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
Billy Gardell – Actor (Mike & Molly / Bob Hearts Abishola) Stand Up Comic (Less Is More)
Billy Gardell
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Billy Gardell. Billy has been a professional stand-up comedian since 1987. You may know him from his extensive television career, which includes: ‘Yes, Dear’, ‘My Name Is Earl’, ‘Lucky’, and of course the title roles of ‘Mike & Molly’ and ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’. In this episode we chat about his growing up in Pittsburgh and how that informed his character and ideals as a generation X adult. I share a story about a friend who has passed but was also from Pittsburgh and really loved Billy. I do ask Billy about his co-hosting a football podcast with his buddy Nick Bakay, called ‘Winning Ugly’. After that we do a little time traveling back to the 80s and talk about Evel Knievel toys and staying out until the streetlights came on. Naturally, we talk about when, why, and how Billy got into stand-up comedy, and why he has been doing it for so long. Billy’s big break came when he was cast as the male lead in the long running CBS sit-com ‘Mike & Molly’. So, I ask him to share the story of how he was cast, and why Chuck Lorre had to convince him to do it. Billy has some very kind words about everyone he worked with on that show. His next smash hit was another long running CBS show called ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’; another Chuck Lorre project. Then we discuss the importance of having someone of consequence in your corner. In Billy’s case, he has Chuck Lorre and for a while he had James Burrows as well. During Covid, Billy decided that he needed to focus on his health. He realized that he needed to take steps in order to continue to be around for his wife of 25 years and his young adult son. So, Billy decided to lose some weight, and dive into a healthier lifestyle. Since Covid, Billy has lost 173 pounds. We chat about how he did it, what method he chose and why, and what the mental gymnastics are with a massive change like that. We talk about how these physical and mental changes have affected his family life, his work life, his state of mind, and his outlook. Billy has very glowing things to say about his Bob Hearts Abishola castmates, and then we talk about his recent appearance on season 2 of the Netflix sit-com ‘Leanne’, starring Leanne Morgan. Billy and Leanne go back nearly 40 years as stand ups together, and their relationship is proof positive that kindness matters… always. Finally, we talk about Billy’s current stand-up comedy tour. Right now, the ‘Less Is More’ tour is making its way across America, and his new act focuses on the current generation, a lasting marriage, and other hilarity. Follow him on Instagram @BillyGardellOfficial and check out stand-up tour dates & tickets at BillyGardell.com. THANK YOU BILLY!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Throwback: Chef Damaris Phillips – Food Network Star
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with guest Chef Damaris Philips. Damaris first appeared on the show on 8.8.18. It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening!
Chef Damaris Phillips
This episode is my conversation with Chef Damaris Phillips. Damaris won season 9 of The Next Food Network Star, had her own T.V. show called Southern At Heart, currently one of the gorgeous faces of The Food Network’s various competition shows, and her current Food Channel show Southern and Hungry with Rutledge Wood.
“Suddenly what you’re eating matters less than who you’re eating it with” — Chef Damaris Phillips
“Damaris is one part southern belle, one part southern trucker” — Guy Fieri
Follow Damaris on social media:
Twitter: @ChefDPhilips
Instagram: @ChefDPhillips
Facebook: Facebook.com/ChefDamarisPhillips
Website: DamarisPhillips.com
and follow her lifestyle brand and blog:
Twitter: @BluebirdandB
Instagram: BlueirdAndBlackberries
Facebook: Facebook.com/BluebirdAndBlackberries
Dakin Matthews – Actor (Gilmore Girls) / Broadway Actor (Waitress) / Dramaturge
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Dakin Matthews
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Dakin Matthews. Dakin is an actor of stage, screen & film for the past 40 years. In this episode, we find out what Dakin originally wanted to be & how he came to acting. We discuss his 25-year career as a college professor, and how he was able to manage teaching and acting at the same time. Then we chat about some of his early projects, and why he was so drawn to stage acting specifically. Dakin’s academic career set him up and really prepared him to understand, teach, and perform Shakespeare’s work. He explains why he thinks this is true and some of the things that he loves about that particular branch of the arts. Dakin shares stories from his time at Julliard & NYU, and how his working with The Acting Company, The American Conservatory Theater & The Mark Taper Forum led to his co-founding of The Anteaus Theater Company in Los Angeles. Then I pepper him with questions about the differences between a ‘dramaturg’ and a ‘dramaturge’. Finally, we get into some of his time on Broadway. Daking has appeared in so many Broadway plays and musicals that it is hard to keep count! My wife and I saw him perform in the hit show “Waitress” several years ago, and I relate that story; which ends in a heartfelt and long overdue apology from me to Dakin. We end the show talking about some of Dakins more notable teachings and classes; including ‘Theater For A New Audience’ and ‘Sheltering With Shakespeare’. If you can find Dakin on social media, definitely follow him. If you can’t find him there, shoot him an email; he gives his email address in the episode! Dakin Matthews is a legend, and I cannot thank him enough for coming on the show. I appreciate you Dakin!
Throwback: Chef Jason “Lord Honey” Smith – Food Network Star
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with guest Chef Jason “Lord Honey” Smith. Jason first appeared on the show on 5.6.18. It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening!
Chef Jason “Lord Honey” Smith – Food Network Star
Jason Smith A.K.A. “Lord Honey” was nice enough to chat with me for a bit recently. Jason is the winner of season 13 of The Next Food Network Star and host of Best Baker In America on Food Network. Season 2 premiers TONITE; Monday, May 7th at 9 pm Eastern.
Follow Jason on social media
Twitter: @lowcarb77
Insta: Official_ChefJasonSmith
FB: Chef Jason Smith – Lord Honey
and his website: SouthernCountryBling.com
Lin Buckfield – Musician (Electric Pandas) / Award Winning Journalist (5 Walkleys Including 1 Gold)
Lin Buckfield
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Lin Buckfield. Lin first made a name for herself as the front woman for the iconic 80s Australian Pop Rock band Electric Pandas. They rose to prominence on the heels of their smash hit song ‘Big Girls’, from their 1985 debut album ‘Point Blank’. In this episode, we chat about how she came to live in Australia, and the path that led her to become a member of that legendary band. She shares stories of rocketing to stardom with their huge single, and some of the highlights that came along with the band’s popularity. Electric Pandas played places like The Sydney Opera House, as well as ‘Oz For Africa’, which was part of the global fundraising phenomenon that was ‘Live Aid’. We also discuss the freedom that came with being tapped to do a commercial for Coca Cola. Next, we touch on a few of the bands that Lin was part of after leaving Electric Pandas. Next, we get into her journalism career. Lin Buckfield became a journalist; working for Australia’s ‘Channel 9’ and then moving to ‘The Times’. Lin’s career took a more serious turn when she went to work for the highly esteemed program ‘Four Corners’, and later for ‘Media Watch’. Her work for the latter garnered her 5 Walkley awards, including 1 Gold Walkley which is Australian journalism’s highest honor. Naturally, I ask Lin her thoughts on the changes in technology, reputation, and perception of the current media landscape, from when she was working in that area. Finally, we find out what Lin is up to these days. She owns an art studio in Chelsea on Long Island, New York where she creates beautiful ceramic works of art, as well as gorgeous wood pieces. Yes, she lets me play ‘Big Girls’ by Electric Pandas. Bigger YES, Electric Pandas is currently doing a 2026 Australian tour called ‘Electric Safari Tour’. Check @LinBuckfield and @ElectricPandasAustralia on Instagram for find current and future show dates. New shows are being added all the time.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Throwback: Chef Aaron McCargo Jr – The Next Food Network Star (Season 4 Winner)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with guest Chef Aaron McCargo Jr. Aaron first appeared on the show on 11.20.23. It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening!
Chef Aaron McCargo Jr.
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chef Aaron McCargo Jr.
Aaron was the winner of season 4 of The Next Food Network Star; a reality show competition on The Food Network. In this episode, we chat about what got Aaron into cooking in the first place, and what made him audition for this competition show. We also discuss how the show changed his life, and some of the behind the scenes secrets of his cooking show Dig Daddy’s House; which ran for several seasons on The Food Network. Aaron tells stories about growing up in Camden, NJ, and some of the crazy antics he got into with his sister’s Easy Bake Oven! Next we jump into Chef McCargo’s very own line of The Spice & The Sauce, what he created them for, and where you can get them. Don’t sleep on Aaron’s cookbook: Simply Done, Well Done. We briefly touch on why he partnered with Fresenius Health Care, & The Family Dollar. Finally, the Big Daddy himself, tries not to cry while he tells me all about his non-profit: Play To Win. Also, Chef Aaron tells me about the new food education and restaurant space he, and some partners are opening up in Camden.
Mark O’Connell – Founding Drummer (ME. / Taking Back Sunday)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Mark O’Connell
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Mark O’Connell. Mark is the founding drummer for the band Taking Back Sunday and the founding drummer for the new rock band ME. In this episode, we chat about how Mark became a drummer, and how he came to be in the band Taking Back Sunday. Then we talk about some of the highlights of that band during his 25-year stint with them. Next, we move onto some of Mark’s inspirations and his particular drumming style. We do not discuss why Mark left TBS; because I don’t really care about that. What we Do talk about is how and why Mark decided to team up with long time TBS guitarist Ed Reyes to build a whole new band. ME. is their new band. Mark O’Connell, Ed Reyes, Neal Amiruddin, and Mike Jansen are ‘ME.’ I pepper Mark with questions about why he got this particular group of musicians together, and how they found Mike. Then we discuss their debut album ‘All Good Things’, which came out in July of this year. We hit on a couple of the songs and what makes them impactful; as well as the entire ethos behind putting this band together. Mark generously agrees to let me play my favorite track from the new album, and we even get into the audio mixing and audio engineering of this record. Pay close attention, because in this episode, there is even a personal apology from me to a previous guest & former member of Taking Back Sunday!
George Pelecanos Crime Fiction Author (The Blue Flame) / Screenwriter (The Wire / Treme)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
George Pelecanos
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know George Pelecanos. George is a New York Times bestseller and the author of 25 books, most of which are in the crime fiction genre, and based in and around the Washington, D.C. area. In this episode, we chat about Some of his early experiences growing up in the U.S. capital, a very meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. event that he stumbled upon, and the ‘Salad Days’ of the D.C. Punk Rock scene. Of course, I dive into what lead him to become a writer in the first place. George didn’t write his first novel until he was in his 30s, so I ask him why it took so long and what he was doing to further that goal in the meantime. Then we get into some of George’s first books and what those early paydays looked like for him. I would like to thank George for his candidness as far as those early numbers & and those first few steps on his path to the undeniable success that he enjoys now. (Thanks George!). Next, we get into His work as a script doctor and how he came to be one of the writers & producers of ‘The Wire’. Not only was George a writer, producer of that show, but he also worked on ‘The Deuce’, ‘We Own the City’, ‘Treme’, ‘The Pacific’, and so many more. We talk about his screenwriting, his experiences working on some of those shows and why David Simon chose to hire him in the first place; as well as his experiences living in some of those filming locations. Finally, we discuss George’s newest novel which is titled “THE BLUE FLAME”. This marks the 6th novel featuring his most popular character Derek Strange. George has written Derek Strange stories from when Derek was 12, all through the years to this current story where Derek is in his 70s. We also do a little bit of a deep dive on why some of the details in his books are so important, and why he thinks it matters to get those details correct, even when writing fiction. George also has his next novel already written! “Tell Chuck Berry the News” is a standalone work of fiction that is slated to be released next year. Make sure you check out A-L-L of George’s novels and story collections, follow him on social media, and tell him you heard him on Fascination Street Podcast!
Throwback: Walt Flanagan – Podcaster (Tell ‘Em Steve Dave)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with guest Walt Flanagan. Walt first appeared on the show on 7.20.20. It was such a compelling & fun episode, l decided it needed to be re-visited! Enjoy this throwback episode, tell a friend, and thanks for listening!
Walt Flanagan (Part 1)
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Walt Flanagan. You know Walt from the wildly successful podcast Tell ‘Em Steve-Dave, the AMC tv show Comic Book Men, and most of Kevin Smith’s films. In this episode, Walt and I chat about what he did before running Jay And Silent Bob’s Secret Stash, how he came to be at The Stash. Walt also shares some fun stories about TESD, and Comic Book Men, plus we talk a bit about Sunday Jeff, and some of the Patreon shows. This is part 1; so make sure you come back next week for part 2. Walt is considered an “un-getable” guest, so I am very honored to have had the chance to speak with him. (Thanks Walt!)
Walt Flanagan (Part 2)
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I finish up my conversation with Walt Flanagan. As you know; Walt is from the popular Tell ‘Em Steve-Dave podcast, on the Smodcast Podcast Network, and the Comic Book Men tv series which ran for 7 seasons on AMC. In this episode we chat about: the cancelation of his tv show, when he figured out he could draw comics, whether or not he thinks he already caught Covid19 and if he thinks Covid19 will kill Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash comic book store in Red Bank, NJ.
Follow Walt on social media:
Twit: @The_SecretStash
Insta: @JayAndSilentBobStash
www’TellEmSteveDave.com
Patreon: Patreon.com/TellEmSteveDave
Eamonn Welliver – Actor / Painter / Musician (God and Her Pistol)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Eamonn Welliver
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Eamonn Welliver. Eamonn is a third-generation painter, a second-generation actor, and a second-generation musician. In this episode, we chat about each of these artistic avenues. But before all of that, Eamonn shares some very personal stories of struggle and triumph. He was very vulnerable and open from the start. Thank you Eamonn. Being a third-generation painter, with his father’s & grandfather’s work hanging in some of the most prestigious museums in the world; I ask Eeamonn about the pressure to live up to the two before him. He is very candid about those pressures and expectations. Then we discuss his actual style and some of his specific pieces. They are absolutely gorgeous; you should check out his painting page on Instagram. Next, we move on to some of Eamonn’s acting work. Among his roles, he played young Harry Bosch in the Amazon series “Bosch: Legacy”, and we touch on that a bit. Then we discuss his audition for the lead role in the Bosch prequel ‘Start of Watch’, coming soon on Amazon. It was a very unique opportunity, and he even tells me about how he felt when he found out he did not get the role…. and that news came from a very interesting place. Finally, we discuss his music. Eamonn Welliver is the genius behind ‘God and Her Pistol’. We talk about the new record ‘Water in a Closed Fist’, why there are no lyrics, and he lets me play my favorite track off of the new album. We also find out Eamonn’s plans for the future of his acting, painting, and musical careers. Naturally we have a blast getting to know each other along the way. Definitely check out his paintings, and his music on his social media pages, and keep your eyes peeled for this talented young man on television and film.