The Middle Ground

On today’s edition of The Middle Ground Radio Show, host Tom Letizia sits down with legendary gaming executive Joe Asher, the former CEO of William Hill US and former President of Sports Betting at IGT. Now, Joe is making headlines again with the launch of Boomer’s Sports Book — a bold new venture set to become Nevada’s only independently owned, non-casino sportsbook operator.

Joe shares insights into:

• Why he’s returning to operations with Boomer’s
• How the Elko, Henderson, and Ellis Island locations fit into his 10-site expansion plan
• Why independence in sports betting matters more than ever
• The state of the industry, the power of mobile wagering, and what’s next for retail betting in Nevada

With football season approaching fast, this episode is a must-listen for anyone following the future of gaming in Las Vegas and beyond.

On today’s episode of The Tom Letizia Show on The Middle Ground, Tom sits down with Daren Libonati, a Las Vegas entertainment legend with a 36-year career that spans stadiums, arenas, music festivals, boxing matches, and now — fintech innovation.

Daren shares how he rose from intern in the Thomas & Mack parking lot to Executive Director of three UNLV venues, helping launch the NBA Summer League, UFC fights, and iconic music events like Route 91 and Rock in Rio. He discusses the evolution of live entertainment, the importance of partnerships, and the mindset that drives success in a high-stakes, high-energy industry.

Now as Co-Founder of Jampack, Libonati is once again reshaping the industry — this time through a $155 million platform that bundles tickets, hotels, dining, and experiences for fans across the world.

Whether you're a fan, a promoter, or just love great stories of hustle and reinvention, this episode offers an inside look at the business of unforgettable moments.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sits down with State Senator Rochelle Nguyen for a powerful conversation about her high-stakes 2024 election victory, her legislative priorities for Nevada, and the political dynamics shaping the state’s future.

Senator Nguyen opens up about what it took to defeat a Culinary Union-backed challenger, the future of the Democratic Party in Nevada, and her leadership on key bills including SB 316 (prescription drug reform), SB 193 (mortgage rate buydown), and SB 280 (funding cleft care at UNLV Dental School).

We also explore her efforts to champion mental health access through SJR 10, fight for reproductive rights, and expand transparency in state government.

The episode wraps with a fun lightning round—revealing everything from her go-to comfort food to what she listens to on the road to Carson City.

On today’s episode of The Tom Letizia Show, we sat down with Belinda Morse, Founding Director of Honor Flight Southern Nevada, to explore her inspiring mission of honoring veterans with all-expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C. Belinda shared powerful stories of World War II, Korean, and Vietnam veterans seeing their memorials for the first time, and the emotional impact these journeys have on both the veterans and their families.

We discussed:

• The origins of Honor Flight Southern Nevada
• How each flight is coordinated and funded
• The moving "mail call" tradition onboard the return flight
• Why it's crucial to honor our aging heroes now
• Community support and how listeners can get involved

Belinda also opened up about the personal connections that drive her dedication, including her own family's military history and the volunteers who make it all happen.

It was a heartfelt, patriotic conversation reminding us that freedom isn’t free—and gratitude never goes out of style.

This morning’s episode of The Middle Ground featured a thought-provoking conversation with constitutional attorney Bradley Schrager of Bravo Schrager LLP. Host Tom Letizia guided listeners through some of the most pressing legal and political developments, with Schrager offering sharp, nonpartisan insight into each.

• Biden’s doctor and the Fifth Amendment – Bradley unpacked the legal and political significance of Dr. Kevin O’Connor invoking the Fifth before Congress, raising questions about medical transparency, executive accountability, and the limits of privacy for sitting presidents.
• The Comey & Brennan investigations – Schrager weighed in on renewed federal scrutiny of the former FBI and CIA directors, asking whether this is about overdue accountability—or politically motivated retribution.
• ICE raids and civil protest rights – In light of the recent armed standoff at a California cannabis farm, Bradley explained the constitutional tensions around immigration enforcement, federal use of military-style tactics, and protester rights on U.S. soil.
• New York City’s mayoral race – With progressive Zohran Mamdani now the Democratic nominee, Bradley assessed the legal feasibility of his most controversial proposals—from arresting foreign leaders to nationalizing services—and what his rise means for the future of municipal law and national politics.

Throughout the program, Schrager provided a legal vantage point that cut through the headlines, offering clarity on the deeper constitutional stakes behind today’s political firestorms.

In this powerful episode of Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Fernando Romero, President of Hispanics in Politics, to unpack the growing crisis around immigration enforcement, community fear, and federal inaction. From the closure of Broadacres Market to the ambush attacks on ICE agents, Romero speaks candidly about the tensions on the ground in Las Vegas.

They tackle the controversial 287(g) agreement signed by Sheriff Kevin McMahill, backed by Governor Joe Lombardo and Mayor Shelley Berkley, and the chilling effects it may have on undocumented families. Romero doesn’t hold back when pointing the finger at Congress for decades of failure to reform immigration policy.

It’s a no-spin, must-hear conversation on the human and political consequences of a system that hasn’t been overhauled since 1986.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sits down with Jeffery Rogers, Owner and CEO of Jeff Rogers Coaching, for a powerful conversation about the importance of real human connection in a digital world.

Jeff shares insights from over 25 years of experience coaching people through relationship challenges—both personal and professional. From navigating marriage while working alongside a spouse, to helping business leaders improve communication and resolve conflict in the workplace, Jeff offers wisdom that applies to every area of life.

Key highlights include:
✅ Why emotional safety is the foundation of intimacy
✅ How technology is undermining trust and connection
✅ Tips for couples who work together
✅ Conflict resolution strategies for business teams
✅ Why face-to-face communication still matters in 2025

If you’re feeling the impact of disconnection at home or at work, this episode offers real-world strategies to rebuild what matters most.

On today’s episode of The Tom Letizia Show, we sit down with Myron Martin, President and CEO of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, for a powerful conversation about the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind building Las Vegas’s premier cultural institution.

Myron shares how a dream to elevate the arts in Las Vegas became reality through community support, architectural brilliance, and tireless leadership. From blockbuster Broadway shows to youth education programs, Myron gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what makes The Smith Center a symbol of civic pride and artistic excellence.

🎭 Topics include:

• The origins and mission of The Smith Center
• Transforming Vegas from entertainment to cultural capital
• The power of arts education
• Broadway highlights and future programming
• Leadership lessons in the nonprofit arts world

Whether you’re a lover of the arts or a believer in big dreams, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the role culture plays in community life.

On this episode of The Tom Letizia Show, Speaker of the Nevada Assembly Steve Yeager joins Tom for a deep dive into the 2025 legislative session. From education reform and housing investment to voter ID compromises and the collapse of the Governor’s crime bill — we unpack the major headlines and behind-the-scenes drama.

Plus:
🔹 How many Nevadans could lose healthcare under the Big Beautiful Bill
🔹 Why a special session might be needed to respond
🔹 The future of film tax credits, Medicaid funding, and public safety legislation
🔹 And what Speaker Yeager says is still unfinished business heading into 2026

This is a must-listen conversation with one of Nevada’s most influential policymakers — no partisan spin, just real talk.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, returned to the studio for an in-depth conversation about the state of immigration in Nevada and across the country. Peter shared powerful insight into the economic and social impact of undocumented workers, particularly in industries like gaming and construction, and discussed the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. The conversation also tackled the emotional closure of Broadacres Swap Meet, a cultural cornerstone for Latino families, and what it symbolizes about shifting attitudes and economic pressures in Las Vegas. Peter emphasized the importance of trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, especially in light of the recent 287(g) partnership between Metro and ICE. He called for more compassion, better communication, and real solutions that benefit both workers and businesses alike.