The Problem with Las Vegas

09/23/2025

Unique Finds and Curious Trends

The group discussed various topics, including a tennis match won by Aryna Sabalenka, a car enthusiast's paradise called Atomic Motorsports, and extreme alcohol challenges. They also watched a video of a house listing in North Canton that featured unusual decor, including taxidermy and a mountain lion. The conversation touched on the cancellation of certain brand mascots and the creation of unusual foods, such as baloney cones.Scott and Burke discussed various updates and segments for their show, including a Gaza Strip update, a Ukraine war update, and a Travis, Kelsey, Taylor Swift update. Burke performed a spoken word piece about a cowboy kid with a gun. They considered using AI music for commercial bumpers and discussed the absence of their guest, Jordan, who was upset about tax season. Scott and Burke also talked about immigration issues and briefly touched on the topic of illegal immigration.Scott shared his personal experience of reducing speeding and improving his driving habits after receiving multiple traffic tickets, including one in a school zone. He discussed his upcoming road trip to Ohio, where he would avoid highways and instead take scenic routes through smaller towns. Burke provided guidance on the best routes to take, including specific highway numbers and towns to pass through. They briefly discussed the availability of Dave's hot pickles at different Walmart locations and agreed to potentially meet up at a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Port Clinton. The conversation concluded with a discussion about media fact-checking, with Scott expressing skepticism about the accuracy of CNN and Fox News's fact-checking claims.Scott and Burke discussed the financial performance and challenges of Cedar Fair, which merged with Six Flags but has since seen a significant drop in stock value. Scott predicted a potential takeover or buyout of Six Flags during the winter due to financial difficulties. They also talked about the decline of Las Vegas's entertainment scene, with Scott sharing his experiences of the city's transformation over the years, including the closure of iconic venues like the Frontier Hotel and changes to the Gilly's bar.Burke and Scott discussed the economic challenges facing Las Vegas, particularly the significant decline in tourism and visitor volume since 2024, with a 12% drop in July 2025 alone. They noted that while gaming revenue on the Strip was down 4%, downtown casinos saw a 2% increase, and convention attendance rose by 10% in July. Scott shared personal experiences of rising hotel costs, highlighting how prices have increased from $89 per night in 2020 to $300 per night in 2025, which Burke attributed to a shift in consumer sentiment and corporate greed, rather than just economic constraints.Scott and Burke discussed their experiences with high restaurant prices in Las Vegas, particularly focusing on the hidden fees and surcharges that can significantly increase the final bill. They explored various Las Vegas restaurants and their pricing, including Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen and the Golden Steer Steakhouse. The conversation also touched on the overall state of Las Vegas, noting a decline in visitors despite record-breaking gambling revenue. They discussed changes in gambling odds and rules, as well as corporate greed in the casino industry, suggesting that these factors could impact the long-term viability of Las Vegas as a tourist destination.Burke and Scott discussed their plans for an upcoming race at Put-in Bay, where South Wind Racing will be participating in a car show and wine and cheese reception. They shared details about preparing their vehicle, including new springs and disc brakes, as well as potential in-car communications. Burke mentioned he needs to visit a foot doctor for treatment of plantar fasciitis, and they briefly discussed past experiences with plantar warts. The conversation concluded with Burke expressing confusion about old podcast commercials he found, which Scott couldn't explain.

Show Updates and Political Discussions

Scott and Burke discussed various updates and segments for their show, including a Gaza Strip update, a Ukraine war update, and a Travis, Kelsey, Taylor Swift update. Burke performed a spoken word piece about a cowboy kid with a gun. They considered using AI music for commercial bumpers and discussed the absence of their guest, Jordan, who was upset about tax season. Scott and Burke also talked about immigration issues and briefly touched on the topic of illegal immigration.

Scenic Road Trip Planning Discussion

Scott shared his personal experience of reducing speeding and improving his driving habits after receiving multiple traffic tickets, including one in a school zone. He discussed his upcoming road trip to Ohio, where he would avoid highways and instead take scenic routes through smaller towns. Burke provided guidance on the best routes to take, including specific highway numbers and towns to pass through. They briefly discussed the availability of Dave's hot pickles at different Walmart locations and agreed to potentially meet up at a Walmart Neighborhood Market in Port Clinton. The conversation concluded with a discussion about media fact-checking, with Scott expressing skepticism about the accuracy of CNN and Fox News's fact-checking claims.

Six Flags Financial Challenges Discussed

Scott and Burke discussed the financial performance and challenges of Cedar Fair, which merged with Six Flags but has since seen a significant drop in stock value. Scott predicted a potential takeover or buyout of Six Flags during the winter due to financial difficulties. They also talked about the decline of Las Vegas's entertainment scene, with Scott sharing his experiences of the city's transformation over the years, including the closure of iconic venues like the Frontier Hotel and changes to the Gilly's bar.

Las Vegas Tourism Economic Challenges

Burke and Scott discussed the economic challenges facing Las Vegas, particularly the significant decline in tourism and visitor volume since 2024, with a 12% drop in July 2025 alone. They noted that while gaming revenue on the Strip was down 4%, downtown casinos saw a 2% increase, and convention attendance rose by 10% in July. Scott shared personal experiences of rising hotel costs, highlighting how prices have increased from $89 per night in 2020 to $300 per night in 2025, which Burke attributed to a shift in consumer sentiment and corporate greed, rather than just economic constraints.

Las Vegas Restaurant Pricing Challenges

Scott and Burke discussed their experiences with high restaurant prices in Las Vegas, particularly focusing on the hidden fees and surcharges that can significantly increase the final bill. They explored various Las Vegas restaurants and their pricing, including Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen and the Golden Steer Steakhouse. The conversation also touched on the overall state of Las Vegas, noting a decline in visitors despite record-breaking gambling revenue. They discussed changes in gambling odds and rules, as well as corporate greed in the casino industry, suggesting that these factors could impact the long-term viability of Las Vegas as a tourist destination.

Put-in Bay Race Preparation

Burke and Scott discussed their plans for an upcoming race at Put-in Bay, where South Wind Racing will be participating in a car show and wine and cheese reception. They shared details about preparing their vehicle, including new springs and disc brakes, as well as potential in-car communications. Burke mentioned he needs to visit a foot doctor for treatment of plantar fasciitis, and they briefly discussed past experiences with plantar warts. The conversation concluded with Burke expressing confusion about old podcast commercials he found, which Scott couldn't explain.