The Middle Ground

On this powerful episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia, documentary filmmaker and author Gene Greenberg joins the show following a historic moment in world news — the release of hostages in the Israel–Hamas conflict and renewed hope for peace. Greenberg, whose novel No Matter How Far chronicles his parents’ separation and miraculous reunion after the Holocaust, reflects on the timeless human themes that bridge past and present: faith, endurance, and the unbreakable bond of family in times of war.

Together, Tom and Gene explore how yesterday’s scenes of reunion echo the struggles and triumphs of another generation, how storytelling can be a path to healing, and why remembering history remains one of the most powerful acts of peace.

👉 Tune in for a moving conversation about loss, legacy, and the hope that endures — no matter how far.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia, we step into the world of grand voices, timeless stories, and modern leadership in the arts. Our featured guest, Cecilia Violetta López, the internationally acclaimed soprano and newly appointed General Director and CEO of Opera Las Vegas, shares her remarkable journey — from growing up in Idaho farm fields to performing on the world’s great stages and now leading Nevada’s premier opera company.

Cecilia opens up about her vision for Opera Las Vegas, how she plans to bring new audiences to the art form, and why opera remains one of the most powerful storytelling mediums in the world. Joining her in studio is fellow soprano Katherine Whyte, a celebrated performer known for her grace and artistry on both national and international stages. Together, the two discuss what it means to balance tradition with innovation — and why Las Vegas is becoming an unexpected but exciting hub for classical performance.

Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation about passion, perseverance, and leadership in the performing arts — a must-listen for opera lovers, music fans, and anyone who believes in the enduring power of creativity.

In this episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia, Tom and Russell sit down with one of Nevada’s most influential voices — Pete Ernaut, Partner and President of Government & Public Affairs at R&R Partners.

Pete opens up about his extraordinary journey from Nevada legislator to strategic powerhouse at R&R — and how surviving a life-threatening leukemia diagnosis reshaped his outlook on life, leadership, and public service. The conversation dives deep into R&R’s iconic legacy, from creating “What Happens Here, Stays Here” to launching the new “Fabulous” campaign that’s redefining how the world sees Las Vegas.

Together, they explore how value, storytelling, and authenticity will shape the next chapter of the Las Vegas brand — and why resilience, both personal and civic, is what keeps this city shining bright.

It’s a masterclass in communication, reinvention, and what it means to stay fabulous — Las Vegas style.

On this episode of The Tom Letizia Show on The Middle Ground, Tom kicks things off with veteran oddsmaker Nick Bogdanovich from Boomer’s Sportsbook to break down the latest NFL and college football action. Nick shares expert insights on the week’s top matchups, betting lines, and what to watch heading into the weekend — giving listeners the inside edge straight from the sportsbook. 🏈💰

At 8:30 AM, the conversation shifts gears as Marla Letizia, founder of The Long-Life Era®, joins Tom for an inspiring talk on longevity, purpose, and mindset. Marla discusses how small daily choices — from how we think to how we eat — can transform the way we live and age. Her message is one of optimism and vitality: that with the right mindset, living well into 100 is not just possible, it’s purposeful. 🌸✨

Together, Tom, Nick, and Marla bring listeners a perfect balance of energy, insight, and inspiration — blending sports strategy with life strategy, all in one powerful hour.

In this inspiring episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia sits down with Coach TJ Fechser, the leader of the Summerlin South Little League All-Stars, who made Nevada sports history by capturing the U.S. Championship and reaching the World Championship Game at the 2025 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Coach TJ recounts the remarkable journey — from nail-biting district games and comeback wins in the Mountain Region to national triumph and the emotional final on the world stage. Together, they discuss the lessons in teamwork, leadership, and perseverance that defined this extraordinary group of young athletes.

It’s a story about more than baseball — it’s about community, heart, and what it means to believe in one another.

🎙️ Tune in now and relive one of the greatest youth sports stories in Nevada history.

On this episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia and Russell Letizia sit down with Lori Nelson-Kraft, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, for an in-depth conversation about how one of the world’s most watched sporting events reshaped Las Vegas.

Lori shares how Formula 1 became more than just a race — it’s now a statement about innovation, community, and global identity. From managing global media to addressing local impact, she offers a fascinating look at what it takes to keep Las Vegas at the center of the world stage.

Tom and Lori also dive into the behind-the-scenes strategies that drive communication, stakeholder trust, and the economic realities of hosting a spectacle that merges luxury, speed, and showmanship — all set against the lights of the Strip.

A thoughtful, balanced look at how Formula 1 in Las Vegas is redefining how a city tells its story to the world.

In this inspiring episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia, concert pianist, Steinway Artist, and Nevada School of the Arts President Raja Rahman joins Tom and Russell Letizia for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation. Raja shares his journey from Juilliard to Carnegie Hall, his experiences performing around the world, and his bold mission to make arts education accessible to every child in Nevada. He opens up about lessons learned from America’s Got Talent, the fusion of classical music and magic, and the power of creativity in shaping community and character. This episode beautifully blends art, leadership, and the Las Vegas spirit — proving that talent and heart are timeless.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, we sat down with Rick McCann — Founder & President of McCann Consulting, and Founder & Government Affairs Director of the Nevada Law Enforcement Coalition. With more than four decades of legal and lobbying experience, Rick has been at the center of Nevada’s law enforcement and political landscape.

We explored his journey in founding NAPSO, the largest public safety union affiliation in Nevada, and why building a unified voice for officers across the state was critical. Rick shared insights on the Nevada Law Enforcement Coalition, which coordinates political endorsements and legislative strategies on behalf of thousands of officers statewide.

The conversation also dove into the evolving relationship between law enforcement and politics — including the historic lean toward Republican candidates, the impact of the “defund the police” movement, and whether Democrats can rebuild trust with officers. Rick also spoke about the challenges of recruitment, retention, and navigating today’s polarized climate while keeping the focus on public safety.

This was an in-depth look at how Nevada’s law enforcement community organizes, advocates, and influences policy — and why Rick McCann has earned a reputation as one of the most powerful voices for public safety in the state.

On today’s Middle Ground Radio Show, we kicked things off with Nick Bogdonovich from Boomer’s Sportsbook, breaking down the biggest matchups in football this week and giving us the inside scoop from the betting world.
In the second half, we shifted gears to the heart of Las Vegas’ Filipino community. Leaders Bernie Benito and Ron Sunbang joined us to talk about the exciting vision for Filipino Town, their leadership journey, and how this cultural hub will bring people together for generations to come.

It was a powerful mix of sports, culture, and community — exactly what Middle Ground is all about.

On this episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia, we welcome back Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. From the big picture of Nevada’s economy to the spirit of Vintage Vegas, Peter shares his insights on small business resilience, community pride, and what lies ahead for Las Vegas as it continues to grow into a world-class city.

We cover everything from leadership lessons and Latino influence in politics to the arrival of major league basketball, the impact of a new airport, and why preserving the city’s cultural roots matters more than ever. Peter also reflects on the Public Education Fund Gala: Latino Legacy Dinner, the role of education in shaping future leaders, and his vision for how chambers of commerce can drive opportunity.

This is a wide-ranging, energetic conversation about the past, present, and future of Las Vegas — with stories only Peter can tell.