Mob Tales, Martinis, and Mayor Moments: An Evening with Oscar Goodman
01/30/25 • 68 min
Join host Jonathan Jossel and legendary former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman in a special edition of the “On The Corner of Main Street” podcast—recorded live at Oscar’s Steakhouse during Oscar’s famous Dinner Series! In this wide-ranging (and always entertaining) conversation, Oscar dives into unforgettable stories from his days as a high-profile attorney, his time as mayor, and the colorful characters he’s encountered along the way.
From Philadelphia roots and Las Vegas lore to brushes with the FBI, mafia defense cases, and even a cameo in Casino, Oscar pulls no punches. You’ll hear about:
His early career defending reputed mobsters and the surprising twists that led him there Tales of wiretaps, courtrooms, and the federal agents who always seemed to have him in their sights Memorable run-ins with public figures—including judges, law enforcement, and Vegas icons The (sometimes outrageous) behind-the-scenes moments that only Oscar can tell Why he loves (and occasionally “hates”) certain aspects of the city he helped shape Plus, you’ll get a taste of the camaraderie (and hilarious banter) that makes Oscar’s Dinner Series such a hit. If you’ve never been to one of these events at the Plaza, this episode will make you want to book the next date—just be sure not to talk while Oscar’s talking...or you might just “get whacked”!
Subscribe to “On The Corner of Main Street” for more fascinating deep dives into Las Vegas history, culture, and all the news around Downtown. And if you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with fellow Vegas fans!
Follow the Plaza & Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plaza Hotel & Casino: Plazahotelcasino.com Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plazahotelcasino.com/dine/oscars-steakhouse/ Podcast Page: Plazahotelcasino.com/podcast
Connect With Us: Instagram: @PlazaPod X: @PlazaPod Facebook: @Plazapodcast
00:00 Welcome to Oscar's Dinner Series 02:38 Oscar's Rules and Stories 04:45 Introducing the Family and Friends 09:05 The Philadelphia Mob Stories Begin 20:13 The Trial and Legal Battles 29:31 Bitcoin and Personal Anecdotes 33:50 Joe Louis as a Character Witness 35:58 The Prosecutor's Unexpected Job Request 36:14 The Judge's Fascination with Joe Louis 37:07 Izzy's Daughter's News 37:45 Introduction to Dave Takeda and the DEA 39:47 The Airport Incident with Dave Takeda 41:54 The Opium Perfume Mix-Up 45:40 Richard Gordon's Misstep 49:42 Oscar Goodman's Dinner Series 50:29 Q&A Session Begins 50:57 Oscar's Journey to Becoming a Mob Attorney 55:14 Reflections on Leading Las Vegas 59:28 Favorite Moments and Cases 01:07:15 Closing Remarks and Dinner Announcement
Join host Jonathan Jossel and legendary former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman in a special edition of the “On The Corner of Main Street” podcast—recorded live at Oscar’s Steakhouse during Oscar’s famous Dinner Series! In this wide-ranging (and always entertaining) conversation, Oscar dives into unforgettable stories from his days as a high-profile attorney, his time as mayor, and the colorful characters he’s encountered along the way.
From Philadelphia roots and Las Vegas lore to brushes with the FBI, mafia defense cases, and even a cameo in Casino, Oscar pulls no punches. You’ll hear about:
His early career defending reputed mobsters and the surprising twists that led him there Tales of wiretaps, courtrooms, and the federal agents who always seemed to have him in their sights Memorable run-ins with public figures—including judges, law enforcement, and Vegas icons The (sometimes outrageous) behind-the-scenes moments that only Oscar can tell Why he loves (and occasionally “hates”) certain aspects of the city he helped shape Plus, you’ll get a taste of the camaraderie (and hilarious banter) that makes Oscar’s Dinner Series such a hit. If you’ve never been to one of these events at the Plaza, this episode will make you want to book the next date—just be sure not to talk while Oscar’s talking...or you might just “get whacked”!
Subscribe to “On The Corner of Main Street” for more fascinating deep dives into Las Vegas history, culture, and all the news around Downtown. And if you enjoy the show, please leave a review and share it with fellow Vegas fans!
Follow the Plaza & Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plaza Hotel & Casino: Plazahotelcasino.com Oscar’s Steakhouse: Plazahotelcasino.com/dine/oscars-steakhouse/ Podcast Page: Plazahotelcasino.com/podcast
Connect With Us: Instagram: @PlazaPod X: @PlazaPod Facebook: @Plazapodcast
00:00 Welcome to Oscar's Dinner Series 02:38 Oscar's Rules and Stories 04:45 Introducing the Family and Friends 09:05 The Philadelphia Mob Stories Begin 20:13 The Trial and Legal Battles 29:31 Bitcoin and Personal Anecdotes 33:50 Joe Louis as a Character Witness 35:58 The Prosecutor's Unexpected Job Request 36:14 The Judge's Fascination with Joe Louis 37:07 Izzy's Daughter's News 37:45 Introduction to Dave Takeda and the DEA 39:47 The Airport Incident with Dave Takeda 41:54 The Opium Perfume Mix-Up 45:40 Richard Gordon's Misstep 49:42 Oscar Goodman's Dinner Series 50:29 Q&A Session Begins 50:57 Oscar's Journey to Becoming a Mob Attorney 55:14 Reflections on Leading Las Vegas 59:28 Favorite Moments and Cases 01:07:15 Closing Remarks and Dinner Announcement
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