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Mob Tales, Martinis, and Mayor Moments: An Evening with Oscar Goodman

On the Corner of Main Street

Release Date: 01/30/2025

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On the Corner of Main Street

Jonathan and Gary welcome back Tao Group co-CEO Jason Strauss. Strauss looks back on his 2021 predictions—from the Sphere to the Arts District—while breaking down why Vegas is still growing despite the noise online. He also teases what’s next, including a new Omnia Dayclub opening during EDC weekend, and shares a simple rule: know every role before you lead.

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Jonathan and Gary interview nightlife and marketing executive Ronn Nicolli, now leading marketing and guest experience for the Meruelo Group at Sahara. Ronn discusses his new role and efforts to add cultural relevance while leaning into Sahara’s 75-year history, including work with Las Vegas archives, hosting Sammy Davis Jr.’s family, and gifting Mike Tyson a framed historic Sahara boxing photo. He reflects on North Strip dynamics and why nearby resorts’ success matters for foot traffic, then traces his path from Ohio to Vegas, early jobs, and rise from street promoter at Wynn to major...

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Jonathan joins Andrew on the HeyBigHead Show as a special guest, sharing his journey to Las Vegas, insights into running a casino, perspectives on leadership, and his vision for the future of the Plaza Hotel & Casino. Tune in for an inside look at the industry—and don’t forget to check out the HeyBigHead Show on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube!  

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Jonathan and Gary introduce the newly launched Vegas Live Casino Network with partner Stephan Shelanski, a TV and sports-betting media veteran who helped build VSiN. They explain the concept: a smoke-free, streamer-friendly casino area with blackjack, single-zero roulette, baccarat, and about 45 slots, broadcasting six hours of live action daily on YouTube plus a 30–45 minute highlight recap, letting guests share a QR code so friends can watch them play. Vegas Pauly C joins to discuss bringing players, his experience streaming at Venetian, why audiences watch live gambling, and the...

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Jonathan and Gary sit down with Ed Pizzarello to announce that Five Guys is officially coming to the Plaza Hotel & Casino, bringing the first downtown location of the brand to the property. Ed shares the story behind Five Guys, which started as a family-run burger shop in 1986 in Arlington, built on simple principles like fresh ingredients, no freezers, unlimited toppings, and those famous peanuts and extra fries. The conversation dives into the two-year process to bring the concept downtown, plans for the Plaza location near the South Tower with a patio, and even a future hot dog cart...

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Jonathan, Gary and guest co-host Chelsea welcome Holly Madison to discuss why Las Vegas became home after moving there about 17 years ago. Holly shares her path from Alaska to LA, entering the Playboy world via Hawaiian Tropic contests, and how early Vegas trips (MGM Mansions, Palms Playboy Club) shaped her love for Vegas history and classic spots. The episode includes a live call to Oscar Goodman about his Playboy guest-photographer shoot, plus talk on UFC fandom, Raiders pride, which demolished casino she’d bring back, and what she’d do as mayor: create more unique, iconic attractions...

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On the Corner of Main Street

Join Jonathan and Gary in this exciting episode as they welcome the ladies behind the iconic Hogs and Heifers — Michelle Sandler and Michelle Dell. Discover the rich history of this famous biker bar from its origins in New York’s meatpacking district to its thriving days on Downtown Las Vegas' Third Street. Despite challenges and a recent closure, Hogs and Heifers is making a spirited comeback with a pop-up bar at the Plaza. Learn about their unique hiring process, upcoming events like the St. Patty’s Day firefighter fun games, and their passion-driven journey. Don’t miss their dynamic...

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On the Corner of Main Street

On this special episode of On the Corner of Main Street, Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and hotel director Gary Vickery return after a brief break with heavy hearts to remember their friend and executive casino host, Aquarius “Q” Wilkinson. They open the show in a quieter, somber mood, sharing the news of Q’s passing and reflecting on the shock that has rippled through the Plaza, downtown Las Vegas, and Q’s extended family of guests. What was planned as a normal episode instead becomes a toast to a man who embodied hospitality and made everyone around him feel like a VIP. Before the replay...

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More Episodes

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!

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Podcast Page: Plazahotelcasino.com/podcast

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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