The Middle Ground

On this episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia, we welcome back Las Vegas native and Long-Life Era® founder Marla Letizia for an inspiring and nostalgic conversation. Marla opens up about her new book, co-authored with her longtime friend Jean, diving into the themes of reinvention, purpose, and friendship later in life.

She also takes us on a heartfelt journey through her childhood in 1950s Las Vegas — sharing vivid memories of a city before the megaresorts, where small-town charm met big dreams. From soda fountains and Strip performers to wisdom gained over the decades, Marla offers a unique perspective on how the past shapes the vibrant future she champions today.

Tune in for a powerful mix of personal storytelling, book insights, and a little Vegas history you won’t hear anywhere else.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Ron Garrett, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, legendary ad executive, and seasoned casino executive. Ron takes us back to his early days in Las Vegas radio, reflects on building one of the top ad agencies in the state, and shares inside stories from the golden era of casino marketing. Now back on the airwaves, Ron brings full-circle insights on how the media landscape has evolved — and what still matters most in reaching people today. It’s a masterclass in storytelling, branding, and reinvention from one of Nevada’s most influential voices.

On this episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia sits down with Celena DiLullo, President of Palm Mortuaries & Cemeteries, one of Southern Nevada’s most respected institutions. As Palm approaches its 100th anniversary, Celena shares how the organization is evolving to meet the emotional, cultural, and practical needs of today’s families.

They discuss the newly announced Skyview Chapel Mausoleum and Celebration of Life Event Center, the importance of pre-planning, and why funeral services are shifting toward personalization and legacy-building. Celena also shares Palm’s role in community outreach, including Día de los Muertos and the launch of Nevada’s first Funeral Services degree program at CSN.

It’s a compelling look into a rarely discussed industry that touches every life—with dignity, heart, and purpose.

On Friday, June 27, 2025, The Tom Letizia Show continued its special Judge Series with two distinguished guests from Clark County Family Court. In the first half of the show, Family Court Judge Heidi Almase shared her experiences on the bench, highlighting the importance of fairness, mental health awareness, and understanding the emotional dynamics in family law. Judge Almase offered insight into the rising number of pro se litigants and the complexities that mental health brings to custody and divorce cases.

At 8:30 AM, Family Court Judge Kerri Maxey joined the show, bringing over 20 years of legal experience in Las Vegas to the discussion. Judge Maxey talked about the evolution of family law and the importance of compassion, preparation, and public trust in judicial service. She also reflected on her journey from insurance defense to becoming a respected voice on the bench and touched on her roles as a Hearing Officer and former pro tempore judge.

Both judges emphasized the need for education, patience, and understanding when families come before the court, especially during their most difficult times. Listeners gained a rare behind-the-scenes look at the real responsibilities, ethical considerations, and personal reflections of two sitting Family Court Judges committed to justice and community service in Southern Nevada.

For those interested in the legal system, family dynamics, or judicial careers, this episode was a powerful reminder of the people behind the bench and their impact on the lives they touch every day.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sits down with David Rounds, CEO of NetEffect, to discuss how one of Las Vegas’s top IT firms became a lifeline for businesses during some of the most disruptive moments in recent history—from 9/11 and the Great Recession to the COVID-19 pandemic.

David shares the story of his grandfather’s resilience, which inspired his own leadership philosophy: rebuild, adapt, and move forward. Listeners will learn about the power of rapid pivots, how virtual CIO services are transforming small and mid-size business strategy, and why NetEffect’s culture of customer-first innovation has earned them national recognition from CRN, Cloudtango, and MSP 501.

It’s a conversation about grit, technology, and the unseen infrastructure that keeps modern business running.

Today on The Tom Letizia Show – The Middle Ground, we began with Judge Margaret Pickard, who shared her deep experience in family law, emphasizing programs that prioritize child welfare, recovery, and cooperative parenting in high-conflict cases. She discussed her work on the Child Awareness Committee, her role in dependency cases, and her recognition as Pacemaker of the Year for her leadership and innovation.

In the second half, real estate expert Chip Madsen offered a sharp breakdown of Las Vegas’s shifting real estate market. From rising mortgage rates to luxury home trends and commercial growth, Chip delivered valuable insight into how the city is evolving—and what investors and homebuyers need to know.

Together, these interviews showcased the heart and hustle behind two of Las Vegas’s most vital institutions: family court and real estate. ⚖️🏠

Today on The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sat down with Scott Allen Frost—entrepreneur, author, and CEO of Titan Brands Hospitality Group—for a moving and unforgettable conversation. Scott shared the story of the dirt bike accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down on Mother’s Day 2009, and how, against all odds, he negotiated leases, raised capital, and launched his first restaurant—all while undergoing intense physical rehabilitation.

Listeners got a behind-the-scenes look at his award-winning hospitality group, his philosophy of faith and perseverance, and the lessons that shaped his book Livin’ on a Chair. Scott also opened up about his mindset, his mission to support the culinary community through a “culture of care,” and what it means to turn a life-altering tragedy into a life-affirming purpose.

This episode is a testament to grit, grace, and the power of not listening to “they.”

On today’s powerful episode of The Tom and Marla Show, Tom Letizia turned the microphone toward co-host Marla Letizia for a deeply personal and timely conversation.

Marla shared her firsthand experience in Israel during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, painting a vivid picture of what it felt like to live under rocket fire, and how those moments shaped her understanding of resilience, fear, and Jewish identity.

The discussion then pivoted to the current Iran-Israel conflict, following reports of Iranian missile attacks injuring civilians in Israeli cities, and U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tom and Marla explored the moral, political, and human dimensions of the unfolding crisis — and what it means for American Jews, Las Vegas communities, and global security.

Also on the show:

• The risk of cyberattacks and antisemitic backlash in the U.S.
• What moral clarity looks like in moments of international chaos
• Marla’s reflections on leadership, silence, and standing up for Israel in a time of danger

Today’s episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia featured two inspiring judicial candidates committed to fairness and integrity in our courts. At 8:00 AM, Katherine Currie-Diamond, candidate for District Court Judge, shared her journey from practicing law to seeking a seat on the bench. At 8:30 AM, Amanda Pellizzari, candidate for Las Vegas Municipal Court Judge, discussed her experience, vision for courtroom reform, and commitment to public service.

Listeners were treated to thoughtful conversations about legal leadership, community values, and the evolving role of women in Nevada’s judicial system.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, host Tom Letizia sits down with legendary KTNV anchor Tricia Kean, whose 24-year career in Las Vegas has made her one of the most trusted voices in Southern Nevada.

Tricia reflects on her national experience with CBS News in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, her early influences growing up in a politically active L.A. household, and how Las Vegas became not only her professional home—but where she built her family and life.

From her impactful work on Contact 13 exposing scams and standing up for consumers, to her heartfelt community involvement and major event coverage, Tricia shares insights on the changing face of journalism, the power of local news, and the personal moments that have shaped her journey.

Listeners also get a glimpse into how she sees the future of broadcast media, the importance of credibility, and what continues to drive her passion for helping others.