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: Don McLean – Music Legend / American Icon (American Pie)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hey Streetwalkers.
This is a throwback episode with American music icon Don McLean. Don’s first appearance on the show was 8.13.21 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!
Don McLean
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Don McLean. Legendary singer / songwriter; Don is most known for his super smash hit AMERICAN PIE, which was released FIFTY YEARS AGO this year! In this episode, Don and I chat about: some of his songs, his new and upcoming projects, including: a new album of originals, a new album of covers, a new documentary, a play, a movie, and a new children’s book called “American Pie: A Fable” which drops in October. Then he tells us about the true story behind the hit song “Killing Me Softly”; which is not his song, but has a very interesting connection that I bet you didn’t know about. Don was kind enough to let me play some of his classic songs during this episode, as well as one of the covers off of his new album of covers called “Still Playin Favorites”. Be sure to check out his website for upcoming tour dates (covid permitting). Don McLean is a legend, a brilliant poet and songwriter; but more importantly, he was a super king and generous to me! Enjoy this conversation with a LEGEND. Follow Don on social media: Twit: @DonMcLean Insta: @TheDonMcLean FB: Don McLean (Musician) Website: DonMcLean.com
J.R. Stokes Returns! – Filmmaker (Beautiful, Pam)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
J.R. Stokes Returns!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about J.R. Stokes. J.R.’s first appearance on the show was March 24, 2025. In that episode, we did the whole life story thing; so we don’t really do that this time. In this episode, we chat about what he has been up to since we last spoke. J.R. has just released his second feature film. It is called ‘Beautiful, Pam’ and can be seen on his You Tube channel FOR FREE. We talk about what this film is about, who he made it for, and what he hopes to get from making and releasing it. I grill him on WHY it is free, just like his previous film ‘Edge X’. J.R. explains the plot of the film (no spoilers), and we discuss some of the actors involved, and how they were an integral part of the story telling process. We also cover some of his inspirations, and why he thanks them specifically in the closing credits of this new feature. Lastly, I argue with him about how this film should be seen. There is an offer in here where you can have the physical DVD sent to you FOR FREE. Follow J.R. and go watch this film!
Taylor Shore – Musician (Lastry / Taylor Shore)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Taylor Shore
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Taylor Shore. In this episode, we chat about his growing up in Tunisia, and some of the musical artists that inspired him to follow his dreams. Next, we talk about why he left Tunisia, and the reasons he moved 1900 kilometers away. We do discuss some of the biggest names in music history, and the impact that these artists continue to have on Taylor and his music. We have a short conversation about why he speaks so many languages, and what he went to university for. Then we discuss all things Taylor. His ‘Rock & Roll Academy’ in Dusseldorf, his solo music career, and being the lead singer for the band Lastry. Taylor shares some surprising (to me) information about Spotify and explains why Lastry’s music is not available on that platform. Being the kind and generous soul that he is, Taylor lets me play my favorite song, called We are Unicorns, from his solo project; and he also lets me play my favorite Lastry song, Space & Time. Finally, we end on a discussion about Jack Daniels, rock & roll, metal, progressive rock, and Taylor’s upcoming new release schedule. I really enjoyed hanging with Taylor, and I hope we can do it again some time!
Throwback: Herb Alpert – Grammy Winning Multi-Platinum Selling Recording Artist
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with American musician & co-founder of A & M records Herb Alpert.
Herb first appeared on the show on 12.21.20.
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!
Herb Alpert
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Herb Alpert. Herb is a multi platinum selling recording artist, producer, multiple Grammy winner, record company executive, philanthropist, and founder of A & M Records. In this episode we chat about when Herb first knew he wanted to play music, why he started a record company (with Jerry Moss), and a few stories behind some of his biggest hits. Herb does let me play a couple of those hits before I talk about his new film Herb Alpert Is… available everywhere now.
Follow Herb on social media:
Twit: @HerbAlpert
Insta: @OfficialHerbAlpert
D. B. Sweeney – Actor (Protector / Red Ink / The Cutting Edge)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
D. B. Sweeney
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know iconic actor D.B. Sweeney. In this episode, we chat about his long and storied career, and some behind the scenes fun; including performing on Broadway with Broadway Joe himself, learning how to ride a horse on the set of a movie he wasn’t even in, a famous actor deliberately trying to get D.B. injured on set, and even how an actress’ broken leg altered one of the biggest movies of the 90’s. D.B. is quite knowledgeable about horse racing and so we trade stories about being at The Kentucky Derby at the same time, before diving into his time as a professional baseball player. He has several film projects in the works currently. ‘Protector’ (Milla Jovovich) is out NOW, ‘Red Ink’ recently completed filming, as did the film ‘Boot Lake’ (part of the 100 Pages Project). ‘Last Bastard Standing’, ‘That’s Amore’, ‘Breaking The Ice’, and ‘Horsehead’ are all in various forms of pre-production; so, we talk a bit about all of these films as well. D. B. is a very passionate supporter of the United States military, so we discuss why that is, and how he is involved in helping our veterans. As we close out the show, I ask D.B. if there was anything else that he wanted to discuss, maybe something I missed. I meant about his career, or himself. His answer was not at all what I was expecting, and it shows how selfless D.B. is. Bravo, Mr. Sweeney. Check out ‘Protector’ in theaters now, and keep your eyes peeled for all of his upcoming projects.
THROWBACK: Dr. Drew Pinsky (Loveline / Teen Mom)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with addiction medicine specialist & media personality Dr. Drew Pinsky. Dr. Drew’s first appearance on the show was 11.11.18. 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!
Dr. Drew Pinsky (Loveline / Teen Mom)
Join me this week as I talk to board certified physician and addiction medical specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky. In this episode we chat about why he got into medicine and why he chose to focus on addiction. We also talk about the current homeless epidemic and Dr. Drew’s assertion and prediction that a serious disease outbreak is imminent. We discuss the state of psychiatric hospitals in America in 2018, as well as how important prostate check ups are.
For more information on Prostate cancer got to www.PCF.org
Check out Dr. Drew on his podcasts:
This Life, Weekly Infusion, The Adam and Drew Show,
Dr. Drew Podcast, and Swole Patrole.
Also catch Dr. Drew on “Midday Live” weekdays at noon on 790 KABC in LA.
DrDrew.com
Dr. Drew on Social Media:
Twit: @DrDrew
Insta: @DrDrewPinsky
FB: Dr. Drew
Nick Leisure Returns! – Director / Writer / Producer (Golden / Last The Night)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Nick Leisure Returns!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about Nick Leisure. Nick is a writer, director, and producer of several films, including one that is coming out THIS WEEK! In this episode, Nick and I catch up on things since his last appearance on the show (9/19/22). We chat about his newest feature film called GOLDEN, which hits theaters nationwide this Friday. Golden stars: Brian Austin Green, Glenn Plummer, Massi Furlan, Robert Miano, Alena Savostakova, and Josh Gilmer. Nick wrote, produced, and directed this film and it is distributed by Level 33 Entertainment. I do ask Nick about his feature project, which is a bio pic about Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow, a real-life Chinese Mafia story that took place in San Francisco. We also discuss a project that I pitched to him on his first appearance, the life story of Richard Stanley, a California bank robber and previous guest of the show! Nick shares fun behind the scenes stories involving the Mexican Police, an attempted shake down, and Skittles. We also discuss a couple of his upcoming films including ‘New Year’s Absolution’ (out later this year), as well as ‘The Last Bride’ which stars previous guest Charlotte Kirk (slated for the end of 2026, early 2027). Finally, Nick shares some breaking news about his 20-picture producing deal with media giant PalmStar Media and Kevin Scott Frakes. Also, BONUS….. Nick is giving away tickets to the red-carpet Hollywood premier of GOLDEN! Nick himself explains the details on how to win them in the episode; so, pay attention!
THROWBACK: Dina “The Spicy Meatball” Parise – 2015 Pro Mod Drag Racing World Champion
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
************ THROWBACK EPISODE: DINA PARISE ****************
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with drag racing champion Dina Parise. Dina A.k.A. The Spicy Meatball, first appeared on the show on 7.10.23. 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!
Dina Parise
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Dina Parise. In this episode, we chat about her growing up on Long Island, Ny., and how she became a professional ice skater for The Ice Capades. Next we move onto how she met her husband; who was an adiv street racer. Dina shares some street racing stories that helped convince her husband to stop street racing, and get onto the track. We explore what made Dina fall in love with the sport of drag racing, and how she evolved into a Pro Mod World Champion. Of course we discuss her 3000 hp Cadillac named Stella. Finally, we cover where her racing team is at now, and Dina shares information about a charity that helps uplift women pre / during / and post cancer treatments. Oh… and we find out why Dina is called The Spicy Meatball!
Geoffrey Blake Returns! – Actor (Contact / Forrest Gump / Castaway)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Geoffrey Blake Returns!
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about actor Geoffrey Blake. Geoffrey first appeared on the show back on July 28, 2025. So we don’t do the “get to know you’ bit in this episode; go back and check out the previous one for that. In this episode, we discuss more of his projects and career than we did last time. We talk about his experiences on Forrest Gump, Men At Work, Contact, Castaway, Renegade, 21 Jump Street, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Midway, Rated X, FernGully, and so much more. Geoffrey shares stories from the sets of so many of your favorite movies, behind the scenes, and even audition tales; and even spilling some secrets.
Do you know who was cast as the lead on 21 Jump Street before Johnny Depp? You will!
I even find out what it is like to work with some of the biggest directors in history, not once, but several times.
What is it like to meet the Dalai Lama?
What is Geoffrey’s biggest residual payday?
Who are his favorite actors working today?
What the hell is The Pickle?
All of this and more, plus the next film you can catch him in. Enjoy!
THROWBACK: Roger Mooking – Chef / TV Personality / Musician / Artist / Author
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
***************THROWBACK EPISODE: ROGER MOOKING*******************
Hey Streetwalkers. This is a throwback episode with celebrated hip hop artist, Chef, & restauranteur Roger Mooking. Roger first appeared on the show on 2.3.2025. 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!
Roger Mooking
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Roger Mooking. Roger is a chef, a TV personality, a musician, artist, and author. In this episode, we chat about why his family moved from Trinidad to Edmonton, Alberta when he was a toddler. Then we get into why he got into music, and we cover his music career highlights; including MC Mystic, The Maximum Definitive, and Bass Is Base. Next, we discuss why he decided to get into the culinary world, and how he ended up getting his first TV show. Of course we talk about the many shows that have followed, even to this very day. I fanboy a little bit about when I first discovered Roger, and he lets me plat my favorite song of his. Then we talk about his relationship with time, and time as a concept itself. Finally, we do a deep dive into his newest album and accompanying book. The album is called ‘SoundBites’, and the book is called ‘Curious Sounds’. Spoiler alert… Roger lets me play my favorite song from the new album! Both are available everywhere and RogerMooking.com. We even do a little talking about Roger being inducted into the Black BBQ Hall Of Fame! Don’t miss Roger popping up everywhere on The Food Network, Food Network Canada, The Cooking Channel, and of course his newest show ‘Breaking Bread with Roger Mooking’ on Amazon Prime