Episodes
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...
Published 11/21/24
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...
Published 11/07/24
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...
Published 10/24/24
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...
Published 10/08/24
Join Jonathan Jossel, CEO of The Plaza, as he sits down with special guest Grant Garcia to chat about the Life is Beautiful festival's new chapter at The Plaza. In this exclusive bonus episode, they dive into the festival’s rich history, how it came full circle back to The Plaza, and the challenges of transforming the venue into a block party festival experience. From the origins of Life is Beautiful to its new format, hear stories from behind the scenes and learn about the intricate...
Published 09/27/24
In this episode of "On The Corner of Main Street," social media powerhouse and Vegas influencer Jennifer Gay, aka Vegas Starfish, joins the show to discuss her journey from journalism to becoming one of the most sought-after Vegas content creators. With over a billion views, Jennifer shares her insights on the changing face of Las Vegas tourism, from hidden gems to navigating the post-COVID landscape, and how she balances authenticity with her ever-growing platform. Join us for an engaging...
Published 09/23/24
Join host Jonathan Jossel as he welcomes John Mehaffey and Kristina Mehaffey, the experts behind VegasAdvantage.com, to Oscar's Steakhouse on the Corner of Main Street. In this episode, they dive deep into the world of Las Vegas gambling, sharing insider tips and strategies that can transform your next Vegas trip. Discover rare high-value video poker machines, the city’s only 100% payback Joker Poker, and the best gaming spots downtown. Plus, hear fascinating stories from John and Christina’s...
Published 09/12/24
In this episode of On The Corner of Main Street, Jonathan Jossel sits down with Charlie Skinner, the president of Marker Trax, to discuss the groundbreaking shift towards cashless gaming. Charlie shares his unique journey through the world of casinos, from growing up in a family entrenched in Las Vegas history to pioneering a digital credit platform that’s set to revolutionize how we play and pay on the casino floor. Dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of a cashless future, the...
Published 08/29/24
In this episode of "On The Corner of Main Street," Jonathan Jossel begins with a conversation with McKenna Ross from the Review-Journal, reflecting on the podcast’s journey and what makes it a unique voice in the Vegas landscape. Afterward, Jonathan and Gary Vickery dive into a compelling discussion with Stephanie Goodman, Executive Director of the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center. Stephanie opens up about the critical work being done at the PGC, offering insights into...
Published 08/15/24
In this episode of the Oscar Dinner Series, Oscar Goodman delves into a particularly vivid and quirky tale from his legal career. Goodman recounts a memorable client—a spirited little person with an exceptional taste for fine spirits. With a blend of humor and nostalgia, Goodman describes the client’s unique drinking ritual, where a seemingly mellow start transitions into a fiery, botanical experience. This engaging story not only offers a glimpse into Goodman’s colorful world but also evokes...
Published 08/01/24
Welcome to Episode #130 of "On the Corner of Main Street"! Join Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and Gary Vickery as they sit down with Scott Roeben, also known as Vital Vegas, for his fourth appearance on the show. Get ready for an insider's look at everything from the latest in gaming, dining, and entertainment to fascinating stories about Vegas history and current events.
Highlights include the improved safety and security measures on Fremont Street, insightful debates on the impact of...
Published 07/18/24
Deep Dive into the World of Social Media Gambling: An Interview with Vegas Matt & Team Join us for a captivating conversation with Vegas Matt and his team, EJ and WBG, as they share their journey into the world of social media gambling. From viral YouTube videos to massive wins and losses, discover how they turned their passion for gambling into a thriving online presence. Learn about their strategies, collaborations, and the authenticity that drives their success. Hear insights on the...
Published 06/21/24
Explosive Gossip, Festivals, and Celebrations at Plaza Hotel Join Gary Vickery and Plaza Hotel CEO Jonathan Jossel in a lively discussion with special guests Scott Robin of Vital Vegas and Michael Crandall of PinkBox Donuts. This episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Carousel Bar and the success of the smoke-free slot area at the Plaza Hotel. Discover the story behind PinkBox Donuts' success, hear the latest industry gossip from Scott Robin, and explore the evolving attractions of...
Published 06/13/24
In this special episode of "On the Corner of Main Street," we bring you a captivating conversation with Amy Saunders, the creative force behind "Misbehaves Mavericks," set to debut at the Plaza Hotel and Casino's showroom. Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and his team, including Bronson and Gary Vickery, join Amy to discuss her journey and the exciting new show.
Tune in as Amy shares her fascinating path from the streets of Soho to the stages of Las Vegas, highlighting her unique blend of...
Published 05/30/24
In this special episode of "On the Corner of Main Street," we take you to the heart of Las Vegas for an unforgettable evening at Oscar's Steakhouse inside the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Plaza CEO Jonathan Jossel and his team welcome the legendary former mayor, Oscar Goodman, for an engaging Dinner Series event.
Join us as Oscar shares his most riveting stories, from his efforts to bring sports to Las Vegas to his colorful experiences with the city's infamous characters. Hear about his viral...
Published 05/21/24
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....
Published 04/23/24
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...
Published 04/19/24
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
Published 04/04/24
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
...
Published 03/21/24
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...
Published 03/07/24
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 &...
Published 02/22/24
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
Published 02/08/24
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...
Published 01/25/24
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!
Published 01/16/24