New Jersey Assemblyman and former Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian joins Mike Lopez for a wide-ranging conversation about Atlantic City’s past, present and future.

Guardian reflects on his journey from the Special Improvement District to City Hall and the New Jersey Legislature, including the hands-on community work that shaped his approach to leadership. He and Mike discuss homelessness, community policing and why a visible public-safety presence matters to residents, visitors and local businesses alike.

The conversation also turns to the growing competition facing Atlantic City. With new casinos coming to New York and proposals for additional gaming and convention facilities in North Jersey, Guardian explains what could be at stake for Atlantic City’s jobs, casinos, restaurants and surrounding industries.

They also explore what Atlantic City needs to remain competitive, including improvements to the Convention Center, a first-class 500-room connected hotel and greater economic diversification through healthcare, education, technology, aviation and film production.

In this episode:

• Don Guardian’s path from community service to elected office

• Addressing homelessness with outreach and long-term support

• Public safety and the need for additional visible police officers

• How New York and North Jersey casinos could affect Atlantic City

• The case for protecting Atlantic City’s convention business

• Why the city needs a connected 500-room convention hotel

• Creating new industries and better-paying local jobs

• Working across party lines to serve South Jersey

• Don and Mike’s favorite Atlantic City restaurants

Subscribe to The AC Mike Show for more conversations with the people shaping Atlantic City and South Jersey.

Learn more about AC Mike: https://acmikenj.com

#AtlanticCity #DonGuardian #NewJerseyPolitics #SouthJersey #ACMikeShow #VisitAtlanticCity

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TJ joins The AC Mike Show to talk about rebuilding his life through recovery, discipline, and the opportunities he found in Atlantic City.

After entering recovery 12 years ago, TJ started over in Atlantic City and worked his way from an $8-an-hour security job to leadership roles in security and operations.

Today, he is General Manager of the South Jersey Port Corporation, where he also oversees public safety and emergency management. TJ shares how daily routines helped him through addiction, unemployment, and the recent loss of his cousin and best friend.

He and Mike also talk about grief, men’s mental health, resilience, and why a bad day doesn’t have to undo the progress you’ve made. Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Atlantic City and South Jersey.

#AtlanticCity #Recovery #MentalHealth #TheACMikeShow

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Dan Gallagher, Executive Director of Sports and Entertainment for Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Sports Commissioner, joins Mike Lopez to discuss how major sporting events, concerts and conventions are helping transform Atlantic City into a year-round destination.

Dan shares the behind-the-scenes work required to attract world-class events, build lasting industry relationships and keep visitors returning long after summer ends. From WWE, Phish and RÜFÜS DU SOL to offshore powerboat racing, Olympic sports and unexpected hits like Slippery Stairs, this conversation explores the strategy driving Atlantic City’s growing sports and entertainment economy.

In this episode:

- Why sports tourism has become one of Atlantic City’s largest market segments

- How major events support local businesses during the off-season

- What distinguishes Atlantic City from competing destinations

- The importance of long-term partnerships and relationship building

- How unconventional events can generate national attention

- What’s ahead for Atlantic City’s sports and entertainment scene

Subscribe to The AC Mike Show for more conversations with the people shaping Atlantic City.

Learn more about AC Mike: https://acmikenj.com

#AtlanticCity #VisitAtlanticCity #SportsTourism #ACMikeShow #NewJersey #AtlanticCityEvents

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.