Mob Tales, Martinis, and Mayor Moments: An Evening with Oscar Goodman
Release Date: 01/30/2025
Five Years of Plaza Podcast: Milestones and Memories
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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...
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Mob Tales, Martinis, and Mayor Moments: An Evening with Oscar Goodman
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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...
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Legends & Las Vegas: A Conversation with Casino Pioneer's Barry Shier & Oliver Lovat
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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...
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From ETGs to Marbles: John Connelly of Interblock on the Next Wave of Casino Gaming
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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...
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Mayor Shelley Berkeley: From Goodman to Good Woman
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In this special episode of “On the Corner of Main Street,” recorded right in the heart of Oscar’s Steakhouse, we’re honored to welcome the newly sworn-in 24th Mayor of Las Vegas, Shelley Berkley. After nearly 25 years under the Goodmans, the city is entering an exciting new chapter—and Mayor Berkley’s first week on the job has already given her plenty to dig into. Join hosts Jonathan and Gary as they sit down with Mayor Berkley to explore her extraordinary personal journey—coming to Las Vegas as a teenager in the ‘60s, witnessing the heyday of the Sands and the Rat Pack through...
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Oscar Goodman Unfiltered: Tales from the Mob Era to the Mayor’s Office
On the Corner of Main Street
Dive into this episode of On the Corner of Main Street where legendary former mayor Oscar Goodman delivers an unfiltered and entertaining reflection on his journey through Las Vegas' storied past. From representing mob figures to reshaping the city as its mayor, Goodman shares candid anecdotes, surprising epiphanies, and thought-provoking insights. Discover his take on the evolution of Vegas, the difference between old-school mobsters and today’s corporate executives, and his most memorable moments in the city’s history. Join us for laughs, nostalgia, and wisdom in this unforgettable look...
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Exploring Las Vegas with Travel Ruby
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Join us for a fascinating episode of On The Corner of Main Street as we welcome Elyse Schultz, better known as Travel Ruby! Discover her journey from pastry chef in Wisconsin to one of Las Vegas's top influencers. Elyse shares insights on the evolving role of influencers in the hospitality industry, her favorite Vegas spots, and how she and her husband built a thriving YouTube channel. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories about Vegas trends, tips for maximizing your trip, and what it's like to live as a local in the entertainment capital of the world. Don't miss this...
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Power Moves and Vegas Legends: Alex Yemenidjian on Building the Strip
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In this episode of On the Corner of Main Street, Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery sit down with the legendary Alex Yemenidjian, former CEO of MGM Studios and Tropicana Las Vegas. Alex shares his fascinating journey from Argentina to Los Angeles, his career beginnings in accounting, and his unexpected yet influential relationship with Kirk Kerkorian, one of the most iconic figures in Las Vegas history. Alex discusses the transformations in Las Vegas, from the early days of big personalities like Steve Wynn and Sheldon Adelson to the boom in themed mega-resorts like MGM Grand and New York-New...
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Vernon “The Mechanic” Cathey
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In this episode of On the Corner of Main Street, the Plaza team sits down with Vernon "The Mechanic" Cathey, the number one ranked light heavyweight in Power Slap, the fast-growing sport sweeping Las Vegas. Vernon shares his journey from MMA and the Highland Games to (hopefully) becoming a Power Slap champion. He talks about the intricacies of the sport, training methods, and what it's like to stand in front of an opponent with no option but to take a slap. With commentary from co-hosts Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery, this episode provides a deep dive into the sport’s rise, its...
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How Can You Defend the Indefensible?
On the Corner of Main Street
In this special episode, recorded live from Oscar's Dinner Series, former Las Vegas mayor and famed criminal defense lawyer, Oscar Goodman, dives deep into the complexities of defending the most notorious figures in Las Vegas history. With his signature wit and unfiltered stories, Oscar takes the audience on a journey through his legal career, where he represented individuals many would consider "indefensible." From humorous anecdotes about courtroom antics to insightful reflections on the U.S. justice system, Oscar reveals why he chose to stand up for his clients, even when public opinion was...
info_outlineJoin 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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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