On the Corner of Main Street

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 York. He shares insights into his role in building MGM’s legacy, including orchestrating high-stakes events like Mike Tyson’s fights, the art of creating Vegas resorts with a "wow" factor, and his strategic acquisition of the Mirage. Later in the episode, Alex reflects on his time revitalizing the Tropicana and how he foresees the future of Las Vegas development. Tune in to hear stories about power moves, Vegas transformations, and invaluable life lessons from one of the most respected minds in gaming.

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 viral nature, and how Vernon is carving his own path in this unique combat world.

Join us as we explore the wild world of Power Slap, the discipline it requires, and what it takes to succeed in one of the fastest-growing sports today!

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 against them. Along the way, he discusses infamous cases, exposes government misconduct, and reminds us all of the importance of the Constitution.

If you're a fan of Las Vegas history, mob stories, or just love a good tale about the legal system, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Hosted by Jonathon Jossel, CEO of the Plaza Hotel & Casino.

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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 logistics involved in pulling off this incredible event. Plus, some fun memories and a sneak peek into what's next for The Plaza! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for our full festival recap in a few weeks!

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 conversation about the soul of Vegas, its future, and some behind-the-scenes stories from the influencer life.

This episode will give you an inside look at the business of Las Vegas through the eyes of someone deeply embedded in its culture and history, offering practical tips for visitors and new perspectives for locals alike.

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 record-breaking casino visits and get their take on what sets downtown gaming apart from the Strip. Whether you're a seasoned player or a Vegas rookie, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make the most of your time in Sin City.

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 evolution of casino credit, and the role technology plays in responsible gambling. Plus, get the inside scoop on how Vegas is gearing up for this transformation and what it means for players and operators. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the future of gaming!

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 the realities of gambling addiction and the life-saving resources available for those in need. From the history of the center to the innovative treatments that have made it a national leader, this conversation sheds light on a side of Vegas that is often overlooked. Whether you're in the industry or just curious about the complexities of gambling, this episode provides a candid and informative discussion you won’t want to miss. Tune in to learn more about how the PGC is making a difference in the lives of countless individuals and the challenges that come with addressing problem gambling in a city built on gaming.

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 the vibrant spirit of old Las Vegas. As he shares this anecdote, listeners are treated to Goodman’s trademark charisma and rich storytelling, making for a podcast episode brimming with intrigue and classic Vegas flair.

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 downtown's fireworks displays, insight on new food concepts at the Plaza including the rise of "Just Rice," and updates on the latest union negotiations and their impact on the Las Vegas hospitality scene.

Stay tuned until the end of the show for a special Q&A session with Gary Vickery and Jonathan Jossel, who answer listener questions and share more behind-the-scenes. Subscribe for more episodes to stay updated with Downtown's latest updates. ##LasVegas #VitalVegas #PlazaHotel #FremontStreet #VegasInsider #OnTheCornerOfMainStreet #QandA #Podcast