On the Corner of Main Street

At the latest Oscar's Dinner Series, Oscar shares a variety of anecdotes, ranging from humorous tales about local legends to the rich history of Las Vegas, including its connections to organized crime. Guests, including Las Vegas icons and regular supporters of the series, participated in a Q&A session while enjoying a curated dinner. The event highlighted Goodman’s personal experiences, his stint as a criminal lawyer representing reputed mobsters, and the evolution of Las Vegas as a city influenced by both its colorful past and contemporary challenges.

In this episode, Jonathan and Gary welcome special guest Chelsea from Oscar’s Steakhouse. Chelsea shares her background, from growing up in a small town in Tennessee and working in her family’s restaurants to moving to Las Vegas to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. She discusses her experiences working at various venues such as Bally’s and the Luxor before finding her place at Oscar’s Steakhouse in January 2020. Chelsea talks about the importance of building personal connections with guests, her love for Dolly Parton, and her favorite dishes and drinks. The episode also features a segment where Chelsea unboxes a jersey from the Lucky Box. Jonathan highlights the integral role Chelsea plays in creating a welcoming atmosphere at the bar, contributing to the restaurant's considerable growth and success.

In this episode Jonathan and Gary welcome Mark Badain, President of the Oakland Athletics. Mark shares his journey from starting as an intern with the Raiders to becoming the team president, overseeing their move to Allegiant Stadium, and now working on building a world-class ballpark on the Las Vegas strip. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities of relocating sports franchises, the financial and community impacts of stadium projects, and the excitement surrounding the A's new ballpark in Vegas. Mark also reflects on the passionate fan reactions and the collaborative efforts required to bring such large-scale projects to fruition. The episode concludes with Mark sharing his personal piece of advice on maintaining integrity in one's career.

This episode, Jonathan and Gary dive straight into a special discussion with Patrick Miller, President and CEO of the Rio Hotel and Casino. Patrick discusses the revitalization of one of Las Vegas' most iconic resorts, sharing his extensive experience from properties like Park MGM and New York-New York to now leading the transformation of the Rio. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, from record-breaking wing-eating contests at the Plaza to Patrick's career journey starting as a pit clerk at the Mirage. Get insights into the new developments at the Rio, including a fresh partnership with acclaimed chef James Trees for the Voodoo Lounge and plans for future property enhancements. Patrick also explains his leadership philosophy and reflects on the evolving landscape of Las Vegas entertainment and sports, addressing concerns about the current market trends. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this episode provides a detailed look at the exciting changes happening at the Rio and beyond. Tune in for an inside scoop on what it takes to keep Las Vegas vibrant and engaging!

In this episode Jonathan and Gary welcome Oscar Goodman and long-time server Nick Ziai. The discussion spans a variety of topics including life at the Plaza, the evolution of downtown Las Vegas, and the unique charm of classic Vegas hospitality. Nick shares his experiences working in renowned restaurants like Golden Steer and MGM Grand, while Oscar reminisces about the old Las Vegas days. The episode highlights the importance of human connection in the restaurant industry and an unwavering dedication to customer service.  

In this episode, Jonathan and Gary are joined by Joe Asher, a seasoned expert in the sports betting industry, making his third appearance on the podcast. They delve into Joe's extensive career, including his experiences running Brandywine Bookmaking, the US expansion of William Hill, and his tenure at IGT. The discussion covers significant regulatory challenges, reasons for the lack of DraftKings and FanDuel in Nevada, and Joe's new venture Boomer's Sports Book. They also explore the future of sports betting in Nevada, the importance of in-person signups, and the competitive landscape against major players like CIRCA and William Hill.

Join us at Oscar's Steakhouse inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for a captivating Dinner Series event. Hosted by Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and featuring legendary former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, this episode delves into various entertaining stories from Vegas history, notable legal cases, and personal anecdotes. Goodman shares his experiences with prominent figures like Tony Spilotro and Jay Sarno, and recounts memorable courtroom moments, including his unique strategies for jury selection and handling government informants. The episode also includes a lively Q&A session, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating world of Las Vegas' legal and cultural landscape.

Join Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery in a fascinating conversation with Michael Kaplan, author of 'Advantage Players: Inside the Winning World of Casino'. They delve into the intriguing world of gamblers who legally outsmart casinos, including card counters, slot hustlers, and other savvy players. Kaplan shares stories about notable figures like Anthony Curtis, Kelly Sun, and sports bettor Don Johnson, emphasizing that advantage playing extends beyond gambling into everyday life.

In this latest episode, Jonathan and Gary welcome back Scott Roeben of Vital Vegas. They delve into various Las Vegas-related topics, starting with the use of AI in hospitality and entertainment. Scott discusses his experience with AI for research and story writing, highlighting its increasingly significant role. The conversation shifts to recent changes and potential developments in downtown Las Vegas, including updates on the Sand Dollar Lounge and speculation about new casino projects on Symphony Park. They also touch on WrestleMania potentially returning to Vegas and its impact compared to other major events. 

Join us for an insightful episode of the Las Vegas Advisor interview series featuring Jonathan Jossel, the visionary CEO of the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Jonathan shares his journey from South Africa to Las Vegas, navigating through the Great Recession, and becoming one of the youngest licensees in Nevada at 29. We delve into the Plaza's unique strategies like looser games, single zero roulette, and innovative promotions. Jonathan also discusses the challenges and successes of the Las Vegas casino industry, including the impact of influencers, the importance of customer satisfaction, and the future plans for the Plaza. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation packed with industry insights and behind-the-scenes stories!

In this bonus episode, Jonathan and Gary welcome two distinguished guests, Frank Fertitta IV, a prominent figure in the Vegas gaming industry, and Landon Gyulay, a US Navy veteran. Together, they discuss their nonprofit organization, The Easy Day Foundation, focused on supporting veterans and first responders. Discover the inspiration behind Easy Day, the mission to assist veterans in reintegration, and the exciting partnership with the American Music Awards to raise funds and awareness. Don't miss this powerful conversation and learn how you can contribute to the cause.

Join Jonathan and Gary as they welcome Mike Davis — longtime Las Vegas media personality and host of the Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network — for a fast-paced, funny, and refreshingly honest conversation. From his start interning for Howard Stern to navigating Vegas media, Mike shares behind-the-scenes stories about celebrity interviews, pandemic-era reporting, and his vision for local sports coverage in Las Vegas. This episode dives into the evolution of entertainment journalism, the rise of social media influencers in gaming, and how Vegas is becoming America’s next great sports city. Hear Mike open up about what fuels his passion, how his Philly roots shaped his voice, and why the newly revived Wing Bowl Las Vegas could be the perfect fit for Downtown. Don’t miss stories about dressing as Snow White on live TV, the wild success of WrestleMania in Vegas, and candid advice for the next generation of broadcasters. Oh — and yes, there’s even a bit of relationship talk.

Join Jonathan and Gary as they talk with Andrew Simon, President of the Fremont Street Experience. This episode dives deep into the history, innovations, and challenges of Fremont Street, featuring insights on public safety, marketing strategies, and future plans for downtown Las Vegas. Learn about Andrew's early career at the Mirage, the role of street performers, and the economic impact of events like WrestleMania. Discover the importance of kindness and community in career growth and business success.

Join us for an evening with former mayor Oscar Goodman as he recounts intriguing stories from the city's mob era, highlighting figures such as Tony Spilotro and Frank Rosenthal. Delve into Oscar's career as a defense lawyer for reputed mobsters, his personal anecdotes, and legal battles that defined Las Vegas. With humor and history intertwined, Oscar shares his unique experiences, including the origins of the Black Book and pivotal court cases. Engage in a nostalgic journey through Sin City's most colorful characters and iconic moments, rounded off with an entertaining Q&A session. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by Las Vegas history!  

Join Jonathan and Gary as they sit down with multi-talented artist and former UFC Ring Girl, Brittney Palmer. In this episode, Brittney shares her journey from dancing and cocktail waitressing in Las Vegas to becoming an internationally celebrated artist. Listen in as Brittney talks about her experiences growing up in Las Vegas, working as a ring girl for the UFC, her transition into the art world, and the stereotypes she overcame. Hear her discuss key moments like painting Conor McGregor's portrait, collaborating with Reebok, and winning Ring Girl of the Year before retiring on top. If you're a fan of personal stories of transformation and relentless passion, you won't want to miss this episode!

Description: In this episode, Jonathan and Gary interview Sandra Douglas Morgan, President of the Las Vegas Raiders. Morgan discusses her journey from a Las Vegas native to a pioneering leader in sports, touching on topics such as her upbringing, extensive background in gaming regulation, and transition to her current role. They also explore the impact of Allegiant Stadium on the city's growth, her responsibilities as Raiders President, and navigating challenges, including the pandemic and integrating sports betting. Additionally, Morgan shares her perspective on community building, team dynamics, and what's next for both the Raiders and Las Vegas.

In this special 5th anniversary episode of 'On the Corner of Main Street', hosts Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery welcome guest Scott Roben of Vital Vegas for his 5th appearance. They discuss significant investments at the Plaza, including remodeling table games, introducing new food and beverage options, and collaborating with social media influencers like Brian Christopher. The conversation delves into broader market trends affecting Las Vegas, including gaming revenue, the impact of Super Bowl events, and ongoing downtown developments like the proposed bridge at Symphony Park and new cultural initiatives. Issues of transparency in social media and the challenges of maintaining long-term interest in Vegas as a tourist destination are also explored. 

Join host Jonathan Jossel and legendary former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman in a special edition of the “On The Corner of Main Street” podcast—recorded live at Oscar’s Steakhouse during Oscar’s famous Dinner Series! In this wide-ranging (and always entertaining) conversation, Oscar dives into unforgettable stories from his days as a high-profile attorney, his time as mayor, and the colorful characters he’s encountered along the way. From Philadelphia roots and Las Vegas lore to brushes with the FBI, mafia defense cases, and even a cameo in Casino, Oscar pulls no punches. You’ll hear about: His early career defending reputed mobsters and the surprising twists that led him there Tales of wiretaps, courtrooms, and the federal agents who always seemed to have him in their sights Memorable run-ins with public figures—including judges, law enforcement, and Vegas icons The (sometimes outrageous) behind-the-scenes moments that only Oscar can tell Why he loves (and occasionally “hates”) certain aspects of the city he helped shape Plus, you’ll get a taste of the camaraderie (and hilarious banter) that makes Oscar’s Dinner Series such a hit. If you’ve never been to one of these events at the Plaza, this episode will make you want to book the next date—just be sure not to talk while Oscar’s talking…or you might just “get whacked”! Subscribe to “On The Corner of Main Street” for more fascinating deep dives into Las Vegas history, culture, and all the news around Downtown. And if you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with fellow Vegas fans! Follow the Plaza & Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plaza Hotel & Casino: Plazahotelcasino.com Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plazahotelcasino.com/dine/oscars-steakhouse/ Podcast Page: Plazahotelcasino.com/podcast Connect With Us: Instagram: @PlazaPod X: @PlazaPod Facebook: @Plazapodcast 00:00 Welcome to Oscar's Dinner Series 02:38 Oscar's Rules and Stories 04:45 Introducing the Family and Friends 09:05 The Philadelphia Mob Stories Begin 20:13 The Trial and Legal Battles 29:31 Bitcoin and Personal Anecdotes 33:50 Joe Louis as a Character Witness 35:58 The Prosecutor's Unexpected Job Request 36:14 The Judge's Fascination with Joe Louis 37:07 Izzy's Daughter's News 37:45 Introduction to Dave Takeda and the DEA 39:47 The Airport Incident with Dave Takeda 41:54 The Opium Perfume Mix-Up 45:40 Richard Gordon's Misstep 49:42 Oscar Goodman's Dinner Series 50:29 Q&A Session Begins 50:57 Oscar's Journey to Becoming a Mob Attorney 55:14 Reflections on Leading Las Vegas 59:28 Favorite Moments and Cases 01:07:15 Closing Remarks and Dinner Announcement

In this visually enhanced episode, recorded at Oscar’s Steakhouse inside the Plaza Hotel & Casino, Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel sits down with Barry Shier—one of Vegas’s most respected gaming executives and a central figure in Steve Wynn’s Golden Nugget era. Joined by Vegas historian (and regular guest) Oliver Lovat, they explore the origins of the Fremont Street Experience, the high standards and hands-on culture that defined Mirage Resorts, and the art of providing top-tier hospitality. From tales of old-school operators to insights on what makes Vegas such a special destination, this is an unmissable peek behind the neon curtain of Downtown 

Jonathan and Gary sit down with John Connelly—CEO of Interblock and a major force in gaming innovation—to explore where the industry is headed next. John breaks down the rise of Electronic Table Games (ETGs), reveals how COVID actually helped Interblock double in size, and teases Amuse, their brand-new “fourth category” of casino entertainment. Get an inside look at G2E, the shift toward chipless tables, and why marbles and bingo just might be the future of Vegas floors. If you’re curious about how tech is reshaping gambling—or just love behind-the-scenes casino chatter—this one’s a can’t-miss.