"I think having fun and enjoying your life do way more for the body than, like, the list of rules that they're going to get from their doctor."

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with Ariel Alicea, founder of Peak Vitality Wellness, to talk about reimagining senior health. Ariel is on a mission to impact one million seniors by 2040, and she’s starting by transforming how Las Vegas thinks about aging, vitality, and community.

"I want to help our generation know how to better take care of their parents."

With a background in senior fitness and a heart for impact, Ariel shares how she went from hotel sales to launching a wellness company dedicated to giving seniors more joy, more connection, and more years truly lived—not just survived.

"Isolation’s not good for us. If there’s anything that 2020 showed us, it’s that none of us are meant to be isolated."

We explore what it means to create a city that supports the aging population, why Nevada ranks dead last for senior care (and how that can change), and how programs like the Forever Fun Senior Fair are putting wellness, joy, and human connection at the forefront of the aging conversation.

"The intention behind Peak Vitality is how much more can we just allow seniors to just enjoy those last 30, 40, 50 years."

Key Takeaways:

• Senior wellness requires more than medication—it demands joy, movement, and purpose.
• Las Vegas can become a blue zone for longevity with the right systems and support.
• Community and connection are antidotes to isolation and early decline.
• Holistic aging is rooted in fun, forgiveness, and presence.
• We need to prepare now to better care for the generations ahead.

Resources:

• Peak Vitality Wellness

This episode isn’t just about senior care—it’s about rethinking what it means to thrive at every age. Tune in and discover how Ariel is changing the game for wellness in Las Vegas and beyond.

"Every time I see someone light up from dance or laughter, it reminds me why I do this."

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

If running Google Ads feels like surgery, that’s because it kind of is.

“You're putting in dollars for somebody, and they're expecting to get money out. That is a big responsibility. It's almost like being a doctor.”

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we pull back the curtain with Sergio Chavez—the guy behind ilovegoogleads.com, founder of the Vegas Voices Podcast, and a digital marketing strategist who’s been in the game since 2008 (back when no one knew what a conversion rate was).

Sergio’s not just talking pixels and pay-per-clicks. He’s talking about how to actually show up—in business, in service, and in a city where connections matter more than clout.

“Just be willing to show up and serve… This town has been very welcoming to me.”

We talk about how real success isn’t built on viral moments—it’s built in the hours no one sees. Behind every 15-second reel is 15 hours of work. Behind every campaign is the responsibility of delivering actual results. That’s the part most people skip, but not Sergio.

And Vegas? It’s his playground. “It's your simulation. It's your GTA 5.”

From real estate hustle to reputation-building online, Sergio shares what it takes to thrive in this city—without selling your soul to the algorithm. He’s one of those people actually doing the work… not just talking about it. And through his podcast, he’s amplifying the voices that are shaping Vegas behind the scenes—not just the influencers in front of the camera.

We go deep on performance marketing, personal growth, and how digital advertising isn’t just about clicks—it’s about clarity, commitment, and service.

"If you give light to others, the light's going to shine on you."

Key Takeaways:

• Running ads is high-stakes—Sergio treats it like surgery.
• Las Vegas is an entrepreneurial simulation. The opportunities? Endless.
• People see the 15-second reel, not the 15 hours of work behind it.
• Real growth happens when you integrate personal development with professional performance.
• The Vegas Voices Podcast is amplifying the stories shaping our city.

Resources:

• Sergio Chavez on Instagram
• Vegas Voices Podcast
• I Love Google Ads

Whether you're a business owner trying to scale or a creative looking for traction—this episode reminds you that clarity, commitment, and service still win in the long game.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Zach Tolen didn’t just work in a restaurant—the restaurant raised him.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with the man behind Vanilla Rice Hibachi to talk about what it really takes to go from scrubbing dishes at 15 to owning one of the most hyped hibachi spots in Las Vegas.

“Even on your worst days as an entrepreneur, you’re still living your dreams,” he says.

Zach’s journey isn’t polished. It’s raw, real, and built from chaos. From food truck breakdowns to bootstrapping a brand people now line up for, he shares how he turned a side hustle into a full-blown movement. Spoiler: it wasn’t luck—it was grit, consistency, and showing up like your name’s on the building.

We dive into:

• What it means to evolve from cook to CEO
• Why branding and social media aren’t optional in the Vegas food game
• How he’s laying the foundation to franchise like the greats—Chipotle, Chick-fil-A style “I still hop on the grill from time to time, but I want to be a businessman, not just a cook.”

If you're in the trenches of building something—or trying to find the courage to start—this one’s your blueprint. Hustle is the entry ticket. Staying power is the strategy.

What You’ll Take Away:

• Consistency builds trust. In food and business—people come back when they know what to expect.
• Systems = Freedom. Zach went from chaos to clarity with processes that let him scale.
• Hype fades. Hustle doesn’t. Building a brand takes more than a logo—it takes a long game.
• Vegas rewards bold. Your brand better talk loud and hit hard if you want attention.
• You don’t need it all figured out. You just need to start.

Resources:

• Vanilla Rice Hibachi
• Follow on IG: @vanillaricelv
• Behind-the-scenes: @realvanillarice

Hit play and learn from someone who’s not just chasing a dream—he’s cooking it up daily, with a spatula in one hand and a scaling plan in the other.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

"Vegas has allowed me to rebuild myself twice. It's the city where you can always reinvent who you are."

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with comedian, content creator, and creative shapeshifter Hailey Brooks to talk about comedy, character work, and carving your own lane in a city that thrives on reinvention.

Originally from Philly, Hailey came to Vegas in 2016—and like many of us—she didn't arrive with a roadmap. She started in journalism, dabbled in immersive theater as the Mad Hatter, and eventually found her voice in stand-up comedy. Her show Silent But Deadly at Area 15 is unlike anything you’ve ever seen: imagine silent disco meets stand-up set.

"The silent disco comedy blends seeing real reactions. It’s an immersive comedic experience that others should try."

We talk about how Vegas gives creatives the space (and weirdness) to evolve, how she became a viral Vegas tourism character, and what it’s like building a comedy career in a town that isn’t exactly known for traditional stand-up circuits.

"On stage, I realized I could make people laugh with my own jokes, setting me on a path to stand-up comedy."

We also explore the gender dynamics of being a woman in comedy, how content creators are reshaping the Strip’s brand, and why live events are making a big comeback post-pandemic.

"You can't be serious in Vegas. It's all about evolutionary creativity."

If you’ve ever wanted to laugh, cry, or wildly pivot your life into something that feels more you, this conversation is your permission slip.

Key Takeaways:

• Hailey’s journey is proof that reinvention is a Vegas specialty.
• Immersive comedy is more than a gimmick—it’s the next wave.
• Women in comedy face real challenges, but also bring unmatched perspective.
• Vegas gives you the freedom to try on new identities and make them stick.
• Content creation and comedy are blending in powerful ways in 2024.

Resources:

• Hailey Brooks on Instagram
• TikTok: Haley’s Happy Hour
• Area 15

Las Vegas doesn’t just create characters—it lets you become one.

Tune in to this hilarious and heartful episode with Hailey Brooks, and hear how comedy, creativity, and chaos are shaping a new kind of Vegas experience.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

"You have to find the incredible people that make any city—but especially Vegas—what it is."

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we spotlight two powerhouses behind some of the city’s most intentional events: Taylor Goodyear, founder of Social Exchange, and Tyler Gallo of Das Erbe Collective. Together, they’re designing experiences that move people—not just through food, music, and aesthetics, but through real connection.

Taylor’s background in hospitality and event planning laid the groundwork for Social Exchange, a brand that creates networking and lifestyle activations for small businesses and locals. Tyler brings car culture to the community in a way that’s raw, immersive, and storytelling-driven. Their partnership proves that when you combine hospitality with passion, you create magic.

"There's really no better place to be than Vegas for hospitality and event opportunities."

We dig into their event philosophies, how they’ve made things like the Paddock Featured Showcase and a massive Halloween takeover on Fremont feel both cinematic and personal, and why collaboration—not competition—is what keeps the Vegas scene fresh.

Whether you’re in events, brand marketing, or just want to build community around something you love—this episode is your blueprint for how to do it right.

Key Takeaways:

• Events are about emotional connection, not just production.
• Collaboration between creatives builds more powerful ecosystems.
• Car culture can be community-building when layered with storytelling.
• Vegas thrives on creators who actually care about locals.
• Networking works when it’s people-first, not pitch-first.

Resources:

• Social Exchange Group
• Instagram: @taygoodyear | @daserbecollective
• Mentioned: Choice Sound, Corner Bar Management, Abel Baker Brewing, Stay Tuned Burger

"What we do here on the show is we always want to focus on the incredible people that make Vegas, Vegas."

Tap into this episode and see how Taylor and Tyler are building culture, one experience at a time. Because when you stop trying to be impressive and start being intentional—community shows up.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

"I'm all in on Vegas. The camaraderie, the energy, the variance of industries—there's so much opportunity out here, and it’s just so untapped."

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with Brian Schulz, documentary cinematographer and founder of Hot Fuss Films, to talk about why creatives, filmmakers, and storytellers are betting on Las Vegas as the next big production hub.

Brian's credits span from NFL Films to projects on Netflix, Showtime, and Amazon, but it’s his move from New York to Vegas that lit a new creative fire—and gave him the space to build something original.

"It's a creator's economy, so if you're not opening up a podcast studio, you're sort of behind the eight ball."

We dig into how the city’s startup energy, booming sports scene, and influx of talent are shaping a cultural renaissance—one that’s still flying under the radar but growing fast. For Brian, Las Vegas isn’t just entertainment and nightlife—it’s a sandbox for storytelling, tech, media, and collaborative energy that can’t be found in LA or NYC anymore.

"The best marketing is the truth. And through what I show, there’s a remarkable energy around what’s possible here in Las Vegas."

We also talk about the power of routine, infrastructure, and staying grounded in a city built for distraction—and why Brian believes investing in creative infrastructure could unlock an entirely new economy in the Valley.

"All politics is local... I want the infrastructure in Las Vegas to evolve to support the creative and business growth we’re seeing."

If you’re a filmmaker, builder, or visionary looking for the next frontier—this episode’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Las Vegas is ripe for creative industries to take root and scale.
• The local energy, sports expansion, and entrepreneurial culture are drawing national attention.
• Routine and discipline are the secret sauce to thriving in a high-stimulation environment.
• Investing in creative infrastructure could unlock long-term growth and retention.
• Truth-driven storytelling is the most powerful form of marketing.

Resources:

• Hot Fuss Films Website
• Instagram: @brianjschulz
• Book Mentioned: Open by Andre Agassi
• Filming Locations: Pizza Rock, Good Pie

"What I've noticed, it's funny that basketball is going to probably be the fourth sport. Whenever that happens, we're hoping it goes on the north side of the Strip." — Brian Schulz

Tune into the full episode to learn why the most innovative minds are building their futures in Las Vegas—and how Brian Schulz is documenting the rise in real time.

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sit down with Erica Bell, the powerhouse GM behind Double Zero Pie, a Neo Neapolitan pizzeria tucked inside Las Vegas’s Chinatown and quickly becoming one of the city’s culinary crown jewels.

Erica’s journey—from Albuquerque to San Francisco to the Vegas food scene—has been built on one core belief: “When you start with the person, everything else falls in place.”

At Double Zero, it’s not just about pizza. It’s about emotional intelligence, mentorship, and building a team that actually gives a damn. Erica, alongside chef Michael Vakneen and Joshua Goss, has helped shape a restaurant known not only for fermented dough and international ingredients, but for culture and care.

“Neo Neapolitan pizza stems from Naples. When it came to the States, it got tweaked. Here at Double Zero, we care about quality.”

We talk about what it takes to build something great in a city of trends—how showing up consistently, supporting your team, and knowing when to ask for help creates longevity.

“If you feel insecure and can't find the words, lean on someone to help you bring that forward.”

Now preparing for the Pizza Expo, Erica shares how she’s stepping into the spotlight with the World Pizza Champions and why she believes collaboration will always beat competition.

“We stand out together because we can’t do things by ourselves.”

Whether you’re in the hospitality industry or just hungry for a better way to lead, this episode will feed your soul—and maybe your pizza cravings too.

Key Takeaways:

• Neo Neapolitan pizza is a blend of science, tradition, and bold reinvention.
• Emotional intelligence and mentorship are vital in building lasting business culture.
• Hospitality is about care—what you do and how you do it.
• Las Vegas’s food scene is thriving through collaboration, not competition.
• When you love what you do, it shows up on the plate and in the team.

Resources:

• Double Zero Pie and Pub Instagram
• Erica Bell on Instagram
• Vegas Test Kitchen
• Ferguson's Downtown
• Pizza Expo

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!

Las Vegas doesn’t need more shows. It needs more soul.

In this episode of Pursue Vegas, we sat down with artistic power couple Wojtek Pilczynski and Katarzyna Kociomyk (aka Kasia), whose mission is to bring truth, craft, and community back into the Vegas art world.

Originally from Poland, Kasia trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and has been painting since 1998. Her signature style blends realism with subtle abstraction, a reflection of her life’s complexity and clarity.

Wojtek, her husband and collaborator, has spent decades as a promoter, gallery owner, and fierce advocate for artists—refusing to let real art be diluted by hype and ego. “If I do not have a strong opinion about it, how can I contribute? How can I be a productive part of this or contribute to the growth which excites me?” he says, highlighting the responsibility artists have to shape the cultural narrative.

Together, they’ve impacted art communities across the country and now call Las Vegas home. Their goal? Put this city on the national art map by elevating quality over trend and connection over competition.

We explored the struggles of finding authentic collaborators in a city full of noise, where ego often overshadows expression. “Drop the ego, because ego is always gonna get in your way. Ego is so much affiliated with artistic souls,” Wojtek notes, emphasizing the spiritual maturity required to create something meaningful.

And for anyone tempted to rush the process, Kasia offers a reality check: “It takes time, it takes years of training. Nothing happens overnight. Just practice, practice, practice.”

Their conversation isn’t just about technique—it’s about integrity. About what it means to show up honestly, even when no one’s watching. “Artists need supporters, they need patrons, they need some injection of positive energy and hope and reason to create,” Kasia reminds us.

Wojtek also challenges the common perception of being a "local" artist: “No, I’m not a local artist. I don’t want to be a local artist. I don’t want to be put in that category... what a shame.”

This episode is a call to those who still believe in depth over performance, in emotion over algorithms, in building something real.

Key Takeaways:

• Art isn’t just aesthetics—it’s a calling to evoke emotion, challenge norms, and build community.
• Las Vegas has the bones to be a cultural powerhouse, but it needs artists willing to commit to truth and craft over surface-level fame.
• The art world doesn’t need more vanity metrics. It needs more artists willing to drop the ego and do the work.
• Labels like “local artist” can limit true expression. Think bigger.

Resources:

• Wojtek Pilczynski’s Fine Art Firm Global
• Katarzyna Kociomyk's Gallery
• Follow Kasia on Instagram and connect with her for more behind-the-scenes from her painting process and artistic journey,

Thanks for tuning in to The Pursue Vegas Podcast!