WELCOME TO THE SHOW
My name is Steve Owens and I meet a lot of people; sometime in my travels, sometimes in my own home town. Several times (quite by accident), I have stumbled into what I consider to be fascinating stories. So after way too many got away, I decided to start recording them. Some of these conversations will be fascinating ONLY to me. Some will be fascinating to you too. In the end, I guess this podcast is just an excuse for me to get to travel, meet, and talk to more people. So if you are so inclined…
Walk with me, down Fascination Street!
Recent Episodes
Jeff Smith – Hickoids, Flagship Records, The Corn Pound, SausTex Records
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Jeff Smith
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Jeff Smith. Jeff is an icon in the local south Texas music scene. I caught up with Jeff in San Antonio, at his multi-use arts facility called The Corn Pound. In this episode, we get to know Jeff, and how he got into music. From his brother’s involvement with The Krayolas, to his friendship with filmmaker Richard Linklater, we go everywhere in this episode. Jeff tells me about: Flagship Records, the Jett Bass Studio, High Voltage Music Program, Tex Pop In Exile Music Archive, and SausTex Records… all housed at The Corn Pound. We discuss some of the musical acts Jeff has worked with at SausTex including Pinata Protest, and DiNOLA. Then we get into how Jeff came to be part of Richard Linklater’s Woodshock documentary short film, and why Jeff’s scenes were cut from Linklater’s early film Slacker. Jeff and I chat about how streaming services like Spotify have essentially gutted the already small income streams for the smaller, independent artists. Plus we talk about a recent collaboration between SausTex Records and Cacophony Clan Records on a super cool album to support some charities. Naturally Jeff and I talk about his band Hickoids, which has been around for decades, and he even lets me play one of their more recent songs! If you are even in or around San Antonio, you MUST check out The Corn Pound… and tell ’em you heard about them on Fascination Street Podcast.
Special thanks to Peter Illing at Cacophony Clan Records for putting this together.
Spencer Garrett – Actor (Literally Everything)
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Spencer Garrett
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Spencer Garrett. In this episode, I get to know the actor and how he got to where he is. We chat about his family, and what made him decide to get into show business. We trade Hollywood stories; although he has many, MANY more! We take a little detour, when Spencer tells me what he was doing between college and acting; while working in Washington D.C. Next we Talk about how and why he studied with Sanford (Sandy) Meisner, and how Spencer came to be in several of Emilio Estevez’s film projects. From behind the scenes on some of the greatest films ever made, to some fun down time with Mike Nichols, and Dustin Hoffman; Spencer is full of stories. I ask Spencer about his involvement in the super popular scripted fiction podcast called America 2.0, and he hints there may be more on the horizon. That leads into an unbelievable story about a group of character actors who meet every month for dinner and have a BLAST together. The CADS, is a group of like-minded actors including: Michael McKean, Lawrence Fishburne, Steven Weber, Titus Welliver, Kevin Pollak, Richard Kind, and so many more! I want to attend this dinner just once!!. Make sure you check out Spencer in the upcoming Korean spy thriller on Disney+ called Tempest (2025), and tell him you heard him on Fascination Street Podcast!
Corinne Britti – Actress (Saturday Night)
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Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Corinne Britti. Corinne is a comedian and an actress. Her recent projects include: For Sale, Condor’s Nest, Take Care of Emily, and Saturday Night. In this episode, we chat about what made her want to be an actress, and why she felt NYU Tisch was the place to go. We discuss some of the things that you DON’T learn in acting school, and some of the things she learned at the Stone Street Conservatory. Corinne shares funny audition stories, and even a story about why there were bodies strewn all over her apartment during Covid! I ask her about the live comedy show / therapy session she co-created, and whether she plans to bring it back. She shares how she came to work on an ICE T music video, and we talk about some of her previous projects, and some of the weird ways that filmmakers find their talent. Naturally we touch on her new film SATURDAY NIGHT; which is in theaters NOW. In this film, Corinne plays real life comedian Valri Bromfield; and the film covers the back stage events in the hour or so leading up to the LIVE pilot of Saturday Night Live. Since this film is directed and co-written by Jason Reitman, naturally I ask what it was like to work with him, and I ask if she would ever work with him again. Her answer may surprise you….. but probably not!
GO SEE SATURDAY NIGHT!!
A.J. Lambert -Singer / Songwriter / Filmmaker (The Junction)
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A.J. Lambert
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know A.J Lambert. AJ is a singer, a songwriter, and now a filmmaker. In this episode, we chat about her new short film THE JUNCTION. We discuss why she wrote it, why she made it, and why she decided to make it a short film. She also shares where it can be seen, and what she hopes to gain from this project. AJ is also the daughter of Hugh Lambert and Nancy Sinatra, as well as the grand daighter of Frank Sinatra. We talk about her Siruis XM show caleld Seriously Sinatra, and how that came about, plus, i ask her if there are “gate keepers” in the music business. Naturally we talk about her family; but she also discusses losing her father at a very young age, and some of the things she missed out on; as well as some of the ways that affected her. I ask AJ about her music, and she even lets me play one of her songs! Look for AJ everywhere that you listen to music, and wherever you see short films.
Justin McKenzie – Founder of Das Greenhaus (Incubator)
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Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Justin McKenzie. Justin is the founder of Das Greenhaus, a business incubator located in Boerne, Texas. In this episode, we discuss his growing up in south Texas, Europe, and the Midwest United States. We chat about his firsthand accounts of transitioning entire production facilities from the Midwest US to Mexico; and what it did to each of those local economies. Justin has a passion for economic development and helping businesses get started. This is why he created Das Greenhaus, as well as the Boerne Kendall County Angel Network. We discuss a little about what each of those things are, and why these projects are so important to him. Along the way, we discuss NAFTA, ARPA, innovation, and the importance of leadership at the local level. Finally, we discuss Justin’s podcast called The Building Texas Show, and why he decided to bring this show to life. You can follow him and his show, just about everywhere, including the video episodes on You Tube.
John Pirruccello Returns Again!
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John Pirruccello Returns Again!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about John Pirruccello. In John’s 3rd appearance on the show, we discuss The Mandela Effect; and some of the instances where it haunts John. Then we talk about the British playwright Patrick Marber, and some of his projects. John will be working with Partrick soon, and I pepper him with questions about it. Naturally, we talk about some of John’s previous projects like: She Hulk & Twin Peaks, and john shares some behind the scenes stories involving David Lynch & David Mamet. We chat about Comicon and his experience there, and then I ask John questions about his life, some of his past experiences, and people from his past. He shares a story of trying to get in the movie The Godfather 3, and the time he spent with Father Guido Sarducci. Then we jump into some of his upcoming work. Season 3 of The Lincoln Lawyer comes out this week! John plays a prosecutor in most of the new season. He talks about playing ping pong on the set with the lead actor from the show, We do talk a bit about John’s time on Mayans MC, and what a fun show that was to work on. Finally, we discuss John’s role in The Sex Lives of College Girls, and his upcoming debut on The Simpsons! John and I close out the show talking about The Olympics, and the break dancing kerfuffle.
Willa Rudolph – Singer (November Girl)
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Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Willa Rudolph. Willa is a music publicist, visual artist, and the singer / songwriter of the Grunge Rock band November Girl. In this episode, we chat about growing up in New York and Los Angeles, and being around a family of musicians. Then we turn to what led to Willa becoming a publicist, and then making the switch to become a music publicist in particular. We discuss how she gained the confidence to front a band, and the hilarious way she found the other members of November Girl, We chat about the New York music scene and I find out what the hell “Shoe Gaze” music is. Naturally we talk about The Great American Mud Wrestling Show, and what that is, and whether or not we are still in a singles world; where bands don’t feel the need to release albums. Of course Willa and I talk about November Girl’s new EP called Heart Prayer, and she lets me play one of the tracks from it.
Nils Rasmussen – Musician (Uncle Outrage)
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Nils Rasmussen
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Canadian punk artist Nils Rasmussen. Nils is better known in some circles as the founder and singer for the band Uncle Outrage. In this episode, we chat about growing up in Canada, and what kinds of music influenced his musical tastes. Next we take a small detour and get into some of his science fiction writing, and why he does it. Naturally we discuss when he started Uncle Outrage, and why he felt compelled to do so. He shares some stories about some fans who have tattooed his lyrics or logo onto themselves, some fans who have named pets after him, and what its like to have his music covered by bands on the other side of the planet. Nils graciously lets me play what is arguably his most adored song Stay Magical, and we discuss the impact that song has had on some of his listeners. Finally we dive into his new record. Greatest Shit is the name of Uncle Outrage’s new album (Cacophony Clan Records) This album marks the band’s first ever vinyl offering, and is comprised of 19 of their greatest tracks. Two of the songs are new; but have found a place to nestle among these other favorites. Of course I asked him if I could play my favorite song from the album, and he lets me! While Nils is not really on social media, he does give his personal email address in the show, so reach out and let him know you heard him on Fascination Street!
Steve Cooper – Podcaster (Cooper Talk) / Stand Up Comedian
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Steve Cooper
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Steve Cooper. In this episode, we discuss his previous career as a stand up comedian, and how that turned him into an interviewer. We talk a bit about New Jersey, and where the best pizza is. I share my favorite story about Cherry Hill, NJ, and then we get a bit personal with some of Steve’s previous health issues. Next we move onto how Steve became involved with the Big Daddy Graham Show, and how this eventually spun him off into his own show. Steve shares some fun and fascinating stories about being in and around Hollywood. Stories of his interactions with Gary Coleman, and even Jonathan Taylor Thomas. From Steve’s days working at Planet Hollywood, to writing his own cookbook, and being a hand model for television; we cover all kinds of stuff. Finally, we chit chat about his podcast Cooper Talk. On his show, Steve interviews guests from music, comedy, and the acting industries, and has been doing it for well over a thousand episodes across nearly 15 years. We have a few guests in common, and bring up some specific examples of how interview style matters!
Check Steve Cooper out on his podcast Cooper Talk, and his other show focusing on business The Coop Tank.
Ella Engstrom – Interior Designer / Organizational Coach (The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning)
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Ella Engstrom
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Ella Engstrom. Ella is an interior designer and organizational coach. Ella is also one of the three “fixers” on the television show The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (Peacock / Bravo). In this episode, Ella tells me about growing up in Sweden, and working for 30 years as a Concept Developer and a Visual Merchandiser in the retail environment in Sweden. I ask her a ton of ‘Dumb American’ questions about Sweden and about visual merchandising. Next we get into how she came to be part of the television show, and how she gets along with the other two hosts, now that the show is between seasons. Ella explains ‘fika’ to me and a few other uniquely Swedish words and concepts. We talk about the taboo nature of talking about death in The U.S and in Sweden, and then I get super personal in my questions to her! Ella explains why she has a second home on the Mediterranean coast, and i pepper her with questions about how often she declutters and organizes her own home. Naturally we talk about the famous Dalecarlian Horse and why it is known worldwide. Finally, we talk about what she learned during the show, and whether or not there will be another season. Ella does consultant work privately for organization and home logistics via her very own company; listen to find out how to contact her directly for help, no matter where you live!