Episode #14: Viva Las Value!

Money is always a tricky topic when it comes to planning for a Las Vegas trip or when giving advice to Vegas visitors.  As I've talked about in previous episodes, Vegas is one of those rare vacation destinations where you can literally make it whatever you want it to be; whether you want to play "high roller" and drop stacks of cash wherever you go or you want to play it sensible and actually take some of your money home with you, both are viable options.

Viva Las Value is a new website designed to help you do Vegas like a high roller...without breaking the bank.  The site is jammed full of amazing tips & tricks for the Vegas visitor including everything from how to score free drinks while playing slots to how to NOT be overwhelmed on your first trip to the casino to how to earn comps just for playing "pretend" slots on Facebook.  I tracked down Sergio Portesan, the founder and creator of Viva Las Value to get his story & find out the inspiration behind creating the site.

Be sure to give Viva Las Value a follow on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to interact.

Also In This Episode:

- Updates on a few big-name comedians who are coming to Vegas over the next couple of months including Craig Ferguson, Kevin McDonald, Jim Gaffigan and Sebastian Maniscalo

- And POOL SEASON IS HERE!  Resorts up and down the strip are gearing up for the summer of 2019 with exciting announcements for poolside entertainment!

And of course, I've got a few plugs I want to put out:

- My friend Lisa Marie Smith's debut EP is currently available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and for download from iTunes.  Be sure to follow her on Twitter & Instagram for appearances and shows!

- There's some amazing events and shows happening at my favourite off-strip Vegas venue, The Space!  Check out TheSpaceLV.com for upcoming tickets and shows and be sure to follow The Space on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

- And don't forget about the best value in Vegas entertainment, Mondays Dark with shows coming up on April 8th, April 22nd and May 6th.  Join host Mark Shunock and his friends as they raise $10K in 90 minutes for a different local Las Vegas charity every show!  Information and tickets available at mondaysdark.com

Episode #13: Leaving It All On The Table

I have a confession to make: I'm approaching my 27th trip to Las Vegas in the last 5 years and in all of that time, not once have I ever played a table game.  I've never played a hand of Blackjack or Poker, I've never tossed the dice in a game of Craps and I've never placed a bet at a Roulette table.

Why is that?  There's a few reasons - some of which include anxiety, intimidation, a past negative experience with a "casino troll" and the fact that I simply don't know how to play a lot of the table games.  To help me out with these issues, I decided to talk to an expert and bring her on the show!

This episode, I'll be joined by Heather Ferris, the CEO and Founder of Vegas Aces, the world's first FREE online dealing trade school where regular folks like me can learn how to deal AND play casino table games!  For more info on Vegas Aces and what Heather has to offer, check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

Also in this episode:

- Seems like we were a bit "ahead of the curve" with Episode #11: The Solo Trip; A article posted last week on the New York Post's website shows that, according to a recent survey, Americans are travelling alone more than ever before.

- And Fremont Street Experience released their list of headliners for the 2019 Downtown Rocks Summer Concert Series.  Performers this year include Good Charlotte, Nelly, Smashmouth, Sugar Ray and more!  Check out the complete list of artists & dates on the FSE Website.

And of course, I've got a few plugs I want to put out:

- My friend Lisa Marie Smith's debut EP is currently available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and for download from iTunes.  Be sure to follow her on Twitter & Instagram for appearances and shows!

- There's some amazing events and shows happening at my favourite off-strip Vegas venue, The Space!  Check out TheSpaceLV.com for upcoming tickets and shows and be sure to follow The Space on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

- And don't forget about the best value in Vegas entertainment, Mondays Dark with shows coming up on April 8th, April 22nd and May 6th.  Join host Mark Shunock and his friends as they raise $10K in 90 minutes for a different local Las Vegas charity every show!  Information and tickets available at mondaysdark.com

Episode #12: Vegas’ Most Overrated & Underrated

Las Vegas is the official city of HYPE!  Everything in Sin City is EXCITING AND AMAZING...or is it?

There's nothing worse than being amped up for an experience only to end up being horribly disappointed.  But at the same time, it's always fun to come across those "hidden gems" that nobody else knows about.

That's what this episode is all about - Vegas' Most Overrated and Underrated!  

Are those celebrity chef restaurants worth the hype?  Should you stay at one of the big-name mega-resorts...or pick a smaller off-strip spot?  How many Cirque shows is TOO MANY Cirque Shows?  This episode will answer those questions - and more!

Thanks to this week's guest contributors:

 - Sam Novak from "Vegas Unfiltered", the Las Vegas blog that's just that - unfiltered!  Sam is never afraid to speak his mind on the goings-on in Sin City...and he gives us his picks for Vegas' Most Overrated & Underrated.  Be sure to follow Sam on Facebook and Twitter.

 - Jenna Nye from "Off The Strip", where the motto is "There's More To Vegas".  Jenna joins us live from Las Vegas and shares some of her favourite underrated hidden gems away from the insanity of the Vegas strip.  Find Off The Strip on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Also included in this week's episode:

- Updates on several Vegas residencies including announcements from Christina Aguilera, Def Leppard and Janet Jackson

 - Info on a new show coming to Vegas in the Fall of 2019, a current show moving down the strip and rave review for a brand new brunch/show

 - And Chef Gordon Ramsay with an announcement about Hell's Kitchen

And of course, I have a few shout-outs & plugs to share:

- My friend Lisa Marie Smith's debut EP is currently available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and for download from iTunes.  Be sure to follow her on Twitter & Instagram for appearances and shows!

- There's some amazing events and shows happening at my favourite off-strip Vegas venue, The Space!  Check out TheSpaceLV.com for upcoming tickets and shows and be sure to follow The Space on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

- And don't forget about the best value in Vegas entertainment, Mondays Dark with shows coming up on March 18th, April 8th, April 22nd and May 6th.  Join host Mark Shunock and his friends as they raise $10K in 90 minutes for a different local Las Vegas charity every show!  Information and tickets available at mondaysdark.com

Episode #11: The Solo Trip

The inspiration for this episode came from a post on one of my favourite Vegas-related Facebook pages, "Talk Las Vegas", where a gentleman named Michael was asking about whether or not he should do a solo trip to Las Vegas after his travel partner cancelled on him.

I myself have done numerous solo trips and have a blast every single time.  So, I thought I'd share my thoughts on travelling alone to Vegas as well as a few tips & tricks on things to do, where to eat and - most importantly - how to stay safe when travelling solo!

If you're planning on a solo trip to Vegas, check out these links:

- The Vegas Solo...The definitive website for solo travellers headed to Vegas

- Vegas Bright's guide for female solo travellers headed to Vegas - including some great safety tips

- Frontdesk Tip's complete guide to visiting Vegas as a solo traveller

Also, a few shout-outs & plugs in this episode:

- My friend Lisa Marie Smith's debut EP is currently available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and for download from iTunes.  Be sure to follow her on Twitter & Instagram for appearances and shows!

- If you've got an upcoming Vegas trip planned & you're looking for ways to score some great deals, visit Viva Las Value for tips & tricks!  Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

- There's some amazing events and shows happening at my favourite off-strip Vegas venue, The Space!  Check out TheSpaceLV.com for upcoming tickets and shows and be sure to follow The Space on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

- And don't forget about the best value in Vegas entertainment, Mondays Dark with shows coming up on March 4th, March 18th and April 8th.  Join host Mark Shunock and his friends as they raise $10K in 90 minutes for a different local Las Vegas charity every show!  Information and tickets available at mondaysdark.com

Episode #10: The February Trip Report

This episode features an in-depth trip report of my most recent getaway to Las Vegas, from February 3rd-6th, 2019 featuring:

- Meal reviews including Wahlburger's, Virgil's Real BBQ, Gordon Ramsay Burger, Sake Rok and Grand Lux Cafe

- Off-strip visits to dive bars The Hard Hat Lounge & Dino's Lounge, drinks and pizza at Corduroy & Evel Pie on Fremont Street and an EPIC Prime Rib Dinner from Ellis Island Casino & Brewery

- The pros and cons of landing in Las Vegas during the Super Bowl (aka "The Big Game")

- Thoughts on the current state of the GO Rooms at The Flamingo

- A safety tip/PSA on how to correctly cross the street in Las Vegas

- And much MUCH more!

Also, a some quick shout-outs & plugs in this episode:

- My friend Lisa Marie Smith's debut EP is currently available for streaming on Apple Music and Spotify and for download from iTunes.  Be sure to follow her on Twitter & Instagram for appearances and shows!

- If you've got an upcoming Vegas trip planned & you're looking for ways to score some great deals, visit Viva Las Value for tip & tricks!  Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

 
- V-Day Vegas presents Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" at The Space, February 14th to 16th.  Proceeds from shows are going to support the Rape Crisis Center, Dress For Success and Yoga Haven.  Tickets available now at TheSpaceLV.com

- Mondays Dark #3 of 2019 happens on Monday, February 18th at The Space!  Join host Mark Shunock as he's joined on stage by his Vegas friends to raise $10K in 90 minutes for Jake Kielb's Hockey Foundation.  The musical theme: "Oh Canada - The Best From North of the Border".  Tickets start at just $20 and are available now at MondaysDark.com 

Episode #9: Staying On The Strip vs Staying Off The Strip

The topic for this episode comes from one of our listeners: Brandon dropped me a note on Facebook wondering about my thoughts on staying on at a hotel/resort ON The Strip vs staying at a hotel/resort OFF The Strip.  I thought that was a great idea...so here we go!

Also, a couple of quick shout-outs in this week's episode:

• John Di Domenico - aka "Donald Trump" found himself on the end of Twitter praise from Mark Hamill for his work in Randy Rainbow's latest Trump-related video, "Cell Block Tango".  If you want to see John doing Trump LIVE in Vegas, check out Ester Goldberg's Totally Outrageous Brunch at the SLS Hotel & Casino every Saturday & Sunday.

• V-Day Vegas presents Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues" at The Space, February 14th to 16th.  Proceeds from shows are going to support the Rape Crisis Center, Dress For Success and Yoga Haven.  Tickets available now at TheSpaceLV.com

• Mondays Dark #3 of 2019 is coming up on Monday, February 18th at The Space.  Join Mark Shunock and his Vegas friends as they raise $10K in 90 Minutes for Jake Kielb's Hockey Foundation.  Tickets for the show are available now at MondaysDark.com

Episode #8: Bringing Kids To Vegas

This week's episode is about a topic that always manages to get people going online - whether it's on Facebook, TripAdvisor or any of the thousands of other Vegas-related blogs or websites out there:

BRINGING KIDS TO VEGAS 

Big thanks to my guests who joined me to talk about this very polarizing topic:

• Jessica aka "Vegas Princess Bella" - She's a long-time Las Vegas visitor who runs Las Vegas Pics and Tricks on Facebook and a mom, who recently took her 8 & 10 year-old children to Vegas.

• My good friend Adam West, Midday Host & Program Director at Hot 100.5 FM in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - He's a frequent Vegas visitor and a dad of 3 who has some strong yet valid opinions about the PARENTS who bring their kids to Las Vegas.  Find him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• And Maria-Leena Kerr - She's the owner of DanishTourGuide.com, an online concierge platform and sightseeing company.  Maria also provides tour services in Las Vegas and helps families organize their trips to Vegas.  Reach out to her on Twitter and Instagram.

Listen in for great insight on bringing children to Las Vegas.

And don't forget: I'm coming to Vegas from February 3rd to 6th/2019!  I'll be at the SOLD-OUT Mondays Dark on February 4th and I'll be bouncing around town throughout those days.  If you're in town and want to connect, please feel free to reach out via Twitter or Facebook!

Episode #7: The Crossover Follow-Up - We THOUGHT We’d Done Vegas

This week's episode is a nice little follow-up to last week's crossover with Faces And Aces: Las Vegas and the "So You Think You've Done Vegas" episode.

After we posted our episodes on-line, Chris and I got talking about some of the things we missed on our lists (including a couple of REALLY embarrassing ones...ha ha!).  Then after we Tweeted out about the show, our followers starting sending us messages with their suggestions for things to add to the list.

So, in no particular order, presented within this episode are a few "honourable mentions" for things you need to do in Vegas to officially say you've "done Vegas".

Also, a few congrats are in order:

• John Di Domenico has nailed down his first Las Vegas Strip gig with "Ester Goldberg's Totally Outrageous Brunch" at the SLS Las Vegas

• My close friends, Lisa Marie Smith and Cheryl Daro have landed on the Las Vegas roster of "Ladies of Lyric: Modern Mashups Inspired"

• And to my Canadian brother from another mother, Mark Shunock as he and his team knocked it out of the park with the first Mondays Dark of 2019 with a sold out show at The Space, raising $10,000 for the Discovery Children's Museum

And don't forget: I'll be in Las Vegas from February 3-6/2019, taking in Mondays Dark on February 4th (get your tickets - while they last).  If you'll be there too and want to hang out, feel free to reach out to me via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

Thanks so much for listening!

Episode #6: The Faces & Aces LV Crossover - So You Think You’ve Done Vegas?

There have been so many EPIC crossovers in history; The Flintstones & The Jetsons, Family Guy & The Simpsons, Power Rangers & TMNT, Full House & Family Matters...and now you can add ANOTHER one to the list:

The Faces And Aces Las Vegas Podcast & The Jeff Does Vegas Podcast!

After much brainstorming, Chris & I managed to get together via Skype and put together what I think is a pretty great episode for both of our podcasts!

We're both regular visitors to Las Vegas and in all those visits, we determined that there are certain things you have to do in order to say you've "done Vegas"...so in this crossover episode, we present our lists - but with a bit of a twist:

If you want to hear our discussion & thoughts on the COMPLETE lists, you need to listen to BOTH of our podcasts!  Numbers 10 through 6 are over at Faces And Aces Las Vegas & Number 5 through 1 are heard here in my podcast.

If you really can't wait to listen to both episodes of the podcasts, then here's my complete list of the Top 10 Things You Have To Do To Say You've "Done Vegas":

Thanks so much for listening and checking out The Jeff Does Vegas Podcast!

Don't forget to give us a follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!

Episode #5: Your Vegas Trip & Your Money

Episode #5 of The Jeff Does Vegas Podcast is - to quote Puff Daddy - "All About The Benjamins Baby".

Hopefully, this episode will be helpful for Vegas vets and virgins alike; One of the most popular questions I see posted about planning a Vegas vacation is "How much money should I bring with me?"  There are several different answers to this question, all dependent on the type of trip you're planning...so hopefully, I'll be able to help you with some guidance.

Thanks for listening and thanks for checking us out!

Links from this episode:

• Sign up for Caesars Total Rewards and MLife Rewards programs

• Watch for discounted show tickets at Tix-4-Tonight, Tickets On Demand and Vegas.com

• Look for discounts on rooms, shows, restaurants, attractions and tours at SmarterVegas, TravelVegas and Vegas4Locals