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
Throwback: Dicky Barrett – Musician (The Mighty Mighty BossToneS / The Defiant) [Episode 400]
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Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with Mighty Mighty BossToneS frontman & founding member of The Defiant Dicky Barrett.
Dicky first appeared as guest for the 400th episode on 2.26.24
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!
Dicky Barrett
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Richard Michael Barrett. Better know as Dicky; he is also called The Godfather of Skacore. Dicky is former frontman and founding member of The Mighty Mighty BossToneS, and current frontman and founder of the new super group The Defiant. In this episode, we chat about how he came to be the bow-tied plaid leader of The Bosstones, and some of the cool things he got to do along the way. He tells the story of getting to open for The Misfits while he was still in high school, as well as getting to play Fenway Park many years later. Dicky shares stories of meeting and befriending Adam Carolla and Jimmy Kimmel when they were just getting started; and some of the fun things he got to do as a result of these friendships. Adam uses Bosstones’ songs in the intro and outro of his Adam Carolla Show podcast; and Dicky was the announcer for Jimmy Kimmel Live for nearly 20 years. Of course, I ask Dicky if I can play my all time favorite MMB song… and he says yes! Obviously we discuss how MMB ended up in the cult classic iconic film Clueless, and what made them decide to do it. Next, Dicky explains what happened between him and the other Bosstones, as well as his relationship with the Jimmy Kimmel Live late night show. Finally, we discuss his new band The Defiant. This super group features former members of: The Mighty Mighty BossToneS, The Offspring, Smash Mouth, Street Dogs, and The Briggs. The Defiant is: Pete Parada, Greg Camp, Johnny Rioux, Joey LaRocca, and Dicky Barrett. Their debut album “If We’re Really Being Honest” was released in late October 2023. Naturally I ask him if I can play my favorite song from this new album…. and Dicky said yes again! I had such a blast talking with Dicky, I think we are best friends now! Don’t be surprised if you hear more from Dicky on Fascination Street Podcast. This dude is rad as balls. Thanks Dicky! And thanks Mike Dawson, you know what you did.
Jayson Cross – Comedian
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Jayson Cross
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know comedian Jayson cross. In this episode, Jayson and I chat about his growing up on the south side of Chicago, and the language academy that he went to for grades K-8, and why he learned to speak German. Then we get into when and why he learned to play chess, and what he gets out of it. Next, Jayson explains what made him decide on the career path of teaching, and his particular mindset with regard to his unique teaching style. Naturally, we talk about his modeling career, those cheek bones, and his Playgirl centerfold experience. Jayson then explains the best place to meet and network with people in and around the entertainment business, before diving right into his philosophy of the “Ghettofication” of things. Jayson has a podcast called Ghettofication, where he interviews members of the community, highlighting some of the things that have changed in society, and whether these changes are for the better. Finally, we talk about why and how he decided to get into stand-up comedy. Jayson is part of ‘The Bored Teachers Comedy Tour’ featuring comedian educators. Catch the tour this summer as they bring hilarity across the country. Check Jayson’s Instagram for tour dates and locations. Don’t miss Jayson’s Micro Comedy Special on YouTube, and if you are anywhere near Kenosha, WI, pop into the Kenosha Comedy Club to see what Jayson has going on there. It’s a bit different and sounds like a blasty blast.
Throwback: Serena Scott Thomas – Actress (Bond Girl)
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Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with model, actress, & Bond Girl Serena Scott Thomas.
Serena first appeared on the show on 2.25.18.
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!
Serena Scott Thomas
Recently I took a trip to Los Angeles and during that trip I was able to get an interview with Serena Scott Thomas. We talk about her early modeling career, her movie career (including being a BOND GIRL!), her relationship with Vinnie Tortorich, and the play she is currently starring in called TWO FISTED LOVE; playing at The Odyssey Theatre in LA.
I also float an idea for a 10 episode podcast for Serena and Vinnie to do together called FIT TO BE TIED!
Help me get that hashtag trending! #FitToBeTied
Reach out to Serena on social media:
@SerenaST09 on Twitter
@SScottThomas on Instagram
Facebook.com/SerenaScottThomas
Joey C. Maddison – Professional Clown & Mascot
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Joey C. Maddison
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Joey C. Maddison. Joey is a professional clown and mascot living and working in the Edmonton, Alberta area of Canada. In this episode, Joey and I chat about the career path that led to his desire to be a clown, and what his parents thought of this idea. We then discuss some of the kinds of events that require a clown, as well as the massive popularity of mascots. Joey shares a heartfelt story of how he came to the performer name of ‘Patches’, and the precious little girl that had such an impact on his career. Of course we discuss the ‘clown scare’ of 2016, and the ramifications that international phenomenon had on his livelihood. Next, we get into how and why Joey decided to try out being a mascot. He has been the guy in the mascot costume for several NHL (hockey) teams, and even a CFL (football) team. I ask about how some of these job opportunities come to him, and then Joey shares fun stories about working with the WWE (wrestling) when they come to town. He worked with them for five years and boy does his body feel it! Finally, we discuss Joey’s role as ‘Joy Facilitator’ for ‘One Red Nose and Ten Happy Toes’. He even gives his actual phone number out on the show, just in case anyone out there needs some clowning or mascoting done for their event. Special thanks to previous guest and world-renowned cartoonist Gerry Rasmussen for making this happen.
Throwback: Clint Howard – Actor / Legend
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Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with legendary actor Clint Howard. Clint has been working as a professional actor since he was 2 yrs old, and he first appeared on the show on 11.19.17
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!
This is part 1 and part 2 joined.
Part 1: Clint Howard – Actor – Part 1
In this episode, Hollywood Legend joins me as we talk about: Golf, Sexual Twister, Cheap Trick, and Politics. We even talk about Dwayne Johnson running for president (and this was recorded in July before he said he would run!). We also talk Indy film, his brother Ron’s coaching career, and Clint suggests that I interview his dad, another HW Legend!
Part 2: Clint Howard – Actor – Part 2
Welcome back for Clint Howard Part 2. In this episode we talk about the TV show he is working on, the professionalism of Joey Lauren Adams, Acting, Pippi Longstocking, Uwe Boll, and I buy something from him on air. Stay tuned for bonus content after the episode
Devin Kawaoka – Actor (Shrinking / Chicago Med)
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Devin Kawaoka
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Devin Kawaoka. Devin is an actor who can currently be seen on Apple TV’s Shrinking; as well as NBC’s Chicago Med. In this episode, Devin and I chat about his first love, snow skiing. He was really good too, some say Olympics bound. He shares the story of what happened that turned his attention toward acting. Once he did find acting, he never looked back. Devin has starred on Broadway in the massively acclaimed ‘Slave Play’ and is realizing huge success on two of the biggest shows on the screen today. (The ones I mentioned above). Devin also shares the reasons that he chose NYU Tisch; not once, but twice. We take a bit of a walk down Memory Lane, as we talk about his favorite TV show, ‘Six Feet Under’, and why it was so important to him. It was so impactful to a young Devin, that the show has informed his idea of what good writing and acting can do for those watching. Along the way, we talk about his experiences on several shows. Devin plays Dr. Kai Tanaka-Reed on Chicago Med, while simultaneously playing the lovable husband Charlie on Shrinking. We discuss the logistics of filming those two shows at the same time….. nearly 1800 miles apart. I pepper Devin with questions about some of his other projects in film like ‘Friend of Dave’ & “Under the Lantern Lit Sky’ as well as the television show ‘Lucifer’. We then dive into Devin’s recent foray into screenwriting. He has written pilots for two different TV shows, and he explains both what they are about, and where he is hoping they land. We end the episode by talking about the person who he admires and hopes to model his writing and producing career after. Follow Devin Kawaoka on Instagram to see what he does next!
Throwback: Rance Howard – Icon / Actor
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Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with guest Rance Howard. Rance, who has appeared in over 300 film & television episodes over his nearly 70 year career and the father of both Ron & Clint Howard first appeared on the show on 12.31.17It 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!
Rance Howard – Icon / Actor
My buddy Clint pulled some strings and was able to get me a sit down interview with his dad Rance Howard in July of 2017. With more than 100 film appearances and more than 200 episodes of television; Rance worked in the business from 1956 until he passed in late 2017. This is his last long form interview.One of the kindest, most engaging men I have ever met.Stay tuned for bonus extras after the episode.Shortly after this interview, Mr. Howard made two more movies, and then became ill.He never recovered.This was one of the best days of my life.Although Rance Howard will be sorely missed by many; I am POSITIVE that Heaven is a better place with him in it.
Rest easy, and Farewell Good Sir.–Steve
James Paxton – Actor (Last Train to Fortune) / Musician (Love, Pax)
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James Paxton
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know James Paxton. James is an actor, a musician, and an artist. In this episode, we chat about all of those things and more. We discuss his dad, Bill Paxton, and how James got sick with E. coli while attending NYU for journalism. James tells an amazing story about how the Entourage character Vincent Chase got his name and even regales me with the story of making the tile for Phil Collins’ house! We touch on his experience on the set of Texas Rising, and then we have a surprise special guest drop in to say hi. After that, it’s back to the action where we discuss James’ feature film debut ‘Boogeyman Pop’ and why it still sits on the shelf at Blumhouse. James tells me about the hush hush secret that he had to keep when he was the voice of the son on the HULU hit show ‘How I Met Your Father’ and why he had to keep it a secret. Of course, we discuss his new film ‘Last Train to Fortune’ and working alongside Malcolm McDowell. Nest, we dive into James’ musical career. He is part of two bands, ‘Flamingo Dogs’ and ‘Soundaze’, plus he lets me play a song from his solo project ‘Love, Pax’. You’re gonna dig it!
Throwback: Chris Ballew – Musician (The Presidents of the United States of America / Caspar Babypants)
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Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with Chris Ballew from the ground breaking 90s band The Presidents of the United States of America. Chris first appeared on the show on 7.18.22
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!
Chris Ballew
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Chris Ballew. Chris is a musician and founding member and lead singer of the alternative rock band The Presidents of the United States of America. Chris is also known as Caspar Babypants; catering music for parents and kids to enjoy together. In this episode we chat about why he was drawn to music, touring as a band member with Beck for 2 tours, forming The Presidents, managing huge hits like Peaches, and Lump, and some of the strangely stringed instruments he has played in those songs. He shares stories about Sir Mix A Lot, Beck, Madonna, and even a great story about Kurt Cobain’s GHOST! We talk about he second, third, and now fourth musical incarnation; including Caspar Babypants, writing music for tv, film, and commercials, and his latest project, ethereal music. All of this and more, Chris HAS to com back!
Follow Chris on social media:
Insta: @ChrisBallew
Check out his music at: ChrisBallew.org & Babypantsmusic.com
Lauren Lucas – Singer / Songwriter
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Lauren Lucas
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Lauren Lucas. Lauren is a singer songwriter originally from South Carolina, and currently living in Nashville, Tn. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in South Carolina and making the move to Nashville. We also discuss the craziness of her being signed to a publishing deal as a teenager; having never written a song! She shares some of her inspirations, and some of the amazing artists that she has opened for on regional and national tours. I ask her why she decided to attend Belmont University, and how she ended up teaching songwriting at that same school. We briefly talk about some of the bands and acts that she has been part of, or associated with. Naturally we do a deep dive into songwriting and the importance of learning to co-write. Lauren graciously lets me play one of my favorite older songs of hers, and then later on I get to play her newest release! Finally, we get into how she came to be part of the writing team that composes all of the music and interstitials for the Netflix sitcom Leanne. (The voice you hear sing the theme is Lauren’s). If you have a chance, check out Lauren’s podcast ‘The Happiest Hour Podcast’, available wherever you get your podcasts.