The Middle Ground

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia and Russell Letizia sat down with former District Court Judge Don Mosley — Nevada’s longest-serving district court judge with 33 years on the bench in Clark County. Judge Mosley reflected on the weight of presiding over high-profile criminal trials, the intense personal pressures that came with sentencing — including death penalty cases and even credible threats to his safety — and how media coverage sometimes distorted judicial realities.

He also shared how, despite the challenges, many defendants returned years later to thank him for the second chances he had provided. The conversation offered a rare, candid look at both the human toll and the enduring legacy of judicial service, underscoring Judge Mosley’s profound impact on Las Vegas and Nevada’s justice system.

On this episode of The Tom Letizia Show: The Middle Ground, we welcome two dynamic voices from Nevada’s judiciary. At 8:00 AM, District Court Judge Tierra Jones shares her perspective from the criminal bench, discussing high-profile cases, the importance of fairness in sentencing, and how the courts can balance justice with compassion. At 8:30 AM, Family Court Judge Mari Parlade joins us to talk about the critical role family courts play in our community, her dedication to serving families, and the strong support she continues to receive from the Filipino community in Las Vegas.

Together, these conversations highlight the human side of the law and the judges who shape it every day. Tune in for insights, stories, and an inside look at Nevada’s justice system.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Show, we welcomed two distinguished guests from the District Court. Judge Sunny Bailey joined us to discuss the unique challenges and successes of the Family Division, while Judge Danielle Pieper offered her perspective from the Civil and Criminal Division.

Together, we explored the state of Nevada’s courts, the need for additional judges, how the judiciary balances independence with evolving public policy, and the critical role judges play in restoring public trust. It was an insightful conversation that shed light on both the personal and professional sides of our judicial system.

On this episode of The Middle Ground with Tom Letizia (September 25, 2025), we kick things off at 8 AM with Nick Bogdanovich, veteran oddsmaker from Boomer’s Sportsbook. Nick brings his decades of experience in Las Vegas sports betting to break down the week’s biggest games, offering insights that only a seasoned oddsmaker can deliver.

At 8:30 AM, we shift gears into the courtroom with Patrick Kang and Adam Gill of Ace Law Group. These powerhouse attorneys dive into high-profile cases, the fight against landlords cutting corners, and how they champion justice for clients. Expect candid discussion on legal strategy, tenants’ rights, and the message that profits should never come before people.

Whether it’s the drama of the NFL lines or the drama of the courtroom, today’s episode delivers sharp perspective from two very different but equally compelling worlds.

On this episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia sits down with Virginia Valentine, President & CEO of the Nevada Resort Association and former City Manager of Las Vegas and Clark County Manager.

Virginia shares her unique perspective on Nevada’s most important industry and her own career in shaping Las Vegas during pivotal moments. She reflects on her early days at City Hall, working with Mayor Jan Jones and later navigating the bold leadership of Mayor Oscar Goodman, before stepping into the county’s top executive role.

The conversation dives into today’s big issues:

• How Nevada’s resorts are expanding their role in community resilience.
• The state of post-pandemic recovery in gaming and tourism.
• The impact of mega-events like the Super Bowl and Formula 1 on resort strategy.
• What it will take to keep Nevada competitive globally.
• The economic power of the resort industry and its ripple effect across the state.
• How mega-projects and expansions are building the Strip of tomorrow.

With her front-row seat to both government and the resort industry, Virginia offers unmatched insights into where Las Vegas has been—and where it’s headed.

On today’s Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia sits down with Sallie Doebler, CEO of the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, to explore how the Fund is transforming lives across our community. Sallie shares the history of the Mayor’s Fund and explains its unique independence from the City while working in partnership to tackle major challenges.

She highlights impactful programs such as Animals at the Courtyard, Youth Workforce Development, Public Art projects, access to youth sports, and the Arrow Shuttle serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Sallie also looks ahead to exciting initiatives including a Veteran’s Memorial Park and the Historic Westside Workforce Training & Development Campus.

Throughout the conversation, Sallie emphasizes the importance of donations and partnerships, showing listeners how they can play a role in creating a more vibrant, equitable Las Vegas.

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground, Tom Letizia sits down with Nevada Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, who is now running for Attorney General of Nevada. Cannizzaro shares insights from her groundbreaking role as the first woman to lead the Nevada Senate, her work on public safety, education, and healthcare, and why she believes her prosecutorial background makes her the right fit for the Attorney General’s office.

The conversation covers her leadership style, her legislative accomplishments, and her vision for protecting Nevadans’ rights and safety. Plus, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what motivates her as both a leader and a candidate.

Stephen Bates is a Professor of Journalism & Media Studies at UNLV, specializing in First Amendment law, freedom of the press, and media ethics. A Harvard-trained lawyer and accomplished author, his 2020 book An Aristocracy of Critics: Luce, Hutchins, Niebuhr, and the Committee That Redefined Freedom of the Press won Harvard’s prestigious Goldsmith Prize. Bates has written for The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Slate, and leading academic journals, and he has held fellowships at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Harvard’s Shorenstein Center. With decades of experience at the intersection of media, law, and public policy, he offers rare insight into the ethical and legal dilemmas shaping journalism past and present.

In the first half of today’s show, we sat down with Nick Bogdanovich from Boomer’s Sportsbook to break down this week’s biggest NFL and college football matchups. Nick shared his expert insights on where the lines are moving, which teams look sharp, and what to watch heading into the weekend.

In the second half, we shifted gears for an inspiring conversation with Marla Letizia and Dr. Jean Bokelmann about their brand-new book on longevity, wellness, and purpose. Together, they revealed how lifestyle, mindset, and science combine to help us live not just longer lives, but fuller and more vibrant ones.

A perfect blend of sports, strategy, and inspiration—you won’t want to miss it!

On today’s episode of The Middle Ground Radio Show, Tom Letizia sits down with Sydney Knott, President/CEO & Founder of Horses4Heroes, Inc. 🐎 🇺🇸. Sydney shares her inspiring journey from launching Horses4Heroes on a one-acre ranch with her daughters to leading a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides affordable horse programs for veterans, first responders, teachers, and healthcare heroes.

We also discuss the upcoming Trail Rides Across America stop in Las Vegas (Sept. 25), the healing power of horses in helping those with PTSD, and how the community can support this life-changing mission.