The Best Dam Podcast

Jill Lagan
  • 4.6 (7)
  • Arts
  • Updated 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. 2h ago

    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

  2. 2d ago

    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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Sep 15

    Conversation with Howard Fox: Bringing Chambers and Communities Together Through Podcasting

    Welcome to The Best Dam Podcast! In this episode, Jill Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, turns the spotlight on her own business coach and mentor, Howard Fox. Listeners will hear the story of how a well-timed cold call from Howard sparked the launch of this very podcast and helped Jill overcome her imposter syndrome to become a confident host. Together, they delve into the power of podcasting for community promotion, the evolution of their podcasting journey—from microphone selection to a mobile studio—and how their partnership has elevated the mission of the Boulder City Chamber. Howard also shares insights from his career in executive coaching and the importance of blending nature with personal development. Expect thoughtful conversation, personal stories, and actionable advice for business leaders, podcasters, and anyone looking to communicate their vision more powerfully. Join us as we explore the stories behind Boulder City’s community spirit, the art of effective coaching, and why podcasting is an essential tool for any chamber or destination looking to amplify its voice. DISCUSSION 1. Introduction & Background Jill introduces the podcast and the focus on Boulder City 00:16Jill Lagan jokingly frames this episode as a "test" of what she has learned from her coach, Howard 00:45Howard comments on Jill’s imposter syndrome and praises her exceptional podcasting accomplishments 01:072. Origin Story: How Podcasting Began for Jill Howard recounts how he and Ryan from Podcast Centric reached out to chambers about podcasting 01:42The initial contact with the Boulder City Chamber and how quickly it resonated with Jill 02:32Jill reflects on inspiration from podcasting peers and the imposter syndrome watching others succeed 02:45Technical and mental hurdles to starting a podcast 03:20Howard’s support and the providence of the timing 03:443. Growth and Evolution of the Podcast Progression from basic podcasting equipment to a mobile podcast studio 04:52Jill describes how scheduling and production have changed due to increased interest 04:31Commentary on the value this brings to the community and Boulder City 05:154. Howard's Relocation to Boulder City Decision to move to Boulder City, influenced in part by working with Jill and the chamber 05:27Settling into the community 06:255. Howard’s Professional Work: Coaching & Podcasting Overview of Fox Coaching, Podcast Centric, and roles 06:29Description of both of Howard's podcasts: Outdoor Adventure Series and Success Insight Podcast 07:04The origin of Success Insight PodcastUse of interviews to generate LinkedIn articles 07:26Outdoor Adventure Series evolution after moving to Nevada 08:28Podcasting as a platform for destination marketing and chambers 09:08The business model: working with chambers to help them tell their story through podcasting 09:506. How Podcast Centric Works with Chambers Structure of the relationship: Jill as the first to sign up, turning over production to Podcast Centric 10:40Value for chambers: helping meet their mission, promoting businesses and community events 13:02Diversity of podcast guests: not just businesses, but also authors, youth, and artists 13:13Podcasting enhances leadership and interviewer skills 13:407. Podcasting Production & Opportunities Importance of content planning, leveraging local events 15:03Expanding to video content and Jill’s initial reluctance 15:35Emphasizing ongoing learning and pushing creative boundaries 16:27The evolving nature of the podcast and marketing outreach 16:428. Howard’s Business Coaching Practice History of coaching since 2008 and transition from IT consulting 17:06Three core areas of work:Executive coaching (preparation for promotion, team effectiveness, resistance to strategy, leadership skills) 18:18Career mobility (helping organizations manage layoffs, re-skilling, internal transfers) 19:13Career transition (outplacement: resumes, branding, interviews, job search strategy) 19:43The role of LinkedIn for clients and leaders as both a resume and networking tool 21:009. Coaching Methodology and Value The function of coaching vs mentoring, consulting, and advising 22:39Explanation using the sailing analogy: client as skipper, coach as crewmate 23:09The importance of dialogue for clients’ self-discovery 23:41The necessity of the human element in coaching (contrasted with AI) 24:0010. Howard Fox’s Personal Background & Influences First job at a diner and learning lifelong skills from a mentor 25:06Culinary influences and learning to make spanakopita 25:47Starting in photography at the diner, leading to event photography 26:50Jill shares her parallel start in event business through photography 27:40The role of serendipity in life and career path 28:1611. Favorite Books and Thought Leadership Howard Fox’s leadership book recommendations:"Turn the Ship Around" by David Marquet 29:15"The Leadership Challenge" by Kouzes and Posner"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni"What Got You Here Won’t Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith, with anecdote about meeting Goldsmith 30:50Introduction to outdoor-focused coaching 31:3512. Outdoor Coaching and Blue-Green Psychology The concept: integrating coaching with nature for mindfulness, reflection, and personal growth 31:38Examples of outdoor coaching sessions ("walk talks") and locations 33:01Review of the book "Outdoor Coaching: A Practical Guide..." 38:51Benefits of balance between technology and nature, both for leaders and teams 38:4413. Life Lessons and Parental Influence Howard Fox reflects on lessons from his parents, especially around the Jewish ethic of helping others and supporting the underdog 40:17Proverbs quote about always trying to make a difference 40:49Jill acknowledges the impact that these values have had through Howard coaching 41:1314. Closing Thoughts and Endorsement Jill endorses Podcast Centric and offers to serve as a reference for other chambers or DMOs 41:29Howard Fox encourages chambers and DMOs to consider podcasting or being podcast guests 42:30Outro and information about where to find The Best Dam Podcast 42:55LEARN MORE To learn more about Howard Fox and his execuive coaching services, visit the Fox Coaching website at https://foxcoaching.com/ or Podcast Centric at https://podcastcentric.com/ Howard's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc/ To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/ Jill's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-rowland-lagan-157480b/ KEYWORDS Jill Lagan, Howard Fox, Business Coaching, Coaching Outdoors, Executive Coaching, Podcast Centric, Boulder City, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #JillLagan #HowardFox #BusinessCoaching #CoachingOutdoors #ExecutiveCoachig PodcastCentric #BoulderCity #TheBestDamPodcast

    Conversation with Howard Fox: Bringing Chambers and Communities Together Through Podcasting

  8. Sep 8

    Conversation with Mike Murphy: Candidate for Clark County Public Administrator

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Mike Murphy, candidate for Clark County Public Administrator. Mike shares his journey from his early days in law enforcement to his extensive career as Boulder City's first juvenile officer, Clark County Coroner, lead lobbyist, and national public safety consultant. Mike also reflects on his deep roots in Boulder City, his decades of public service, and his work in death investigations—all while outlining a clear vision to modernize county estate administration. This isn't just a story about running for office; it's about building trust, leveraging modern technology like body cameras and RFID tags, avoiding unnecessary government backlog, and honoring the legacy of public service in Nevada. DISCUSSION Decades of Public Leadership: Recounting roles across Clark County, including serving 13 years as County Coroner, managing Juvenile Justice, and acting as lead lobbyist during state budget cuts.Stepping Up in Crisis: Taking over management of the Public Administrator's office during turbulent times and working closely with outgoing administrator.Demystifying the Role: What the Public Administrator actually handles, managing unadministered estates, avoiding billable hour traps, and resolving estates efficiently for families.Modernizing the Office: Implementing body cameras on field investigators to protect staff and assets, adopting RFID tracking for secure evidence capture, and streamlining operations.Prevention & Partnerships: Partnering with senior law groups and estate attorneys to encourage proactive estate planning, preventing government backlog before it starts.Medical/Legal Death Investigations: An inside look at death investigations, the critical distinction between cause and manner of death, and teaching "Autopsy to Courtroom" nationwide.Work Ethic & Early Lessons: Sacking groceries as a teenager, learning to look forward rather than backward, playing drums in local bands, and absorbing lifelong values from his parents.Life Philosophy &"Aha" Moments: Moving stories on learning to listen to understand rather than respond, realizations from global travel, and returning home to Boulder City.LEARN MORE To learn more about Mike and his work, visit the MPower USA website at https://www.mpowerusa.vegas/ To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Mike Murphy, Clark County Public Administrator, Nevada Politics, Boulder City, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #MikeMurphy #PublicAdministrator #ClarkCounty #BoulderCity #PublicService #Leadership #TheBestDamPodcast

    Conversation with Mike Murphy: Candidate for Clark County Public Administrator
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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
    155
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best Dam Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Best Dam Podcast