On this episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia welcomes Dr. David G. Schwartz — acclaimed author, gaming historian, and UNLV Ombuds — for a deep conversation on the rich history and evolving future of Las Vegas. From his global journey through the origins of gambling in Roll the Bones, to the golden era glamour of At the Sands, and the bold vision of Jay Sarno in Grandissimo, Dr. Schwartz shares powerful insights about what made Las Vegas what it is — and where it might be heading.

We also discuss the challenges facing the city today, including rising prices, shifting tourism trends, and recent reports about weakening hotel room rates. With his signature blend of scholarship and storytelling, Dr. Schwartz offers a candid look at Vegas through the lens of risk, reinvention, and resilience.

Whether you're a Vegas native, a history buff, or just fascinated by the casino world, this episode is a jackpot.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia sat down with Steve Stallworth, General Manager of the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center and a true architect of Las Vegas’ sports identity. From his days as a UNLV quarterback to leading operations for venues like the Thomas & Mack Center, Orleans Arena, and now the nation’s premier equestrian complex, Steve shared the pivotal moments of his 34-year career.

The conversation touched on:

• His leadership role in hosting the 2024 Super Bowl in Las Vegas
• How South Point Arena became a world-class destination
• His recognition as a Las Vegas Sports Game Changer by the American Cancer Society
• Reflections on his time as a UNLV athlete and his work mentoring future industry leaders
• His views on the future of sports in Las Vegas and the city’s rapid growth as a major league destination

Steve also spoke about his commitment to community, teaching, and youth sports — proving why he’s not just a venue executive but a pillar of Las Vegas’ sports and cultural life.

In this powerful episode of The Middle Ground, Sheriff Kevin McMahill joins Tom Letizia for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the most pressing issues facing Southern Nevada law enforcement. From his push to reduce traffic fatalities and expand officer wellness programs, to the use of drones and Cybertrucks in modern policing, McMahill shares how LVMPD is evolving to meet today’s challenges.

The Sheriff addresses the recent failure of Governor Lombardo’s crime bill in the legislature, his concerns about public safety along the Strip, and whether a special session might be on the horizon. He also discusses community trust, immigrant relations, and what keeps him up at night in his role as the county’s top cop.

Don’t miss this insightful look into the state of policing in Las Vegas—told by the man leading the charge.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia sits down with conservative firebrand and media personality Wayne Allyn Root for an unfiltered conversation on politics, media, and the state of Las Vegas. Root opens up about his early days as a teenage sports handicapper, his rise to national prominence, and why he made the leap from Libertarian VP nominee to one of Donald Trump's most outspoken defenders.

They dive into:

• Root’s departure from the Las Vegas Review-Journal and the controversy that followed
• His response to the New York Attorney General’s cease-and-desist over COVID treatment claims
• The decline in Las Vegas tourism and whether Trump-era tariffs are to blame
• The recent mislabeling of Las Vegas as a “sanctuary city”
• What Root believes the mainstream media gets wrong — and why he never backs down from a fight

Plus, a lightning round that reveals Root’s favorite founding father, his comfort food of choice, and the advice he’d give to his younger self.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, host Tom Letizia welcomes back former Nevada Attorney General and best-selling author George J. Chanos for a powerful and forward-looking conversation.

We dive into themes from his books Millennial Samurai and Seize Your Destiny, exploring:

• 🤖 The rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs, politics, and human identity
• 🇺🇸 The future of leadership and what it takes to thrive in a rapidly changing America
• 🧠 The mindset shifts young people need to seize control of their future
• ⚖️ Reflections on law, legacy media, and the cultural divide in today’s political climate

Chanos offers insight, clarity, and a challenge to all generations: adapt, lead, and shape a meaningful future.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia welcomes back Luke McCarthy, Las Vegas City Council candidate for Ward 2 and longtime firefighter, for a powerful conversation on the city’s most pressing issues.

Luke shares firsthand insights on the challenges facing our first responders—from staffing shortages to call volume increases—and explains how his frontline experience shapes his approach to public policy. The discussion dives into affordable housing, the homelessness crisis, and what comes next for the city now that the Badlands issue is settled. Tom and Luke also talk about how to diversify Las Vegas's economy beyond tourism and explore innovative ideas to enhance quality of life for all residents.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, host Tom Letizia and Executive Producer Russell Letizia welcomed Terrence Thornton, Senior Vice President of Sports for Special Olympics Nevada. The conversation highlighted the life-changing impact of inclusive athletic programs across the state.

Terrence shared inspiring insights into how SONV serves over 3,700 athletes, offering 12 community sports and five school-based sports throughout the Clark County School District. He spoke passionately about the Unified Sports® Program, which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams — a model of inclusion, empowerment, and community unity.

From education-based initiatives to statewide athletic events, Thornton emphasized that these programs build not only physical strength, but also self-esteem, joy, and lifelong friendships.

Listeners were left with a powerful reminder: sports can be a vehicle for dignity, purpose, and transformation.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, host Tom Letizia welcomed two influential voices shaping our future—Las Vegas City Councilwoman Nancy Brune and Congressman Steven Horsford of Nevada’s 4th Congressional District.

🧭 Councilwoman Nancy Brune kicked off the show with insights into her campaign for re-election, highlighting the urgent need for stable leadership in Ward 6. She discussed priorities such as expanding public safety, managing growth, and restoring community trust—especially as the city navigates the costly aftermath of the Badlands legal dispute. Brune emphasized her pragmatic approach and commitment to serving the fast-growing northwest Las Vegas community.

🇺🇸 Congressman Steven Horsford joined the second half of the program, offering an inside look at the national legislative process from his seat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He broke down recent 17-hour committee markups, addressed the proposed federal budget cuts, and shared his concerns about how national policies—from taxes to healthcare—impact Nevada families. Congressman Horsford also weighed in on land use legislation and emphasized the importance of protecting Nevadans from economic harm.

In this compelling interview, Michelle Fiore provides an in-depth discussion of recent developments impacting her political career. She addresses the ongoing FBI investigation and shares her perspective on the allegations, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and her legal rights. Fiore also discusses the significance of the pardon she received from President Trump, highlighting its impact on her personal and political life. Additionally, she talks about the current judicial suspension affecting her position, exploring how these legal challenges shape her outlook and future plans. Throughout the interview, Fiore offers candid insights into her resilience and her stance on justice and political integrity.

Today on The Middle Ground Radio Show, we’re joined by one of Southern Nevada’s most experienced and respected family law attorneys, Emily McFarling, who is now running for Family Court Judge.

Emily has built her career advocating for families, children, and justice in some of the most complex and emotionally charged legal matters. She’s a certified family law specialist, a published legal author, and a fierce advocate for improving how our courts serve those navigating divorce, custody, and child welfare cases.

We’ll talk with Emily today not just about her decision to run for judge—but also about the real issues facing our Family Court system, her vision for judicial reform, and her thoughts on balancing compassion with the law in one of the most sensitive branches of our justice system.