On the Corner of Main Street
141 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago -On the Corner of Main Street provides an inside scoop on downtown Las Vegas. From gaming and special events to new projects and the growing art scene, hear straight from the amazing people who are making downtown Las Vegas a unique and fast-growing destination. Recorded at the Plaza Hotel & Casino – on the corner of Main Street – Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel will be joined by special guests, including gaming industry leaders, entertainers, local officials and downtown partners, who will share their own exclusive and often entertaining perspective on where Vegas got its start and where it’s going now.
Hosted by Lisa Melmed, Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery.
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Episodes
John O'Donnell, Las Vegas's Superstar Bartender
November 01, 2022 20:00 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MBJohn 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.
Ep. 83 - John O'Donnell, Superstar Bartender
November 01, 2022 20:00 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MBJohn 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.
Oscar Goodman's Rotten Tomato Judges
September 23, 2022 21:00 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MBA 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
Ep. 82 - Oscar's Rotten Tomato Judges
September 23, 2022 21:00 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MBA 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
Ep. 81 - Cedric Crear: From the casino to the council
September 08, 2022 20:00 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MBLike 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...
Cedric Crear: From the Casino to the Las Vegas City Council
September 08, 2022 20:00 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MBLike 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...
Ep. 80 - Jonathan's Question Time
August 25, 2022 20:00 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MBHold 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 ...
Jonathan Jossel's Las Vegas Question Time
August 25, 2022 20:00 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MBHold 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 ...
Ted Pappageorge, Las Vegas Culinary Union
August 11, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 92 MBTed 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
Ep. 79 - Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Union
August 11, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 92 MBTed 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
Ep. 78 - Oscar Goodman Rolls Out the Barrels
July 28, 2022 20:00 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBWhen 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!
Oscar Goodman Rolls Out the Barrels
July 28, 2022 20:00 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBWhen 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!
Brian Christopher & Smoke Free Slots
July 15, 2022 20:00 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBOur 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!
Ep. 77 - Brian Christopher & Smoke Free Slots
July 15, 2022 20:00 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MBOur 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!
Ep. 76 - Bo Bernhard, Student of the Games
July 07, 2022 20:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBTime for another fascinating history lesson! Leading the class today: Dr. Bo Bernhard, who owns a couple of titles at UNLV: Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of The International Gaming Institute. He shares news about how the IGI works as part of the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. Among the subjects you'll definitely want to hear: all about the Hotel of the Future, and how it's developed sheets that are used just once! And Bo talks about one of the more...
Bo Bernhard, UNLV Student of the Games
July 07, 2022 20:00 - 51 minutes - 71 MBTime for another fascinating history lesson! Leading the class today: Dr. Bo Bernhard, who owns a couple of titles at UNLV: Vice President of Economic Development and Executive Director of The International Gaming Institute. He shares news about how the IGI works as part of the Harry Reid Research and Technology Park. Among the subjects you'll definitely want to hear: all about the Hotel of the Future, and how it's developed sheets that are used just once! And Bo talks about one of the more...
Ep. 75 - Reimagining Main Street
June 17, 2022 20:00 - 28 minutes - 38.7 MBWith fireworks, streamers, showgirls and doughnuts, Plaza has kicked off huge improvements that will help fulfill its goal to reimagine Main Street. In this episode you'll hear Jonathan describe four big projects: The Carousel Bar in what's now the porte-cochere, a new branch of Pink Box Donuts that opens right onto Main St., an expansion of Oscar's Steakhouse that will bring the first outdoor fine dining to a downtown casino -- and a new social media - friendly, smoke-free, separate entranc...
Ep. 74 - Jeff Silver, Casino Executive & Regulator
June 09, 2022 20:00 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MBJeff Silver has experienced the Las Vegas casino business from both sides: as a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and as an executive at the Riviera, Landmark and Caesars Palace. Silver's time as a regulator happened during the Frank Rosenthal era, and Silver was the man who eventually put Lefty in the 'Black Book.' At the Riviera, Silver spearheaded several innovations, including one that's ubiquitous today: putting a fast food franchise on the property! Silver is also on the board ...
Ep. 73 - Cliff Atkinson & Fontainebleau Las Vegas
May 26, 2022 20:00 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBAfter a more than 14 year delay, Las Vegas' tallest casino-hotel is finally back on track. And the man in charge of bringing Fontainebleau Las Vegas to life is veteran hotelier Cliff Atkinson. He talks about growing up in San Francisco wanting to be a chef and run a restaurant - and how he morphed into running hotels. But Cliff spends most of the episode discussing the "full circle" journey of Fontainebleau Las Vegas from near-completion in 2007, abandonment in 2008, subsequent ownership ch...
Ep, 72 - Senator Richard Bryan
May 19, 2022 20:00 - 52 minutes - 72 MBWe could just as easily call this "Governor Richard Bryan." Or "Attorney General Richard Bryan." He held all three jobs in his long, distinguished career. He was also Clark County's first Public Defender, working with a staff that for a while included another young attorney named Oscar Goodman. Bryan talks about growing up in downtown Las Vegas, being the son of a well-connected attorney, developing his own connections, and how the valley has grown over his 80+ years. Hosts: Jonathan Joss...
Ep. 71 - Oscar Goodman & the FBI
May 05, 2022 20:00 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBWe're back with highlights from another talk by former Las Vegas Mayor, famous attorney and steakhouse namesake Oscar Goodman. Oscar reads from a logbook of Metro Police officers who were following him in the 1970s, and has some 'kind' words for a local politician seated at his table. But the centerpiece of this story involves Tony 'The Ant' Spilotro and a 'friend' he brought into Oscar's law office one day. You will be fascinated!
Ep. 70 - IT'S TIME...for Bruce Buffer
April 21, 2022 20:00 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBUFC is the world's largest promoter of mixed martial arts, and is based in Las Vegas. Its iconic ring announcer, Bruce Buffer, is the star of this episode. Bruce shares the story of finding his passion in his mid 30s - after finding his long-lost half-brother -- who also happens to be the world's most famous boxing ring announcer, Michael Buffer. Bruce Buffer talks about helping Michael capitalize on his fame, and then finding the perfect gig for himself with UFC.
Ep. 69 - Vital Vegas Round Three!
April 07, 2022 20:00 - 1 hour - 95.9 MBVital Vegas blogger Scott Roeben is back as the podcast's first-ever THREE-TIME guest! And there is plenty to discuss. For one, Scott is not a fan of the statue of Oscar Goodman with Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, and he lets Jonathan know why. Jonathan smooths it over by taking Scott's advice on a new combo item for the bar (you'll have to listen to find out what it is). Jonathan also teases Scott about a new expansion project that's not been announced. And it all starts with Scott talking ...
Ep. 68 - Joe Asher
March 24, 2022 20:00 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBHe's back! Former William Hill USA president Joe Asher, now IGT president of sports betting, joins Jonathan and Lisa at Oscar's. Joe explains his new job, how the William Hill - Caesars deal worked out, and how he relaxed between jobs. He also offers some 'advice' for pro athletes celebrating championships (hint: don't be an idiot). Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed
Ep. 67 - Gov. Steve Sisolak
March 10, 2022 21:00 - 29 minutes - 40.5 MBJonathan and Lisa welcome a very special guest: Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak. They discuss how the Milwaukee native got to Las Vegas in the 1970s, and stayed - establishing a successful marketing business that lasted more than 30 years. He traces his transition to public service and how his first term has been defined by the Covid pandemic. And the governor discusses his efforts to diversify the state's economy so it's not as dependent on the hospitality industry.
Ep. 66 - Brian Greenspun, Publisher & Developer
February 24, 2022 00:00 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MBSecond-generation Las Vegas legend Brian Greenspun swings by Oscar's to tell fantastic stories about his legendary father, the early mob days of The Strip, helping found the state of Israel and desegregating the casino resorts. Brian also discusses his legacy, including development of neighborhoods and the casino in Green Valley Ranch.
Ep. 65 - Oscar's Steakhouse 10th Anniversary
February 11, 2022 21:00 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBIt was a night to remember when Las Vegas royalty showed up to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Oscar's Steakhouse. Not only did the former mayor tell a great story about 'The Trial of the Century,' he was the subject of a roast that included a rare appearance by legendary comic magician The Amazing Jonathan. And we learned about big improvements coming to the restaurant. We have the highlights. But beware: this episode is definitely rated "E" for explicit.
Ep. 64 - Pat Christenson, Las Vegas Events
January 13, 2022 23:00 - 52 minutes - 72 MBLas Vegas is home to some of the world's biggest and best events, from the Rock 'n Roll Marathon to Electric Daisy Carnival to the National Finals Rodeo. The Organization that finds those events and convinces their organizers to come here is LVE - Las Vegas Events. For 20 years, Pat Christenson has been LVE's president. He shares some stories about the progress in those years - especially how NFR came to Vegas and won't ever leave. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed
Ep. 63 - Linnea Mitchell Nelson, Rodeo Queen
December 23, 2021 00:00 - 45 minutes - 63 MBThe Plaza has become a player in the Vegas rodeo scene thanks to Linnea Mitchell Nelson, who convinced Jonathan to build the Core Arena. The arena has hosted a variety of events, but its main reason for being is rodeo. Linnea tells us how that happened, and how the modest bit of dirt next to the hotel complex has anchored the Plaza's growing presence during National Finals Rodeo and all year. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 62 - The Full Oscar (Dinner)
December 10, 2021 20:50 - 43 minutes - 60.3 MBIn past episodes we've presented bits and pieces of past Oscar Dinners, in which the former mayor tells tales from his days at the nation's top mob lawyer. But this time we're giving you The Full Oscar - an entire story from start to finish, as recorded at Oscar's Steakhouse at Plaza. Enjoy! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 61 - Piero's Freddie Glusman
December 02, 2021 20:55 - 42 minutes - 57.9 MBFor nearly 40 years, Piero's has been one of Las Vegas's top Italian restaurants, and a destination for anyone looking for an authentic "Old Vegas" vibe. Its history is preserved on the walls, on the booth plaques honoring long-time regulars and celebrities and in the movie "Casino," which used Piero's to portray a couple of fictional (but similar) restaurants. And all of that history is personified in Piero's only owner, Freddie Glusman. Jonathan, Lisa and producer Rich Johnson ventur...
Ep. 60 - Michael Green
November 09, 2021 21:00 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MBIt's time for your Nevada history lesson! And few know more about the Silver State's colorful history than Dr. Michael Green, Associate Professor of history at UNLV. Jonathan, Lisa and Gary dive into the early days of Las Vegas, how the men who worked on Hoover Dam enjoyed their paydays on Block 16, and the first casino to be controlled by the Mob. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 59 - David Lopez, AGS
October 26, 2021 20:00 - 53 minutes - 74.1 MBThe CEO of AGS (aka American Gaming Systems), David Lopez, shares his journey from Troy, NY to Las Vegas - from sweeping floors at MGM Grand to running one of the nation's top makers of slot machines, card shufflers, table game displays and online casino games. Along the way, you might even learn the secret of "Monkey Pirate." And this one is rated "E." Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 58 - Did You Miss Us?
October 14, 2021 20:00 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MBDid you miss us? We hope so, after our extended break. Jonathan, Lisa and Gary are back with a look at what everyone did over the summer. For Plaza it was Super Bingo every month, lots of photos inside Studio 71, BCSlots winning big, Oscar Goodman resuming his Oscar Dinner series and much, much more. Producer Rich Johnson also shadowed Jonathan when he attended the Global Gaming Expo, and asks some detailed questions about slot machines. And the gang drops a few hints about what's comi...
Ep. 57 - Shane Hnidy, Golden Knights Analyst
August 06, 2021 20:30 - 38 minutes - 52.8 MBA veteran of 11 years playing in the NHL, Shane Hnidy (pronounced NY-dee) has been with the Vegas Golden Knights as a TV analyst since Day One. Shane makes his first visit to Oscar's (but promises it won't be his last) to talk about his vagabond career, how he made the transition from the ice to the broadcast booth at home in Manitoba, and why he jumped at the chance to move to Las Vegas. NOTE #1: This was recorded before the newest mask mandate in Las Vegas, and before the Golden Knig...
Ep. 56 - J Dapper, Developer & Visionary
July 30, 2021 20:30 - 36 minutes - 50 MBJonathan and Gary spend time with J Dapper, a Las Vegas native who's developed retail, office and residential spaces all over the valley. But his current passion has just begun: a three-year project to restore the Huntridge Theater and develop other nearby properties. The goal is to renew a historic, but neglected, part of downtown. J also presents Jonathan with a gift: a family document linked to one of the most infamous names in Las Vegas history. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vick...
Ep. 55 - Mayor Carolyn Goodman
July 23, 2021 20:30 - 45 minutes - 63 MBTime to give the other Mayor Goodman some love - current Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman! She shares insights on being married to Oscar for nearly 60 years, as well as her early work in Las Vegas as a publicist and founder of the valley's first prep school. The Mayor also shares two examples of her experience with the high-profile and "in the weeds" aspects of public service: her duties as the "voice" of the region after the October 1 tragedy, and her long-term ongoing efforts to conv...
Ep. 54 - A Huge Announcement!
July 16, 2021 19:01 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBIt's going to be a legend within a legend: The Sand Dollar Downtown will open later this year inside Plaza! Rockin' for more than 40 years just west of The Strip, the Sand Dollar has been a favorite of those in the hospitality industry. Its intimate, old-school vibe is combined with an elevated but unpretentious bar program you don't usually find in live music venues. The Sand Dollar Downtown (which JJ's already nicknamed "The Downtown Dollar") will resurrect the energy of rock'...
Ep. 53 - Mark Shunock, Entertainer, MC and Philanthropist
July 09, 2021 19:01 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MBQuickly after he arrived to play Lonny in "Rock of Ages," Mark Shunock fell in love with Las Vegas. And it took him only about three months to put together a charity that is prospering to this day: Mondays Dark. Mark and wife Cheryl Daro call upon their performing friends every other Monday to put on a show, the proceeds benefiting a different Las Vegas charity every time. Since it began, Mondays Dark has raised more than $1.5 million. While "Rock of Ages" is gone, Mark is best...
Ep. 52 - Jason McCormick, Station Casinos Sportsbook
July 02, 2021 19:01 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MBJonathan, Lisa and Gary get a thorough education in sports betting with a three-decade veteran of the business, Station Casinos Vice President of Race and Sports Jason McCormick. Jason shares his lifelong fascination with sports betting, how it brought him to Las Vegas and how - unlike most in the business - he's been able to stay with one company for so long. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 51 - Corey Harrison, Pawn Star
June 25, 2021 19:01 - 40 minutes - 55.5 MBIt's a wild time with Las Vegas native and third generation pawnbroker Corey Harrison. He takes us behind the counter of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, the home of one of the highest rated TV shows of the past decade. Corey talks about how he thought the show would never be the phenomenon it is. And he shares how he suddenly discovered how wrong he was, and how famous he'd suddenly become in a place he couldn't escape: a cruise ship! Advisory: This episode is rated 'E' for explicit. Y...
Ep. 50 - Sean Christie, Nightclub King
June 18, 2021 19:01 - 50 minutes - 69 MBHouse of Blues. Blush. Bare Pool Lounge. Daydream. Surrender. Encore Beach Club. Andrea's. On the Record. Those are just a few of the clubs and venues that Sean Christie has founded or managed during his more than 20 years in Las Vegas. He joins us to talk about all that, and what's new: Carversteak, a spectacular steakhouse scheduled to open in December at Resorts World. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 49 - Oscar Goodman: His Road to Mob Lawyer
June 11, 2021 19:10 - 42 minutes - 59 MBWe're back with highlights from another Oscar Dinner Series event. This time, Oscar told stories about his first client - a pro bono murder case that involved a lie detector and a prosecutor who wasn't living up to his deal. Then Oscar talks about the cases that cemented - rightly or wrongly - his reputation as a "miracle worker" among those in the Las Vegas sports betting community. Oscar, Jonathan and Lisa also talk about what's coming at the next dinner. Hosts: Jonatha...
Ep. 48 - Foodie Tours!
June 04, 2021 20:30 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MBLip Smaking Foodie Tours is your ticket to sample some of the best restaurants in downtown Las Vegas, The Strip, the Arts District and more. Owner Donald Contursi and tour guide Tom Svoboda talk to Lisa and Gary about how the business started, how it's recovered from Covid and what's next! Hosts: Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery, Jonathan Jossel
Ep. 47 - Looking Back
May 28, 2021 19:01 - 42 minutes - 57.9 MBJonathan, Lisa, Gary and producer Rich Johnson look back on the challenges of the past year: closing the hotel during the pandemic, figuring out how to operate once it reopened, dealing with ever-changing and often-conflicting rules and guidelines, and setting a course for the future. All this as Plaza gets ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary! Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 46 - Jason Feinberg, Fox5 Morning Anchor
May 21, 2021 19:01 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBIn a town with a reputation as a transient media market, Jason Feinberg is an exception. He's been here for 15 years. He anchors the morning news at Fox5, and often covers the biggest events, parties and openings here in Las Vegas. Jason shares his career path, which included stops in Palm Springs, West Texas, Seattle and Los Angeles. And Jason tries again to get the fact that a Brit with nearly zero knowledge of American football won his fantasy football tournament last season!...
Ep. 45 - Too Much Oscar? Never!!
May 14, 2021 19:01 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MBHe's back with more tales of old Las Vegas. Oscar Goodman, our steakhouse namesake, former mayor and legendary lawyer talks with Jonathan about the last Oscar's Dinner Series. At the dinner, Oscar tells the story of how he and Carolyn came to Las Vegas and recalls a couple of his early cases -- including the one that cemented his reputation as Las Vegas's premier 'mob lawyer' (his words!). Host: Jonathan Jossel (with a cameo appearance by producer Rich Johnson)
Ep. 44 - Steve Hill, Master Conventioneer
May 07, 2021 19:01 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MBWhile the image is still "Sin City," the reality is that Las Vegas is "Convention City." And the man who makes that work is Steve Hill, CEO and President of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. That's the organization that brings all the huge gatherings to Las Vegas - shows like CES, World of Concrete, the National Association of Broadcasters and countless other smaller events. The LVCVA is also the region's top marketing arm, and the organization behind "What Happens...
Ep. 43 - Aquarius Wilkinson, Plaza Host
April 30, 2021 19:01 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MBWhat is a casino host? We've discussed it in the past, and interviewed one of the most famous hosts in Las Vegas. Now we get "up close and Plaza" with our newest host, Aquarius Wilkinson. He shares the path he took to hosting - and to the Plaza. Aquarius also talks about his work week, his joy in dealing with Plaza guests, and how he prefers the Plaza to a higher-end property on The Strip. Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed, Gary Vickery
Ep. 42 - Oscar's Dinners & the Chef Who Cooks Them
April 23, 2021 22:00 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBWe're departing from our usual format this episode to bring two guests and a small slice of one of our favorite events: Oscar's Dinner Series. Oscar Goodman, himself, is on hand to talk about the first dinner in 14 months, and he's joined by Ben Jenkins, Executive Chef of Oscar's Steakhouse. Ben talks about his career and the changes he's made at Oscar's. Then you'll hear highlights from the dinner, in which Oscar told stories about being in the movie "Casino" - and hosting the stars for...