On the Corner of Main Street

The man who brought professional soccer to Las Vegas joins Jonathan and Lisa to talk about the journey. Brett Lashbrook, owner and GM of Las Vegas Lights F.C., explains how bringing the world's most popular sport to the world's entertainment capital was a "no brainer." He also discusses the various proposals for upgrading the Lights' venue, and whether Las Vegas will ever have an MLS team. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Clark County Metro Sheriff Joseph Lombardo shares tales of growing up in Las Vegas, graduating from UNLV, joining the force and rising through the ranks until he was elected Sheriff in 2014. He spent much of his early career patrolling the streets of downtown, so he's a first-hand witness to the dramatic changes in the past decades. And he tells the story of his only encounter with Tony 'The Ant' Spilotro -- which was quickly followed by an encounter with law enforcement! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Plaza slots manager Mary Myers joints Jonathan, Lisa and Gary to talk about her job -- and her past jobs at The Las Vegs Club, the old joint across Main St. from the Plaza. The Las Vegas Club closed three years ago to make room for Circa, which just opened. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

The El Cortez has anchored the east end of Fremont Street since 1941. Current CEO and partner Mike Nolan joins Jonathan and Lisa to talk about its legendary (and occasionally infamous) history. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Neon Museum CEO Rob McCoy shares stories about the organization dedicated to preserving the beautiful, iconic, striking neon signs that have defined Las Vegas for decades. McCoy explains how the museum came to be, how it continues to grow - and how other neon museums have sprung up with several other cities. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

Live from his home in Bisbee, Arizona, The Plaza's favorite standup comedian, Doug Stanhope, joins Jonathan, Lisa and Gary. Doug played a sold-out Plaza showroom on New Year's Eve, and we're all ready to have him back as soon as possible. Gary finally gets an answer about why so many bibles went missing during Doug's stay. He reveals the history of his wacky 70s vintage performance wardrobe. And Doug tells the tale of his first job in Las Vegas -- and who personally fired him. (Hint: If you live in Nevada, you may have voted for him) And, Doug being Doug, this episode is rated "E" for Explicit. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

Jonathan and Lisa talk to Myron Martin, the man who brought a world-class performing arts center to Las Vegas. Myron recounts how he came to Las Vegas to work for Liberace, how he inadvertently insulted the fledgling arts community - and how that comment put him square in the middle of the two-decade effort to build what's known as The Smith Center. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Jonathan and Gary take a deep dive into Las Vegas history with Dr. David Schwartz of UNLV, who's focused most of his academic career on the history and psychology of gaming. Dave shares stories from his new book "At the Sands," including those weeks in the winter of 1960 when The Rat Pack performed by night and shot "Ocean's Eleven" by day. There's also the tale of Carl Cohen - the Sands executive who was regarded as a great boss, but who's infamous as the man who slugged Frank Sinatra! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery

Just a short ride from The Plaza is Esther's Kitchen, in the heart of the Arts District. Among the funky bars and eclectic shops, owner/chef James Trees brings 20 years of fine dining experience to the table for his take on seasonal Italian cuisine. The Las Vegas native, who worked in some of the best kitchens in the world before coming home, shares his journey with Jonathan, Lisa and Gary -- including the tale of being suddenly deported from England!

Brian Christopher is the host/founder/genius behind BC Slots, the YouTube channel that has millions of people watching Brian... play slot machines. In his visit with Jonathan, Lisa and Gary, Brian says he's as surprised as anyone that he's able to make a nice living producing videos of him at slot machines all over the country: sometimes winning, sometimes losing. Brian's grown that simple concept into a huge community that includes weekend gatherings, 'group pulls' and supporting charity. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

Jonathan and Lisa confess their love for all things South Point, the huge hotel/casino/bowling/movie/rodeo/restaurant/sports book/showroom complex at the very south end of Las Vegas Blvd. South Point General Manager Ryan Growney, Las Vegas born and bred, shares his journey - which includes Georgetown University (and the late, great John Thompson), the Gaughan family, mergers, moves, doing every job from the front desk to the horse stalls, and now a decade as the property's GM. It's a fascinating, fast-moving tale. Hosted by: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

Jonathan, Gary and Lisa get the lowdown on Fremont St. from the man who knows all: Kelly Fairchild, owner of Las Vegas Walking Tours. Every day, Kelly begins his tour at the Plaza, then takes people on a two-hour guided walk tour that concludes at The Container Park at 7th & Fremont. In this episode, Kelly shares some local history, how he came to Las Vegas and why the tour begins at the Plaza. There's even a ghost story! Hosted by: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery

Jonathan and Lisa welcome music legend, Las Vegas resident and good friend of the Plaza, Flavor Flav! He talks about new projects, coping with Covid-19, and where he got his stage name. He also takes a call from a friend and samples Plaza's famous Pop-Up Pizza - both New York and Detroit style. And yes, this is Flavor Flav, so this show is rated 'E' for EXPLICIT. Hosted by: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed

The gang hears great gangster stories from Jonathan Ullman, President & CEO of The Mob Museum - aka The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement. The museum professional says he knew nothing about the mob before coming to Las Vegas a decade ago. Since then, he's lead the team that's made the Mob Museum into one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

Plaza's Director of Casino Marketing, Esme Gonzalez, joins the gang to share stories from her career -- from being a bad**s overnight front desk manager to running the 'Plaza Rewards' program and the property's casino hosts. Along the way: some very memorable promotions - for very different reasons!

Derek Stevens, owner of The D and Golden Gate, shares how a successful Detroit auto parts manufacturer turned his love for Las Vegas into owning two casinos. Derek and Jonathan Jossel also discuss what's happening right across Main Street: Circa, the most ambitious project that downtown has ever seen.

Scott Roeben, the man behind one of the top Las Vegas blogs, Vital Vegas, is our guest for an extensive conversation about the joys of Downtown, the history of the blog (and Scott), and his hopes for the entire area when it comes to recovering from the shutdown. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

The Plaza is ready to re-open on Thursday, June 4th. Jonathan, Lisa and Gary share all the details about what to expect when you visit. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

We go "on location" to Fremont East, and talk to longtime Las Vegas businessman Ryan Doherty. He's the owner of Corner Bar Management, which operates several bars in downtown Las Vegas. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

We welcome the CEO of William Hill US, Joe Asher. William Hill is the largest sports book operator in the country, and is our sports book partner at Plaza. Joe and Jonathan Jossel talk about the history of Plaza sports books, and Hill's efforts to become a presence in states that have legalized sports betting. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

What's it take to close a building that never closes? Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel takes a deeper dive into the final hours before we shut our doors on March 17th. Lisa Melmed shares the challenge of helping check every single room at closing. And Jonathan answers more email and social media questions, as he, Lisa and Gary record a second episode from their homes. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

Jonathan, Lisa and Gary have connected from their homes for this episode. They share how they're coping these days, and what's happening at the Plaza during the closure. Jonathan also talks about the 2011 shutdown in which the property underwent a major upgrade. And he tells tales about two floods that hit the Plaza. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

Oscar B. Goodman needs no introduction. He is responsible for making downtown Las Vegas what it is today. More importantly he was the Mayor of Las Vegas and a former lawyer for organized crime. On this episode of the podcast, Oscar shares stories of moving to Las Vegas, representing individuals who were reputedly involved with organized crime, and details about the case of the century. Hosted by: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery

Weldon Russell. The godfather of Bingo. Vietnam Veteran. Weldon came to Vegas when he was 14 years old. He has worked along side Steve Wynn, Jackie Gaughan and Jonathan Jossel. Weldon helped introduce Keno to Australia, where he lived for 15 years. His knowledge about the game is unrivaled. Hosted by Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed and Gary Vickery.

Downtown Las Vegas, 2005. Sam Cherry, developer and head of the City of Las Vegas Planning Commission, sets his sights on building a high rise building in Downtown Las Vegas. Sam shares his story of building Soho Lofts. He also shares his story of the first time meeting Former Mayor Oscar Goodman. It's a good one. Hosted by Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed and Gary Vickery

Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel describes his journey moving to Las Vegas, NV in 2005, becoming the C.E.O. of the Plaza Hotel and Casino and meeting two important figures shaping downtown Las Vegas. Host: Lisa Melmed Co-Hosts: Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery