S8 Ep1002: Jeff Bliss describes massive, deadly swells hitting California beaches due to a southern hemisphere storm system. The conversation shifts to Las Vegas, where a massive, highly anticipated In-N-Out Burger recently opened on the Strip. Bliss details the cha

The John Batchelor Show11mJune 13, 2026
AI-Generated Summary

A powerful southern hemisphere storm system has triggered record-breaking swells along California's Pacific coast, creating life-threatening conditions that led to a tragic drowning in Laguna Beach. Jeff Bliss, on location in Laguna, describes waves over 20 feet high, unprecedented lifeguard activity, and the dangers posed to non-expert beachgoers. Despite the storm's peak passing, the aftermath continues to impact coastal communities. The conversation shifts to Las Vegas, where In-N-Out Burger has opened its most anticipated location yet on the Strip—over 10,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor dining, a retail store, and a stunning view of the Strip. Bliss highlights the chain’s commitment to fresh, never-frozen food, family-oriented culture, and above-minimum-wage pay, with staff earning $18.25/hour and long-term retention. The episode also covers the rapid progress on the new A’s stadium—resembling an armadillo or Sydney Opera House—set for 2028 opening, the team’s successful transition to Sacramento, and the growing momentum behind Las Vegas becoming a full-spectrum sports city, missing only an NBA team. Despite some lingering concerns about nickel-and-diming in casinos, the city’s sports and entertainment appeal remains strong.

Key Takeaways
1

Southern hemisphere storm caused 20+ foot waves along California coast, leading to a fatal drowning and unprecedented lifeguard response.

2

In-N-Out Burger’s new Strip location in Las Vegas is the chain’s second-largest, with over 10,000 sq ft, indoor/outdoor dining, and a stunning Strip view.

3

In-N-Out maintains strict food quality standards: no frozen meat, fresh daily delivery, and no warming lights—food is served immediately.

4

Employees earn $18.25/hour—well above Vegas minimum wage—and the company promotes from within, resulting in decades-long tenure and high manager pay.

5

The Oakland A’s new stadium is progressing rapidly, with the first truss in place, on track for a 2028 opening despite early skepticism.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:16
2 min

Deadly Swells from Southern Hemisphere Storm

And sometimes it meets with tragic results. And so, as you mentioned, a deadly event the other day. A family was at the beach here in Laguna. and they were swept out to sea, and they lost their daughter.

Highlight
2:14
1 min

Storm Peak Passes, Waves Begin to Recede

The worst of the storm has passed, with waves visibly decreasing, though remnants of high tides and seaweed remain along the boardwalk.

3:41
4 min

In-N-Out Opens Massive Strip Location in Las Vegas

It's the second largest one in their chain overall, but certainly the most anticipated ever because it's right on the Strip.

Highlight
7:11
1 min

In-N-Out’s Culture of Quality, Freshness, and Employee Care

They don't have stores that are any farther than they can truck the meat in a day or so, in a refrigerated truck. And that makes a difference.

Highlight
8:20
2 min

A’s Stadium Progress and Vegas Sports Expansion

Construction on the new A’s stadium is advancing rapidly, with the first truss in place, and the team is successfully playing in Sacramento while preparing for a 2028 move to Vegas.

High-Impact Quotes
And sometimes it meets with tragic results. And so, as you mentioned, a deadly event the other day. A family was at the beach here in Laguna. and they were swept out to sea, and they lost their daughter.
Jeff Bliss1:38
So they don't have stores that are any farther. then they can truck the meat in a day or so, in a refrigerated truck. And that makes a difference.
Jeff Bliss5:29
It's the second largest one in their chain overall, but certainly the most anticipated ever because it's right on the Strip.
Jeff Bliss3:38
Speakers

Host

John Batchelor

Guest

Jeff Bliss
Topics Discussed
Pacific Ocean swells90%In-N-Out Burger Las Vegas88%California beach safety85%Oakland A's stadium construction80%Las Vegas sports expansion75%In-N-Out food quality72%Vegas casino pricing practices65%NBA team in Las Vegas60%
People & Brands

In-N-Out Burger

brand

14xPositive

Jeff Bliss

person

12xNeutral

Oakland A's

organization

8xPositive

Las Vegas Strip

place

7xNeutral

Laguna Beach

place

6xNeutral

Southern Hemisphere storm system

other

4xNeutral

Sacramento

place

3xNeutral

Las Vegas Aviators

organization

2xNeutral

Luxor

organization

2xNeutral

MGM Grand

organization

2xNeutral

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