The AC Mike Show

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

Atlantic City’s own Justin Figueroa joins Mike on the red couch to talk about his undefeated professional boxing career, the discipline required to succeed in and out of the ring, and the community that has supported him every step of the way. Justin shares how football, wrestling, the Atlantic City Beach Patrol, and a lifetime in the city shaped him into the fighter he is today. He also discusses competing in the fast-paced Team Combat League, Atlantic City’s legendary boxing history, and his goal of helping restore the city’s reputation as a premier fight destination. Then, Justin looks ahead to November 13 at Tropicana Atlantic City, where he’ll return to the ring for a highly anticipated rematch after his controversial no-contest in March. This time, he’s ready to settle the score and finish some unfinished business. Subscribe to The AC Mike Show for more conversations with the people shaping Atlantic City and beyond. Live. Work. Play. AC. #TheACMikeShow #JustinFigueroa #AtlanticCity #Boxing #UnfinishedBusiness #TropicanaAtlanticCity

Visit Atlantic City President & CEO Gary Musich joins AC Mike for a wide-ranging conversation about where Atlantic City is today — and where it’s headed next.Gary and Mike dig into Atlantic City’s evolution from a gaming-first destination into a year-round resort built around entertainment, dining, conventions, sports, events, and the entire South Jersey experience. Gary explains why getting visitors to stay just one additional night can have an enormous economic impact — and how Visit Atlantic City is using data, marketing, partnerships, and major events to make that happen.They get into the massive success of the RÜFÜS DU SOL beach concert, which sold out in just six weeks, filled hotel rooms and restaurants, and even had local Wawa stores running out of sandwich meat. Gary also discusses the importance of the Atlantic City Convention Center and its headquarters hotel, the return of major events to Boardwalk Hall, Phish, WWE, boxing, the air show, offshore powerboat racing, Taste Atlantic City, and the growing role of Atlantic City International Airport.Gary also takes AC Mike behind the scenes of how Visit Atlantic City markets the destination — from Times Square and major airports to digital advertising, PR, partnerships and national exposure on the Today Show.It’s an inside look at the strategy, relationships and economics behind bringing people to Atlantic City — and why the city’s future is about much more than casinos.Topics include: Atlantic City tourism • RÜFÜS DU SOL • beach concerts • conventions • Boardwalk Hall • major sporting events • Phish • Taste Atlantic City • ACY airport expansion • Visit Atlantic City marketing • South Jersey tourism • the future of Atlantic City

Atlantic City basketball has always been about more than championships. It’s about family, community, and the generations of players and coaches who have poured everything into the game.In Episode 7 of The AC Mike Show, Mike sits down with retired teacher and championship basketball coach Jim Schafer to discuss Under the Boards, an upcoming film inspired by the remarkable story of Atlantic City High School basketball.Jim shares the journey behind Atlantic City’s historic state championships, the commitment required to build a winning program, and why this film is his thank-you to the players, families, and community that welcomed him as one of their own. They also discuss plans to film in Atlantic City, create opportunities for local residents to learn the television and film industry, and bring the city’s rich history to a national audience.Mike and Jim also highlight the work of the Jim Knute Schafer Foundation, which supports student-athletes and families through scholarships, equipment, exposure, and financial assistance.Learn more about the Jim Knute Schafer Foundation: https://www.jimknuteschafer.com/Subscribe to The AC Mike Show for more conversations with the people who make Atlantic City a great place to live, work, and play.#AtlanticCity #UnderTheBoards #ACMikeShow #AtlanticCityBasketball #SouthJersey #HighSchoolBasketball

The AC Mike Show goes live from Brute’s Roots in Egg Harbor Township to celebrate three years of business, community, and growth!Mike sits down with Kelly and Jimmy to look back on the journey behind Brute’s Roots, from navigating New Jersey’s cannabis industry to building a welcoming, knowledgeable team and a fiercely loyal customer base. They discuss the importance of safe, tested and affordable products, the company’s expanding grow and retail operations, and the family and community relationships that have shaped the business.The celebration also includes anniversary specials, giveaways, Phillies tickets and plenty of familiar faces stopping by throughout the day. Later, Mike and Jimmy reflect on growing up together in Egg Harbor City before diving into the future of Brute’s Roots, job creation, local development and the need to build more opportunities throughout Atlantic County.Congratulations to the entire Brute’s Roots family on three incredible years—and here’s to the next 30!Learn more about Brute’s Roots: https://brutesroots.comSubscribe to The AC Mike Show for more conversations with the people, businesses and organizations shaping Atlantic City and beyond.#BrutesRoots #TheACMikeShow #EggHarborTownship #SouthJersey #AtlanticCounty

Atlantic City is in the middle of a transformation—and Jim Rutala has been working behind the scenes to help make it happen.In this episode of The AC Mike Show, Mike sits down with Jim Rutala of Rutala Associates to discuss the people, partnerships, and projects shaping Atlantic City’s future. Jim shares how his South Jersey roots and career in city and regional planning led him to decades of work securing funding and bringing major development projects to life throughout the region.They explore the nearly $250 million being invested in Atlantic City’s infrastructure, 49 currently permitted development projects, improvements to the Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue, new housing opportunities, neighborhood revitalization, flood resiliency, and the next generation of development coming to the city.Jim also explains why relationships, stable leadership, community involvement, and a clear plan are essential to maintaining Atlantic City’s momentum while ensuring its longtime residents benefit from the city’s renaissance.Is Atlantic City’s time finally here? According to Jim, the momentum is real—and the city’s next chapter has already begun.Subscribe for more conversations with the people who live, work, play, and invest in Atlantic City.#AtlanticCity #ACMike #JimRutala #SouthJersey #AtlanticCityNJ #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment

Welcome back to The AC Mike Show Podcast!In Episode 5, AC Mike sits down with Josh DiNatale of Brute’s Roots, one of South Jersey’s leading locally grown cannabis brands.Josh shares how he left the world of pharmaceutical advertising to join the family business and help Brute’s Roots grow from a bold idea into a vertically integrated cannabis company with cultivation, manufacturing, retail locations, events, and products available throughout New Jersey.Together, Mike and Josh discuss the challenges of entering the legal cannabis industry, the importance of affordability and customer education, and what separates Brute’s Roots from the growing number of dispensaries across the state. Josh also takes listeners behind the scenes of the company’s Hammonton grow operation, its locations in Egg Harbor Township and Paulsboro, and the family team working together to build the brand.Mike also shares his own experience using cannabis to address long-standing sleep problems and explains why having knowledgeable people who make first-time customers feel comfortable can make all the difference.From cannabis cultivation and changing consumer habits to micro wrestling, community events, family history, and the future of Brute’s Roots, this conversation explores what it takes to grow a successful business in one of New Jersey’s newest and fastest-changing industries.In this episode:- Josh’s move from pharmaceutical advertising into the cannabis industry- How Brute’s Roots became a family-run business- The challenges of building a legal cannabis company in New Jersey- What it means to operate from seed to sale- Inside the Brute’s Roots cultivation and manufacturing facility- Creating an affordable and welcoming dispensary experience- Helping first-time cannabis customers find the right products- The continued importance of cannabis education- Medical use, recreational use, sleep, and anxiety- Growing the Brute’s Roots wholesale business across New Jersey- The company’s Egg Harbor Township and Paulsboro locations- Micro wrestling and future community events- What’s next for Brute’s RootsLearn more about Brute’s Roots:https://brutesroots.com/Follow Brute’s Roots on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brutes.roots/Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Atlantic City, South Jersey, and beyond.Live. Work. Play. AC.

Welcome back to The AC Mike Show Podcast!In Episode 3, AC Mike sits down with renowned psychic mediums Theresa Roba and Nicole Angel for a fascinating conversation about spirituality, faith, healing, and the connections we share with loved ones who have passed on. Joining the discussion is Andrew Roba, who offers a unique perspective on growing up with a psychic medium as his mother and shares how their upcoming live show brings these extraordinary experiences to audiences.Together, they explore how each discovered their gifts, the role that faith and spirituality play in their work, the difference between psychic mediums and common misconceptions, and the profound impact that messages from loved ones can have on those searching for comfort and healing.Whether you're curious about psychic mediums, interested in stories of faith and hope, or simply enjoy thought-provoking conversations about life's biggest questions, this episode offers an open, heartfelt discussion that encourages viewers to keep an open mind.In this episode:- Theresa Roba and Nicole Angel share how they discovered their spiritual gifts- The connection between faith, spirituality, and mediumship- Common misconceptions about psychic mediums and communicating with loved ones- Stories of healing, hope, and finding peace through spiritual messages- Andrew Roba discusses what it was like growing up with a psychic medium as his mother- Why grief, love, and human connection remain at the heart of their work- Their upcoming live appearance at Atlantic City's historic Claridge Hotel- The importance of keeping an open mind when exploring life's biggest mysteriesIf you enjoy conversations about Atlantic City, spirituality, personal growth, faith, community events, and the remarkable people making a difference, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.📍 Live. Work. Play. AC.#AtlanticCity #ACMike #TheresaRoba #NicoleAngel #PsychicMedium #Medium #Spirituality #LifeAfterDeath #Faith #Healing #TheClaridge #AtlanticCityNJ #Podcast #SouthJersey #NewJersey #LiveWorkPlayAC