On the Corner of Main Street

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