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
Johan Svenson – Co-Host / Designer (The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning / FABLAB)
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Johan Svenson
Welcome to a special episode of Fascination Street Podcast! I’m thrilled to have Johan Svenson, one of the insightful minds behind “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” on Peacock & Bravo joining us today. As we sit down with Johan, we’ll embark on a fascinating journey through the world of art, design, and the art of letting go.
Drawing from his expertise, we’ll explore the intricacies of set design and how it enriches our visual experiences. Johan’s insights will provide a unique perspective on creating immersive environments that resonate with audiences.
We’ll also dive into the innovative landscape of Johan’s FabLab store, discussing the exciting projects and technologies that shape modern creative endeavors. Johan’s experiences will shed light on how this space contributes to the ongoing evolution of design and craftsmanship.
Switching gears, our conversation will take us across the seas to Missouri, where Johan will share insights about the unique Womon Town. This intriguing concept challenges traditional financial models and offers a fresh perspective on economic empowerment.
Of course, our conversation wouldn’t be complete without delving into the core philosophy of “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” Johan’s expertise in decluttering and organizing will provide valuable insights into creating harmony in our spaces and lives.
Join us as we explore the intersection of creativity, design, and personal growth with Johan Svenson, a true visionary in the realm of art and decluttering. This episode promises to be an enriching conversation that will inspire you to approach your surroundings and life with a fresh perspective.
C.J. Pierce – Founding Guitar Player (Drowning Pool)
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C.J. Pierce
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know C.J. Pierce. C.J. is the founding guitarist for the platinum selling rock / metal band, Drowning Pool. In this episode, we chat about how the band formed, and how they got their first record label contract. Then we talk about the insane success of their first album, Sinner, which was certified platinum six weeks after it was released. Then we touch on the mega-hit ‘Bodies’, and how it keeps popping up in popular culture. It was featured in a recent episode of Queen Latifah’s television show The Equalizer (on CBS), and it was just used by Shaquille O’Neal in his latest rap single release. Obviously, we discuss Ryan McCombs’ return to front Drowning pool, and their latest tour. The SNAFU tour begins in early September, and is a national tour featuring: Drowning Pool, Saliva, Adalita’s Way, and Any Given Sin. Drowning Pool’s newest album, 2022’s Strike A Nerve, was not handled very well by their at the time record label, so C.J., explains their decision to become an independent band. Lastly, we each share a Pantera story or two, as C.J. is friends with some of those guys. He is kind enough to let me play the title track from the newest album: Strike A Nerve, and I it is as Drowning Pool as it could possibly be! Go see them on The SNAFU tour!
Bobby Amaru – Lead Singer (Saliva)
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Bobby Amaru
Take a walk with me as I get to know Bobby Amaru.
In this episode, I sit down with the talented Bobby Amaru from the rock band Saliva. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the band’s new music as Bobby shares insights into the band’s latest album, Revelation. We discuss their SNAFU tour, and how they’ve navigated the ever-changing landscape of the record business. Discover the inspiring journey of Bobby writing music sober, and the creative process that has led to some of Saliva’s most powerful and meaningful new tracks. We also talk about why he got sober, and the secret to Saliva’s staying power. Tune in to this episode for a captivating conversation that offers a unique perspective on the music industry and the personal stories that drive it.
Aleeza Ben Shalom – Podcaster / Jewish Matchmaker (Matchmaker, Matchmaker / Netflix: Jewish Matchmaking)
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Aleeza Ben Shalom.
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Aleeza Ben Shalom. In this episode, we chat about her growing up in Philidelphia, before convincing her husband to move to Israel. Then we talk about how she became a dating coach, and a matchmaker. We discuss both of Aleeza’s published books: ‘Get Real. Get Married’ & ‘Virtual Dating’, plus her forthcoming third book ‘Date ‘Em ‘Til You Hate ‘Em’. I ask Aleeza to explain many of her catch phrases (Aleeza-isms), and then we talk about her podcast. It’s called Matchmaker, Matchmaker, and she co-hosts the love advice show with the Rabbi Yisroel Bernath (The Love Rabbi). Finally, we dive deep into her experiences on the Netflix reality dating show Jewish Matchmaking. She gives us some behind the scenes secrets, her thoughts on a couple of the cast members, and how she came to be part of the show. This episode has one of the most unique endings of any episode I have ever done. It ends with Aleeza giving me (and you) a personal blessing!! How cool is that!
Harmonie Krieger – Podcaster / Life Coach / Reality Show Star (Life with Harmonie / Netflix: Jewish Matchmaking}
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Harmonie Krieger.
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Harmonie Krieger. In this episode, Harmonie and I chat about her being an entrepreneur as a kid and starting her own party planning business. Then we discuss confidence and vulnerability, and her pop-up marketing business ‘Pop Your Shop’. She tells me about the time she was on Joe Rogan’s Fear Factor; and some advice that he gave her years later, when she ran into him. Then we discuss ‘Life with Harmonie’, which is a website, a podcast, and a community where likeminded individuals can help each other grow spiritually, and with their own personal improvement. Harmonie and I take a slight detour where we discuss the positive potential effects of micro dosing psilocybin mushrooms. **Neither of us is a doctor, we are not advising anyone to do this. We only discuss HER experiences, and benefits. Finally, we discuss her time on the Netflix reality show Jewish Matchmaking. She tells some fun behind the scenes stories, as well as how she thinks she came off on the show, and why she agreed to do it in the first place. Harmonie was a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to check out her new podcast!
Pamela Schuller – Comedian / Reality Show Star (Netflix: Jewish Matchmaking)
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Pamela Schuller
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Pamela Schuller. In this episode, Pam and I chat about her growing up with one of the worst diagnosed cases of Tourette Syndrome on record, and how that helped her develop an unparalleled resilience. Pam shares fun stories from Jewish summer camp, experiences as a comic, and how she became a diversity & inclusion keynote speaker for businesses, and organizations. Pam tells a couple of stories about being a comic with a serious disorder, and then we jump into her experience on Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking. Did Pam already know the matchmaker beforehand? Maybe. Was Pam kidnapped at Jewish Summer Camp? Definitely. Pam was a lot of fun to talk to, and she was kind enough to not judge my ignorance about Tourette, and answer all of my dumbo questions about it. Look for Pamela everywhere, go see her stand up, hire her as a keynote speaker, and of course check her out on Jewish Matchmaking!
Stuart Chaseman – Singer Songwriter / Reality Show Star (Netflix: Jewish Matchmaking)
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Stuart Chaseman
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Stuart Chaseman. Stuart is a singer / songwriter in the Chicago area, as well as a cast member from the recent Netflix reality series: Jewish Matchmaking. In this episode, Stuart and I chat about his music. We discuss his previous album: Next Exit Brigadoon, and then dive into what made him want to become a songwriter in the first place. We talk about his newest record: Secrets, lies, & Alibis; and discuss the creative freedom that songwriters enjoy. We take an odd detour to talk about a recent news story where Stuart somehow caught the attention (and ire) of Ben Shapiro; and Stuart shares his thoughts on the matter. Finally, Stuart and I chat about his experience on the Netflix reality series: Jewish Matchmaking. I have tons of questions about his time on the show, and he is open and honest with all of his answers; including why he decided to be on the show, what he hoped to get out of it, and how he thinks he came off. Stuart does let me play a song off the new record, and I highly encourage everyone to check out the full album.
Kacy Ritter – Middle Grade Book Author (The Great Texas Dragon Race)
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Kacy Ritter
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know middle grade author Kacy Ritter. In this episode, Kacy and I chat about her growing up traveling the world and visiting countless European castles. Then we delve into what it takes to be a writer. She humors me by discussing her first attempt at writing a novel. She wrote nearly 90,000 words and then scrapped the whole darn thing. I spend most of the episode telling her how to release it, and under whose names to do so; while Kacy tries to keep us on track to discuss her NEW book: The Great Texas Dragon Race. When I say ‘new book’, I mean it! This book comes out TOMORROW. We talk about why she decided to write this book, and why she chose this specific age range for her stories. We also talk a little about her forthcoming novel: The Marfa Monster Mystery. The plots of both of these books are refreshing and unique, and I can’t wait to read them! I think you, or someone you know will be excited too! Lastly, we nerd out about a mutual favorite place to visit called Meow Wolf. It’s one of her and her husband’s favorite places, and one of my wife’s and mine as well. The Great Texas Dragon Race comes out Aug 1st from Clarion / Harper Collins.
Dale Peterson – Writer / Director (In Through The Out Door / Hello, My Name is Frank)
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Dale Peterson
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Dale Peterson.
Dale is the writer / director of the upcoming television series ‘In Through the Out Door’.
In this episode, we chat about his career. Starting as a music video director in the Detroit area, Dale made a name for himself in the music scene and quickly became a ‘go to’ for music videos. We touch on Dale’s early struggles with dyslexia, and how he overcame some of those obstacles. Then we talk about a couple of documentaries that Dale made a few years ago; one was about the homeless population on Skid Row in Los Angeles, and the other was for National geographic about the return of wolves into Yellowstone national park. Of course, I ask him all about his feature film Hello, My Name Is Frank, which is a road trip comedy about a man with Tourette Syndrome. Then we move onto his newest project: In Through the Out Door, which is In Through the Out Door stars: Garrett M. Brown, Martin Copping, Christine Kilmer, and Jesse C. Boyd. Dale is very frank, open, and honest about his struggles with dyslexia. I applaud him and appreciate his generosity and candor. Thank you, Dale.
Kelly Lang Returns – Singer / Songwriter (I Think It’s Jesus)
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Kelly Lang Returns
Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know even more about Kelly Lang. This is a return appearance for Kelly. Her first appearance (Sept 2021) is where we really get to know Kelly, and her back story. In this return visit, we chat about her new autobiography: I’m Not Going Anywhere, her new album: Old Soul II, and her newest single: I Think It’s Jesus, which is also covered on Lorrie Morgan’s new album. She shares stories about her longtime friend and confidant Olivia Newton-John, and how they met through Sir Barry Gibb. I also ask her about her friendship with previous guest BJ Thomas, and she lets me play that new single.
Check out all things Kelly Lang at KellyLang.net