The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast Ira David Sternberg

This week, Ira spoke with Dana Manacher, CEO of Shrtlst, a groundbreaking platform that curates city exploration for travelers by connecting users with locals who know the scene. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Dana talks about growing up in the hospitality industry; how her family started the Guestbook, a platform aimed at enhancing guest experiences at boutique hotels; why she decided to create Shrtlst; why the website uses an intense vetting process for its local experts; how it curates the best of the best (which is not necessarily just luxury experiences or venues); how it’s a resource for locals as well; personalizing the features; her plans to go international by the end of the year; the importance of the “vibe”; her hands-on approach; her roots in Las Vegas (even though her family is from Germany); her short-term and long-term goals, including becoming the global provider for travel and experiences.







Dana Manacher is the CEO of Shrtlst, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the upscale hotel and luxury travel sectors. Raised in a family with a focus on hospitality, her global upbringing ignited her passion for the industry. 







Prior to leading Shrtlst, Manacher co-founded The Guestbook, a platform aimed at enhancing guest experiences at boutique hotels. The platform expanded to include nearly 700 hotel brands across 48 countries. Before that, she served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Bonotel Exclusive Travel, making significant contributions to its rise as a global leader in receptive tour operations. 







Aside from her professional achievements, Manacher is recognized as an avid traveler. She is known for her meticulous research and talent for discovering hidden gems in destinations worldwide. Since moving to Las Vegas in 2007, she has witnessed the city's evolution into a dynamic metropolis celebrated for its entertainment, dining, and cultural offerings. 







Through Shrtlst, Manacher continues to redefine luxury travel experiences, inspiring unforgettable journeys for travelers worldwide.







Shrtlst   Website







Shrtlst   Instagram







Shrtlst   Facebook







Shrtlst   TikTok

This week, Ira spoke with Kenny Shedd, former (Oakland) Raider and current filmmaker, working on “The Next Dana White.” In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Kenny talks about why he decided to become a filmmaker; how he spent 20 years with the San Leandro Police Department; his thoughts on the Raiders moving to Las Vegas; how he came up with the idea for “The Next Dana White,” his first feature film; how he scripted the film to emphasize the characters’ father-daughter relationship more than fight scenes; his development of Las Vegas investors; why he moved his production from the Bay area to Las Vegas; and why attention to detail is important in making movies.

This week, Ira spoke with writer, photographer, artist and philanthropist Michael Shulman. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about writing a comprehensive history of Las Vegas entertainment residency for his website - https://www.shulmansays.com - (a version of this article was published in Business Traveler, August 2023); who the first residency headliner was (and this is going back to 1944); how it was originally an amenity to bring in the high roller; how the Rat Pack played a part; Elvis and his residency; why he (Michael) almost got kicked out of the Liberace Museum; the importance of the resident artist; how Celine Dion changed everything in the world of residencies; why Las Vegas is the residency capital of the world; how a residency is a win-win for both the casino and the entertainer; the audience comes to the entertainer rather than the other way around; what performer might have had “the most wonderful” connection with an audience; the most surprising thing he found in his research (and it has to do with Elvis); how strong country has become; the importance of production designers; the criteria for a residency; and the future of residencies.

This week, Ira spoke with veteran journalist Ron Futrell, 8NewsNow sports anchor/reporter. In this episode of Talk About Las Vegas, Ron talks about the impending construction of the A’s baseball stadium (which would also serve as a multi-purpose sta-dium); why traveling to Las Vegas for sporting events is becoming a significant part of the new Las Vegas; the reasons he supports the building of the new stadium; how Thomas & Mack is still a viable venue (with the Runnin’ Rebels and National Finals Rodeo); the future of F1 and why it won’t be as disruptive as the initial event; why Las Vegas succeeds with professional sports arenas and stadiums (because of the tourism industry); and the chances of the Vegas Golden Knights winning another Stanley Cup.

This week, Ira spoke with Russell Ferrante of the Yellowjackets, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center April 20. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Russell talks about when he first got involved with music; the formation of the Yellowjackets; how fortunate he is to continue to play music; how he describes the band’s music, which is original and includes group improvisation; why it’s important to respect the music; striving to be “in the moment”; why the Great American Songbook is a jumping off point for jazz musicians; why the band is leaderless; how the Yellowjackets got its name; what he learned from Clifford Coulter from the South Bay; why he also enjoys classical music and is “in awe” of classical composers; how time stops when the group is playing on stage; not letting perfection overwhelm the soul when recording; and meeting and working with some of his icons.







Throughout their storied 43-year history, the Yellowjackets have recorded 25 albums, received 17 Grammy® nominations – won 2 – performed countless sold-out tours, and enjoyed worldwide critical acclaim and commercial success.







The Yellowjackets formed in the late 1970s as the backup band for guitarist Robben Ford. They recorded their first album together in 1980. Shortly after that recording, however, Ford decided to part ways and go in a different musical direction. As a result, the modern day Yellowjackets were formed — a trio with Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip and Ricky Lawson. Since then, and with the addition of Bob Mintzer, the Yellowjackets have gained and maintained prominence as one of jazz’s most influential and loved groups.







Over the years the band has undergone numerous lineup changes. Never failing to rise to the inevitable challenges of adjustment, the Yellowjackets - Russell Ferrante, William Kennedy, Bob Mintzer - have maintained an extraordinarily high quality of musicianship that is the rival of many but a surprise to no one who knows and appreciates the band and their music.







The most recent addition to the band adds Australian bass player Dane Alderson in to the mix. With his exceptional rhythmic sensibility and natural disposition toward groove, Dane brings a new energy to the band and adds a youthful approach to the music.







Yellowjackets      Website

This week, Ira spoke with award-winning comedy magician Fielding West, performing at the A-Stars Comedy Show at the Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel, April 11-13. In this epi-sode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Fielding talks about how he was discovered as a magician; how his act has currently changed by adding storytelling to his magic; why he incorporates his oxygen concentrator into his act; his 44 years performing in Las Vegas; touring with master magician Lance Burton; the history of “Bob The Bird”; his plans to write a book; and the biggest highlight in his career.