Vegas Circle

Send us Fan Mail

Vegas can make you famous overnight or invisible forever, and the difference is rarely “talent” alone. We’re joined by Maria Romano, one of Las Vegas’s top working DJs and the founder of Mr. Marketing Group, to get brutally practical about what it takes to build a name in the most competitive nightlife city in America. She shares how she started DJing at 11, why her early obsession with music and marketing gave her an edge, and what she did when she landed in Vegas and had to earn every room one relationship at a tim...

Send us Fan Mail

Nicotine can feel like a cheat code for focus, but the bill shows up later in stress, cravings, and a rising baseline you can’t outrun. We sit down with Josh Gunderson, a US Air Force combat pilot who has flown F-15s and F-22s, to talk about what “performance” really costs when your go-to tool is a chemical that spikes cortisol. From 12-hour single-seat missions to long hours studying tactics, Josh explains why nicotine became normal in high intensity communities and why becoming a dad forced a hard reset on health, energy...

Send us Fan Mail

A mezcal brand can be more than a label and a flavour profile. We’re joined by Alejandra Flores, president and owner of Mayu Mezcal, and her story hits on culture, craft, and a mission that reaches back to Oaxaca and forward to real community impact. She built Mayu to honour her Indigenous grandmother, a woman who never learned to read or write yet still became a fearless businesswoman and lifelong inspiration.

We get practical about what separates authentic mezcal from marketing: why organic mezcal certification matters, what “artisanal mezcal” actually means...

Send us Fan Mail

A lot of artists want longevity, but few want the work that comes with it. We sit down with Arenbe Williams, a singer, songwriter, producer, and independent label founder, to get brutally practical about how you stay relevant for 20-plus years in a music industry that now changes month to month. Arenbe talks about coming from the album era, respecting the single era, and why evolving does not mean chasing every trend. If you care about real artistry, R&B culture, and building a career that lasts, this conversation hits home. 

W...

Send us Fan Mail

Your training plan might be solid, your work ethic might be elite, and you still might be playing the wrong game for your body. Former UFC champion, entrepreneur, and mom Miesha Tate joins us on Vegas Circle Podcast and takes us from cage-level mindset to day-to-day life, starting with parenting in the real world: sports drop-offs, busy schedules, and the belief that our job is to challenge our kids and guide them through pressure, not remove it. 

From there, we get into what combat sports actually teach: problem-solving under stress, self-defence c...

Send us Fan Mail

Rent up, groceries up, wages stretched thin and somehow the “American Dream” keeps moving farther away. We sat down with Congressman Steven Horsford to talk about what that pressure looks like on the ground in Las Vegas and across Nevada’s 4th District, and what government can actually do when working families feel boxed in. He shares his own path from being raised here by an immigrant mother to leading major job training programs, then taking that fight for opportunity to Congress. 

We get specific about housing affordability in Southern Nevada: how ins...

Send us Fan Mail

Vegas can make a normal business model look impossible, and that’s why we wanted this conversation. We’re joined by Ed “Pizza” Pizzarello, a longtime Five Guys franchise owner and operator who went from four-diamond hospitality and consulting to helping open the third Five Guys franchise store back in 2002. He tells us what it felt like to bet on a small “cult burger” brand before it had the systems and scale it’s known for today, and what changes when a franchise grows into a global name.

Then we go full Las Vegas...

Send us Fan Mail

The healthcare system feels expensive, confusing, and slow for a reason and Dr. Jade Norris isn’t afraid to say it out loud. We sit down with the founder and CEO of Inspire Primary Care in Las Vegas to talk about Direct Primary Care (DPC), a membership medicine model that skips the insurance middleman for most everyday needs and brings back what people actually want: time, access, and a real relationship with their primary care doctor.

We get specific about how DPC works, what a typical monthly membership costs, and why tr...

Send us Fan Mail

We took “Beyond the Game” live, and the biggest theme that keeps showing up is simple: talent is common, structure is rare. So we brought in three people who’ve actually built systems around talent and turned it into careers, community, and ownership right here in Las Vegas and far beyond.

Morris Jackson breaks down how esports goes way past “kids playing video games.” We talk youth esports training, discipline, coaching, teamwork, and why the new third space for young people is digital. He shares how Valhalla builds an 18 month development pathway, w...

Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan Mail

Justice doesn’t happen by accident; it’s built on preparation, clarity, and access. We sit with Judge Joanna Kishner, a lifelong Nevadan and veteran district court judge, to unpack how Las Vegas handles business court disputes, construction defect claims, and the everyday civil cases that shape our city’s growth. From the first filing to appeals, she explains how disciplined reading, careful analysis, and open hearings produce decisions people can trust.

We dig into the realities behind the robe: what a district judge actually does, how trials and motions differ, and wh...

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you take a beloved sneaker, dissect it with surgical care, and present it like a museum specimen? We sat down with Al Baker, the artist behind Deadstock Anatomies, to unpack how an entomology display at home inspired a breakout art form that sneakerheads, athletes, and brands can’t stop talking about. From a carefully pared-back booth at ComplexCon to commissions for high-profile clients, Al shows us why restraint and intention can draw bigger crowds than flashy builds ever could.

Al breaks down the craft with clarity. Some silhouettes li...

Send us Fan Mail

The best meals start with trust, and few dining styles embody that more than omakase—“leave it up to you.” We sit with James, the force behind Kase Sake Sushi, to unpack how he translated two decades in hospitality and a stint as a DJ into a neighborhood sushi bar that delivers traditional technique, razor-sharp sourcing, and an approachable price point. If you’ve wondered how to enjoy pristine nigiri without the $300 shock, or how a restaurant maintains freshness in the desert, this conversation delivers the playbook.

James breaks down his casual o...

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to turn a late-night hustle into a stadium-ready brand? We sit down with Steve Phillips, owner of Mr. Fries Man Las Vegas, to pull back the curtain on a journey powered by street marketing, credit smarts, and unapologetic belief. From LA catering to a Flamingo storefront to a coveted concession at Allegiant Stadium, Steve shows how grit and quality can beat perfect timing—and how one pitcher of Kool-Aid can win a room full of decision-makers.

We get honest about the real math of stadium deals: why se...

Send us Fan Mail

A friend hits play in a car and everything changes. That’s how Yada first landed on Rick Ross’s radar, and it’s where this story of independent moves, relentless output, and Vegas grit really begins. We sit down to unpack how a Maybach co-sign became a mandate to own his path, why he built a 600-song catalog without chasing gimmicks, and how being blacklisted from local venues pushed him to write, finance, and star in his own films.

We dig into the real mechanics of momentum: relationships that turn featur...

Send us Fan Mail

A working trip to Mexico City turned into a bold idea: serve the soul of Mexican food with plant-based craft so good that non-vegans line up for it. We sit down with co-owner Regina Simmons to trace how Tacotarian grew from a teased opening to six busy locations across Las Vegas and San Diego, all while keeping flavor first and labels second.

Regina breaks down the playbook: position as plant-based to lower the barrier, design a menu that delights both meat-memory seekers and veg-forward purists, and build a commissary that safeguards...

Send us Fan Mail

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, rushed, or patched up with a prescription that didn’t solve the problem, this conversation will feel like a deep breath. We sit down with Kelly Nemiro to unpack how she’s building Rhea, a women-only wellness space in Summerlin that starts with data and ends with real relief. No guesswork, no generic plans—just diagnostics, smart coaching, and the right mix of treatments to help women sleep better, think clearer, and feel like themselves again.

Kelly takes us inside the model: breath tests for metaboli...

Send us Fan Mail

Forget the cliché of “student-athlete.” These founders flipped the order for real. We sat down with the team behind Game Changers Sports Academy to unpack how a bootstrapped vision became a rigorous school where a 3.0 GPA is the ticket to train, block schedules fight boredom, and phones go in a cart so attention can come back to class. They call the transcript “life insurance,” and their model proves why: small ratios, direct instruction, and accredited online platforms combine to meet kids where they are and push them where they can go.

We walk t...

Send us Fan Mail

What if youth esports had the same structure, safety, and upward path as Little League or AAU? We sit down with Valhallan Esports’ Morris Jackson to unpack how he went from owning a single arena to acquiring the entire brand and relocating HQ to Las Vegas—transforming a scattered scene into a true pipeline for kids, parents, schools, and colleges. From 23 locations across 12 states to an online platform that removes geography as a barrier, Morris lays out a plan to make Valhallan a destination where young gamers train, compete, and grow with purpose.
...

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to transform your life after hitting rock bottom? Chef Jeff Henderson knows firsthand. His journey from South Central LA drug dealer to award-winning chef, bestselling author, and youth mentor is a masterclass in personal reinvention and the power of redirected hustle.

Growing up in a single-parent home, Jeff absorbed entrepreneurial traits from family members who modeled hard work without formal business education. As a curious child riding the school bus through wealthy neighborhoods, he pressed his face against the window, dreaming of one day owning a beautiful...

Send us Fan Mail

Forget everything you thought you knew about making it in music. Abdullah "Dulamite" Franklin pulls back the curtain on an industry built on smoke and mirrors, revealing why artists with millions of streams can still be broke while those you've never heard of are quietly building empires.

"A billion streams on Spotify equals fourteen thousand dollars," Franklin explains, cutting through the fantasy that streaming success equals financial freedom. As a rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur who's written for some of the biggest names in music (though NDAs prevent him from naming most...

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to lose everything and find your way back? Rob Banghart's journey from addiction to redemption takes us through the darkest corners of Las Vegas—literally beneath the glittering city where few tourists ever venture.

Rob shares his raw, unflinching story of how alcoholism and addiction led him from working in prestigious restaurants under Wolfgang Puck to living in the vast tunnel system beneath Las Vegas. For five years, homelessness was his reality, with two and a half of those years spent in what he calls "a physical re...

Send us Fan Mail

From swap meet hustler to multi-industry entrepreneur, Laquan "YP" Hunt represents the relentless spirit of Vegas beyond the neon lights. As co-founder of Certify Avenue, his journey exemplifies how authentic hometown connections can fuel diverse business ventures in an evolving city.

Hunt's entrepreneurial path began with a $20,000 investment at a local swap meet in 2014, selling t-shirts branded with the "CH" logo from his former music group, Certified Hustlers. This humble start blossomed into four brick-and-mortar locations, with his current flagship store strategically positioned in Town Square Las Vegas. Rather than following...

Send us Fan Mail

Dive into the mind of a multi-industry entrepreneur as Zachary King reveals how he built his business empire spanning fashion, restaurants, and candy. From getting Tom Brady to wear his Residency clothing line to managing a restaurant portfolio that includes concepts like Cubana and Earth Cafe, King demonstrates remarkable versatility while sharing the psychology behind his success.

What makes King's approach unique is his deep understanding of customer behavior and his emphasis on relationship-building over immediate profits. "Rich people love free stuff. Everybody likes to be thought of," he explains, detailing...

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to emerge from the shadow of a music legend and create your own path? In this compelling episode, we sit down with Teddy Riley Jr., better known as Yung Tash, who's blazing his own trail in the music industry while honoring the legacy of his father, new jack swing innovator Teddy Riley.

Yung Tosh takes us through his fascinating journey from Atlanta's vibrant music scene to Las Vegas, where he's established himself as both a respected DJ and emerging recording artist. Despite his famous lineage, Tash shares...

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wondered what really happens during a vasectomy? Or why that morning coffee might be setting you up for kidney stones? Dr. David Ludlow pulls back the curtain on men's health topics most guys are too uncomfortable to discuss.

"That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be" – the phrase Dr. Ludlow hears so often from vasectomy patients that he jokes about putting it on t-shirts. In this eye-opening conversation, he dispels common myths about men's health procedures that keep many from seeking necessary care. From explaining how robotic surgery wo...

Send us Fan Mail

How do you solve America's housing crisis? For Galiano Tiramani, co-founder of Boxable, the answer lies in completely reimagining how homes are built, shipped, and installed.

The journey from Bitcoin trader to housing revolutionary isn't an obvious career path, but Tiramani's entrepreneurial instincts led him to partner with his engineer father to develop a groundbreaking concept: houses manufactured on assembly lines that fold up for shipping, then expand on-site for quick installation. Their flagship product, the Casita, offers 360 square feet of modern living space for just $60,000, while their newest innovation—the Ba...

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when two successful business leaders decide to channel their skills toward helping America's military veterans? Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay reveal the powerful story behind founding Easy Day Foundation, an organization determined to make every day easier for those who've served our country.

The name "Easy Day" comes from a Navy SEAL expression, but carries a deeper meaning. As Frank explains, "The easy days should be ahead for these guys, not behind them." This sentiment drives their mission to support veterans transitioning back to civilian life—a journey th...

Send us Fan Mail

Behind every successful restaurant lies a story of grit, determination, and unwavering passion. Zach Tolan's journey from teenage dishwasher to celebrated chef-entrepreneur perfectly captures this spirit of culinary perseverance.

The founder of Vanilla Rice Hibachi House began his culinary career at just 15 years old, washing dishes alongside his 12-year-old brother for cash under the table. What started as a simple way to earn money transformed into something much more profound when a manager's dismissive words—"dishwashers don't get raises"—lit a fire within young Zach. Those words, now the title of his...

Send us Fan Mail

Visionary entrepreneur Philippe Ziade takes us deep into the revolutionary world of AI-powered hospitality with his groundbreaking Otonomus hotel concept, set to open in Las Vegas on July 1st. This episode unveils how technology is fundamentally transforming guest experiences while creating unprecedented value for real estate developers.

Philippe's journey from Lebanese immigrant studying engineering at UNLV to innovative developer illustrates the quintessential American success story. After starting with a marble company working on the Palms Casino, he navigated the 2008 financial crisis by pivoting to distressed properties, where operational challenges led him...

Send us Fan Mail

Attorney Meesha Moulton takes us on her remarkable journey from Toronto to Las Vegas, where she built a thriving immigration and personal injury law practice from humble beginnings. With only $3,000 in her pocket after law school, Misha stayed at a budget motel on Boulder Highway while studying for the Nevada bar exam – a far cry from the successful law firm she would eventually establish.

The conversation delves deep into the current immigration landscape, with Moulton offering nuanced insights that cut through political rhetoric. She explains how recent policies have effectively criminalized un...

Send us Fan Mail

Ever wonder how someone transforms from running teenage house parties to building a mobility scooter empire in Las Vegas? Shaun Powell's entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in recognizing opportunity and building systems that create freedom.

Four years after his first appearance on the Vegas Circle Podcast, Shaun returns with an entirely new business venture and vision. As the founder of Vegas Mobility Solutions, he's carved out a successful niche providing medical equipment to tourists visiting the Strip, but that's just one chapter in his remarkable story.

Shaun's entrepreneurial spirit...

Send us Fan Mail

What does it take to build mental toughness in professional athletes? Deon Hodges pulls back the curtain on the world of elite sports performance training in this eye-opening conversation.

As a partner at AI Hospitality and leader of their IBI performance facility in Las Vegas, Hodges has carved out a unique space in the competitive fitness landscape by focusing on substance over flash. "We're not magnifying the 'look at me' aspect," he explains, distinguishing his approach from the Instagram-ready workouts that dominate social media. His facility has become a destination for...

Send us Fan Mail

Bruno Gralpois captivates with an inspiring journey from barely speaking English as a French immigrant to becoming a marketing powerhouse managing billion-dollar budgets for Microsoft and co-founding Agency Mania Solutions. His remarkable story weaves through Seattle's tech boom, experiencing IPOs, acquisitions, and eventually receiving Steve Ballmer's marketing excellence award at Microsoft.

The conversation reveals fascinating insights about the global marketing landscape, including the milestone that advertising spending surpassed $1 trillion in 2024. Bruno breaks down how major corporations allocate marketing budgets—typically 12% of revenue—dividing funds between media placement (60%), production (20%), and agency fees (20%). This...

Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan Mail

What if the key to beautiful, healthy skin lay not in the latest beauty fad, but in understanding the vital role of sun protection and the artistry of surgery? Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Brittany Buhalog, a leading dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, as she shares the intricacies of her profession, from removing skin cancers to the delicate process of facial reconstruction. Dr. Buhalog reveals the profound impact of ultraviolet radiation on skin health and the challenges her patients face, bringing clarity to a subject often clouded by misconceptions.

...

Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan Mail

Send us Fan Mail

Join us on an electrifying journey into the world of podcasting with our esteemed guest, Nick Dais, a professional sports bettor and seasoned podcast producer. Nick takes us through his unique voyage from his family's business in Queens to the vibrant sports podcasting space, launching his first show, Veterans Minimum. Alongside his intriguing tales, Nick reveals the inside scoop on what distinguishes top-earning podcasters, his inventive integration of sports betting into sports talk, and the relentless dedication needed to evolve and thrive in this dynamic industry.

Nick's dual role as both...

Send us Fan Mail

Discover the exhilarating world of medicine and travel with Dr. Courtney Downes, an inspiring emergency medical doctor and podcast host. She shares her fascinating journey from medical school in Connecticut to the bustling ERs of Las Vegas, bringing to life the unpredictable and vibrant experiences unique to her hometown’s nightlife. With an innovative twist, Dr. Downes introduces us to freestanding emergency rooms that promise quicker, more personalized care, while also revealing her exciting transition into podcasting and launching her platform, Prescription to Travel MD, which champions self-care and adventure for healthcare professionals.