The Middle Ground

In this powerful episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on the critical issues shaping the city’s future.

Mayor Berkley addresses the ripple effect of declining gaming revenues and what it means for city services and working families. She opens up about the fears many immigrant residents are facing amid federal enforcement efforts—and how the city is working to maintain trust and safety.

The conversation also turns to the growing crisis at local animal shelters, with Mayor Berkley sharing how her administration is responding to a heartbreaking surge in pet abandonment tied to economic hardship. And in a city still struggling with high homelessness, the Mayor gives a frank update on where progress is being made—and where the road ahead remains challenging.

Whether you're a resident, policymaker, or business leader, this episode offers real talk from a mayor with decades of perspective and a front-row seat to Las Vegas’s transformation.

On this episode of The Tom Letizia Show, we sit down with Dr. Bo Bernhard, UNLV’s Interim VP of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement — and one of the key behind-the-scenes architects of Las Vegas’s transformation into a global sports and gaming powerhouse.

Bo shares the untold story of a pivotal 2015 meeting that helped sway the NFL to bring the Raiders to Las Vegas — and how a UNLV white paper he helped lead changed the league’s stance on sports betting. From the rise of the “fun economy” to the innovation happening at UNLV’s Black Fire hub, Bo offers sharp insights on gaming policy, global tourism, and how Las Vegas became the most unlikely—and most successful—NFL city in America.

Whether you're interested in sports, policy, economics, or just love Las Vegas, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes stories, expert analysis, and forward-thinking ideas that will leave you rethinking what entertainment means in the 21st century.

On this episode of The Tom Letizia Show, we sit down with Vincent Tatum, President of Grand Canyon Development Partners, one of Southern Nevada’s most influential development firms. Vincent shares his journey through the construction industry, insights into the evolving Las Vegas economy, and how GCDP is leading the charge on high-impact projects across the region — from luxury retail and hospitality to community-focused developments like the Campus for Hope.

We dive into the current development climate, the challenges of workforce recruitment, and how technology and veteran integration are reshaping the future of building in Nevada. Whether you’re in real estate, construction, or just fascinated by the transformation of Las Vegas, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

On today’s episode of The Tom Letizia Show, we sit down with Marc Badain, President of the Athletics, and the former mastermind behind the Raiders’ successful relocation to Las Vegas and construction of Allegiant Stadium.

Marc discusses the A’s move from Oakland to Las Vegas, offering insight into the challenges of stadium development, public-private funding, and the cultural shift from California politics to Nevada’s pro-growth environment. He also shares behind-the-scenes progress since the June groundbreaking, offers a glimpse into stadium design highlights, and teases what fans can expect when tickets go on sale.

We also dive into broader MLB broadcast trends, PSL possibilities, and how the Athletics plan to build a true local fanbase in a tourism-driven market. And to wrap things up—Marc joins Tom for a fun segment of lighthearted baseball banter, including walk-up songs, ballpark food, and foul-ball fumbles.

Whether you're a sports fan, Vegas local, or just love smart strategy talk—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

On this episode of The Tom Letizia Show, Chief Judge Jerry Wiese of the Eighth Judicial District Court joins us for an in-depth, no-spin conversation about the future of Clark County’s justice system.

Judge Wiese breaks down his bold request for an $800 million new courthouse, explains why 18 new judges are urgently needed, and addresses growing concerns over delays in civil and criminal trials. He also responds to the controversy surrounding Judge Erika Ballou, including her recent removal from criminal cases, and provides insight into how judicial ethics and accountability are handled at the highest level.

From courtroom backlog to leadership decisions under scrutiny, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the direction of Nevada’s justice system.

In this episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Assemblyman Brian Hibbetts (R–District 13) to discuss the most contentious and consequential issues of the 2025 Nevada Legislative Session.

A retired LVMPD Sergeant and now a rising voice in Carson City, Hibbetts shares his insights on:

• Why the Governor’s crime bill never made it to the floor
• His role in pushing financial literacy education through AB 289
• The growing debate over the “Big Beautiful Bill” and whether 100,000 Nevadans truly risk losing Medicaid
• His support for tax reform measures, including AB 232 and the bullion tax exemption effort
• What really happened behind the scenes with the failed film tax credit deal
• And a lightning round revealing where he stands on voter ID, police reform, and school choice

This episode brings sharp analysis, honest answers, and a firsthand look at the policy battles shaping Nevada’s future.

In this special episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with his daughter, Judge Harmony Letizia, to shine a spotlight on one of the justice system’s most compassionate innovations — Veterans Treatment Court.

Judge Letizia shares powerful insights into how the court works, why it matters, and the personal motivation behind her commitment to helping justice-involved veterans reclaim their lives. From the court’s collaborative approach with the VA, to the challenges of PTSD and reintegration, to the success stories that keep her inspired — this episode offers an inside look at a specialty court that delivers accountability and healing.

With personal reflections, professional expertise, and deep family pride, this conversation is both informative and heartfelt. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in criminal justice reform, veterans’ issues, or the human side of the bench.

🎯 Key Topics:

• How Veterans Court differs from a traditional docket
• The role of mental health, substance use, and trauma
• How success is measured in the program
• The role of the VA and peer mentors
• Community impact and public safety
• Real stories of redemption and resilience

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Nevada State Senator John Steinbeck, a former fire chief turned lawmaker representing District 18 in Clark County. They dive into Steinbeck’s firsthand experience in emergency response and how it shapes his legislative priorities.

Topics include:

• His “firefighter-first” legislation (SB 170) ensuring cancer screenings for first responders
• The controversy around the “Big Beautiful Bill”, including Democrat claims that it threatens Medicaid coverage for 100,000 Nevadans
• Election integrity and Steinbeck’s push for mail ballot reform
• His support for mobile crisis teams through AB 380, and how it fits into his broader public safety agenda
• Thoughts on parental rights, school choice, and balancing access with accountability

Steinbeck also takes on the lightning round, giving listeners a glimpse into his favorite local spots, leadership style, and priorities for the next session.

On this episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sits down with Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom for a no-spin, high-impact conversation on the state of Southern Nevada. From his trailblazing role in cannabis legalization to updates on the Brightline high-speed rail, A’s stadium construction, and the revival of Commercial Center, Tick shares what’s next for Las Vegas. He also weighs in on concerns about declining visitation to the Strip and whether Las Vegas is at risk of pricing itself out of the market.

It’s a candid, insightful, and unfiltered look at the decisions shaping our community.

In this episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sits down with Karen Marben, Executive Director of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Foundation, to discuss one of the most ambitious law enforcement training initiatives in the country: the Reality-Based Training Center.

Karen shares how the Foundation raised over $25 million in private funds to create a cutting-edge facility where officers train for real-world scenarios—from active shooter situations to de-escalation, medical response, and disaster readiness. You'll hear how simulated environments like a gas station, school, and casino are helping Metro and other first responders prepare like never before.

She also talks about the importance of community support, the role of public-private partnerships, and how this innovative facility is reshaping the future of public safety—not just in Las Vegas, but across the nation.