Crowds flock to podcast shows

Showbiz has evolved so much that live podcast performances fill concert halls when music tours don't.

Last Saturday, Adam Carolla banged out a podcast for rabid fans at the House of Blues.

Tonight and Saturday, expect capacity crowds for live podcast shows at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip by "Jay & Silent Bob Get Old."

"Jay & Silent Bob" features deep and funny conversations between Kevin Smith (the director of "Dogma" and "Red State") and actor Jason Mewes (Jay from "Chasing Amy" and "Zack and Miri Make a Porno.")

On the podcasts, Mewes typically tells explicit stories about doing sex and drugs, although he has been clean for more than a year.

Somehow, it doesn't bother his wife, Jordan Monsanto, that he publicly describes past sexcapades.

"It really only embarrasses her a little bit," Mewes says.

Mewes got off drugs when he was "close to being homeless," when "no one would answer my calls because I was just seeing if I could crash their house."

Previous rehab stints didn't stick. But now he seeks help from his wife, Smith and friends.

"This time, it's easier in the sense that I have more support. I talk more openly with my wife about everything -- about the drugs and how I feel."

The podcast motivates him to stay steady.

"Being able to go to Vegas with my best friend and my wife, and to be there for work -- and afterwards being able to gamble and see some shows -- how awesome is that?"

CLUBBING

1. Dev performs Friday at the Palms pool with Big Sean. 2. Joe Jonas hosts Saturday at Haze at Aria. 3. The Situation hosts Friday at Planet Hollywood's Gallery, then Saturday at Paris' Chateau. 4. Carmen Electra hosts Saturday at Azure pool at Palazzo. 5. Calvin Harris DJs Sunday at Encore Beach Club. See my complete weekend club planner on my blog.

DORKS THEN LINGERIE

I'll see you this weekend at the "Star Trek" convention at the Rio. On deck: Walter Koenig, Leonard Nimoy, and a Sunday panel of William Shatner, Patrick Stewart and Kate Mulgrew. Warp to StarTrek.com/live.

And I'll see you Saturday at the Palms pool for "A Midsummer Night's Dream," one of the best costumed events of the year usually. Theme: lingerie masquerade. Pauly D will be there, plus wandering performers.

Doug Elfman's column appears Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Contact him at delfman@reviewjournal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.