Send us a text

The best meals start with trust, and few dining styles embody that more than omakase—“leave it up to you.” We sit with James, the force behind Kase Sake Sushi, to unpack how he translated two decades in hospitality and a stint as a DJ into a neighborhood sushi bar that delivers traditional technique, razor-sharp sourcing, and an approachable price point. If you’ve wondered how to enjoy pristine nigiri without the $300 shock, or how a restaurant maintains freshness in the desert, this conversation delivers the playbook.

James breaks down his casual omakase approach: a core lineup of 16–18 fish, rotating weekly Japanese specials, and set menus that expose guests to variety instead of repetition. We get into his trip to Japan and why Kase’s sushi tasted strikingly familiar there—because the methods were already traditional. He opens up about sake as a world as rich as wine (and brewed more like beer), and how their tasting dinners turn education into unforgettable pairings and loyal regulars.

Beyond the food, we talk entrepreneurship and the realities of running a restaurant in Las Vegas. James shares the operations behind daily freshness, the discipline of ordering whole fish, and the power of margins and organic marketing. He also wears his mortgage-lending hat to talk Vegas housing affordability, timing purchases, and why “marry the house, date the rate” still resonates when done responsibly. The through-line is mindset: know your why, stop comparing, and show up every day.

Hungry for a new off-strip favorite or curious about building a brand on passion and precision? Hear how Kase balances tradition and value, and why this city’s food scene keeps pushing past the strip. If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what should James serve on the next sake pairing dinner?

Send us a text

What does it take to turn a late-night hustle into a stadium-ready brand? We sit down with Steve Phillips, owner of Mr. Fries Man Las Vegas, to pull back the curtain on a journey powered by street marketing, credit smarts, and unapologetic belief. From LA catering to a Flamingo storefront to a coveted concession at Allegiant Stadium, Steve shows how grit and quality can beat perfect timing—and how one pitcher of Kool-Aid can win a room full of decision-makers.

We get honest about the real math of stadium deals: why section placement is pure real estate, how event mix affects margin, and the inventory traps that can push a small operator into the red if crowds get shuffled to lower levels. Steve walks through his game-day prep, the 7:30 a.m. starts, and the variable staffing that keeps service tight when doors open. Then we tackle delivery. Fries don’t travel well, so he enforces a three-mile radius to protect quality and reviews. Not all money is good money; sometimes the best marketing is saying no to orders that hurt the brand.

The conversation widens to life insurance and family security. Steve lays out practical guidance on term coverage for young parents, when an IUL makes sense, and why he refuses to sell policies that clients can’t sustain. We also explore Vegas nightlife from the inside—late headline sets, free-entry shifts, and how clubs lean on bar revenue. Through it all, Steve’s theme is consistent: believe to a “delusional” degree, set clear boundaries when hiring friends, and stack small operational edges until they become momentum.

We close with what’s next: a sports bar concept that pairs fries, wings, and screens; and a nonprofit plan that connects at-risk teens to paid kitchen work and trade certifications in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. It’s business with a backbone—profitable, community-forward, and built to last. If this story moves you, follow, share with a friend who needs a push, and leave a review to help more builders find the show.

Send us a text

A friend hits play in a car and everything changes. That’s how Yada first landed on Rick Ross’s radar, and it’s where this story of independent moves, relentless output, and Vegas grit really begins. We sit down to unpack how a Maybach co-sign became a mandate to own his path, why he built a 600-song catalog without chasing gimmicks, and how being blacklisted from local venues pushed him to write, finance, and star in his own films.

We dig into the real mechanics of momentum: relationships that turn features into friendships, the lesson learned from paying for a verse once, and the quiet patience required to survive the “nobody cares yet” phase. Yada breaks down Mustard’s place as a West Coast legend, his Bay Area-heavy influences, and the difference in energy he feels as an actor compared to a rapper. The film play comes alive through Loyalty Over Trust—rooted in loyalty, betrayal, and karma—and extends to his new suspense project Smoke and Mirrors, headed to Amazon and Tubi. He explains why he casts actors over rappers, how financing shapes creative control, and why he’s determined to shoot in Vegas, where access is unmatched.

Beyond the studio and set, we explore discipline and mindset. Yada credits jiu-jitsu for patience, presence, and two national golds, and he doesn’t shy from hard takes on AI: useful as a tool, dangerous as a creativity eraser. We also tackle streaming economics, the tradeoffs between reach and revenue, and the ownership mindset that keeps artists afloat. Bonus: his favorite Vegas vegan spots, including Down To Earth and Prones and Plants, because fueling the grind matters.

If you’re building in music, film, or any creative lane, this conversation is a field guide to staying independent, choosing relationships over optics, and letting your catalog do the talking. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the push, and drop a review with your biggest takeaway.