
Oscar Goodman Unfiltered: Tales from the Mob Era to the Mayor’s Office
12/05/24 • 54 min
Dive into this episode of On the Corner of Main Street where legendary former mayor Oscar Goodman delivers an unfiltered and entertaining reflection on his journey through Las Vegas' storied past. From representing mob figures to reshaping the city as its mayor, Goodman shares candid anecdotes, surprising epiphanies, and thought-provoking insights. Discover his take on the evolution of Vegas, the difference between old-school mobsters and today’s corporate executives, and his most memorable moments in the city’s history. Join us for laughs, nostalgia, and wisdom in this unforgettable look at what makes Las Vegas truly unique. Don’t miss out on exclusive stories and a glimpse into the heart of downtown’s most vibrant dinner series! 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:18 Dinner Series Format and Rules 02:04 Special Toast to the Mayors 03:35 Oscar Takes the Stage 09:12 Representing the 'Bad Guys' 11:33 The Story of Peanut the Squirrel 12:49 Billy Walters and the FBI 21:37 The Old Days vs. The New Days 25:44 Taking the Fifth: A Legal Strategy 26:20 The Changing Face of Las Vegas 28:17 A New Career Path: Running for Mayor 29:31 The Odds Were Against Me 30:07 Reflecting on Old Vegas 33:16 The Modern Skim: Corporate Greed 34:57 Opening Up for Questions 36:54 Anecdotes and Humor 44:20 The Secret to a Happy Marriage 48:33 Proudest Accomplishments as Mayor 52:18 Vision for Las Vegas' Future 53:46 Closing Remarks and Thanks
Dive into this episode of On the Corner of Main Street where legendary former mayor Oscar Goodman delivers an unfiltered and entertaining reflection on his journey through Las Vegas' storied past. From representing mob figures to reshaping the city as its mayor, Goodman shares candid anecdotes, surprising epiphanies, and thought-provoking insights. Discover his take on the evolution of Vegas, the difference between old-school mobsters and today’s corporate executives, and his most memorable moments in the city’s history. Join us for laughs, nostalgia, and wisdom in this unforgettable look at what makes Las Vegas truly unique. Don’t miss out on exclusive stories and a glimpse into the heart of downtown’s most vibrant dinner series! 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:18 Dinner Series Format and Rules 02:04 Special Toast to the Mayors 03:35 Oscar Takes the Stage 09:12 Representing the 'Bad Guys' 11:33 The Story of Peanut the Squirrel 12:49 Billy Walters and the FBI 21:37 The Old Days vs. The New Days 25:44 Taking the Fifth: A Legal Strategy 26:20 The Changing Face of Las Vegas 28:17 A New Career Path: Running for Mayor 29:31 The Odds Were Against Me 30:07 Reflecting on Old Vegas 33:16 The Modern Skim: Corporate Greed 34:57 Opening Up for Questions 36:54 Anecdotes and Humor 44:20 The Secret to a Happy Marriage 48:33 Proudest Accomplishments as Mayor 52:18 Vision for Las Vegas' Future 53:46 Closing Remarks and Thanks
Previous Episode

Exploring Las Vegas with Travel Ruby
Join us for a fascinating episode of On The Corner of Main Street as we welcome Elyse Schultz, better known as Travel Ruby! Discover her journey from pastry chef in Wisconsin to one of Las Vegas's top influencers. Elyse shares insights on the evolving role of influencers in the hospitality industry, her favorite Vegas spots, and how she and her husband built a thriving YouTube channel. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories about Vegas trends, tips for maximizing your trip, and what it's like to live as a local in the entertainment capital of the world. Don't miss this engaging conversation recorded in the luxurious Derby Suite!
Next Episode

Mayor Shelley Berkeley: From Goodman to Good Woman
In this special episode of “On the Corner of Main Street,” recorded right in the heart of Oscar’s Steakhouse, we’re honored to welcome the newly sworn-in 24th Mayor of Las Vegas, Shelley Berkley. After nearly 25 years under the Goodmans, the city is entering an exciting new chapter—and Mayor Berkley’s first week on the job has already given her plenty to dig into. Join hosts Jonathan and Gary as they sit down with Mayor Berkley to explore her extraordinary personal journey—coming to Las Vegas as a teenager in the ‘60s, witnessing the heyday of the Sands and the Rat Pack through her father’s job as a maître d’, serving seven terms in Congress, and now stepping into one of the city’s top leadership roles.
In this candid conversation, Mayor Berkley offers a glimpse of her vision for Las Vegas: improving economic growth, expanding affordable housing, and tackling homelessness with fresh, community-minded approaches. You’ll hear her reflect on the legacy of the Goodman family, the pioneering role of women in city leadership, and the city’s ever-evolving culture—from the days of dress codes and dinner jackets to the modern pulse of the Arts District and flourishing tech scene. Whether you’re a Vegas local or just love the lure of the city’s neon lights, this episode gives you an inside look at where Las Vegas stands today and where it’s headed tomorrow under Mayor Shelley Berkley’s steady, experienced hand.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/on-the-corner-of-main-street-269318/oscar-goodman-unfiltered-tales-from-the-mob-era-to-the-mayors-office-79542410"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to oscar goodman unfiltered: tales from the mob era to the mayor’s office on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy