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Las Vegas hosts its very first Super Bowl as Super Bowl LVIII comes to town. Host Steven Maggi looks back on the first Super Bowl (the Chiefs played in that one, too) with Vince Lombardi Jr. son of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi ... who's a dead-ringer for his father. (Packers won the first two Super Bowls.) https://www.allamericanspeakers.com/celebritytalentbios/Vince+Lombardi+Jr./388681 https://vegasneversleeps.com/

"Murderous fun!" "You'll die laughing!" "This show KILLS ... literally!" The Marriage Can Be Murder Dinner Show at The Orleans Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas has been "killing it" in Vegas for 25 years. Host Steven Maggi chats with the happily married stars Jane and Eric Post about marriage and show-business, the show's continued success, and more. https://marriagecanbemurder.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Everybody loves comedy, everybody loves magic, but people REALLY love comedy AND magic! And Adam London has been wowing them and killing them in Las Vegas for over ten years. His "Laughternoon" show is a MUST SEE at The Orleans Hotel and Casino. He joins us to talk about magic, comedy, the greatness of The Orleans, and the grandfather who got him started in magic. https://laughternoon.vegas/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Are you a DINK? (Dual Income No Kids.) Foodie? Then you know our guest: TV Personality, Pop-Up Chef, cookbook author Alicia Shevetone the creator of DINK Cuisine. Her new book "Food with Spirit: Alcohol-Infused Recipes" is fun, fascinating, and full of spirit - and spirits. (She's the host of "Sin City Kitchen," so of course there are spirits.) https://www.dinkcuisine.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

He's been called "The Rockstar of Hypnosis" and his show "Hypnosis Unleashed," the longest running hypnosis show in Vegas," has been killin' 'em downtown at the beautiful 4 Queens Hotel & Casino. But life hasn't always been easy for Kevin Lepine as detailed in his powerful yet hopeful new book "Deep Into My Eyes: From Victim To Vegas Headliner." https://vegashypnosisshow.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Highlights from our many (MANY) great musical guests. Let's ring in the new year in style; Vegas style! And keep listening in 2024 for more great guests, more great shows, and the kind of fun that only Vegas can deliver! https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Vegas Never Sleeps with Steven Maggi presents "Christmas in Las Vegas!" Featuring great Christmas music from our many musical guests. You'll hear new twists on old favorites from Michelle Johnson, Clint Holmes, Giada Valenti, Rita Lim, Lisa Gay, Lon Bronson, and more. Plus an original Christmas song from acclaimed LV singer/songwriter Lannie Counts. Tons of holiday cheer; tons of holiday fun! You're gonna love "Christmas in Las Vegas!" https://vegasneversleeps.com/

We all remember the late Fred Travalena as one of the all-time great comic-impressionists, but did you know he was also a great singer-songwriter? Fred's wife Lois Travalena joins us to talk about Fred's amazing career, their life together, and his awesome, all-original Christmas album "The Manhattan Christmas Suite." https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Christmas-Suite-Fred-Travalena/dp/B000CIWZUI https://vegasneversleeps.com/

It's become a Thanksgiving tradition as deep and meaningful as turkey and football: The National Dog Show on NBC. This week, we chat with the show's long-time host David Frei about the show's history, its popularity, and the amazing dogs that bring us back year after year. https://nds.nationaldogshow.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

If you've ever heard classic rock, you've heard his work: Glyn Johns! He joins us to discuss his new book "Sound Man : A Life Recording Hits with the Rolling Stones, the Who, Led Zeppelin, the Eagles, Eric Clapton, the Faces..." https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Man-Recording-Rolling-Zeppelin/dp/0147516579 https://vegasneversleeps.com/

In a city filled with buffets, you'd think Las Vegas wastes a lot of food. (Not entirely true. A lot goes to food banks, pig farms, etc.) But not everyone is so mindful. Science/Nature writer Elizabeth Royte joins us to discuss food waste, her powerful books detailing the crises, and what we can do about it. https://www.royte.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Are you a "Dead Head?" Millions of people are! Devotees (and you don't get more devoted than "Dead Heads") travel with the band, hold festivals .... Fans of The Grateful Dead are different than your run-of-the-mill rock fans. David Browne, a Senior Writer at Rolling Stone Magazine, has written the definitive book about one of rock music's most iconic yet somehow misunderstood bands. https://www.amazon.com/So-Many-Roads-Times-Grateful/dp/0306824477 https://vegasneversleeps.com/

She's the daughter of a true Vegas icon: Deana Martin! And a great singer/entertainer in her own right! She joins us to talk about her sparkling career, her famous father, meeting Elvis Presley, and more. https://www.deanamartin.com/landing/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

We've met a lot of radio executives .... They are not funny! But this former radio executive has SOMEHOW escaped the humorless boardroom and embarked on a very successful standup comedy career. He joins us to talk about the transition, the journey, and his upcoming headlining shows in Vegas and nearby Laughlin, NV. https://byronkennedycomedy.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

"The Mob," "La Cosa Nostra," "The Mafia," "The Outfit," whatever you call it, its roots run deep, and not just in Las Vegas. But what's it like on the inside? Host Steven Maggi chats with author Scott Hoffman, whose father was deeply involved in "The Outfit," about his fascinating book "Inside" which details the internal workings of the mob. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inside-scott-m-hoffman/1123585758 https://vegasneversleeps.com/

It was one of the most frightening moments in American history! "One Tuesday Morning" is the harrowing story of 9/11 as told by New York City ER nurse Catherine DuBrino who witnessed the event and its horrifying aftermath first-hand. This is powerful stuff! https://www.amazon.com/One-Tuesday-Morning-Catherine-Dubrino/dp/168537221X https://vegasneversleeps.com/

A pitcher winning 20 games in a season is a big deal! 25 games in a season even bigger! In 1968, Denny McLain of the Detroit Tigers won 31 games .... and no pitcher has won that many since! Host Steven Maggi chats with the legendary right-hander about his Cy Young awards (plural,) the state of the game, and setting a record that may never be broken. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denny_McLain https://vegasneversleeps.com/

It's Costco's 40th birthday! And David and Susan Schwartz, two of Costco's biggest fans (they have visited over 200 stores and have been granted behind-the-scenes access,) have written the ultimate book about everyone's favorite wholesale giant: "The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z." https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-joy-of-costco-david-schwartz/1143473090 https://vegasneversleeps.com/

The Hollywood/Vegas connection goes way back! In fact, actor, and Las Vegas resident, Mark Wahlberg has been working to make Las Vegas a "Hollywood in the desert." Now say you've got a script or great idea for a movie. How do you get Hollywood/Vegas' attention? To answer that question (and the many subsequent follow-ups,) we chat with James "Doc" Mason about his new book "Mastering the Logline: How to Excite Hollywood With A Single Sentence." https://www.masteringthelogline.com/ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Though he ended his career with the Buffalo Bills, once a Raider always a Raider! As football season kicks off (see what we did there?) we chat with one of the all-time greats: Phil Villapiano! The 1971 AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year; 1975 & 1976 All-NFL Pro Bowl; 1972-1976 All-AFC Pro Bowl; and member of the 1976 Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XI winning team. https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/the-black-hole-plus/phil-villapiano-al-davis-oakland-raiders-nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-franco-harris-terry-bradshaw https://vegasneversleeps.com/

FINALLY! A Vegas travel guide from a real Vegas tour guide! Too many "Vegas" books seem like they were written by people who have never been here. Dave "The Tour Guide" Galvan joins us to talk about his great new book "DaveTheTourGuide.com Presents: The (Unofficial) Official Las Vegas Travel Guide (Unofficially.)" https://www.amazon.com/DaveTheTourGuide-com-Presents-Unofficial-Official-Unofficially-ebook/dp/B0CFCM4DGJ https://vegasneversleeps.com/

"The Incredible Dr. Pol" is a great reality show on Nat Geo Wild that follows Dutch-American veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol, his family, and employees at his practice in rural Michigan. He joins host Steven Maggi to discuss his life, his show, and the life-changing magic of all those amazing animals. https://thecelebsinfo.com/the-incredible-dr-pol-cast/#google_vignette https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Caroline Alexander is a contributing writer for National Geographic magazine and the author of several best-selling books: "The Bounty," "The Endurance," "The Way To Xanadu," a bold new translation of "The Iliad," and more. https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Singer/songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart penned some genuine pop classics! Like "Last Train To Clarksville" by The Monkees. "Boyce and Hart" had Top 10 hits of their own, too! Like "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight." Plus, the pair made some classic, memorable appearances on TV's "Bewitched, "I Dream of Jeannie," and more. Host Steven Maggi chats with Bobby Hart about the pair's history, their contributions to pop music, culture, and his great book "Psychedelic Bubble Gum : Boyce and Hart, the Monkees, and Turning Mayhem into Miracles." https://vegasneversleeps.com/ http://www.bobbyhart.com/

Dodger-legend Carl Erskine: The last of the Brooklyn Dodgers players chronicled in the book “The Boys of Summer" is being honored this year by the Baseball Hall of Fame, being awarded with the Buck O'Neil Lifetime Achievement Award. Host Steven Maggi and former-NFL executive Upton Bell talk to Erskine about his amazing career, the Dodgers' 1955 world-championship, and more. https://vegasneversleeps.com/

Who doesn't love a renaissance festival? But how did a place like America, land of cowboys, indians, and the Wild Wild West, come to embrace the Shakespearean and medieval? Host Steven Maggi chats with Al Olson author of "The History of the American Renaissance Festival." https://vegasneversleeps.com/