Clark Co. Commissioner Michael Naft

About half of the 2.4 million people in the Las Vegas Valley don’t live in a city. They’re in unincorporated Clark County. That includes The Strip, the Boulder Highway and all that empty space down I-15 to Primm. Representing much of that land is District A Commissioner Michael Naft.

A Las Vegan since the first grade, Michael shares his journey from failed performer to staffer for Rep. Dina Titus to being appointed to the County Commission, being elected outright and now preparing his re-election campaign.

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery


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Nevada Resort Association’s Virginia Valentine

How do you go from being an expert of flooding to managing the flood of duties coordinating all of the hotel/casinos in Nevada? Virginia Valentine explains her career path in this episode.

The CEO of the Nevada Resort Association speaks for all of the big properties in the Silver State, especially when it comes to laws and regulations coming from Carson City.

Virginia also talks about the ever-changing sports betting landscape, resort fees, marijuana in hotel/casinos (spoiler: it’s not happening) and the two big events coming soon: Formula One and the Super Bowl. 

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery


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Nicholas & Co: Feeding Las Vegas

Nicholas & Co. is the region’s largest independent food distribution service, and Peter Mouskindas is the Co-CEO. Peter is the third generation of Mouskindass to run the company after his father and grandfather founded the business in 1936 in Salt Lake City. He talks about how the business has grown, how they cater to what chefs want – and how it all comes together from all over the world to your plate at your favorite restaurant (like Oscar’s Steakhouse).

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Gary Vickery


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Las Vegas’ Hosts With the Most

In this bonus episode, we dive into the life of a casino host. Nicole Osborne and Ashley McKenzie share their stories, and their journeys to the job. We also catch up with Esme Gonzalez, Director of Casino Marketing. And Jonathan shares the story of how the showgirl outside the Carousel Bar is now named “Ginger.” 


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Jacob Orth and Scott Roeben: Influencing Las Vegas

Scott’s back for his fourth appearance, but this time as “co-host.” That’s in quotes so you know that the author of Vital Vegas is NOT on the Plaza payroll. Scott and Jonathan talk to another big-time Internet influencer, Jacob Orth. He’s been posting YouTube videos on life in Vegas for several years under the easy-to-remember title: Jacob’s Life in Vegas.

He regularly updates fans on the craziest stuff happening here. He strives for fairness, such as doing a video on why you should stay at a certain hotel, then another video on why you should NOT stay at that hotel!   


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Las Vegas’ Super Bowl Maestro, Sam Joffray

Sam Joffray is the man in charge of Las Vegas’ Super Bowl Committee. He comes from New Orleans, where he organized that city’s Super Bowls, Final Fours and several other huge events in The Big Easy. Sam shares a few of the many, many details that must be in place for the big game: hotels, transportation, public safety, team headquarters, media and about 5,000 volunteers to make it all happen. And he answers the Big Question about when one may or may not use the words “Super Bowl.” 


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Pinkbox Doughnuts: An Immediate Hit in Downtown Las Vegas

It’s only been a few weeks since Pinkbox Doughnuts opened at The Plaza, next to the Carousel Bar. But the lines are nearly always out the door, as Fremont St. fans grab a sweet snack.

Pinkbox is owned by the Siegel Group, and Jonathan sits down with Executive Vice President Judith Siegel and Chief Business Officer Michael Crandall. The two share the company’s progress in property management over more than 20 years. And we hear about Bagelmania, the modest strip mall joint that’s now a major oasis for hungry conventions goers.


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JRoc, Las Vegas Entertainment Pro

JRoc, aka Jason Craig, has been behind some of the biggest bars and entertainment venues in Las Vegas for decades. He was part of the original Palms crew – standing in line for three days to apply for as many jobs as he could. JRoc remembers tending bar at the original Playboy Club, and getting noticed by Bronson, now one the Plaza’s creative forces.

From there, it was being part of The Palms’ reality TV efforts, producing his own shows, being an in-demand MC in Vegas and nationwide, forming Clique at the Cosmopolitan, being a part of the men’s haberdashery Stitched. And JRoc talks about what’s next, including the possibility  of something downtown!


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The Odor of Mendacity (in Las Vegas?)

Oscar Goodman is back on his stool in the middle of his namesake steakhouse telling tales from the courtroom. The centerpiece is about a trial in Texas and how he (with the help of his insistent client) blew up the testimony of three police officers who failed to notice that people were watching. Also: a question from Big John, a special guest from England.


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Gavin Isaacs, Las Vegas’ Hall of Famer

Gavin is one of those guys who’s literally kept the reels turning and cards shuffling for a couple of decades.

The Australian got his gaming start in the legal department at Aristocrat Leisure Limited, rising to president of its Americas division. He was COO at Ballys Technologies, CEO at ShuffleMaster, and CEO of Scientific Games.

Along the way he’s held senior spots at Galaxy Gaming and Games Global. And he’s advised SB Tech, DraftKings, Jackpocket and I.C. Intelligence.

And last fall he became a member of the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame,

Hosts: Jonathan Jossel, Lisa Melmed


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