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City Cast Las Vegas

News & Politics Podcasts

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.

Location:

United States

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Is an ICE Crackdown Coming to Vegas? Plus, Lake Mead Rescue Fallout, and MrBeast Sparks Controversy

4/18/2025
Reports of an expanded local ICE presence have Southern Nevadans worried, especially after four UNLV students had their visas revoked last week. What do we know for sure, and have there been any confirmed arrests? Co-host Dayvid Figler and producer Layla Muhammad are joined by journalist Michael MJ Lyle to talk about ICE's latest tactics and the community's response. They also talk about the revival of Reba's Law in the Legislature, fallout from last week's school trip rescue near Lake Mead, and the controversy over YouTuber MrBeast's recent event at Resorts World. To find loved ones who may have been detained, search the ICE detainee locator. (Nevada Immigrant Coalition) Learn more about the sponsors of this April 18th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off 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

Duration:00:35:20

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The Hottest Soul Food Spots in Vegas Right Now

4/17/2025
Las Vegas isn't exactly known for its soul food cuisine, but that doesn't mean you can't find great, award-winning Southern food in the Vegas Valley. Today on the podcast, co-host Sarah Lohman talks with travel and food writer Shaunda Necole about her local soul food recs, the difference between traditional and modern soul food, and what's missing in Las Vegas' soul food scene. Learn more about the sponsor of this April 17th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off 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

Duration:00:21:08

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The Hidden Price That Circus Performers Pay

4/16/2025
Ahead of World Circus Day this Saturday, we’re taking a look behind the curtain at the physical strain performers endure for their careers. Las Vegas is a major destination for acrobats, but our city lacks the protections and medical care needed to help manage the pain that accompanies their dazzling skills. UNLV professor and aerial performer Laura Martinez studies the culture of the circus industry and how they discuss pain. She joins co-host Dayvid Figler to explain this behind-the-scenes dynamic — and how Las Vegas commodifies performers’ bodies. If you enjoyed the interview with Eric Gladstone, a team leader at Vegas Unstripped, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off 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

Duration:00:29:37

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What's the Big Deal About WrestleMania in Vegas?

4/15/2025
After WrestleMania’s failed 1993 attempt in Las Vegas — so bad they made a documentary about it — all eyes are on its return to Vegas this weekend at Allegiant Stadium. So what do locals need to know about WrestleMania 41 taking over the city and why are combat sports so attracted to Las Vegas? Wrestling superfan and poet AJ Moyer sits down with co-host Dayvid Figler to explain the hype around “the Super Bowl of wrestling” and the best events everyone can enjoy during WrestleMania weekend. AJ mentioned this YouTube video on "The Unreality of Pro Wrestling." Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Cozy Earth - Use code COZYLASVEGAS for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. 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

Duration:00:24:27

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Will Nevada Ban Retail Sales of Cats and Dogs?

4/14/2025
With animal shelters across Southern Nevada facing overcrowding, poor conditions, and some even resuming euthanizations, advocates say that "adopt, don't shop" is more important than ever. So some municipalities in Southern Nevada, including Clark County, have enacted bans forbidding the retail sale of certain pets — and now the legislature is considering a bill to make that ban statewide. Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Nevada Current investigative reporter Dana Gentry, who recently wrote about the new effort. Need help with your pet? The Animal Foundation lists resources here. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Cozy Earth - Use code COZYLASVEGAS for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. 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

Duration:00:23:32

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The Missing Veterinarian, the Hedge Fund Buying Our Houses, and Why Vegas Is Cool (According to Locals)

4/11/2025
The story of a missing veterinarian at Lake Mead took even more twists and turns this week when it was revealed that he'd been caught on video kicking a horse in the head. But does his long apology, posted shortly afterward, explain another side to the story? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman discuss the saga with TheList.Vegas creator Andrew Kiraly. They also talk about recent reporting from the Review-Journal that revealed Clark County's largest homeowner is a New York hedge fund, and an odd little press release claiming Las Vegas is the second "coolest" city in the country — and why it's got us feeling weirdly defensive. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 11th episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:34:27

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Must-Try Jewish Delis in Las Vegas

4/10/2025
With Passover coming up, you might just have brisket, kugel, rugelach, and matzo ball soup on your mind — so where can you get the best Jewish deli food around town? Co-hosts Dayvid Figler (who grew up in Las Vegas's Jewish community) and Sarah Lohman (a culinary historian) bring back a conversation about the history of the Jewish deli, how "kosher-lite" cuisine came to Las Vegas, and how they rate the Jewish delis in the valley. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10th episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:24:46

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Canadians Are Avoiding Vegas. Are We in Trouble?

4/9/2025
Well, we've really done it now — even the famously nice Canadians are avoiding travel to the U.S. And for Las Vegas in particular, that's a big problem, because our number one source of international visitors is (you guessed it) Canada. About 1.4 million of them visited Vegas in 2023. But, as the Nevada Independent recently reported, that number is starting to plummet. Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Graham MacLennan, a lawyer, podcaster, and Canadian who loves Las Vegas. Graham explains why he just canceled his upcoming trip to Las Vegas, what the vibes are like up north, and what it'll take to bring the Canucks back to town. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9th episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:24:00

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Why Protecting Insects Could Speed Up Home Construction

4/8/2025
Nevada is one of America’s most diverse states for insect life but many of these species are at risk of extinction with no statewide protections. And as the City of North Las Vegas begins planning for a new development on 7,000 acres of land received from the Bureau of Land Management, how should we ensure the safety of endemic species? Could these protections actually streamline development? Co-host Sarah Lohman sits down with Amy Alonzo from The Nevada Independent. Alonzo explains a proposal in the legislature to radically reclassify insects so they can be protected as imperiled wildlife — and why this bill has had trouble passing before. Want to comment on a bill being heard in the legislature? Find out more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 8th episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:25:23

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Should Cyclists Get to Ignore Stop Signs?

4/7/2025
Clark County had 11 cyclist deaths on our roads last year — bike safety advocates say our road design and driving culture are partly to blame. They're backing a counterintuitive bill this legislative session: AB 168 would allow cyclists to disregard stop signs and keep pedaling through intersections. Co-host Dayvid Figler talks with Ky Plaskon, secretary at the Nevada Bicycle Coalition, and David Swallow, Deputy CEO at the Regional Transportation Commission, about why AB 168 is needed, the stats that back it up, and how else Las Vegas could make the roads safer for everyone. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:25:26

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What Fueled the Wetlands Wildfire? Plus, An Old Abortion Law Is Back, and Tigers Seized in Pahrump

4/4/2025
Thirty-four of the Wetlands Park's 210 acres burned this week in a wildfire that took on surprising proportions — so what does it mean when a fire is "human caused," and what common plant could be at the root of the problem? Co-hosts Sarah Lohman and Dayvid Figler talk with Battle Born Progress press secretary Jacob Solis about the wildfire, explore how a decades-old abortion law was brought back to life, and rate the news about the unlicensed seven tigers seized on Wednesday: How "Pahrump" is this news on a scale of 0 to 10? Learn more about the sponsors of this April 4th episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:35:36

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Vegan Food Everyone Will Love in Las Vegas

4/3/2025
Not all Las Vegans are vegan, but we've actually got a surprisingly robust vegan food scene — and it's good enough that omnivores and plant-eaters alike can appreciate our diverse vegan food scene. Co-host Sarah Lohman talks with Jackie Sobon, food stylist and blogger at Vegan Yack Attack, who gives us the lay of the land and shares her favorite vegan restaurants in Las Vegas that are actually delicious. Bonus: she's also got a list of non-vegan restaurants with great vegan options for mixed-diet groups! Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:26:29

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The USDA Cut a Million Pounds of Local Food Aid. What Happens Now?

4/2/2025
The new administration's sweeping spending cuts have reached the USDA, which cut two pandemic-era relief programs in Nevada last week. Southern Nevada's only food bank, Three Square, won't receive about 1 million pounds of food that it had been expecting this spring, and Home Feeds Nevada won't be able to pay local farmers and ranchers to supply food pantries, either. So what happens now? Co-host Dayvid Figler sits down with Three Square CEO Beth Martino, who explains why food insecurity is worse than it's been since the pandemic, and why she remains hopeful that hungry Las Vegans will still get fed. Check out Three Square's Food Finder map to find your local food pantry. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:24:57

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Your Guide to April 2025 in Las Vegas

4/1/2025
As the wind blows us into April, we have your guide to make the most out of this month in Las Vegas. From a magical exhibit at Springs Preserve to the hottest tickets to get your hands on. Co-hosts Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman are joined by poet and artist Vogue Robinson to share their best tips, can’t miss events, and tastiest food recs for April. 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 April in Las Vegas, check out Hey Las Vegas’s take on what to do this month. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1st episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:32:33

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How Powerful Are Lobbyists in Nevada?

3/31/2025
The 83rd Legislative Session is in full swing, and we've already got well over 1,000 lobbyists registered in Carson City this year. But how exactly do lobbyists work, and why do they say they're so essential to Nevada's citizen legislature in particular? Today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with the Nevada Independent's capital bureau chief Tabitha Mueller. She demystifies the lobbying process for us and answers a big question: Could our legislature even function without them? Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31st episode: The Neon Museum 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

Duration:00:25:53

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Uber Avoids Collision with Lawyers, Homeless Center Opposition, and 3 Years of City Cast Las Vegas

3/28/2025
Today on our weekly news roundup, Uber and Nevada trial lawyers settle a dispute in the legislature with a big compromise, the $200 million residential homeless center, The Campus of Hope, draws opposition from neighbors, and we discuss our favorite moments after 3 years of the City Cast Las Vegas podcast and Hey Las Vegas newsletter! Writer and City Cast Las Vegas alum Scott Dickensheets joins Nevada Current deputy editor April Corbin Girnus and co-host Dayvid Figler to break down this week’s hottest headlines. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 28th episode: Tedx 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:34:24

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The Best Halal Food in Las Vegas

3/27/2025
On March 29th, Muslims across Southern Nevada will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan and a month of fasting. To mark the occasion, families will host big dinners and order food from the many delicious halal restaurants around the Valley. So today, co-host Dayvid Figler talks with producer Layla Muhammad about her favorite halal restaurants in Las Vegas and what to order there. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27th episode: Tedx 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:21:58

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A Hater’s Guide to Nature

3/26/2025
Who would give a one-star review to Mother Nature? A lot of people, it turns out. Today, we’re bringing back a collection of the funniest one-star reviews of natural wonders around Las Vegas. Executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson reads the reviews and quizzes our hosts, Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, on which Mojave Desert icons got flamed online. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Tedx 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:20:26

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Why Las Vegas Transit Is Better Than You Think

3/25/2025
Las Vegans love to complain about our “lack” of public transit. But with recent reports of violence on buses, the conversation has intensified. So, what does the agency running our public transportation system of buses, bike shares, and more have to say about these concerns? We are revisiting a conversation co-host Dayvid Filger had with MJ Maynard, CEO of Southern Nevada’s Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). Maynard talks about how they address safety, sets the record straight about how much they actually do, and discusses the challenges of operating in our car-centric city. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: Tedx 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:26:17

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The Wildest Headlines (So Far) of 2025

3/24/2025
If you thought we’d get a quiet start to the year, well, you’d be wrong: The headlines have come in fast and furious. So today, executive producer Sonja Cho Swanson quizzes our two hosts, Dayvid Figler and Sarah Lohman, on quotes from the wildest stories of the year so far. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: Tedx 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duration:00:20:22