On the Corner of Main Street

In this special episode of "On the Corner of Main Street," we take you to the heart of Las Vegas for an unforgettable evening at Oscar's Steakhouse inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and his team welcome the legendary former mayor, Oscar Goodman, for an engaging Dinner Series event. Join us as Oscar shares his most riveting stories, from his efforts to bring sports to Las Vegas to his colorful experiences with the city's infamous characters. Hear about his viral video experience, the exciting new show announcement at the Plaza, and his candid reflections on Las Vegas' dynamic history. This episode is packed with anecdotes about sports history, personal encounters in Rome, and behind-the-scenes tales from the making of "Casino." Plus, don't miss the lively Q&A session where Oscar fields questions from the audience, offering his unique insights and humor. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Las Vegas' most iconic figures. This is a Dinner Series you won't want to miss!

In this podcast episode, the Jonathan and Gary discuss the introduction of weekly fireworks shows every Friday night in downtown Las Vegas, starting from May 24th. The idea, initially sparked in 2016 to bring attention to the plaza that was perceived as losing relevance, quickly gained community support. The narrative explores the origins, the decision-making process behind making it a regular event, and the involvement of downtown businesses and the city in amplifying the spectacle. Highlighting the shift from historical to contemporary attractions, the discussion also covers ancillary topics like the evolution of the plaza's fireworks shows, an all-inclusive hotel package, and a segue into the Nevada Preservation Foundation's Home and History event, emphasizing Las Vegas' rich history and ongoing efforts for community engagement and revitalization.

In this special 'Best Of' episode, Jonathan and Gary take a stroll down memory lane, showcasing some of the most unforgettable moments from the heart of Las Vegas entertainment. From the uproarious to the unbelievable, they've handpicked clips that capture the spirit and sparkle of Sin City. Revel in tales from nightlife transformers, iconic show creators, and unexpected guests who've each left their indelible mark on the city. Whether it's discussing the revolution of the Vegas variety show scene with Absinthe's Ross Mollison or reliving the riotous encounters at Piero's with Freddie Glossman, each story brings the vibrant energy of Vegas to life. Tune in for a rollercoaster ride through the luminous nights and charismatic characters that define Vegas. Remember, what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas—sometimes it makes for great podcast material. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

Years ago, long before Jonathan started running The Plaza, Ashley Revel sold everything he owned in his native England, flew to Las Vegas and put all that money, more than $100,000, on red at the roulette table. It as a huge deal at the time, complete with a reality TV show crew following him around and recording the event. Jonathan and Ashley relive that moment, and Ashley shares how life has worked out since then. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

The Vegas historians who've appeared on the podcast get their own "Best Of" episode. Here's the lineup: Early history - Dr. Michael Green, UNLV Ending Segregation - Brian Greenspun, Las Vegas Sun Publisher The Culinary Union - Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Secretary How "The Venetian" name transferred from family restaurant to Strip mega resort - Larry Ruvo, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada Director The Keep Memory Alive Foundation & The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute - Larry Ruvo again The Plaza's History - Oliver Lovatt, Las Vegas Historian The Future of Downtown - Lovatt again

Oscar Goodman, in January's Oscar's Dinner Series, remember Las Vegas' most famous lawman, Clark County Sheriff Ralph Lamb. Oscar says it was a working, respectful relationship - at least as he was concerned. The Sheriff? Not so much. Oscar recalls a successful challenge of the Sheriff's power to confiscate someone's casino work card with no recourse. But he also told the tale of a client who was banned from Vegas, with one exception: to visit The Venetian restaurant on West Sahara to enjoy Angie's Ruvo's famous neck bones. And, as usual, Oscar takes a few questions and gives the questioners a hard time. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

With four years of podcasts (119 Episodes!), we thought it would be good to look back and share some of our best moments. But there are so many, it will take us three episodes to do it. This one centers on gaming - except for how Jonathan almost didn't make it to Las Vegas thanks to Dyson vacuum cleaners. Also: great stories from Wynn Las Vegas president Marilyn Spiegel, casino superhost Steve Cyr, veteran gambler Billy Walters, Plaza bingo guru Weldon Russell, gambling consultant & author Anthony Curtis and former Golden Nugget owner Tim Poster. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

Every big city had its ghetto, and Las Vegas was no exception. But the people of the Historic Westside made the most of what they had. Filmmaker Emmett Gates has spearheaded a new film about that place and those times, called "Across the Tracks: A Las Vegas Westside Story." He shares the story about making the film, the memories shared by longtime residents, and the hopes for the future. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

Pauly C is Paul Contino, a former telcom executive who also calls himself a degenerate gambler. He's also the inventor of Casino Comp Wallet, an app that aggregates and curates your various loyalty programs and comps you've earned. And Pauly C is also an Internet star, posting short Vegas-centric videos under the name "Vegas Pauly C." His dozens of posts have accumulated more than a million views. Pauly C shares the ups and downs of his Vegas journey, and offers some tips on maximizing your comps.

Downtown Grand GM Andrew Economon has, in his words, worked "both sides of the street" in Las Vegas - for Caesars and for MGM. He's made other stops along The Strip and off The Strip, He now runs the hotel that used to be "Lady Luck." After a long closure, it came back ten years ago as The Downtown Grand. Andrew and Jonathan discuss the challenges and rewards of operating downtown, and the latest efforts to, in Andrew's words, "Make Downtown Great Again." He even has hats with that motto!

Jonathan and Gary continue the "tradition" of welcoming new manager by putting them on the podcast. Christiaan Van Buuren is the new Director of Table Games, and a South African like Jonathan. Christiaan shares his journey from the casino world of South Africa to Las Vegas, a detour to South Korea, then back to Vegas. Also in this episode: Jonathan and Gary review the big events of 2023 at the Plaza, and preview/hint at new things to come.

Las Vegas' first female mayor, Jan Jones Blackhurst, served from 1994 to 1999 - immediately preceding Oscar Goodman. Jones Blackhurst had already made a name for herself as a TV spokeswoman for her family's grocery store chain, Thrifimart, and her former husband's car dealership. She tells how she ran for mayor on a bet, which she obviously won. The city mushroomed in size during her terms, and she's credited with making the city more livable. She shares stories about establishing the Fremont Street Experience, running for governor and her career with Caesars since leaving office.

It's finally here. Fontainebleau Las Vegas is opening its doors. Jonathan and Gary got a sneak peek from the woman at the top, COO Colleen Birch. Recorded inside the resort's top steakhouse, Colleen recounts her Vegas history and how she joined Fontainebleau nearly a year ago.

When Vegas wants to do something big, like hosting the Super Bowl or F1, or helping the A's move to town, somebody has to crunch the numbers. And often, that somebody Jeremy Aguero, head of Applied Analysis. He's the valley's leading expert on economic, fiscal and policy issues, and has undertaken projects of local, regional and national significance. Jeremy and Jonathan discuss some of those projects, and agree to disagree on the benefits of F1.

This is a short bonus preview for a full episode that will come out at the end of November. With Formula One weekend happening in Las Vegas, Jonathan wants to share some thoughts about how it's going for the Plaza and other downtown properties. Here's Jonathan with Jeremy Aguero, founder of Applied Analysis, which played a big part in helping Formula One and the LVCVA make the race happen.

The son of a dealer, Dayvid Figler has worn many hats during his life in Las Vegas: staffer for Sen. Harry Reid and Gov. Richard Bryan, attorney, and for a short time courtesy of Mayor Oscar Goodman: a judge! These days Dayvid hosts the daily podcast "CityCast Las Vegas," which dives deep into issues both vital and trivial. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

From hustling pool at age nine, to making and blowing a fortune in his native Kentucky, Billy Walters has risked it all - and then some. Walters is telling his story in a new book: "Gambler: Secrets From a Life at Risk." Billy shares a few of his stories: developing the first computer-driven sports betting program, running an offshore book that bet games all over the world, doing prison time, working with Opportunity Village and much more. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

The former mayor is back in the main dining room of his namesake steakhouse with more stories of his life. This talk was entitled "To Be or Not to Be." He's not talking about his time as king of Denmark, but rather the crossroads he's encountered and the choices he made. Among the first, and most important: asking Carolyn's father for permission to marry her. Other crossroads: being courted by a bookmaker in New York to move east, by a big law firm to return to Philadelphia and by the Teamsters to run a new Las Vegas casino.

About half of the 2.4 million people in the Las Vegas Valley don't live in a city. They're in unincorporated Clark County. That includes The Strip, the Boulder Highway and all that empty space down I-15 to Primm. Representing much of that land is District A Commissioner Michael Naft. A Las Vegan since the first grade, Michael shares his journey from failed performer to staffer for Rep. Dina Titus to being appointed to the County Commission, being elected outright and now preparing his re-election campaign. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

Jonathan and Gary review the big events of the past couple of weeks at the Plaza downtown - none bigger than U2 playing a popup show on Main Street right in front of the Plaza. The group shot a new video that's part of its new show inside The Sphere. John Katsolimetes, aka Johnny Kats of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, describes getting word of the show and following leads all over downtown before the band rolled up on a flatbed truck in front of the Carousel Bar. Kats also talks about The Sphere experience, his career path to page A3 of the R-J every day (and online all the time), his new podcast series with Oscar Goodman, and advice for young people getting into any business. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

How do you go from being an expert of flooding to managing the flood of duties coordinating all of the hotel/casinos in Nevada? Virginia Valentine explains her career path in this episode. The CEO of the Nevada Resort Association speaks for all of the big properties in the Silver State, especially when it comes to laws and regulations coming from Carson City. Virginia also talks about the ever-changing sports betting landscape, resort fees, marijuana in hotel/casinos (spoiler: it's not happening) and the two big events coming soon: Formula One and the Super Bowl. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

Nicholas & Co. is the region's largest independent food distribution service, and Peter Mouskindas is the Co-CEO. Peter is the third generation of Mouskindass to run the company, after his father and grandfather, who founded the business in 1936 in Salt Lake City. He talks about how the business has grown, how they cater to what chefs want – and how it all comes together from all over the world to your plate at your favorite restaurant (like Oscar's Steakhouse). Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

In this bonus episode, we dive into the life of a casino host. Nicole Osborne and Ashley McKenzie share their stories, and their journeys to the job. We also catch up with Esme Gonzalez, Director of Casino Marketing. And Jonathan shares the story of how the showgirl outside the Carousel Bar is now named "Ginger."

Scott's back for his fourth appearance, but this time as "co-host." That's in quotes so you know that the author of Vital Vegas is NOT on the Plaza payroll. Scott and Jonathan talk to another big-time Internet influencer, Jacob Orth. He's been posting YouTube videos on life in Vegas for several years under the easy-to-remember title: Jacob's Life in Vegas. He regularly updates fans on the craziest stuff happening here. He strives for fairness, such as doing a video on why you should stay at a certain hotel, then another video on why you should NOT stay at that hotel!

Sam Joffray is the man in charge of Las Vegas' Super Bowl Committee. He comes from New Orleans, where he organized that city's Super Bowls, Final Fours and several other huge events in The Big Easy. Sam shares a few of the many, many details that must be in place for the big game: hotels, transportation, public safety, team headquarters, media and about 5,000 volunteers to make it all happen. And he answers the Big Question about when one may or may not use the words "Super Bowl."

It's only been a few weeks since Pinkbox Donuts opened at The Plaza, next to the Carousel Bar. But the lines are nearly always out the door, as Fremont St. fans grab a sweet snack. Pinkbox is owned by the Siegel Group, and Jonathan sits down with Executive Vice President Judith Siegel and Chief Business Officer Michael Crandall. The two share the company's progress in property management over more than 20 years. And we hear about Bagelmania, the modest strip mall joint that's now a major oasis for hungry conventions goers.

JRoc, aka Jason Craig, has been behind some of the biggest bars and entertainment venues in Las Vegas for decades. He was part of the original Palms crew - standing in line for three days to apply for as many jobs as he could. JRoc remembers tending bar at the original Playboy Club, and getting noticed by Bronson, now one the Plaza's creative forces. From there, it was being part of The Palms' reality TV efforts, producing his own shows, being an in-demand MC in Vegas and nationwide, forming Clique at the Cosmopolitan, being a part of the men's haberdashery Stitched. And JRoc talks about what's next, including the possibility of something downtown!

Oscar Goodman is back on his stool in the middle of his namesake steakhouse telling tales from the courtroom. The centerpiece is about a trial in Texas and how he (with the help of his insistent client) blew up the testimony of three police officers who failed to notice that people were watching. Also: a question from Big John, a special guest from England.

Gavin is one of those guys who's literally kept the reels turning and cards shuffling for a couple of decades. The Australian got his gaming start in the legal department at Aristocrat Leisure Limited, rising to president of its Americas division. He was COO at Ballys Technologies, CEO at ShuffleMaster, and CEO of Scientific Games. Along the way he's held senior spots at Galaxy Gaming and Games Global. And he's advised SB Tech, DraftKings, Jackpocket and I.C. Intelligence. And last fall he became a member of the American Gaming Association's Gaming Hall of Fame, Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

It's been a great few weeks at the Plaza, as the reimagining of Main Street is nearing completion. The Carousel Bar is open, and the new non-smoking, video-friendly casino is open! Jonathan, Lisa and Gary discuss, and preview things still to come. But it's also a bittersweet episode as the brains behind this podcast, Lisa Melmed, is leaving. Listen to learn the details! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery.

Second-generation gaming executive Noah Acres runs Acres Manufacturing with his father, John. The company says: EVERY casino in the world uses at least one of its inventions. Its most famous tools: the system that links slot machines to create progressive jackpots and another that allows casinos to track slot machine players by using loyalty cards. Noah and Jonathan talk about the future of loyalty programs, the move toward cashless gaming, and how to dive down into the deep data to rate players' abilities. Also along for the ride: Oliver Lovat, a past podcast guest who advises casinos on development and real estate. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Scott Roeben is the very first person to be a guest for the fourth time! He and Jonathan and Lisa dive into what's happening with the Plaza improvements, as well as downtown. Scott re-visits his dust-up with the Sahara, Scott still doesn't get the appeal of pickleball and bingo, even as he was caught in a wave of people exiting Super Bingo. Also: Jonathan tells the story of Big John, a London-based social media star who was the guest of Plaza last month. And there is a lot of pizza talk, including a monthly Plaza special from one of the world's best pizza makers. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

For the past five years, Johnny Avello has been the face of DraftKings' sports book, shepherding its rollout across the US. Before that, he ran Wynn's sports book - one of the few remaining stand-alone books in Las Vegas. Johnny recalls many of his stops in his 40 years in Las Vegas - and how he almost didn't make it thanks to his work at a not-so-legal casino in the heart of New York City decades ago!

For nearly four decades, Sal Piacente has been spotting casino cheats and advantage players. He recently taught Plaza's dealers things they never knew! Sal recalls his first exposure to gambling as a child - courtesy of his father. His dealing roots go to Atlantic City, but he also tells the tale of showing up at one venerable Las Vegas casino, and dealing craps a couple of hours later! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Oscar is back with an assortment of stories from his days in the courtroom. Listen all the way to learn about a juror's "tell," the very surprising resolution for a Reno dentist accused of awful crimes, and how an autographed baseball helped him win a big case. Also: lots of questions from diners, and a guest appearance by the CEO of Plaza's parent company. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

We are three years old! "On The Corner of Main Street" started slowly, was interrupted by Covid, came back remotely, started recording again with VERY long microphone cables across half the bar at Oscar's... and we're still here. Jonathan, Lisa, Gary and producer Rich Johnson recall some of the best moments of all that time. They also catch up on what's happening these days, look back at the Super Bowl (and the loss by Gary's beloved Eagles), and answer several questions from loyal listeners. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

When it comes to "been there, done that," few can match Sue Ascanio. The 30-year gaming veteran has risen from running the employee cafeteria at the Holiday Casino to managing properties in Las Vegas, Indiana and California. And now she's back, as General Manager of the Plaza. Sue is the first female GM in downtown Las Vegas. She shares her journey in what she admits is her very first podcast! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Hizzoner is back! This time we've taken the greatest hits from Oscar's November Dinner Series talk and asked him to expand on the stories. The common theme of the random stories: how Oscar never dined with his clients (although his mother did). Also: defending the mayor of San Diego, and securing the release from jail of newspaper vending machines.

From slots to the 9th Island, Andre Filosi has spent nearly his entire working life with Boyd Gaming. He's currently the General Manager of Boyd's three downtown properties, the Fremont, Main St. Station and the California. Andre shares his own journey up the ladder, as well as how the California went from the verge of bankruptcy to the most popular destination in Las Vegas for Hawaiians. It's another great episode highlighting the history of downtown. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

When you need a license to run a casino in Nevada, Dennis Gutwald is that man to see. That's what Jonathan did when he took over the Plaza a decade ago. Gutwald was also an investigator for the Nevada Gaming Control Board. These days, along with gaming, he also advises people in the cannabis business. He shares stories of his long career, including how he helped then 29-year old Jonathan become the youngest person ever to be licensed as a casino operator. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Casinos, online gaming, and online travel reservations. Tim Poster has been successful in all three. He made his first fortune turning a Vegas-centric telephone hotel reservation service into a company that Expedia would buy. He bought the Golden Nugget, then sold it for a profit after only 18 months - becoming a reality TV star along the way. He tells all - in one of our most comprehensive episodes yet! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

It's quite an accomplishment to become the head of Las Vegas casino. But Marilyn Spiegel has been at the helm of SEVEN casinos in her career. From the Holiday Casino to not one but TWO tenures as president of Wynn/Encore, Marilyn has seen and done a lot. Just reciting her resume is a mini history of The Strip and beyond. But she goes above and beyond when sharing her amazing story with Jonathan and Lisa. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

The song title from the legendary musical "South Pacific" was the theme of Oscar Goodman's last dinner series talk. He shared stories of the important women in his life, starting with his grandmother, wife and daughter. Then it's off to the races, as Oscar tells the tales of a sleepy judge, a con woman client and a brilliant prosecutor. And, Oscar being Oscar, he veers into a couple of other stories about "challenging" clients.

John O'Donnell is the bartender at One Steakhouse at the Virgin Hotel. That's kinda like saying LeBron James is a noted basketball player. John's been at the center of the action for nearly 30 years - most notably during his years at N9NE Steakhouse at Palms. He also led the creation of the East Fremont scene at La Comida, and made Crush the place to be at the MGM Grand. John shares his journey from rural Ireland to London, New York and then the city of his dreams, Las Vegas.

A trial is supposed to be about the prosecution and the defense. But Oscar Goodman says, in most of his mob-related cases, it was him against the world - meaning the prosecution and the judge. In the episode, we bring you the best of Oscar's recent dinner series talk on 'Rotten Tomato Judges,' as well as a conversation a couple weeks later amplifying some stories. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Like so many others here, Las Vegas native and City Council member Cedric Crear started his career on a casino floor. And he used that experience, plus his time at Howard University, to grow his own businesses and serve the public. His resume is filled with advisory board positions. And since 2018 he's represented Ward 5, which includes the Historic Westside and the land on which the Plaza sits, on the Las Vegas City Council. Cedric talks about all of that, and his plan to add another job to his resume: mayor.

Hold percentages. Smoking or non-smoking. The Showroom's future. Doug Stanhope. Demolition Derby. And yes, resort fees. Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel tackles questions both easy and difficult that podcast listeners and social media fans have submitted. Helping JJ with answers, and making his first podcast appearance: Plaza's all-around creative, F-and-B and entertainment consultant, Bronson Olimpieri. Also: listen to learn how you can win an Ultimate Plaza Getaway Weekend: two nights, dinner at Oscar's and drinks at The Sand Dollar Downtown! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Ted Pappageorge may be the most impactful person in Las Vegas over the past four decades when it comes to casino workers. He's Secretary-Treasurer of Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which represents about 60,000 people. Ted traces his career from busboy to bartender to union activist, looking to ensure that he, a single father, and his two children continued to have quality healthcare. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

When the body-filled barrels showed up in the rapidly receding Lake Mead, the world's media immediately called Oscar Goodman for comment. And yes, he has a few comments - mostly about how there's no way that he would know who's in those barrels. Oscar, with a little prodding from Jonathan, spoke about it at his latest Oscar Dinner Series event. So come with us now to the dining room at Oscar's for everything but the rib eye!

Our favorite slot machine maven is back. Brian Christopher, the star of BC Slots on Youtube, makes his second appearance on the podcast. Jonathan, Lisa and Gary recall comments Brian made nearly two years ago, and how some have come true. Brian now has his own slot machine, which debuted at Plaza earlier this month. And his 'BC Slots' section in the Plaza casino is the inspiration for even bigger things coming later this year!