The Best Dam Podcast

Jill Lagan
  • 4.6 (7)
  • Arts
  • Semiweekly

The Best Dam Podcast is your resource for discovering business, adventure tourism, and Boulder City living. As the home of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, we want to invite all who will listen to come Discover, Explore, and Unwind. 

  1. 15h ago

    Cielo Salon and Spa: Quality Treatments, Products, and Personalized Care in Boulder City

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Penny Walton, owner and master hairstylist of Cielo Salon and Spa in Henderson, along with her daughter Kennadie McGovern, a senior hairstylist, and master hairstylist Liz Ladd. They share how an apprenticeship program, built because new stylists leave beauty school without today's technical skills, grew into a full salon and spa in Boulder City when their landlord offered the space next door. The team explains how junior, senior and master tiers work for hair, nails and skin care, and why clients can book with confidence at any level. They walk through services from men's color and pedicures to lash lifts and advanced facials, share why they want clients buying professional products in the salon instead of on Amazon, and preview their fall specials. Along the way, listeners hear about first jobs, favorite books, life lessons, and Penny's new U.S. citizenship. DISCUSSION Why an Academy: Penny explains that the state cosmetology curriculum skips men's cutting, foiling, blonding and corrective color, so she built an apprenticeship program. About seven apprentices have come through in two years.A Daughter's Path: Kennadie earned her cosmetology certification through SECTA, a technical high school in Henderson, then trained with Penny and Liz and went to Master Goldwell training in New York in May.Room to Grow: In March the landlord offered the space next door. Downstairs now holds retail, two pedicure bowls and three nail stations. Upstairs has three rooms for advanced skin care and lashes, with massage on the way.Boulder City Foot Traffic: Liz describes passersby peeking in, neighbors sending people over, and how few full-service salons are left.The Family Hairdresser: Kennadie wants the mom-and-pop feel in Boulder City, where the team of eight has time to know clients, compared with the 45-person Henderson salon.Junior, Senior and Master: Tiers across hair, nails and skin care are based on consistent quality, not years out of school, and pricing reflects each level. The first skill apprentices learn is the blowout.Color and Creativity: Colored lashes and booming nail art show how fast the industry changes, and why continuing education matters.Advanced Skin Care: Dana, with about 30 years of experience, offers laser work, permanent makeup, peels, microneedling and HydraFacial. Christine, with 25 years, focuses on waxing, microdermabrasion, masks and relaxing facials.Men's Services: Haircuts, color, gray blending, highlights, pedicures, manicures, facials and waxing are all on the menu. Beards can be cleaned up, but straight-razor shaving is outside their license.Accessibility: Hair, nail and pedicure services are all downstairs. The team is looking at options with the landlord for the upstairs rooms.Chiropractic and Massage: Penny describes the walk-in chiropractor at the Henderson location, why massage fits Boulder City's licensing, and a possible red light therapy service for local seniors.Pro Products vs. Amazon: Why the team recommends salon-sold products, how purchase points fund stylist education, and how those points helped send Kennadie to New York.Getting to Know You: Penny's first job in Canada and new U.S. citizenship, Liz's love of Riley Sager mysteries, and Kennadie's lesson to keep going.Fall Specials: A tiered product discount, a $99 lash set, a blow dry, manicure and brow wax for $75, pumpkin facial and peel for $85, and a deluxe HydraFacial for $199.LEARN MORE To learn more about Cielo Salon and Spa, visit https://www.cielosalonandspa.com/ or on these social sites: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cielosalonandspanv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cielosalonandspa/ To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com KEYWORDS Cielo Salon and Spa, Penny Walton, Liz Ladd, Kennadie McGovern, Boulder City, Salon and Spa, Small Business, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #CieloSalon #BoulderCity #SalonAndSpa #ShopLocal #SmallBusiness #Apprenticeship #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamber

    Cielo Salon and Spa: Quality Treatments, Products, and Personalized Care in Boulder City

  2. Oct 27

    Bloom Boutiques: 15 Years of Mother-Daughter Entrepreneurship and Community Roots

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Bridget O’Neill and her daughter Maddy, the mother-daughter team behind Bloom Boutique in Boulder City and Bloom at The District in Henderson. They share how a candy store that closed, a line of chalk paint, and a zero-interest credit card grew into 15 years of business without taking on debt. Bridget and Maddy look back on the pandemic Facebook Lives that helped Bloom grow about 18% when most stores were struggling. They explain why they chose to downsize from multiple cities to two locations, and what it’s like to go from employee to business partner. Along the way, listeners get a personal look at their first jobs, their favorite reads, and the lessons their parents taught them. DISCUSSION From Candy Store to Boutique: How Bridget started Bloom after a friend’s nudge, took over the original Boulder City shop (formerly Periwinkle Cottage), and grew it organically.The Chalk Paint Years: Becoming one of roughly 800 U.S. stockists of Annie Sloan chalk paint, running workshops, and evolving into clothing, jewelry, home decor, and gifts.Going Smaller, Doing It Better: Closing the Las Vegas and Reno stores and the warehouses to focus on two locations they can manage well.COVID Pivot: Ladders, clip stands, and handmade Excel sheets, plus a runaway rabbit during a live sale. Facebook Lives, trunk-pop pickups, and why paint made Bloom an essential business.Working for Your Mom: Why Maddy calls her mother “Bridget,” how a business degree turned into a career, and her new role as part owner.Life Beyond the Business: Becoming a grandma, choosing to enjoy life over expansion, and the aha moment that changed how Bridget thinks about growth.Debt-Free for 15 Years: Bridget’s proudest achievement, building Bloom without owing a thing while employing up to 12 or 13 women.Funny Stories: Customers are full of surprises, including a request to repaint a cast iron slug trophy.First Jobs & College Paths: Bridget’s start as a restaurant busser, and Maddy’s route from UNLV to Nevada State and a semester studying in Scotland.What They’re Reading: Bridget’s deep dive into the Bible and podcasts, Maddy’s Throne of Glass series, and Jill’s recommendation of The Week.Lessons from Mom & Dad: “Nothing you couldn’t just do,” accepting the consequences of your choices, and why it’s easy to be nice.Boutique, Not Antique: Brand-new gifts, mom-and-pop and made-in-the-USA vendors, custom painting, upholstery, home staging, and Bloom’s 15th anniversary celebration featuring new food lines and local collaborators.LEARN MORE To learn more about Bloom Boutiques, visit https://bloom-boutiques.com/ To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com KEYWORDS Bloom Boutiques, Bridget O’Neill, Maddy O’Neill, Boulder City, Bloom at the District, Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Mother Daughter Business, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #BloomBoutiques #BoulderCity #SmallBusiness #ShopLocal #MotherDaughter #Entrepreneurship #BloomAtTheDistrict #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamber

    Bloom Boutiques: 15 Years of Mother-Daughter Entrepreneurship and Community Roots

  3. Oct 22

    Dina Titus - Congresswoman Representing Nevada's 1st District

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Congresswoman Dina Titus, who represents Boulder City and Southern Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives. Dina shares how a politically active Georgia upbringing, a proud Greek immigrant grandfather, and 35 years teaching political science at UNLV shaped her path to public service. Dina opens up about the decline of civility in politics and how she finds common ground across the aisle. She discusses the fight to protect Southern Nevada’s share of the Colorado River, the importance of Lake Mead and Avi Kwa Ame, and the need for transparency around data centers on public lands. Along the way, listeners get a personal look at her first jobs, her family, her favorite books, and the lessons her Southern parents taught her. DISCUSSION From Georgia to Nevada: Growing up in a politically active family, her grandfather’s restaurant that fed troop trains during World War II, and studying political science at William & Mary.Professor & Legislator: Teaching at UNLV for 35 years while taking unpaid semesters off to serve in the Nevada State Legislature, and how each role made her better at the other.Civility & Statesmanship: How political discourse has changed, the hidden meaning behind “my most esteemed colleague,” and why both sides must take the high road.Finding Common Ground: Bipartisan work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, her friendship with former opponent John Porter, and teaming up with Rep. Brian Mast to end animal testing at the VA.Colorado River & Water Conservation: Her role as a founding member of the Colorado River Caucus, the lawsuit against the Bureau of Reclamation’s decision, and why Southern Nevada’s conservation success shouldn’t be punished.The Mexico Treaty & Desalination: Explaining the “law of the river” and why investing in desalination in Southern California helps keep water in Lake Mead.Protecting Public Lands: Boulder City as the gateway to Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Avi Kwa Ame, and why conservation protects both lives and livelihoods.Coke Machines & Jujubes: Her first job stocking a motel Coke machine in Tifton, Georgia, and working as a movie theater popcorn girl.Family, Home & Decompressing: Over 40 years of marriage, her sister Ro, coming home every weekend, and nightly cocktail hour.Lessons from Mom & Daddy: “Don’t back somebody into a corner,” Emily Post manners, and bringing social graces back to public life.What She’s Reading: Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential and why she reads a novel set in every country she visits.Data Centers & Transparency: Why she supports transparency over moratoriums, and the need for clear standards on water, power, local hiring, and community revenue.LEARN MORE To learn more about Congresswoman Dina Titus, visit https://titus.house.gov To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com KEYWORDS Dina Titus, Congresswoman, Boulder City, Southern Nevada, Colorado River, Lake Mead, Water Conservation, Avi Kwa Ame, Public Lands, Data Centers, Civility, UNLV, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #DinaTitus #BoulderCity #SouthernNevada #ColoradoRiver #LakeMead #WaterConservation #AviKwaAme #PublicLands #Civility #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamber

    Dina Titus - Congresswoman Representing Nevada's 1st District

  4. Oct 20

    The Bourbon Babe: Mobile Bartending, Mixology Classes, and Event Concierge Services

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Angie Rafferty, owner of The Bourbon Babe and office administrator for the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. Angie shares how she delivers unique mobile bartending, mocktail services, and mobile mixology classes, bringing both custom menus and entertainment to private, corporate, and community events across town. Angie also opens up about her passion for community giveback events—from free haircut drives for single parents, kids, and veterans with local partners to hosting mixology classes and dirty soda offerings—while reflecting on her background as a U.S. Army correctional officer and the essential role of the Chamber of Commerce. DISCUSSION The Bourbon Babe Mobile Services: Crafting custom cocktail and mocktail menus, mobile mixology classes, and signature dirty sodas for events.Community Giveback Collaborations: Partnering with local businesses like Roc & Beauty, Silver State Lampworking, and Lady Lux Cleaning Company to provide free community haircuts, back-to-school supplies, and seasonal events.Creative Event Concepts: Combining glassblowing with mixology in Sip & Flame events and serving theme-based custom drinks.The Importance of Human Connection: Maintaining personalized client relationships, catering to dietary needs/allergies, and keeping a personal touch over automated services.Upcoming Projects: Planning community events such as Halloween Trunk or Treat and Whiskey & Woofs dog-friendly tastings.Personal Background & Military Service: Transitioning 25 years of service industry experience and military duty as an Army correctional officer at Guantanamo Bay and Fort Leavenworth into entrepreneurship.Chamber Advocacy & Local Impact: Highlighting the Chamber's role in business education, legislative advocacy, pop-up market regulation, and driving local economic vitality.LEARN MORE To learn more about The Bourbon Babe, visit their website at https://www.thebourbonbabeevents.com, or on these social sites: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebourbonbabeevents Instagram: @the.bourbonbabe To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Angie Rafferty, The Bourbon Babe, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Mobile Bartending, Mocktails, Mixology Classes, The Best Dam Podcast #AngieRafferty #TheBourbonBabe #BoulderCity #MobileBartending #Mocktails #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamber

    The Bourbon Babe: Mobile Bartending, Mixology Classes, and Event Concierge Services

  5. Oct 13

    2026 Boulder City Chautauqua: Spark of a New Nation

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Ihla Crowley, Project Director for the Boulder City Chautauqua. Ihla shares how the organization brings history to life through immersive living history performances, gearing up for this year's theme, "Spark of a New Nation," in honor of America's 250th anniversary. Ihla opens up about the rich history of Chautauqua in Boulder City—from its humble beginnings iun 1992 under a tent in Bicentennial Park to its evolution today. She details the intense dedication of historical scholars, how themes and characters like Martha Washington, Paul Revere, and Alexander Hamilton are chosen, and how community support, silent auctions, and volunteers keep this beloved educational tradition thriving. DISCUSSION Boulder City Chautauqua & "Spark of a New Nation": Celebrating nearly 35 years of living history with portrayals of Martha Washington, Paul Revere, and Alexander Hamilton honoring America's 250th anniversary.The Art of Historical Scholars: Highlighting the incredible research and background of scholars like Katharine Pittman (Martha Washington), Dr. Hal Bidlack (Alexander Hamilton), and Terry Lynch (Paul Revere).35 Years of Boulder City History: Recalling Chautauqua's origins in 1992 with the Chamber of Commerce, early days in a tent at Bicentennial Park, and moving to the Boulder Theater.Funding & Community Support: Navigating grant transitions with the Nevada Arts Council and raising funds through community support and private foundations.Custom Chautauqua Quilt Silent Auction: Featuring a unique fundraising quilt crafted by Kim Madrazo and quilted by Jessica Whitaker of Silver State Stitch Shop using past event t-shirts.The 20-20-20 Chautauqua Format: Explaining the interactive three-part structure of performances featuring monologue, in-character Q&A, and out-of-character scholar Q&A.Youth Involvement & Volunteer Service: Encouraging school involvement, youth education, and calling for community volunteers and committee members.Event Details & Ticket Bundles: Sharing schedule information for the October event at Boulder Creek Pavilion, special ticket bundle savings, and the Thursday night meet-and-greet dinner.LEARN MORE For more information about Boulder City Chautauqua, visit https://www.bcchautauqua.org/ Purchase your tickets online for the Boulder City Chautauqua for 2026  at https://bcc-2026.ticketbud.com/ In-Person Ticket Purchase Options: Ace Hardware, 541 Nevada Way Boulder Dam Hotel, 1305 Arizona Street BC Chamber of Commerce, 100 Nevada Way (check or cash only please at these locations) To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com KEYWORDS Ihla Crowley, Boulder City Chautauqua, Boulder City, Historical Scholars, Living History, America 250, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #IhlaCrowley #BoulderCityChautauqua #BoulderCity #LivingHistory #America250 #LocalHistory #ArtsAndCulture #TheBestDamPodcast #Chautauqua

    2026 Boulder City Chautauqua: Spark of a New Nation

  6. Oct 6

    Paranormal Stories and Family-Friendly Fun on Boulder City Ghost Adventures

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Nick Weir, an amazing guide with Boulder City Ghost Adventures and a frontline ambassador at the Lighthouse Inn. Nick shares how he combines fascinating local history with spooky storytelling, using modern phone projectors to bring archival media to life right on the historic buildings of Boulder City. Nick also opens up about his fascinating personal history—from early childhood memories of past lives and childhood visions, to his selection for the GATE program and a mysterious UFO sighting over Lake Mead—while reflecting on modern UFO disclosures and the deeper connection between consciousness, gratitude, compassion, and love. DISCUSSION Boulder City Ghost Adventures: Blending historic district history with spooky stories, interactive phone projection technology, and fully accessible walking tours.Community Service & Ambassadorship: Starting his career through AmeriCorps and Three Square Food Bank, and welcoming visitors as a frontline ambassador at the Lighthouse Inn.Modern UFO Disclosures: Examining recent government transparency, NASA astronaut transcripts, and the shift in credibility surrounding non-human intelligence and unexplainable phenomena.Childhood Experiences & Past Lives: Recalling detailed past life memories at age three and experiencing visions of deceased relatives.GATE Program Insights: Discussing his elementary school placement in the Gifted and Talented Education program based on high-level reading and memory skills.The Lake Mead UFO Encounter: Describing a vivid 2023 sighting of a bright orange glowing orb over the water and its interaction with focused consciousness.Values for Life: Sharing his core principles for navigating the unexplained and everyday life: gratitude, compassion, and love.LEARN MORE For more information about Boulder City Ghost Adventures, visit https://www.hauntedbouldercity.com/ or contact Beer Zombies-Boulder City at https://www.thebeerzombies.com/locations/boulder-city To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Nick Weir, Boulder City Ghost Adventures, Boulder City, UFO Disclosures, Paranormal, GATE Program, Lighthouse Inn, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #NickWeir #GhostTours #BoulderCity #Paranormal #UFOs #LocalHistory #PublicService #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityGhostAdventures

    Paranormal Stories and Family-Friendly Fun on Boulder City Ghost Adventures

  7. Sep 29

    Riley Knudsen: Winner, Group 3-5, “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Riley Knudsen, a student at Empowered Leaders Micro School and winner of the local "I Voted" sticker contest. Riley shares her experience designing the winning sticker, her love for art, and her dream of becoming an animator. Riley also reflects on the unique environment of attending a micro school, going on memorable field trips to Disneyland and SeaWorld, and balancing volunteering and babysitting—all while sharing valuable life lessons from her parents, like never giving up on her goals. DISCUSSION Micro School Life: Attending Empowered Leaders Micro School with only 45 students across K–8th grade, benefiting from small class sizes, four-hour school days, and personalized learning."I Voted" Sticker Contest Winner: Designing three sticker options to earn school project points, and seeing her artwork featured on Boulder City election stickers.Future Dreams: Aspiring to become an animator due to her love for cartoons and art, while exploring career planning and technology tools through a school career project.Hands-On Field Trips: Learning through immersive experiences outside the classroom, including special trips to Disneyland and SeaWorld.Community & Service: Participating in the local King Kids shopping project in the historic district and volunteering in younger classrooms.Working & Babysitting: Gaining foundational work experience by helping teachers with classroom projects and enjoying babysitting local kids as an energetic, supportive friend.Reading & Personal Interests: Finding inspiration in books she loves, including The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han.Life Lessons from Family: Learning the importance of persistence from her parents, Zach and Sam Knudsen, and taking to heart their advice to never give up.LEARN MORE To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Riley Knudsen, Boulder City, I Voted Sticker Contest, Empowered Leaders Micro School, Animation, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #RileyKnudsen #IVoted #ArtContest #BoulderCity #PublicService #YouthTalent #TheBestDamPodcast #EmpoweredLeaders

    Riley Knudsen: Winner, Group 3-5, “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest

  8. Sep 22

    Madison 'Maddie' Hensala: Winner, Group K-2 “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with eight-year-old Madison 'Maddie' Hensala, winner of the "I Voted" sticker contest. Maddie shares her excitement about designing the winning sticker, her love for art, and her goal of becoming an art teacher one day. Maddie also reflects on moving from Wyoming to Boulder City, balancing third grade with competitive swimming and dance, and her love for reading Harry Potter—all while sharing valuable life lessons from her family, like treating others with kindness and enjoying summer days at her grandma's pool. DISCUSSION Third Grade & Dance Life: Starting third grade with Miss Egan, making friends, and dancing at Dance Etc., including performing in Annie."I Voted" Sticker Contest Winner: Creating the patriotic, flower-themed design for America 250 using fancy markers, and winning an award certificate for her art.Future Dreams: Aspiring to become an art teacher to support and educate future generations.Competitive Swimming: Racing in swim meets, winning awards, and following in the footsteps of Boulder City’s talented athletic history.Moving from Wyoming to Nevada: Comparing freezing winters and hot chocolate in Wyoming to the warm weather and pool days in Boulder City.Love of Reading: Building a personal library with a spinning bookcase, reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and being read to sleep by family.Family & Friendship Connections: Growing up with two older sisters, building strong friendships in a tight-knit community, and staying close with family.Life Lessons & Golden Rules: Learning from her dad to treat others the way you want to be treated, and making memories staying at her grandma's house.LEARN MORE To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Madison Hensala, Boulder City, I Voted Sticker Contest, Dance Etc, America 250, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #MadisonHensala #IVoted #ArtContest #BoulderCity #PublicService #YouthTalent #TheBestDamPodcast

    Madison 'Maddie' Hensala: Winner, Group K-2 “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Best Dam Podcast is your resource for discovering business, adventure tourism, and Boulder City living. As the home of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, we want to invite all who will listen to come Discover, Explore, and Unwind. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jill Lagan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best Dam Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Best Dam Podcast