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
Steven Kunes – Screenwriter (Television & Film)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Steven Kunes
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know television and film screenwriter, Steven Kunes. In this episode, we chat about how Steven got into writing for Hollywood through a simple, yet sincere, reaching out to one of television’s most iconic and prolific producer-screenwriters. We also get into some of Steven’s writing credits, including: The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, A.K.A. Pablo, Kate & Allie, The Love Boat, Rain Main, Cast Away, and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Then we REALLY get into it. Steven tells me about the time he had some issues in his personal life that led to his losing everything and going to prison. Steven describes these events, and this period of his life as somewhat of a cautionary tale, and he even did a TED Talk about it. Finally, we discuss his new show on Amazon Prime (also released as an audio only podcast), called OVER MY DEAD BODY. Steven explains the premise of the show and we talk about some of the episodes that I listened to that made me subscribe. This is a redemption story, folks; a comeback tale of starting over in the later chapters of his life.
Lori Fetrick – “Ice” From American Gladiators
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Lori FetrickTake a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Lori Fetrick. As the character “Ice” from the iconic reality competition TV show American Gladiators; Lori Fetrick kicked ass and took names. In this episode, we chat about her early life, growing up in ‘the church’, and how this monstor competitor was created! She tells us about her insane work ethic, her never ending motivation, and what led her to seek out one of the oddest jobs of the early 1990’s. Lori shares how she became an American Gladiator, some of her fun stories about being a Gladiator, and what she has been doing since then. There are T-W-O recent documentaries about the American Gladiators, and she breaks them both down. One of them is a bizarre puff piece about the creator, and one is an actual legit docu-series about the show and the team. Finally, l grill Lori about her new podcast “Chillin’ With Ice”. We nerd out a little about podcasting in general, and then she explains why she started a podcast, and what she hopes to share with her listeners. I had so much fun with “Ice” that I can’t imagine she won’t come back on to discuss season two!
Joey Canyon & Kelly Kantz – Co-Founders of Canyon Star TV
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Joey Canyon & Kelly Kantz
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Joey Canyon and Kelly Kantz. Joey is a singer songwriter who began his country music career in the mid 1970’s. Having made a name for himself throughout the decades, he was even inducted into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame in 2021. Kelly is a serial television executive; having helped launch several networks including: RFDTV, BizTalk Radio, BizTv, and U2 America. In this episode, we get to know a little of the back story of these two pro’s, and then we get into why they decided to team up to launch an all-new streaming service called Canyon Star TV. We discuss the need for a family friendly streaming service where you don’t have to be nervous about what might appear on the screen in front of your small children. Joey & Kelly explain the styles of programming that are available on Canyon Star TV, such as: documentaries, classic films, classic TV, sports, cooking, and even music videos and concerts. Joey & Kelly also put out the call for MORE programming. So, if YOU have a project that you would like to be added to their growing list of programming; they explain just how to submit for consideration. Canyon TV is a FREE app that is available on every device with a screen. You can download the app on the Apple App Store, Google Play, Roku, Chrome, and more.
Laura Casselman – CEO (JVZoo) / Author (Trust Your Increments)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Laura Casselman
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Laura Casselman. Laura had a dream at the age of 3 to become a Radio City Rockette. Fast forward 20 years, and a lot of hard work…. SHE DID IT! In this episode we chat about how this was even possible, and what she decided to do after her Rockette career ended. Laura is currently the CEO of JVZoo, co-founder of VidaStreet, and co-founder of Hestla Trades. She explains what all of these entities are, and what they do. Of course, we discuss Laura’s new book Trust Your Increments: How Small, Consistent Steps Can Lead to Massive Success. Along the way, we discuss what it is like for women in the workforce, and what both men & women can do to help make things a little more equal in that area. Laura shares the absolute worst job-related story I have ever heard, and we talk about how to move on from something like that. She shares some tips on how to reframe some of life’s jealous moments into some of life’s inspirational ones. Plus, Laura explains the difference between ‘Work / Life Balance” and “Work / Life Harmony”.
James Moses Black #3 – Actor (Renfield)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
James Moses Black #3
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about actor James Moses Black. In this episode we chat about what he has been up to since the last time he was on the show. He tells us all about filming the comedy horror film Renfield with Nicolas Cage, Nicholas Hoult, Awkwafina, and James Moses Black. We talk about shooting in New Orleans, and working with some of these fine actors. Then we get into a recent cruise James took, and some upcoming projects he is working on. James tells me about an upcoming short film called POV: An Unforgettable Night; which is the true story of Nat King Cole being attacked on stage by a white hooded fiend! And then we talk some more about the film James is trying to get made called 55. I love the story of 55 and am looking forward to seeing this project come to life!
Nicholas Thomas – Founder (420pipes.com)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Nicholas Thomas
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Nicholas Thomas. Nicholas is the founder of 420pipes.com; an online retailer of cannabis paraphernalia. In this episode, we chat about his growing up in a super religious family and being a member of a fairly strict church. Nicholas explains a bit about his church life, and how that relationship took a pretty sharp turn. Then we jump right into how and why he started his own online cannabis related marketplace. We dig a little into some of the products available at 420pipes.com as well as what the future of the site holds. Nicholas shares some insights on branding, and how to build a following in an industry with so many rules and regulations with regard to advertising. If you are in the market for some of these products, check out 420pipes.com. They just might have what you’re looking for, or didn’t know you were looking for!
Matt D’Andria Returns! – Podcaster Car Cast / Shift and Steer) / Beverage Startup (Bravago)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Matt “The Motorator” D’Andria RETURNS!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about Matt “The Motorator” D’Andria. In this episode we catch up on what Matt has been doing since his last appearance over 5 years ago! Matt has two automobile centric podcasts: Shift & Steer (with co-hosts Brad Fanshaw & Aaron Hagar), and Car Cast (with alternating co-host Bill Goldberg & Adam Carolla). We discuss what is going on in the electric vehicle space; including Tesla, Rivian, and the Ford Mustang & F150 Lightning. We talk about what companies are doing EV right, and what they could improve on. Then we chat about his new beverage: BRAVAGO! Bravago is a new “Bold” hard seltzer with more flavor and more alcohol than most on the market. Matt tells us all about the struggles of a beverage startup in the age of covid, and what inspired him to get into the industry. Bravago is available TO SHIP to 38 states!
Beau Button – President / CTO (Atlas Reality Inc)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Beau Button
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Beau Button. Born and raised just outside of New Orleans, Louisianna; Beau quickly became obsessed with the personal computer. while he was still in single digits, Beau began taking these machines apart to see what made them work, and how he could improve them. He basically never stopped doing that. In this episode, we chat about what got him interested in computers, and why he collects them to this day. We take a bit of a detour and talk about his short stint working at The Piggly Wiggly, before diving headfirst into his company: Atlas Reality Inc. Beau explains what the company is, what the company does, and why he thinks this was a market that need to be addressed. I took the opportunity to grill Beau on the meanings of: Web 1, Web 2, and Web 3; and he helps me understand what the heck all that means. Next, we address the virtual reality space and how he thinks he and his company can make an impact there. Beau explains how the blockchain technology can revolutionize more than just banking. Finally, he tells me all about his location-based gaming company Atlas Reality Inc, and their games Atlas Empire, Atlas Earth, and (coming soon) Atlas Mars. All along the way, we talk about virtual reality, AI (artificial intelligence), NFTs, Pokémon Go, and AtlasEarth.com
Ethan Song – Entrepreneur / Founder (Frank And Oak / Rare Circles)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ethan Song
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Ethan Song. Ethan is an entrepreneur, who founded the clothing brand Frank & Oak. We talk about why he started a clothing company, what it took to grow it, and ultimately why he sold it. After Ethan ran that company for several years, he sold it and started a new company, in a different field. Ethan is the CEO & co-founder of Rare Circles. Ethan explains what Rare Circles is, and why he decided to get into this particular field. Ethan explains what he feels is missing in the relationship between business and consumer, and how he thinks it can be enhanced. Then we discuss the basic definitions of Web 1, Web 2, and Web 3; plus the differences between them. Finally, Ethan offers to help entrepreneurs in any way he can; by giving advice, making introductions, or just writing a check. Ethan Song is dedicated to not only improving brand & consumer loyalty, but to helping others achieve their dream of starting a successful business, in any field.
Griff Furst – Producer / Screenwriter / Director / Actor (Devil’s Peak / 57 Seconds / Half Baked 2)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Griff Furst
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Griff Furst. Griff is: an actor, a producer, a screenwriter, and a director. In this episode we get his origin story. He shares stories from acting class, and how in a ‘domino effect’ sort of way, his career got kicked off from those classes. We chat about being a producer in that role’s various incarnations, where he finds his inspirations for screenwriting, the difficulties managing a film set as it’s director, and what he loves about acting. We cover quite a lot here, but it is all in the name if FUN! We touch a little bit on what it was like growing up on different sets with parents in the business, and lastly, we discuss his newest T-H-R-E-E projects!
Available now on VOD everywhere is Devil’s Peak, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Robin Wright, and Jackie Earle Haley.
Available September (ish) is 57 Seconds, starring Morgan Freeman and Josh Hutcherson.
Keep your eyes peeled later this year is the long awaited sequel Half Baked 2, starring Jeff Ross and Harland Williams!